《Loving You Too Much》


 Chapter 1 - A Blind Date?

    Li Qin Yao didn''t mean to eavesdrop to others'' conversation.


    In her defense, she could not avoid herself from eavesdropping as the man was seated just beside her. Besides, that man had a charming voice.


    Anyway, she was probably too bored.


    Li Qin Yao was having his dinner in a local sushi restaurant all by herself after her best friend, Han Yue Xiu, texted her that she had an emergency at work and that she was probably going to show up late to their date.


    At that time, Li Qin Yao was eyeing her favorite sushi on the conveyor belt when she sensed that someone had sat down on her left side.


    She turned to catch a glimpse at the man, but because his back was facing her, Li Qin Yao could not get a clear look of his face. All she could see was the back of his head, his sort, dark, black hair and his broad shoulder.


    She did, however, caught a glimpse of the man''s company¡ª a pretty young lady with long, dark hair and a pair of bright eyes. She was looking at him as if he was the only person who exists in this world.


    From her observation, it seemed like the person who sat next to her was on a date?


    Li Qin Yao turned around from the couple before the two caught her staring and embarrassed herself. She decided to mind her own business until she heard his voice. He had the kind of voice that she liked. Deep, rich, vibrating. The voice that can make her ears ticklish and her heart runs as if she had completed a marathon.


    "No, I''m usually too busy with things that I don''t have time to see anyone," she heard the man beside her spoke. He tried to speak in a lower voice, but that only makes his voice sound richer.


    Li Qin Yao grabbed the cup in front of her and drank.


    Her ears could pick up to the couple''s conversations since she had nothing else to do. However, Li Qin Yao''s drinks almost spilled out as she heard the girl''s self-introduction.


    Judging from how they began the conversation with an introduction like this, could it be that they had a blind date? But, who on earth would start an introduction with how much they earn yearly? It was a big no-no as this will only give the wrong impression that the girl is materialistic. Unless of course, if the man was looking for a rich lady to support his life.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the girl with sympathy.


    "I heard that you are in sales." The girl''s smile widened, and she blinked her eyes prettily.


    The man was quiet for a while before he answered, "You could say that," his voice sounded hesitant. "I''m an insurance salesman."


    Li Qin Yao glanced and saw the girl''s smile slowly faded. "Oh?"


    She could understand the girl''s fading interest towards the guy when she heard what he do for a living.


    Not that she looked down on an insurance salesperson, but she has encountered a few insurance salespeople who won''t stop pestering her to buy a new plan despite her polite refusal.


    Li Qin Yao decided to stop eavesdropping after the girl started to talk more about herself by diverting her attention towards the conveyor belt. She snatched a plate of Tamago sushi.


    She picked up the chopstick with her right hand and fiddled with her phone with the other one. She frowned when her phone blinked, indicating that she had an incoming call.


    Her phone did not ring as she had set it to silent mode when she arrived in the restaurant. Li Qin Yao looked at the screen of her phone. It was Han Yue Xiu.


    Li Qin Yao put down her chopstick and swiped her finger on the screen to answer the call. "Where are you?" she did not waste her time with pleasantries.


    "I''m sorry! I''m sorry! Yao Yao! I really can''t make it today," Yue Xiu said, sounding apologetic.


    "I''ll make it up to you!"


    "How?"


    "I''ll buy you dinner the next time."


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. "You know that I didn''t get to go out this often."


    "I know. It''s a rare chance to ask you out. I know you had to ditch your boyfriend just to see me." Yue Xiu said, making her laugh. "But you know that I can never leave until my boss leaves this building."


    Li Qin Yao and Han Yue Xiu have been friends for years. When Li Qin Yao parents were divorced when she was fourteen, Li Qin Yao followed her mother to B City. Back then, Li Qin Yao did not have any friends, and Han Yue Xiu was her first friend she made in B City. When Li Qin Yao turned eighteen, she moved to the capital city to stay with her father and keep contact with Yue Xiu.

 Chapter 2 - Escape This Blind Date

    Li Qin Yao took a sip from her drink to clear her throat. "What happened? Didn''t you said he let you leave early today since you''ll be going on a business trip tomorrow?"


    Yue Xiu sighed on the other line. "Suddenly he thought that the proposal isn''t good enough and he wanted to redo until everything is perfect. Everyone else and I are stranded here until we finish this proposal. I''m not sure when I can come out of this building."


    Li Qin Yao could almost imagine the pout on Yue Xiu''s face right now.


    Speaking about Yue Xiu''s boss, this is not the first time that he had to pull something like this on her. Once, she thought that maybe Yue Xiu''s boss was holding her back to spend more time with her cousin, but Yue Xiu quickly shot down her idea.


    According to Yue Xiu, there was no way that someone as cold and expressionless as her boss would be interested in anyone but work.


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao said. "But dinner will be on you the next time we meet, alright?" She had a small chat with Yue Xiu before she hung up and placed her phone on the table just beside the piling sushi plates. She continued her meal and decided to spend five more minutes in the restaurant before she pays her bills and leaves.


    As she was making her plan in her mind, Li Qin Yao heard a ringing coming from beside her.


    Li Qin Yao caught a quick glimpse of the man''s side profile when he turned around to fetch his mobile phone from his backpack. She took the cup of green tea and drained its content before the man could label her like a creep for staring at him.


    "Yes. Hello?"


    Her ears perked up again. He lowered his voice to be polite to his blind date, but his deep voice was making her hair stand. Subconsciously, she rubbed the back of her neck to calm down.


    Something must be wrong with her. How can a person''s voice influence her this much?


    "Can I call you back?" he distanced his phone from his ear and paused when he heard the other person called his name. Then, he listened to the person on the other line quietly.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the couple beside her casually. In that fleeting second, and turned around before his eyes met up with hers. Her heart pounded at the thrill of listening to his conversation.


    No! She was not trying to listen to his conversation. She merely liked to hear to his deep, rich voice!


    Li Qin Yao could imagine how it would be to hear the man talked while she listened with her eyes shut. She liked the sound of his voice that much.


    The only other person who had the same kind of voice that she knew and liked was the lead singer of TIME. She remembered the last time the male artist acted in a romance drama, and he had to say ''I like you'' to the female lead.


    At that time, Li Qin Yao swore that her heart melted at hearing his voice.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head as she tried to clear her mind. A part of her felt guilty for her action. She could only hope that the two-person beside her would not notice her movement.


    Then, Qin Yao heard the man beside her said, "Alright. I''ll be there soon."


    Soon, he hung up and placed his phone gently on the table. "I''m sorry. That was my sister," he informed.


    "You have a sister?" the woman smiled. "Tell me about your family."


    He hesitated for a few seconds. "I would love to, but. I''m sorry. I have to go now. My sister called to tell me that there''s an emergency and¡ª"


    Li Qin Yao accidentally let out a chuckle at his excuse. Isn''t this is the classic method to escape an unwanted blind date? She didn''t expect that she was able to witness it!


    Wait! What if this man planned to have someone give him a call at this time to escape this blind date?


    Feeling the man beside him turned to look at her, she coughed a few times and drank her tea, but found that her cup was already empty. There was nothing she could do but to continue pretending.


    "It''s fine," the girl said, dejected. "We can do this next time."


    The man turned to grab his backpack and heaved a sigh. "Rain check?"


    "Sure."


    Li Qin Yao looked away, pretending to pick up some unagi sushi from the conveyor belt when he pushed the chair behind him to stand up. She watched the man paid his bills and headed out with the corner of her eyes.


    That was a blind date, and they did not exchange their contact numbers before they parted.


    Li Qin Yao wondered if the two had exchanged their contact before this, or did the man successfully executed his plan to escape his blind date.


    Anyhow, it was not her problem.


    She picked up her phone from the table to leave and realized that something was off. She was holding the same phone model and the same color, but the phone in her hand was not hers!

 Chapter 3 - Can She Get More Unlucky?

    How did she get this unlucky!


    She couldn''t fall into this situation because she eavesdropped to others conversation and silently judged on their blind dates, could it?


    Li Qin Yao suppressed her urge to scream and cry. She can only blame herself for her carelessness as she looked at the phone in her hand.


    Wait! This was not her fault!


    It was that man who accidentally took her phone as he left the restaurant!


    Right then, when she noticed that she had the wrong phone, Li Qin Yao has tried to chase after the man but failed. Furthermore, a few minutes have passed since the man left the restaurant. There were too many passersby, and she didn''t know which direction he headed to.


    Li Qin Yao returned to the restaurant to borrowed the restaurant''s phone. She dialed her number and waited. Unfortunately, nobody picked it up.


    Li Qin Yao could only sigh to her misfortune when she realized that she had set the phone on silent when she entered the restaurant in fear that her phone would ring too loud and disturb other people to have their meal.


    She wanted to leave her contact number to the restaurant just in case if the man returned after he realizes this mistake, but her phone was in his hand. So, there was no point in doing that.


    Li Qin Yao had waited for that man to contact his phone when he realized he had the wrong phone in his hand, but there was no call coming in at all! In the end, she waited in front of the restaurant until it was closing time.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao had no other choice but to return home with the stranger''s phone. She can only hope that the phone owner will give her a call when he realized this blunder.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the phone again, looking for clues to find the man still. The wallpaper was different than hers. Her phone had a picture of Casablanca lily¡ªher favorite flower. But the one she was holding had a wallpaper of some geometrical pattern.


    When Li Qin Yao tried to access the phone, she was stopped by the keypad number. She knew that she needed to enter the passcode. There were five chances to guess the passcode. Li Qin Yao keyed in some random number, but she only did this four times in fear that the phone will be locked permanently and destroy her hope to find the man again.


    Li Qin Yao cursed. She closed her eyes and dropped herself on the mattress. She wanted to shed some tears for her foolishness, but couldn''t. "How can you be such a klutz, Li Qin Yao?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her laptop again and whimpered. Suddenly, an idea crossed her mind. She could use the phone tracking apps on her phone. Her phone would ring loudly, and the man would notice that the phone in his hands was not his. After a few seconds later, Li Qin Yao realized that she had turned off the GPS on her phone.


    Can she get more unlucky?


    She opened a new tab on her browser and entered the social media site. Then, she left a message to Yue Xiu and a few close family members and friends about her situations.


    Li Qin Yao sighed in disappointment when no one replied. It didn''t look like anyone was online since it was too late. She closed down her laptop and headed to bed when suddenly, the phone in her hand rang.


    She yelped in surprise and accidentally dropped the phone. She winced as she picked up the phone again. She rechecked the phone for any damage and heaved a sigh when she didn''t find any. She was lucky that the phone fell on the soft mattress instead of the hard floor.


    Or else, the owner of the phone might ask for compensation later.


    Li Qin Yao calmed herself and took a look at the phone only to notice that an unknown number was calling. She hesitated for a moment whether to answer the call or not.


    Slowly, she pressed her forefinger on the green button and glided her finger across the screen. Li Qin Yao cupped the phone on her ear and counted to five before she spoke. "Hello?"


    "Hello," a male voice spoke. Li Qin Yao body stiffened up at the slightly familiar deep voice.


    "Who am I speaking to?" the caller spoke again when she didn''t answer.


    "I¡ª''m," she bit her lips. Her brain did not function well as she heard the voice on the other line. "Wait. Shouldn''t you be introducing yourself before asking who I am?"


    He chuckled on the other line, and instantly she swallowed. This low, deep voice... She recalled the man who sat beside her in the restaurant. The phone owner?


    His voice sounded a bit different while he''s on the other line. His voice actually sounded a bit better. A bit sexier.


    "My name is Zhang Yu Han. And you are?"

 Chapter 4 - Exchange Contact

    "I''m Li Qin Yao," she answered after a few seconds of hesitating. Li Qin Yao could almost feel her ears getting hotter whenever she heard his voice, speaking on the other line.


    There was a brief silence before he spoke again. "You in the Gold Sushi Restaurant this evening."


    Li Qin Yao nodded her head, and then she noticed how stupid her action was. There was no way that he could see her nodding from the other line. "Yes." She replied shortly.


    He let out a long breath. "I believe you have my phone in your hands and yours with me. We must have switched our phone by accident this evening."


    "I think so too. I tried to call my phone, but I believe it was in silent mode."


    "I noticed," he spoke. "There are almost 30 missed calls. I''m sorry. I didn''t notice this sooner. I was in a meeting with a friend."


    "That''s alright."


    Her forehead scrunched as he recalled his conversation in the sushi restaurant earlier. The one who called him in the restaurant, was it not his sister? How did he end up with meeting a friend?


    Wait! This is not the problem right now!


    "Do you think we can meet up so that we could have our phone back? I''ll wait for you in front of the restaurant," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock on the wall. It was ten minutes to twelve. Usually, at this time, she would be in bed, sleeping. But today, she can''t sleep because her phone has been missing. "Now?"


    "Yes. Is there something wrong with that?"


    "The train has stopped operating around this time. I could get a cab, but it''s hard to get a cab on time like this," Li Qin Yao told him.


    "Where are you?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He was surprised when he heard that she would have to take a train or a cab to get to the restaurant.


    "I''m in B City," she bit into her lips.


    "You''re not from Y City?"


    "No," Li Qin Yao said.


    "I see."


    There was a long silence between them.


    Zhang Yu Han was about to offer to go to B City and see her when he heard her voice again.


    "How about tomorrow morning?" Li Qin Yao suggested.


    Zhang Yu Han thought about her suggestion for a while and decided that it was a suitable arrangement. It hasn''t been long since Zhang Yu Han returned to the country. He was more familiar with Y City and the Capital city as he stayed in both cities frequently.


    "Okay. Tomorrow morning it is," Zhang Yu Han said. "Hold on."


    Li Qin Yao heard a muffled voice on the other line and assumed that he was speaking to someone else.


    "Since you''re in B City, I''ll meet you at Coffee Sanctuary Cafe around 7 in the morning just the opposite of the train station, will that be okay?" he said when he gets back on the phone.


    "Sure," she said. "So, uh, I''ll see you tomorrow?"


    Li Qin Yao withdrew the phone away from her ears and was about to press the red button when she remembered something else. "Wait!"


    "Yes?"


    "I''m sorry. Can you check if anyone was looking for me?" Li Qin Yao said. "I think you should be able to check that without entering the passcode."


    "Your mother called you five times, and I picked up her call and explained this situation to her. She said to call her whenever you can," Zhang Yu Han said. "I hope you don''t mind. I answered your call without permission."


    "Oh. Oh. No. That''s alright. Thank you for explaining to my mother. She would be worried when she couldn''t get to me," Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. She made a mental note to call her mother the first thing when she got her phone back. "Anyone else?"


    "No. That''s it."


    Li Qin Yao was in a daze. So, her boyfriend, Chen Hao, did not try to reach her phone? Was he furious when she didn''t meet him tonight? It looked like she has some coaxing to do.


    Li Qin Yao quickly snapped out of her thought and said, "Uh¡­ You don''t have anyone trying to reach you."


    "Okay. I know. Please ignore all calls if anyone is trying to reach me. I will get back to them later."


    She nodded. "Sure. No problem."


    "I''ll contact you via this number if I need to reach you again," he said. After a few seconds, he added, "And you can call this number if you need to reach me."


    "Hold on. Let me get a pen and paper to write it down."


    Just like that, the two people exchanged their contact details and promised to meet at a coffee shop in front of the train station in B City.

 Chapter 5 - Familiar Face

    The next morning, Zhang Yu Han had woken up earlier than usual.


    First, he logged in into his laptop and sent a message to his assistant that had to visit B City in the morning for an urgent matter. After washing up and a quick breakfast of a slice of toast and a cup of coffee, Zhang Yu Han headed out to the meeting point.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath as he thought of how he got himself in this trouble.


    If it were not for his best friend, Wei Jun Hao, Zhang Yu Han probably would not lose his phone. If it were not for this friend, he would not have to wake up early in the morning and traveled to B City to get his phone back.


    Last night, Zhang Yu Han was forced to attend a blind date on his best friend''s stead.


    His friend, Wei Jun Hao, he was set up to attend a blind date set by his aunt. His blind date is the daughter of her friend''s friend.


    As a filial nephew, Jun Hao couldn''t say no his auntie even though he had no intention to go to this blind date. So he asked Zhang Yu Han to attend the blind date on his stead.


    According to Wei Jun Hao, Zhang Yu Han was too good at turning away girls.


    People who did not know him well would say that Zhang Yu Han was arrogant.


    Mostly because of his deep, piercing eyes that give off a vibe for others not to get close to him. Then, there was also his quiet personality. Zhang Yu Han was not the type of person who would talk to a girl or anyone he was not close with. He was not someone who enjoyed casual conversation very much. There are a lot of things he could do instead of chatting about nothing.


    That was why Wei Jun Hao had asked for his help to mess up with the blind date.


    Now, Wei Jun Hao owed him a favor.


    Who knows that while Zhang Yu Han was trying to escape the blind date, he accidentally grabbed the wrong phone as he was leaving!


    Zhang Yu Han hailed a cab to get to B City as he was not very familiar with the city.


    A few years ago, Zhang Yu Han followed his parents and moved to a European country right after he graduated from high school.


    Because his grandfather was getting old and was thinking about retirement, Zhang Yu Han had to return to the country to learn and take over the company, Zhang Worldwide Group Headquarters. The company specialized in managing and franchising hotel, resort, and luxurious restaurants all around the world.


    His first project was to oversee the development of a new hotel right from the beginning. After studying the company for months, he had chosen to develop a new hotel in Y City. Once the new hotel was established, then, he will move to the headquarters in the Capital city and learned to take over the company.


    As he reached the coffee shop, Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wristwatch as soon and saw that he was ten minutes early. He craned his neck, searching for the girl''s silhouette from last night. It was then that he realized he didn''t know how the girl looked like.


    He had just decided to head towards the counter to borrow the cafe''s phone when he heard someone calling his name.


    Slowly, he turned around. All he could see was the top of a person''s head. The person before him was only at his chest level. Looking at her soft hair, he could guess that the person is a girl.


    Zhang Yu Han watched the girl take a step back and tilted her head up to look at him.


    Once he saw the familiar face, Zhang Yu Han''s heart skipped a beat. He felt a lump forming in his throat and this lump would not go away even after he tried to swallow his saliva.


    This girl! He knew her!


    It has been almost ten years since the last time he saw her, but he could still recognize her face.


    Her hair might be shorter now. Her cheek might be a bit thinner, and her expression has become more firm and resolute. Her looks had matured as years passed. But Zhang Yu Han thought that she looked beautiful even as she dressed in a casual T-shirt and jeans.


    "Zhang Yu Han?" Her voice was soft. Almost like a whisper. "Are you Zhang Yu Han?"


    His frowned deepened. "Yes. That''s me. You''re¡­ Li Qin Yao?"


    Her soft hair bounced along as she nodded vigorously. "Un... I''m Li Qin Yao. I hope you haven''t been waiting for too long."


    "I have just arrived."


    He watched her for a long time as if he was trying to imprint her face into his brain.


    She might be a bit different than the last time he saw her ten years ago, but Zhang Yu Han was very confident that the girl before him is the same girl that he saw at the high school basketball state tournament.

 Chapter 6 - He Didnt Even Know Her Name!

    Ten years ago, Zhang Yu Han was the captain of his school''s basketball club. On that day, his school was competing against LH high school''s basketball club. The boy''s team had won against LH High School, and he was accompanying his friends to watch the woman''s match.


    At that time, the girl was not chosen as the main player, probably because of her short height. Therefore, she spent most of her time on the bench.


    Zhang Yu Han was on his break when he noticed the girl leap on the court and dribbling the ball alone on the empty court. Zhang Yu Han was immediately smitten. Although the girl''s skill was lacking, Zhang Yu Han liked watching her practicing around and having fun.


    His heart pounded hard as he watched her stopped in the middle of the court and attempted to shoot a three-pointer. His hands subconsciously tightened as he prayed that the ball would go in into the basket.


    And it did.


    The girl stared at the hoop absentmindedly for a few seconds before she started to jump in joy.


    It was at that time that she turned around. Their gaze met and she stood there as if stunned. She nodded at him before she ran off the basketball court.


    Zhang Yu Han could not forget the joy in her expression when the ball went. Seeing her face made his heart raced. Subconsciously, his lips tilted up to a smile.


    He doesn''t believe in first love, but as he watched her, Zhang Yu Han knew that he had his heart set on this girl.


    After the match was over, Zhang Yu Han went to look for the girl. He was anxious. It was the first time he was going to initiate a conversation with a girl. However, once he arrived at LH High School''s side, Zhang Yu Han could not find her. When he asked around about the girl, no one seemed to know anything about her.


    Even when he sent his men to investigate the girl he saw on the basketball court, they could not come out with a result.


    It was as if she never existed. It was like she was never a part of LH High School. Everything felt like a dream to him.


    He was frustrated.


    He didn''t even know her name!


    Back in Sanctuary Coffee shop, Zhang Yu Han continued to be absentminded as he watched the girl rummaging through her bag. She pulled out a mobile phone and extended her arms to him.


    Li Qin Yao frowned as she saw the man was in a daze. She coughed lightly when he did not respond. "Yours. You don''t want it back?"


    He stared at the phone in her hand.


    Only then did he remembered his intention for coming to the city early in the morning. He had come to return the phone in his hand back to its owner and get back his.


    Zhang Yu Han took out her phone from his pocket and exchanged their phone.


    "You have new messages." Li Qin Yao said to him. "Someone texted you since this morning."


    "Oh." he merely shot a glance at his phone and went back to stare at the girl before him.


    As soon as she got her phone back, the first thing Li Qin Yao did was to check for missed calls and messages, while he continued to stare stupidly at her.


    The phone in his hand vibrated, and a short tone rang. Zhang Yu Han stared at his phone and saw that there were a few messages, and emails. Then he noticed the battery bar on the top of his phone.


    The last time he checked, his battery was at 40 percent. But now, the battery was at 99 percent.


    "You charged the battery," he commented.


    Li Qin Yao paused from whatever she was doing to look at him. She was too busy checking her messages that she did not notice that he was still around. It seemed that she had momentarily forgotten that she was not alone.


    "Thank you." His lips curved upwards as he lifted his gaze to look at her.


    "No problem," she smiled.


    His throat felt dry as he watched her smiling face. His lips parted as he was going to say something to her, but in the end, he did not know what he wanted to say.


    Li Qin Yao was disheartened as she lowered her head to look at her phone again. Her phone battery was very low. It probably could last for ten minutes top.


    Her smile faded. Li Qin Yao wished that he would have the decency to help her charge her phone. Li Qin Yao slid her phone into her bag and turned to the man before her. "I have to go now. Thank you for coming over with my phone."


    Before he could snap out of his trance and say something, the girl had already disappeared from his sight. He went out to chase after her and failed.


    There was definitely something wrong with him today. His reaction seemed to be a bit slower than usual. He was too preoccupied with staring at the girl that he had lost his chance to ask for her contact. Again.


    The first time he saw her, he lost his chance to talk to her. After nine years, it looked like history had repeated itself. But, at least this time, he had learned her name.


    Zhang Yu Han twirled the phone in his hand and searched for a name in his contact.


    "Jun Hao," he spoke as soon as the phone was connected. "Help me find a person."

 Chapter 7 - She Would Buy Insurance From Him

    The moment Li Qin Yao stepped into the shop, the sweet smell of baked good wafted over. She unconsciously closed her eyes to enjoy the mixture of sweet smell from pastries and coffee and immediately felt comforted.


    Then, Li Qin Yao went put her bag in the small office as she glanced at the phone screen.


    Earlier, after she had retrieved her phone back, Li Qin Yao had given a few calls and messages to her boyfriend, Chen Hao. But he had not picked up or returned to any of her messages.


    Li Qin Yao frowned.


    Could it be that he was still mad at her?


    Li Qin Yao sent another text to her boyfriend and then plugged her phone to the charger. Then, she put on her apron and walked into the kitchen.


    Her employee greeted her as she walked in. There were three people in the kitchen and three more in the dining area. Every one of them was busy with their task.


    Li Qin Yao waved her hand and let them continue with their work.


    First, she went to the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. Only after a half cup of coffee did she find her head cleared and more awake.


    Li Qin Yao began her work with inspecting the cleanliness of the kitchen. When she was satisfied, she grabbed a file on top of the cabinet and double-checked for any orders and reservation. Then she looked into the inventories.


    Once she was sure that everything was at its place, Li Qin Yao washed her hand and dried them thoroughly and peeked at her employee who was busy with their mise-en-place. The cafe will start operating in another thirty minutes, and Li Qin Yao was satisfied to see that everything was almost ready.


    "Qin Yao," Auntie Yu, one her baker peeked at her as she stood next to the kitchen mixer. "You''re unusually late today. Something happened?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled at the middle age lady. She grabbed a tray of mini tart shells and a tube of custard on top of the worktable. Then she started to pour the custard into the crust. "I had a meeting with someone."


    "Oh," Auntie Yu''s placed a hand on her chest as she heaved. "I thought you met an accident when I couldn''t reach your phone."


    Yin Mei Xuan appeared beside them holding a bowl of strawberries. "See Auntie Yu; I told you that Li Qin Yao is alright. You worried too much." She grabbed a paring knife and started slicing the strawberries.


    "I lost my phone last night," Li Qin Yao said. She took the sliced strawberries and started arranging them on the custard.


    "You lost your phone?" Mei Xuan paused from her task and looked at her employer with her eyes wide. "How can it be? You''re one of the most cautious people I know. So even someone like you would lose your phone?"


    Li Qin Yao held her urge to knock her friend''s head with the spatula in her hand. "What do you mean by someone like me?"


    "Did you file a report?" Auntie Yu asked worriedly.


    Li Qin Yao continued with her task and said, "Don''t worry. I got my phone back." Her thought immediately went back to the man she met that morning.


    Last night, Li Qin Yao had eavesdrop to his blind date. At that time, she found that he had the kind of voice that she likes. She tried to glimpse at him, but because she was too scared that he might catch her staring, she only got the chance to look at his head.


    When she finally see him face to face this morning, Li Qin Yao realized that this man could be considered good looking, especially as he was dressed smartly in a black shirt and black pants, with no tie.


    The thing she noticed most were his chiseled jawline, and piercing deep eyes that gives off a vibe for others not to get close to him, especially when he was frowning.


    When Li Qin Yao saw his face, she thought of how this man managed to sell insurance with this vibe around him. If he tried to sell insurance to her, she would probably run away.


    No. On second thought, Li Qin Yao would probably buy insurance from the man simply because she was scared that he might hurt her if she didn''t.


    "I accidentally swapped my phone when I went for dinner last night. I was late because I have to meet this guy to swap my phone back," Li Qin Yao then told them briefly about the incident.


    "That''s good. At least you get your phone back." Auntie Yu nodded a few times.


    Mei Xuan had a sheepish smile on her face as she watched Li Qin Yao arranged fruits on the tarts. When Li Qin Yao finished, the tart looked like it was adorned with colorful jewels.


    "What is it about this guy? Tell me about him. Is he handsome?" Mei Xuan asked excitedly.

 Chapter 8 - Scammed Into Buying Cakes

    Li Qin Yao grabbed a wooden spoon in front of her and tapped it on her friend''s head softly. "Why do you keep asking about every guy I run to? Is this how a married woman should behave? And to think that you already have a kid." she shook her head dramatically.


    Yin Mei Xuan was married and had an adorable son. Li Qin Yao met Mei Xuan almost a year ago when she joined a short baking course. They hit it off instantly become friends.


    Li Qin Yao did not have many close friends. After Han Yue Xiu, who she had known from her childhood, Mei Xuan is the only person she could get close to.


    When Li Qin Yao decided to open up the cafe months ago, Mei Xuan offered her help. With her husband''s work and income, Mei Xuan didn''t really need to work. But her son spent his time in school and she was too bored to stay home.


    Yin Mei Xuan rubbed her head and looked at her friend, feeling wronged. "You. Obviously, I''m asking for you."


    "You don''t need to be concern about my love life," Li Qin Yao said. "You know that I''m already seeing someone."


    Mei Xuan waved her hand. "It doesn''t matter. I''m a curious person." She took the wooden spoon and put it farther away from Li Qin Yao before she spoke. "So? How is he? Good looking?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at her friend helplessly. She decided to ignore her friend but found herself answering her question anyway. "Whether he''s good looking or not, it depends on the eye of the beholder, isn''t it? I may think he''s good looking, but you might think he''s ordinary."


    Mei Xuan giggled at her answer. "So, you do think he''s good looking!"


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes and tried to reach for the wooden spoon. But before she could act, Mei Xuan retreated with a playful smile on her face. "Boss! Don''t get mad. I''ll get back to work."


    Soon, the cafe was open for business. As minutes passed by, the shop slowly filled with customers. Li Qin Yao headed to the dining area and stood behind the counter, taking orders and dealing with check out and payments.


    A smile never left her lips as she entertained her customers until a familiar face walked in.


    The smile on Li Qin Yao''s face froze as she watched the man walked forward. The man looked around the shop and smiled when he saw her stood behind the counter.


    Li Qin Yao never expected that she would see her cousin, Li Mu Bai, in her shop. She took a deep breath and forced a smile when he stood before her. "Welcome to Cafe Lilium." she greeted. "What can I get you?"


    Li Mu Bai felt the corner of his mouth twitched at her hospitality. "We need to talk."


    Li Qin Yao maintained a smile as she spoke again. "This mister here, if you are not going to order some food or beverages, I will have to ask you to turn away. There are still people queuing behind you."


    Li Mu Bai chuckled as he did not believe her words. He turned around and was surprised to see a man watching him impatiently. He scowled at the man behind him and turned to his cousin.


    "Sir? Are you buying it or not?"


    He glanced at the menu on the back and ordered for a cup of coffee.


    "Okay. A cup of coffee and three slices of strawberry cakes." Li Qin Yao keyed in the order.


    His expression darkened. "I did not order for three slices of strawberry cheesecake."


    Li Qin Yao leaned forward as she spoke with a low tone. "Didn''t you say that you need to talk to me?" She straightened up her pose and smiled charmingly. "So... three slices of strawberry cheesecake?"


    Li Mu Bai heaved a sigh as he nodded. "Fine. Wrap up the strawberry cheesecake for me."


    She snapped her fingers. "Good choice, sir!"


    He took out his wallet and paid. Then he watched at his cousin with a dubious gaze, wondering if the girl was telling him lies.


    "I will find you once I''m a bit free," Li Qin Yao said.


    Only then did he pick up a spot next glass window to wait. Soon, a waitress came to deliver his order. He took a sip from his coffee as he waited for his cousin to finish attending the cashier. His gaze fell on the paper bag on the table. How did he got scammed into buying cakes?


    After almost an hour of waiting, Li Qin Yao sat down across of him. Li Mu Bai had a hunched that she intentionally let him wait for a long time, just to see if he would give up on waiting.


    "President Li. Shouldn''t you be in the office and making a lot of money? Why are you here?" Li Qin Yao said as she slid into an empty seat.

 Chapter 9 - An Invitation

    Li Mu Bai stared at his cousin with a scrutinizing gaze.


    Two years ago, both of them were still competing for the position of the president of QL Group Property. However, Li Qin Yao decided to resign after a scandal where she was accused of giving using cheap materials in construction. The result, people died.


    Back then, although their relationship was not bad in the past, Li Mu Bai noticed that Li Qin Yao has been trying to keep a distance from him.


    When Li Qin Yao was implicated in that scandal, she tried to convince the others that she was not guilty. Li Qin Yao had asked for three days to investigate the matter, and she was confident about it.


    However, on the day that she was supposed to clear up her name, Li Qin Yao suddenly said that she would resign.


    At that time, Li Mu Bai thought that his cousin, Li Qin Yao was really guilty as charged. However, in the past year, he had looked into the matter and found out that Li Qin Yao did find evidence to prove that she was not guilty.


    Li Mu Bai could not understand why didn''t she provided the evidence to clear her name. At the end of her investigation, what did she find out?


    He was convinced that someone set her up. But, why didn''t she expose the culprit?


    "I didn''t know that you''re operating a cafe now," Li Mu Bai said after a long silence between them.


    "Well, now, you know." Li Qin Yao answered nonchalantly. She could guess that Li Mu Bai came to see her for something, but since he did not want to talk about it yet, Li Qin Yao was not going to ask.


    "How is your business?"


    Li Qin Yao answered him with a shrug. " I didn''t make as much as I did when working for QL, but it''s not so bad. Anyway, I need to spend my time into something instead of being idle."


    He leaned into his seat and with his arms on folded on his chest. Then he smiled. "Why did you choose to enter the F&B industry?"


    "You know that starting a business in the F&B industry is the easiest."


    "They are also the easiest to close down. Don''t you see how many restaurant and cafe appeared and disappeared after a while?"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled at his words. She leaned forward and spoke, "President Li, are you cursing my shop, or are you threatening me?"


    Li Mu Bai shook his head and sighed, "I don''t mean it that way."


    "Tch! Why are you here, anyway? What is it?" she narrowed her eyes. "Could it be that QL Group is now interested in the food industry? Or¡­ You want to buy this piece of land?"


    "Yao Yao."


    "I told you not to call me that. Although we''re cousins, we''re not that close." Li Qin Yao leaned on her seat and crossed her arms on her chest. "Just tell me what you came here for, Li Mu Bai. Both of us are a businessman. We both know that wasting time could make us lose millions. Why? You''ve made so much for QL Group now; you don''t have to worry about losing some money?"


    Li Mu Bai heaved, feeling a bit sad at her hostility. He did not like her tone or the indifferent look she gave him.


    She narrowed her eyes at him. "Wait. Don''t tell me that you need my help to defeat Li Ming Han?"


    Li Ming Han is their cousins. Their grandfather, Chairman Li Ren Xin, allowed his grandchildren to compete for the position of QL Group''s President. In the beginning, there were five of them. After Li Qin Yao withdrew from the competition, there were only Li Mu Bai and Li Ming Han. And last year, their grandfather made his decision, and Li Mu Bai was chosen as the president of QL.


    "Of course not." Li Mu Bai chuckled. Then he stared into her eyes. "It will be Chairman Li''s 70th birthday soon. The company is planning a celebration. Will you come?"


    "Am I even invited?"


    Li Mu Bai took out an envelope from inside his jacket. Then he slid the envelope across the table towards her. "Here''s an invitation. For you and your mother."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she laid her gaze on the envelope. "You could have mailed this to me instead of coming here."


    "So? Are you going?"


    She pointed a finger to the invitation card on the table. "I don''t need that. He''s my grandfather. Of course, I''m going to visit him on his birthday. I don''t necessarily have to show up at the celebration."


    "Grandfather will give you a call in these few days to invite you to the celebration."


    Li Qin Yao watched him with a surprised look. "Why? Li Mu Bai. I''m warning you. Don''t mess with me."


    He let out a low laugh. "Why would I want to mess with you? Who knows what Chairman Li is thinking." Li Mu Bai pushed the envelope closer to her. "Li Qin Yao, you have to attend this celebration."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him suspiciously. "Why?"


    "Even though you have quit working for QL, you are still a part of the shareholder. Who knows," Li Mu Bai shrugged before he continued, "grandfather might want you there to announce something."

 Chapter 10 - Made A Wrong Move

    On the center of the basketball court, Zhang Yu Han clad in a hooded sweatshirt and training shorts from a well-known luxury brand and a ball in his hand. He dropped the ball on the floor and started dribbling from side to side. After a while, he shot the ball into the basket and scored.


    There was a clapping sound coming from behind him. He did not realize that someone has been observing him for a while.


    Zhang Yu Han turned around to see his friend, Wei Jun Hao watching him with admiration. Zhang Yu Han fetched the ball and threw it to his friend, and his friend caught the ball with ease.


    "I see that your skill has not deteriorated even after you stopped playing for years." Wei Jun Hao threw the ball back and took off his jacket.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his friend with discontent. "Who said I have stopped playing for years? Just because I haven''t been playing in a competition, it doesn''t mean that I have stopped playing altogether."


    Wei Jun Hao let out a low laugh. "It seems that I have made an unnecessary move inviting you to this game."


    Zhang Yu Han threw the ball back at his friend. "Quit talking. Are we playing or not?"


    Two days ago, Zhan Yu Han had given him a call early in the morning to investigate a person. Wei Jun Hao only received the result of the investigation this afternoon.


    Once he read the investigation report, he gave Yu Han a call and told him that he would only reveal the investigation result if Zhang Yu Han could beat him in a basketball game.


    Wei Jun Hao thought that since his friend had not been playing basketball for years, he could trounce him. Then, he would trick his friend into owing him another favor in exchange for the information in his hand.


    It seemed that he had made a wrong move.


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue and succumbed to his fate. Then, he started dribbling the ball in his hand.


    The sound of their basketball shoes squeaking and ball, bouncing on the floor resounded as the two friends played a one-on-one match. The game lasted for almost half an hour, and they started to slow down.


    "Young Master Zhang," Wei Jun Hao panted as he faced his friend who was now holding the ball. He grimaced as he saw how Yu Han was not as tired as he was. "Give me a chance, alright?"


    "Look at you. It seems that it''s your skills that have deteriorated. How long have you not been playing?"


    "Captain! It was my fault! Spare me, alright? Give me a chance to score at least once!"


    They have been playing for a while. At this time, Wei Jun Hao had not scored once. His face reddened from embarrassment.


    Wei Jun Hao''s eyes widened with delight when he saw Zhang Yu Han made an abrupt stop. He thought that his friend had decided to give him a chance. With a smile on his face, he tried to snatch the ball from Zhang Yu Han''s hand.


    Before Jun Hao could snatch the ball away, Zhang Yu Han jumped up, threw the ball into the basket, and scored.


    Wei Jun Hao watched his friend with a stupefy. When he snapped out of his trance, he turned around and saw Zhang Yu Han heading towards the bench on the side of the court.


    He chased after him and clicked his tongue. "You''re still as ruthless."


    "You''re the one who said that you would only give me the information if I beat you at a one-on-one match. You can only blame yourself."


    Jun Hao was speechless.


    That''s right. He can only blame himself. Who asked him to dig his own grave?


    Zhang Yu Han grabbed a water flask from the bench and drank half of its contents. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and turned to Jun Hao. "So? Where''s my reward?"


    Wei Jun Hao drank water to quench his thirst first. Then he grabbed a folder from his bag. "I thought you have stopped trying to find the girl from the competition. How many years has it been? Ten years?"


    "I saw her a few days ago."


    "And you didn''t talk to her? You could have saved me time from this investigation."


    "I did not have the chance." Zhang Yu Han did not have to tell his friend that he was too stunned when he saw her that he had forgotten to ask about ways to contact her again.


    "How did you know her name is Li Qin Yao?"


    "I accidentally hear it," Zhang Yu Han lied. "Stop asking too much. You just have to tell me¡­ Did you find her?"


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue and handed the file. He sat down and summarized his findings to Zhang Yu Han.


    "According to my investigation, there is no Li Qin Yao in LH school''s basketball team ten years ago. In fact, there was no Li Qin Yao in LH school during that year."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned at his friend''s words. The hand that was pulling out stacks of paper from the folder paused midair.


    There was no Li Qin Yao in LH high school? Then, did he just got played by Wei Jun Hao?


    "Hear me out first," Jun Hao raised both hands when he noticed the threatening gaze Yu Han was giving him.


    Zhang Yu Han stuffed the stack of paper back into the folder. "Explain. If I find out that you''re trying to trick me, then, be ready for the consequences."


    Jun Hao laughed nervously at his threat.


    "Speak."

 Chapter 11 - Her Background Isn’t Simple

    Wei Jun Hao took a deep breath to calm down. He found it hard to speak when his friend was looking at him with a piercing gaze. It looked like Zhang Yu Han''s penetrating gaze has gotten more spine-chilling as he gets older.


    "When I found out that the girl you''re looking for was not part of LH High School, I asked my men to search for a Li Qin Yao who was residing in B City," Wei Jun Hao said. "Do you know how hard it is to look for this information in just two days? But¡­in the end, he found two Li Qin Yao who is currently residing in B City. Take a look at the file. Is one of them is the girl you''re looking for?"


    Zhang Yu Han pulled out the papers from the folder. Inside, there were two sets or paper. He scanned the first set of paper and flipped to the next page where a few photographs were attached.


    His heart immediately dropped as he glanced at the picture.


    The first Li Qin Yao was beautiful. However, this girl was not the person he was looking for.


    Zhang Yu Han tossed the paper to his friend. His fingers paused as he took out the second paper. He did not want to get disappointed again if Wei Jun Hao failed to find her. Zhang Yu Han quickly got rid of his negative thought and looked at the second set of paper.


    He looked at her name, and then, he went straight to the next page with attached pictures, and his eyes went wide as he saw the familiar face.


    This was his Li Qin Yao!


    "This is the girl you''ve been looking for?" Wei Jun Hao spoke. He has been spying behind Zhang Yu Han for a while and noticed the change in his expression right away.


    Wei Jun Hao peeked at the photograph in his friend''s hand. The girl in the picture had a small, cutesy face. Her peach blossom eyes and full lips gave her a slight mature look. No wonder Zhang Yu Han has not stopped thinking about this girl. He admitted that this Li Qin Yao had her charm.


    "Hmm¡­" Zhang Yu Han nodded. He swiftly shoved the pictures back into the folder when he noticed that his friend was looking at the picture.


    Jun Hao clicked his tongue at his childish act. A frown appeared on his face as he recalled something about the girl.


    "Are you sure that this is the girl you''re looking for?" Jun Hao asked again. "According to my investigation, her background isn''t as simple."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "What do you mean?"


    Jun Hao snatched the papers from Yu Han and flipped through the pages and stopped. Then he shoved it back to his friend.


    "She was never a student at LH High School. This Li Qin Yao spent her childhood to high school in the capital city, and I don''t know why she appeared at the competition ten years ago as part of LH High School''s girls'' team. But, I''m guessing that she was there to support someone she knows."


    Zhang Yu Han listened to Jun Hao''s explanation with his eyes glued to the papers in his hand.


    "But that is not the most interesting part about this Li Qin Yao." Wei Jun Hao continued. There was a strange smile on his face.


    "Stop pausing in the middle of your explanation. Speak clearly," Zhang Yu Han urged.


    Wei Jun Hao coughed. "Are you familiar with QL Group Property? They had lands and buildings all over the country. They are mostly developing lands in the capital city as their headquarter was located there."


    Zhang Yu Han might have left the country for years, but there was no way that he had not heard of a big company as QL Group Property. He replied Jun Hao with a nod. "Go on."


    "Well, this Li Qin Yao is the granddaughter of Chairman Li Ren Xin of QL Group Property." Jun Hao said. "She was one of the heiresses competing for the top position in the group. Until two years ago, when an accident happened to one of the projects she was handling. A few people died, and later, she resigned."


    Zhang Yu Han flipped through the papers in his hand as he read the findings on his Li Qin Yao. He read the result of the investigation attentively as he did not want to miss anything about the girl he was searching for.


    "A few months after she resigned, she moved to B City and lived with her mother. And now she''s operating a small cafe in B City."


    Wei Jun Hao opened his mouth to continue talking about what he had found out about the girl, but he noticed that something was off with his friend. He peeked at the paper again to look at what Zhang Yu Han been staring at for a while.


    It was Li Qin Yao''s status.


    Status: In a Relationship.


    She has a boyfriend!

 Chapter 12 - Rumors

    It was raining outside. Li Qin Yao was alone at home when she heard a movement outside. She held a baseball bat in her hand and waited behind the kitchen wall.


    The door swung open, and a familiar silhouette showed up.


    Li Qin Yao immediately put down the baseball bat behind the wall and walked towards the door. Her eyes flickered with joy as she saw her mother stepped inside the house. Li Qin Yao went to help her mother with the bag on her mother''s hand. "Ma! How come you''re home early? Didn''t you say that you should return tomorrow?"


    Her mother, Xu Yilan, handed her daughter the baggage in her hand as she replied, "There was a change in plan." She sat down on the couch with a sigh.


    A few minutes later, Li Qin Yao appeared with a glass of water in her hand. Xu Yilan drank her water and let out a satisfied sigh when the glass was empty. She looked at her daughter and thanked her.


    Ever since Li Qin Yao had resigned from her position in QL Group, she moved in to live with her mother in B City.


    Her parents have divorced for more than ten years. Although they were divorced, before her father passed away, their relationship was quite decent.


    Her father, Li Xuan, comes from an influential family in the city. The family, owned QL Group, a company that focused on real estate while her mother was an accountant, who came from a middle-class family.


    When they divorced, both of them agreed to let her father have custody over her. They both wanted the best for Li Qin Yao and staying with the Li family will ensure that she will have the best. She will not have a lack of love, money, or education.


    Sometimes, Li Qin Yao wondered whey her parents were divorced. In her opinion, her parents loved and cared about each other. Even after their divorce, both of them never remarried.


    She asked the question to her mother once. Her mother told her that sometimes, even when two people are in love, they don''t necessarily will have to stay together.


    At that time, she did not understand this. But after staying with the Li family for too long, facing her relatives, she began to figure out something. Her father loved her mother, but the company matters are much more important. Her mother loved her father, but she was not strong enough to stay by his side, especially when her father was always absent.


    "Mom. How was your trip?" Li Qin Yao moved behind the sofa and gave her mother a shoulder massage.


    Xu Yilan leaned back on the sofa to enjoy her daughter''s shoulder massage. "It was fun. I bought some souvenirs for you. Later, you should go and look at it."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "I know."


    Her mother closed her eyes for a second and turned around. "That''s right. How did you end up losing your phone the other day? You don''t know how worried I was when I could not reach you. Imagine how surprised I was when I heard a man''s voice when my call finally got through."


    "I was too careless." Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze. Then she retold everything to her mother.


    "You are this big, and you still make me worry."


    Li Qin Yao smiled sheepishly. "I''ll be more careful next time."


    Xu Yilan looked at her daughter with a frown. "There will be a next time?"


    "No. I won''t let this happen again." Li Qin Yao said, laughing. Then she started to think of something to change the topic of conversation. "Mom. Are you hungry? Should I cook something for dinner? Or do you want to go out?"


    Xu Yilan waved her hand. "I''m too tired to go out. Besides, it''s raining outside."


    "Then I will whip something up. What do you want to eat?"


    An hour later, the dining table was set up. Li Qin Yao prepared two vegetable dishes, steamed fish and soup.


    The mother and daughter then enjoyed their meal while conversing about her mother''s trip to Vietnam with her friends. Once they finished eating, Li Qin Yao cleared the table and washed the dishes. When she stepped out of the kitchen, she found her mother watching a sitcom.


    Li Qin Yao hesitated before she walked to her mother. "Mom."


    "Hmm?" Her mother raised a brow, but her eyes were still on the television.


    "A few days ago, Li Mu Bai visited my cafe."


    Xu Yilan tore her gaze away from the television and looked at her daughter. "Your cousin? What did he want from you?"


    Although Li Qin Yao never told her mother the truth about her life in Li''s family, her mother was fully aware of the rivalry between her daughter and her cousins in the family, especially with Li Mu Bai.


    After her daughter resigned from her position in QL Group due to a scandal, Xu Yilan no longer wished for her daughter to have too much interaction with the Li family members. Xu Yilan had been a daughter-in-law for the Li''s family for years. She knew how ambitious and cruel some of them could be.


    "Next month will be Grandfather''s birthday. The company will arrange for a celebration," Li Qin Yao said slowly. "Grandfather sent both of us an invitation."


    "Oh." Xu Yilan turned her attention back on the sitcom. "Then, you should go. I will prepare a gift for your grandfather."


    "You''re not going?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Xu Yilan smiled, but her smile did not reach her eyes. "I don''t think it''s suitable for me to go. Besides, I don''t have anyone I wanted to meet. It would be boring for an old woman like me to attend such events."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "My former assistant, Bei Ruo Xi said that there are rumors that grandfather wanted to bring me back to QL Group."


    Her mother was quiet for a while. "If your grandfather wanted to bring you back, what would you say? Will you return to QL Group?"


    "I don''t know." Li Qin Yao bit her lips.


    She had been thinking about the matter ever since she found out about the rumor from her former assistant. She thought about returning to QL Group. A part of her wanted to return if she was given a chance. She loved working with the company, the working environment¡­


    However, a part of her felt that she should give up. She did not want to go through on another round of plotting and scheming against her family members.


    "Yao Yao," Xu Yilan turned to her daughter. "Whatever it is that you decide, later on, I will support your decision."


    Li Qin Yao continued to ponder the question in the living room even after her mother had left to sleep. Finally, she snapped out of her trance when her phone beside her rang. Without realizing it, she had been thinking about the matter for almost two hours.


    Li Qin Yao turned to look at her phone screen. A message from Chen Hao.


    She has not heard from him for a week!

 Chapter 13 - Handsome Man

    "Qin Yao, you looked nice today," Auntie Yu said as she walked in into the cafe. She looked at the outfit her employer was wearing and smiled with approval.


    Li Qin Yao''s smile widened as she heard Auntie Yu''s compliment. "Thank you, Auntie Yu."


    Mei Xuan gave her friend a sideways glance "Judging from that outfit and that smile on your face, I bet she got a date with her boyfriend later on."


    "Chen Hao will come and pick me later for lunch. How did you know?" Li Qin Yao placed both hands on her cheek.


    Mei Xuan clicked her tongue at Qin Yao''s expression. "You''re already this old, and you still want to act like a schoolgirl."


    Auntie Yu laughed at her comment. "What''s wrong with acting cute when you''re in love. Are you jealous because you haven''t gone on a date with your husband for a long time?"


    "Don''t mention it," Mei Xuan sighed. "I haven''t been on a date with my husband after our son was born. In the beginning, I was too busy looking after the baby. Later on, it just did not feel right to go out and leave our child to others." She looked at Qin Yao and said, "Qin Yao, later of you get married, don''t have a child too soon."


    The three of them chatted a bit more and dispersed to get their job done when a few customers walked in.


    Li Qin Yao stood behind the counter with her gaze on the ordering form. After making sure that there was nothing wrong with the order, Li Qin Yao stamped on the paper and signed the documents.


    Just then, Mei Xuan appeared beside her with a menu folder in her hand. "Qin Yao, Qin Yao," she lowered her tone. "Look at that man."


    Li Qin Yao raised her head and looked at the dining area. There are five tables occupied with customers. Two out of the tables had male patrons.


    "The one at the bar."


    It was then that Qin Yao noticed a man stood beside the bar, with his gaze on the coffee menu on the wall.


    "What''s with him?"


    Mei Xuan''s eyes turned sparkly. "Handsome, right? He has been coming here for three days in a row. And every time he came over, he would order for a cup of Americano and chicken sandwich for takeaway."


    Qin Yao stared at the man again. He had one hand in his pants. Judging from the way he dressed up in excellent quality suits and shoes, Qin Yao could guess that he is a rich guy or someone important. It was rare to see someone who dressed like him to enter her cafe.


    Suddenly, their gaze met. Qin Yao curved her lips into a smile and nodded towards him.


    "What do you think?" Mei Xuan urged.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze and shrugged. "So-so."


    Mei Xuan rolled her eyes. The man is handsome. How could she say ''so-so''? She decided not to speak to Qin Yao who can''t seem to appreciate a handsome man. She turned around to grab a plate and an orange flan from the dessert counter.


    At this time, Qing Kong, who was the chief barista of Cafe Lilium strolled towards them. "Boss Li." she nodded. "There''s a customer who wanted to see you."


    Li Qin Yao raised her head and saw the man from earlier stepped towards her. She glanced at Qing Kong and saw her nodded. Qin Yao closed the file on her hand and, smiled politely towards the man.


    "You must be the owner," The man said.


    She nodded. "You are?"


    "My name is Wei Jun Hao," he pulled out his business card swiftly from his jacket and handed it to her.


    Li Qin Yao took the card and saw that he was a lawyer from Lu & Wei. She had heard of this law firm before. The firm has an excellent reputation in Y City. Lots of rich men would look for a lawyer from Lu & Wei when they encountered any legal problems.


    She was right when she thought that this man was not an ordinary man.


    "Mister Wei?" Li Qin Yao shook his hand. "I''m not sure why you''re looking for me?"


    Wei Jun Hao let out a small laugh when he saw her expression. "I''m not here for any legal matter. You don''t have to worry."


    "Then¡­ how can I help you?" asked Li Qin Yao.


    "I was wondering if your cafe would be interested in catering some of the food for a small party." Wei Jun Hao spoke. He watched the girl stared at him and continued. "If you have time, we can discuss this matter now?"


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao nodded. She turned to Mei Xuan and signaled her to attend the register while she talked to this potential customer. She took him to an empty seat which hidden behind a pillar.


    A few seconds later, a waitress appeared carrying a cup of Americano to the table. The waitress turned to look at her boss and retreated when Li Qin Yao shook her head.


    Wei Jun Hao took a sip of his coffee and looked at her hesitantly. "Miss?"


    Li Qin Yao then realized that she had not introduced herself. "My name is Li Qin Yao."


    "Miss Li," Jun Hao smiled. "I am planning a birthday party next Saturday. Will you be available to cater to some food?"


    "It depends on the scale of this party. How many guests will you be inviting?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "It''s not too big. Around twenty people?" Wei Jun Hao said.


    Li Qin Yao listened to his request and finally nodded to give her agreement. The two of them discussed the matter for almost fifteen minutes. She was thankful that he was not picky about her suggestions. They immediately decided on the menu.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao agreed to cater food for his birthday on the next Saturday. He gave her a budget, and she decided to email him her quotation later on.


    Just when the two shook their hand, the door swung open, and a familiar figure walked in. Li Qin Yao'' lips bloomed into a smile when she saw her boyfriend, Chen Hao.


    Seeing the smile on her face, Wei Jun Hao raised a brow. "Your boyfriend?"


    Instead of answering his question, Li Qin Yao said, "I''ll send you out."


    "Who was that?" Chen Hao asked with a frown as he watched the man disappeared from his vision.


    "A client. He''s planning a small gathering with his friends, and he wanted us to cater the food," Li Qin Yao had a smile on her face. She dragged him to sit at an empty seat. "Would you like anything to drink?"


    Chen Hao shook his head. "Let''s head out."


    "Wait for me for a while." Li Qin Yao said before she went back to settle with a few things. Then she turned to Mei Xuan. "I''m going out with Chen Hao. I''ll leave this shop for you."

 Chapter 14 - His Birthday Was Two Months Ago

    When Wei Jun Hao arrived at Zhang Yu Han''s office in the center of Y City, the assistant, Xiao Ye informed him that his boss was in a meeting with a few high-level managers in his office. Xiao Ye invited Wei Jun Hao into the waiting room and served him with some refreshments.


    Almost half an hour later, the managers walked out of Zhang Yu Han''s office.


    Wei Jun Hao waited for a few seconds before he knocked on the door twice and invited himself into the room.


    "Why are you here?" Zhang Yu Han spoke without lifting his head. His assistant had informed him earlier that his friend, Wei Jun Hao, was waiting for him in the lounge. Now that his meeting ended, it''s natural that Wei Jun Hao would enter his room.


    Jun Hao approached the table and sat down across his best friend. "I''m here to deliver some files," he said as he put two brown envelopes on the table and pushed it towards Yu Han. "As you instructed. There won''t be any other problem with the contractor."


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head. Once he saw the envelopes, he put down the pen in his hand and reached to take the envelopes. He took out the contents and read the contents with full concentration. Once he was convinced that there was no other problem, Zhang Yu Han turned to his friend and nodded. "Thank you."


    Wei Jun Hao replied with a lazy shrug. "Hey, you paid me for this job."


    He picked up his pen again and started to jot something on his book. Then, Zhang Yu Han looked up when he realized that his friend was still around, sitting comfortably in his office. "You have something else you want to say to me?"


    Wei Jun Hao stared at his friend before he spoke, "Are you still upset about the investigation findings? So you''re giving up just like this?" Wei Jun Hao frowned.


    "Giving up what? I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Li Qin Yao."


    Zhang Yu Han paused as he heard her name. Then he continued doing his work as if Jun Hao had not spoken to him earlier.


    "She''s not married," Wei Jun Hao pointed out. "It''s not too late for you to win her heart."


    "Do you think I''m that sort of person who would disturb others relationship? I like her, but I am not going to do something as immoral as that," Zhang Yu Han said before his friend could finish what he was going to say. "What does this has got to do with you anyway?"


    "This is the first girl you had your interest in," Wei Jun Hao tilted his head sideways and continued, "Isn''t Li Qin Yao''s your first love? The person you fell in love at first sight?"


    Zhang Yu Han gazed at his friend with a dangerous stare. "Stop it. You''re too cheesy."


    "My point is, you have been searching for her for ten years. As your best buddy, of course, I''m concerned about you," Wei Jun Hao said with a sigh.


    Wei Jun Hao initially had no intention to pay attention to Zhang Yu Han''s interest in Li Qin Yao. But every time Wei Jun Hao recalled the look his best friend had when he found out that the girl he fancied had a boyfriend, Wei Jun Hao felt that he should help his best friend. After all, Zhang Yu Han did not have much experience with wooing girls.


    Besides, Wei Jun Hao had an ulterior motive. For years, he had fancied Zhang Yu Han''s younger sister. He thought that if he helped Zhang Yu Han wooing this girl now, later on, maybe his friend would give him his support when he tries to court his sister.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at his word. He looked at Wei Jun Hao with a sharp look and pointed towards the door. "Get out."


    Wei Jun Hao stood up with both hands raised. "Okay! Okay! Don''t get upset!" It was just as he thought. His friend was still upset. If only he met Li Qin Yao earlier, then maybe he would stand a chance. But now, it is too late. The girl he fancied was in a relationship.


    Wei Jun Hao walked towards the door and paused as he recalled his other reason for showing up in Zhang Yu Han''s office. "I almost forgot," he took out a silver card from his coat and turned back. "I came to invite you to my birthday party."


    "Your birthday was two months ago." Zhang Yu Han frowned. Didn''t they fly back to the capital city and celebrated Wei Jun Hao''s birthday at one of the Zhang Group''s five stars hotel?


    "There are no rules that say we couldn''t have another celebration it two months later," Wei Jun Hao pointed out.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath and turned to his friend with piercing eyes. "If you wanted to throw a party and have fun, go ahead. I''m not going."


    Wei Jun Hao chuckled at his best friend''s hostility. "Even if I tell you that Cafe Lilium will cater to the food and drinks?" The smile on his lips widened when he saw Zhang Yu Han''s movement stopped.

 Chapter 15 - Stay A While Longer

    Li Qin Yao clipped her phone between her ears and shoulder as her hands as she adjusted the container of durian cheesecake in her hand. She balanced the container in her left hand and grabbed her phone on her right side.


    "There are a lot of cafes that provide catering in Y City, why would he employ someone from B City?" Han Yue Xiu asked from the other side of the phone.


    She clicked her tongue before she handed the container in her hand to Qing Kong. "Are you looking down at my cafe? I''m telling you that this person likes food from my cafe. That''s why he decided to choose us."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed. "I''m not looking down on you, Yao Yao. I just thought it''s strange since Y City and B City isn''t exactly that near."


    "It''s alright. It''s a forty minutes drive." Li Qin Yao shrugged. She turned to the car and picked up another stack of the container with sandwiches. "As long as they like my food and paid me money, who cares?"


    "You''re talking like you''re desperately in need of money." Han Yue Xiu said. She heard laughter on the other line and continued. "Since your customer lives in Begonia court, I''m sure he''s quite wealthy. Who cares if he decided to employ some pastry chef from France, right?"


    "Yue Xiu, since I''m in Y City, Let''s meet up later when I''m done setting up with everything. You still owe me a meal."


    "Alright," Han Yue Xiu quickly agreed. "But will that be okay? What if Chen Hao gets get sulky when he knew that you spent your time with me?"


    "We''re supposed to go out today, but got canceled last minute. His mother called. He said there''s an important matter at home," Li Qin Yao told her truthfully.


    "It sounded like I''m only your second choice," Han Yue Xiu complained. "But, how many times had your boyfriend canceled a date because of his mother? Are you sure Chen Hao is not a mummy''s boy."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed at her words. "You''re overthinking. His mother called him back since a relative is coming to visit them. Didn''t they say that to know how a man will treat his wife, look at the way he treats his mother."


    The two of them chatted for a while longer before they hung up. Li Qin Yao looked at the empty car boot and shut the boot. Then she went to look for the others to start arranging their food before the guests arrived.


    While Li Qin Yao focused on arranging the desserts on the crystal''s tray, Wei Jun Hao appeared before her with a smile on his face. He rapped his knuckle on the table. Li Qin Yao raised her head and met the man''s gaze.


    "Mister Wei," Li Qin Yao greeted with polite smile appeared on her face.


    Wei Jun Hao stared at the tray with small tarts. "Your desserts look good as always."


    "Thank you for your compliment. Would you like to sample one?"


    He raised a brow. "Can I?"


    "Of course. Since you already paid for the food, you''re free to do whatever you want with them," Li Qin Yao smiled as she offered the tray of dessert to him.


    Wei Jun Hao grabbed one of the tarts and took a small bite. He was not a big fan of sweet stuff. Therefore, he was glad that the pie was not too sweet. The rich and bittersweet chocolate complimented the flaky pastry. The chopped hazelnut on top enhanced the flavor and added more texture to the chocolate tart.


    "How was it?" Li Qin Yao asked. She stared at him, expectantly.


    "It was good." He saw the way she heaved in relief and smiled. Wei Jun Hao glanced around the room before he looked at Li Qin Yao again."I trust that there is no problem here?"


    "Everything is fine," Li Qin Yao turned towards a few maids who were busy helping them arranging the food on the table. "Your maids are very helpful."


    Wei Jun Hao nodded. "I know that we have agreed that you can leave once you have arranged the food, but I hope that you can stay a while longer."


    Li Qin Yao hesitated. They have both agreed that her cafe will be providing some food, and his maids will then served the food to his guests, replenish the food, and clean up everything after the party ends. "That-"


    He let out a small chuckle as he saw her hesitation. "I just need you to explain the food to my people so that they won''t be clueless when the guests asked them. I don''t think that will take too much time."


    Li Qin Yao nodded once she understood his intention. "If that''s the case, then, alright."

 Chapter 16 - We Meet Again

    Li Qin Yao took a few deep breaths to control her emotion. She had explained the ingredients for mushroom vol au vent for a few times, but it seemed that the maids could not get it right.


    She had explained to them countless times that the dishes are vegetarian, but the maids would continue to say that they were using chicken in the dishes. At this moment, Li Qin Yao had the urge to grab on the maids'' shoulder and shook their body. But in the end, she could only do that in her mind.


    Li Qin Yao looked around nervously when she noticed that a few of Wei Jun Hao''s guests have arrived. She turned to look at the maids who had their head bowed as if avoiding eye contact with her. They looked pitiful right now. Li Qin Yao didn''t know how to get angry at them.


    "Let''s try one more time again," Li Qin Yao sighed with helplessly as she looked at the maids. Then, she explained about the dishes again one more time. The corner of her mouth twitched when the maids made another mistake. This time, they were discarding nuts as ingredients in one of the pastries.


    She did not want to cause allergies to Wei Jun Hao''s guests accidentally. What if she gets sued over this? Causing allergies and putting someone''s life in danger is not a joke!


    For a moment, she wondered if Wei Jun Hao really employed the maids. For someone with his status, his maids would have to be smarter than this.


    Was someone pulling a joke on her? A hidden camera?


    Li Qin Yao was weeping in her heart when she heard a familiar deep, vibrating voice from behind her. Her heart skipped a beat. The hair on her neck immediately stood up, and her ears felt as if it was burning. She was about to turn around when one of the maids raised her hand, saying that she wanted to try again with her menu knowledge test.


    She nodded, a sign of her approval. Surprisingly, this time, the maid had recited the correct ingredients. Soon, everyone got a perfect score in their menu knowledge.


    Li Qin Yao watched the space. Just a minutes ago, the five maids were lined up for a menu knowledge lesson and test. It took her a few tries to teach them, and suddenly, everyone had a perfect score. The situation made Li Qin Yao start doubting her mental state. Was everything just now her hallucination?


    She rubbed the space between her eyebrow and turned around. Her eyes widened when she saw a familiar silhouette stood next to Wei Jun Hao. That was why she thought that she had heard a familiar voice.


    For a moment, their gazes met. The man was watching her with a complicated gaze. It seemed to her that he was surprised to see her there.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and smiled as she headed to both men. She waited until Wei Jun Hao finished his conversation with that man before she approached them. "Mister Wei, I have finished with my task. I''ll leave now."


    Wei Jun Hao nodded. He glanced at his friend and said, "Miss Li, wait. Let me introduce you to my friend, Zhang Yu Han. Yu Han, this is Miss Li Qin Yao. Her cafe provided food for today''s party."


    Li Qin Yao''s smiled as she shook her hand with the familiar man. "Mister Zhang Yu Han, we meet again."


    Wei Jun Hao watched the two with a puzzled expression. "You two know each other?"


    "We''ve met before," Li Qin Yao said to Wei Jun Hao. She released her grip on Zhang Yu Han''s hand and found that his grip on her hand was tight. She moved her hand a bit and soon, Zhang Yu Han released his grip with an embarrassed expression on his face.


    "You never tell me this," Wei Jun Hao whispered to his friend.


    Zhang Yu Han sent a warning glance to his friend. It would be troublesome if the girl found something strange from his words. He turned to Li Qin Yao and smiled. The threatening gaze he had on Jun Hao had instantly disappeared. "I didn''t know that you''re operating a cafe. I will visit your cafe when I have the chance."


    "I would be happy if you visit my cafe, Mister Zhang." She took out her business card from her purse and handed it to Zhang Yu Han. Then she turned to Wei Jun Hao. "Mister Wei. I have to go now. I wish your party a success."


    When the girl was out of their eyeshot, Wei Jun Hao turned to his friend. "You didn''t tell me that you''re an acquaintance?"


    "We''re not," Zhang Yu Han said as he turned around. He didn''t feel like explaining about their meeting to his friend.


    "Yu Han, where are you going?"


    "Meeting Grandfather. I have a dinner appointment with him. Good luck with your party. Oh! And happy birthday!" Zhang Yu Han waved his hand without looking at his friend. He strode towards his car and paused. Then, he stared at his right hand.


    Today, he held her hand for the first time.

 Chapter 17 - I Am Confident

    After Zhang Yu Han escaped from his friend''s party, he went straight to The Orchid, a luxury hotel under Zhang Group Worldwide. When he arrived, a middle-aged man clad in a gray suit was waiting at the entrance.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded towards the middle-aged man and spoke, "Assistant Huo, where is my grandfather?"


    "Chairman Zhang is waiting for you inside," Assistant Huo spoke politely before he ushered Zhang Yu Han in.


    Zhang Yu Han entered the hotel and walked towards the center of the lobby where an elder man dressed neatly in suit and tie stood. The older man held a walking cane as he looked at the empty surrounding.


    Zhang Yu Han bowed as he approached the older man. "Grandfather."


    Zhang Jing turned around with a frown as he saw his grandson. "You brat! You''re late."


    "I''m sorry," Zhang Yu Han apologies and coaxed his grandfather to forgive him. "I went to visit Wei Jun Hao before I came."


    The older man cleared his throat before he spoke again. "I haven''t seen that kid for a while. What is he up to now?" Zhang Jing had watched his grandson grew up before him, and naturally, he knew Zhang Yu Han''s friends. Wei Jun Hao was the closest to him as they both from the same class and had joined the same club.


    "He''s doing alright. He''s throwing a party today," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Zhang Jing studied his grandson''s expression. "Why didn''t you stay at his party?"


    "It''s fine. It''s enough that I showed up and showed my face. After all, Jun Hao only threw the party to pick up girls." Zhang Yu Han said.


    What he didn''t tell his grandfather was that Jun Hao threw the party for him to meet up with the girl he liked. If his grandfather knew, he would probably ask questions he did not know to answer.


    "Besides," Zhang Yu Han continued. "Didn''t I promise that I will have dinner with you tonight?" His lips curved into a smile. Then, he lifted his head to look at his surrounding. "What do you think? It looks nice, right?"


    Zhang Jing followed his grandson''s line vision and nodded. "The interior isn''t that bad. I do like the small changes you made."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at his grandfather''s answer. It was apparent that the older man liked what he saw, but he refused to give him honest feedback.


    "I have an appointment with the interior designer next week," Zhang Yu Han said. "Although we had agreed on the interior for the lobby, we still have not reached an agreement for the design of the luxury rooms."


    Zhang Jing waved his hand. "It''s fine. I have my trust in you. Just don''t forget to consult with Master Xi to look at the feng shui before you decide on anything."


    "Of course," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He bit his lips before he decided to say something in his mind. "Grandfather, about that project that I talked to you before¡­"


    Zhang Jing lifted his hand to stop his grandson before he finished what he wanted to say. "You''re confident that you can do it?"


    "I am confident," Zhang Yu Han answered. His eyes lightened up.


    Zhang Jing heaved a sigh before he spoke, "Wait for a while longer. Once this hotel is launched, and everything has stabilized, you should call your sister, Yu Ying back and have her manage the hotel. Only then you should concentrate on the new resort project."


    "Thank you, grandfather," Zhang Yu Han bowed. Then, he held Zhang Jing''s arm and helped him out of the building. When his grandfather''s assistant approached them, Zhang Yu Han dismissed him. "I''m going to for dinner with Chairman Zhang. Don''t worry Assistant Huo. I will send him back home."


    Assistant Huo turned to Chairman Zhang. Once the old man nodded with his approval, he retreated.


    Zhang Yu Han led his grandfather into his car. He drove into the city, and five minutes later, his car stopped by a Hainan cuisine restaurant. After he handed his car key to the valet, Zhang Yu Han helped his father out. One of the waiters greeted them and ushered them towards a private room.


    As they passed the dining room, Zhang Yu Han paused when he saw a familiar figure stood before him. The girl''s eyes widened with surprise when she saw him. Her lips slowly curved into a polite smile. "Miss Li," Zhang Yu Han concealed his shock and excitement on seeing the girl again. His gaze shifted briefly to the girl beside Li Qin Yao. "You''re here to have dinner?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She found it strange to see the man in the restaurant. Wasn''t he attending Mister Wei birthday party just now?


    Zhang Yu Han felt a tug on his coat and instantly turned at his grandfather. He could tell from his grandfather''s expression that the old man was waiting for him to introduce his grandfather to the two girls.


    Afraid that the old man might start to say something, Zhang Yu Han tilted his lips into a faint smile. "Then, enjoy your meal." He gave a light tug on Zhang Jing''s arms and followed the waiter into their private room.

 Chapter 18 - He Seemed Familiar

    Once they were inside the private room, Zhang Yu Han noticed the unhappy look that his grandfather''s face. Zhang Yu Han blinked and pretended that he did not understand that look. "What?"


    The frown on Zhang Jing''s forehead deepened. "What do you mean, what? Why did you tug on my sleeve like that? Who were the two girls? Did you think that I''m blind that I did not see how you were trying to get away from there? Why won''t you introduce me to them?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. If only his grandfather knew that he was only trying to stop his grandfather from initiating a conversation with that girl, what will he say?


    "Grandfather, don''t misunderstand me," Zhang Yu Han spoke. "I haven''t had my lunch today, and I''m famished. I wasn''t trying to get away or anything. As for the two girls, I wasn''t even an acquaintance. One of the girls is a cafe owner from B City. Wei Jun Hao employed her cafe to cater to food for his party. I met her at Jun Hao''s party just now,"


    Zhang Jing continued to watch his grandson with his sharp eyes. Once he could not detect anything unusual from Zhang Yu Han''s explanation, he heaved a sigh. "Forget it," he pulled a chair and sat down. "Since you''re hungry, let''s order quickly. We can continue our discussion while waiting." He looked at his grandson again and hit him hard on the shoulder. "Brat, when are you going to bring me a granddaughter-in-law?"


    ...


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao was not free from her best friend''s interrogation as well. Once the two men disappeared from their sight, Han Yue Xiu poked Li Qin Yao''s arms. Her eyes brightened with curiosity. "Who was that? Yao Yao, why didn''t I know that you know someone as a good looking like him? Anyway, he seemed familiar. why do I feel like I''ve seen him before?"


    Li Qin Yao thought about the man for a while before she answered. "He''s an insurance salesperson."


    With the assumption that the man must have tried to sell insurance to her best friend, the light in Han Yue Xiu''s eyes dimmed.


    Li Qin Yao suppressed a smile as she watched Han Yue Xiu''s changing expression. They both did not like to be around an insurance salesperson that much.


    In Li Qin Yao''s case, she did not like an insurance salesperson simply because she had encountered a few salesmen who won''t stop pestering her. But, in Han Yue Xiu case, she had once dated an insurance salesman. At that time, Han Yue Xiu had bought a few insurance plans from her ex-boyfriend for her family.


    Later on, Han Yue Xiu''s mother was admitted to the hospital and required surgery. Once Han Yue Xiu contacted her ex-boyfriend to claim the insurance money, her ex gave her a lot of excuses. In the end, he disappeared.


    "Come on," Li Qin Yao pulled on her friend''s arm. "You promised that you''re going to accompany me to shop. I need to pick up a tea set for my grandfather''s birthday before the shop close."


    The two got on Li Qin Yao''s car and headed to a shopping mall. Once they arrived, the two girls headed straight to a tea shop. Li Qin Yao gave her order receipt, and the salesperson went into the back room to fetch her tea set. The two girls then walked around to look at the various tea type sold while they waited.


    Han Yue Xiu picked up a wooden tea canister and examined the carving. Then she turned to her friend and asked, "Are you going to bring Chen Hao along with you to the capital? I recalled that you hadn''t introduced Chen Hao to your grandfather."


    Li Qin Yao pressed her lips as she thought over the question. She had introduced her boyfriend to her mother, but she had never told Chen Hao about her father''s side of the family.


    Before this, Li Qin Yao did not dare to say to Chen Hao about her background as she was worried that Chen Hao might be intimidated by her. But now that they have dated for months, she didn''t know how to tell him about it. What if Chen Hao thought of her as a liar?


    "Do you think it''s time for me to introduce him to my grandfather? Don''t you think it''s too early?"


    Han Yue Xiu tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and turned to Li Qin Yao with a shrug. "You have been dating him for a while." She pointed out."But, if your heart thinks that he''s not the one, then, introducing him to your family after dating for ten years can be considered too early."


    Li Qin Yao frowned. She understood what her friend was telling her. Silently Li Qin Yao made a plan in her mind to introduce her boyfriend to his grandfather later. "I will introduce him to my grandfather soon. But now is not the right time. It''s my grandfather''s 70th birthday, and Li Mu Bai said grandfather have something to announce."

 Chapter 19 - Visiting Her Cafe

    Although Zhang Yu Han had told Wei Jun Hao that he had decided not to pursue Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han could not stop himself from trying to get close to her. This was why he had chosen to appear at Wei Jun Hao''s party a few nights ago.


    When he showed up at Wei Jun Hao''s birthday party, Zhang Yu Han had thought that he would be satisfied if he could catch a glimpse of Li Qin Yao. When he met her face to face and got the chance to hold her hand for a few seconds, Zhang Yu Han was in cloud nine. He had never experienced the feeling. Thus, it took him a while before he released her hand. It seemed that going to Wei Jun Hao''s stupid party was not a waste at all.


    Imagine his delight when he met Li Qin Yao again at the restaurant where he was having dinner with his grandfather. It was as if heaven was giving him a sign so that he will not give up on her. That was why Zhang Yu Han has been pacing back and forth in front of her cafe for almost ten minutes. Once in a while, he would stop to peek into the cafe only to find that Li Qin Yao was not around.


    A part of him was disappointed that he could not see her, while another part of him was relieved. Even if he met her now, he would not know what to say to her.


    Just as Zhang Yu Han was about to give up and head back to Y City, a familiar voice greeted him. He turned around and froze when he saw Li Qin Yao headed towards him.


    "It is you, Mr. Zhang," Li Qin Yao greeted. Her lips curved into a polite smile as she watched him with a puzzling gaze.


    Zhang Yu Han shifted the weight between his feet. He tensed when the girl he was waiting for caught him pacing around as if he was a stalker. The tense faded in a second and his pupil shrunk when he noticed the man behind Li Qin Yao.


    Li Qin Yao noticed his sight shifted and turned around. Her lips curved into a smile when she saw Chen Hao beside her. Chen Hao whispered something to Li Qin Yao, gave a light peck on her cheek, and turned around to leave.


    After her boyfriend left, Li Qin Yao turned to look at Zhang Yu Han''s surrounding and smiled. "What are you doing acting suspiciously here? Are you here to visit my cafe? Why didn''t you go in?"


    Zhang Yu Han inserted one hand into his pocket and spoke. "I was supposed to meet a friend. Just now, I was checking to see if he has arrived."


    Li Qin Yao thought about it for a while. "Your friend, Mr. Wei?" When he nodded, Li Qin Yao went to the door and swung it open. "If that''s the case, then you should wait for him outside and have a drink."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the door, then at the girl who was holding the door for him. After a few seconds of hesitation, he entered the cafe. Once Li Qin Yao ushered him to his seat, Zhang Yu Han took out his phone and sent a text to Wei Jun Hao, asking him to come over right away.


    Just as he put down his phone, Li Qin Yao appeared again with a menu on her hand. She slid the menu towards him and asked, "Do you want anything to drink?"


    "Just get me a cup of Americano," Zhang Yu Han said as he glanced at the drink section.


    "How about something to eat?" Li Qin Yao asked. Before the man could open his mouth and decline, she spoke again, "Your friend, Mr. Wei seemed to love our Chicken Sandwich."


    "Good," Zhang Yu Han answered absentmindedly. When he started to question himself why would he order Wei Jun Hao''s favorite food, the girl had disappeared behind the counter to keyed in his order. Zhang Yu Han could only sigh. He would glance at his phone once in a while.


    When Wei Jun Hao walked into the cafe, a waitress had just placed down a cup of coffee in front of Zhang Yu Han.


    "You''re early," Zhang Yu Han commented as he glanced at his watch.


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue. "Didn''t you say I should come over ASAP? You''re lucky that I have business around here, or else, I wouldn''t be able to come this soon." Wei Jun Hao lifted his head and smiled at the waitress. "Hi. Can I get a cup of Americano too? Thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as the waitress walked away.


    "Right," Wei Jun Hao leaned forward and spoke in a hushed voice. "Why do you need me here? Do I need to act as a wingman?"


    "What wingman? Would I even need your help if I was going to court someone? Do you think I''m that bad?" Zhang Yu Han looked at his friend with displeased.


    Wei Jun Hao laughed. "Of course. After all, you''re inexperienced."


    Zhang Yu Han rolled his eyes. "Don''t be ridiculous. I''m heading to the Capital City in two days. I called you over to discuss some work-related things." He noticed the way his friend was looking at him with skepticism. However, he disregarded the way Wei Jun Hao was looking at him and continued, "Mister Lu will visit the hotel to discuss some insurance policy next Monday. I hope that you can show up in my stead."


    Just as Zhang Yu Han finished, Li Qin Yao appeared by their side with an Americano for Wei Jun Hao and a Chicken sandwich. "Enjoy your meal," Li Qin Yao said before she walked away.


    Wei Jun Hao frowned as he watched the girl walked away. Then he turned to Zhang Yu Han and spoke, "Why do I feel that she''s giving you a strange look? Did you offend her when I was not around?"

 Chapter 20 - Familiar Voice

    Li Qin Yao stood on her toes and craned her neck as she looked for her boyfriend.


    Last night, Chen Hao had agreed to see her off at the airport before she departed to the Capital City. There were five more minutes before she will have to step in into the departure hall, but Chen Hao has not arrived.


    Li Qin Yao took out her phone and made another call. It was as she had thought, her phone call was not answered. Qin Yao glanced at the time and then towards the entrance as she weighed her decision whether she should wait a while longer or not.


    Just as she turned around, Li Qin Yao heard someone called her name. As she turned around, Li Qin Yao saw her boyfriend among the crowd. He waved as he ran towards her. Chen Hao stopped before her and bowed with both hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.


    "Chen Hao, are you alright?"


    Chen Hao lifted his head with a guilty expression. "I''m sorry. I almost could not make it."


    Looking at how her boyfriend was gasping for air made Li Qin Yao''s heart softened. "You could give me a call."


    "I was in a hurry. My mother asked me to accompany her to breakfast this morning, and something happened, and it took longer than I expected," Chen Hao said with a sigh. "And I can''t find my cellphone. I probably misplaced my phone somewhere."


    "What happened?" Li Qin Yao asked with concern. "Is your mother alright?"


    "It''s nothing," Chen Hao patted his girlfriend softly on her hair. "We coincidentally met a friend of my mom during breakfast. You know how it is when two girls haven''t met for a long time. They just won''t stop talking."


    Li Qin Yao felt a tug in her heart. Ever since her last conversation with her best friend, Han Yue Xiu, she began to notice that every time she made plans with her boyfriend, Chen Hao would either canceled or showed up late for their date. His mother would always show up with a different reason as if she wanted to stop them from meeting each other.


    It was as if his mother did not like her.


    Li Qin Yao felt her heart turned sour as the feeling that Chen Hao''s mother may not like her intensify. However, she immediately extinguished that feeling as she recalled how Chen Hao''s mother had been treating her whenever they met.


    She had only met Chen Hao''s mother twice, and during those two times, Chen Hao''s mother had treated her politely. Li Qin Yao immediately blamed her friend, Han Yue Xiu for her insecurities.


    An announcement snapped Li Qin Yao from her thought. She looked at her boyfriend with a reluctant expression.


    "You should go now," Chen Hao urged as he adjusted his glasses. "You don''t want to miss your flight. Didn''t you say your grandfather will arrange someone to pick you up at the airport? It''s not good to let the others wait for you."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She felt Chen Hao''s cold lips pressed against her forehead and spoke, "Chen Hao, next time, you should come with me to the capital. I''ll introduce you to my grandfather. After all, I have lived with my grandfather for years during my teenage years."


    "Good. Next time, I will come with you to the capital," Chen Hao said. "I wanted to know about the place where you grow up." He took Li Qin Yao''s hand in his and led her towards the gate where a stewardess was waiting.


    Li Qin Yao handed her boarding pass and walked in. After a few steps, she turned around to wave at her boyfriend. Only when Chen Hao waved back did she turned around and rushed towards the gate. Soon, she was on the flight, heading towards the first class. When she found her seat, Li Qin Yao put aside her belonging and sat down.


    Actually, Li Qin Yao was not planning to sit in the first class. However, once her grandfather heard that she would come back to attend his birthday celebration, he had instructed his personal assistant to send a ticket to her. After some thought, Li Qin Yao decided to accept her grandfather''s kindness.


    Li Qin Yao sat back as the flight began to depart. After a while, a cabin crew walked in with a trolley of refreshment. After deciding to have some juice, the steward walked ahead and stopped again to attend another passenger. At this time, Li Qin Yao swore that she heard a very familiar voice.


    But as the man spoke briefly, Li Qin Yao had no time to think much about that familiar voice.


    As the flight will take two hours before it landed, Li Qin Yao took out a book from her bag and started to read with full concentration.


    As she was getting into the good part of the book, Li Qin Yao began to notice that something was blocking the light. Feeling a little bit annoyed, Li Qin Yao lifted her head, and her gaze met with a familiar face. "It''s you?"

 Chapter 21 - I Am Not An Insurance Salesman

    Li Qin Yao lifted her head, and her gaze met with a familiar face. "It''s you?"


    It was then that she recalled the familiar voice she had heard earlier. It turned out that it was Zhang Yu Han! The man sat a few seats away in front of her.


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer. He lifted his gaze and shifted his body sideways. Soon, a cabin crew walked pass them.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao realized that the man had stood next to her to let the cabin crew pass.


    "You''re traveling to the Capital City as well?" Zhang Yu Han asked when he looked at her again.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. When she noticed that Zhang Yu Han stood by her side without any intention to move, Li Qin Yao spoke, "You''re going to the lavatory? You should go on first. We''ll talk later."


    It was then that Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his thought. He was heading to the lavatory when he saw her. For a few seconds, he was entranced and had forgotten where he was going. Zhang Yu Han nodded and lowered his head while he chided himself for his stupidity. Li Qin Yao might think of him as an idiot when she saw him standing there, staring at her.


    Zhang Yu Han returned from the lavatory and hesitated. He wanted to talk to Li Qin Yao. However, when he noticed that she was engrossed into the book in her hand, he decided not to disturb her.


    It was fate that he would share the same flight as her. Since this was not the first time that he had coincidentally met her, Zhang Yu Han was sure that their red thread of fate would allow them to meet again.


    The flight landed once after two hours. When Zhang Yu Han headed towards the exit, Li Qin Yao was no longer at her seat. Zhang Yu Han headed to the hall with his belonging and headed out to look for his assistant.


    Xiao Ye greeted Zhang Yu Han when he saw his boss. "Master Zhang, the car is here. Let''s go."


    Zhang Yu Han trailed after his assistant and paused when he saw a familiar figure. "Xiao Ye, you should go first. I will look for you later." He watched Xiao Ye disappeared among the crowd and headed to Li Qin Yao.


    "Miss Li. You''ve grabbed a ride yet?" Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao turned around and was surprised to find Zhang Yu Han behind her. Her heart pounded as she heard his deep, vibrating voice. "I-I am waiting for someone to pick me up."


    "Your boyfriend?" he guessed.


    "My grandfather," she said with a smile.


    Zhang Yu Han then recalled that Wei Jun Hao had told him that Li Qin Yao''s grandfather was the granddaughter of Li Ren Xin, the Chairman of QL Group Property in the capital city.


    "You''re here to visit your grandfather?"


    "Yes," Li Qin Yao nodded. "What about you? You''re here for business?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. His grandfather sent him to meet the people from NEXT Group to discuss a possible collaboration. At this moment, he was glad that he had listened to his grandfather to come over as he had met this girl again.


    "Well, I wish you success in your business dealing," Li Qin Yao said. "You''re in insurance, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han frowned when he heard the girl''s question. "You¡­ Why do you think that I''m in the insurance industry?"


    Li Qin Yao bit her tongue when she realized that Zhang Yu Han had never told her what he did. She only found out that he was selling insurance when she accidentally overheard his conversation during his blind date.


    "I," Li Qin Yao hesitated. Her face turned red as she decided to tell him the truth. "Sorry. I accidentally heard your conversation with your date in that sushi restaurant."


    Zhang Yu Han went silent. How could he forget that he had met her again because they accidentally switched their phone in a sushi restaurant in Y City? However, at that time, wasn''t he replacing Wei Jun Hao to his blind date? When Zhang Yu Han recalled the reason he went to the sushi restaurant, he rubbed his nose to dispel the uncomfortable feeling in his heart.


    "I am not an insurance salesman," Zhang Yu Han admitted. "I went to that sushi restaurant for Wei Jun Hao. I only told the girl that I was an insurance salesman when I didn''t want people to get close to me. I found out that whenever I said I am an insurance salesman, people would avoid talking to me."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the man in front of her with surprise.


    Who on earth would tell others that they''re selling insurance just to avoid others?


    When Zhang Yu Han saw her expression, he let out a small laugh. Hearing the sound of his deep laughter, Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze.


    "Sometimes, I would tell people that I work for a pyramid scheme company to avoid talking to people," Zhang Yu Han continued. "This technique works like a charm. People would avoid me like the plague whenever I told them these."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his confession. "That sounded like a good trick."


    "Are you saying that you would avoid me because I sell insurance for a living?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head vigorously. "No. No. I don''t have any prejudice against an insurance salesman. It''s just that, I have a few bad experiences with a persistent insurance salesman," she smiled. "So, I would probably avoid you when you try aggressive selling to me."


    "Don''t worry. I''m in the hospitality industry. I won''t try to sell insurance to you," Zhang Yu Han laughed. "I have a few bad experiences with an insurance salesman myself. I tend to avoid them too. And that was when I thought of this tactic. It''s pretty useful."

 Chapter 22 - You’re Such A Foodie

    When Li Qin Yao entered the mansion, her grandfather was waiting for her in the living room. He stood up and smiled when he saw his granddaughter.


    "Yao Yao, you''re back. Your mother did not come along with you?" Li Ren Xin said.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "Mother had a few work arrangements so she could not come with me. However," she took out a wrapped box from her bag and handed it to her grandfather. "Mother wanted you to have these. It''s your favorite walnut cookies."


    Li Ren Xin''s gaze softened as he laid his eyes on the box. "Your mother still remember that I liked them." He smiled and looked at his granddaughter again. "How''s your mother? Is she doing well?"


    "She''s doing alright," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Your mother was a good daughter-in-law," Li Ren Xin spoke with a sigh. "Back then, I wish your parents did not get a divorce. I don''t understand what matters they cannot solve without a good talk."


    Li Qin Yao smiled and could not answer. After all, her parents opt for divorce because her mother could not hold on living with the Li family. Although both her grandmother and grandparents treated her right, it doesn''t mean that everyone in the family will do the same. Her uncles and aunts mostly looked down on her mother because of her background.


    "Where is a grandmother?" Li Qin Yao asked in her attempt to change the subject.


    "She''s in the kitchen," Li Ren Xin said. "When she heard that you would be staying over, she insisted on cooking something for you."


    "Then, I will greet grandmother first," Li Qin Yao headed towards the kitchen and watched her grandmother, Mu Lingxi, instructed Auntie Han as she cooked some dishes. "Grandmother!" Li Qin Yao went to her grandmother and gave the old lady a back hug.


    "Qin Yao, you''re home!" her grandmother smiled when she saw her granddaughter. When she realized that they were still in the kitchen, Mu Lingxi hit her granddaughter softly on her arm. "Why are you in the kitchen?"


    "The food you cook lured me here," Li Qin Yao said. "Grandmother, what are you making? I can smell your steamed garlic prawn from the entrance."


    "Really?" Mu Lingxi sniffed around the kitchen and could not smell it. She had stayed too long in the kitchen and cooked various dishes. The scent of the dishes has mixed, and her nose could not detect anything. "How can you tell? I cannot smell anything."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Of course. After all, this dish happens to be my favorite, and my grandmother made the best steamed garlic prawn in the world."


    Mu Lingxi looked at her granddaughter with petting. "Your mouth is too sweet."


    "Grandmother, is there anything I can help you with?"


    "Qin Yao, you have just arrived. Why don''t you go to your room and rest? Your Auntie Han is here to help me with cooking," Mu Lingxi said. She turned to another helper and called her over. "Ah Xiu, you go and take Qin Yao to her room."


    Li Qin Yao watched helplessly as her grandmother pushed her out of the kitchen.


    "I''ll call you later when it''s time to eat," Mu Lingxi said. "You should go and freshen up first."


    Li Qin Yao followed Ah Xiu and entered a room. Once Ah Xiu left, Li Qin Yao put down her belonging and looked around.


    The room used to be her parents'' room when they were married and later, belong to her father before he passed away. As Li Qin Yao looked around, she noticed that there were not much difference in the room. Almost everything remained the same. Her grandmother had someone cleaned up the room regularly and had the sheet, and curtains changed periodically.


    She sat down on the bed and sent out a text to both her mother and Chen Hao. A few seconds later, her phone vibrated. Li Qin Yao felt her mouth twitched when she saw that her mother replied her with an okay sign emoji.


    Her phone rang just as she was about to place it down.


    It was Chen Hao.


    "You have arrived?" Chen Hao''s voice came from the other line.


    "Um," Li Qin Yao nodded. "I''ve just arrived at my grandparents'' place."


    "How''re your grandparents?"


    "They''re alright. My grandmother is cooking a feast. There are my favorite steamed garlic prawn and spicy chicken wings."


    Chen Hao laughed when he heard her. When they have dated each other for a month, he found out that his girlfriend was a food lover. And that was one of the reasons why she decided to open up a cafe. "You''re such a foodie," Chen Hao commented. "I guess you will be busy catching up with your grandparents tonight."


    "I guess so."


    "Yao Yao, I miss you."


    Li Qin Yao was stunned. Her face turned red, and she started rolling on the bed to hide her face. His simple words made her heart turned sweet.


    Chen Hao chuckled when his girlfriend did not answer. "Yao Yao, when you return to B City, let''s have a meal with my mother."

 Chapter 23 - Do You Resent Me?

    Once the call with Chen Hao ended, Li Qin Yao lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Her heart surged with sweetness after talking to her boyfriend. It was apparent that Chen Hao was good with his words. That has been one of the things she liked about him. After all, who wouldn''t want a boyfriend who can speak sweet words to them?


    Just as Li Qin Yao was about to shut her eyes, she heard a soft knock on the door. Li Qin Yao stood up and opened the door. Her grandfather, Li Ren Xin, stood outside. "Grandfather? What''s the matter?"


    Li Ren Xin smiled. "Are you busy? Can we talk for a moment?"


    Li Qin Yao immediately knew the reason her grandfather was looking for her. Her cousin, Li Mu Bai had hinted to her about their grandfather''s intention, and Li Qin Yao knew that her grandfather would find a chance to talk to her before his birthday banquet.


    "Sure," Li Qin Yao nodded and followed her grandfather into his office. She sat down on the sofa and waited for her grandfather to speak.


    "Yao Yao," Li Ren Xin cleared his throat once. "Grandfather actually owe you an apology."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze. She could guess the reason her grandfather wanted to apologize to her.


    "Your grandfather had failed to protect you. I," Li Ren Xin paused and sighed. "I did not trust you."


    As the older generation, it was hard for him to apologize to the younger generation. However, Li Ren Xin knew that he could not let these things passed. He was wrong, and therefore, he needed to apologize and said the words in his mind.


    Two years ago, during the scandal, Li Ren Xin had chosen to listen to others. In the end, his granddaughter decided to resign from the company. Back then, he did not even try to stop her or protect her.


    After Li Qin Yao''s father died, his granddaughter had stayed with him and his wife. Because of this, Li Qin Yao was quite close to them. After her granddaughter resigned, she chose to move away from the capital and stayed with her mother in B City. Li Ren Xin knew that his granddaughter must be feeling disappointed in him.


    A few months after Li Qin Yao moved away, Li Ren Xin received a letter from an anonymous with a report about the manager of their suppliers.


    Upon further probing, Chairman Li found out that the manager was involved in approving the purchasing of unauthorized materials. His granddaughter had nothing to do with the incident. But once Li Ren Xin tried to look for the manager, the man had long disappeared.


    Her granddaughter was framed, and he had not done anything about it.


    "Grandfather, there is no need for you to apologize. I understand that you must have your difficulties," Li Qin Yao said. "I was involved in such a huge scandal. It would be hard for you to resist the stockholders'' pressure. It was such a big scandal that even the media would focus on the LQ Group. If you did not make your decision, then I would be guilty of bringing the company down. Grandfather, you worked hard for this company. I understand that LQ Group is your heart and soul."


    Although Li Qin Yao was disappointed at the beginning, she understood that with no concrete proof, she had no way to refute others accusation. The witness who could testify she had nothing to do with the accident had suddenly disappeared. Without her witness, there was nothing else she could do.


    Her grandfather wanted to demote her, but Li Qin Yao knew that it would be too stupid if she continued to work with people who wanted to bring her down.


    It doesn''t matter if working with LQ Group Property would mean continuing her father''s legacy. Her life was more important. She thought that if she had persisted, she might lose her life. Besides, Li Qin Yao still has her mother. If something happened to her, who will look after her mother?


    Hearing his granddaughter''s words, Li Ren Xin could only feel sorry for what his granddaughter has gone through. "Yao Yao, do you resent me?"


    "Grandfather, I don''t resent you," Li Qin Yao gave her grandfather a smile. "I won''t lie. I was disappointed at the beginning. But as time passed, I thought that perhaps God wanted me to stay with my mother and perform my filial duty to her."


    Li Ren Xin let out another long sigh. He felt sorry for the mother and daughter. It seemed that they had suffered a lot in Li''s family. "Yao Yao," Li Ren Xin hesitated for a while. "What do you think about returning to LQ Group?"


    Even though Li Qin Yao had heard the rumor that her grandfather wanted her to return from her assistant, Li Qin Yao still found that her grandfather''s question came too sudden.


    "I-I don''t know."


    "After you resigned, your cousin, Li Mu Bai was elected as the president of LQ Group. Although grandfather thinks that Mu Bai was good as the president, I thought that LQ Group was at its best when the two of you were together."


    Li Qin Yao cast her eyes down as she heard his reason.


    "Grandfather, regarding this matter, I cannot make my decision now. Give me some times to think about it."

 Chapter 24 - Give That Person Another Chance

    The next day, Li Qin Yao went out to meet her former assistant, Bei Ruo Xi. The two made an appointment to meet at The Orchid, a five stars hotel located in the city center. When Li Qin Yao arrived, a staff immediately ushered her into the coffee house where her former assistant was waiting for her.


    Li Qin Yao stood next to the table and smiled. "Bei Ruo Xi, it has been a long time."


    The girl with short hair immediately stood up with her eyes wide as she saw Li Qin Yao. "Young Miss, you''re here."


    "Stop calling me Young Miss. You no longer work for me," Li Qin Yao said as she sat down.


    "Don''t say that. I''m glad to work for you, Young Miss," Bei Ruo Xi bit on her lips when Li Qin Yao gave her a look. "M-Miss Li?"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled and decided not to pay attention to this matter. A waiter came to their table to pour them a glass of water and handed them their menu. Li Qin Yao ordered some cakes and coffee before they watched the waiter left.


    "Are you well?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Bei Ruo Xi nodded. She smiled, and her canine teeth shown. "I''m good. But working under Manager Zhou Wei is really tough. I don''t think she liked me very much."


    "You used to work for me. It would be strange if she likes you," Li Qin Yao pointed out. "Everyone knew that my Aunt, Zhao Wei, does not like me. After all, she wanted to push his son, Li Mu Bai to the position as the next heir of LQ Group."


    The two paused their conversation as the waiter came back with their order of cakes and coffee.


    Li Qin Yao picked up a cake fork and sliced through the cheesecake. It was soft and fluffy. The cake entered her mouth and immediately melted. Li Qin Yao sighed as the sweet, and rich flavor spread into her mouth.


    The slight tangy taste of citrus gave the cheesecake a bit of a punch. The hazelnut crumble on the side gave a bit of texture, and the raspberry coulis complimented everything.


    It was not a wrong decision to visit The Orchid to taste their cheesecake. A lot of food reviewers on the internet had praised the dessert from the hotel. Although it was a bit pricey, it was worth it.


    Li Qin Yao raised her head when she thought that she had heard a familiar voice. However, when she looked around, Li Qin Yao did not see anyone else besides the hotel staff. Because the lunch hour ended not long ago, the coffee house was empty.


    When Li Qin Yao turned to Bei Ruo Xi, she saw her former assistant snapped a few pictures of the cake. For a second, Li Qin Yao regretted that she did not take a picture of the cake and brag about it to her circle of friends.


    The two savor their cake silently before Li Qin Yao spoke, "Bei Ruo Xi, be honest with me. Did you send anything to my grandfather? Why did he suddenly want me to return to LQ Group?"


    The girl lowered her gaze. "Yes. I did. I sent some anonymous letter to him a month after you resigned."


    Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh.


    "Miss Li, I did it for you," Bei Ruo Xi said. "It isn''t fair. You have nothing to do with that scandal two years ago, but why do you have resigned from the company? If only you stayed around, you could probe further into this matter and find more evidence to prove your innocence."


    "Do you think I quit because I don''t have enough evidence?" Li Qin Yao said.


    "Miss! So you do know who wanted to frame you?"


    "Yes." Li Qin Yao admitted. Although she never saw the manager from their supplier''s company again, an investigator hired by her had found another evidence that can prove her innocence.


    "I don''t understand. If you know who wanted to harm you and you have the evidence, why don''t you gave the evidence to the police or Chairman Li?"


    "I have my reason," Li Qin Yao stirred her coffee. "Besides, I wanted to give that person another chance."


    Bei Ruo Xi stared at her former boss. From her words, she could guess that the person who framed her Miss was no other than someone she knew and close to. But who? It couldn''t be, President Li Mu Bai?


    "You don''t have to do anything," Li Qin Yao said. "It''s enough that you keep your eyes on the company and report back to me once in a while."


    The two chatted briefly, and Bei Ruo Xi gave Li Qin Yao the latest update on the company. After almost two hours of talking, Li Qin Yao called the waiter to pay her bills.


    "Miss, your meals have been paid," the waiter said.


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao blinked. Then she turned to Bei Ruo Xi. "Did you paid for these cakes and coffee?"


    "I didn''t" Bei Ruo Xi shook her head.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the waiter. "Who paid for my bills?"


    The waiter smiled. "A handsome man. He said he''s a friend of yours. But he did not give his name. He paid an hour ago before he left."


    Li Qin Yao pondered over the matter. In the end, she decided to forget about it. They thanked the waiter before they head out.


    The waiter let out a sigh of relief when the customer did not press on the matter. Once the guests walked out of the hotel, the waiter walked towards another table where a young man sat down while browsing through a few documents.


    "Master Zhang, I did as you told."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded without looking up. "Good job. Thank you."


    Once the waiter disappeared, Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and smiled.


    Zhang Yu Han noticed her presence the first time Li Qin Yao entered the coffee house. Earlier, Zhang Yu Han wanted to go over and greeted her, but decided against it when he saw that Li Qin Yao came to meet a friend.


    In the end, he told the waiter to put her bills on his tab.


    He did not expect that he would meet her again in this big city. Out of other hotels in this city, the girl he liked chose to dine in his hotel. If this was not fate, then what is it?

 Chapter 25 - A Tempting Offer

    On her grandfather''s birthday, Li Qin Yao clad in a pastel blue empire waist dress. The soft material flow as she walked, and under the light, the skirt shimmered.


    Once Li Qin Yao arrived downstairs, a servant walked towards her and informed that her grandfather was waiting for her in his study room.


    Li Qin Yao could guess the reason her grandfather wanted to see her. She followed the old servant to Li Ren Xin''s office and knocked twice. Once her grandfather gave her permission to enter, Li Qin Yao walked in with a smile.


    "Grandfather, happy birthday," Lin Yao spoke a few auspicious words.


    "Thank you," Li Ren Xin smiled as he pointed towards the sofa.


    Li Qin Yao took a seat and waited for her grandfather to speak.


    Li Ren Xin was not hasty to speak his mind. He went to the side table to brew some tea. Once the tea was ready, Li Ren Xin poured two cups of tea for both of them. He invited Li Qin Yao to drink and waited.


    Initially, Li Ren Xin wanted to let his granddaughter be the first to speak. But it seemed that after leaving LQ Group for a few years, Li Qin Yao was a lot more composed than she used to be.


    "Yao Yao, how''s the tea?" Li Ren Xin thought that it was better for him to make small talk.


    "It''s good. As usual, grandfather''s tea brewing skills were still good."


    Li Ren Xin laughed happily as her granddaughter continued to praise him. After a while, the two continued to drink their tea in silence. In the end, Li Ren Xin could no longer wait for Li Qin Yao to bring up the topic first.


    "Yao Yao," Chairman Li called her name softly. "You¡­ Have you thought over my suggestion?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways, "Which suggestion?"


    Li Ren Xin felt the corner of his mouth started to twitch. It seemed that his granddaughter was determined not to be the one to raise the issue first. Chairman Li heaved a sigh and looked at his granddaughter. "Won''t you consider coming back to LQ Group?"


    There was another brief silence between them. Li Qin Yao put the teacup on the table and looked at her grandfather. "I have thought about it these past few days."


    "And? What do you say?" Li Ren Xin was eager to hear her answer.


    Her lips curved into a small smile. "I''m sorry, grandfather. I don''t think I can return to LQ Group. I have my life in B City. Besides, my mother lives in B City, and I hope to accompany her."


    Li Ren Xin let out a long sigh. Once Li Qin Yao walked in into his office and tried not to raise the subject, Chairman Li had expected that his granddaughter would reject his request to return to the group.


    "You won''t consider and change your mind?"


    "I thought about it for a long time, but my heart is set. I don''t want to return to the capital and leave my mother. After all, I am the only one she got." Li Qin Yao said.


    Li Ren Xin nodded weakly. However, a few seconds later, his lips slowly bloomed into a smile. "What if I tell you that LQ Group is aiming to develop a project in B City? Will you agree if I ask you to take charge of the plan?"


    Her eyes widened at the news. "LQ Group is planning to develop something in B City? How come I''ve never heard such a thing?"


    Chairman Li''s smile widened at her words. He knew that Li Qin Yao still cares about LQ Group. Or else, she would not pay attention to news regarding their company.


    "You know that I have a few friends in the ministry," Li Ren Xin said. "I heard that the government is planning to develop B City into a tourism city. In a few years, the price of land will rise. If we wanted to take a chance, then we should do it quickly."


    Li Qin Yao was quiet as she listened to her grandfather''s words. "If you''re planning to develop in B City, you can always ask cousin Li Ming Han to handle the project. I heard that he had handled a few successful projects these past few years."


    "Your cousin Ming Han is good, but he can be too impulsive," Li Ren Xin said. "Because the project in B City is still in a planning stage, I don''t think I can trust him with it. Mu Bai was too busy managing a few projects in the capital. Yao Yao, you''re the only one I can count on. If you don''t agree to take this project, then I''m afraid that LQ Group will have to let go. But if you decide to handle this project, then, grandfather will agree to any of your terms.


    Seeing her grandfather''s pleading eyes, Li Qin Yao started to hesitate.


    What a tempting offer!


    It would be a lie to say that she was not interested after hearing that LQ Group will venture into B City. Li Qin Yao has grown with LQ Group. She began working for the company even before she graduated.


    In the beginning, she started as her father''s assistant. Her father taught her everything she needed to know. He protected her and pushed her to the top until her father died from a heart attack.


    Thus, for Li Qin Yao, LQ Group held memories of her father.


    Besides, she had no other reason to reject her grandfather''s offer.


    The room was filled with silence as the two were busy minding their thought. Li Qin Yao was weighing her decision about whether she should accept her grandfather''s tempting offer while Li Ren Xin was hoping and praying that his granddaughter will accept his offer.


    "I will have to look into the project before I made any decision," Li Qin Yao finally relented.

 Chapter 26 - Learn To Let Go

    When Li Qin Yao exited her grandfather''s office, a maid was waiting outside. She walked back and forth, anxiously with her head down. When she heard the door creaked open, the maid looked up and looked at Li Qin Yao with relief.


    "Young Miss," the maid greeted politely. "Is the Old Master inside the room? The guests were waiting for him downstairs."


    "Grandfather should be out soon," Li Qin Yao said. "You should head downstairs and let others know that they should get ready." She watched the maid head downstairs and followed after her.


    When Li Qin Yao walked down the stairs, many of her grandfather''s guests have arrived and were socializing among themselves. Once they saw Li Qin Yao, they immediately greeted her politely.


    Every one of them had heard of Li Qin Yao''s scandal not long ago. Although no one talked about the scandal anymore, none of them had forgotten about it. However, since Li Qin Yao was Chairman Li''s granddaughter, and they were only guests, they had no other choice but to greet Li Qin Yao properly.


    Most of the guests had not seen her ever since Li Qin Yao left the capital after her scandal. Instead concerned over her well being, they were curious to know about her life after she resigned from LQ Group.


    Since she had appeared on the company''s celebration, then it was possible that Li Qin Yao might return to the company. If that were the case, then it would be wise if they treat her nicely, or else, they might be the ones who received the short end of the stick in the future.


    Li Qin Yao had a brief chat with the others before she excused herself. She grabbed a drink from the table and went to the side and sat down alone. She took out her phone and checked her email.


    Her grandfather had sent some file attachments regarding the new project in B City.


    She let out a chuckle before clicking on the file.


    Her grandfather knew her so well.


    He must have guessed that Li Qin Yao would be interested in the new project once he showed her the proposal. Once he had her attention, it would be difficult for her to reject his request to lead the project in B City.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao agreed to help her grandfather.


    By accepting her grandfather''s offer, it does not mean that Li Qin Yao wanted to return to the LQ Group back to her previous position. She was only interested in the project after she had seen the proposal.


    Moreover, she knew that if she rejected her grandfather''s offer, she would regret it. This might be her only chance to prove herself to the others.


    Just as she was engrossed in reading the information on her phone, Li Qin Yao heard footsteps heading to her direction. She immediately pushed the power button and looked up.


    A slight frown appeared on her face as she watched her aunt, Zhao Wei, and her daughter, Li Mu Chen.


    Li Qin Yao immediately stood up and greeted her aunt. Although she did not like her aunt, as the younger generation, she could only behave obediently. Li Qin Yao would never give any chance for others to talk badly about her parents. How she acted would only show how she was raised and taught by her parents.


    "Isn''t this is the person who was responsible for LQ Group to fall after her scandal?" Zhao Wei raised her brow and sneered.


    "Auntie," Li Qin Yao pretended that she did not hear the ridicule in her aunt''s tone. She turned to her cousin and smiled.


    "I didn''t think that you would be here as well," Zhao Wei said.


    "It is my grandfather''s birthday," Li Qin Yao pointed out. "Why wouldn''t I come? Although I have not joined the grandfather''s birthday celebration for the past two years, it doesn''t mean that I have forgotten his birthday."


    In the last two years, Li Qin Yao had never attended any company''s celebration. Even though she had returned to the capital a few times, she had never met with her grandfather. Usually, on his birthday, Li Qin Yao would meet up with her grandmother instead of delivering presents for her grandfather.


    Although her grandmother had tried to coax Li Qin Yao to return to Li''s mansion, Li Qin Yao would not budge. After all, her grandfather chose to trust others during her scandal. It took her a while before she can learn to let go.


    "Cousin sister, my mother, was only curious since you did not attend the celebration for the past two years," Li Mu Chen said. She bit on her lips and tugged on her mother''s sleeves.


    The smile on Li Qin Yao''s lips widened as she heard her cousin''s words. She had no intention to reply. Living with the Li family for so long, Li Qin Yao had long understood that her simple words could turn into something else. If that were the case, then it would be best if she remained quiet and avoid those people.


    However, how was she supposed to avoid the mother and daughter without gaining any unwanted attention to herself? How should she find an excuse to walk away?

 Chapter 27 - Momentarily Blinded

    Seeing the way Li Qin Yao''s gaze wondered around, Zhao Wei immediately understood what she was trying to escape. Zhao Wei looked around to see if anyone was watching them. Once she was sure that no one would come to the corner, Zhao Wei stepped up to block Li Qin Yao.


    Li Qin Yao frowned at her aunt''s action.


    Li Mu Chen naturally saw her mother''s intention. She pulled her cousin on her arms and smiled sweetly. "What''s the rush. We haven''t had the chance to talk after you left the company. Why don''t we sat down and talked a little bit before your grandfather''s birthday banquet begins?"


    The frown on Li Qin Yao''s face deepened. She could not help but feel annoyed by her Second Uncle''s family members. Every one of them would not stop pestering her when she only wanted to be left alone.


    "Your cousin''s right," Zhao Wei added. "It has been years since the two of you hang out together. Back then, the two of you were pretty close, right?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her face started to twitched.


    She wondered what the mother and daughter were up to? Seeing their fake smile, Li Qin Yao could guess that it will not be anything good. "Second Auntie, you''re right. Mu Chen and I have not hung out together for years."


    Li Mu Chen''s eyes brightened at the thought that her cousin had taken her bait.


    Li Qin Yao turned to her cousin and winced as she looked at the glittery dress her cousin was wearing. Then, she continued, "The last time Li Mu Chen and I hangout were at her fifteenth birthday party."


    How can she not remember how well Li Mu Chen had treated her at the party?


    Li Mu Chen was only two months older than her. Because of that, everyone thought they would get along well. Her father told her to stay close to Li Mu Chen before he went away to find Li Ren Xin to discuss work.


    At that time, her parents divorced was finalized. When the adults were not present, Li Mu Chen tried to humiliate her in front of her friends. In the end, Li Qin Yao only hid in her room, called her mom, and cried. She remembered how angry she was that her parents chose to separate.


    A few days later, Xu Yilan showed up and took her to B City. That year, she stayed with her mother for a few months and celebrated her birthday with her mother and a few close friends.


    The smile on both mother and daughter quickly disappeared. Just a while ago, Zhao Wei had mentioned how the cousins were close; however, the last time they hang out together was ten years ago. If others heard Zhao Wei''s words, won''t they start to think about how she was pretentious?


    Li Qin Yao peeled her cousin''s hands away from her. "Cousin, I know you love role-playing ever since you were a little girl, but I''m too lazy to play with you today. How about the two of you just tell me why were you looking for me?"


    "Did your grandfather offer you to come back to LQ?" Zhao Wei could no longer hide her curiosity.


    The corner of her lips turned up as she watched her aunt, Zhao Wei, had started to get impatient. However, she understood what her Second Auntie was worried about. If she returned to LQ Group, there might be a chance that the truth about what happened two years ago might come out. If that happened, the person who would be in trouble would be...


    "Whether grandfather offered me to come back to LQ or not, what does it have to do with you?" Li Qin Yao smiled.


    "Li Qin Yao, I''m warning you. If you come back to LQ headquarters, the shareholders will not agree to it," Zhao Wei said. "You should not put your grandfather in a tight spot, trying to convince others to have you return."


    "You worry too much. Of course, I am not going back to LQ headquarters," Li Qin Yao answered. After all, she was going to help her grandfather with a new branch in B City.


    Zhao Wei looked at her niece, dubiously. "Are you telling me the truth."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Of course," she moved her gaze and pretended to look at something behind the mother and daughter. Li Qin Yao smiled widely and continued, "Right, Grandfather?"


    The mother and daughter stiffened. They straightened their posture before they turned around with a polite smile on their faces. But the smile on their face swiftly disappeared once they found out that there was no one behind them.


    Li Qin Yao chuckled when she saw the annoyed expression on both mother and daughter. She took a few steps backward as she finally escaped from the two.


    "Li Qin Yao! You lied to me?"


    "Aiya, Second Auntie, I did not lie to you. I was staring too much at my cousin''s glittery dress that I was momentarily blinded. I thought I saw grandfather, but I had seen wrongly." Li Qin Yao smiled. "I better get back inside before the event begin." She nodded to her aunt and turned around to make her escape.


    Zhao Wei could only point her finger in anger as she watched the girl walked away.

 Chapter 28 - Are You Curious?

    Li Qin Yao managed to steer away from the mother and daughter until the banquet started.


    The chairman of QL Group, Li Ren Xin, made his appearance alongside her wife, Mu Lingxi. Soon, someone pushed out a trolley with a big birthday cake to the center. The guests started to sing a birthday song, and Li Ren Xin blew on the candles while complaining that he was too old for such a lively celebration.


    Li Ren Xin went to the center to thank the guests for coming to his birthday banquet. Then, he spoke a little bit about the company, those standard speeches they might have heard a thousand times.


    The birthday banquet continued as Li Ren Xin invited his guests to eat and drink while mingling with others. A few of QL Group''s business partners walked towards him for a toast


    Li Qin Yao greeted her relatives politely before she retreated outside, thinking that she should get a bit of fresh air alone. She had shown her face before her elders, and that should be enough.


    Just as Li Qin Yao was about to enjoy her time alone and away from the crowd, she heard footsteps heading towards her. Li Qin Yao clenched her fist, thinking that if anyone were trying to harm her, then she would not be polite to this newcomer.


    She turned around swiftly, and her expression changed in a blink of an eye. It was her cousin, Li Mu Bai. He sauntered towards her casually with both hands in his pocket.


    "Oh, it''s you." Li Qin Yao said.


    "What with that face?" Li Mu Bai narrowed his eyes.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. Not too long ago, she had to deal with Li Mu Bai''s mother and sister. And now that Li Mu Bai came to look for her, of course, she was not happy.


    "Why are you here?" Li Qin Yao asked with hostility.


    "I saw you were heading out here and decided to come with you to have a chat," Li Mu Bai said.


    "Doesn''t it occur to you that the reason I escaped the party alone to avoid people?" Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes.


    Li Mu Bai stared at his cousin''s for a long time. By now, he was used to the way Li Qin Yao would treat him.


    "Say it. What do you want?" Li Qin Yao asked with a lazy tone.


    "You didn''t agree to grandfather''s proposal to let you return to QL Group headquarters," Li Mu Bai said after a few seconds of silence.


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao felt her heart skipped a beat. She had discussed with her grandfather and agreed to take over the project in B City with a few terms. One of them was that her grandfather would not say anything about her involvement in the project to the shareholders.


    Since the project was still in the planning stage, Li Ren Xin had agreed to the terms. Her grandfather was not someone who would break his promise.


    Moreover, Li Mu Bai only mentioned coming back to the headquarters. With that thought, Li Qin Yao convinced herself that her cousin knew nothing about the project in B City.


    "Didn''t I tell you that I have no intention to come back to the headquarters?" Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways and smiled. "My life in B City is pretty good. Why would I want to change that?"


    Li Mu Bai was silenced for a while. "I thought you might want to return and clear up your name from the incident two years ago."


    "Tried that, but it didn''t work out."


    Li Mu Bai felt a surge of anger when Li Qin Yao answered to his question casually as if clearing her name and innocence was not a big thing. "I didn''t know that you''re someone who can give up easily," he snorted. "Li Qin Yao, you have changed too much."


    Li Qin Yao was surprised that the man in front of her would get angry. She studied his face and asked, "Li Mu Bai, do you believe that I was innocent? That I had nothing to do with that incident two years ago?"


    "I asked some people to look into the matter."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "But you couldn''t find anything to prove my innocence, right? Because if you did, we wouldn''t be here talking about it."


    Li Mu Bai was not the only person who investigated the matter. Grandfather had mentioned that he had looked into the matter. Since someone as her grandfather could not find the truth, then Li Mu Bai might have failed too.


    "It seemed like you know who was the one who set you up." Li Mu Bai said after he had dissipated his anger and cleared his mind.


    Li Qin Yao replied to him with a mysterious smile.


    "Who was it?"


    "Are you curious?" Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle and straightened up her pose. "Li Mu Bai, I advise you to stop looking into this matter to prove my innocence. Some things will be better if you didn''t know about it, or else, the truth will only hurt you."

 Chapter 29 - Why Do You Suddenly Need A Manager?

    Li Qin Yao returned to B City after spending time with her paternal grandparents.


    That morning, Li Qin Yao spent time with her mother and took her out for breakfast. Then, she went to her cafe after the lunch hour. When she walked through the door, her employee immediately greeted her with smiles on their faces. Once Li Qin Yao put her bags in the office, Yin Mei Xuan greeted her with enthusiasm.


    "Boss, you''re back!" Mei Xuan wrapped her arms around Li Qin Yao, acting dramatically. "I miss you so much."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her friend''s act. "Quit it. Or else, I''m not going to give you the souvenirs I brought from Capital City."


    The woman''s eyes sparkled at the mention of souvenirs. "You brought souvenirs? Boss! I know that you loved me the best!"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled. "I brought something for everyone. Later, you help me to distribute them. Right. Mei Xuan, how was the cafe during my absence? Everything''s good?"


    "Of course," Mei Xuan smiled. "Don''t forget that before I married my husband and have my son, I was a manager at a department store for a few years. I can manage a few days looking after this place. Rest assure. The report is on your table."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She went into her office to check on Mei Xuan''s report. After spending almost an hour in her cramped office, Li Qin Yao peeked outside. Once she was sure that there were not many customers, Li Qin Yao called Mei Xuan into her office.


    "What''s wrong?" Mei Xuan asked as soon as she saw the report on Li Qin Yao''s table. "Did I make any mistake? It seemed that my skills have deteriorated after leaving the workforce for years."


    "I didn''t say that there was anything wrong with your report," Li Qin Yao said with a hint of laughter in her voice.


    "Then, why did you call me in?" Yin Mei Xuan shifted anxiously on her seat.


    "Well, I need your opinion on something," Li Qin Yao laughed to ease the atmosphere. Immediately, Mei Xuan''s expression relaxed. Li Qin Yao stared at the documents on her table as she thought of how should she begin.


    "You can say what you what''s on your mind," Yin Mei Xuan encouraged. "Whatever it is, I''m ready."


    "It''s like this," Li Qin Yao began. "Mei Xuan, I know that you agreed to work for my cafe because you had too much time. But I was wondering if you would like to take the position as the manager of this cafe?"


    Yin Mei Xuan stared at her friend with shock. "Why do you suddenly need a manager?"


    "I agreed to help my grandfather with something," Li Qin Yao said. "I would probably be busy for a few months. I was afraid that I might not have time to look after the cafe. Therefore, I need someone to manage this place. Then, I can relax a little bit."


    "I don''t mind helping you to look after this cafe," Yin Mei Xuan said after a few seconds of silence. "But I don''t think I would be a proper person as a manager. You know that I always leave early to fetch my son."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. She had guessed that her friend would decline the promotion. Although Yin Mei Xuan would act playfully when she saw a good looking man, she valued her family very much. Usually, she would come and work at the cafe during her son''s school hour and went back home after she picked up her son. She only agreed to work for Lilium Cafe because she was too bored, and at that time, Li Qin Yao needed someone.


    Yin Mei Xuan looked at her friend and said, "What about Qing Kong?"


    The young barista''s face immediately appeared on Li Qin Yao''s mind. "Qing Kong?"


    Mei Xuan nodded. "Although the girl usually spent her time behind the counter, making coffee and drinks, I think with a little bit of training, she can be a good leader."


    "Then, I''ll observe her for a while and see how it goes," Li Qin Yao said. The two friends chatted briefly before Mei Xuan clocked out to pick up her son from his kindergarten.


    As the cafe was not busy, Li Qin Yao checked her email and read the documents that her grandfather had sent her a few days ago. Then, she jotted down a few vital information and planned the first draft to begin working on the tender.


    Looking at the information that her grandfather gave her, Li Qin Yao noted that the project in B City was bigger than what she had expected. Li Qin Yao wondered if she should contact a few of her trusted friends to help her with the project.


    Without realizing, Li Qin Yao has spent almost three hours in her office. The sky has nearly turned dark. Li Qin Yao was stretching her body when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and smiled.


    It was her boyfriend, Chen Hao.

 Chapter 30 - I Am Too Young

    It was a sunny weekend. The sky was clear, and the weather outside was neither too hot.


    Li Qin Yao stood in front of the mirror to check on the mint green dress she on her hand. She moved around in front of the mirror and looked at her laptop, which was not far away. "Yue Xiu, what do you think? Is this dress good enough for me to wear for dinner?"


    On the screen, her best friend, Han Yue Xiu, was seen munching some potato chips. Since it was the weekend, Han Yue Xiu was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. Her long hair was unkempt. The girl switched her gaze from the TV towards her laptop screen to see the dress Li Qin Yao was wearing.


    After looking at her friend turned the dress back and forth. Han, Han Yue Xiu gave her feedback. "Not bad. That dress looks sweet on you."


    Li Qin Yao glanced towards her bed, where a few other clothes were scattered. Her eyes stopped at the cute blue blouse with a flowery pattern which she was planning to match with white pants. Li Qin Yao gaze stayed at the clothes for a few seconds longer as she hesitated.


    "Why are you still hesitating," Han Yue Xiu asked. "That dress is cute and appropriate. You''re too worried. It''s not like you have never met Chen Hao''s parents before."


    "I know," Li Qin Yao said with a sigh. "But I wanted to give his parents a good impression on me, especially to her mother. I don''t know. I don''t think she likes me very much. And it''s your fault."


    "Me?" Han Yue Xiu pointed a finger to her chest. "How is it my fault? What did I do?"


    "The last time you mentioned that Chen Hao had canceled his date with me because of his mother. Since then, I had a thought that perhaps, his mother did not like me very much," Li Qin Yao said.


    Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. She clipped a piece of potato chips with a chopstick and shoved it into her mouth. "So, what if his mother didn''t like you much? Are you dating Chen Hao or his mother?"


    "A relationship isn''t just a matter of two-person, Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao said. "Just because two people are so in love with each other, it doesn''t mean that the relationship will last. For example, if your mother-in-law did not like you, do you think a couple would have a happy marriage?"


    Han Yue Xiu thought about her friend''s words for a while as she continued to eat her chips. "You''re thinking of marrying Chen Hao?"


    "I don''t date without marriage as the prospect. That would be wasting my time."


    "Hmm," she picked up another chip.


    Hearing that sound, Li Qin Yao turned to the laptop. "What is it? What does that ''hmm'' mean?"


    "Nothing," Han Yue Xiu waved a hand. "It''s just that... We never talk about this matter before."


    Li Qin Yao paused in the middle of changing. "You''re right. We never really talk about this. To tell you the truth, I never thought much about marriage until I dated Chen Hao. In the past few years, I was too busy with QL Group to think about these things."


    Han Yue Xiu chuckled. "Yao Yao¡­ You have been dating Chen Hao for a while and was now thinking about marriage. When are you going to introduce him to me properly? How about letting him treating me for a meal?"


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes. "The last time Chen Hao was going to treat you for a meal, you back up, remember?"


    "Ah, that," Han Yue Xiu sighed. "Not my fault. It was my demon boss. Every time I made a plan after work, he always seems to disrupt my plan by giving me more tasks just before I clock out. He just cannot see me happy. Maybe I owe him a debt in my past life."


    Li Qin Yao moved away from the camera as she changed her outfit. "Are you sure that your boss was not trying to pick you up?"


    This time, it was Han Yue Xiu''s turn to roll up her eyes. "Don''t joke with me. He already had a girlfriend. I heard they were going to get married soon." she sighed as she adjusted her position on the sofa. "Marriage, huh? I feel like I am too young to think about it. It feels like it was just yesterday that I graduated from high school."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "High school? Miss Han, you graduated from high school almost seven, eight years ago."


    Han Yue Xiu sighed again. "Next thing I know, my friends from school and college started sending me their wedding invitation. And then, you''ll start seeing your friends posting pictures of their babies online."


    "You''re just too focused on your career."


    "There''s nothing wrong with focusing on your career."


    "I didn''t say that there''s anything wrong with it," Li Qin Yao said. "But once in a while, it wouldn''t hurt you if you try to shift your focus to something else. You might find something more worthwhile."


    Han Yue Xiu''s gaze softened. She has been friends with Li Qin Yao for years, and naturally, she knew what her best friend had gone through in the past few years.


    When Li Qin Yao resigned from QL Group and chose to stay with her mother in B City, Han Yue Xiu was worried. However, after a few months, Yue Xiu could sense that Li Qin Yao was happier and relaxing.


    Truthfully, Han Yue Xiu admired her friend very much. Although her parents were divorced, Li Qin Yao remained someone who doesn''t give up in love and relationship. In fact, when Li Qin Yao fell for someone, she would give her all into her relationship.


    "Yue Xiu?"


    Han Yue Xiu snapped out of her thought and raised a brow as her friend walked closer to the screen. "What?"


    "You sure this dress is good enough?" Li Qin Yao pulled the zipper on her back and asked. Then, she twirled around to show off the dress on her body.


    Han Yue Xiu replied to her with a thumbs up.

 Chapter 31 - The Couple Had A Good Relationship

    Chen Hao was supposed to pick up Li Qin Yao before they headed to the restaurant. However, at the last minute, Chen Hao''s mother sent him to an errand.


    Because Li Qin Yao did not want to make things difficult for her boyfriend, she told her boyfriend that she would be meeting him at the restaurant.


    The meeting point where Li Qin Yao and Chen Hao agreed on was ten minutes'' walk away from the train station. Looking at her wristwatch and noticed that there was still time before the meeting, Lin Qin Yao decided to visit a store and bought a few health supplements for Chen Hao''s parents.


    Once the gifts were bought and wrapped up nicely, Li Qin Yao headed to the restaurant.


    On her way to the meeting point, as Li Qin Yao walked pass a cafe, she heard a familiar voice calling up her name. By now, the deep, rich voice had now become accustomed to her. When Li Qin Yao turned around, she was not surprised to see that it was Zhang Yu Han.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han was stupefied when the girl in front of him turned around. He thought that the green mint dress complimented her white skin, and making her look a few years younger.


    The moment Li Qin Yao turned around with that tinge smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han felt his heart swelled. The feeling was as if he had fallen for the girl in front of him all over again.


    Zhang Yu Han cleared his throat and smiled. "Miss Li? It was nice to see you again."


    Li Qin Yao touched her ears. The way Zhang Yu Han called out her name always make her ears ticklish. "Mister Zhang," she greeted him politely. She looked around and noticed that he was alone. "Are you here to eat?"


    As the street was lined up with famous restaurants and cafes of various cuisine and delicacies, Li Qin Yao guessed that Zhang Yu Han must come to eat with someone.


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "I heard that there is a lot of good restaurants here."


    Earlier, Zhang Yu Han was surprised when he saw her familiar silhouette walking on the street. As his grandfather had not arrived yet, Zhang Yu Han decided to say hello.


    The last time he saw Li Qin Yao was a week ago at one of their group''s hotel in Capital City. At that time, Li Qin Yao was meeting a friend, and Zhang Yu Han could only watch her from a distance as he did not want to disturb her.


    Li Qin Yao noticed that Zhang Yu Han was holding a few files in his hands and decided to tease him. "You''re not here to meet a client and try to sell insurance, are you?"


    Zhang Yu Han was stunned at her question. Then, he burst into a laugh. "No. I''m here to accompany my grandfather for lunch."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao averted her gaze. The first time she came face to face with Zhang Yu Han, Li Qin Yao thought that he was cold and indifferent with the vibe he gave. However, recently, she started to notice that Zhang Yu Han had a really nice smile.


    "Are you here alone?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "No. I''m on my way to meet someone."


    "Your boyfriend?"


    The smile on Li Qin Yao''s lips widened.


    Seeing the way her smile bloomed, Zhang Yu Han was stunned. He knew from her smile that this time, he had guessed it right. A hint of disappointment flashed through his eyes, but Zhang Yu Han quickly recovered and pretended that nothing was wrong.


    "Then, I wish you had a pleasant date."


    "Thank you, Mister Zhang. If you come to B City again, you must come over to my cafe."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. As he watched Li Qin Yao walked away, he felt a tug in his heart. He had seen the girl''s boyfriend a few times and knew that the couple had a good relationship. At this time, Zhang Yu Han regretted that he did not show up earlier in her life. Or else, perhaps he would be the one who stayed in her heart.


    With a sigh, Zhang Yu Han turned around and headed to his destination. He entered the restaurant and chose a seat by the window to make it easier for his grandfather to look for him. While he waited, Zhang Yu Han went through the papers he brought along.


    After five minutes, he found that he could not concentrate on his work as his mind would replay the smile on the girl''s face when he mentioned his boyfriend.


    At this time, his grandfather, Zhang Jing, showed up with his assistance.


    Once Zhang Jing saw his grandson, he waved away his assistant and sat at an empty seat before Zhang Yu Han. "Have you waited long?"


    Zhang Yu Han shook his head. "I haven''t been here for too long."He raised a hand and gestured for the waiter to come over.


    Zhang Jing glanced at the menu and frowned. "Of all the restaurants and cafes along the street, why do you invite me to a vegetarian restaurant?"


    "Didn''t the doctor reminds you to eat less meat and have more vegetable?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow, and his mouth curled into a crooked smile. He gazed at the menu and made his decision. "Normally, I don''t mind accompanying you to another place, but grandfather, let''s not forget that you have a check-up next morning."


    Zhang Jing cleared his throat twice. He knew that the doctor would not hesitate to scold him if his check-up result was not satisfying.


    The waiter came to pour some drink, took their order, and went back to the counter to key in the order.


    Once the waiter left, Zhang Jing eyed the documents on his grandson''s side. He didn''t have to ask to know that those documents contained his grandson''s plan for their future project. Zhang Jing took a few sips from his drink and asked, "When will Yu Ying return?"


    "In two months." Zhang Yu Han said. "Once she settles a few things in T Country, Yu Ying will return. I already mentioned to her my plan, and she had no problem to take over the management for the new hotel."

 Chapter 32 - Foreboding

    Li Qin Yao was the first to arrive at the restaurant. Upon hearing that Chen Hao and his parents had not come, Li Qin Yao went to the reserved private room and waited for them. She then sent a message to Chen Hao to tell him that she was waiting for him.


    A few seconds later, her phone rang. Li Qin Yao swiped her finger on the screen and smiled. "Hello, ma."


    "You have arrived at the restaurant? Did Chen Hao and his parents arrived yet?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded, although her mother could not see it. "Un. I''ve arrived. But Chen Hao and his parents might be delayed for a while. What''s wrong?"


    Xu Yilan sighed with relief, knowing that she was not interrupting her daughter''s meeting with Chen Hao''s parents. "I got the news that your Auntie Ning fell down the stairs and broke her leg. My friends and I are planning to visit her and stay there for a few days. Is it alright for you to stay home alone?"


    Auntie Ning was one of her mother''s best friend since high school. Li Qin Yao had seen her before, and their family was pretty close.


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her mother''s question. "Ma, you don''t have to worry. How old am I? Of course, it''s alright for me to stay home alone."


    The mother and daughter exchanged a few words before they hung up. Li Qin Yao glanced at the time and frowned when her boyfriend and his parents had not arrived.


    Just as Li Qin Yao was about to call her boyfriend''s number, the door swung open, and a waiter ushered the guests into the room. Li Qin Yao stood up immediately and smiled when her gaze met with her boyfriend.


    Chen Hao entered first, followed by his parents. Although she had met Chen Hao''s mother before, this was the first time Li Qin Yao was meeting his father.


    Smiling to her, Chen Hao pulled Li Qin Yao to his side. After a brief introduction, Li Qin Yao went forward and greeted Chen Hao''s parents politely. As the waiter ushered everyone else in, Li Qin Yao noticed that another girl was standing beside Chen Hao''s mother.


    Li Qin Yao studied the girl in front of her with a smile on her face. As far as she knew, Chen Hao had one younger sister, and she had previously met his sister. Looking at the way the girl acted intimately with Chen Hao''s mother, Li Qin Yao wondered what their relationship was. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao had a foreboding.


    "Sorry," Chen Hao said. He had noticed the discomfort on his girlfriend''s face and knew that he owed her an explanation. "Yao Yao, this is Tang Ai Ling. Her mother is my mom''s best friend. Coincidentally, we met her at the entrance, and my mom invited her to join us for dinner."


    "Yes," Mother Chen smiled at Li Qin Yao. "I thought that it would be too lonely for Ai Ling to eat alone. That''s why I invited her along with us." she paused as if hesitating, "You don''t mind, right?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I don''t mind." Then, she turned to the girl and smiled. "Miss Tang, hello."


    Tang Ai Ling greeted her politely before the five of them went to the table. Once they placed an order, the waiter left the room, and they started chatting.


    Because Li Qin Yao had just returned from the Capital City, Chen Hao asked a few things about her trip there. Once in awhile, Mother Chen would ask something about her family, while Father Chen choose to eat silently and only replied when someone asked him a question.


    While waiting for dessert to be served, Father Chen excused himself to go to the toilet. A few minutes later, Tang Ai Ling whispered something to Mother Chen before she stood up and left the room.


    "Chen Hao," Mother Chen called and smiled. "Ai Ling said she needs to visit the convenience store across the road to get something. I''m worried. It''s dangerous for a girl to walk out there alone at this time. Could you go and accompany her?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her wristwatch and felt the corner of her mouth twitched. It was not so late that Miss Tang would need someone to accompany her to visit a shop across the street. It was the weekend. The light was lightened up, and there are plenty of people on the road.


    Chen Hao frowned. Clearly, he did not like his mother''s suggestion. "Mom¡­"


    "I know," Mother Chen interjected before her son could decline. "But I''m just worried." she glanced at Li Qin Yao and said, "Are you afraid that I''m going to bully your girlfriend?"


    Feeling the mother and son''s eyes at her, Li Qin Yao knew that the two of them were waiting for her to say something. Li Qin Yao turned to Chen Hao and smiled. "Just go," Li Qin Yao said as she nudged Chen Hao on his arms. "I''ll be fine. Your mother is here, and I can accompany her for a while."


    Chen Hao stared at her for a few seconds longer before he gave her a thankful smile. "Then, I''ll be away for a few minutes." Chen Hao stood and left the room.


    Soon, only Li Qin Yao and Chen Hao''s mother left in the room. Suddenly, the room turned quieter.


    Although Li Qin Yao had given Chen Hao the green light to go and accompany Miss Tang, there was a part of her that wished her boyfriend would choose to stay. But as she looked at Chen Hao''s mother, Li Qin Yao could sense that the older woman had something that she would like to speak with her in private. That was the reason why Li Qin Yao had agreed for Chen Hao to leave.


    Li Qin Yao took a sip from her cup as she peeked at Mother Chen''s expression. After a few seconds of hesitating, Li Qin Yao put down the cup and looked at Mother Chen.


    "Auntie Chen," Li Qin Yao started. "Why do I have the feeling that you did not like me very much?"

 Chapter 33 - You Are Not Suitable

    Mother Chen was startled as she heard the question. She looked up and watched Li Qin Yao for a few seconds longer before a smile curved on her lips.


    "Miss Li, Since you can understand my thought, then, there is no need for me to be polite," Mother Chen said. "What can I do to make you stop dating Chen Hao?"


    Li Qin Yao felt a tug in her heart. When she raised the question, she was hoping that she was overthinking things, and Mother Chen would deny. Although she was prepared to be disappointed by Mother Chen''s answer, Li Qin Yao still felt hurt by her response.


    Clenching her hand into a fist under the table, Li Qin Yao gathered her courage and said, "May I know why?" She took a deep breath and continued, "To be honest, this is not the first time that I noticed how you tried to stop me from seeing Chen Hao."


    "Since you can see that I did not want you to date my son, why do you keep seeing him?"


    Li Qin Yao frowned. "Auntie Chen, did I do something to upset you?"


    "It''s nothing like that," Mother Chen said. She reached for her teacup and took a sip leisurely.


    For a brief second, Li Qin Yao was relief upon knowing that she did not do something that made Chen Hao''s mother upset. However, that feeling disappeared immediately when Mother Chen spoke again.


    "But for a long time, I have seen Ai Ling as my daughter-in-law for a long time," Mother Chen said."


    Li Qin Yao felt her heart sank.


    How can she not notice the way Mother Chen called Miss Tang''s name affectionately? So, the reason why Mother Chen did not like her was that she had a girl she liked as her daughter-in-law.


    "Ai Ling is from a reputable family in B City. What about you?" Mother Chen said. "Chen Hao and Ai Ling have known each other for a long time. Her mother and I have agreed to have them both married once Ai Ling finished her studies. And Ai Ling had agreed to it."


    Li Qin Yao stared at Mother Chen with surprised. She had never heard Chen Hao mentioned anything about Miss Tang. But, judging from the way Mother Chen spoke, Li Qin Yao could guess that Chen Hao had long known about his mother''s intention to let him marry Miss Tang.


    If that was the case, then why haven''t Chen Hao said anything to her?


    Mother Chen looked at Li Qin Yao and sneered. "But then, you showed up around my son. Are you thinking to marry my son?"


    "Of course. Or else, I would not waste time to date him."


    Mother Chen snorted. "I won''t agree to it."


    "Have you asked Chen Hao whether he would agree to your plan?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    After they dated for more than six months, the two of them had briefly talked about future plans and marriage. Although Chen Hao had not proposed to her yet, Li Qin Yao knew his intention, and they have met each other''s parents.


    The first time Li Qin Yao took Chen Hao to see her mother, Xu Yilan, was satisfied with him. Xu Yilan did not have many requirements for her future son-in-law. It was enough if he treated her daughter well.


    From Xu Yilan''s meeting with Chen Hao, she could see that Chen Hao was treating her daughter well. Thus, she had no objection to their relationship.


    Mother Chen looked at Li Qin Yao with a snorted. "You have been with my son for a while. You know how he is. Even if he did not agree with my plan, no matter what I said, he would listen to me."


    Li Qin Yao had dated her boyfriend for a few years, so she knew that Mother Chen was right. Chen Hao was a filial son to his mother. Or perhaps too filial. Li Qin Yao knew that Chen Hao was someone who would never object to any of his mother''s request.


    They would often make a last-minute change of plan because Mother Chen would suddenly look for her son and assigned him to some task. Some of these tasks were menial, but Chen Hao''s mother would insist on her son to come back immediately.


    If Han Yue Xiu did not mention that Chen Hao might be a mummy''s boy, Li Qin Yao would never notice how Chen Hao behaved around his mother.


    Li Qin Yao did not want to be rude to Chen Hao''s mother, but the way Chen Hao''s mother treated her was making her frustrated. In the end, she could not help but help to say what''s on her mind. "Auntie Chen, I know that Chen Hao will listen to what you say, but you cannot control his life or who he will marry."


    Instantly, Mother Chen''s expression blackened. "Who are you to say those words to me? Are you lecturing me? How dare you?" her voice went a few tones higher.


    Realizing that she was still talking to her potential mother-in-law, Li Qin Yao bit her lips. "I did not mean that."


    "Then, what do you mean?"


    This time, Li Qin Yao chose not to say anything. She did not come to start a fight with Chen Hao''s mother. Li Qin Yao liked Chen Hao. Because of it, she wanted to give a fight for their relationship. She was willing to bring up her discomfort and discussed the matter with Chen Hao''s mother.


    Li Qin Yao took a few deep breaths to calm down. "Auntie Chen, I like Chen Hao a lot, and you know that we shared the same feeling. I don''t want to break up with him," she said. "What can I do to make you change your mind to accept me?"


    "Impossible," Mother Chen said. "No matter what you do, there was nothing you can do to change my mind. I have set to have Ai Ling as my daughter-in-law, unless if she was the one who was against this marriage."


    "Miss Li," Mother Chen called and snorted. "I don''t know how to say this, but you are not suitable for my son. My husband and I raised Chen Hao to be a good son. He studied well and had a promising career. But you," she watched Li Qin Yao with disdain. "No matter what, I do not want my daughter-in-law to come from a broken family."

 Chapter 34 - I Don’t Have That Confidence

    In the female restroom¡­


    An elderly woman came out from the toilet cubicle and paused when she saw someone a young woman stood in front of the handwashing area. She had noticed the girl before she went into the cubicle, and now that she came out, the girl was still there, washing her hands.


    The older woman washed her hands and dried them. Out of concern, she walked over the girl and stopped. "Young lady?"


    "Huh?"


    "Are you alright?" the elderly woman asked. "You have been standing there for a long time, washing your hands."


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought. She tilted her head down and stared at her hands under the water. Swiftly, she turned off the water and turned to the elderly woman. "I''m fine. Thank you," she forced a smile. "Sorry. I was a bit distracted."


    The elderly woman stared at her with concern before she nodded and walked out of the restroom.


    Once the door closed, Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. Then, she raised her hands and frowned as she looked at how her fingers had started to prune. She had been washing her hands for the last ten minutes as her mind was preoccupied with her conversation with Chen Hao''s mother.


    She did not know what she should do. She loved Chen Hao and was confident that he loved her too. However, looking at Mother Chen''s treatment to her, Li Qin Yao did not know if she could spend her life with Chen Hao.


    Some people would argue that; as long as you and your partner love each other and continue to be loyal, things will always be alright. However, Li Qin Yao thought that the saying was rubbish.


    Li Qin Yao was someone who believed that a relationship was not a matter of two-person. There are plenty of reasons that contributed to a couple''s good relationship. One of them would be a blessing from the parents.


    Love alone will not be sufficient.


    How many years can she be tolerate having a mother-in-law who does not like her?


    Li Qin Yao thought that she could change Mother Chen''s opinion towards her. But changing a person''s view towards oneself was not easy. Furthermore, Mother Chen made it clear that she did not like someone who came from a broken family.


    Although her father had passed away, Li Qin Yao could not deny that she did come from a broken family. Li Qin Yao knew that Mother Chen was looking down on her mother. As her mother''s daughter, no matter how much she loved Chen Hao, she definitely could not tolerate someone who looked down on her parents.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath to calm down. She grabbed her bag and made her way to return to the private room.


    Earlier, seeing that Father Chen had returned from the restroom, and she might not be able to control her anger after hearing Mother Chen''s subtle mockery towards her mother, Li Qin Yao made an excuse to go to the restroom.


    Without noticing, she had spent a long time thinking about what she could to do to soften Mother Chen''s heart towards her. In the end, she could not make her decision. Li Qin Yao came out of the restroom with nothing but pruning fingers.


    Once she arrived at the door, Li Qin Yao pushed the door gently. Immediately, the sound of laughter could be heard coming from the inside. Li Qin Yao paused at her track as she watched the four people inside.


    Her heart turned sour.


    The four of them looked like a happy family. Even Father Chen, who had not shown many expressions earlier, had a smile on his face. Miss Tang had sat next to Chen Hao, giving a picture as if she was Chen Hao''s partner.


    With an indescribable feeling in her heart, Li Qin Yao retracted her steps. After a couple of deep breaths, Li Qin Yao went towards the counter, paid the bills for the room, and made her exit.


    She knew that she should not run away. She knew that she should go to Chen Hao and talk. However, right now, Li Qin Yao was both sad and frustrated. In the end, she decided to follow her emotion.


    Li Qin Yao did not go too far when she heard someone called out her name. A second later, that someone grabbed her wrist, and immediately, her body was forced to turn around. Li Qin Yao tilted her head down, refusing to look at her boyfriend.


    "What''s wrong?" Chen Hao asked. He was panting because he had been running. "Why did you leave without saying anything?" He bent down to search for her eyes. When Chen Hao noticed her red eyes, he began to panic. "Are you unwell?"


    "I''m fine," Li Qin Yao took another deep breath. Although her emotion was chaotic, and her eyes were stinging, she refused to let her tears out. Li Qin Yao forced a smile and said, "How come you''re here?"


    "My mom said you went to the restroom. But when you did not return, I went to look for you, but you weren''t there," Chen Hao said. "The waiter said you left after paying the bills. Yao Yao, what''s wrong? Why did you leave?"


    Li Qin Yao pressed her lips into a thin line before she spoke, "Your mother said, you and Miss Tang had known each other for a long time. Once Miss Tang finished her study, the two of you will get married."


    "You¡­" Chen Hao looked at his girlfriend with his eyes wide. He left his mother and his girlfriend for a short time, and he did not think that his mother will say those things to his girlfriend.


    "Chen Hao, why did you never mention anything about Miss Tang?"


    Chen Hao grabbed her shoulders as he tried to explain, "There was nothing to talk about. The agreement was between the elders, and it had nothing to do with me. I wanted to resolve that matter. That was why I did not say a word to you."


    "If your mother persisted you to marry Miss Tang, will you listen and marry her?" Li Qin Yao asked. She tilted her head to look at him in the eyes.


    Once she saw the hesitant in his eyes, Li Qin Yao felt her heart hardened. Although Chen Hao did not say anything, Li Qin Yao knew that he was in a dilemma. On one side, there''s her, and on another side, there''s his mother.


    "Chen Hao, let''s break up."


    "Yao Yao, what are you saying? Why do you want to break up with me?" his voice trembled, and the grip on her shoulder tightened.


    It was painful, but Li Qin Yao thought that the pain was nothing as compared to her feeling.


    "I cannot let you choose between your mother and me," she said. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. "Therefore, before I like you, even more, let''s put a stop to this."


    "Yao Yao, this is not fair to me!"


    "Then what do you suppose I should do? Your mother did not like me. Even if I stay with you, do you have confidence that I can make your mother change her view on me?" She sneered as Chen Hao''s grip on her shoulder started to loosen. "Because I don''t have that confidence."


    "Yao Yao, I-" he paused when he could not find the right words to say.


    Although he really liked Li Qin Yao, Chen Hao knew that he did not have the confidence to go against his mother''s wish or to make his mother changed his mind. Since he cannot do that, it would be unfair if he begged Li Qin Yao to stay.


    Li Qin Yao let out a small laugh as she looked at his expression. She turned around and paused when her eyes met a familiar gaze.


    It was then that she realized that she had stood in front of a restaurant. And because Zhang Yu Han sat next to the window glasses, he had seen her breakup scene with Chen Hao.


    Li Qin Yao immediately avoided the man''s worried gaze before she turned around and walked away.

 Chapter 35 - I Broke Up With Chen Hao

    Han Yue Xiu felt the corner of her mouth twitched when she saw the emails from her boss. It was weekend at nighttime, why did she still receive work-related email from her boss?


    Pressing the off button at the side, Han Yue Xiu decided to ignore her boss and pretending that she has gone to bed. At the thought that her boss might call her number, Han Yue Xiu switched off her phone.


    With a mischievous smile on her face, Han Yue Xiu grabbed an ice cream tube and sat in front of her computer and choose a horror movie with a good rating and review. To get in the mood, she switched off the light and concentrated on her computer.


    The story was exciting, with a lot of jump scare. But the female lead was obviously an idiot. On the television, the female lead had heard some strange noise coming from the kitchen.


    Despite knowing that her house was haunted, the female lead decided to visit the kitchen with only a torchlight in her hand.


    Han Yue Xiu wanted to curse and knock some sense into the female lead''s head.


    Meanwhile, the female lead continued her adventure into the kitchen. She noticed that the backdoor was open, and after peeking her head outside, the female lead shut the door.


    Knowing that there was going to be another jump scare, Han Yue Xiu tightened her grip on the spoon.


    ''Knock! Knock!''


    "Ahh!" Han Yue Xiu yelped when she heard the sound.


    Instead of turning around to open the door, the female lead walked out of the kitchen as if she had not heard the knock. The ghost did not pop out this time.


    ''Knock! Knock!''


    "Han Yue Xiu, open the door. I know you''re inside."


    It was this time that Han Yue Xiu knew that it was her door that someone had knocked on. She immediately lowered the volume on her television and walked towards her door. Her brow furrowed as she heard the familiar voice.


    Once she swung the door open, Han Yue Xiu was surprised to see her best friend standing at her door. "Yao Yao? What are you doing here?"


    Li Qin Yao gave her friend a look over and said, "Get dress. We''re going out."


    "Where are we going? It''s late," Han Yue Xiu said. "Didn''t you have a dinner date with Chen Hao and his parents?"


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath as she heard the name. But because it was dark, Han Yue Xiu could not see her friend''s expression. "Get dress. We''re going out to have a drink."


    "Yao Yao, you don''t drink," Han Yue Xiu pointed out.


    "Who said we''re going to drink some alcohol? We''re going out to drink coffee."


    "Why would you want to drink coffee before sleep?"


    "Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao paused and swallowed. "I broke up with Chen Hao."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her friend with her eyes wide. Upon closer look, Han Yue Xiu finally noticed that her friend''s expression did not seem right. "Hold on. I''ll go and grab my purse."


    Twenty minutes later, the two friends were sitting in a hotpot restaurant. As the two walked pass a hotpot restaurant, Li Qin Yao suddenly had a craving to eat something spicy.


    The two of them waited for a while, and their order was delivered quickly. Li Qin Yao quickly submerged the ingredients into the red, hot broth. Once she was sure that the meat has cooked, Li Qin Yao took a sip at the hot broth. Then, she dipped the meat into the spicy sauce and ate.


    Han Yue Xiu watched her friend with her brow furrowed. Seeing how Li Qin Yao continued to eat without care, she became worried. Han Yue Xiu grabbed her friend''s wrist and said, "That''s enough. Go easy on the spicy food lest you''ll get a stomachache."


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao gave her friend a reassuring smile. "It has been a long time since I last have hotpot. Let me eat a little bit more."


    "Your mom will worry if you returned home with your lips swollen and your body smell like spicy hotpot."


    Li Qin Yao paused. "It''s fine. My mom went out to visit her friend. She''ll come back in a few days." she looked at her friend and blinked. "Can I stay at your place tonight?"


    Han Yue Xiu sighed at her friend''s stubbornness. "Of course. You can stay with me until your mother return."


    After befriended Li Qin Yao for years, she decided not to question her on her breakup with Chen Hao. Once her friend was ready, Han Yue Xiu was sure that she would spill everything.


    Li Qin Yao ate silently until her lips started to feel numb, and her eyes started to get watery. It was until then that she put down her chopsticks and started to cry silently. Li Qin Yao had been holding her tears from falling ever since she made up her mind to break up with her boyfriend. However, because she wanted to preserve her pride, she could not let her tears fall in front of him.


    Han Yue Xiu let out a sigh as she patted her best friend on her shoulder. Li Qin Yao was not someone who cried easily. Therefore, although Han Yue Xiu had never met this Chen Hao, she was sure that her friend must have like that guy a lot.


    Fortunately, Li Qin Yao had her back facing the crowd; thus, the other could not see her crying face.


    "Yue Xiu, what am I supposed to do?" Li Qin Yao had explained the details of what had happened throughout her meeting with Chen Hao and his parents.


    "If you like him, then why didn''t you fight for it?"


    Li Qin Yao went silenced for a long time. "If I stay and fight, I will be fighting against his mother. Chen Hao loved his mother, and I cannot let him choose between his mother and me. However, if I stay and tolerate everything, I don''t think that it was something that I can do."


    Han Yue Xiu tightened her grip on Li Qin Yao''s hand as if to share her strength.


    "Yue Xiu, you know me. When I like someone, when I love someone, I intended to give my all. " Li Qin Yao paused to take a deep breath. "I might say that I can be satisfied as long as I have Chen Hao by my side. I''m only human, and humans will only get greedy. What I have will no longer be enough. Sooner or later, I will only force Chen Hao to make a choice. If he chose his mother, I would be sad and disappointed. But if he chose me, I will be unhappy because I made him sad. In the end, won''t it be good if I end things now?"

 Chapter 36 - I’m Dying

    The next morning, Han Yue Xiu was not surprised to see the amount of missed calls and messages from her boss. Last night, she had switched off her phone to avoid her boss, and later, when Li Qin Yao came, Han Yue Xiu had forgotten to switch her switch on her phone.


    Han Yue Xiu clicked on the unread message and sneered. In the beginning, the messages were asking why she did not pick up her phone. Later, Han Yue Xiu could detect the impatient and anger in her boss'' tone.


    However, after a few minutes, his tone softened, and he started to coax her to send a word back to him. Her boss''s last work was a warning that she should prepare herself with an acceptable excuse as she comes to work in the morning.


    Reading the countless messages on her WeChat, Han Yue Xiu started to debate with herself whether she should show up to work or not. In the end, Han Yue Xiu decided to show up. She should face the consequences of her actions. Worst comes to worst; she would probably lose this job.


    Although Han Yue Xiu enjoyed her work and felt that her colleagues were friendly, Han Yue Xiu thought that her boss was an eccentric who enjoyed torturing her with work and overtime. Although there were countless times that she had thought of quitting, in the end, Han Yue Xiu decided to stay because of the perks given by the company.


    Han Yue Xiu stepped out of her room once she had cleaned up and get dressed,


    Thinking about her best friend''s breakup last night, Han Yue Xiu decided to check on her friend in the guest room. However, Li Qin Yao''s silhouette could not be seen.


    Han Yue Xiu looked around as she called "Yao Yao!"


    "Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao''s voice came out as a whisper.


    Han Yue Xiu followed the voice and found her friend sprawled on the sofa with her hair covering most of her face. Fortunately, it was daytime, or else, Han Yue Xiu might mistake her best friend as a ghost.


    "What''s wrong with you? Why are you sleeping on the sofa?"


    "Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao whispered. "I''m dying."


    "You''re going through a breakup. You''re not dying," Han Yue Xiu felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch. She crouched down and helped to tidy up Li Qin Yao''s hair. It was then that she noticed how her friend had tears in her eyes.


    "Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao curled herself into a ball and cried. "It''s painful."


    "You''re going to be okay," Han Yue Xiu tried to coax. "Yao Yao, I promise you that you will meet someone better than Chen Hao. Maybe you have already met this guy but missed the chance because you were dating Chen Hao previously. Maybe you will meet him when you walk out the door today. When God closes a door, He opens a window. Things will only get better for you."


    Han Yue Xiu continued to speak a few more words that she thought were suitable for her friend. As someone who had never got herself into a relationship, Han Yue Xiu found that she was helpless to try and persuade someone who was going through a breakup. Perhaps she should look over the internet later for some tips.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao let out a painful groan, followed by a sob.


    "Yao Yao! What happened to you?" Han Yue Xiu looked at her friend and panicked.


    She knew that a breakup could be painful, but Han Yue Xiu did not realize that it was going to be that painful!


    "Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao spoke weakly. Her arms wrapped around her stomach. "My stomach hurts so much!"


    ¡­


    In the end, Han Yue Xiu took Li Qin Yao to a hospital. It was then that they found out that Li Qin Yao was suffering from diarrhea from overeating spicy food last night.


    The elderly doctor gave the two girls a scolding for their carelessness. Li Qin Yao only felt slightly better after an injection. Because her condition was quite bad, the doctor suggested for Li Qin Yao to be hospitalized.


    Of course, Han Yue Xiu agreed. Even if Li Qin Yao did not want to spend the night in the hospital, she was forced to it.


    After all, Han Yue Xiu still had to show up at work, and she would be worried as there was no one beside Li Qin Yao.


    Just as Han Yue Xiu finished with the admission procedure, her phone started to ring. Han Yue Xiu stared at the screen for five seconds before she slid her fingers on the screen.


    "Han Yue Xiu, you finally know how to pick up your phone!" Her boss''s voice blasted from the speaker.


    "Boss Song," Han Yue Xiu spoke softly.


    "Where are you? Why aren''t you at work?"


    "I''m at the hospital. I will-" her words left unfinished as her boss''s voice could be heard on the other line.


    "Hospital?" his voice toned down a bit. "Why are you at the hospital? Han Yue Xiu, are you unwell?"


    Han Yue Xiu massaged the space between her eyebrow and sighed. "I''m fine. It''s my friend who. I''ll come to work once I finished with the procedure."


    Once Han Yue Xiu hung up her phone, Li Qin Yao pulled at her friend''s sleeve.


    "Yue Xiu, you should go to work," Li Qin Yao said. "I''ll be fine here. The nurses can look after me."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her friend for a few seconds longer before she nodded. "Okay. Then, I''ll come back after work and bring along some dinner. Do you want anything? Forget it. The doctor warned you to look after your diet. I''ll bring some porridge in the evening."


    "Good," Li Qin Yao nodded. After some persuasion, Han Yue Xiu finally left, while Li Qin Yao sat at the chair, waiting for the nurse to bring her to the ward.


    As she was waiting, someone sat beside her. Li Qin Yao looked up, and her gaze met with an old man. Coincidentally, both of them lifted their heads at the same time and caught each other''s stare.


    Instead of looking away, the two ended up staring at each other with a curious gaze for a long time. Both of them felt as if they had seen each other before, but was not sure where or when was the last time they saw each other.

 Chapter 37 - It Was Too Shameful

    "Young lady," the old man had a polite smile on his face. "Have we met before?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked. She tried to recall the last time she saw the old man. However, she could not think of anything. Slowly, Li Qin Yao shook her head. "Sorry. I don''t think I can remember. Maybe we passed each other on the street before."


    The old man nodded. Since he too could not figure out where he had last seen the young lady, he had no choice but to be satisfied with that reasoning.


    "Grandfather."


    Just as Li Qin Yao finished her words, she heard a familiar voice coming from behind her. Her hair stood up, and instinctively, Li Qin Yao sat up straight. When she turned around, Li Qin Yao was surprised to see that it was a familiar face.


    "You, How are you here?"


    "Miss Li, Why are you here?"


    The two of them spoke at the same time.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his grandfather at the side. "I came to accompany my grandfather for his check-up."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the old man again and suddenly recalled that she had seen the old man last night. She had initiated to breakup with Chen Hao. Just as she turned around to leave, Li Qin Yao saw Zhang Yu Han and his grandfather staring at her behind the glass.


    Thinking about how Zhang Yu Han and his grandfather had seen her breakup scene, Li Qin Yao wanted to bury her head under the ground.


    It was too shameful!


    Fortunately, they were behind the glass. Or else, Zhang Yu Han might hear what they were arguing about as well.


    With that thought, Li Qin Yao pulled her hair to cover her face.


    "So, you''re a friend of my son," the old man laughed. "Hello. I''m Zhang Jing. You can call me grandfather."


    Zhang Yu Han shot his grandfather a warning look, but of course, his grandfather pretended that he did not see the look on his grandson''s face.


    Li Qin Yao laughed nervously at the old man and greeted the old man. "Grandfather. My name is Li Qin Yao."


    "Good child," the smile on Zhang Jing''s face widened. Of course, he was pleased to hear the young lady called him grandfather. He continued to look at the girl and nodded in satisfaction. Though he did not know much about her, from her temperament, Zhang Jing could guess that the girl was brought up in a good family.


    He then recalled that the first time he had seen this girl was a few months ago. At that time, his grandson took him to eat at a Hainan restaurant. Zhang Jing remembered the look on his grandson''s face when he saw the girl.


    As someone who raised his grandson, of course, Zhang Jing could tell that his grandson liked the girl. Just as he was about to ask his grandson to introduce him to the girl, Zhang Yu Han had made an excuse, and he lost his chance to talk to the lady.


    "Young lady, why are you here? Did you come to visit someone?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at Li Qin Yao. It was then that he noticed that something was not right. "Miss Li, you don''t look too good. Are you unwell? Should I call the doctor?"


    Li Qin Yao waved her hands in a hurry. "No need. No need. I''ve seen the doctor earlier."


    On cue, the nurse came and called out Li Qin Yao''s name. When the three people turned around, they saw the nurse pushing a wheelchair towards them. The nurse stopped before Li Qin Yao and smiled, "Miss Li Qin Yao, your room is ready."


    Zhang Yu Han looked at Li Qin Yao with concern. "You''re getting warded? Miss Li, you''re unwell?"


    Li Qin Yao forced a smile. "I got a stomachache, and the doctor recommended me to stay a night to observe my condition."


    Of course, she was not about to say a word about her bad case of diarrhea, lest she embarrassed herself further.


    Last night, Zhang Yu Han had witnessed how Li Qin Yao had argued with her boyfriend. Although he could not hear what they were arguing about, Zhang Yu Han knew that it did not end up well.


    What could happen to her after the meeting that she had to get warded? For someone to get hospitalized over a stomachache, Zhang Yu Han could guess that her condition was not too good.


    The thought that Li Qin Yao might be beaten by her boyfriend only turn his face darker.


    Li Qin Yao noticed the frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face was getting worse. Suddenly, she was suddenly afraid that Zhang Yu Han might get angry at her. So, she hurriedly said, "It''s not that bad. Don''t worry about me."


    Zhang Yu Han was about to speak when he felt his grandfather tugging on his shirt. Once he saw the look on his grandfather''s face, Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath, and his expression eased.


    "Then, you should go with the nurse and rest," Zhang Yu Han said. "Miss Li, get well soon."


    Li Qin Yao let out a breath of relief as she now had an excuse to escape from them. She stood up and smiled at the grandson and grandfather. "Then, I should get going first." She sat down in the wheelchair and let the nurse bring her to the ward.


    Once Li Qin Yao had gone further from them, Zhang Jing smacked his hand on his grandson''s arms.


    Zhang Yu Han yelped in pain. "Grandfather! What''s wrong with you?"


    "You should look at your face just now," Zhang Jing pointed at his face. "You are too fierce. It''s no wonder you have never found yourself a girlfriend!"


    Zhang Yu Han can only watch his grandfather with a helplessly.


    How was his look of concern turned fierce? Why did his grandfather bring up the matter about he who never had a girlfriend into this conversation?


    Zhang Yu Han rubbed his arms and frowned. "I have completed your registration. Doctor Xia had emptied his schedule for you. You can come in whenever you''re ready."


    Zhang Jing''s face brightened up as something crossed his mind. He stood up quickly and pulled at his grandson''s hand. "Let''s go. It''s not nice to let the doctor wait for us for too long."

 Chapter 38 - Why Is It Him Again?

    The two of them walked over to the doctor''s office. Once they arrived, Zhang Jing knocked on the door. Once the person inside permitted him to enter, Zhang Jing turned the knob and paused. He looked at his grandson and frowned.


    "Why are you following me?" Zhang Jing asked.


    His grandfather''s question made Zhang Yu Han frowned. "Of course, it''s to accompany you inside."


    "I''m not three. Why do you need to come in with me?" Zhang Jing said.


    "What''s wrong? Don''t I always accompany you during your check-up with Doctor Xia?"


    Zhang Jing felt the corner of his mouth started to twitch. He wanted to get rid of his grandson, but he did not know how. "No. This time, you sit outside. I have something I need to speak privately with that old man."


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face deepened. He was about to refute, but once a thought crossed his mind, Zhang Yu Han decided to gave in. "Fine. I''ll wait for you outside. When you''re done, just give me a call. I''ll come back to you."


    Seeing how his grandson giving in too quick, a suspicion rose up to Zhang Jing''s heart. He grabbed Zhang Yu Han''s sleeve before his grandson could walk away. "Where are you going?"


    Zhang Yu Han watched his grandfather, speechlessly. "Didn''t you ask me to stay away? In the end, did you want me to stay or go?"


    After a few seconds of weighing his options, Zhang Jing waved his hand to his grandson. "Go. Go." Then, he pushed the door and entered.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled as he watched his grandfather''s figure disappear behind the door. Soon, he walked over the counter and told a nurse to keep an eye on his grandfather. Then, Zhang Yu Han walked towards the lobby. He looked at the hospital directory and frowned.


    It seemed that this hospital was quite big.


    With his skills, charisma, and good looking face, it was not hard for Zhang Yu Han to find out where Li Qin Yao was warded and why she had to be hospitalized. Since his grandfather''s check-up has not ended, Zhang Yu Han went downstairs and bought some porridge. Then, he entered the elevator and pushed a button.


    The nurse at the station immediately told him where Li Qin Yao was warded. Zhang Yu Han knocked on the door softly and waited outside until the person inside said that he could come in.


    Li Qin Yao was texting Mei Xuan to inform her that she won''t be able to come to work when she heard the knock.


    "Come in," Li Qin Yao said lazily. She had thought that it was one of the nurses who came to check in with her. Once she saw that it was Zhang Yu Han, her eyes widened with surprise. "Mister Zhang, how come it''s you?"


    Li Qin Yao could only stare at him with disbelief. Why is it him again? It cannot be that he was stalking her, right?


    "You were hospitalized. Since we met earlier downstairs, I thought that it would be inappropriate if I did not come to visit you," Zhang Yu Han said. He had thought of hundreds of excuses he could use if Li Qin Yao asked and finally decided to use this polite excuse.


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao forced a smile.


    Actually, Li Qin Yao did not plan to see anyone. She knew that her condition did not look too good. She broke up with her boyfriend, cried her eyes out, and her bottom was still painful from staying too long in the toilet. Li Qin Yao thought that her look was not suitable to meet others. Her eyes were puffy and red, her hair was messy, and her face was pale. But how come Zhang Yu Han had appeared before her again?


    "You didn''t need to accompany your grandfather?"


    "He went to see the doctor, and it will take a while before he finishes," Zhang Yu Han said. "Are you alright?"


    "The pain was gone after the doctor gave me a shot," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. It was then that he remember the plastic bag in his hand. He put it on the table and said, "Right. I bought you some porridge. You can eat them if you''re hungry."


    Once he heard from the nurse that Li Qin Yao was admitted because she had overeaten spicy food last night, Zhang Yu Han had bought some light porridge to ease her stomach.


    Li Qin Yao watched the plastic bag on the table speechlessly. After a while, she said, "You don''t have to."


    "I don''t feel comfortable to visit a patient without bringing along something," Zhang Yu Han said. "This is not the first time we met, and we cannot be considered a stranger. Miss Li, you don''t have to be polite."


    "Thank you. I''ll eat them later. I am not that hungry now." Li Qin Yao finally broke into a much sincere smile. She took the bag, took a whiff, and peeked inside. It was a bowl of chicken porridge. Just from the smell alone made her hungry. On cue, her stomach made a growling sound. Li Qin Yao paused and hesitated whether she should bury herself under the blanket.


    It seemed that these past few days, Zhang Yu Han had continued to see her embarrassing side.


    Zhang Yu Han coughed once and decided to pretend that he had not heard that sound earlier. Looking at Li Qin Yao''s embarrassing expression and Sensing her discomfort, Zhang Yu Han knew that it was time for him to leave. "That¡­ I should go and check on my grandfather now."


    Li Qin Yao nodded but did not lift her head to meet his gaze. "Then you shouldn''t make your grandfather wait for too long."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. Though he liked her, Zhang Yu Han knew that Li Qin Yao was someone who had a boyfriend. With his status as merely an acquaintance, he had no reason to stay by her side longer. "Then, I wish for your speedy recovery, Miss Li."


    Once Zhang Yu Han disappeared from her room, Li Qin Yao took the pillow and buried her face underneath and cried over her misfortune.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han returned to his grandfather''s side and was surprised to hear that Doctor Xia had suggested for his grandfather to be admitted into the hospital. Zhang Yu Han''s heart began to pound as he worried.


    "Doctor Xia, what happen to my grandfather?"


    "You don''t have to worry too much. Your grandfather''s high blood pressure is slightly high. We just need to keep your grandfather in the hospital for a night to observe his condition." Doctor Xia said nervously. Though the old Zhang had instructed him with what he should say, Doctor Xia still thought that it was hard to tell a lie.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. He was not a doctor, but he knew that there was something strange with the doctor''s explanation. Moreover, his grandfather did not look like he was sick. "If you''re going to observe his condition, shouldn''t he stay in the hospital longer?"


    Zhang Jing''s face turned black as he saw that his grandson''s started to get suspicious. "Do you wish for your grandfather to stay longer in the hospital?"

 Chapter 39 - Treat It As A Mini-vacation

    Zhang Jing thought that he had it all planned out.


    He had managed to convince the old doctor to lie to his grandson and secured a VVIP room in the hospital. Then, he sent his grandson away by assigning a few tasks and instructed him to come and pick him up in the afternoon.


    However, he forgot that each patient would be warded according to their illness. He initially thought that he was going to stay in a room closer to the girl, but Doctor Xia had told him that it was impossible. Right now, Zhang Jing did not even know where the girl was staying.


    "Chairman Zhang, what''s wrong?" Doctor Xia glanced at the tray of food on the table. "You don''t like the food?"


    The question only ignited fury within him. He glanced at the tray of food that contains various types of vegetables and said, "You tell me to eat this. Do you think I''m a cow?"


    "You do know that you cannot eat too much meat. You need to control your diet. This vegetarian diet is good for your health. Although there was no meat, it was full of nutrients as well," Doctor Xia said politely. There was a smile on his face, but his back has begun to wet with sweat.


    Zhang Jing took a sip at his soup and frowned. It was tasteless!


    Fortunately, he only booked to stay at the hospital for a night. Or else, he did not know how he was going to survive to live with food like this. In the end, he can only choose to swallow his food silently and let Doctor Xia off the hook.


    A few minutes later, his assistant walked into the room. The old man''s lips curved into a smile as he beckoned his assistant to come closer.


    "Chairman Zhang, why are you hospitalized?" Assistant Huo asked. "Is the report from the check-up is really bad?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense. Of course, the report is good. I''ve been controlling myself with the food I eat for the last few days. Anyway, that brat won''t let me eat."


    Assistant Huo felt his mouth twitched at the Chairman''s words. That brat, of course, he was referring to his grandson, Zhang Yu Han. "Then, Chairman Zhang, why are you here?"


    Zhang Jing hesitated for a while before he said, "I decided to stay a night here and treat it as a mini-vacation," he laughed.


    To book a VVIP ward and treat it as a mini-vacation¡­ What''s so fun about staying at the hospital? The environment and the food were not that good.


    Chairman Zhang had left his assistant speechless. He decided not to pay attention to the Chairman''s strange behavior. After spending almost twenty years as the Chairman''s assistant, he was used to Chairman Zhang''s quirkiness.


    "That''s right," Zhang Jing cleared his throat once and looked at his assistant. "Since you''re here, I trust that you have completed the task I sent you earlier?"


    "I have," Assistant Huo grabbed a file from his bag and handed the stack of paper to his employer.


    Zhang Jing frowned at the thickness of the papers. It was then that he realized that his assistant had managed to get details on a few Li Qin Yao. However, once he saw the picture on the first stack, a smile curved on his lips.


    Of course, Assistant Huo would notice the change of expression on the Chairman''s face. He knew right away that the first girl on the stack was the person Zhang Jing had asked him to find.


    "I checked with the hospital and found that the lady you were looking for was not from Y City," Assistant Huo said.


    "Hmm¡­" Zhang Jing nodded. "You did a great job."


    Fortunately, his assistant was smart enough to check with the hospital. If Assistant Huo only looked for Li Qin Yao, who live in Y City, Zhang Jing was sure that he wouldn''t find the right girl.


    Zhang Jing took the first stack of the paper and handed the rest to his assistant.


    "Chairman Zhang, why do you need me to look for this lady''s information?" A thought crossed his mind, and Assistant Huo''s face turned slightly pale.


    The Chairman''s wife, the Old Madam Zhang, had passed away for years. Since the Chairman had asked him to look into another woman''s information, Assistant Huo started to think that perhaps, Chairman Zhang was looking to get married again. Although he knew that Chairman Zhang was a bit eccentric, it couldn''t be that he was interested in young girls, right?


    But these girls were so young that they were qualified to be his granddaughters! It couldn''t be that Chairman Zhang was planning to rob the cradle, right?


    Assistant Huo shivered at the thought.


    "What are you thinking?" he noticed the assistant''s strange behavior and had a premonition.


    Assistant Huo jolted at his employer''s sudden question. He immediately shook his head and said, "No. Nothing."


    Zhang Jing lifted the photo to his assistant and asked, "Do you think she would look good for Yu Han?"


    "Chairman Zhang, you asked me to look into this lady because you''re looking for a granddaughter-in-law?"


    "Otherwise?" Zhang Jing raised a brow. He looked at his assistant with a warning gaze.


    "I thought you were looking to find a new assistant to replace me," Assistant Huo quickly find an excuse and laughed nervously.


    Fortunately, he did not say out his thought loudly. Otherwise, the Chairman would probably instruct him not to show up to work tomorrow. He might really be replaced!


    Zhang Jing decided to ignore his assistant and continue to browse through the documents. His eyes stopped as he reached the middle of the page.


    QL Property Group? So this girl was the granddaughter of that old man, Li Ren Xin?


    To like a missus of the Li family from the Capital City¡­ It seemed like his grandson''s taste was not that ordinary.


    ¡­


    After spending her hours catching up with her sleep, Li Qin Yao finally woke up with a refreshed look on her face. The first thing she did was to call the nurse to check on her condition. Although the nurse thought that her condition was good enough, she still could not be discharged until the doctor who was in charge of her would inspect her condition the next morning.


    Li Qin Yao patted her hungry stomach.


    The last meal she had was a bowl of porridge that Zhang Yu Han had bought for her. After a long sleep, her stomach started to rumble again.


    Because Han Yue Xiu was busy with her work, she could not come and buy her food. In the end, with the nurse''s permission, Li Qin Yao decided to head downstairs and find a place to eat.


    As soon as she arrived at the small cafe, Li Qin Yao noticed a familiar man. Before she could react, the older man had seen her. In the end, Li Qin Yao had no other choice, but to came forward and greeted him. "Grandfather, what are you doing here?"

 Chapter 40 - Guilty Conscience

    Actually, Li Qin Yao was planning to spend her time alone. After she broke up with Chen Hao last night, Li Qin Yao thought that she should sort out her thoughts and feelings before she can move on.


    Who would have thought that she would meet Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather once she came down to find something to eat. Because the old man had noticed her presence, she had no choice but to greet him.


    "Miss Li, you''re here to find something to eat too?" Zhang Jing asked with a smile on his face. He only came down to find something to eat and was not expecting to meet the girl again. Before Li Qin Yao could say a word, Zhang Jing spoke again, "Why don''t we eat together? Eating alone was too lonely. Come on. It will be my treat."


    When Li Qin Yao heard his words, she could not refuse the old man''s invitation to eat together. She nodded and followed Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather into the cafe. The two picked a seat and sat down.


    "Grandfather, your grandson did not come to visit you?" Li Qin Yao asked as the waiter walked away with the menu and their order.


    "Yu Han?" Zhang Jing''s eyes sparkled as he did not have to work hard to initiate a conversation about his grandson. "I asked him not to come. Besides, I will only stay here for a night."


    Of course, since Zhang Jing had the intention to sell his grandson, he could not let the girl think that his grandson was unfilial.


    "Why were you hospitalized? Didn''t you come for a check-up?"


    Zhang Jing let out a long sigh. "The thought that there might be some problem with the report. So they made me stay for a night. I should be able to get out tomorrow morning. What about you? You looked too young to be here?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Grandfather, no matter how old or young, everyone will get sick sometimes. Actually, I had a bad stomachache. Last night I had a spicy hot pot with my friend."


    "You should go easy with spicy food," Zhang Jing chided. "In the past, I loved to eat spicy food, as well. But at my age now, I can no longer eat spicy food, or else, my stomach would retaliate."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Don''t worry. I only ate spicy food on a special occasion."


    Zhang Jing wanted to ask about the special occasion, but when he noticed the sad smile on the girl''s face, he decided that sometimes, there are things that he was not supposed to ask.


    "Eating spicy food occasionally should be fine," Zhang Jing said.


    The two chatted a little bit, and when Li Qin Yao mentioned that she had a cafe in B City, she invited Zhang Jing to visit her place whenever he had free time. When the waiter brought their food, both of them immediately dug in into their food.


    Zhang Jing sighed with satisfaction at the first bite at the beef noodle. Although the taste was not that delicious, Zhang Jing was satisfied. He abstained from eating meat for a few days, but it felt like it has been a few years.


    "Does their beef noddle tasted really good?" Li Qin Yao asked. When she saw the way the old man enjoyed his noodle, she was curious. As a foodie, it was difficult for her to resist good food.


    "It''s not that bad, but definitely better than the food they served upstairs," Zhang Jing said.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. After all, hospital food was often associated as tasteless.


    Zhang Jing took another mouthful of noodles before he paused. "Miss Li, I have a favor to ask. If you met my grandson later, please don''t mention that we ate together. It would be troublesome if he started asking what I ate."


    Hearing his request, Li Qin Yao immediately guessed that the food was something that Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather supposed to eat. "You can be assured. I won''t say a word. Besides, eating occasionally should be fine."


    The old man laughed, knowing that Li Qin Yao was repeating his words. He looked at the beef noddle and decided that he should not eat too much of it. Zhang Jing picked up his chopsticks again and paused when a thought crossed his mind.


    "Miss Li, why are you coming to eat here alone? Your family members aren''t coming to bring you food?"


    According to the report he got from Assistant Huo, Li Qin Yao was living with her mother in B City, and their relationship should be good.


    "I only have my mother, but she was away for a few days to visit a friend."


    "And your boyfriend?" Zhang Jing decided to take his opportunity to test the water.


    The chopsticks in Li Qin Yao''s hand paused midair. She looked at the old man in front of her and said, "I recently broke up with my boyfriend. So, currently, I''m single."


    Zhang Jing was silent for a while. Though his face showed no expression, he was secretly rejoicing the fact that his grandson might stand a chance. "Well, don''t think too much about it. I''m sure you will find someone better soon. They said that when one door closes, another opens."


    A smile curved on her lips. "Thank you, grandfather."


    "Well, if another door won''t open, you can just kick it as hard as you can," Zhang Jing added.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. The two of them had a nice chat over dinner before they parted to head back to their room. When Zhang Jing arrived at his VVIP ward, he was surprised to see that his grandson was waiting for him. He paused at the door and looked at Zhang Yu Han with a guilty conscience.


    "Yu Han, why are you here? Aren''t you supposed to be at work?"


    "I was worried that you might be bored. So, I came here as soon as I finished work," Zhang Yu Han said. "Who knows that when I came, you weren''t here. You did not inform the nurses or doctors and did not take your phone. Where were you?"


    "I was bored, so I took a walk," Zhang Jing said. He avoided Zhang Yu Han''s gaze and walked over to his bed. "Didn''t the doctor said it''s good to exercise?"


    Zhang Yu Han walked closer to his grandfather. He was going to help his grandfather to get onto his bed when his nose picked up a familiar scent. He looked at his grandfather and asked, "You went to eat beef noodles?"

 Chapter 41 - Liang Sheng

    After a few days of recuperating at Han Yue Xiu''s place, Li Qin Yao returned to B City and went back to work as usual. On the day she returned to work, Li Qin Yao invited her barista, Qing Kong, to her office after the crowd has lessened. The two of them chatted briefly before Li Qin Yao mentioned her intention to train her Qing Kong as the manager of Lilium Cafe.


    "Me?" Qing Kong pointed at her nose. "A manager? Boss, I don''t think I''m capable. If you''re looking for a manager, I think Sister Mei Xuan is suitable."


    "I talked to Mei Xuan about this matter. You know that Mei Xuan cannot stay too long at the cafe because of her family," Li Qin Yao smiled. "It was Mei Xuan who suggested me to offer this position to you."


    Qing Kong opened her mouth to speak, but her boss raised a hand to stop her from speaking.


    "I know what you''re going to say," Li Qin Yao said. "But I have been watching you for the last few days, and I think with a bit of training, you can do this job. I hope that you can think about this promotion before you give me your answer. Of course, if you agree to take this job, your work increase will double, and so will your salary."


    After the brief chat, Qing Kong exited her cramped office, and Li Qin Yao went back to her work. After she had looked at the cafe''s invoices and order form, Li Qin Yao began to research on the new development project in B City. Fortunately, Li Qin had agreed to work at this project; at least, she could take her mind off her break up.


    Surprisingly, Chen Hao did not come to look for her. Not a phone call or a message on her WeChat. Seeing that Chen Hao did not try to contact her, Li Qin Yao felt a pang of disappointment.


    Although she was the one who initiated the breakup, Li Qin Yao hoped that Chen Hao would at least try to coax her. She had thought about their relationship for the past few days and decided that, if Chen Hao tried to contact her, then she would be willing to try and change his mother''s heart and opinion towards her.


    Unfortunately, after a few days has passed, Chen Hao did not attempt to contact her.


    Just as she was busy reading a few reports on her computer, Yin Mei Xuan knocked on her door and peeked inside.


    "Yao Yao, someone is here to look for you. It''s a guy," Yin Mei Xuan wriggled her eyebrow and gave her friend a flirtatious look.


    "Who? Did he say who he is?"


    "He said his name is Liang Sheng," Yin Mei Xuan said. "Although he was not good looking, you can tell from the way he dressed that he probably made a lot of money!"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her comment. She walked out of her office and peeked at the man from the kitchen.


    The man sat elegantly by the window as he sipped on his drink. He dressed neatly in a suit. From his side profile, Li Qin Yao could see that he was wearing a black-rimmed spectacle. After staring at him for a while, Li Qin Yao still thought that she had never seen his face before.


    "Didn''t they say not to judge a book by its cover? How do you think that this guy made a lot of money by looking at his suit? It could be rental."


    "Of course, but I talked to him earlier. His manners showed that he was someone from a good family."


    Li Qin Yao watched her friend speechlessly. "I think it''s good that you''re married to your husband earlier. Or else, I would worry about the way you judge man."


    Yin Mei Xuan snorted. "Anyway, why do I think that recently, there were a few good looking men around you? Your luck with good looking men is pretty good."


    "Didn''t you said earlier that he''s not that good looking? How did you change your mind so fast?"


    "He probably falls into the category of people who looks better the more you look at him."


    Li Qin Yao decided to ignore that comment. She heaved a long sigh before she stood up straight and walked towards the man. She cleared her throat to catch the man''s attention and said. "Good afternoon, sir. I heard that you were looking for me?"


    The man turned around when he heard her voice. Their gaze met, and the man quickly stood up with a polite smile on his face. "Miss Li, I''m glad to meet you finally."


    Li Qin Yao looked at him with a slight frown. "Excuse me, but do I know you? Why are you looking for me?"


    "Ah, right," the man patted his coat before he pulled out a card. "My name is Liang Sheng. My father sent me to assist you."


    "Your father?" Li Qin Yao took the card and read his contact details. However, she still had no clue about the person in front of her.


    "My father, Liang Xue Ming," Liang Sheng hinted.


    "You''re Assistant Liang''s son?" Li Qin Yao blinked twice as she finally figured out who he was.


    Liang Xue Ming worked for her grandfather from the first moment he graduated college. Everyone in QL Group knew that Assistant Liang was Li Ren Xin''s most trusted man in the company.


    "That''s right," Liang Sheng nodded.


    "Please, have a seat," Li Qin Yao gestured towards the seat. Then she sat on the opposite of Liang Sheng. "You said that your father sent you to assist me? What do you mean by that?"


    Liang Sheng smiled. "My father mentioned that you were working on a project on behalf of Chairman Li. He mentioned that this is a secret project. Before you win the tender, you cannot receive help from the headquarters. This is why Chairman Li and my father send me to assist you. After all, I am not someone from QL Group."

 Chapter 42 - Juggling Between Two Jobs

    With the help of Liang Sheng, Li Qin Yao hired four people to help her with the project in B City. Liang Sheng had stayed with his father for years and knew very well what the company needs; therefore, it was not hard for him to adjust to his new job and find a few help.


    Because the company could not find a suitable office, the new workers set up a small office in Lilium Cafe. When the customers saw that the cafe allowed them to stay longer and do their job, some of them began to copy the trend and work from the cafe.


    Although people started to buy more coffee, Li Qin Yao knew that they have to find a place as it was not suitable for them to continue working from her cafe. Li Qin Yao thought that she should rush Liang Sheng to find a temporary office.


    First of all, it was not appropriate or comfortable for them to do their work in the cafe. Secondly, Li Qin Yao thought that if their project were approved, the others would be given a chance to stay with QL Group and oversee the project.


    "Qin Yao, are you not tired running around here and there, juggling between two jobs?" Auntie Yu asked. She picked up a tray of hazelnut cakes and handed it to another employee as they began to restock their display.


    The employee from her cafe all knew that the four people who occupied the seat near the kitchen entrance were working for their boss. Li Qin Yao had explained that she had to help her grandfather to arrange a few data, and it will take them a few months before the work completed.


    When they saw how their boss had to entertain the customers while looking over the cafe and her new project, everyone started to worry. Moreover, Li Qin Yao was still training Qing Kong as the manager. Therefore, her workload had increased a lot.


    "I''m fine, Auntie Yu," Li Qin Yao replied with a smile. "Just ask them to bring me coffee later."


    Auntie Yu shook her head and sighed. "This child. You shouldn''t drink too much coffee. You have to look after your health as well." Although she was complaining that Li Qin Yao drank too much coffee, in the end, Auntie Yu asked the barista to bring Li Qin Yao and the other some coffee.


    "Don''t worry. I know."


    Li Qin Yao returned to the table to study a few documents on her laptop. She turned to the girl beside her and asked, "Have you guys visited the site yet?"


    The girl, Xiao Lian Yi, nodded. "Assistant Liang Sheng took us to the site when we first started."


    "What do you think about it?"


    "Hmm," Xiao Lian Yi thought over it for a while before she answered, "Currently, there a few lots of abandoned factories and shops around. Not many people visited the area since the factories are now shut down. But the surroundings and roadways are good. There were a few tourist spots around, and the foods are pretty good. "


    Li Qin Yao took a look at the documents again. However, she still could not get inspired and imagine what the city was going to look like. After a while, she decided to visit the site and take a look around.


    The small bell chimed when someone walked in. Li Qin Yao tilted her head up and saw Liang Sheng entered the door with a file in his hand. She stood up to greet him and noticed that there were two familiar faces behind Liang Sheng.


    "Miss Li, I have the documents," Liang Sheng said, waving the file in his hand.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "You can join the others first. I will be with you soon."


    Noticing that his boss has another matter, Liang Sheng obediently walked over to their usual table.


    Once Liang Sheng walked away, Li Qin Yao greeted the two men with a smile on her face. "Mister Zhang, Mister Wei, welcome to Lilium Cafe. I haven''t seen the two of you for a while."


    Wei Jun Hao glanced at his friend before he looked at Li Qin Yao. "We have been busy with work these past few weeks. Did you miss us?" Just as he finished, Wei Jun Hao felt a sharp jab on his waist. He immediately stared at the culprit with hostility.


    Li Qin Yao laughed and did not put his words at heart. "Of course, we miss you. Please come in." she ushered her guests inside, and in a few seconds later, she stood beside the table and hand over the menu.


    Wei Jun Hao did not even look at the menu before he said, "the usual." As Zhang Yu Han was busy deciding on what to eat, Wei Jun Hao took the chance to chat with Li Qin Yao.


    "Miss Li, is it alright for you to wait for us like this?" Wei Jun Hao asked. "If you''re busy, you can always get back to work."


    "It''s alright. There weren''t many customers anyway."


    Wei Jun Hao smiled. He glanced at the table where Liang Sheng and the others sat, and his gossipy nature came forth. However, before he could say a word, Zhang Yu Han had kicked him under the table. Just as he was about to complain, Wei Jun Hao received a warning glance from his friend. In the end, he decided to shut up.


    Zhang Yu Han hurriedly ordered his food, and once Li Qin Yao retreated to the kitchen, Zhang Yu Han stared at his friend and frowned. "Just what do you think you''re planning to do?"


    "That guy looked suspiciously close to sister-in-law, of course, we should get gather information before another rival popped up," Wei Jun Hao said in a low tone.


    Initially, Zhang Yu Han was ready to give his friend some scolding, however, when he heard the word, ''sister-in-law,'' his heart softened, and he decided not to say too much about it.


    "Don''t tell me you''re not curious?"


    "Even if I''m curious, what can I do about it? We''re not that close," Zhang Yu Han leaned on his seat and sighed. "Besides, let''s not forget that she still has a boyfriend."

 Chapter 43 - The Gossipy Wei Jun Hao

    Wei Jun Hao could only sigh and sympathy that his friend had found Li Qin Yao a little bit late.


    "That''s right, I heard that Yu Ying will come back next month." As a good friend, he tried to change the subject.


    "Hmm. The hotel in Y City is almost completed. Grandfather wanted Yu Ying to come back and learn how to manage the hotel from him," Zhang Yu Han said lazily. He glanced at his friend and noticed the happiness in his expression.


    Zhang Yu Han was displeased. He had long known that his friend had fancied his younger sister. As a brother, Zhang Yu Han wanted to protect his sister from harm. Just because Wei Jun Hao is a good friend, doesn''t mean that he will be a good boyfriend. That was why he had never thought of lending his hand to help his friend courting his sister.


    If Zhang Yu Ying thought that Wei Jun Hao is the one, naturally, as her brother, Zhang Yu Han will support her. If his sister did not like Wei Jun Hao, then forget it. Even if he''s a good friend, he will not force his sister to date, someone she did not love.


    "Are you going to pick her up from the airport?" Wei Jun Hao asked. "Let me come with you."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Why do you want to come along?"


    "It has been a long time since the last time I saw your sister." Wei Jun Hao spoke. "Besides, won''t you need someone to drive? It''ll be troublesome to get a parking spot."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled but did not give his words of agreement. Knowing Wei Jun Hao for years, even if he did not say anything, Wei Jun Hao would find a way to show up.


    "Since Yu Ying will return soon, does this mean that you can start working on the new project?" Wei Jun Hao asked.


    "Hmm¡­ I will leave the hotel to Yu Ying after she had familiarized herself with it," Zhang Yu Han drummed his fingers on the table twice before he stopped. "But, I have started to look for a few places. Xiao Feng recommended a spot in S Country. He said the sea view is amazing. But I have not decided."


    "I''ll keep an eye for you for a good spot."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "I''m not in a rush. This is the first project that Grandfather allowed me to decide on everything from start to finish. Of course, I will have to plan everything carefully."


    The phone in Wei Jun Hao''s hands chimed, and he picked up to read his email.


    Seeing that it could be work-related, Zhang Yu Han leaned back on his chair as he looked around the cafe. He saw Li Qin Yao stood near the kitchen entrance, talking to the few people at the table.


    His gaze moved to the guy who entered the cafe just before them.


    Wei Jun Hao mentioned that this man might be his new rival. However, Zhang Yu Han did not think so. It was not because he did not believe that this newcomer was not worthy, but Zhang Yu Han had seen the way Li Qin Yao behaved around her boyfriend. From his perspective, he thought that Li Qin Yao adored her boyfriend very much.


    His gaze shifted towards the others on the same table. Coincidentally, his sharp eyes glimpsed at the paper on the table and saw the bit of paper with the QL Group logo on it. He had seen that paper countless times. It was a blueprint.


    A frown appeared on his face as he wondered what was going on. From what he knew, Li Qin Yao had resigned from her position in QL Group after that accident. Although her grandfather, Li Ren Xin, had suggested her to return, Zhang Yu Han heard that she had rejected her grandfather''s offer.


    At this time, the barista called, and Li Qin Yao turned around. She picked up the tray and walked over to his table. Zhang Yu Han watched as she placed the coffee cups gently and smiled. "Thank you."


    "You''re welcome." Li Qin Yao turned around and paused as she remembered something. "I forgot," she looked at Zhang Yu Han and spoke, "Mister Zhang, how is your grandfather?"


    The gossipy Wei Jun Hao was the first to react, "You''ve met Yu Han''s grandfather?" His gaze alternated between his friend and Li Qin Yao. Finally, his gaze stopped at Li Qin Yao with an amused smile on his face.


    When did the relationship between the two of them progress? Why hasn''t he heard anything about this?


    Wei Jun Hao turned to his friend with his eyes narrowed dangerously.


    "Well, I met his grandfather at the hospital last week," Li Qin Yao said to Wei Jun Hao. Then she turned to Zhang Yu Han and said, "I met your grandfather while strolling around the lobby. We had a brief chat. He said that there was something wrong with his report, so he was hospitalized."


    Of course, she was not going to mention about eating together since she had made a promise to his grandfather.


    Before Zhang Yu Han could say a word, Wei Jun Hao had interrupted again. "Grandfather was hospitalized?" He looked at his friend with his eyes wide. "Why didn''t you tell me."


    Zhang Yu Han felt the corner of his mouth started to twitch. In the end, he ignored his friend''s question and smiled at Li Qin Yao. "My grandfather''s alright. The doctor thought that they probably made some mistakes with his initial report. Miss Li, thank you for your concern."


    A slight frown appeared on his forehead. Whenever he thought about the day his grandfather was hospitalized for a night, he always thought that there was something amiss.


    "I''m glad to hear that," Li Qin Yao breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Miss Li, I hope my grandfather was not bothering you."


    "No. Of course not," Li QIn Yao waved her hands and smiled. "I was bored, and it was nice that your grandfather spent his time chatting with me. Mister Zhang, when you have time, you should bring your grandfather to visit my cafe."


    "I will," Zhang Yu Han nodded. Then, he watched Li Qin Yao retreated and walked over at the table beside the kitchen entrance again. A light flashed through his eyes briefly.


    Apparently, his grandfather had met Li Qin Yao in the hospital when he was not present.


    Why didn''t his grandfather said a word about it?

 Chapter 44 - They Are Only Rumors

    Zhang Jing looked up with an anticipating look on his face when his assistant walked in into his room. He took a deep breath, and the smile on his face widened as he inhaled the delicious food. He waved the assistant over and pointed at the coffee table at the side.


    Assistant Huo immediately understood and brought the takeaway food to the table. Zhang Jing went over, took out the box, and swallowed at the sight of BBQ ribs. "This is from that Old Man Lian''s restaurant, right?"


    "Yes," Assistant Huo nodded. Facing the meat lover Chairman, Assistant Huo felt the corner of his lips started to twitch "I went there and watched Old Man Lian prepared them, Chairman Zhang."


    Zhang Jing laughed with satisfaction. He picked up the spareribs and put it in his mouth. Once the taste spread into his mouth, Zhang Jing closed his eyes to savor the flavor.


    Assistant Huo stood at the side silently as he watched the Chairman had his lunch before he subconsciously swallowed and looked away. His gaze then fell at the documents in his hand and frowned.


    When Assistant Huo saw the reports in the documents earlier, he was shocked. Although he knew that he should report it back to the Chairman right away, Assistant Huo could not bear to disturb the Chairman before he finished his lunch.


    "Why are you still here?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Assistant Huo snapped out of his trance and displayed a diplomatic smile. "I have something to report. But I''ll wait for you to finish your meal first."


    Zhang Jing narrowed his eyes as he watched his assistant, but did not say a word. Since Assistant Huo was willing to wait, then, the matter was not very important. Therefore, Zhang Jing took his time to savor the meal in front of him.


    Ever since he chose to stay a night at the hospital, his grandson, Zhang Yu Han, has been controlling his diet. He was forced to be a vegetarian and had not eaten meat for a week!


    Usually, Zhang Yu Han would sometimes give in to his pleading, but this time, he was not willing to budge! Although he made Doctor Xia play an act with him by saying that there was a mistake in his initial report, his grandson was unmoved.


    In the end, he could only ask Assistant Huo to sneak out and buy him some BBQ ribs from his favorite restaurant. Fortunately, his grandson was away to discuss a few matters with his friend, Wei Jun Hao. Zhang Jing wondered if he made the right decision to pretend to be sick and suffered.


    Once he had finished his meal, Zhang Jing sighed with satisfaction before he wrapped the evidence and had his assistant to throw it away. Then, he leaned on the couch and stretched his hand. "What is it? Give it to me?"


    Assistant Huo hesitated but then moved to give the report. He watched as the Chairman flipped through the documents anxiously at the side. "Previously, I did not investigate Miss Li thoroughly as I did not have much time, and we were not sure which Miss Li you were looking for."


    Zhang Jing read through the part where Li Qin Yao''s scandal was reported. Two years ago, she made a mistake in one of the QL projects and caused a few death.


    "Chairman Zhang, do you think it''s good to let the young master hang around with a person like this?"


    Zhang Jing frowned at Assistant Huo''s question. He had spent his time chatting with the young girl last week and liked her right away. From what he understood, although his grandson fancied the girl, Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao were not that close yet. At best, they were merely an acquaintance.


    Despite that, Li Qin Yao did not mind to eat with an older man like him, and they chatted for hours about unimportant things with him. As an elder, how can he not like anyone who did not mind to listen to his ramblings?


    "So she made a mistake. What about it? Humans are never free from mistakes. Just because one made mistakes, doesn''t mean that she''s a bad person." He tossed the paper on the table and said, "Moreover, they are only rumors."


    Assistant Huo opened his mouth to speak again, but Chairman Zhang beat him to it.


    "Years ago, there were rumors that I kept a mistress, and my wife had a heart attack once she found out about it. Do you think that''s true?"


    "Chairman Zhang, I''ve been around you for years. When do you have time to look for a mistress?" Assistant Huo smiled. "Besides, we all know how much you love the late madame."


    Zhang Jing scoffed. "Assistant Huo, we''ve been in this industry for a long time to know that we should not trust a rumor blindly."


    Assistant Huo took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand."


    "Forget it," Zhang Jing waved his hand. "Even if it''s true that one made that mistake, that doesn''t mean that one cannot change. Assistant Huo, don''t think about this matter too much. In the end, if Yu Han likes a person, I won''t stop him. As long as she did not harm Yu Han, just let them be."


    Assistant Huo nodded again. The two had a brief chat before Assistant Huo decided to retreat. Once Assistant Huo turned the knob and swung the door open, his eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Zhang Yu Han in front of him. "Y-young master."


    Zhang Yu Han''s knuckles paused mid-air. He was about to knock on the door before Assistant Huo appeared. "Is my grandfather in?"


    Assistant Huo nodded. Then he stepped aside to let Zhang Yu Han in.


    Zhang Jing stood up abruptly when he heard his grandson''s voice. "Why are you here? Didn''t you said you were going to meet your friend?"


    "Jun Hao received a call from his client," Zhang Yu Han said. He walked further into the room and stopped. His nose moved as he detected something. Then, he walked over to his grandfather and stared at him. "Grandfather, you had BBQ ribs for lunch? I can smell them in your room."


    Zhang Jing felt the corner of his mouth started to twitch. Has his grandson turned into a dog? Why was his nose so sensitive?


    In the end, Zhang Jing had no other choice but to push everything to his assistant. "It wasn''t me. It was Assistant Huo. We had lunch together while discussing something." Zhang Jing looked away from his grandson''s gaze.


    As the Chairman of Zhang Group and the head of the family, Zhang Jing held the most power and was domineering in his decision making. However, there were times when he was scared of his grandson. Zhang Yu Han can be very strict when it concerned about his health.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at Assistant Huo and saw the plastic bag in his hand. Then, he took out his handkerchief and leaned forward to wipe the corner of his grandfather''s mouth.


    Zhang Jing stood rigidly at his grandson''s sudden move. His heartbeat escalated.


    "If you''re going to lie, then at least try to get rid of the evidence thoroughly," Zhang Yu Han said as he showed the BBQ sauce stain on his handkerchief. "Grandfather, your vegetarian diet will extend for another two weeks."

 Chapter 45 - I Quit My Job

    Li Qin Yao made a plan with her mother to tour around B City at the weekend.


    As it has been a while since the mother and daughter hang around, Li Qin Yao''s mother, Xu Yilan, immediately agreed. Li Qin Yao was going to visit the site that her grandfather had pointed out with Liang Sheng''s guide. Then, she was going to take her mother to shop around and try a few restaurants that Xiao Lian Yi had recommended.


    On Sunday morning, Li Qin Yao woke up early and prepared a simple breakfast with toast and omelet for both of them before heading out. Li Qin Yao was cutting her knife on the soft and fluffy egg dish when the doorbell rang. She exchanged a look with her mother before walking over to the door.


    "Who is it?" Li Qin Yao asked. He peeked through the peephole and was surprised to see her best friend, Han Yue Xiu, stood at the door. Li Qin Yao swiftly unlocked the door and looked at her friend with surprise. "Yue Xiu?"


    "Good morning!" Han Yue Xiu greeted cheerily. She gave Li Qin Yao a look over and smiled. "You look nice. Going somewhere?"


    Li Qin Yao invited her friend in before she told her plan to go out with her mother.


    "Can I come along?" Han Yue Xiu said. She walked into the dining area and greeted Xu Yilan.


    "Have you had your breakfast yet?" Xu Yilan asked. She watched Han Yue Xiu shook her head and invited her to have breakfast with them. Li Qin Yao then went back into the kitchen to make another serving of omelet and coffee.


    Han Yue Xiu drank a mouthful of coffee and looked up at her friend''s worried gaze. "I quit my job," she announced.


    The fork in Li Qin Yao''s hand paused mid-air.


    "I thought about it for a long time," Han Yue Xiu said. "Although the salary is good, I was unhappy working for a boss like that. I thought that if I continue to work for a demonic boss like that, I might someday go mental. So I quit."


    "If you''re unhappy, you should quit," Xu Yilan commented. "So what if the salary was high. With your qualifications, you can find a new job. I bet another company will appreciate you."


    Li Qin Yao turned to her mother and wondered if her mother was talking about her unhappy marriage with her father.


    "Thank you, auntie," Han Yue Xiu smiled. Then, she looked at her breakfast and ate happily.


    Once the three of them had their breakfast, they headed downstairs and found that Liang Sheng was waiting for them.


    "Miss Li, hello," Liang Sheng greeted. He looked at the two people behind Li Qin Yao and nodded.


    "Liang Sheng, this is my mother, Xu Yilan, and my friend, Han Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao introduced.


    Liang Sheng greeted them both before he chatted with Li Qin Yao about their plan. Soon, Liang Sheng took the car keys from Li Qin Yao and drove the three women to the site.


    "Who is this, Liang Sheng?" Han Yue Xiu whispered after a few minutes staring at the bespectacled man.


    "My grandfather sent him to assist me with this new project I was working on," Li Qin Yao said. "Since you''re jobless now, why don''t you stay here with my mother and me and worked for me?"


    "If the salary''s good and you promised that you wouldn''t make me work unnecessary overtime, I''ll consider it," Han Yue Xiu laughed. She felt her phone vibrating in her purse and frowned when she saw the name on the screen. Swiftly, she swiped her fingers on the red button to reject the call.


    "Your boss?" Li Qin Yao asked. She saw the name on Han Yue Xiu''s phone earlier and guessed.


    Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. "My ex-boss."


    Li Qin Yao nodded when she noticed that Han Yue Xiu did not want to comment on her boss.


    Soon, the car arrived at the site, and Liang Sheng took them around the land that her grandfather wanted to purchase. Although Li Qin Yao had stayed in B City for a few years, it was her first time coming to the area. It was a 70 acre land with a small lake in the middle of it.


    If her grandfather did not mention that he was considering to develop a project in B City, there was no way that Li Qin Yao would come and see the land.


    Li Qin Yao stayed with Liang Sheng as she listened to him speak about the land. As Li Qin Yao observed the land and the surrounding area, she finally had some inspiration to continue working on the proposal.


    When they finished looking around the land, it was around lunch hour. Li Qin Yao invited Liang Sheng to have a meal with them so that they continued to talk about their work.


    After ten minutes of driving, they arrived at a restaurant that Xiao Lian Yi had recommended to her. They picked a seat and placed their order. Because the restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes, Li Qin Yao decided to order some of their best selling dishes.


    "I almost forgot," Liang Sheng spoke to Li Qin Yao as they walked out of the restaurant. "I have found an office for us. In a few days, we can start to move in."


    Hearing the good news, Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh of relief. Since Liang Sheng had found a new place, then the others won''t have to work uncomfortably at her cafe. "I''ll leave it to you with the moving in process."


    Liang Sheng nodded. "Of course."


    "Once we settle into the new office, you can start hiring a few more people," Li Qin Yao said. "We need to speed up if we wanted the proposal to be ready before the deadline."


    Liang Sheng nodded again. "Miss Li, are you sure that you don''t need me as your chauffeur?"


    "No need. I''ll just take my mom and friend to walk around and shop," Li Qin Yao smiled. "It''s Sunday. You''ve spent enough time accompanying me to look around the site. It''s not good if I continue to use your time when you should be having your private time."


    "Well, thank you, Miss Li," Liang Sheng chuckled. "I''ll see you tomorrow."


    Li Qin Yao bid her goodbye to Liang Sheng. She turned around to find her mother and Han Yue Xiu and paused when she saw someone she knew from the distance. It was her cousin, Li Mu Chen. Li Qin Yao frowned as she watched her cousin walked into a shop.


    What is Li Mu Chen doing here in B City?

 Chapter 46 - I Grew Taller

    After pushing the question about Li Mu Chen''s appearance in the back of her mind, Li Qin Yao joined her mother and friend for a sightseeing trip. The three ladies shopped around, ate good food, and visited some famous places that they have never been to before.


    "Where are we going next?" Han Yue Xiu turned to look at her friend. Initially, she was a bit upset that she had decided to quit her job. But after walking around with Li Qin Yao and her mother, Han Yue Xiu''s mood was better.


    Li Qin Yao pulled out her phone to look at the list that Xiao Lian Yi had given her. "Well, according to this list, there is a milk tea shop that was quite popular around here."


    "Let''s go!" Han Yue Xiu said excitedly.


    "You still wanted to go around to buy milk tea?" Xu Yilan watched the two girls with her eyes full. "I''m not going. My feet hurt from walking too much. You girls go ahead and buy them. I''ll wait here."


    "If Auntie Xu is not going, then we can come another time?" Han Yue Xiu said to Li Qin Yao.


    "No. No. No," Xu Yilan rejected the idea immediately. "You girls should go. I''m a bit thirsty. I wanted to drink milk tea too. I''m just too tired to walk. So, you should go and buy me a cup."


    Li Qin Yao exchanged a glance with her friend and let out a chuckle. "Okay, Ma. You stay here. I''ll go with Yue Xiu."


    Xu Yilan nodded before she sent the two girls away.


    "Is this really alright?" Han Yue Xiu glanced back to where Li Qin Yao''s mother stayed.


    "My mom said it''s alright. So, it''s alright," Li Qin Yao said. As they walked towards the recommended milk tea shop, Li Qin Yao decided to ask her friend about her sudden decision to quit from her job.


    Han Yue Xiu was quiet for a while. "Actually, I was surprised that I was courageous enough to quit."


    "What happened?"


    Han Yue Xiu then explained how she had work hard to complete her task. She stayed for overtime and managed to finish everything before the weekend. However, this morning, her boss called her and said that she had to redo her part. After she heard the reason why he rejected her report, Han Yue Xiu went mad.


    "What did he said?"


    "No particular reason. I just did not like it," Han Yue Xiu tried her best to imitate the annoying way her boss talked. "Don''t you think he''s unreasonable? This is not the first time something like this happened. I snapped. I told him I''m quitting immediately, and I didn''t care about this month''s salary. If he''s not my boss, I would strangle him to death."


    At the thought of her monthly salary, Han Yue Xiu''s face turned pale. She realized that she had done everything in impulse, but did not regret her decision to quit.


    Han Yue Xiu bit her lips as she thought over what she had said to her boss. "Actually, I may have said something to anger him. I was afraid that my boss was going to find me at my place. So I decided to come over here to calm down. Yao Yao, you wouldn''t mind me staying with you and your mom for a few days, right?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed and quickly agreed. "Now you know how to be afraid?"


    "You don''t understand," Han Yue Xiu heaved a long sigh. "My boss'' expression when I threw him some insult before I leave was not that good. I''m afraid that if he found me at my apartment, he might kill me."


    The two girls walked around the neighborhood and came across a basketball court. Han Yue Xiu stopped at her track and stood behind the fence to watch a group of men playing a three-on-three game.


    "How long has it been since you stop playing basketball?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "I cannot remember," Han Yue Xiu answered with a sigh. "Probably around college?"


    "It has been so many years, huh? When you were in high school, you were really good at basketball," a smile appeared on Li Qin Yao''s lips as she recalled their younger self.


    Years ago, she had come to watch her best friend''s game and was amazed at how the players could shoot a three-pointer. So, when the others were on break, Li Qin Yao had snuck in to try shooting the ball. It was her first attempt, and she shot a three-pointer. It was a miracle that the ball went in the hoop.


    However, that was the only time she had shot a ball and entered. Her countless attempts right after had failed, even under Han Yue Xiu''s guidance. In the end, Li Qin Yao gave up trying and decided that she had no talent in that game.


    One of the men on the basketball jumped with the ball in his hand and slam-dunked. Han Yue Xiu clapped her hands excitedly.


    Li Qin Yao squinted her eyes as she found that the man was somewhat familiar. Before she could identify the man, Han Yue Xiu spoke and diverted her attention.


    "Years ago, you were shorter," Han Yue Xiu pointed out.


    "Shut up," Li Qin Yao evaded when Han Yue Xiu suddenly moved to touch her head. "I grew taller."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed at Li Qin Yao''s proud look. "Yeah, who would have thought that once you entered college, you would grow a few inches taller." She gave a teasing smile and said, "But I''m still taller than you."


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes. She glanced at the court and saw that the game had ended, and the players started to scatter. "Come on. Let''s go and buy some milk tea before my mom started to worry."


    As the girls started to walk away, Li Qin Yao heard a familiar voice calling out her name. She turned around and was dumbstruck upon seeing Wei Jun Hao waving his hands at her. Behind him was Zhang Yu Han and a few others that she did not know.


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch when she saw Zhang Yu Han. Recently, Li Qin Yao noticed that when she goes out, she would have this chance encounter with him.


    "Isn''t that the insurance salesman?" Han Yue Xiu whispered as she nudged Li Qin Yao on her waist.

 Chapter 47 - The Right Height

    Li Qin Yao winced at her best friend''s question. It was then that she recalled how she had coincidentally met Zhang Yu Han at a restaurant before. Back then, Li Qin Yao thought that Zhang Yu Han was an insurance salesman, and later, she introduced him as such.


    "I was mistaken," Li Qin Yao whispered back. "He''s not an insurance salesman."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her friend with a questioning gaze, but before she could say a word, the boys had approached them. Han Yue Xiu had no choice but to remain silent.


    "I thought I saw wrongly, but," Wei Jun Hao said to Li Qin Yao. He glanced at Zhang Yu Han with a mysterious smile on his face. "Surprisingly, it is you."


    Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes dangerously in return, warning Wei Jun Hao not to try anything funny.


    Earlier, it was Zhang Yu Han, who recognized Li Qin Yao when she stood behind the fence. For a moment, Zhang Yu Han was distracted from the game. He thought that he had seen it wrongly. It was until Wei Jun Hao decided to call her name out loud that Zhang Yu Han was sure that he was not hallucinating.


    "Mister Wei, Mister Zhang," Li Qin Yao greeted them with a smile. Her gaze went towards the ball in one of the men''s arms. "You guys are here to play basketball?"


    Wei Jun Hao nodded. "Did you came here to watch?"


    "No. No. We were just passing by," Li Qin Yao answered quickly. She felt the continuous nudging on her waist and frowned at Han Yue Xiu.


    Wei Jun Hao noticed that Li Qin Yao was trying to escape the meeting as soon as possible. Despite Zhang Yu Han warning that he did not wish to disturb her relationship with her boyfriend, Wei Jun Hao, wanted to create a chance for his friend.


    So what if she had a boyfriend?


    As long as Li Qin Yao was not married, Wei Jun Hao thought that everything is possible.


    "Miss Li, how about you and your friend try and shoot the ball into the hoop?"


    "No. I''m alright," Li Qin Yao answered.


    "Can we?" Han Yue Xiu answered at the same time.


    The two girls exchanged their glance for a while,


    "Actually, I''m horrible with basketball," Li Qin Yao admitted.


    Han Yue Xiu pulled at Li Qin Yao''s sleeve. She looked at her friend with her full, bright eyes and said, "I haven''t played basketball for years! Come on. Just for a while."


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth twitched as her gaze met with Han Yue Xiu''s pleading gaze.


    "Five minutes!" Han Yue Xiu lifted her hand and showed her five fingers.


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh and nodded. She was about to decline, but as Li Qin Yao thought that her friend might be in a bad mood after her sudden resignation, Li Qin Yao gave in.


    She watched her friend ran towards the court after picking up the ball from one of the guys. Li Qin Yao thought that Han Yue Xiu had suddenly turned into a child. She followed Han Yue Xiu to the court and watched as her friend dribbled the ball clumsily. It didn''t take Han Yue Xiu a long time to get used to the game.


    Looking at the smile on Han Yue Xiu''s face, Li Qin Yao took out her phone and texted her mother that it would take them a while before they returned. Xu Yilan replied immediately and told her that she was going to shop around for a little while.


    When Li Qin Yao looked up from her phone, Han Yue Xiu had successfully shot a ball into the hoop.


    "Why do I feel that your friend seemed familiar? Have she played basketball before?" Wei Jun Hao asked. He had been watching Han Yue Xiu for a while and thought that the girl was definitely someone who used to play basketball before.


    "That''s Han Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao introduced. "She played basketball in high school and quit in college."


    "Han Yue Xiu," Wei Jun Hao mumbled her name and frowned. Seconds later, he looked up again when a thought crossed his mind. "LH High School?"


    "How did you know?" Li Qin Yao watched Wei Jun Hao with her eyes full.


    "So that''s why," Wei Jun Hao laughed. He looked at Zhang Yu Han with a knowing look.


    At last, the mystery of how Li Qin Yao appeared at the basketball competition years ago was solved! Han Yue Xiu was the key. She was a player in LH High School, and Li Qin Yao had come to watch the game. It was then that Zhang Yu Han first saw Li Qin Yao and fell for her at first sight.


    "I probably saw her at one of the basketball competition," Wei Jun Hao said. "We used to play basketball in high school and met LH High School a few times."


    Of course, Wei Jun Hao would not tell the truth. He had never paid much attention to LH High School basketball members. The first time he saw Han Yue Xiu''s face and learned her name was during the time he was looking for Li Qin Yao. Zhang Yu Han gave him no other clues, except for LH High School basketball club.


    Han Yue Xiu scored another ball, and some of the boys started to surround her to block her movements.


    "Although your friend hasn''t been playing for years, I can see that she had good skills," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao had goosebumps as she heard his voice. It was then that she noticed that Zhang Yu Han had stood behind her for a while. Li Qin Yao rubbed the back of her neck and smiled at his praise.


    "Are you sure you''re not good at basketball?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He could never forget the first time he saw her. He watched her as she shot a three-pointer, and the ball went in.


    Li Qin Yao winced at the thought of countless balls that did not go in into the ring. "My friend tried to teach me a few times, but I''m just not good at it. Probably because I''m too short."


    "You''re not too short," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head to meet Zhang Yu Han''s gaze. Although she was wearing a high heel, Li Qin Yao thought that she was still too short when she stood next to Zhang Yu Han. Without her high heel, her head reached his chest area. With her high heels, her head was an inch away from his jaw.


    "I think you have the right height," Zhang Yu Han continued.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt warmth crawling all over her body up to her face. Swiftly, she looked away to watch Han Yue Xiu.


    This man¡­ What was he trying to do? Was he encouraging her not to give up or something?


    Although Zhang Yu Han had an intimidating aura around him and did not talk too much, Li Qin Yao thought that he was pretty good with his words.


    "Yao Yao!" Han Yue Xiu waved her hands.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought and quickly went to her friend''s side. "Are you done?"


    "Un," Han Yue Xiu nodded happily. She passed the ball to Li Qin Yao and said, "Come. Try and shoot this ball. Just once."


    "You know that I''m not good at this."


    "I know. But since we''re here, you might as well try to shoot once."


    Li Qin Yao sighed. Standing at the center of the court in her high heel, Li Qin Yao took the ball, bounced the ball on the floor a few times, and shoot. She stared at the ball in agape as it hit the ring and then went in into the hoop.


    What just happened?

 Chapter 48 - He Was Lying

    After her countless attempts to shoot the ball into the hoop for the past few years, this was the second time that Li Qin Yao succeeded! When she thought about that, Li Qin Yao was astounded.


    She stood in the middle of the basketball court while staring at the hoop in dumbfounded. It was not until Han Yue Xiu had pulled her a tight hug did she snapped out of her trance.


    "Yue Xiu, I can''t breathe," Li Qin Yao gasped.


    "Sorry! Sorry!" Han Yue Xiu smiled sheepishly. "Yao Yao, don''t tell me that you have been secretly practicing?"


    As the person who tried to teach Li Qin Yao how to play basketball, Han Yue Xiu was the witness who saw Li Qin Yao''s fail attempts to shoot the ball into the hoop.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I haven''t. I was as surprised as you are."


    Soon, the boys surrounded her and praised her for her shot. Gradually, Li Qin Yao''s face turned red with embarrassment. However, not long after, Wei Jun Hao pulled the boys away to create an opportunity for Zhang Yu Han.


    Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes dangerously at his friend. But once he turned his head to Li Qin Yao, his cold demeanor disappeared. "Where are you heading to next? Do you need a ride?"


    "We''re alright," Li Qin Yao was quick to decline.


    "We''re going to get some milk tea," Han Yue Xiu spilled. "We heard that the milk tea around this neighborhood was quite popular."


    "Coincidentally, now that we have done with playing, we were planning to go and get some milk tea as well," Zhang Yu Han lied.


    He was not a fan of those sweet milk tea and did not understand why people were crazy about this trend. However, he had spoken those words subconsciously once he heard that he had the chance to be around her a bit longer.


    Han Yue Xiu stared at Zhang Yu Han for a few seconds longer before she said, "Then, let''s go together." She felt how Li Qin Yao was poking her on her waist and pretended to feel nothing. "We are going in the same direction anyway," she spoke to Zhang Yu Han and turned to her friend with a smile on her face.


    A hint of surprise flashed on Zhang Yu Han''s eyes briefly. "Sorry. I haven''t introduced myself. I am Zhang Yu Han. Han Yue Xiu, right?"


    Han Yue Xiu shook hands with the man and nodded. "You know me?" she asked Zhang Yu Han while glancing at her friend.


    "I''ve seen you before during the basketball tournament in high school. You''re popular among the female player," Zhang Yu Han said. Of course, he was lying again. If Wei Jun Hao did not mention these things previously, he wouldn''t know anything about Han Yue Xiu.


    "Really?" Han Yue Xiu laughed at his praise.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "I better tell the others about this plan first," he said. Then, Zhang Yu Han went to his friends and invited everyone to come along. In the end, his words left his friends dumbfounded.


    Lin Xiao Feng, who was among the boys, poked Wei Jun Hao on his arms. "What''s wrong with Captain? Since when did he drink milk tea? Didn''t he look down on those drinks before?"


    As the boys were previously from the same basketball team, the boys have gotten used to calling Zhang Yu Han as ''Captain.'' The habit stayed although they have left the school for years.


    Wei Jun Hao sighed as he put his arms on Lin Xiao Feng''s shoulder. "You wouldn''t understand." He turned his head and saw his friend, blinking his eyes in confusion.


    "Jun Hao, what wouldn''t I understand?"


    "When the time is right, you will naturally understand," Wei Jun Hao spoke again.


    In the end, because he was trying to be so mysterious about it, Wei Jun Hao received a few beating from his friends.


    "Sorry, my friends have always been like that," Zhang Yu Han said to both Li Qin Yao and Han Yue Xiu as they watched how the others were fooling around.


    "They were playful," Li Qin Yao smiled as she commented. She thought that the sight was quite refreshing. Though they acted childishly, it clearly showed how they were close to each other. Looking at them, Li Qin Yao felt a tad jealous. Growing up, she did not seem to have many friends around her.


    After picking up their belongings, Zhang Yu Han and his friends then accompanied the girls to the milk tea shop.


    As the girls were walking at the front, Han Yue Xiu glanced back and saw that the boys were walking behind them while keeping their distance. Han Yue Xiu tugged on Li Qin Yao''s arms and spoke in a lower voice. "Okay, you didn''t explain to me about the ex-insurance seller."


    "It was a misunderstanding. I overheard him talking about insurance plan, and thought that he was selling insurance," Li Qin Yao said. "Turns out, he was in the hospitality industry."


    "You seemed close to a few of them?"


    Li Qin Yao knew that Han Yue Xiu was talking about Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao. "Mister Zhang and Mister Wei is a regular customer at my cafe."


    Han Yue Xiu watched her friend with skeptical. She had observed at the side as Li Qin Yao chatted with that man called Zhang Yu Han earlier. Looking at them, she could see that the man was interested in her friend.


    Didn''t they say that those who were standing at the side can see things clearer?


    However, although Zhang Yu Han seemed interested in her friend, Han Yue Xiu could see that the man was trying to keep his distance.


    Han Yue Xiu decided not to share her thoughts. After all, Li Qin Yao had just ended her relationship with Chen Hao. If she shared her view, Han Yue Xiu was afraid that her friend would be scared and soon began to avoid that man. In the end, it was better to observe things quietly first.


    "What is it? Are you interested?"


    "Pfft¡­ don''t joke around. I didn''t want to think of getting into a relationship right now."


    After walking for almost five minutes, the group arrived at the milk tea shop. As there was quite a line, Zhang Yu Han volunteered to queue for the girls.


    Lin Xiao Feng watched as Zhang Yu Han stood in line with his mouth slightly agape. He snapped out of his trance after a while and glanced at where the girls were sitting. Then, he went to Wei Jun Hao and whispered, "I think I understand now."


    "What do you understand?"


    Lin Xiao Feng glanced at Zhang Yu Han and then, to the girls. "The Captain..."


    "Even if you know, you will have to pretend that you know nothing," Wei Jun Hao interjected. "Or else, Captain will be embarrassed and ignore you for months."


    Zhang Yu Han was ignorant of what his friends were talking about. Once he bought a cup of milk tea for everyone, he went to the girls'' table to deliver their drinks.


    Li Qin Yao took out her purse to pay back his money but was stopped by Zhang Yu Han.


    "It''s my treat," Zhang Yu Han said with a smile. "Next time, you can buy me a drink."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao had no reason to decline. "Then, the next time you visited my cafe, I will give you a free cup of coffee."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled to hide his disappointment. He only wanted to find an excuse to go out for a drink with her. However, it looked like his plan to make an excuse to go out with her has failed.

 Chapter 49 - Ignoring His Phone Calls

    When Li Qin Yao went back to work the next day, the first thing she did was to give her former assistant, Bei Ruo Xi, a call.


    "Have you heard anything about Li Mu Chen?"


    "Second, Miss?" Bei Ruo Xi spoke in a low voice. She glanced at Zhao Wei''s office door and her surroundings, sneakily. Once she was sure that there was no one around, Bei Ruo Xi exhaled. "I haven''t heard anything. What''s wrong?"


    "I saw her in B City yesterday," Li Qin Yao then confided in the former assistance of her worry.


    Yesterday, while going around B City with her mother and her best friend, Li Qin Yao, unexpectedly saw her cousin, Li Mu Chen. It was not something unusual for Li Mu Chen to visit B City. However, knowing Li Mu Chen, she was not someone who would come to a small city such as B City.


    What Li Qin Yao was worried the most was for her cousin to find out that their grandfather had secretly assigned her to be in charge of the new project in B City. If that happened, her aunt, Zhao Wei, will lead the shareholder to oppose this project.


    Li Qin Yao was confident that her grandfather would be able to convince the shareholders. However, she would not be surprised if her aunt might pull something to oppose her as the person in charge of the project. It would not be the first time that such a thing happen.


    "Perhaps I was just too worried over nothing," Li Qin Yao said.


    Bei Ruo Xi went silenced for a few seconds. "Well, I''ll keep my eyes around for you."


    "Thank you." Li Qin Yao chatted a little bit with her former assistant and caught up with a few latest gossips in QL Group. Once she hung up the phone and looked up, Li Qin Yao found her best friend stood at the door.


    "Your assistant, what was his name again?" Han Yue Xiu frowned as she tried to recall the man''s name from her memory.


    "Liang Sheng?"


    "Yes, Liang Sheng," she snapped her fingers and smiled. "Well, he''s out there, waiting for you."


    "Has he been waiting long?"


    "No. He just got here and went straight to the table."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. The table that Han Yue Xiu mentioned was the table where her employees who were working on QL Group''s project sat.


    Knowing that Liang Sheng was discussing with the others, Li Qin Yao took her chance to sort out the documents on her table first. She glanced at Han Yue Xiu and asked, "Sorry, I haven''t got anything appropriate to assign you to."


    "That''s alright. It has been a long time since the last time I waited for a table," Han Yue Xiu laughed. The last time she waited for a table was during her college years.


    At this time, the phone in Han Yue Xiu''s pocket vibrated. She took it out, glanced at the screen and frowned.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing," Han Yue Xiu swiped her fingers at the screen and pressed it against her ear.


    From earlier that morning, her former boss, Song Yi, has been trying to contact her. Han Yue Xiu was determined to ignore his phone calls. However, now that her colleague started to reach her, Han Yue Xiu thought that it would not be good if she rejected the call. After all, it might be an emergency.


    "Hello? Ah Yun?" Han Yue Xiu spoke as soon as the phone was connected.


    "Han Yue Xiu, you finally know how to answer your phone, huh? I did not think you would be daring enough not answering my phone calls?"


    When she heard the angry voice, Han Yue Xiu''s face turned pale. It was not hard to guess that the person on the line was not Ah Yun, but her former employer, Song Yi. However, upon hearing his voice, Han Yue Xiu subconsciously pressed the end call button and threw the phone away.


    Fortunately, Li Qin Yao was agile enough to catch the phone before it hit the wall.


    "Why did your face turned white as a ghost?" Li Qin Yao asked. She has been observing her friend for a while and noticed the change in her expression.


    "What? No. You must be imagining things," Han Yue Xiu forced a smile.


    "Imagining things? You''re throwing your phone away, and you still say that I imagine things?" Li Qin Yao waved around her friend''s phone in her hand. "You don''t want this anymore?"


    Han Yue Xiu smiled sheepishly as she took her phone and put it on silent mode. Her brow furrowed as she thought about the caller. "Yao Yao, do you think that my former boss will blacklist my name in the circle to get back to me? Hey, my boss can be a black-bellied person. What am I supposed to do if I cannot find a new job?"


    As Li Qin Yao watched her friend paced back and forth, she shook her head and sighed. "Didn''t you said you weren''t worried?"


    "If I cannot find a job, you have to employ me."


    "Sure," Li Qin Yao nodded. "However, with your qualification, it would be a waste to work for my cafe or this small branch of QL Group."


    "As long as I have some money to buy food and pay my rent, I don''t mind."


    Li Qin Yao snorted. Though Han Yue Xiu said she did not mind, Li Qin Yao did not want her friend to waste her talent.


    After she finished tidying up her desk, Li Qin Yao walked out of her cramped office and walked over to the table where Liang Sheng and the others had gathered.


    "Miss Li," the others greeted as she approached.


    "Just be at ease," Li Qin Yao smiled. She pulled a chair and sat together with them.


    Then, Li Qin Yao spent almost half an hour to listen to their reports. When everything was settled, Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat and headed to another empty table. Soon after, Liang Sheng joined her.


    "Looking at the progress now, I think the first report will be done before we moved to the new office," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Then, I will return to Capital City next week and hand over the report to Chairman Li."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Once Chairman Li had read the report, then we can move on to the next phase. How about the new people we''re recruiting? I have a few people I would like to recommend. They are the people with who I have worked with before. Later on, I will give you their contact, and you can tell them that I am inviting them to join in this project."


    "Miss Li, you don''t have to worry. I will arrange everything."

 Chapter 50 - Familiar Person

    After the plane landed, Liang Sheng quickly gathered his bags. As he walked in into the arrival hall, a man sent by his father was already waiting for him. The two of them had a brief chat before they get into the car and headed to the Li''s Mansion.


    A butler welcomed Liang Sheng''s arrival. He was led into the living room to wait as the servant go to notify Chairman Li. Liang Sheng drummed his fingers against the armrest as he glanced at the briefcase in his hand.


    Today, he was going to hand over the report to Chairman Li. It has been more than a month since he had gone to B City to meet Li Qin Yao. Liang Sheng had gathered a few people where they were working to prepare a proposal for QL Group''s potential project in B City.


    As the mediator between Li Qin Yao and Chairman Li, Liang Sheng had to travel back and forth between Capital City and B City. Although it was a bit tiring for him, Liang Sheng found that he enjoyed working alongside Li Qin Yao.


    Liang Sheng tilted up his head as he heard the sound of high heels clack against the floor.


    "Who are you?"


    Liang Sheng did not reply to the question. He gave the woman before him a look over, and quickly figured out who that person was - Chairman Li''s granddaughter, Li Mu Chen. He stood up and smiled. "Miss Li. Hello."


    Li Mu Chen snorted. "Are you waiting for my grandfather?"


    "Yes."


    Li Mu Chen frowned, at the way the man in front of him replied to her questions. Her eyes narrowed as she continued to observe the man. Somehow, Li Mu Chen could not stop thinking that she had seen him before. "You seemed familiar. Have we met before?"


    Liang Sheng thought about it for a while and answered, "You have probably seen me with my father, Liang Xue Ming. He is Chairman Li''s assistant."


    The frown in Li Mu Chen''s face deepened. She was sure that was not the case.


    However, at this time, the butler came back to call Liang Sheng to meet Chairman Li. After nodding politely to Li Mu Chen, Liang Sheng followed after the butler to Chairman Li''s office.


    Li Mu Chen''s gaze followed as the man left. As she gazed at his side profile, something flashed into her mind. Her eyes widened as she fumbled for her phone in her hand. Li Mu Chen went through the contact list and called a number. She waited for a few seconds until the line was connected.


    "What is it?"


    "Mom," Li Mu Chen heaved with relief as the line was connected. She glanced at the direction where the man had gone before she walked out of the mansion. "Mom, I have some news for you."


    xxx


    Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat and stretched up her body. She has been staring at the computer from the early morning and was starting to get tired. Fortunately, they had finished her report, and now, Liang Sheng had gone to the Capital City to hand it over to her grandfather.


    Because of that, Li Qin Yao had given the four staffs a two days break. Once her grandfather had approved of the report, they were supposed to be busy again.


    Her phone on the table vibrated as she grabbed the half-full coffee mug on her desk, Li Qin Yao drank her coffee while glancing at the screen. Her eyes widened as she saw the caller. She put down her coffee mug and swiped her fingers on the screen.


    "Liang Sheng? How was it?" Li Qin Yao asked as the call was connected.


    Liang Sheng chuckled at the other line. "Well, Chairman LI has looked at the report, and he was satisfied with it."


    Li Qin Yao let out a breath of relief. "This means that we can move on the next phase, right?"


    "Yes, but," Liang Sheng hesitated. "Chairman Li said that there would be a shareholder meeting next week."


    "Next week?" Li Qin Yao subconsciously moved her gaze to the calendar on her desk.


    "There''s news that the government was going to let the bidding start earlier. Therefore, Chairman Li was anxious," Liang Sheng said. "Miss Li, you know how much potential there is in this land. I heard a few other companies were looking to win this land as well. Chairman Li is planning to reveal the project to the others. Since you''re the manager of this project, Chairman Li wanted you to be present."


    "Me?"


    Li Qin Yao massaged her head as she thought of returning to the Capital City to meet the others. She was sure that they would not be pleased to see her again. Imagine what will happen when her grandfather announced that she was the one managing the project?


    "I understand," Li Qin Yao spoke after a while. "I will give Chairman Li a call later and discuss this with him."


    Li Qin Yao leaned on her chair as the phone call ended. She certainly did not expect that the project would be pushed forward. She understood that there were many eyeing to get the site to cooperate with B City to develop the area. Anyone who wins the tender will be profit a lot in the future. It''s just that, Li Qin Yao did not expect that she will have to face the shareholders this soon.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath to calm down. Then she walked out of her office and headed to the kitchen. It would be better if she put the matter off her mind for a while.


    Han Yue Xiu was learning how to pipe the frosting on the cakes with Auntie Yu when Li Qin Yao walked in. She stood at the side and observed them for a while.


    "I''m surprised to see you''re adapting to this well."


    Han Yue Xiu turned around and smiled. "I did not expect that decorating a cake would be this relaxing," she said. Then, she put down the piping bag in her hand and walked towards her friend. "Right. Yao Yao, I''m planning to go back home tomorrow."


    "What? Really?"


    "Well, I can''t leave my house for too long," Han Yue Xiu spoke with a shrug. "I think I''ve calmed down a lot after my sudden resignation. I need to start looking for a new job soon."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She talked with Han Yue Xiu regarding her next plan before she headed up to the front of the cafe. Seeing that there a customer had just left the table, Li Qin Yao quickly went over to clean up the table.


    At this time, the bell that hung at the door rang, signaling that a customer had walked in.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head with a smile on her face as she welcomed the customer. However, her smile froze as she saw the person who walked in. Tang Ai Ling.


    Their gaze met, and the two of them stared at each other silently.


    "I''m surprised to see you here," Tang Ai Ling said.

 Chapter 51 - Apologize

    "Why are you stopping? Someone, you know?"


    When Li Qin Yao heard the voice, she realized that Tang Ai Ling came along with a friend. Taking a deep breath, Li Qin Yao put on a smile and welcomed the two into the cafe. As the two girls went to their seats, Li Qin Yao brought them a menu and acted normally the way she would treat the other customers.


    Once she had keyed in their orders, Li Qin Yao went back into the kitchen to check on the inventory. Almost an hour later, Han Yue Xiu appeared beside her and informed that a customer was looking for her. Li Qin Yao raised a brow before she handed the inventory list to another worker and headed back to the front.


    Tang Ai Ling was waiting alone beside the counter. Li Qin Yao guessed that her friend must have left earlier.


    Seeing the way Tang Ai Ling was staring at her, Li Qin Yao walked over to her with a smile. "Excuse me? You were looking for me?"


    "Yes," Tang Ai Ling smiled. "Miss Li, the last time we saw each other was a month ago."


    "Well, yes."


    "Can we talk for a while?" Tang Ai Ling suggested.


    Li Qin Yao maintained the smile on her face. She could guess that Tang Ai Ling wanted to see her for Chen Hao. She broke up with Chen Hao a month ago after her meeting with his parents. Since then, she had never seen or heard anything about him again. Li Qin Yao then followed her, and they both sat down at the corner.


    "I did not know that you worked here," Tang Ai Ling said as they sat down. She glanced at the apron that Li Qin Yao was wearing, and her lips curled into a small smile.


    "Miss Tang, may I know why you were looking for me?" Li Qin Yao naturally did not want to waste her time with idle chat.


    The smile on Tang Ai Ling''s face froze. She took a deep breath and said, "I heard that you broke up with Chen Hao."


    Li Qin Yao felt her heart trembled as she heard his name. She looked at her and waited for her to continue to say what was on her mind.


    "I always wanted to see you and apologize," Tang Ai Ling continued. "It was all because of me. If I did not show up and go with Auntie to that meeting, Chen Hao and you might still be together."


    Li Qin Yao studied Tang Ai Ling''s expression. She was baffled as to why would Tang Ai Ling said those things to her. They have only met once, and Chen Hao and her private matters naturally had nothing to do with Tang Ai Ling.


    They only broke up because they both could not give what the other wanted. Li Qin Yao cannot give in to Chen Hao and tolerate the way his family treated her, while Chen Hao cannot make his family accept her.


    "Miss Tang. You don''t have to apologize to me," Li Qin Yao spoke softly. "Chen Hao and I broke up, but it was not because of you. After dating each other for a while, we found out that we had different goals in the relationship. Since it was that case, we choose to separate. It has nothing to do with others."


    Tang Ai Ling bit her lips.


    Seeing that the woman before her did not have anything else to say, Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat. "If that is all you wanted to say, then, I guess, there was nothing else for us to talk about." Li Qin Yao gave a smile before she went back to the kitchen.


    "Why is your face so ugly? Who was that person?" Han Yue Xiu approached her friend silently.


    "Someone that Chen Hao''s mother approved of," Li Qin Yao massaged the area between her eyebrow.


    "What? Why did she came and looked for you?"


    Li Qin Yao sighed. "I don''t know. She said she wanted to apologize for causing the breakup."


    "So, she came to provoke you?" Han Yue Xiu snorted. As Li Qin Yao''s friend, she had heard of what happened during the meeting between Li Qin Yao with Chen Hao''s parents a month ago.


    Li Qin Yao raised her shoulders. "Is there anything she can provoke me with?" she patted Han Yue Xiu on her shoulder and sighed. "I still have some work to do. I''ll be in my office for a while."


    Seeing her friend''s downcast mood, Han Yue Xiu decided to give Li Qin Yao some space to rearrange her thoughts. Once Li Qin Yao closed the door, Han Yue Xiu turned around and saw the others'' worried gaze. Han Yue Xiu shook her head and told the others to continue their tasks.


    Li Qin Yao slumped down on her chair and tilted her head up to look at the ceiling. Though she had acted indifferently in front of Tang Ai Ling, Li Qin Yao felt her chest grew heavy when Tang Ai Ling mentioned her ex''s name.


    Although she was the one who initiated the breakup, Li Qin Yao found it hard to let go. Chen Hao was her first boyfriend, and they have dated for a year. Of course, it was not easy for her to forget him.


    Tang Ai Ling''s presence was poking at her heart. As her thoughts drifted away, Li Qin Yao began to wonder if Mother Chen''s plan to pair up her son with Miss Tang had worked. Does it mean that Chen Hao and Tang Ai Ling was dating now?


    However, since this was the path that they both had chosen, there was nothing else she could do but to look forward. She had cried all she wanted after the breakup while eating spicy hotpot. From then on, Li Qin Yao had promised herself that she was not going to cry over it anymore.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance as her phone on the table began to vibrate. She glanced at the screen and took a deep breath to calm down before she swiped a finger on the screen.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao greeted. "I was planning to call you once I''m free."


    "Then, are you free now?" Li Ren Xin spoke on the other line. Once he heard that his granddaughter was not busy, Li Ren Xin spoke again, "Yao Yao, I guess by now you must have heard the news from Liang Sheng,"


    "Yes, he called to deliver the news right after his meeting with you," Li Qin Yao said.


    Li Ren Xin laughed happily. "Then, you must have heard that I am planning to reveal this project to others during the shareholder meeting. Yao Yao, I want you to be there."


    "I understand," Li Qin Yao spoke after a few seconds of silence. "I will come and show up at the meeting."


    "Good," Li Ren Xin heaved a sigh of relief. He was worried that his granddaughter would not want to come. Although Li Qin Yao was among one of the shareholders, she had never shown up to the meeting since the accident. "I trust that you will not abandon this project since you were the one who worked on it?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Don''t worry. Since you have enticed me to take this project, I will not abandon it without any reason. We only agree to let me manage this project. It''s not like I am planning to go back to the headquarters."


    Hearing that his granddaughter had no plan to give up, Li Ren Xin had a broad smile on his face. "There will be some opposition once I announce this project to the others," Li Ren Xin warned. "Although they will agree to take this project, most of them will object to having you as the manager. I want you to be prepared."

 Chapter 52 - Misunderstanding

    After staying in B City for a week, Han Yue Xiu finally decided to return to Y City and went back home. As soon as she opened up the door, she could see specks of dust floating around everywhere. Instantly, she let out a cough.


    "I left this place for a week and look at the amount of dust!"


    Li Qin Yao looked around and lifted her hand to cover her nose. "It was not so bad. Go and open up the window. It will be fine after we clean it up a bit."


    Han Yue Xiu turned to her friend with her eyes wide. "You''re going to help me clean?"


    The corner of Li Qin Yao''s mouth twitched when her friend gave her that puppy eyes. She pushed Han Yue Xiu inside and said, "I''ll help. Then, you''re going to buy me dinner, alright?"


    "Sure. Sure. I''ll buy you dinner," Han Yue Xiu said with a helpless expression.


    Then, the two girls went inside and cleaned up the apartment a little bit. When they finished, the sky has almost turned dark.


    "What do you want to eat?" Han Yue Xiu asked as she slumped on her seat.


    Li Qin Yao thought about it for a while before she replied, "You decide. As someone from Y City, you should know the best place to eat. Surprise me. I''m not picky about food."


    Han Yue Xiu groaned. It was always frustrating when she had to decide on what and where to eat.


    At this time, the doorbell rang. The two girls exchanged a glance and Li Qin Yao raised a brow inquiringly. "Don''t tell me you already ordered takeaway?"


    "Do you think the food would arrive this quick?" Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes, grabbed a small pillow and threw it to her friend. "I''ll go and check." Then, she sat up and walked over to the door. "Who is it?" The minute she peeked into the peephole, Han Yue Xiu''s face turned pale.


    Sensing that there was no movement at Han Yue Xiu''s side, Li Qin Yao turned around. "What''s wrong?"


    The person at the door knocked again.


    "You''re not going to answer?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Swiftly, Han Yue Xiu put a finger at her lips, signaling her friend to be quiet. "It''s my boss," Han Yue Xiu spoke in a hushed voice.


    "I know you''re inside, Han Yue Xiu. I can hear your voice." the man knocked on the door again. "Come on. We need to talk. I''m not leaving until you talk to me."


    Han Yue Xiu''s widened her eyes. She looked at Li Qin Yao in panic. "What should I do?"


    "How should I know?" Li Qin Yao replied in the same hushed voice. Whether Han Yue Xiu wanted to talk to her ex-boss or not, was a matter that Han Yue Xiu had to figure out herself.


    In fact, Han Yue Xiu had heard from the others that her former boss has been looking for her since the day she quit her job. It''s just that, she did not expect that he would come and look for her here.


    The knocking on the door stopped, but the man''s voice could still be heard, urging her to talk to him. After biting at her fingernails and contemplating, Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath and unlocked the door.


    "Boss Song, stop making too much noise and disturbing my neighbors," Han Yue Xiu said. She crossed her arms on her chest. "Why are you here?"


    "Come to work tomorrow."


    "I have resigned."


    "I did not accept your resignation. Come back to work tomorrow."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the man before her in dumbfounded.


    "I''m going to treat your one-week absence as vacations. So, come back to work tomorrow." Song Yi spoke in a gentle voice, surprising Han Yue Xiu.


    However, Han Yue Xiu clenched her hands tightly and started arguing back.


    As the two people argued at the door, Li Qin Yao leaned sideways to peek at Han Yue Xiu''s scary ex-boss. When Li Qin Yao saw the person who stood at the door, she got a bit disappointed. Han Yue Xiu''s boss was not as scary-looking as her friend had described. I fact, Li Qin Yao thought that he looked young and polite.


    Well, they did say not to judge a book by its cover.


    Sensing the movement from the inside, Han Yue Xiu''s boss looked up and met with Li Qin Yao''s gaze. He paused for a moment before he gave her a nod.


    Li Qin Yao returned his nod before she spoke, "Why don''t you discuss things inside? Or Yue Xiu, you''re going to disturb your neighbors with your voice."


    Han Yue Xiu hesitated before she moved slightly to let the man entered her apartment.


    The man walked over to Li Qin Yao and greeted her. "Hello. I''m Song Yi. Han Yue Xiu''s boss."


    "Hello. Hello. I''m Yue Xiu''s friend, Li Qin Yao," with a smile on her face, Li Qin Yao went over to shook hands with him.


    "Sorry for bothering you this evening. It''s just that," Song Yi glanced at Han Yue Xiu. "we have a bit of misunderstanding."


    "There was no misunderstanding," Han Yue Xiu said. "Boss Song, it doesn''t matter if you did not accept my resignation. I still want to resign."


    He turned to look at Han Yue Xiu. "But why?"


    "What do you mean why?" Han Yue Xiu''s face turned a few shades darker at his question. "I had to work for you seven days a week. I worked hard but still, you would always find faults with me. I was unhappy. Do you think I would want to continue working under you? I''m not a masochist."


    Song Yi stared at Han Yue Xiu with his eyes wide. He opened up his mouth to speak, and paused as he saw Li Qin Yao''s presence. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again. "Then, I won''t ask you to come over every day or find faults with you. Han Yue Xiu, you stay, alright?"


    Of course, Li Qin Yao noticed the strange look on Song Yi''s face that made her feel like she was a big light bulb between the two of them. Li Qin Yao shifted around uncomfortably, as she weight upon what she should do.


    Looking at the two''s situations, Li Qin Yao knew that they have to discuss things. After all, Han Yue Xiu had resigned and disappeared just like that last week. As an employer, she knew how frustrating it would be when a good employee suddenly quit without much explanation. Song Yi seemed to value Han Yue Xiu as his employee, but the way he treated this employee was also strange.


    However, Li Qin Yao also knew that it would not be wise to leave the two alone. She heard a few things from Han Yue Xiu and her impression of Song Yi was not that good.


    After a few minutes watching the two continue to argue, Li Qin Yao scooted towards the sofa where she put down her purse. Seeing that the two of them had not spoken another word, Li Qin Yao grabbed her purse and walked towards the door.


    "That," Li Qin Yao spoke in a low voice, but the quiet surrounding turned her voice loud. "I''ll give you guys some space to discuss whatever is going on between the two of you, alright."


    "Yao Yao!" Han Yue Xiu called in a panic.


    Li Qin Yao gave her friend a look before she turned to Song Yi. "Mister Song. I will come back again after an hour. If anything happened to my friend after I returned, I will not hesitate to call the police."

 Chapter 53 - What Scheming?

    Although Li Qin Yao had said that she was going to leave and return an hour later, in reality, once she stepped out of the apartment, Li Qin Yao had stayed outside Han Yue Xiu''s door. Since she was not familiar with Song Yi, it would not be wise to leave him with her friend just like that. If anything happened to her friend, Li Qin Yao knew that she would regret it for life.


    Li Qin Yao leaned on the wall and took out her phone. As she browsed through the internet for a good place to eat in Y City, Li Qin Yao tried to eavesdrop to whatever was going on inside the room. However, all she could hear was the screaming of a child and nagging parents from one of the apartment units.


    After failing to eavesdrop to anything, Li Qin Yao put her ears on the door. At this moment, Han Yue Xiu''s next-door neighbor walked out. Li Qin Yao jumped in surprise before she tried to act normal. Han Yue Xiu''s neighbor looked at her with a dubious look before he walked over to the stairs.


    Li Qin Yao put a hand on her chest and heaved with relief once the man disappeared behind the walls. As she thought that she should not be eavesdropping to others'' conversation, Li Qin Yao went back to her earlier position and leaned on the wall and wait.


    Surprisingly, Song Yi walked out of Han Yue Xiu''s apartment after twenty minutes.


    Song Yi paused at the door. His eyes were staring at Li Qin Yao with shock as he was not expecting to see Li Qin Yao waiting outside the door. He composed himself and nodded once at Li Qin Yao before he walked towards the stairs. Once she heard that the sound of footsteps had gradually disappeared, Li Qin Yao pressed on the doorbell and soon, Han Yue Xiu appeared at the door with a frown on her face.


    "You dare to leave me with that man alone in my apartment," Han Yue Xiu said with her eyes narrowed and her arms crossed on her chest. "Were you not afraid that anything will happen to me?"


    "Yue Xiu, don''t be angry. I didn''t really leave your side. I stayed outside your door. If anything happens, I will come in right away. I know where you hid your keys." Li Qin Yao tried to suppress her friend''s anger.


    Han Yue Xiu snorted but moved her body aside to let Li Qin Yao enter. Seeing that, Li Qin Yao heaved with relief. At least, her friend did not blame her for leaving her alone with her boss.


    "Did the two of you had a nice talk?" Li Qin Yao asked as her gaze stayed on Han Yue Xiu''s expression.


    "I wouldn''t call it nice," Han Yue Xiu said as she sat down on the sofa. "But I guess you could say that it ends well."


    "What happened?"


    "You didn''t eavesdrop to our conversation?"


    "I tried, but failed," Li Qin Yao shrugged. "It was too noisy outside."


    Han Yue Xiu let out a long exhale before she answered. "After discussion, I agreed to return to work tomorrow."


    "Why did you change your mind?"


    The corner of Han Yue Xiu''s mouth curled into a lopsided smile. "He begged me to stay. Then, he promised that he will no longer disturb me with work, unless if it was during working hours."


    "That''s good."


    "Actually, I was tempted when he said he will give me a ten percent salary increment," Han Yue Xiu admitted. "Do you know how much that is?"


    "I''m surprised that your boss valued you this much to come over and beg you."


    "I did not work extra hours for nothing," Han Yue Xiu said with a slightly smug smile on her face. "You can say that I am the one who knows a lot among the others in my department. Since that was the case, how can my boss bear to let me leave? His company can''t function properly without me."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her friend for a long time and suddenly, a thought crossed to her mind.


    Something does not seem right. She had known Han Yue Xiu for years and understood her temperament. Han Yue Xiu was not someone who would change her mind quickly because of money.


    "Yue Xiu, Are you sure you''re not scheming against your boss? You did not resign from your job dramatically only to have your boss let you have your way, did you?"


    Han Yue Xiu scoffed at her best friend''s accusation. "What scheming? I''m a pure girl who knows nothing about such things."


    Looking at the way Han Yue Xiu blinked her eyes innocently, Li Qin Yao took a small pillow and threw it to her friend.


    "That guy needs to be taught a lesson," Han Yue Xiu said as she caught the pillow perfectly. "In the future, he will no longer dare to bully me at work."


    Li Qin Yao was temporarily annoyed that the pillow did not land on Han Yue Xiu''s face. However, her friend was among the best basketball player in her team. How could she win against Han Yue Xiu?


    "What if your plan did not work the way you want to?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "That''s the gamble that I''m willing to make."


    The two girls then went out and had their dinner at a restaurant near Han Yue Xiu''s apartment. Then, the two went on their separate ways. Since it was still early, Li Qin Yao decided to walk around the city to enjoy the night scenery.


    Though it was working days tomorrow, the street was still full of people. A few couples walked passed her, holding hands and a small group of friends were chatting among each other with a loud voice.


    Li Qin Yao moved her body sideways to avoid the others. Just as she reached the corner of the street, Li Qin Yao noticed a familiar figure not far away from her.


    At first, Li Qin Yao wanted to avoid stumbling into someone she knew, but once she saw that the old man was arguing with someone, Li Qin Yao changed her mind. She walked over to the old man and greeted him with a smile. "Grandfather."


    Hearing the familiar voice, Zhang Jing turned around. Once he saw Li Qin Yao''s face, the frown on his face gradually disappeared and a smile bloomed on his face. "Miss Li."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the middle-aged man beside Zhang Jing and saw that he was watching her with a scrutinizing gaze. Since she was not familiar with the other man, Li Qin Yao decided not to mind the other person that much and turned to Zhang Jing. "Grandfather, what are you doing here? It''s late."


    "I came out to have dinner," Zhang Jing cleared his throat.


    "You haven''t had your dinner? It''s already this late," Li Qin Yao said, surprised.


    "This person won''t let me eat," Zhang Jing said. He then gave his assistant a dirty look.


    "Chairman Zhang, it''s not that I won''t allow you to eat," Assistant Huo said helplessly. "But your grandson gave me instruction. You are not allowed to eat meat too much because of your health."


    "Nonsense. My health is fine," Zhang Jing retorted. "Besides... Assistant Huo, were you working for me, or my grandson? Why did you choose to listen to him?"


    "Of course I''m working for you. But Chairman Zhang, I''m worried about your health as well."


    Li Qin Yao stood at the side and listened to their conversation. Her eyes widened with surprise at the way the middle-aged man addressed the old man as Chairman Zhang.


    It seemed that this Grandfather was not an ordinary person.

 Chapter 54 - Adorable Grandfather

    Li Qin Yao was amused as she watched the two men in front of her.


    Although Zhang Jing looked as if he was angered at his assistant''s act to stop him from entering the restaurant to eat, Li Qin Yao could see that he was not truly annoyed. Perhaps, the old man understood his assistant''s concern about his health. Therefore, he can only pretend to be mad.


    Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather was rather cute.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao stepped up, "Grandfather, it''s getting late. It would not be good for your body if you eat any later."


    Zhang Jing stopped scolding his assistant and turned to Li Qin Yao with a smile on his face. "Grandfather shall listen to you, then."


    At this time, Assistant Huo felt wronged. He had tried to persuade the Chairman for half an hour and yet, Li Qin Yao only had to persuade him once to stop their argument. He had served Zhang Jing for years, but the old man chose to listen to his girl he barely knew.


    "Miss Li, it would be dull for an old man like me to eat alone. Why don''t you accompany me to eat? It will be my treat," Zhang Jing said.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at Assistant Huo and smiled. "Don''t you still have your friend to accompany you to eat?"


    "What''s good about two old men having dinner together?" Zhang Jing said with a sigh. "I''ve been looking at his face for years almost every day. I think I might not have much appetite."


    Assistant Huo was sure that Chairman Zhang was only trying to coax his the lady to have a meal with him, but his words still made him want to cry without tears.


    Chairman Zhang was a foodie! He was the kind of person who ignored everything around him once he had delicious food in front of him. The only time he lost his appetite was right after his wife''s death.


    "Really? Shouldn''t your appetite increased when you eat with someone you comfortable with?" Li Qin Yao said. "Looking at the two of you, I can see that your relationship shouldn''t be that bad."


    Zhang Jing turned to his assistant with narrowed eyes. Because his grandson, Zhang Yu Han, had to go to the Capital City for work matters, Assistant Huo had to accompany him to his meal. Zhang Jing was initially glad that he did not have to eat alone, but now, he thought that his assistant was a nuisance. If he was not around, then he can persuade his potential granddaughter-in-law to accompany him to dinner.


    "But since Grandfather said you were going to treat me, how can I say no?" Li Qin Yao continued.


    Instantly, Zhang Jing''s expression brightened up.


    Li Qin Yao almost laughed at the old man''s childish attitude. Then, she turned to the middle-aged man and took the initiative to introduce herself. "Hello. I''m Li Qin Yao. This is the first time I see you, uncle."


    Assistant Huo was startled at her sudden introduction. He held out his hand with a reserved smile on his face. "Hello, Miss Li. You can call me Assistant Huo." Li Qin Yao''s polite manners left a good impression on Assistant Huo.


    Seeing the way his assistant was chatting with his potential granddaughter-in-law, Zhang Jing immediately separated the two and led Li Qin Yao to the restaurant. To Assistant Huo''s relief, the Chairman did not enter the barbecue restaurant and instead, entered another restaurant next to it.


    Zhang Jing asked for a private room and started to order some food. He passed the menu to Li Qin Yao and she only ordered a light snack since she had her dinner with Han Yue Xiu not long ago.


    "Will that be enough?" Zhang Jing asked. "Miss Li, I can assure you that I can afford to treat you to dinner."


    "It isn''t that. I don''t eat much for dinner," Li Qin Yao said.


    "You''re dieting? The young people these days are too concerned about their body, huh?" Zhang Jing said.


    Li Qin Yao merely smiled as Zhang Jing continued to lecture her eating habits.


    Once their food arrived, Zhang Jing would push some of the dishes to Li Qin Yao and insisted on her to try. Once Zhang Jing picked a dish for Li Qin Yao to try, she would pick another dish for him as well.


    Meanwhile, Assistant Huo could only eat silently as he continued to watch the way Chairman Zhang was treating the girl as if she was really his granddaughter-in-law. Somehow, he thought himself as the third wheel.


    His gaze softened when he started to notice that every time the girl would pick up the dishes for the Chairman, she would let him eat more vegetables. Since Li Qin Yao was the one who picked the dishes, naturally, Zhang Jing ate them happily.


    It was rare to see Chairman Zhang that amount of vegetables as he did right now. Even if Zhang Yu Han had to force him to eat vegetables, Chairman Zhang would only eat them with a dissatisfied look on his face. It was surprising for Assistant Huo to see the Chairman eat them with a smile on his face.


    Li Qin Yao took a sip from her drink and looked up to Assistant Huo. Though she pretended that she did not see it, Li Qin Yao knew that Assistant Huo has been looking at her all through dinner. "Sorry, Assistant Huo. It seemed that I have disturbed your dinner with Grandfather together."


    "It''s fine. I was glad that you accepted Chairman Zhang''s invitation. It was rare for him to eat that much vegetables," Assistant Huo said.


    Zhang Jing''s face darkened at his assistant''s words. He made him feel as if he was a five years old child who was picky about his food. Although it was a fact, Assistant Huo should not be saying these words in front of his Li Qin Yao.


    As Li Qin Yao watched the two old men started to get into another argument, her lips curved into a smile. Once Zhang Jing noticed that Li Qin Yao has been staring at him for a long time, he immediately stopped arguing with his assistant. Suddenly, he felt very childish in front of this young girl.


    "Sorry, Miss Li. We embarrassed ourselves by letting you see these two old men arguing like children," Seeing the Chairman''s shy expression, Assistant Huo took the initiative to apologize.


    "It''s alright," Li Qin Yao waved her hands. Although had only met Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather a few times, Li Qin Yao thought that this old man was adorable. At the thought of her relationship with her grandparents on both sides of the family, Li Qin Yao felt a bit sad.


    Her maternal grandparents were not close to her due to her identity as the young miss of QL Group. While her relationship with her paternal grandfather soured after the scandal two years ago. Although her paternal grandfather tried to repair their relationship and make up for his misunderstanding, Li Qin Yao thought that everything was no longer the same.


    "That''s right," Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Jing with an inquiring gaze. "I heard Assistant Huo addressed you as Chairman Zhang. Grandfather, if you don''t mind me asking, who are you exactly?"


    Zhang Jing exchanged a look with his assistant. "Yu Han never said anything?" he asked Li Qin Yao.


    "We''re not that close," Li Qin Yao admitted.


    When Zhang Jing heard that, he silently chided his grandson. He knew that his grandson never had any relationship with any girls, but right now, Zhang Jing could not think that his grandson was very hopeless.


    They were not that close? What was his grandson doing? Didn''t he know how to chase a girl? At his pace, when will he be able to have a granddaughter-in-law?


    "Have you heard of Zhang Group Worldwide?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "That hotel group?"


    "Well, I am the Chairman of that hotel group," Zhang Jing said.


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes widened. She had never thought that this adorable grandfather would be the Chairman of Zhang Group Worldwide. A frown appeared on her face as she recalled something. Back then, didn''t Zhang Yu Han told her that he was in the hospitality industry?

 Chapter 55 - Causing A Scene

    Earlier that morning, Li Qin Yao was busying herself with delegating tasks to her employees. Her flight to the Capital City will depart in the afternoon and before she left, Li Qin Yao needed to ensure that her cafe will be alright without her presence.


    This time, she was expected to stay in the city longer to discuss a few things with her grandfather and faced the shareholders regarding the project in B City.


    This would be the perfect chance to see how Qing Kong can manage without her supervising.


    Li Qin Yao was giving a few instructions to Qing Kong when the small bell chimed and the door swung open.


    From the corner of her eyes, Li Qin Yao watched as one of the waiters stepped forward to greet their customers. However, once her gaze fell on the customer, Li Qin Yao paused in the middle of her sentence.


    "Boss? What''s wrong?" Qing Kong asked when she noticed that there was something wrong with her boss''s expression.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head before she continued to talk to Qing Kong. However, a slight frown appeared on her face as she wondered why did the two people visit her cafe.


    The two new customers were no other than Tang Ai Ling and Mother Chen.


    Tang Ai Ling had visited her cafe and they both exchanged a few words. The first time that Tang Ai Ling came to Lilium Cafe with her friend, Li Qin Yao could let it pass as a coincident. However, now that Tang Ai Ling had come with Mother Chen, Li Qin Yao began to wonder about her motive.


    Previously, when she was still dating Chen Hao, she had once told Mother Chen that she worked in a cafe. Although Li Qin Yao had invited Mother Chen to come over to Lilium Cafe a few times, the woman had never come to visit.


    Li Qin Yao had broken up with Chen Hao and had no contact with him since that night. Why does it feel like the two of them came to provoke her?


    However, Li Qin Yao was too lazy to entertain the two women and continued her task behind the counter and chose to ignore them.


    Since she was no longer dating Chen Hao, Li Qin Yao saw no reason for her to come over the two''s tables and greet them.


    Right now, Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling were treated as ordinary customers. If Tang Ai Ling came with Mother Chen to have some meal and bring her some profit, she was not going to complain about it.


    But, it seemed that even though she did not want to pay attention to the others, it doesn''t necessarily mean that the other party was willing to leave her alone without seeking trouble.


    As Li Qin Yao was checking on the cakes behind the counter, Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling sauntered towards the counter.


    "Miss Li, we met again," Mother Chen said.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head and smiled politely. "Can I help you?"


    Mother Chen sneered. "Miss Li, the last time we met, did I not tell you that you are not suitable for my son?"


    Li Qin Yao frowned when Mother Chen suddenly raised her voice. It was as if she wanted everyone inside the Cafe to listen to her words. Li Qin Yao glanced at Qing Kong and signaled her to look after other customers.


    "Even though you know that I will not approve of your relationship, why do you keep pestering my son? You''re vicious enough to try and ruin his relationship with his parents!"


    Li Qin Yao was speechless at Mother Chen''s accusation. "I don''t understand what you''re saying. When did I keep pestering your son?"


    "Stop playing dumb. If it wasn''t for you, then why is it that Chen Hao has not returned home for a month."


    Li Qin Yao was taken aback at the news. She knew that Chen Hao was very filial to his mother. To think that Chen Hao has not returned home to see his mother for a month¡­ Why did this guy suddenly rebel?


    "Excuse me, Mrs. Chen. After the last time we met, I have broken up with your son and had never seen him again," Li Qin Yao said. "If your son had not returned home for a month, shouldn''t you be looking for him at his workplace or something? Why did you come here to make a scene?"


    As Li Qin Yao finished, she glanced at Tang Ai Ling with a sharp look. She could guess that Tang Ai Ling had somehow made Mother Chen believe that she had something to do with Chen Hao.


    Once their gaze met, Tang Ai Ling, shrunk behind Mother Chen.


    Li Qin Yao was about to turn back and head back into her office when she felt someone grabbing her arms.


    "If I can find Chen Hao at his workplace, do you think I would be coming here to find you?" Mother Chen was almost shrieking.


    Li Qin Yao staggered backward as Mother Chen released her grip. Her body slammed against the wall behind her and she winced in pain.


    "Qin Yao, are you alright?" Auntie Yu, who has been watching everything from the side, swiftly went to Li Qin Yao''s side to checked on her boss. Then, Auntie Yu turned to Mother Chen in anger. "This customer here, if you continue to cause a scene here, I''m afraid that we will have to call the police."


    Tang Ai Ling tugged at Mother Chen''s hand while whispering words to calm her down. However, Mother Chen could not be appeased.


    Mother Chen had raised her son for all her life and this was the first time that her son had not to listen to her words. Even during Chen Hao''s teenage years, he was someone who would listen to her arrangement obediently.


    Her son had not returned home and has not shown up to work for nearly a month. If Chen Hao did not give her an occasional call, Mother Chen would surely report him as a missing person.


    Of course, Mother Chen would blame Li Qin Yao for Chen Hao''s sudden change of attitude. Who else would influence the change in Chen Hao if it was not Li Qin Yao?


    Mother Chen stepped forward to Li Qin Yao in anger, but before she could reach her, someone had pulled her back. Mother Chen turned around and her eyes widened as she saw a strange woman before her.


    "What are you trying to do to my daughter?" Xu Yilan asked before Mother Chen could utter a word.


    "Ma," Li Qin Yao was shocked upon seeing her mother. "What are you doing here?


    Xu Yilan walked over to her daughter. The fierceness in her gaze while facing Mother Chen dissipated. "Didn''t you said you''re going to the airport later? I wanted to send you off." She gave her daughter a look over and frowned. "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "This crazy woman," Mother Chen spoke up. "Who are you? Why are you interrupting our business?"


    "Mrs. Chen, right? Before you bully my daughter, you need to face me first." Xu Yilan crossed her arms on her chest. "I heard from my daughter that she had already broken up with your son. Why are you causing a scene here? Let me tell you. Even if your son comes back and begs my Qin Yao to be with him, I won''t agree. You said my daughter was not suitable for your son? Well, you''re right. Your son who was not worthy of my daughter!"


    Xu Yilan had naturally heard about her daughter''s breakup with Chen Hao. During Han Yue Xiu''s stay with her, that girl had told her some details that her daughter refused to tell. Xu Yilan naturally heard the insulting words Mother Chen''s said to her daughter.


    Mother Chen clenched her hand on her purse. She wanted to retaliate, but she got scared upon meeting Xu Yilan''s sharp gaze. Mother Chen turned around in anger with Tang Ai Ling behind her.


    "Wait a minute, Mrs. Chen," Li Qin Yao called out as the two walked near the exit. "You haven''t pay your bills yet."

 Chapter 56 - Keep Bumping Into Each Other

    Li Qin Yao and her mother arrived at the airport and walked over to the departing hall. Seeing that they have got some time, the mother and daughter sat at the bench and chatted a little bit.


    "I did say that I will give you my support if you''re planning to return to QL Group," Xu Yilan said with a soft sigh. Then, she reached out her hand to pushed a few strands of hair behind her daughter''s ear. "But if things get too tiring and difficult, just give me a call and I will come and pick you up."


    Her mother''s words turned Li Qin Yao''s nose soured. However, she forced a smile and pulled her mother into a hug. They parted after a while and glanced at the screen to see that she can head into the lounge.


    "Call me when you arrived," Xu Yilan patted her daughter on her shoulder.


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly.


    "What is it?" Xu Yilan naturally noticed that her daughter had something she wanted to say.


    After a few seconds of hesitation, Li Qin Yao asked, "Ma, about the thing you said before."


    "What thing?" Xu Yilan raised a brow.


    "Chen Hao. If Chen Hao and I get back together, will you really not agree to it?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Xu Yilan stared at her daughter for a few seconds longer and spoke, "Yao Yao, do you really like Chen Hao that much?"


    Li Qin Yao did not know how to answer her mother''s question. She liked Chen Hao and at that moment, she had not gotten over her break up yet. However, Li Qin Yao was not sure if she liked Chen Hao that much that she wanted to date him even without her mother''s approval.


    Back then, after her parents'' divorce, Li Qin Yao had live with her father in Capital City, while her mother lived separately and would only meet on a few occasions. However, her relationship with her mother was still good.


    Li Qin Yao knew that in this world, she is the most important person in her mother''s life. Therefore, there was no way that she would do something that would hurt or disappoint her mother.


    Xu Yilan''s expression softened. "Yao Yao, I may not like it, but if you really like him that much, I will give you my support." A soft laugh escaped her as her daughter stared at her with her wide eyes. "However, staying with someone like Chen Hao will not be easy. As your mother, I do not want you to face the same thing as I did. But, I understand that though I had faced some hardships after I married your father, it doesn''t mean that you will face the same fate as mine. Yao Yao, I only wanted you to be happy. Of course, I hope that you will meet someone who will love you and treat you well. At the same time, I hope that you will be accepted well by his family as well."


    ...


    Li Qin Yao sat silently in her flight to the Capital City. Her mind was preoccupied with her conversation with her mother throughout the journey. It was not until the plane has touched down did Li Qin Yao snapped out of her mind.


    As she walked over to the arrival hall, Li Qin Yao took out her phone to give Liang Sheng a call to announce her arrival in Capital City.


    "Miss Li, weren''t your flight supposed to be tomorrow?" Liang Sheng spoke.


    "I decided to come over a day earlier. There are still a few things that I need to prepare," Li Qin Yao said.


    "I will send someone to pick you up," Liang Sheng said immediately.


    "No need. I am not planning to stay at Li''s Residence this time. I don''t want the others to pester me during my visit this time," Li Qin Yao said. She clipped her phone between her ears and her shoulder and slowly massaged her head. Her other hand was pulling at her luggage.


    Li Qin Yao could imagine what will happen if her aunt, Zhao Wei, and the others heard that she came to Capital City just a few days before the shareholder meeting. There was no doubt that they will try to cause a scene when they see her.


    "I have booked a room in a hotel," Li Qin Yao said. "I''ll send you the details later. Tomorrow morning, you should come over and we can continue our discussion."


    Li Qin Yao ended the call after giving Liang Sheng a brief instruction and walked over to the taxi area. Just as she was about to grab the last taxi, a middle-aged man rushed through and entered the car. Li Qin Yao watched as the last taxi left and sighed.


    Just as she was wondering what she should do, Li Qin Yao felt someone tapping on her shoulder. When she turned around, her gaze met with a person''s chest. She tilted her head up and saw a familiar face. Why is it him again?


    "Miss Li, I did not expect to see you here. I thought I was mistaken, but it really is you," Zhang Yu Han said with a smile.


    Zhang Yu Han had noticed Li Qin Yao the moment she walked into the arrival hall. However, he had thought his eyes were deceiving him. After all, it would be almost impossible to see her again the moment he arrived from M City.


    "Mister Zhang, what a coincident," Li Qin Yao said. "If we keep bumping into each other coincidentally like this, I might suspect that you were stalking me."


    Zhang Yu Han burst into a hearty laugh as he heard her word, making Li Qin Yao turned into a daze. It was as if she was enchanted by his deep laughing voice. Li Qin Yao always thought that Zhang Yu Han had a nice speaking voice, but she did not expect that his laughing voice would be even better.


    "Miss Li, I could say the same thing to you," Zhang Yu Han''s lips curved into a smile. "Are you sure you were not stalking me?"


    Li Qin Yao merely smiled at his teasing.


    "But really, this is a coincidence. I just arrived from M City." Zhang Yu Han said as if explaining that he had no intention to stalk her. Then, he glanced at the empty taxi stand. "Your grandfather did not come to pick you up this time?"


    "I didn''t tell him that I''ll be coming today," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Well, if you don''t mind, I can give you a ride," Zhang Yu Han said and pointed towards a black Cayenne not far away from them.


    Li Qin Yao hesitated. She glanced at the empty taxi stand, and then, back at the black Cayenne. After her flight and meeting with Chen Hao''s mother that morning, Li Qin Yao was pretty exhausted. Right now, there was nothing she wanted to do but to lay down on a nice bed and sleep.


    "Where are you heading to?" Zhang Yu Han asked when the girl in front of him did not reply.


    "The Orchid hotel."


    The smile on Zhang Yu Han''s face widened. "Well, it seemed that we are heading to the same destination."

 Chapter 57 - How Did They Became Friends?

    After a few seconds, Li Qin Yao finally nodded and accepted the offer. Zhang Yu Han then led the girl towards the vehicle, and his assistant, Xiao Ye descended from the car and help them both with their luggage.


    Xiao Ye glanced at Zhang Yu Han with an inquiring look before the later introduced them to each other. "This is my friend, Li Qin Yao and this is my assistant, Xiao Ye."


    The two of them nodded politely. Then, Zhang Yu Han opened the door to the backseat for Li Qin Yao and then, sat at the front passenger seat. Xiao Ye then drove into the city.


    Almost an hour later, they arrived at The Orchid Hotel. Zhang Yu Han stepped out before he gave Xiao Ye an instruction. Then, he helped Li Qin Yao and the two walked into the lobby together.


    "Do you have a reservation?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "Give me your ID, Xiao Ye will help you to check-in."


    Li Qin Yao took out her ID and passed it over to Xiao Ye. Then, the assistant went towards the reception desk, while Zhang Yu Han led Li Qin Yao to sit at a corner.


    As they were waiting, Li Qin Yao grabbed a pamphlet on the table and looked at it casually. Her eyes glinted as she read the company''s information. It was then that she recalled the conversation with Zhang Jing - The Orchid is one of the hotels under Zhang Group Worldwide.


    Her face turned slightly pink as she tilted her head to Zhang Yu Han. She then understood why he told her that they were going in the same direction. To think that she had initially suspected that Zhang Yu Han had invited her for an ulterior motive!


    "What''s on your mind?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head up as she heard his deep baritone voice to meet his gaze.


    "You were in a daze," Zhang Yu Han said when she did not answer.


    "Nothing," Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I just recalled that The Orchid is a property under Zhang Group. So, this hotel should be one of yours, right?"


    "You¡­ know?" Zhang Yu Han stared at her with surprise on his face.


    "I met your grandfather last week and we both shared a meal together," Li Qin Yao said. "Then, he mentioned about Zhang Group and its business."


    Zhang Yu Han had a slight frown on his face.


    His grandfather and the girl he fancied had shared a meal. Why didn''t he know about this? How was it that his grandfather had a meal with her when he himself had never shared any meals with her?


    "You and my grandfather had a meal together?" Zhang Yu Han watched as she nodded. "He never mentioned it. Miss Li, when did you become close to my grandfather?"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled. "We accidentally met a few times after the last time we were both admitted to the hospital. I guess you could say that after those brief encounters, the two of us are friends now. Your grandfather is a sweet person." A smile appeared on her face as she recalled that cute grandfather and his assistant.


    Zhang Yu Han felt the corner of his mouth twitched at her comment. His grandfather is a sweet person? Why didn''t he know about this? Moreover, how did they became friends? Even if he had met Li Qin Yao a few more times more than his grandfather, Zhang Yu Han would not dare to say that they were close enough that he could call her as his friend.


    At those thoughts, Zhang Yu Han felt as if something was pressing heavily on his chest. His expression froze momentarily at the ridiculous thought that he was jealous of his own grandfather.


    After a couple of deep breaths, Zhang Yu Han then made a mental note to ask about their outings to his grandfather once he returned to Y City.


    Soon, Xiao Ye returned to their side with their keycards. Li Qin Yao glanced at the room number and looked at Xiao Ye. "Is there a mistake? I remember that I booked a standard room, but you''re giving me a key to a suite."


    Xiao Ye glanced at his boss before he spoke, "It was not a mistake. Miss Li, since you are a friend of our boss, I asked them to upgrade you to a suite. You don''t have to worry. You will only be charged for the price of a standard room."


    Once he finished, Xiao Ye let out a breath of relief. His boss, Zhang Yu Han, had given him instruction to give Li Qin Yao one of the best rooms available. Initially, his boss wanted to give a room for free.


    However, knowing that she would definitely decline his intention if he told her that the room will be free of charge, Xiao Ye was instructed to say that she will only be charged for the price of the room that she booked.


    "Just take it," Zhang Yu Han said when he saw the hesitant look on the girl''s face. "Since you are a friend of my grandfather, don''t reject this. I''m sure that this is what he wanted me to do as well."


    Li Qin Yao pondered over it before she nodded. "Then, I''ll have to thank you, Mister Zhang. If next time, I will treat you to a meal."


    A glint of light flashed through Zhang Yu Han''s eyes when he heard her invitation. His lips curled into a smile as he said, "Good."


    The two of them headed to the elevator and went to their respective room where Zhang Yu Han was arranged to be on Li Qin Yao''s next door.


    Once Li Qin Yao entered the room, she surveyed her surroundings and sent a message to her mother to announced that she had safely arrived at the hotel. Then, she sat down on the sofa and looked out the ceiling to floor window to watch the sunset view in the city.


    When she opened her eyes again, the sky has turned dark and the sunset view has changed to the view of the illuminated city at night. Li Qin Yao stood up quickly and saw that it was five minutes to ten. It was then that she realized that she had fallen asleep due to fatigue.


    Suddenly, there was a buzzing sound came from beside her. Li Qin Yao turned and saw that her phone was buzzing. A slight frown formed on her face as she studied the unknown number.


    After a few seconds of hesitation, Li Qin Yao slid her finger on the screen and pressed the phone to her ear. "Hello?"


    For a few seconds, there was no one on the other line. Just as Li Qin Yao was about to hang out the call, she heard a familiar voice. Though it was only a sound of distance coughing, Li Qin Yao could still recognize the voice.


    "Chen Hao? Is that you?"

 Chapter 58 - You Don’t Love Me Enough

    There were a few more seconds of silence before the person on the other line finally spoke out. "Yao Yao," Chen Hao''s voice sounded faint on the other line. He cleared out his throat once and spoke again. "I heard¡­ my mother went to your place this morning."


    "Yes," her voice softened as she heard the voice that she had not heard for a while.


    "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath before she nodded and answered, "Yes."


    "Did she cause trouble with you?"


    "No."


    Even if Chen Hao''s mother did come to trouble her, Li Qin Yao would deny it.


    "Sorry."


    Li Qin Yao clenched at her phone a little tighter as she wondered whether Chen Hao was apologizing for their separation or his mother''s behavior earlier in her cafe today.


    There was another brief silence between them again as both of them were in a daze after not speaking to each other since their break up. Finally, Li Qin Yao spoke again. "Chen Hao, I heard from your mother that you have not returned home and did not show up at work. Where did you go?"


    "I took a break from work and go on vacation in S Country. I have explained everything to my mother. I don''t know why she still went to find trouble with you." Chen Hao paused and exhaled deeply. "I just need some time for myself."


    "Well, whatever it is you''re planning to do, you should give your mother a phone call and let her worry less."


    "Yao Yao, I know that I wanted to be filial to my parents, but I did not realize that I have been too obedient to the point that I let my mother arranged everything in my life. From my studies to my career, everything so far was something that my mother had chosen for me. But still," Chen Hao let out a chuckle. "If I have to do things all over again, I know that I will choose the same path. I won''t go against my mother. After all, my mother knows me so well. She will never leave me astray."


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes gradually dimmed and her lips curved into a small smile. A part of her was disappointed with Chen Hao, while a part of her was relieved that she had chosen to end their relationship earlier.


    "Yao Yao, I have a question."


    "What?"


    "Back then, you told me that you don''t confident that you can change my mother''s mind," Chen Hao made another long pause. "Did you say it like that because you don''t love me enough?"


    Chen Hao''s question and accusing tone turned her stupefy. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt her heart grew colder. To think that Chen Hao thought of her feelings towards him as low as that.


    She chose to retreat because she loved him and did not want to make things difficult for him by letting him choose between her and his mother. However, he had doubted her and thought that she did not love him that much.


    "Chen Hao. You have to know that even if I stay with you for the rest of my life, I will not be able to change your mother''s opinion towards me because a person cannot change another person just because that person wishes for it. No matter how hard I try to change your mother''s opinion, it will not work, unless if your mom herself who wanted to change. Besides, your mother did not like that I come from a broken family. Tell me how do I change that?"


    "Yao Yao," His voice sounded weak like a whisper. Clearly, Chen Hao did not know that one of the reasons his mother was against Li Qin Yao was because of her family. His face turned slightly red from embarrassment. Chen Hao did not know that his mother was that superficial.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath to calm down. "It''s late. I still have to work tomorrow. I will not stay to chat with you."


    Chen Hao stared at his phone. He did not have the chance to say goodbye before Li Qin Yao hung-up on him. The night blew. Chen Hao looked up at the sky and thought that the night was exceptionally cold.


    xxx


    Li Qin Yao woke up the next morning with a slight headache. After Chen Hao''s call last night, Li Qin Yao could not go back to sleep. In the end, she spent most of her night rolling in her bed, thinking of her conversation with her ex-boyfriend. It was almost three when she finally drifted into dreamland.


    When her alarm sounded this morning, Li Qin Yao planned to switch it off and continued to sleep. However, once she thought of her meeting with Liang Sheng and the upcoming battle with the QL Group''s shareholder, Li Qin Yao knew that she had to get off her bed.


    After cleaning up herself, Li Qin Yao left her room and headed to the coffee house. Although she knew that she could always call the room service to send her breakfast, Li Qin Yao thought that it would be better if she had her breakfast in the coffee house. At least, she would not feel alone.


    Because it was weekdays, the Coffee House was not as crowded. There were a group of tourist and a few groups of men and women dressed in their business suit.


    Li Qin Yao walked around the buffet table and poured herself a bowl of shredded chicken porridge and a hot cup hot soy milk before she headed to an empty table.


    She took out her phone to send a short message to Liang Sheng to remind him of their meeting. She took a picture of her breakfast and posted it on her moments to let her mother know that she was having her meal properly. Then, Li Qin Yao ate her breakfast silently as she browsed through the news on her phone.


    Suddenly, something blocked up her light. Li Qin Yao lifted her gaze and met Zhang Yu Han''s familiar gaze.


    "Miss Li, good morning," Zhang Yu Han greeted. "I thought you would be having your breakfast in your room."


    "Eating here would be livelier," Li Qin Yao said. "Besides, I can go on a few rounds and try various types of dishes. The breakfast buffet in your hotel has a great choice of food. Everything on the buffet table looks good."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the girl in front of him in dumbfounded. Slowly, his lips curled into a smile. "I now understand why you were able to befriend my grandfather, Miss Li. You both like eating good food."


    Li Qin Yao felt her face grew warm. "Well, eating good food can enhance your mood. There''s nothing wrong with that."


    "I didn''t say that there''s anything wrong with it," Zhang Yu Han said. "It''s just that, it was not easy for anyone to get along to my grandfather."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head, wondering why was it hard to get along with Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather. After all, that old man was too cute. Li Qin Yao stared at the man before her and said, "Well, Mister Zhang, if you haven''t had your breakfast yet, come and join me. After all, I planned to stay here for a while."


    A glint flashed through Zhang Yu Han''s eyes as he heard her invitation and he quickly hid the smile on his face.

 Chapter 59 - Politics And Rivalry

    After a few seconds of pause, Zhang Yu Han agreed to Li Qin Yao''s invitation. He poured himself a cup of coffee and had the cook prepared a cheese omelet before he headed back to the table.


    Li Qin Yao has been eyeing the dish on Zhang Yu Han''s plate since he returned. She watched Zhang Yu Han picked up his cutlery and cut through the fluffy golden yellow egg. The brunoise cut red tomato and chives were visible, and the aroma of cheddar cheese wafted to her nose.


    Subconsciously, Li Qin Yao swallowed her saliva as her gaze followed the omelet in the fork entered the man''s mouth.


    Quickly, Li Qin Yao looked away before he would notice that she had been staring at him. Then, she resumed to eat her porridge and took note to try the omelet later.


    "Miss Li."


    "Huh?" Li Qin Yao jolted when she heard the man in front of him calling her name in his low voice. "What?"


    Zhang Yu Han curved his lips into a small smile. "I was asking your thoughts on the breakfast choices here?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her face grew warm at the thought that her mind was previously preoccupied with the fluffy cheese omelet. "Well, the porridge and soy milk tasted good. There are plenty of choices on the buffet table too and every one of them looked appetizing."


    "I''m glad you had a good review so far. As I have said earlier, my grandfather loves good food. You can be assured that the food served in our hotels would be really good."


    The two of them continued to have their breakfast and made a small talk revolving the hotel and Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather. Although Zhang Yu Han wanted to continue to accompany Li Qin Yao until the breakfast period in the coffee house ended, he had no choice but to excuse himself with work as his excuse.


    After all, he did not want to scare her with his feelings.


    Although he could not get closer to her right now, Zhang Yu Han was satisfied as long as could be around her like that. He did not want Li Qin Yao to distance herself from him upon learning that he liked her. Li Qin Yao had a boyfriend, and he did not want to make her uncomfortable.


    Li Qin Yao watched as Zhang Yu Han left the coffee house before she headed to the egg station and ordered herself a portion of cheese omelet. She watched the cooking process before she went back to her seat and savored the taste.


    Liang Sheng finally showed up at the hotel as Li Qin Yao was enjoying a plate of flaky pastries. She finished her pastries and pushed aside the plate.


    "Miss Li, sorry. Have you been waiting long?" Liang Sheng said as he rushed forward.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her wristwatch and smiled. "It''s fine. You''re not late. Have you had your breakfast yet?"


    "Miss Li, don''t worry about me. I already ate."


    "Well, we''ll wait until my friend arrives before we can begin our discussion," Li Qin Yao gestured to the seat in front of her and Liang Sheng pulled a chair and sat down. After a while, a waiter walked over to their table and Li Qin Yao ordered two cups of coffee.


    As the breakfast period in the coffee house ended, a young girl with short hair walked in into the cafe. Once she saw Li Qin Yao from a distance, Bei Ruo Xi walked over to the table and greeted Li Qin Yao.


    "You''re here," Li Qin Yao pointed at the empty seat next to her and the girl tacitly sat down.


    "Sorry, the traffic was crazy this morning," Bei Ruo Xi apologized.


    At this time, the waiter returned and Bei Ruo Xi ordered another cup of coffee. Once the waiter walked away, Li Qin Yao began to introduce the two of them. "Liang Sheng, this is my former assistant, Bei Ruo Xi. Ruo Xi, this is the assistant that Chairman Li send to help me. He is Assistant Liang''s son."


    The two strangers greeted each other politely. Then, Li Qin Yao began to discuss the upcoming shareholders'' meeting.


    "Miss Li, I think that Manager Zhao Wei and her daughter Li Mu Chen has been acting strange recently," Bei Ruo Xi reported once they have concluded their discussion on the presentation.


    Li Qin Yao frowned. "Strange? How?"


    "Li Mu Chen came over to Manager Zhao Wei''s office last two week and the two had a long talk," Bei Ruo Xi said. "Once Li Mu Chen left, Manager Zhao Wei was in a bad mood and I had a feeling that she was wary of me."


    "Did you say Li Mu Chen?" Liang Sheng turned to Li Qin Yao. "Your cousin?"


    "Yes, that''s her." Bei Ruo Xi nodded.


    Liang Sheng frowned as he recalled that he had met Li Mu Chen at Li''s Residence last two weeks. "Miss, you remember that I went over to Li''s residence to hand over the first report of the project. I met her at the residence coincidentally," he paused for a while and spoke with hesitant. "Do you think she knew that I was working with you?"


    Li Qin Yao thought of the day she walked around B City with Han Yue Xiu and her mother. On that day, she saw Li Mu Chen around, so it wouldn''t be impossible that Li Mu Chen had seen her too. Perhaps, Li Mu Chen saw Liang Sheng and her in B City and suspected something when she saw Liang Sheng again in Li''s Residence?


    "Perhaps. If Li Mu Cheng and Zhao Wei suspected that we were working together, then, they definitely will come to the shareholder meeting tomorrow prepared. It will not be easy to present our report and gain the shareholder''s support," Li Qin Yao analyzed.


    Ever since Li Mu Bai was elected as the President, Li Qin Yao knew very well that most of the shareholders in QL Group was on Zhao Wei''s side. Zhao Wei is Li Mu Bai''s mother. Naturally, the shareholders wanted to get into the President''s good side with siding with his mother.


    "Even if we have Chairman Li''s support, the project will not be passed if we did not have enough votes," Li Qin Yao continued. "Currently, with my shares and Chairman Li''s shares combined, we won''t have enough."


    Liang Sheng exhaled with frustration. He and everyone else had worked hard for the last few months. They did not have enough resources and manpower, but they worked hard to ensure that the plan was perfect and they could finish them within a short deadline. Liang Sheng had faith in Li Qin Yao''s arrangement and plan.


    It was a big project and it was expected to bring in a lot of profit, but due to the company''s politics and rivalry among the shareholder, there was a big chance that the project might not see the light. Of course, he was frustrated!

 Chapter 60 - Good Impression

    On the day of the shareholder meeting, Li Qin Yao woke up earlier than usual before she headed to Li''s Residence. Once she showed up at the door, her grandmother quickly dragged her to the dining area to let her have her breakfast and nagged because she chose to stay in the hotel instead of accompanying her in Li''s residence.


    It was only when Li Qin Yao coaxed her grandmother that she will stay with her the next time she came to visit, that her grandmother reluctantly let her go.


    Li Qin Yao was munching on some egg tarts when her grandfather showed up. She put down the egg tart on the plate, wiped her hands with a wet towel and greeted her grandfather politely.


    "You''re here," Li Ren Xin nodded.


    "I thought I should head over to the headquarter with you and we can attend the meeting together," Li Qin Yao said.


    Li Ren Xin nodded. He opened his mouth to say something but Li Qin Yao beat him to it.


    "Grandfather, let''s talk about business later, you should have breakfast first, or else, we''ll be late to the meeting," Li Qin Yao reminded with a smile.


    Li Ren Xin glanced at his wife. "I''m the Chairman, who would dare to scold me if I showed up late for a few minutes," he said and chuckled. Despite saying that, Li Ren Xin obediently sat down at the table and let the auntie serve him his breakfast.


    The grandfather and granddaughter ate their breakfast and did not mention anything about their meeting. Once they finished, Old Mrs. Li sent them both to the door.


    "I heard from your grandfather that there''s a shareholder meeting today," Old Mrs. Li said to Li Qin Yao. "You haven''t joined the meeting for years and this time, you decided to participate. Is everything alright?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her grandfather and knew that he had not said anything regarding the project in B City to her grandmother. "It will be fine. Don''t I have my grandfather with me?"


    Old Mrs. Li sighed. She knew that her granddaughter had not shown up at the shareholder meeting after that incident two years ago. When Li Qin Yao choose to resigned from QL Group, the shareholders had treated her coldly, believing that she was solely responsible for the accident.


    As Old Mrs. Li thought recalled how her granddaughter was treated, she started to worry.


    She turned to her husband and reminded him to look after their granddaughter. It was only after Li Qin Yao reminded her that they were going to be late that her grandmother let her husband leave.


    Li Ren Xin waved his hand to gesture the driver to drive. Once they left the Li Residence premises, Li Ren Xin looked at his granddaughter. "What''s the matter? Why did you come to find me early in the morning?" He leaned forward and raised a brow. "It couldn''t be that you''re nervous, right?"


    "It has been two years since the last time I joined a shareholder meeting. It''s not strange for me to get nervous about it, grandfather," Li Qin Yao said and smiled. "Since I haven''t shown up at the headquarter for years, of course, I will need you to make a good impression on myself."


    Chairman Li was stunned momentarily at her granddaughter''s smile. "Good impression? Or is it that you''re trying to make a grand entrance, huh?" he laughed and continued, "I bet that that was not the only reason why you came over to find me so early in the morning."


    "Grandfather is still the one who knows me best."


    Li Ren Xin chuckled at his granddaughter''s honeyed words. "Speak. What is the problem?"


    Li Qin Yao then summarized her discussion from two days ago. When she finished, her grandfather had a frown on his face.


    "If what you suspected is true, then, there will be problems during the voting session later," Chairman Li said his thought aloud. His right hand was caressing his chin. "If your Second Aunt had everything prepared, it would be difficult for us to gain the shareholder''s vote. Most of them are on Zhao Wei''s side."


    "I can accept if the proposal failed due to my incompetence, but it''s another story if they refused to pass the motion because I happen to be the one in charge of this project," Li Qin Yao said.


    The crease between Li Ren Xin''s eyebrow deepened. He was the one who wanted his granddaughter to be in charge of the project in B City. Back then, he had failed his granddaughter by choosing not to stand with her when she needed him the most. Letting Li Qin Yao to be in charge of the development project in B City was his way to apologize to her.


    Li Ren Xin knew that his granddaughter, Li Qin Yao was capable and wanted to use this chance to bring her back as the top management in QL Group.


    "I will look after this thing," Li Ren Xin said after a long silence. "Yao Yao, you should only focus on the presentation this afternoon."


    After half an hour of driving, the car arrived in front of the QL Group headquarters. A few of the shareholders were standing in front of the entrance, chatting among themselves when the car stopped.


    Recognized the car and plate number, the group immediately stopped in whatever they were doing and turned their attention towards the black car. The driver was the first to step out. He then went to the passenger side and opened the door.


    The shareholders'' faces turned pale with surprise as they watched Li Qin Yao stepped down from the vehicle. She then turned around to help Chairman Li to get out. The two of them then walked towards the entrance with Li Qin Yao supporting her grandfather inside.


    It was only when Assistant Liang rushed through to greet the Chairman that the shareholders snapped out of their trance. They stepped forward to greet the Chairman and Li Ren Xin replied to them courteously before he led everyone inside the building.


    Because he still needed to settle a few before the meeting begun, Li Ren Xin left Li Qin Yao at the lounge along with everyone else.


    Li Qin Yao chose to sit on an ottoman chair at the corner of the room, took out her phone and browsed through a few websites so that she won''t appear awkward among the others.


    Just as she was texting Liang Sheng to ensure that everything was going well on his part when she sensed someone sitting beside her. Li Qin Yao tilted up her head and frowned when she saw that it was her cousin, Li Ming Han.


    "Cousin sister," Li Ming Han greeted with a sunny smile on his face. "It''s been a while since I see you at the shareholder''s meeting!"

 Chapter 61 - Stand On My Side

    As Li Qin Yao met her cousin''s gaze, a frown appeared on her face and she could sense an upcoming headache.


    Her grandfather, Li Ren Xin, married her grandmother and had four children. Three sons and one younger daughter. Li Qin Yao''s father was the eldest. Her second uncle married her aunt, Zhao Wei and had Li Mu Bai and Li Mu Chen. Her third uncle married her aunt and had three children, Li Ming Han, and two twin daughters, Li Ye Chun and Li Ye Xia. Then, her youngest auntie married and had a son, Li Nan Feng.


    Among her grandfather''s children, only Li Qin Yao''s father, Li Xuan and her youngest auntie worked for QL Group. The second and third uncle chose a different path, but let their children work under the family''s business. However, Li Qin Yao''s father had passed away, and her youngest auntie chose to resign to follow after her husband who worked in C Country as a diplomat.


    Thus, only the younger generation of Li''s family was left to inherit QL Group.


    In the earlier years, Li Qin Yao, Li Mu Bai, Li Ming Han, Li Ye Xia, and Li Nan Feng chose to work under QL Group, while the other cousin chose a different career. The five cousins competed with the position as the company''s president as their aim. Li Ye Xia and Li Nan Feng were the first to quit.


    Then, Li Qin Yao resigned after the scandal, and in the end, only Li Mu Bai and Li Ming Han were the two left to manage the company. Because of Li Mu Bai''s astounding performance, he was later chosen as the president, while Li Ming Han was his vice.


    Although many of her cousins no longer worked under QL Group, most of them had their share in the company. And just like Li Qin Yao, most of them chose not to attend the shareholder meeting, unless the company needs their presence and vote or if something big happened in the company.


    At first glance, Li Ming Han appeared as a sunny boy. He always had that cheery smile on his face and most of the employees favored him a lot. But Li Qin Yao knew that Li Ming Han was not as easy as he seemed to be. Or else, he would not be able to last that long in QL Group.


    Li Qin Yao forced a smile on her face. "Yes. We haven''t seen each other for a while. I didn''t see you at Grandfather''s birthday banquet."


    Li Ming Han laughed. "Right. I went outstation to discuss a few things. But, Cousin Sister, let''s not change the topic. How come you''re here to attend the shareholder meeting this time?"


    Li Qin Yao supported her head with her right hand and looked at her cousin lazily. "Why do you bother asking? It''s exactly as what you have heard."


    "What do you mean?" the smile on Li Ming Han''s face did not fade away although he can see that Li Qin Yao was too lazy to speak to him.


    "I heard that there''s a rumor among QL''s employee," Li Qin Yao said. "Didn''t everyone keep saying that grandfather is planning to bring me back to QL Groups?"


    "I only heard a rumor that one of the shareholders will join in the managerial position. However, didn''t you just call it a rumor? Since it was only a rumor, how can I believe in those words unless if I check them with you?"


    Hearing Li Ming Hao''s words, Li Qin Yao started to wonder if it was a genetic thing for them to talk in a roundabout way. Li Qin Yao noticed that sometimes, even she would use the same way to talk to her grandfather or Li Mu Bai.


    "Alright. I''m getting tired of this," Li Qin Yao sat up straight. "Come. Tell me what do you want from me?"


    Li Ming Han let out a chuckle. "Cousin Sister, you have grown older? How can you get tired in just a couple minutes?"


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes. "Well if you don''t want to say it, then, let''s pretend that this conversation doesn''t happen."


    "Hey, hey," Li Ming Han grabbed at her wrist when she started to stand up from her seat. "Wait a minute. I''ll say it." He let out a breath as Li Qin Yao returned to sit. "Women. They get sensitive once we mentioned about getting old," Li Ming Han muttered to himself.


    "Li Ming Han, I am not deaf."


    "Haha," Li Ming Han turned with a wide smile on his face. "Cousin Sister, don''t get angry. I still have an important matter to discuss with you. Well, you do know that this time, we were going to reveal upcoming projects to the shareholders and let them decide whether the project will pass or not, right?"


    "Yes?" Li Qin Yao decided to play along and nodded.


    Li Ming Han rubbed both hands together. "This time, I am proposing a development project on the west side of the city. I was hoping that you could stand on my side during the voting session."


    "West side? You mean, the old residential area?"


    Although Li Qin Yao had left QL Group and Capital City for a while, it doesn''t mean that she was ignorant of the development project in the city. She had heard the news that the government was planning to redevelop the area five years ago. But, due to some issues with the residence and developers, the project was put on hold, and then, forgotten.


    Li Ming Han nodded and stared at her with expectant eyes. "Will you help me?"


    "Well," Li Qin Yao made a long pause as if she was weighing her decision. Li Qin Yao knew that the project proposed by Li Ming Han will naturally be profitable. However, since he came to ask for her support, he must be facing some obstacles with the shareholders as well. "I can. However, I have a condition."


    The smile on Li Ming Han''s face froze momentarily. "What condition?"


    "Of course, you have to do the same for me," Li Qin Yao said. "During this meeting, my team and I will be revealing a project. During the voting session, of course, you will have to stand on my side."


    Li Ming Han stared at his cousin with a dumbfounded expression. It took him a while to respond. "You and your team?" He toned down his voice and looked around to see if anyone was listening to their conversation. "Cousin Sister? When did you start to work on a project? Didn''t you quit two years ago? When did you return to work for the company?"


    "I haven''t returned. But this thing, I will explain them later during the meeting," Li Qin Yao grinned. "So? What do you say?"

 Chapter 62 - The Meeting Commenced

    The door to the meeting room swung open and after a while, the shareholders who were waiting outside walked into the room. Li Qin Yao walked further inside and sat down at her designated seat. Because she was not part of QL''s managerial, her seat was naturally further than the Chairman.


    Li Mu Chen and her mother, Zhao Wei walked in next. Once her aunt walked in, the shareholders stood up to greet her. Li Qin Yao picked up the file on the table and pretended to read the agenda.


    The meeting was expected to end at the end of the day and will continue on the next day if they could not settle all matters by the end of the meeting.


    However, just because Li Qin Yao did not want to have a conversation with her cousin, Li Mu Chen, it doesn''t mean that her cousin would feel the same. From her peripheral vision, Li Qin Yao watched as Li Mu Chen walked over to her and sat down.


    "Cousin, you''re here."


    Li Mu Chen''s cheery tone sounded irritating to Li Qin Yao''s ears. However, she tilted up her head, gave her cousin a business-like smile, grabbed a piece of chocolate bar on the table and went back to inspecting the file.


    Seeing the way Li Qin Yao acted towards her, Li Mu Chen clenched her hands into a fist and sneered before she looked away. She could not understand why her grandfather and her brother, Li Mu Bai, would think highly of Li Qin Yao. Li Mu Chen made a vow that sooner or later, she will prove to them that she was better than Li Qin Yao.


    The Chairman and the President walked in into the room with their assistant following closely after them. Li Qin Yao met her grandfather''s gaze and raised a brow. In response, Li Ren Xin gave her a quick nod before he sat down at the other end of the table.


    Li Qin Yao let out a breath of relief, knowing that her grandfather had helped her to settle her problem.


    After a brief speech by both Li Ren Xin and Li Mu Bai, the meeting commenced. Two beautiful ladies who stood at the side stepped forward with a few folders in their hands. They passed the folder to everyone in the room before they returned to where they came from.


    At this time, Li Mu Bai spoke up, "As everyone has heard, rumors are speculating that one of the shareholders will join QL Group as part of the manager."


    The shareholders began to whisper among themselves.


    "Starting from today, my sister, Li Mu Chen will work under QL Group and take the position as a project manager," Li Mu Bai announced.


    Hearing Li Mu Chen''s name, Li Qin Yao turned her head swiftly. Her gaze met with her cousin''s and she caught Li Mu Chen''s proud gaze. Li Mu Chen stood up from her seat and greeted the other shareholders with a wide smile on her face.


    Coincidentally, as Li Qin Yao was watching the others'' expression, her gaze met with Li Ming Han. He shot a few glances at Li Mu Chen a few times before raised his eyebrow a few times and curved his lips into a lopsided smile.


    Li Qin Yao followed his gaze on Li Mu Chen''s body and immediately guessed that her cousin had long heard about Li Mu Chen joining QL''s Group.


    It seemed that when they were talking about the rumors in QL Group earlier, Li Ming Hao meant that it was Li Mu Chen who will be joining the company. Li Qin Yao turned to Li Ming Han again and rolled her eyes at him.


    Li Mu Chen gave a brief speech about how she was going to work hard for the company before the meeting continued. However, her expression turned a shade darker upon seeing that Li Qin Yao was not looking at her.


    Once Li Ming Han walked up front and started to brief everyone in the room his project proposal, Li Mu Chen sensed that something was not right. She shot a look at her mother and noted that her mother too had a puzzled look on her face.


    Last week, she overheard her brother''s conversation with his assistant that their grandfather was planning to bring Li Qin Yao back to the group. However, their grandfather showed no sign that he was going to announce anything.


    In the end, both Li Mu Chen and her mother sat down quietly. They were relieved to know that Li Qin Yao was not going to return to the company. However, they could not shake off their uneasiness upon seeing that Li Qin Yao had joined the shareholders meeting this time.


    The first presentation on the development project on the west side of the city lasted for almost an hour before it continued to the discussion among the shareholders. At the end of the discussion, almost everyone in the room agreed to this project.


    Seeing the numbers of votes for the project, Li Qin Yao raised a brow and wondered if her cousin, Li Ming Han was playing with her. Earlier, Li Ming Han made it sounded like he was having problems with the shareholders to approve of the project. However, looking at the situation now, Li Qin Yao could see that there was no problem at all.


    With questions running through her head, Li Qin Yao glanced at Li Ming Han questioningly, but the man only answered her with a smile. However, it did not take Li Qin Yao too long to know why Li Ming Han asked her to stand on his side.


    Just as Li Mu Bai announced that the project will proceed with the amount of budget requested, Manager Zhao Wei stood up, and everyone in the room paused at her sudden movement. Then, Zhao Wei proposed to let her daughter, Li Mu Chen to be the one who managed the development project on the west side of the city.


    At that moment, Li Qin Yao noticed how Li Ming Han''s expression turned a few shades darker before he composed himself and put on the usual smile on his face.


    The room was silenced as Zhao Wei explained that letting her daughter be in charge of the project will help her learn a lot about the company. Hearing the reason, the shareholders nodded in agreement.


    "I don''t agree," Li Ming Han stood up. "Manager Zhao Wei, I worked hard to prepare this proposal. This is my project. On what basis should I give this project to your daughter?"


    Zhao Wei had a displeased look on her face. She had come over to meet Li Ming Han a few days ago and discussed this matter with him. At the end of the meeting, Zhao Wei had promised that she will hand over one of the projects under her if Li Ming Han promised to let Li Mu Chen manage the development project on the west side.


    The two of them began to exchange a few words in front of everyone else.


    From Zhao Wei''s argument, the development project will be too easy for someone with a lot of experience like Li Ming Han. It would be better if it was given to a newbie like Li Mu Chen so that she can learn a lot about the industry. As a senior in QL Group, it was proper for Li Ming Han to give in.


    Li Qin Yao thought that her auntie had a really thick skin. It was absurd for her to demand a project that Li Ming Han had work hard on. However, she could understand Zhao Wei''s motive. This development project was success guaranteed. Once the project completed, naturally, Li Mu Chen will benefit a lot from it.

 Chapter 63 - Reveal The Votes

    As the argument between Zhao Wei and Li Ming Hao intensified, Li Ren Xin, as the chairman of QL Group finally snapped and banged his palm on top of the table twice.


    Immediately, the room turned quiet. Everyone could see the anger in Chairman Li''s eyes. Though he had passed most of his authority to the President, Li Mu Bai, and had rarely shown up at the company, there was no denying that everyone in the room still feared and respected him. After all, Li Ren Xin was the one who started up and built up the company to where they are now.


    "Alright," Li Mu Bai spoke and killed off the tension in the room. "Since both of you wanted the project, then we''ll resolve this the way we usually do. We''ll vote."


    From where she was seated, Li Qin Yao continued to observe everyone in the room.


    Zhao Wei''s lips tugged into a small smile, while Li Ming Han had a displeased look on his face. Li Ming Han then tore his gaze away from Zhao Wei and turned to Li Qin Yao with a dubious gaze.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao understood why Li Ming Han had look for her earlier. Li Ming Han had predicted that the argument with their aunt will reach to this point.


    On the other side of the table, Li Mu Bai massaged his forehead as she gave his mother a warning look when no one was looking. Zhao Wei looked away in guilt and turned to her daughter with a smile.


    Before the voting began, Li Mu Bai made another announcement. Because Li Mu Chen is his sister, he refrained from voting. Zhao Wei looked at her son and smiled. It seemed that she had calculated that Li Mu Bai will abstain from voting this time. However, the confident smile on her face did not fade away. As someone who had been in the company for years, of course, Zhao Wei came prepared.


    Because everything was computerized, the voting began and ended quickly. Once the result was revealed, both Zhao Wei and Li Mu Chen''s face turned ugly, while Li Ming Han had a surprised look on his face. Li Ming Han had won with three percent more votes.


    Seeing the result, Li Ming Han turned his head to look at Li Qin Yao. He tilted down his head and slowly, his lips curved into a smile.


    Zhao Wei stood up from her seat as she looked at the staff who stood behind the computer at the front. "Are you sure this is not a mistake?"


    Upon meeting Zhao Wei''s furious look, the staff scrambled to check on the data on the computer. Then, with a slightly shaky voice, he reported back. "No there was no mistake in the data."


    A flash of light passed through Zhao Wei''s eyes. She then looked at the shareholders as she wondered if one of her supporters had betrayed her.


    "If Manager Zhao Wei thinks that there was a mistake in the result, then perhaps, you should reveal the votes to the board," Li Ming Han suggested.


    "Very well," Li Ren Xin spoke up before Zhao Wei could say anything. "Let''s not waste time. Reveal them."


    "Yes, Chairman Li," the staff nodded. He worked on the computer and soon, the voting result was projected on the big screen.


    Zhao Wei clenched her hand into a fist as she focused on the screen to see who was among the man who had betrayed her. A slight frown appeared on her face when she saw that none of them had gone against their agreement. However, it was no denying that they had lost the project to Li Ming Han.


    Once Zhao Wei saw the last name on the bottom of the list, her expression changed again. Her head turned from the screen to the back of the end of the table, where Li Qin Yao was munching on a chocolate bar.


    Her heart surged with anger. She had forgotten that this time, Li Qin Yao had joined them in the shareholders meeting. Li Qin Yao''s presence had disturbed her plan. Zhao Wei was sure that she was going to win the vote with her arrangement. But, she had forgotten that Li Qin Yao''s vote will change everything.


    At the front, Li Mu Bai made a speech to conclude the meeting before he announced that the meeting will continue after the lunch break. Soon, everyone started to leave the room. Zhao Wei ignored the others who had approached her for lunch and leaned back on her seat with a complicated gaze.


    "Mom, what happened?" Li Mu Chen walked over to her mother once the room was emptied. "Didn''t you say that we will get this project from Ming Han?"


    Zhao Wei shot a look at her daughter. "Didn''t you see the result? We would have won the project if it was not for Qin Yao''s vote!"


    Li Mu Chen took a step back when she was suddenly scolded by her mother. After a brief hesitation, she placed a hand on her mother''s shoulder. "Mom, maybe we were mistaken from the very beginning. Qin Yao did not attend the meeting because Grandfather wanted her to return to QL Groups. Perhaps this time, it was Ming Han who invited her to come. Anyway, we have been fighting with him for a month over this project."


    Zhao Wei narrowed her eyes as she thought over what her daughter had said. What Li Mu Chen had said was possible. After all, if Chairman Li wanted to announce Li Qin Yao''s comeback, he would have done so at the beginning of the meeting. It doesn''t make sense to announce them towards the end.


    Still, there was something that doesn''t feel right. When Zhao Wei thought of Assistant Liang''s son who had gotten close to Li Qin Yao, Zhao Wei knew that her father-in-law had something up his sleeve.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao walked out of the elevator and stood at the lobby for a while to browse through her phone for a great place to eat. Earlier, she had planned to mooch lunch from her grandfather, but once she noticed that the others had invited him to lunch, Li Qin Yao changed her mind. Looking at the way the shareholders were looking at her, Li Qin Yao could sense that most of them were not comfortable with her presence. It seemed that they have not forgotten about the accident she caused two years ago.


    Just as she was about to walk out the door, Li Qin Yao heard someone called out her name. When she turned around, she saw that Li Ming Han was walking towards her with his supporters trailing behind them.


    "Cousin sister, are you going to lunch?" Li Ming Han asked with a bright smile on his face. "Since you have helped me earlier, then, let''s go together. My treat."


    Li Qin Yao noticed how others'' expression started to change upon hearing Li Ming Han''s invitation. Though she had helped Li Ming Han earlier, it doesn''t mean that the others will start to treat her better.


    "No need. If you''re going to thank me, then, let''s stick to our agreement," Li Qin Yao smiled.


    The smile on Li Ming Han''s face froze. Then, he turned to the others behind him and spoke some words. Once the other had left, Li Ming Han chased after her cousin and said, "Coincidentally, I have no one to eat with. Cousin sister, let''s go together."

 Chapter 64 - A Lot Has Changed

    Once the waiter left with their order, Li Qin Yao took a sip from the glass of water in front of her and lifted her face to look at the man who has been staring at her for a while.


    She put down the glass and frowned. "You left your supporters to have lunch with me, aren''t you afraid that they will be displeased and stop working together with you later on?"


    Li Ming Han shrugged. "They won''t mind. I have booked a place for dinner."


    "Well, congratulation on winning that project," Li Qin Yao said casually.


    "Fortunately, you decided to participate in the shareholder''s meeting this time, and voted for me. Or else, I would lose the project to Li Mu Chen." When he thought that he had won the project due to Li Qin Yao''s vote, the smile on Li Ming Han''s face widened. "But Cousin Sister, you still have not told me why you decided to participate in this shareholder''s meeting."


    "This time, the shareholder''s meeting was held to discuss QL Group''s upcoming project. Of course, I came this time to propose a new project. As for what is it, you can only find out during the meeting."


    Li Ming Han clicked his tongue.


    "You just have to do your part and give me your vote when the time comes," she reminded him.


    It didn''t take too long for the waiter to come back with their meal. Li Qin Yao looked at the plate of fried chicken sandwich and fries and felt her stomach started to grumble. She took a few pieces of fries and munched it. A frown appeared on her face when the fries tasted a bit bland to her palate.


    The two of them ate silently before Li Ming Han broke the silence. "A lot has changed since you left the company."


    "But it looks like you''re coping quite well. I heard that you were assigned to my previous project. I have to say that I do like the little adjustments you made. You did a great job."


    "I''m flattered by your compliments."


    Li Qin Yao laughed and continued. "Your power has grown and your supporters are not less than Second Auntie."


    "It was the only way to survive. Second Auntie''s influence among the shareholders and the board of directors has gotten bigger since Cousin Brother took the position as the president," Li Ming Han chuckled. "Wait. Instead of calling them Second Aunt''s supporter, I would say that they are Brother Mu Bai''s supporter. They only listened to Second Aunt because she is his mother." Li Ming Han let out a sigh. "Those shareholders only wanted to get on the President''s good side."


    "Second Auntie is a clever woman. Or else, she wouldn''t stay in the company for this long." Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. "Since you have won the development project, Second Auntie must be furious. You need to be more careful."


    "Thank you for your reminder," Li Ming Han lifted his glass and drank a few mouthfuls of water. Then, he looked at Li Qin Yao again. "To be honest, I thought that Grandfather wanted you back to the company. That''s why you showed up at the meeting today."


    "Well, Grandfather did ask if I wanted to return to the Capital."


    Li Ming Han''s eyes grew wide. "What?"


    Although he was expecting the news, Li Ming Han was still surprised to hear Li Qin Yao admit to it. After all, their grandfather had not announced it during the meeting. So, Li Ming Han had thought that it was nothing but a rumor.


    Li Qin Yao reached for that glass of water and took a sip lazily. "But, I love B City. I don''t have the intention to come back to the Capital City."


    Li Ming Han thought over the matter for a while and spoke, "If you returned, Second Auntie''s influence would lessen."


    "Are you sure?" Li Qin Yao chuckled as she heard his comment. "There are many who had lost their trust in me after that scandal two years ago. If I come back to Capital City, I will only suffocate from their anger."


    "Cousin Sister, don''t look down on them. Not everyone believes in that scandal from two years ago," Li Ming Han said. "I, for example, from the very beginning, had never believed that you would make such careless mistakes."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head to evade his gaze. "Thank you."


    "Cousin Sister, if you need my help, don''t hesitate to look for me. I will help you with anything I can."


    ¡­


    After they separated on their way after lunch, Li Qin Yao stayed in the toilet cubicle to avoid others for a while as her mind wandered off to the conversation she had with Li Ming Han.


    In the past, her relationship with Li Ming Han was not that close. So, it was quite surprising to hear that he had never believed that she was guilty of the accident two years ago. However, as she looked into his eyes just now, Li Qin Yao could see that Li Ming Han was not lying. He had no reason to lie about such things to her.


    When Li Ming Han had offered his help to her just now, Li Qin Yao had almost wanted to ask him to convince his supporters to support her project proposal. However, at the last minute, Li Qin Yao was hesitant.


    Li Qin Yao was not sure of Li Ming Han''s motive to get close to her this time, but she had no intention of putting Li Ming Han into a predicament. Li Ming Han had just won a fight with Zhao Wei, and if Li Ming Han and his supporters helped to support her, then, Zhao Wei will cause trouble to Li Ming Han.


    Anyway, it was better to be on guard before everyone else.


    Although Li Qin Yao knew that Li Ming Han was capable to protect himself, she did not want others to be implicated in their rivalry. Her auntie was despicable enough to harm others to achieve her goals, and Li Qin Yao did not wish for others to get hurt.


    In the end, she can only trust that her grandfather''s plan. He had ensured her earlier that even if Zhao Wei managed to convince others not to vote for the project in B City, the project will still pass and proceed as plan.


    Surely, her grandfather knew what he''s doing. As for what was her grandfather plan to do, Li Qin Yao could only wait until the meeting continued.

 Chapter 65 - The Most Suitable

    The second part of the meeting begun once Li Mu Bai commenced the meeting. This time, another project manager stood up and began to present his proposal to develop a commercial hub. Because of the strategic position, the proposal was approved by the members right away.


    Then, another had suggested developing a private college in Capital City. However, because the discussion would take a long time, the discussion will continue on another date.


    Li Qin Yao drank from the bottle to moistened her throat. At this time, Li Ren Xin glanced at her before he stood leaned forward and announced that he was planning to branch out QL Group to another city.


    Immediately, the shareholders began to discuss with each other.


    From what Li Qin Yao could hear, a few of the shareholders thought that it would be a good idea in their current economy. And there were a few who were worried if they take this step.


    "Chairman Li," one of the shareholders spoke up. "Can you tell us where do you plan to venture out?"


    Li Ren Xin swept his glance across the room. "B City."


    Hearing the location, a few gazes turned to look at Li Qin Yao with their eyes wide. Once they realized that the reason why Li Qin Yao chose to join the shareholder meeting this time, might be due to this project, a few gazes turned malice.


    They were waiting for the Chairman to announce that Li Qin Yao returned to QL Group headquarters with mixed feelings.


    "The government was planning to develop B City into a tourism city in a few years. Coincidentally, there was a 70-acre land allocated for development. After a long thought and discussion with some high officials, I think it would be a good opportunity for QL Group to start developing in another city."


    Zhao Wei clenched her teeth as she listened to the chairman''s words before took a deep breath. "Then, Chairman Li, who do you think would be suitable to manage this project in B City?"


    "Of course, I will let my granddaughter, Li Qin Yao, to be in charge."


    Another heated discussion started among the shareholders.


    Before Zhao Wei or anyone could say another word, Li Ren Xin held up a hand, a gesture for them to stop talking. Then, he turned to Li Qin Yao and nodded.


    Getting his signal, Li Qin Yao stood up and walked over to the front under the others'' watchful eyes. She handed her pen drive to one of the beautiful assistants and assigned the other to handout the stack of reports that she had prepared.


    When everything was ready, Li Qin Yao began her presentation, covering the area, the budget, plans, and many others. Her presentation lasted for almost an hour. Of course, with her grandfather''s warning gaze, none of them dared to interrupt her during her presentation.


    Li Ren Xin was the first to applaud when the presentation ended. Since the Chairman had made his move, the shareholders had no other choice but to join him and clapped.


    "Now, it''s time to vote," Li Mu Bai spoke as the claps gradually toned down. "If you agree that we should continue this project, then, you may vote." He turned to the beautiful assistant and said, "Please show the voting result on the screen."


    One of the assistants nodded. Soon, the voting result was shown on the screen.


    Of course, Li Ren Xin and Li Ming Han voted to approve. However, Li Qin Yao was surprised to see that a few of the shareholders who used to support her in the past had voted for her as well.


    Unfortunately, even with Chairman Li and Li Ming Han had higher shares among in QL Property group, the votes accumulated was not enough for the project to pass.


    At this time, Zhao Wei spoke up, "I and a few shareholders will vote to approve of this project in B City if you agree to change the person in charge." She glanced at her daughter and smiled. "Li Mu Chen can handle this project."


    "I don''t agree," Chairman Li rejected it immediately.


    "Li Qin Yao is not suitable to be the one in charge. Chairman Li, have you forgotten about the scandal from two years ago?" Zhao Wei asked.


    "Li Qin Yao was not guilty of the matter two years ago. There was not enough evidence back then to acquit her." Li Ren Xin took a deep breath. "Li Qin Yao has been staying in B City for years. She knew the city best, and she had accumulated enough experience. She is the most suitable."


    "Don''t forget that without enough votes from the board, the project will not go on," Zhao Wei reminded.


    "How about now?" Li Mu Bai spoke.


    The others glanced at Li Mu Bai with a puzzled gaze. However, when they looked at the screen again, the shareholders were surprised to see the change in the voting result. Suddenly, the result showed that the project can now go on as planned.


    Li Qin Yao had won.


    When Zhao Wei saw the last voter''s name, she was shocked. Instantly, her gaze went to her son, Li Mu Bai.


    "I gave my vote to the project in B City," Li Mu Bai announced.


    "Li Mu Bai, are you crazy?" Zhao Wei''s chest heaved up and down in anger.


    Li Mu Bai cast a warning gaze to his mother. Then, he turned to look at others. "I agree that Li Qin Yao is the most suitable for the development project in B City. However, I have a few conditions. Li Qin Yao, if you agree to these conditions, I will give a stamp of approval to this project." He glanced at Li Ren Xin and continued, "Don''t worry. Chairman Li had agreed to this condition as well."


    Li Qin Yao looked at her grandfather. It was then that she figured out that her grandfather must have sought for Li Mu Bai''s aid to help the vote to pass. Since her grandfather had agreed to Li Mu Bai''s condition, then, Li Qin Yao did not worry much about it.


    "President Li, please speak."


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and stretched her body as she walked out of the meeting room. She looked out of the window and saw that the sky has turned dark. She did not realize that the meeting and discussion had gone for hours.


    "Yao Yao,"


    Li Qin Yao turned at the voice and noticed that Li Mu Bai had stood at the corridor as if he was waiting for her.


    "Welcome back to QL Group," Li Mu Bai said.


    Li Qin Yao smiled. She walked over to Li Mu Bai and said, "Thank you. But since I''m always part of the shareholders, I have never really left QL Group."


    Li Mu Bai chuckled at her comment. He looked at Li Qin Yao''s face for a few seconds longer before he walked away.


    At this time, Li Ming Han appeared from nowhere to offer his congratulation.


    "Cousin Sister, you lied to me," Li Ming Han clicked his tongue. "Didn''t you say that you''re not planning to return to QL Group?"


    "I didn''t lie," Li Qin Yao gave him a teasing gaze. "I only said that I am not planning to Capital City. I don''t remember mentioning anything about returning to QL Group."

 Chapter 66 - Invited Her To Dinner

    Li Qin Yao has been sitting in the lobby as she chatted with her mother to update her about the shareholder meeting for more than half an hour. Once the call ended, she stood up from the comfy sofa and felt her stomach grumbling.


    She glanced at the clock behind the receptionist counter and saw that it was almost ten. It was then that Li Qin Yao realized that she had not eaten anything besides that fried chicken sandwich during lunch with Li Ming Han.


    Later after the shareholders'' meeting, she was busy negotiating conditions with both Li Mu Bai and her grandfather. Li Qin Yao glanced at the coffee house across her and noticed that the servers have started to clean up the serving area. It was then that she decided to visit a convenience store and get herself some instant noodles.


    With that thought in mind, Li Qin Yao turned around and headed towards the exit. She stepped out and saw a familiar figure standing at the end of the stairs. Before she could decide whether she wanted to come over and say hello, Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and their gaze met.


    Seeing that Zhang Yu Han was smiling at her, Li Qin Yao walked over to him. "Mister Zhang."


    "Miss Li. You''re going somewhere?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "It''s late. If you need anything, I can ask someone to send you."


    "It''s fine. I''m going across the street to buy instant noodles."


    "You haven''t had your dinner yet?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. He had noticed from the very beginning that Li Qin Yao was dressed in dark blue pants and blazer. With the way she was dressed, Zhang Yu Han guessed that Li Qin Yao came to Capital City this time to visit QL Property Group.


    "I haven''t. Well," Li Qin Yao shrugged. "I was preoccupied with work and didn''t notice that it was this late."


    At this time, a black Cayenne stopped at the drop off area. A jockey stepped out of the car and went to Zhang Yu Han to speak something. Zhang Yu Han thanked the jockey and turned to Li Qin Yao. "Since you haven''t eaten yet, why don''t we have dinner together?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the black Cayenne and immediately understood that Zhang Yu Han has been standing there to wait for the jockey to get his car. "I shouldn''t interrupt you since you''re obviously going somewhere else."


    "You''re not. I was about to go out for dinner as well."


    "You haven''t had dinner yet?"


    "I lost track of time when I was at work, and the kitchen had closed for any order. I didn''t want to trouble the cook. If you don''t mind, we could go and have a meal together."


    Li Qin Yao thought about it for a while.


    Today, she had just won the development project in B City. Although Li Mu Bai had set a lot of conditions and set a limit to her budget, Li Qin Yao thought that everything has gone smoothly so far.


    It has been a while since she got herself involved in a project this huge. Of course, she was happy. Li Qin Yao thought that she should go out and celebrate, however, there was no one to celebrate her success at this moment as everyone was busy with something else. Even her grandfather had postponed the celebration to the weekend.


    The thought that she was going to celebrate her success alone in the hotel room, with a cup of instant noodles made her feel a bit sad. Therefore, when Zhang Yu Han had invited her to dinner, Li Qin Yao thought that she could use this chance to celebrate. At least she wouldn''t have to be alone.


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Well, sure. Since you have invited me, then, how could I say no?"


    Zhang Yu Han felt his heart skipped a beat when she agreed. Although he had invited her to dinner with him, Zhang Yu Han was prepared to get rejected. However, this time, the girl he had secretly like for years had said yes to his invitation. For a while, Zhang Yu Han thought that he was being silly for getting excited over this matter.


    "Besides, I still remember that I owe you a meal."


    "Good." Lowering his gaze to hide his smile, Zhang Yu Han walked over to the passenger side to open the door. Li Qin Yao then sat inside and he helped to close the door.


    Just as he was about to head to the driver seat, Zhang Yu Han paused for a while to take a couple of deep breaths. When he was sure that he was a lot calmer, Zhang Yu Han went into the driver seat and looked to the girl beside him,


    "Do you know a good place to eat at this time?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "I thought about driving around and look for any eatery place that still operating at this hour, but if you happen to know a good place, that would be great too."


    Li Qin Yao rubbed her arms with her hands when she suddenly had goosebumps. Because they were sitting side by side in the car, Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice sounded deeper to her.


    "Are you cold?" Zhang Yu Han leaned forward to raise the temperature when he saw how Li Qin Yao was rubbing her arms as if trying to warm herself.


    Li Qin Yao stiffened at his question. She was not cold. However, she was embarrassed to say that she was not cold, and was only affected by his deep voice.


    If Zhang Yu Han ever found out that his voice had this kind of effect on her, then, wouldn''t she be embarrassed to death?


    "I''m fine. It''s not that cold." Li Qin Yao turned to look out the window. When she remembered that Zhang Yu Han was still waiting for her answer, Li Qin Yao turned back at him. "Do you have any preferences?"


    "I''m fine with anything," Zhang Yu Han said with a shrug.


    "I do know a few good places to eat," Li Qin Yao said. "How do you feel about barbecue? I know a good barbecue place not too far from here. That place should still be operating at this hour." Li Qin Yao paused when she found that he was staring at her. "What is it?"


    Zhang Yu Han shook his head and looked away. "No. It''s just that, barbecue really reminded me of my grandfather." He then started to drive the car out of the hotel''s area.


    Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle as she recalled meeting Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather in front of a barbecue restaurant. When she saw that they almost reached a junction, Li Qin Yao instructed Zhang Yu Han to turn left. "Your grandfather seemed to love eating barbecue."


    "You know that my grandfather loves eating barbecue?"


    "Hmmm... I met him in front of a barbecue place the other day. I guess your grandfather wanted to eat at the barbecue place, but his assistant stopped him from going in."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed as the image popped into his mind. "And then?"


    "And then... because I was around, your grandfather chose to eat a different place."

 Chapter 67 - Almost Chock Her To Death

    The vehicle stopped at the sidewalk and Li Qin Yao then led Zhang Yu Han to an alley. After a two minutes walk, they arrived at a barbecue place.


    A man in his late forty walked over to greet them. Once he saw Li Qin Yao, his expression brightened up. "Young Miss! You''re here! It has been a long time since the last time I saw you." The owner of the restaurant greeted her with enthusiasm.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the woman beside him as he followed her and the boss towards a vacant table. He then, sat quietly as he watched Li Qin Yao catching up with the owner before she placed an order.


    "Do you want to add anything else?" Li Qin Yao said as she handed over the menu card to him.


    After adding another two dishes to their order, the owner walked inside and ordered one of his staff to prepare the food quickly.


    "You are very familiar with this place?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled as a young boy put down a jug of warm water on the table. While grabbing the jug and pouring the water into the glass, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and said, "You can say that. I used to live around here with my mother before she decided to move to B City. Back then, we used to come here a lot. The owner was our neighbor."


    Zhang Yu Han swept his gaze around to take a good look at the place where Li Qin Yao frequently visited while she grew up. Though the place was not that big, the surrounding was clean, and the owner and staff were friendly. Despite the late hour, the restaurant was half full of customers.


    It wasn''t long until the young boy returned, but this time, with a tray of raw ingredients.


    Li Qin Yao was about to grab the meat and put it on the grill, but Zhang Yu Han had taken them and arranged the ingredients on the grill. The meat sizzled and the aroma wafted around. Looking at the way his hands moved swiftly to pick the strips of meat and lay them on the hot grill, her lips curved into a smile.


    "You seemed quite good at this."


    "Well," Zhang Yu Han raised his head and looked back at the grill once his gaze met with hers. "You do know how my grandfather loves barbecue. He was the one who taught me how to grill food."


    "You went out to a barbecue place with your grandfather a lot?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "No. My grandfather loved the barbecue so much that he had an outdoor grill. He always tried different recipes, grilling meat and games in his backyard since I was a kid. Well, Miss Li, if he happens to invite you to a barbecue at his place, you shouldn''t decline his invitation. He is a great cook."


    Li Qin Yao laughed, thinking that she was not close enough to Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather to be invited to his house, while Zhang Yu Han was silently making a plan that perhaps he could use his grandfather to get close to Li Qin Yao in the future.


    Even if his grandfather should not be eating too much meat, Zhang Yu Han thought that if he could use this excuse to spend time with Li Qin Yao, he will allow his grandfather to eat a little bit more.


    But, once the thought that the girl in front of him had a boyfriend crossed his mind, Zhang Yu Han''s expression turned grim. He had seen her with her boyfriend a few times. It was clear that the two had a good relationship.


    His movement paused when he recalled the last time he had saw Li Qin Yao with her boyfriend. He was having dinner with his grandfather and happened to see her arguing with her boyfriend. Though he did not know what they were arguing about, Zhang Yu Han could see that it was an intense argument. Since that day, he had never stumbled upon the two of them together.


    A frown appeared on his face as another thought flashed to his mind. However, Zhang Yu Han immediately dispelled that thought. Maybe he liked her a bit too much that he started to wish for something unhappy for her.


    It didn''t take too long for the meat to cook. Zhang Yu Han picked up the first strip of meat and placed it on Li Qin Yao''s plate.


    Looking at the way the meat was cooked to her liking, Li Qin Yao thanked him before she clipped it with her chopsticks, swirled it around the dipping sauce and after blowing at it twice, she put it into her mouth.


    "Good?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    However, Li Qin Yao had zoned out momentarily as she savored the familiar taste of meat and the dipping sauce around her mouth. Hearing his deep baritone voice so close to her, Li Qin Yao looked at the man in front of her and started coughing.


    Zhang Yu Han started to panic upon seeing her situation. He stood up immediately to pat her on her back. Then, he picked up the glass of water and placed it into Li Qin Yao''s hand. "Have a drink."


    Li Qin Yao took a few mouthfuls of water and soon, her coughing stop. She took a deep breath to calm down. "I''m alright. Thank you."


    "You should be careful. Eat slowly," Zhang Yu Han said and returned to his seat.


    She lifted her head and was aggrieved. Li Qin Yao did not chock from her food because she was too greedy. She was enjoying her food just fine until he decided to talk to her. His voice almost caused her to chock to death. Although she was blaming him internally, Li Qin Yao knew that it was not Zhang Yu Han''s fault.


    When Li Qin Yao noticed the concerned look on his face, her anger immediately went away. "I''m fine. Don''t worry." Her gaze moved towards the hot grill and once she saw that the meat was cooked, Li Qin Yao picked up the meat before they burned and placed them on Zhang Yu Han''s plate. "You should eat too."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the food on his plate before he picked up his chopsticks and started to eat silently. He stole another glance at the girl who was typing a message on the phone across him and noticed that her cheek had turned pink due to the hot temperature. He stared at her in a daze for a few more seconds before he looked away and took a deep breath to calm down.


    Not too long ago, Wei Jun Hao had warned him that if he had no intention of snatching Li Qin Yao away from her boyfriend, he will only end up getting hurt, trying to get close to her.


    Even if he knew that he would end up getting hurt, Zhang Yu Han had no intention of keeping away from Li Qin Yao or trying to steal her away from her boyfriend. Even if he will never have the chance to like this girl openly, Zhang Yu Han thought that he was contented with his current situation.

 Chapter 68 - Celebrating Her Success

    As Li Qin Yao began to lay a few more ingredients on the hot grill, the phone in her pocket buzzed shortly. She placed down her chopsticks and took out her phone from her blazer''s pocket.


    She tapped her fingers on the screen and saw a text message from Liang Sheng to confirm with her of the meeting with Chairman Li during lunch hour at the headquarters. She replied to his text swiftly and placed her phone on the table. Her lips subconsciously turned into a smile.


    Sitting at the opposite of Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han has been watching her movements silently. When he saw her happy expression, his heart sunk, wondering if she was texting her boyfriend.


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head down as he suppressed the strange feeling permeated in his heart. Thinking that he shouldn''t ruin the moments when it was a few minutes ago when he told himself that he should be content with what he has now, Zhang Yu Han looked up and forced a smile. "You look happy." There was hesitation in his tone.


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she transferred the cooked meat to her plate. "Well, I am happy."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at her phone on the table. He wanted to ask her who was she texting earlier but decided against it. First of all, he has no right to probe into her private matters. It was not his business to know.


    Li Qin Yao clipped at another piece of meat, swirled it in the dipping sauce and eat happily. Her heart soared with happiness as she thought about the project in B City. She glanced at the man in front of her and saw his serious expression. Seeing that his plate was empty, Li Qin Yao took the initiative to add in more food on his plate.


    Instantly, he looked up and smiled.


    She was in a daze momentarily. Straightening her back, Li Qin Yao thought that she should share with him of her happy news. "Mister Zhang, actually, I am thankful that you have invited me out tonight."


    "Oh?"


    "I received good news today. Actually, today I have an important business presentation, and those investors had agreed to pass my proposal," Li Qin Yao said. "If you did not invite me to dinner, then I would probably be celebrating my success in my room, eating nothing but instant noodles. So, thank you for inviting me out to this late dinner."


    Of course, since Zhang Yu Han had no idea of her identity as the young miss from QL Property Group, Li Qin Yao could only refer the shareholders as the investors.


    His eyes shone brightly at the thought that among all people in the world, he was the one she chose to celebrate her success with. Well, Li Qin Yao did not exactly choose him, but those kinds of things did not matter to him right now. What matters to him now was that he was with her to celebrate her good news.


    "Congratulations," Zhang Yu Han said. He glanced at the glass of water on the table. "Should we drink to celebrate your good news?"


    "It''s fine." Li Qin Yao reached for her glass poured the glass with water from the jug. "I don''t drink. My mother did not like it, so we didn''t drink when we were around her. But then, it has become a habit."


    Looking at the sad smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han could guess that Li Qin Yao was reminded of her late father.


    When he had asked Wei Jun Hao to investigated Li Qin Yao before, he had learned of her family situation. Naturally, he had learned that her father had passed away for a few years.


    "Miss Li, are you looking forward to expanding your business?" Zhang Yu Han tried to change the topic.


    Li Qin Yao paused as she recalled that Zhang Yu Han did not know about her identity as QL Property Group''s young miss. "You can say that."


    Her vague answer made him wonder if she was talking about her cafe, or was she planning to return to QL Group. During his investigation, Zhang Yu Han had looked at a few of the projects that Li Qin Yao had managed when she was still with that group. Although he was not a part of the real estate industry, Zhang Yu Han could see that Li Qin Yao was one of the rising stars in the QL Group.


    It was such a shame that the accident happened. Or else, she would probably be chosen as the President of QL Group instead of her cousin, Li Mu Bai.


    However, if Li Qin Yao had stayed with QL Group, he probably would never have the chance to meet her again at the Sushi place and they wouldn''t accidentally switch their phone.


    As Zhang Yu Han thought about how fate has allowed them to meet again, his lips curved into a smile.


    "Then, does it mean that you will be staying in Capital City in the future?" Zhang Yu Han tried to probe more into it.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Of course not. I will be returning to B City once everything is settled."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. In the beginning, he was sure that she was talking about a project with QL Group. But now that Li Qin Yao mentioned that she will be returning to B City, Zhang Yu Han was confused. He knew that QL Group''s business was focused mostly on Capital City and the cities around it. Since B City was quite far from Capital City, then, Li Qin Yao couldn''t possibly be talking about a project with QL Group, right?


    "Then, I wish this new project would go smoothly."


    "Thank you, Mister Zhang." Li Qin Yao bowed her head slightly.


    "Since this can be considered a congratulatory dinner, then, you have to allow me to pay for this meal," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao looked at him with her round eyes. "Ah? But it should be my treat this time. I owe you a meal."


    "Well, you can pay for my meal next time," Zhang Yu Han said and smiled. Anyway, it would be great if he could create more opportunities to be around her. "Next time when we have returned to B City, you should ask me out and treat me for a meal."


    The space between her brow creased as Li Qin Yao thought that there was something strange with his words. However, since she could not pinpoint what was wrong with it, Li Qin Yao immediately agreed. "Alright."

 Chapter 69 - Became Greedy

    In the end, Zhang Yu Han paid for their meals and the two of them left the restaurant after Li Qin Yao exchanged a few words with the restaurant owner and promised to come and visit him again.


    As they were walking back to where they parked, Zhang Yu Han noticed that Li Qin Yao has been looking around the area, as if reminiscing the past. A thought crossed his mind and Zhang Yu Han then suggested, "Should we walk around for a while before returning to the hotel?"


    Li Qin Yao paused and turned to the man beside her.


    Facing the girl''s gaze, Zhang Yu Han tilted his head down and coughed. "Well, we ate a lot, so it''s good to walk around and help the food to digest."


    Li Qin Yao gazed at the night sky. Seeing that the weather looks great, she then nodded. "Good."


    A glint of joy flashed in his eyes. "Since you are familiar with this area, I shall let you lead the way."


    The two walked side by side and silently enjoyed the night breeze. Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han continued to watch the girl beside him stealthily. Though he was enjoying their night walk together, his heart was in turmoil.


    Sure, he was enjoying his time together with the girl he liked. But as they arrived at a residential area, Zhang Yu Han began to regret his decision. All they did was to walk around without anyone saying a word. But the more Zhang Yu Han spent his time with her, the more that he found that he did not want to be apart from her.


    Suddenly he found that he became greedy. He wanted more than what he has now.


    Gradually Zhang Yu Han became tensed, knowing that he could not touch her or profess his feeling to her openly.


    It was against his principle to snatch others'' girlfriend. Even if he can go against his principle, he did not want to scare her with his feeling. Though he had first seen her years ago, to Li Qin Yao, she probably hasn''t known him for a long time.


    If he suddenly told her that he liked her, would she be scared and try to keep her distance?


    Sometimes, even Zhang Yu Han was puzzled with how he could like someone so much after seeing her once. His friends thought that it was weird. Some of them thought that he was making excuses to shot down any love interest.


    However, Zhang Yu Han simply could not get the girl he had seen in the basketball court out of his mind, no matter how hard he tried. The first time he had seen her, Zhang Yu Han had this feeling that someday, he was going to marry her. But, fate had another plan. Now that he had met this girl again, he found that she belonged to someone else.


    Zhang Yu Han had reminded himself a few times to keep his distance, but whenever he saw her again, his heart refused to cooperate with his brain. His weak mind would let his heart win every single time.


    "This is the area where I grew up."


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his trance when he heard her voice and was surprised to see that Li Qin Yao was staring back at him. He immediately looked away and swept his gaze around.


    There was a five-story apartment in front of them. From the way the girl beside him was gazing longingly at the apartment, Zhang Yu Han guessed that once upon a time, Li Qin Yao had stayed in one of the apartment rooms here.


    "This is a nice neighborhood," Zhang Yu Han commented.


    A small smile curved on her lips as Li Qin Yao reminiscence the short period that she had live in the neighborhood with her mother. "It was. The people around here were nice and friendly."


    "There''s even a basketball court here."


    "Huh?" Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and soon, she followed his gaze. Fifty meters away from them was a basketball court. Because of the late hour, the place was empty. It was a weekday and it the neighborhood kid had to be home early or else, suffer from their parents scolding.


    When Li Qin Yao turned again, Zhang Yu Han had moved and was heading towards the court.


    Knowing that he enjoyed the game, Li Qin Yao trailed after him in silence. As the two of them stood behind the fence, Li Qin Yao began to reminiscent that period when she was interested in playing basketball after watching Han Yue Xiu''s game a few times. But after practicing for a while, she began to accept that perhaps, she had no talent in this sport.


    "It looks like they left a ball here," Zhang Yu Han said once they stepped closer.


    "They always leave it there so that anyone can play when they wanted to," Li Qin Yao said. "Once, the neighborhood kid found that someone had stolen the ball, but the next day, they found that someone had bought a new ball and leave it there. No one knew who had replaced it."


    Zhang Yu Han was intrigued by her story.


    "You can use them if you want to," Li Qin Yao suggested upon seeing the excitement on his face.


    "Should I?" When he saw Li Qin Yao nod of encouragement, Zhang Yu Han walked into the court, picked up the ball, dribbled it on the floor and passed it through his legs. He stopped and turned to Li Qin Yao who stood behind him. "Do you want to accompany me for one round?"


    Li Qin Yao immediately waved her hand to reject his suggestion. "Me? No. I''m not good at basketball. I''m too short for basketball."


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head and watched her for a few seconds longer.


    Being stared by Zhang Yu Han''s eyes, Li Qin Yao felt warmth crept on her face. Once she recalled how they had a short conversation about her height not too long ago, her face turned a shade darker.


    Her head only reached his chest area since she was not wearing a high heel. But he had said that her height was just right. Her head started to muddle as she wondered what does he mean by ''just right''.


    Just right¡­ for what? What does he mean when he said that?


    Her thought dissipated as she heard the ball hit on the floor again.


    "Though height would be an advantage in this game, you don''t have to be tall to enjoy the game," Zhang Yu Han paused as he held the ball in his hand. "It doesn''t matter if you''re not good at it. I can teach you."

 Chapter 70 - Already Too Late

    Zhang Yu Han passed the ball to Li Qin Yao and she had caught it perfectly in her hand.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the ball in her hand for and hesitated. Holding the basketball ball again, she was reminded of the first time she had shot the ball into the hoop.


    On that day, she had come with Han Yue Xiu to support her game. When everyone else went for a break, Li Qin Yao had taken the opportunity to enter the court. Seeing that there was no one else around, she had picked up the ball and started to dribble the ball clumsily as she tried to recall the way her friend would do it.


    As she caught the sight of the hoop from her peripheral vision, an idea struck her head.


    She wanted to try and shoot the ball.


    Li Qin Yao had watched Han Yue Xiu and her friends shot the ball into the hoop for countless times, and as she stood at the center of the court, her hand itch to try it too.


    Tilting her head to look at the hoop, Li Qin Yao thought that the hoop was way too high. However, seeing that there was no one around, Li Qin Yao was determined to try it. Gripping her hand tightly on the ball, she stared at the hoop for a few seconds and shot.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she watched the ball flew up high and soon, went into the hoop. Her eyes rounded in surprise. It was her first attempt, and she was surprised to see that she had made it in her first try.


    Li Qin Yao clenched her hands into fists and started to jump around in joy.


    Suddenly, she had a feeling of being watched.


    Li Qin Yao paused, looked around and saw a group of boys in the spectators'' seating area. The boys were talking and joking with each other. No one was looking at her direction, except for one boy.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao did not know what to do. She was afraid that this boy would go ahead and report her to the management for going into the court without permission. However, after a few seconds have passed, she was sure that the boy was not going to do anything. Li Qin Yao quickly nodded and ran off the court before the boy changed his mind.


    Since then, Li Qin Yao has been pestering Han Yue Xiu to teach her to play basketball. However, no matter how many times she attempted to shoot the ball, none of them would go into the hoop again. Frustrated, she then chose to give up.


    It was until a few weeks ago when Han Yue Xiu talked to her into shooting the ball again that she had successfully shot the ball into the hoop.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought and turned to Zhang Yu Han. Because they were standing too close, Li Qin Yao had to tilt her head up to look at him properly. "Okay. But, you have to promise that you won''t be angry when I didn''t play well."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "I promise."


    Satisfied with his answer, Li Qin Yao threw the ball back to him. Because she had once learned the basics from Han Yue Xiu, it was not hard for her to understand the game. But because it has been a long time since she had played, her movement was stiff and clumsy.


    The two of them played around in the empty court for a while as Zhang Yu Han taught her a few tricks. In the night, only the sounds of their voice and the ball bouncing on the floor could be heard.


    "Now you try to shoot," Zhang Yu Han passed the ball back to Li Qin Yao after he had demonstrated a few times.


    Li Qin Yao held the ball in one hand, as she pushed a few strands of hair behind her ears. At this time, she had taken off her blazers, leaving her cream color top and dark blue pants.


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao took a few deep breaths to steady herself before she took her place. She bounced the ball a few times, take position watched the rim intently. Then, she shot the ball.


    When the ball did not go into the hoop as she had expected, Li Qin Yao began to laugh at her clumsiness.


    "Well, your posture is better than the last time," Zhang Yu Han commented. He jogged to pick up the ball and went back to Li Qin Yao''s side. When he saw sweat trailing down from her forehead to her cheek, his heart started to ache. "Should we stop now?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "Since you have been patiently coaching me today, let''s try and shoot for one last time."


    Seeing the determination in her face, Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. He walked over to her and passed the ball. With the ball in her hand, Li Qin Yao dribbled for a few seconds and went back to her position to shoot the ball.


    "Hold on."


    "What?" Li Qin Yao turned around.


    "Your hand isn''t straight enough," Zhang Yu Han commented. "Do it again."


    Li Qin Yao went back to her stance, ready to shot the ball again. However, when she sensed that a presence behind her, Li Qin Yao tilted her head back absentmindedly.


    Zhang Yu Han had approached Li Qin Yao to correct her posture when he saw that her arm that was holding the ball slanted a little bit. His body froze when he felt her head brushing on his chest. He tilted his head down and their gaze met.


    The two of them were staring at each other like that for a full five seconds.


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han took two steps back.


    Li Qin Yao coughed as she looked away. She quickly adjusted her mood and bounced the ball on the floor twice. "So, I should hold it like this?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the way she was holding the ball and nodded. Fortunately, Li Qin Yao had turned her focus back to shooting the ball and did not seem to notice how his expression had changed after that interaction.


    "Bent your knees slightly¡­ and shoot."


    With Zhang Yu Han at her side, Li Qin Yao has been listening to his instruction. She jumped slightly, shot the ball and followed the ball with her eyes.


    Li Qin Yao gasped as she watched the ball touched the backboard slightly before it went into the rim. "It went in!"


    Seeing the wide, happy smile on Li Qin Yao''s face, Zhang Yu Han was affected. His heart began to thump loudly. At this moment, Zhang Yu Han thought that his heart thumped as loudly as the ball that was bouncing on the floor in the background.


    His heart was full as he watched her smiling face. It seemed that, even if he decided to retreat now, it was already too late. Zhang Yu Han found that he can barely control his feelings. He already liked this girl too much.

 Chapter 71 - Perhaps She Was Too Sensitive

    Li Qin Yao hummed a little tune as she walked out of the bathroom. She dried her hair with the towel and sat in front of the mirror for her daily skincare routine. As Li Qin Yao was applying some eye cream under her eyes, her thoughts went back to everything that happened on the day.


    The project proposal that she had prepared with her team was approved by the board.


    Actually, Li Qin Yao did not harbor too much hope that the project will move on to the next step. When her grandfather had proposed her to take the project in B City, Li Qin Yao was hesitant.


    A part of her told her to let everything go, but there was a part of her that refused to give in. In the end, Li Qin Yao decided to gamble.


    If the shareholders reject her proposal, she would be disappointed but would take it as a sign that she should not go back into real estate. However, if her project passed through, she will take it as a sign that she needed to return and perhaps take the chance to clear her name.


    Unexpectedly, with Li Mu Bai''s help, they can proceed with the project.


    She did not know why did Li Mu Bai had agreed to help her with his vote, or what did her grandfather had said to him. However, Li Qin Yao knew that Li Mu Bai will surely have an argument with her mother over this matter.


    With a sigh, Li Qin Yao continued with her skincare routine. Whatever it is, today was full of happy occasions. Besides the project matters, she had successfully shot the ball into the hoop.


    Thinking about it, she was really grateful for Zhang Yu Han''s coaching.


    The first time she had properly seen his face at the coffee shop to retrieve her phone, Li Qin Yao had thought that although he was good looking, Zhang Yu Han had this domineering vibe around him that makes people did not want to get close to him.


    Unexpectedly, he can be so patient while he taught her to play. Who would have thought that the man she thought were too scary to sell insurance policy would have a gentle side as well?


    In the past, while teaching her to play basketball Han Yue Xiu would often have that look as if she was going to kill someone whenever she failed to grasp what she had taught. Han Yue Xiu is a good friend and a good basketball player, but she is not a good coach.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao was wondering if perhaps she was not so bad at basketball. It was just that, she had a bad teacher. With Zhang Yu Han''s coaching, she had grasped the move clearly and had even scored once.


    In the beginning, she was too nervous when he had spoken softly at her. Because there were just the two of them on the court, his voice was all she could hear. Which was why she could not focus and shoot the ball properly.


    It took her a while to get used to his voice and stopped herself from getting affected by it.


    As she thought about Zhang Yu Han, Subconsciously, her lips curved into a wide smile. However, that smile froze in place as she realized that her thoughts were full of that man.


    Li Qin Yao was grateful that Zhang Yu Han had invited her out for a meal. It might be a coincidence that they both have not had their dinner yet. However, Li Qin Yao began to notice that something does not feel right.


    Perhaps she was just too sensitive, but after all, she had met a few guys who tried to court her and had experienced Chen Hao''s courting in the past. Somehow, she got the feeling as if Zhang Yu Han was trying to court her.


    Was he?


    Her neck grew warm up to her ears as she recalled how she had leaned on his chest as Zhang Yu Han tried to correct her posture.


    The way he was looking at her...


    Li Qin Yao laughed at herself and shook her head. "Li Qin Yao, let''s not think too much or you''ll only embarrass yourself."


    Perhaps she was just thinking too much. There was no way that he was trying to court her. After all, they did not know each other for that long, or that well.


    After patting her face a few times with lotion to dismiss her thought, Li Qin Yao went into bed to sleep.


    xxx


    The next morning, Li Qin Yao woke up early and took a cab to head over to Li''s Residence. She accompanied her grandmother and chatted for a while before she headed to her grandfather''s office to discuss the project.


    Surprisingly, when she walked in into the office, her cousin, Li Mu Bai had come as well.


    "I''m here to discuss a few things regarding your project," Li Mu Bai explained when he saw the questioning look in Li Qin Yao''s face.


    Li Ren Xin coughed to ease the discomfort between them. "I asked Mu Bai to come and discuss as well. Yao Yao, come over and seat."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She walked over to the sofa and sat down next to Liang Sheng. Soon, the four of them continued their discussion on the project. After arguing and haggling with both Li Mu Bai and her grandfather on the conditions, the three of them finally came to a conclusion that would satisfy each party.


    As Li Qin Yao read the documents in her hand, her brain started to work on a plan to tackle a few matters as soon as she returned to B City. She turned to Liang Sheng and gave him a few instructions.


    "Your grandmother had prepared something for lunch," Li Ren Xin spoke after a while. He glanced at his grandchild and continued, "the two of you should stay and accompany your grandmother more often."


    "Yes, grandfather," both Li Qin Yao and Li Mu Bai nodded obediently.


    "Liang Sheng, you should join us as well," Li Ren Xin continued.


    "Thank you for your invitation, Chairman Li, but I have made an appointment with my father," Liang Sheng rejected politely. "Besides, I still have to catch my flight back to B City in a few hours."


    Chairman Li nodded and spoke a few more words to Liang Sheng before deciding to send him off to the door, leaving both Li Qin Yao and Li Mu Bai in the office.


    "When are you going back to B City?" Li Mu Bai spoke as he watched Li Qin Yao gathering the documents on the table.


    "Tomorrow morning."


    "That early?"


    "I have a lot to do after you and grandfather had set up these conditions," Li Qin Yao said as she waved the documents in her hand.


    "Sorry."


    Li Qin Yao looked up at his sudden apology and met her cousin''s gaze.


    "I didn''t really want to set up too many conditions and limit the budget for that project. It was a good and profitable project," Li Mu Bai spoke and frown. "But those conditions. They were the only way I know to protect you. Yao Yao, you know that my mother did not agree to let you manage this project. If it was up to her, she would let my sister do it. But at least with this limit budgets, Mu Chen will not dare to accept the project even if my mother insist for her to accept it."


    Li Qin Yao was surprised to hear his words. However, after analyzing what Li Mu Bai had said, she understood why he had limited the budget, and asked for her to find investors on her own. "You''re not afraid I would reject those conditions and the project altogether?"


    A small smile appeared on Li Mu Bai''s lips. "We have worked together for years. I know you. You would not reject the project once you see the potential in it. Besides, even if it seemed like you were at a disadvantage, I know that you can do it."

 Chapter 72 - Facing Another Setback

    Once Li Qin Yao returned to B City, she was immediately buried under a pile of works. Because it was the first time that she had left her cafe for too long under Qing Kong''s management, Li Qin Yao had to supervise to make sure that everything went alright.


    Then, she had to prepare to meet a few potential investors, as well as meeting her new employees and work on the tender to win that piece of land. Just a few days ago, a few representatives from QL Group sent by Li Mu Bai had come to look at the land so that they can begin with the acquisition process.


    In short, Li Qin Yao has been running back and forth between her cafe and QL branch company for a month. Fortunately, her grandfather had sent Liang Sheng to help her with everything.


    Li Qin Yao was sitting in her cafe, with a stack of documents at her side when Liang Sheng walked in.


    When he saw that Li Qin Yao was talking to Qing Kong, Liang Sheng went to the counter and ordered himself a cup of coffee before he sat down at an empty seat while he waited for Li Qin Yao to finish with her matters with the cafe.


    While he waited, Liang Sheng took out the documents he brought with him and began to work.


    It was a few minutes later that Qing Kong walked over to him and told him that her boss was ready to meet him.


    Liang Sheng gathered his belongings and moved to the table where Li Qin Yao was sitting. He glanced at the empty coffee cups on the table and saw the tired look on her boss''s face. One look at her face told him that Li Qin Yao had sacrificed her sleep last night for the project again.


    "You''re here," Li Qin Yao greeted him. "Sorry. You have to make a trip here. Do you need coffee?"


    Liang Sheng pointed at his cup. "I already have a cup of coffee."


    "Right," Li Qin Yao massaged the back of her neck as she looked at the emptied coffee cups. "I need more coffee."


    "Miss Li, it''s probably not a good idea to drink too much coffee," Liang Sheng reminded.


    Li Qin Yao smiled at his words. She raised a hand and asked one of the waiters to take away the coffee cups, and asked for a cup of honey lemon water. When the waiter has left, Li Qin Yao turned to Liang Sheng. "Okay. What''s your report?"


    "The representative from headquarters has returned to Capital City," Liang Sheng immediately spoke. "Next week, the President will send another group of people to help us."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "The people I asked you to contact, did you meet them?"


    "I''ve met Mister Ning just now and he had agreed to be involved with the project. The others have not given us their answer."


    A light frown appeared on Li Qin Yao''s face. She tapped the pen in her hands a few times against her notebook and made a plan to meet the others personally to convince them to work for her.


    Liang Sheng hesitated for a while before he spoke again. "Miss Li, regarding the investors, it seemed that Mister Su from Axcess has decided to withdraw from the project."


    Immediately, Li Qin Yao stopped tapping her pen when she heard the news. Her face turned a shade darker, and the frown on her face became more apparent. "Did he give any reason?"


    "He said that his company was preparing to invest in another project. His people were not capable enough and he did not realize that they did not have any surplus budget to be involved with our project," Liang Sheng reported.


    Li Qin Yao snorted as she heard the reason. There was no way that she would believe that the people from Axcess would be that careless.


    This could only lead to one reason. Her Second Auntie, Zhao Wei has begun to make her move to stop her from succeeding. After all, Mister Su and her auntie were pretty close. They were old friends. It''s just that, Li Qin Yao had thought that Mister Su would honor his promise on account of her grandfather.


    She did expect that her second aunt will make things difficult for her, but she was not expecting that it would be this soon.


    "It''s fine." Facing another setback, Li Qin Yao was forced to stay positive. "We haven''t sign anything in black and white with Axcess. There was nothing we could do about it. It looks like we will have to find more investors. I''ll try to ask others."


    The two of them sat and discussed for almost two hours. Just as Liang Sheng stood up to leave, the small bell at the door chimed, signaling that a customer had walked in.


    The waiters in Lilium Cafe immediately greeted the new customer.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao lifted her head and was surprised to see a familiar face. Her expression brightened up and she stood up. "Grandfather, how come you''re here?"


    That new customer was no other than Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather, Zhang Jing.


    However, upon hearing Li Qin Yao''s question, Zhang Jing pulled a face. "What do you mean? Wasn''t you the one who invited me to come and visit your cafe when I''m free? Now that I have some free time, I could not come and look for you?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a nervous laugh. "Grandfather, that is not what I meant. Of course, I will always welcome you here. It was just that, I was surprised to see you here. I did not expect that an important person like you will visit my small cafe."


    "I don''t mind a small cafe, as long as the food here is good, then I would be happy," Zhang Jing laughed happily. He then turned to Liang Sheng who stood next to them. Instantly, a deep frown appeared on his face. Looking at him, one could tell that Zhang Yu Han inherited his piercing deep eyes from his grandfather.


    Liang Sheng, who was facing Zhang Jing''s intense gaze, began to sweat.


    "And who is this?" Zhang Jing asked Li Qin Yao. "Your boyfriend?"


    "Grandfather, don''t joke around. I''m still single," Li Qin Yao said, laughing. "This is my assistant, Liang Sheng."


    Liang Sheng bowed politely to the elderly man. Then, he turned to Li Qin Yao and excused himself.


    Once Liang Sheng walked out the door, Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Jing. "Grandfather, you came alone? Assistant Huo did not come with you?"


    Zhang Jing snorted. "I came here to look for a chance to eat with him. Eating with someone who could not appreciate good food like him is not fun. It''s better that I come to eat alone."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. She held Zhang Jing on his arms to support him and was about to lead him to an empty table when Zhang Jing decided to sit at Li Qin Yao''s table.


    "It''s fine. I''ll just sit here. It''s not like an old man like me take much space."

 Chapter 73 - Pretending That He Know Nothing

    Since Zhang Jing had sat down at her table, Li Qin Yao can only rearrange the documents on the table and sat down. Soon, she waved for the waiter to come and handed the menu to Zhang Jing.


    "Grandfather, what do you like to eat?"


    Zhang Jing glanced at the menu and pushed it back to Li Qin Yao. "You recommend something to me."


    Hearing Zhang Jing''s request, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt an incoming headache. Deciding what to eat, and where to eat was among the hardest questions to answer, not to mention recommending something to someone.


    "Then, grandfather, did you have any preferences? Or an allergy?"


    "I''m fine with anything as long as it''s delicious," Zhang Jing answered after thinking over it for a few seconds. "I''m not picky and I don''t have any allergy."


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao nodded. She glanced at the menu and decided on her cafe''s grilled salmon. She recalled that Zhang Yu Han had mentioned that his grandfather loved the barbecue so much, but could not eat too much meat. Since that menu was closest to what she thought that Zhang Jing would prefer, Li Qin Yao asked the waiter to bring a serving of the dish along with their best selling desserts.


    Once the waiter left, Zhang Jing leaned forward as if to get a better look at Li Qin Yao''s face. "Miss Li, we haven''t seen each other for only a month, why is it that your face looks so bad?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at the elder man''s words. "Well, I have been busy with work."


    Hearing her excuse, Zhang Jing looked at her in dissatisfaction. "No matter how busy you are, it is important to look after yourself. Why do you want to work so hard and jeopardize your health?" Seeing that Li Qin Yao had nothing to say at his scolding, Zhang Jing decided to change the topic. He was not going to make his future granddaughter-in-law dislike him from his constant nagging. "Right. I heard from Yu Han that the last time you visited Capital City, you have stayed at our hotel. How was it?"


    "It was a nice place. The breakfast buffet was among the best I''ve seen." Li Qin Yao smiled when she saw the proud look on Zhang Jing''s face.


    Speaking of Zhang''s hotel, Li Qin Yao was suddenly reminded that she still owed Zhang Yu Han a meal for upgrading her room to a suite. She then made a mental note to contact him later, but then realized that they have not exchanged their contacts.


    At this time, the waiter came with their drinks before he retreated.


    "Actually, this was not the first time that I have come here," Zhang Jing said. "The last time I came to look for you, the waitress said that you were not around. Thankfully, this time you''re here."


    "Grandfather, you came to look for me?"


    "I was bored, and I recalled that you are someone who enjoyed eating good food. I was going to ask you to come with me to this famous restaurant," Zhang Jing paused and cleared his throat.


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she saw the way Zhang Jing was looking slightly embarrassed. Li Qin Yao could not help but think that the elder man''s expression and action were adorable. "Well, next time, you should give me a call." When she recalled that she had not given Zhang Jing her number, Li Qin Yao took out her phone and the two of them exchanged their contact.


    When Zhang Jing looked at the contact number on his phone, a slight smile appeared on his face. A few days ago, he came to know that his grandson, Zhang Yu Han did not have Li Qin Yao''s contact number. This will give him a chance to brag later.


    Just as the two of them were catching up, the waiter came back with their order.


    Zhang Jing took a deep breath as the dishes were placed on the table. He thought that the dishes smelled delicious and the plating looks very appetizing with that slices of lemon and the herb sauce on the side. On the side were some spiced rice and a vibrant looking salad.


    The first thing he did was to taste the herb sauce. His face brightened up and he started to dig into his food.


    Seeing that Zhang Jing was too engrossed with his food, Li Qin Yao took the chance to check a few e-mails. Suddenly, her phone rang. Sliding her fingers on the phone''s screen, Li Qin Yao answered the call from Xiao Lian Yi and pulled one of the documents on the table to refer to a few data.


    Once the call ended, Li Qin Yao found that Zhang Jing was staring at the documents on the table. When she pulled the documents, Zhang Jing looked up and met her gaze.


    "QL Property Group?"


    Li Qin Yao touched the tip of her nose as she was not sure whether she should explain her situation. However, after giving it some thought, Li Qin Yao realized that it would not be good if she hid her identity from Zhang Jing. After all, he must have heard a few things from her conversation with Xiao Lian Yi.


    The truth was, Zhang Jing had already known that Li Qin Yao is the granddaughter of Li Ren Xin, the Chairman of the QL Property group when he sent his assistant to investigate the girl. However, it would not be good if the girl knew that he had looked into her. Therefore, Zhang Jing can only pretend that he knew nothing about Li Qin Yao''s identity.


    Seeing that the young girl in front of him did not react, Zhang Jing continued to ask, "Why do you have documents from QL Property Group?"


    "Well, do you know the old factories area in B City?"


    "Um. I know." Zhang Jing nodded as he wondered where the conversation was heading.


    "The government is planning to turn B City into tourism city and that land over there is available," Li Qin Yao said.


    As someone in the hospitality industry, of course, Zhang Jing had heard of the government''s plan sometimes ago. He had heard that a few development projects around B City were interested in that land. However, he did not expect that QL Property Group which was based in Capital City would have their eyes on that land as well.


    "I won''t lie to you, grandfather. Actually I''m helping my grandfather with this project."


    "Your grandfather?"


    "Un. He''s Li Ren Xin."


    "Li Ren Xin, the Chairman of QL Property Group?"


    "Grandfather, you know of my grandfather?"


    Zhang Jing laughed. "Of course. Though I never had a deal with him, after all, we are both businessmen. QL Property is pretty big in Capital City. It would be impossible if I have not heard of him before. So you''re that person''s granddaughter?"

 Chapter 74 - Killing Two Birds With One Stone

    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Jing''s expression turned softer seeing that the girl in front of him did not hide away her connection with the well-known property group. After his assistant brought back the report on Li Qin Yao, Zhang Jing had already guessed that the girl did not want to be known as someone who was connected to the QL Property Group after the scandal from two years ago.


    She was afraid that people would give her a look and accuse her of guilty for the accident.


    Though Zhang Jing did not know what had happened back then, he knew that he should not judge someone as guilty without knowing the full story.


    "But, QL Property Group focused on Capital City and a few cities around it. When did they take interest in another city''s development as well?" Zhang Jing asked.


    "My grandfather thought that since I have moved to B City, it would be better to find an opportunity for the company to grow in another city. But to tell you the truth, I think it was just my grandfather''s way to bring me back to the company."


    Zhang Jing let out a laugh. "What? You do not want to work with your grandfather? QL Property Group is one of the largest in the country. But hearing from what you said, you must have work with his company in the past."


    A small smile formed on Li Qin Yao''s lips. She hesitated a few seconds and said, "Well, something happened in the past, then I quit and move to B City to live with my mother."


    Zhang Jing stared at the girl in front of him for a while before he nodded. "Since you''re not going to say it, then I would not ask."


    Li Qin Yao heaved a breath of relief. At this moment, she did not want to let Zhang Jing know about the accident. She liked Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather, she would be sad if the elderly man started to distance himself from her because of that matter.


    However, Li Qin Yao knew that there was no way for her to hid the matter forever. If their friendship continued, then, sooner or later, Zhang Jing will surely hear about it.


    "I will tell you later when I''m ready to talk about it."


    Zhang Jing let out a soft sigh. How can he not notice that the girl''s mood was a bit off when she mentioned the past. He knew that whatever happened, Li Qin Yao was still affected by it. However, his heart was at ease when she had promised to speak about the matter later when she was ready for it.


    "Judging from your conversation earlier, you were having problems with the project?" Zhang Jing knew that he should not touch the sensitive matter right now.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Grandfather, you''re a businessman too. What project did not run into problems now and then?" She then pushed a plate of their best-selling fruit tart. "Grandfather, taste this. This is our best selling dishes in the cafe. You try and tell me what you think."


    How can Zhang Jing not know that the girl did not want to talk about her problem? However, he decided to pick up the fork and sampled the fruit tart. Surprisingly, the not so sweet cream and the berries on top tasted good after his meal. "It''s good." He put down the fork after a while and looked at the girl. "Why don''t you tell me a little bit about this project? As you said, I am a businessman. Who knows, I might be able to help."


    Li Qin Yao hesitated as she alternated her gaze between the documents on her side and towards Zhang Jing.


    "What? Do you think that I might steal some of your secrets?"


    "It''s not like that," Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. She pursed her lips for a few seconds longer before she spoke again, "I know that as the Chairman of Zhang Group, you have a lot of resources. But I don''t want this to change my relationship with you if I ask for your help. Though I don''t know you for too long, I do feel comfortable around you. You are always nice to me. You are like a grandfather that I never have."


    Zhang Jing laughed happily. "Then, you are like a granddaughter. I only have Yu Han and his sister as my grandchildren. They have to stay abroad with their parents for years. It was only a year ago that Yu Han decided to return and accompany me. Right. My granddaughter will return to in a few days. When the time comes, I will introduce you to my granddaughter. Anyway, since you think of me of your grandfather, come. Tell me what has been bothering you."


    Li Qin Yao did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. She had thought that she had successfully turned to a new topic, but it seemed like Zhang Jing had good memories. No wonder he was still leading Zhang Group at his age.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao decided to tell Zhang Jing a little bit about the development project. Anyway, they were still in the early stage where they were looking for investors and preparing a tender.


    Moreover, she can treat this as if she was presenting her proposal to a potential investor.


    Half an hour later, Zhang Jing was staring at the plan that Li Qin Yao had shown to him. There are a lot of historical sites and some old buildings with their beautiful architecture around B City. The government has already taken its initiative to recover and protect those sites. The site that QL Group was planning to purchase was not too far away from the site.


    According to the plan, the QL Group was planning to build a large shopping complex, commercial area as well as residential areas. This time, QL Group was cooperating with another group to open up a large attraction park with both a water park and a dry park. Since there were no attraction parks as such around B City and the cities around it, it was expected that this park will attract a lot of consumers.


    Zhang Jing was satisfied as he studied the plan. It doesn''t look like there would be any legal problem regarding the land. Then, the problems that Li Qin Yao was having was surely a money problem.


    However, what QL Property Group was planning was a big project. Although he had a say in his company, Zhang Jing would still need to consult the board if he wanted to invest in the project.


    His eyes flashed as Zhang Jing recalled something.


    A few months ago, he had agreed to let his grandson, Zhang Yu Han to start up another hotel. However, he heard that his grandson was still looking into a few sites across the country and had not found any suitable site yet. Then, perhaps, he should take this chance to set up the two together. In this way, Li Qin Yao''s problem regarding the investor would be solved, and Zhang Yu Han would find a suitable site.


    Isn''t this is like killing two birds with one stone?


    No. That is not right. He could kill multiple birds with this one stone!

 Chapter 75 - Set Up An Appointment

    Two days later, Zhang Jing appeared in Zhang Yu Han''s office. He walked in after knocking twice and sat down around the coffee table.


    Seeing that his grandfather had walked in and sat down without saying anything much, Zhang Yu Han quickly saved the file on his computer and called over his secretary to bring in some tea. Then, he walked over to the coffee table and choose the seat opposite of his grandfather.


    "When will your sister, Yu Ying arrive?"


    "This Friday. Jun Hao and I will be picking her up from the airport."


    Zhang Jing nodded. "Tell her to spend stay at the residence before she decides on a place to live."


    "Of course."


    At this time, Zhang Yu Han''s secretary walked in with a tray of tea and refreshment. She served the refreshment on the table and tacitly walked out.


    Zhang Jing picked up the teacup and took a sip. Then, the two of them chatted a little bit about Zhang Yu Han''s trip to inspect their other hotel branch all over the country. When Zhang Jing finished listening to his grandson''s report, he picked up the teacup again and found that the tea has turned cold. He put down the cup and looked up.


    "Have you found the site you''re looking for?"


    "Not yet," Zhang Yu Han admitted. "Xiao Feng had suggested a few suitable places, but I haven''t made up my mind. Since you have given me your trust to manage everything, I wanted to be more careful."


    Zhang Jing nodded again. This time, a small smile appeared on his lips. "Since you haven''t found a suitable site yet, I wanted to recommend a site for you. A friend of mine was looking for investors and I thought it would be good if you go and take a look."


    Because he wanted to give a surprise to his grandson, Zhang Jing deliberately did not want to say Li Qin Yao''s name and only refer her as a representative.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned a little bit. His grandfather had given him his authorization to decide on everything. But seeing that his grandfather was about to interfere with the location, of course, Zhang Yu Han had a bit of dissatisfaction.


    "I have already set up an appointment for you and the representative from the other side to discuss this matter," Zhang Jing continued. "I know that I have permitted you to do everything your way, but I hope that you can go and meet this representative. Whether you decide to work with them or not will depend on you. I won''t say anything if you reject their proposal."


    Hearing his grandfather''s words, Zhang Yu Han was a bit relieved. "Where is this project located?"


    "B City. You must have heard that the government is going to turn B City to a tourism city, right?" Zhang Jing spoke. "Even if you did not want to work with this developer, it would be good for you to look around and listen to it a little bit."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. Seeing that his grandfather subtly wanted him to go, he can only agree to it. He decided to go and meet with the person and rejected them politely. His grandfather did say that it would be up to him to reject if he found it not to his liking. Besides, although he had not decided on the location, he already had his eyes on a few locations. The seaside location that Lin Xiao Feng suggested the other day seemed like a good place for him to start.


    "Then, you should meet the representative next Monday, at Coffee Sanctuary in B City. It was just the opposite of the train station in B City. It shouldn''t be hard for you to get there. I will update your secretary with the location and time. You just have to be there." Zhang Jing picked up the teacup again to hide his smile. But then, he recalled that the tea tasted awful since it has turned cold.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han''s body turned still as he heard of the location. Coffee Sanctuary¡­ wasn''t that the coffee shop where he had met Li Qin Yao after the two had mistakenly taken each others'' phone?


    His lips curved into a smile at the memory. Zhang Yu Han quickly hid his smile away before his grandfather would notice and probe. Just like that, the grandfather and grandson were both hiding their smiles from each other, while thinking about the same person in their mind.


    "Right. I visited Miss Li''s place a few days ago," Zhang Jing started.


    "Why did you go and look for her?" Zhang Yu Han panicked when his grandfather mentioned the name. Though he knew that Li Qin Yao had accompanied his grandfather for dinner once, and they were now on friendly terms, Zhang Yu Han was worried that his grandfather might say something inappropriate about him.


    Once Zhang Jing heard his grandson''s question and tone, his face turned displeased. "I went to her cafe to eat since she had invited me to come. Why? Is there something wrong about that?"


    "No. Of course not." Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath to calm down, noticing that perhaps he was too anxious.


    Zhang Jing snorted. "Anyway, at the end of the day, we both exchanged contact. I now have her number." He then leaned forward with a teasing smile on his face. "Do you want it?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his grandfather in disbelief. With a chuckle, he spoke. "No need. I already have Miss Li''s number." To prove it to his grandfather, Zhang Yu Han took out his phone and showed it to him.


    Hearing his response, Zhang Jing face turned a shade darker. "Didn''t you say that you did not have her number?"


    "Well, I lied." Zhang Yu Han''s answer only made his grandfather angrier. "I did not want you to go and find her. Grandfather, I know what you were going to do." He had stayed with his grandfathers for a few years and could guess what was the old man thinking. Like every other grandparent, Zhang Jing too was worried about his marriage. "But I advise you not to interfere. Miss Li¡­ she had a boyfriend."


    "What nonsense are you saying?" Zhang Jing frowned. Then he noticed that something was not right. "How did you know that she had a boyfriend?"


    "I''ve seen them together a few times before."


    Zhang Jing stared at his grandson for a few seconds longer. He was sure that the girl had said that she was single after she broke up with her boyfriend not too long ago. Li Qin Yao had no reason to lie about such things, and from his investigation, he indeed had heard that she had broken up with her boyfriend.


    However, it looks like his grandson did not have this information.


    Though it would be wise to share this information with his grandson right now, Zhang Jing decided that he should keep this information to himself. Who asked Zhang Yu Han to lie and kept his future granddaughter''s number from him!

 Chapter 76 - Picking Up Zhang Yu Ying

    On Friday afternoon, Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao showed up at the airport to pick up Zhang Yu Ying.


    "How many years has it been since the last time I saw your sister?" Wei Jun Hao said as the two were craning their neck to look for Zhang Yu Han''s sister.


    Zhang Yu Han only stared at his friend without answering. It was not as if Wei Jun Hao was expecting any reply from him anyway.


    Wei Jun Hao has been chatting nonstop ever since he came over to Zhang Yu Han''s place to pick him up. Although Zhang Yu Han had not mentioned anything about picking up his sister, Wei Jun Hao showed up at his place earlier in the morning with breakfast anyway and volunteered to drive.


    Through his conversation with Wei Jun Hao in the past, Zhang Yu Han could deduce that his friend has been in touch with his sister, but he was sure that Wei Jun Hao and his sister were not in a relationship. At least not yet.


    If Zhang Yu Han had liked Li Qin Yao for ten years, Wei Jun Hao has liked his sister longer than that.


    Wei Jun Hao has been liking his sister since they were both in high school.


    Back then, Wei Jun Hao would frequently visit his house and would often meet Zhang Yu Ying. The two of them would quarrel a lot whenever they see each other. But as the observer who was close to both of them, Zhang Yu Han knew that Wei Jun Hao would only behaved like this around his sister.


    This was why Zhang Yu Han would sneer whenever Wei Jun Hao tried to offer him relationship advice. In Zhang Yu Han''s opinion, his friend, Wei Jun Hao was as bad as he is, if not worst.


    Once Zhang Yu Han and his sister followed their parents abroad, Zhang Yu Han did not think that the two of them would stay in contact. Until he saw Wei Jun Hao''s interaction with his sister on her Wechat moment''s.


    Almost twenty minutes of waiting, a familiar figure emerged and was heading to the arrival hall. The young girl was wearing black pants with a matching blazer and a pink shirt. Her long hair was tied in a ponytail, and she was tugging along her pastel pink luggage behind her. A smile appeared on her face when she saw her brother. Zhang Yu Ying turned around to the person behind her before she picked up her pace and jogged over to her brother in her high heels.


    Before Zhang Yu Han could react, his sister has already pounced into him and hugged him. "Brother!"


    Zhang Yu Han steadied himself to stop himself from falling and sighed as he peeled away from his sister. "How was your flight?"


    "It was okay," Zhang Yu Ying clicked her tongue at her brother''s reaction. She straightened up, turned to Wei Jun Hao and gave him a look. "Brother Jun Hao. You look exactly the same as you were before."


    Wei Jun Hao stared at her in a daze before he pulled himself together and forced a smile. He had noticed that tall figure in a baseball cap and a black varsity jacket beside Zhang Yu Ying for a while.


    Seeing the way the two of them acted intimately with each other, Wei Jun Hao felt a tug in his heart. His thought began to wander, thinking that perhaps he was too late and would suffer the same fate as his best friend.


    Zhang Yu Han cast a sideways glance at his friend and naturally could guess what was on Wei Jun Hao''s mind. He turned to his sister''s friend and asked, "Who is your friend?"


    "Right," Zhang Yu Ying turned around and pulled her friend closer. "Brother, you remember my friend, Lin Xiao?"


    "Hello," Lin Xiao took off her baseball cap and looked up.


    Both Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao were surprised upon hearing Lin Xiao''s voice. Their eyes widened as they met the girl''s clear, bright eyes.


    Years ago, Lin Xiao still had long hair and would usually wear skirts. It was surprising to see that the girl had changed her image so much that both Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao would think that she was a boy. When they saw Zhang Yu Ying showed up, they both had thought that Zhang Yu Ying had brought along her boyfriend!


    Wei Jun Hao let out a breath of relief before he greeted the girl. "Lin Xiao, look at you. You''re really tall now." He glanced at Zhang Yu Ying and chuckled.


    Zhang Yu Ying''s face turned a shade darker. "What was that? Are you laughing at me? I''m not short!"


    Seeing that the two of them were about to start quarreling, Zhang Yu Han chose to shift their attention. "How did you two meet?"


    "I met Lin Xiao in T Country," Zhang Yu Ying said. "When she heard that I''m coming back, Lin Xiao said that she wanted to come along with me to visit her grandparents. Right. Brother, can we drop off Lin Xiao at her place first?" Zhang Yu Ying asked her brother.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his friend and raised a brow. Seeing Wei Jun Hao nodded, Zhang Yu Han replied. "Sure."


    Once they dropped her friend off, Zhang Yu Ying waved her hands out the window until the vehicle turned at a junction. She rolled the windows up and turned around.


    "How did your friend change so much?" Wei Jun Hao''s nature to gossip had come forth ever since he saw Lin Xiao at the airport, but he had held back since the subject was still around.


    Zhang Yu Ying put her hand under her chin. "To make it short, she liked a guy, and that guy did not like her back." She tried to lean forward to the front seat but was restricted by her seat belt. "Let''s not talk about my friend." She turned to her brother with apparent excitement on her face. "Brother, I heard that you have recently reunited with your first love. Why didn''t you say anything to me? Am I still your sister?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his friend the moment he heard his sister''s question. "The two of you have been talking about me?" It seemed as if he was looking at Wei Jun Hao with a lazy gaze, however, only Wei Jun Hao knew that he was silently sending him a warning.


    "Don''t blame Brother Jun Hao," Zhang Yu Ying slapped her brother''s shoulder once. "I wanted to introduce you to my friend, but Brother Jun Hao said that it would be impossible. He has no choice but to tell me everything under my coercion. So, when am I meeting my sister-in-law?"


    "It looks like it will be sometimes before you''re going to meet her," Wei Jun Hao glanced at Zhang Yu Ying through the mirror. "Your brother has not won your sister-in-law''s heart yet."


    "Huh?" Zhang Yu Ying turned to her brother with her eyes wide. "You haven''t? Brother. Do you need my help?"


    Hearing the two of them discussing her love life, Zhang Yu Han can only bear with it. If they were in his car, he would have stopped at the side, and send them both out. But unfortunately, they were in Wei Jun Hao''s SVU and had no other choice but to send a warning gaze to both of them every now and then.


    However, Zhang Yu Han''s lips subconsciously curved into a smile as his thought went to Li Qin Yao. Because he was too busy with works, it seemed that he has not seen that girl since the last time they went out in Capital City.


    Once he recalled that he would be heading to B City in a few days to meet a developer, Zhang Yu Han made a plan to drop by Li Qin Yao''s cafe to see her again.

 Chapter 77 - He Was Not Imagining Things

    On Monday morning, Zhang Yu Han woke up early to head over to B City to meet a developer that his grandfather had arranged for him to meet. Because he was planning to go over to Lilium Cafe to see the girl he liked, Zhang Yu Han has already thought of ending this appointment early after he gives appropriate time for the developer to present the project.


    When he arrived at the coffee shop, Zhang Yu Han looked around and found that the person he was waiting has not arrived.


    Actually, he did not know how the person he was supposed to meet looked like, or what was the other party''s name. His grandfather only told him to show up, and that other person will be the one who identified him. Though he had asked his grandfather to tell him more, the elder man refused to say anything else.


    As Zhang Yu Han walked over an empty seat, a thought crossed his mind: This situation. Why does it feel like he was attending a blind date?


    He was pretty familiar with that setup. After all, previously, he had attended a few blind dates in Wei Jun Hao''s place. Though he never liked to attend those blind dates, Zhang Yu Han was glad that he had attended the last blind date at the sushi restaurant. At least he was able to reunite with the girl he has been searching for.


    Shaking his head to get rid of the absurd thought, Zhang Yu Han then ordered a cup of latte from the waiter. Then, he took out his phone to check on his e-mails.


    After a few minutes of waiting, Zhang Yu Han finally noticed the other party''s arrival when someone walked over to his table and blocked the light. However, once he tilted his head up, Zhang Yu Han was pleasantly surprised.


    In front of him was Li Qin Yao, the girl he has been secretly in love with for years. Because he was sitting down, and the light was behind her, Zhang Yu Han thought that Li Qin Yao resembled an angel, with a little halo on her head.


    Was he dreaming?


    Perhaps he had not seen her for too long and had started to miss her tremendously that he started to have this hallucination.


    "Mister Zhang?"


    When he heard her soft voice, he knew right away that he was not imagining things.


    Swiftly, Zhang Yu Han stood up with a puzzled look on his face. "Miss Li? Why are you here?"


    Hearing his question, Li Qin Yao let out a laugh. "Did your Chairman Zhang not tell you?"


    Zhang Yu Han continued to stare into her gaze in dumbfounded. "Chairman Zhang¡­ my grandfather?" He shook his head and frowned. "What was he supposed to tell me?"


    Li Qin Yao thought about the situation for a bit and made a guess that his grandfather indeed did not tell him that he will be meeting her to discuss the project. Perhaps, his grandfather wanted to give him a surprise.


    With a smile on her face, Li Qin Yao supported her knapsack on one shoulder and extended her hand for a handshake. "Hello, Mister Zhang. I am Li Qin Yao, a representative from QL Property Group."


    Zhang Yu Han shook hands with her within a daze. Soon, he looked away from her gaze and was finally able to think straight. Then he looked up to meet her gaze once again. "You are the developer I was supposed to meet?"


    She nodded. "Yes."


    "Please," Zhang Yu Han motioned towards the empty across him. "Have a seat." Then, he called the waiter over, and Li Qin Yao ordered a hazelnut americano for herself.


    "Sorry. You must be startled when you see me," Li Qin Yao spoke once the waiter walked away.


    "Of course. My grandfather did not mention anything else other than I was supposed to meet a developer. He didn''t give me any other information other than the meeting place and time." Zhang Yu Han admitted. His frown deepened as he thought of how his grandfather had lied to him.


    Facing this strange situation, Zhang Yu Han was not sure whether he wanted to get angry or to be thankful to his grandfather for arranging this meeting.


    "I would ask to meet at my cafe, but there would be a few disturbance there. Since you have been to this coffee shop the last time we mistook each other''s phone, I know that it would not be hard for you to find this place."


    Somehow, Zhang Yu Han found that it was pleasing to know that Li Qing Yao remembered how they have previously met at the coffee shop. Still, he thought that it was strange how his grandfather arranged this meeting.


    Unable to suppress his curiosity, Zhang Yu Han then asked. "Right. Are you really here to discuss a development project?"


    "Sorry. I have never mentioned this to you before. Actually, other than managing my business, I am also working under QL Property Group. The Chairman of QL Group, Li Ren Xin is my grandfather, and I am helping him with a project in B City." Li Qin Yao said.


    Since she had already mentioned her identity to Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather, it would not be good if she was not honest to Zhang Yu Han. Sooner or later, he would still know about this from his grandfather.


    If only Li Qin Yao know that both grandfather and grandson had long known of her identity when they send someone to investigate her, she would be furious!


    The waiter came back with Li Qin Yao''s drink and placed it gently on the table before he walked away.


    "Well, I am surprised," Zhang Yu Han continue to pretend. His eyes flashed as a thought crossed his mind. "So, the last time I saw you in Capital City, you were there to discuss this project with the company."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Right. The last time we had dinner together, I did mention that I was celebrating that the shareholders agreed to pass a proposal."


    "You were talking about this project?"


    "Yes."


    Zhang Yu Han then recalled their conversation from a month ago. He had guessed that Li Qin Yao returned to Capital City to visit the QL Group. But when he thought that she was going to work in Capital City, Li Qin Yao had said that she will return to B City. Their conversation that night started to make sense if QL Group were planning on a development project in B City.


    Li Qin Yao took a sip from her drink and pushed a few stray hairs behind her ears as she looked at Zhang Yu Han. "Actually, I did not really want to come. But, your grandfather assured me that it would be good if I see come and showed this proposal to you. He said that you were looking to invest in some development project?"

 Chapter 78 - Chance To Play A Hero

    Zhang Yu Han was startled at her question. He was not looking to invest in a development project but was looking for a site to build a new hotel under Zhang Worldwide Group.


    He was not sure why his grandfather had told her differently, but knowing that old man, Zhang Yu Han was sure that he will not do something that would not benefit the company.


    "Well, you can say that," he picked up his drink and took a few gulps. "How did you and my grandfather come to discuss this project."


    "It was unintentional. Your grandfather visited my cafe a few days ago while I was handling some matters on the project. At the end of it, he said I should come over and present the project to you in case if you''re interested." Li Qin Yao said and smiled embarrassingly. "We don''t have to go through this matter if you''re not up to it. You were probably here because of your grandfather."


    "I indeed came because of my grandfather," Zhang Yu Han said. "But Miss Li, my grandfather is a businessman. He will not recommend me to come and listen to you unless if he thinks that your project would be profitable."


    Li Qin Yao cast her gaze down. Actually, she was a little bit dispirited after another one of a potential investor had pulled away from the project even though they had agreed to it before they were about to sign the agreement. And just two days ago, she had heard from Bei Ruo Xi, her former assistant, that her aunt may have contacted a few of those investors to make them change their minds.


    However, without any proof, they could not accuse Zhao Wei of ruining QL''s project.


    So now that she''s meeting Zhang Yu Han for her project, Li Qin Yao''s mood was affected by those problems. Therefore, she did not harbor too much hope in it.


    "Are you sure? What we''re doing is real estate. Don''t you think that we''re in a different area?"


    "My grandfather said that the government is planning to turn B City into Tourism City, and your company wanted to be a part of it. Miss Li, tourism and hospitality are always related. How can you say that we''re in a different business area? Since you''re developing the area to help the government to build this tourism city, then, of course, these two lines of business can be related."


    Li Qin Yao thought about the matter for a while and thought that what Zhang Yu Han had said make sense. "You''re right"


    "Anyway, since we''re here, why don''t you explain to me about this project."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. Then, she took out a bunch of files from her knapsack and started to explain a little bit about the development project.


    Once Zhang Yu Han saw the blueprint on the table, his eyes flashed as he recognized that bit of paper. If he was not mistaken, the blueprint was similar to the one he had accidentally seen during his visit to Lilium Cafe with Wei Jun Hao. At that time, there was a new man around Li Qin Yao and Wei Jun Hao tried to warn him to be careful of his new rival.


    "How long have you been working on this project?" Zhang Yu Han could not help but ask.


    "A few months. We didn''t have much time and were understaffed in the beginning, but everyone had worked hard for this." There was a hint of pride in Li Qin Yao''s smile.


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow as he recalled that table which was occupied by a few people in her cafe. If he was not mistaken, there were always five of them. Does that mean that the five people had worked hard with Li Qin Yao to prepare the project proposal?


    "It looks good. If everything goes well, you might win the tender and this project will bring profit to QL Group once it was launched," Zhang Yu Han commented as he studied the plan for a long time. It was no denying that Li Qin Yao had succeeded to prepare a plan which would attract more tourist to visit B City.


    Although she did not know whether Zhang Yu Han was only saying those words to make her feel more at ease, Li Qin Yao did feel a lot at ease and more confident of the proposal that she and her team had prepared.


    After a while, Zhang Yu Han put down the paper on the table and looked at the girl in front of him with a smile. "Miss Li, if you agree to make a few adjustments with your plan, then, I will agree to invest in your project. I can also help you to pull another one or two investors as well"


    Li Qin Yao stared at him in a daze. She was not expecting him to have an interest in this project, or would quickly agree to invest in it. Moreover, Zhang Yu Han had said that he was willing to help her pull in another one or two investors! If those investors are willing to spend more, then, she did not have to worry much about finding another investor.


    She then pinched her thigh under the table and winced when she felt the pain.


    It looked like she was not dreaming.


    Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Li Qin Yao then looked at Zhang Yu Han. "I have to consider on what adjustment you wanted me to make."


    Zhang Yu Han pointed at an area on the blueprint with his finger. "If you agree to turn one of this high cost residential to one of Zhang Worldwide''s hotel, then, I will agree to invest."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him with her eyes wide. Then, she looked at the blueprint again as she thought of his suggestion.


    "Miss Li, since you''re developing this site for tourism city, then, don''t you think it''s suitable to have a hotel build in this area?"


    In the end, the two of them spend more than an hour to discuss the matter, before Zhang Yu Han excused himself due to another appointment with his managers.


    The two of them stood outside the cafe as Li Qin Yao stared at the man before her with a hint of adoration.


    "Mister Zhang, thank you so much for your help."


    "Don''t thank me. Before we signed an agreement, nothing is definite yet."


    Li Qin Yao smiled and touched the tip of her nose as she recalled something. "Right. The next time we meet again to visit the site, I will treat you to a meal. I recalled that I still owe you a meal, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded nonchalantly, but his heart jumping with joy. The two of them exchanged their contact number before they both went to their way. Once he sat down in his car, Zhang Yu Han immediately gave his grandfather a call.


    "Then what? Have you agreed to invest in the girl''s project?" Zhang Jing asked after his grandson had said a few words about his arrangement today.


    "I haven''t."


    "What?" Zhang Jing was surprised to hear that his grandson did not agree. When he saw the paperwork the other day, Zhang Jing could tell that it would be a profitable project for the Zhang Group as well.


    Could it be that his grandson did not see this potential? He had given him the chance to play a hero to save a beauty! How can he not take this chance? Or could it be that he was wrong, and perhaps, his grandson did not like Miss Li as much as he thought?


    Before Zhang Jing could say another word, Zhang Yu Han had spoken first.


    "Grandfather don''t be anxious. I know what you were thinking. But I have arranged for another meeting with Miss Li to visit the site. Once I take a look at the site, then I will sign an agreement with her."


    Zhang Jing frowned as he listened to Zhang Yu Han''s idea about that land. But when he finally grasped what his grandson was planning to do, Zhang Jing let out a hearty laugh.


    His grandson could have agreed right away, but it seemed that his grandson was taking a chance to arrange another meeting with that girl!

 Chapter 79 - Keeping Her Distance

    "Yao Yao, there''s a new Fujian cuisine restaurant had just opened near my workplace, if you''re not busy, come over to Y City this weekend. It''s my treat. My coworkers gave this restaurant a good review."


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth twitched. Han Yue Xiu did not bother to greet her with hello, and straightaway tempted her with food to come over to Y City. "Are you sure you will be able to come out? The last time you made me come over to Y City, you stood me up."


    Han Yue Xiu clicked her tongue. "Don''t worry. I will come out and play with you. Since the last time I threatened my boss with my resignation, he no longer dares to make me work overtime. Unless if he trained another staff to be so capable like me, he won''t get rid of me easily."


    "You''re getting cocky."


    Han Yue Xiu merely laughed at her comment.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao agreed to go come over to Y City to see Han Yue Xiu. Then, she went back to work on her cafe''s account.


    Two hours have passed when she finished her job. Li Qin Yao stretched out her body and walked out of her cramped office in Lilium Cafe with her knapsack hanging on one shoulder. She met Mei Xuan in the kitchen and announced that she will be heading to her other office two blocks away.


    "You''re finished?" Yin Mei Xuan washed her hands properly and dried them with a kitchen towel.


    Li Qin Yao adjusted the straps on her shoulder and nodded. "I still need to head to the other office and check on the progress."


    "Well," Yin Mei Xuan paused and glanced towards the front of the cafe. "There is a good looking man out there looking for you. When he heard that you were busy with work, he said that he was going to wait until you''re done."


    Li Qin Yao frowned. "Looking for me? Who?"


    Yin Mei Xuan shrugged. "He didn''t give his name. But, since he brought some coffee and pies, we did not have any excuse to drive him away. Anyway, I don''t think he''s anyone suspicious. I''ve seen him visiting Lilium a few months ago, and back then, he came to talk to you about something. He was sitting by the window."


    Peeking behind the kitchen walls, Li Qin Yao turned to the direction where Yin Mei Xuan pointed at. Once Li Qin Yao saw the person who was sitting by the window, her curiosity rose as she wondered what was her cousin, Li Mu Bai came to look for her.


    "You know him, right?" Yin Mei Xuan asked. Naturally, she had noticed the change in her friend''s expression.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She assured Mei Xuan that everything is alright and walked over to Li Mu Bai''s table. Once she was closer, Li Mu Bai raised his head to look at her.


    "Why are you here?" Li Qin Yao asked with a puzzled look on her face.


    "As the President of QL Group, I came here to take a look at the site. Then, I come here for lunch."


    "The President came to this small city to inspect the site on his own. Should I be flattered that you think so highly of this project?" Li Qin Yao slid at the empty seat across her cousin and a playful smile appeared on her lips. "Since you think highly about this project, why don''t you raise our budget?"


    He slowly emptied his drink before he answered her. "I could raise your budget, but that will only give you more trouble. Weren''t you already facing some troubles right now?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at her cousin for a long time as she did not know how to react towards Li Mu Bai''s concern.


    Although Li Mu Bai has helped her to pass the proposal and seemed to be on her side, Li Qin Yao continued to be wary of him because of both his mother and sister.


    As the President of QL Group, how can he not know the reason why the investors have backed out before the two parties signed the agreement. Of course, Li Mu Bai was well informed that his mother has been causing trouble for Li Qin Yao and the project in B City. However, because he is his mother''s son, there was nothing he could do but to warn her to stop causing trouble.


    It made her wonder if one day Li Mu Bai learned of what his mother did to get rid of her from QL Group two years ago, will he still choose to stay on her side or continue to ignore what the two have done?


    Clearing his throat, Li Mu Bai then pushed aside the emptied cup on the table. "I heard about your slight adjustment in the project to turn one of the residential towers into a luxury hotel. Is everything alright? There is another month left for you to submit the tender, right?"


    "You don''t have to worry," Li Qin Yao said after a while. "Chairman Li has already given his approval to this adjustment."


    Li Mu Bai frowned as he sensed her cousin''s hostility. Just a month ago, it seemed that their relationship has slightly improved after he had shown his support to let the development project in B City to pass. However, now, it looked like Li Qin Yao was back to her old self. She was keeping her distance from him.


    "I didn''t say I was worried. Since it is you, I''m sure that you will find a way to make it work."


    Li Qin Yao heaved a long sigh. "In fact, it was better if we turn one of the towers to a hotel. We are doing this project to help the government raise this city as a tourism city."


    "We have never done a hotel before," Li Mu Bai pointed out.


    "And you said you weren''t worried," there was a playful smile on Li Qin Yao''s face.


    Once he saw her teasing smile, Li Mu Bai leaned on his seat with a frown. "It would be bad for me if the company suffered a loss when I had been in my position in just two years."


    "Don''t worry. I am not interested in that President''s position."


    "I did not mean it like that," his frown deepened. Why do they have to start another quarrel every time they met? Couldn''t they have a decent discussion without getting into another argument like this?


    Sensing his thought, Li Qin Yao heaved another long sigh. "Fortunately, we found someone willing to invest in this project and that other party is someone who is experienced in managing hotel and luxurious resort."


    "You found someone from the hotel industry," Li Mu Bai made a guess. He was surprised that Li Qin Yao had found an investor from the hotel industry. As far as he knows, they never had a good connection with someone from the industry who is willing to invest so much. "Who?" Li Mu Bai could not help but ask.


    "All I can say is that they are very reputable in their industry," Li Qin Yao said. "As for who they are, I will let you know once we have signed the agreement."

 Chapter 80 - Cheery And Talkative Zhang Yu Ying

    After a few days of hustle and bustle, working on the adjustment on the development project, it was finally the weekend. Li Qin Yao drove and headed to Y City to meet up with her friend, Han Yue Xiu after that girl had lured her to come over and promised her with good food.


    Because the traffic was smooth, Li Qin Yao arrived at the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Han Yue Xiu half an hour earlier. Seeing that there was a little bit of queue outside the restaurant, Li Qin Yao decided to queue up and texted the friend of her arrival.


    Surprisingly, this time, she had met a few familiar faces.


    "Miss Li, what a surprise. Are you here to have dinner as well?"


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch at the man''s question. Recently, it seemed that she would always run into Zhang''s grandfather and grandson wherever she goes.


    However, once she thought that she was in Y City, where the Zhang''s lived in, coupled with the fact that the elderly man was someone like her who loved good food, Li Qin Yao thought that it was not weird for her to run into them on the street like this.


    After all, Han Yue Xiu did say that this restaurant was newly operated and had good reviews.


    "Well, yes," Li Qin Yao nodded and smiled warmly to reply to the elderly man. It was then that she noticed the presence of a beautiful young girl beside the two men. Seeing how the young lady holding on to Zhang Jing''s hand, Li Qin Yao guessed that the two men were very familiar with the young girl.


    "You come here alone?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "I''m waiting for my friend."


    Hearing her answer, Zhang Yu Han''s expression stiffened a little bit.


    Of course, once Zhang Jing saw the change in her grandson''s expression he could guess that his grandson was eating something sour again. "Miss Li, have you made an appointment? If you haven''t why don''t you and your friend join us for a meal. It''s really hard to get a table at a time like this."


    At this time, the girl beside Zhang Jing tugged on his arm softly. "Grandfather, who is this? You''re not going to introduce us?"


    "Right." Zhang Jing laughed. "Yu Ying, this is Miss Li, a friend of mine and your brother. Miss Li, this is my granddaughter, and Yu Han''s younger sister, Zhang Yu Ying."


    "Hello, I''m Li Qin Yao."


    Hearing that name, Zhang Yu Ying''s eyes grew wider. "Li Qin Yao? You''re Li Qin Yao?"


    "You¡­ know me?"


    A wide smile appeared on Zhang Yu Ying''s face as she gave Li Qin Yao a look over. "Of course I know you. I-" Her words was left unfinished when she felt someone poking on her waist. Zhang Yu Ying saw the warning glance from her grandfather and knew that she has to be careful in her speech.


    If she keeps on talking and accidentally revealed something she should not, his brother, Zhang Yu Han will not let her off easily.


    Zhang Yu Ying had heard so many things about the girl in front of her through both Wei Jun Hao and her grandfather. Of course, she had to force the information from Wei Jun Hao since his brother''s friend had mentioned that her brother had found the girl he was looking for since high school.


    However, once she heard that her grandfather too had met the girl, Zhang Yu Ying thought that it was not fair as she had yet seen the girl that her brother liked. She had coerced Wei Jun Hao to introduce her to Li Qin Yao, but that man had rejected her as he feared her brother more.


    Fortunately, they ran into Li Qin Yao as they were heading out to accompany their grandfather for dinner.


    Zhang Yu Ying first thought of that woman was: cute! Zhang Yu Ying liked her right away because of one strange reason: Li Qin Yao is shorter than her.


    As the shortest member of the family, Zhang Yu Ying thought that it would be refreshing if Li Qin Yao would be her sister-in-law. Then, she will no longer be the shortest in the family!


    Although Zhang Yu Ying''s height could be considered average among Asians, she had always felt insecure with her height. Her parents were tall, and both grandparents from both sides were tall people as well. When she was younger, some of her mean schoolmates would jokingly ask whether she was adopted once they saw the difference in their height.


    Zhang Yu Ying thought that she would grow taller in her teenage years, but sadly, she had stopped to grow taller after she turned nineteen. Then, she followed her parents to move abroad, where most of the girls there were taller than she is, and that made her very insecure. Which was why she was so fond of wearing high heels.


    "I heard my grandfather mentioned you previously," Zhang Yu Ying maintained the smile on her face. Her eyes were observing the girl that her brother had taken fancy on up and down. "I did not think that I would have a chance to meet you so soon. Right. Sister. Can I just call you sister? Why don''t you join us and have a meal together?"


    "Sorry. I have to decline. After all, I promised that I will have a meal with my friend."


    "Your friend? Your boyfriend?" Zhang Yu Ying tested.


    "No. She''s my best friend, a girl." Li Qin Yao bit on her lips as she thought that she didn''t need to clarify about Han Yue Xiu''s gender. But perhaps, she was just affected by Zhang Yu Ying''s cheery and talkative personality that she keeps replying to her questions.


    "Then, you can invite your friend to join us too," Zhang Yu Ying said enthusiastically. "The more, the merrier. After all, grandfather had reserved a private room and it would be too big for just the two of us."


    Zhang Yu Han cast a warning look at his sister, but of course, he was ignored.


    "You don''t have to answer now," Zhang Yu Ying continued before Li Qin Yao could speak another word to decline. "You can ask your friend until she arrived first. If you didn''t get a table, then, you are welcome to join us."


    Li Qin Yao could only promise that she will ask Han Yue Xiu''s opinion after both Zhang Yu Ying and Zhang Jing''s persistent persuasion.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao''s phone in her hand rang. Li Qin Yao glanced at her phone and saw that it was Han Yue Xiu.


    "Is that your friend?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Excuse me." She swiped her fingers on the screen and turned around to answer the phone call. "Yue Xiu? I''m queuing in front of the restaurant. Where are you?"


    "Yao Yao."


    Li Qin Yao frowned when she heard Han Yue Xiu''s weak voice through the phone. Something does not feel right. "What''s wrong? Why does your voice sound like that?"


    There was a chock in Han Yue Xiu''s voice as she spoke. "Yao Yao, I''m at the hospital."

 Chapter 81 - Volunteered To Come With Her

    Li Qin Yao stared at her trembling hands before she looked out the window, as she prayed that they will arrive at the hospital soon.


    Just a while ago, she was still queuing at the Fujian cuisine restaurant to meet up with her best friend, Han Yue Xiu, while chatting with the Zhang''s when suddenly she received a call from Han Yue Xiu who then told her that she was at the hospital after she encountered a snatcher thief on her way to the restaurant.


    Because Han Yue Xiu was holding on to her purse tightly, the thief had resulted in violence, and Han Yue Xiu was injured. The thief then escaped after he got what he wanted and escaped. Fortunately, there was a group of teenagers who walked pass by and helped her to the hospital.


    When Li Qin Yao first heard of the news that Han Yue Xiu was injured, her mind had suddenly turned blank and for a few seconds, she did not know what to do. Then, she came to her senses and excused herself from Zhang''s family to go to her friend''s side.


    It was then that Zhang Yu Han had stopped her.


    Apparently, the Zhang had overheard bits of her conversation with Han Yue Xiu and was worried when they heard that she was going to drive to the hospital. Hearing that, Zhang Yu Han had volunteered to come with her, and after Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying''s persuasion, Li Qin Yao finally agreed to let Zhang Yu Han come along.


    If only she had insisted on picking up Han Yue Xiu at her apartment instead of agreeing to meet at the restaurant, then, Han Yue Xiu would not get into this accident.


    Li Qin Yao was consumed with guilt and regrets. She stared at her trembling hands and knew that without Zhang Yu Han, she probably would not be able to drive properly as she was too worried about her friend.


    Fortunately, she was not too stubborn and had let Zhang Yu Han drive her car for her. At her current state now, it was not suitable for her to drive.


    With that thought, Li Qin Yao turned to the man who sat at the driver seat with a look of gratitude. Although that man''s side profile looks very handsome right now, Li Qin Yao did not have the time to appreciate his look due to her worry.


    "Everything will be alright," Zhang Yu Han spoke. He glanced at Li Qin Yao before he focused on the road. Zhang Yu Han has been watching the girl through his peripheral vision and noticed her shaky legs and trembling hands.


    "Yes." Li Qin Yao nodded absentmindedly.


    "Your friend is already brought in to the hospital and had received the treatment. She will be alright. Just take a deep breath."


    Hearing Zhang Yu Han''s deep vibrating voice, Li Qin Yao felt a bit calmer. After inhaling a deep breath, the trembling in her hands had stopped. Li Qin Yao glanced at the man beside her again and gave him a weak smile. "Mister Zhang. Thank you for accompanying me."


    "You don''t have to be so polite. After all, we are friends, right?" He glanced at her with a reassuring smile. "Besides, my grandfather and I would be worried if we let you go alone."


    Li Qin Yao nodded again. "Thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han could only sigh at her words. However, he also knew that Li Qin Yao was too worried about her friend that she could not think of anything else. Thus, he can only drive to the hospital silently.


    Once they arrived at the hospital, Zhang Yu Han stopped near the entrance and turned to look at Li Qin Yao. "You should go first and look for your friend. I will come over to you once I find a parking spot. You have my number, right?" Once he saw her nodded, Zhang Yu Han smiled at her. "Go."


    Li Qin Yao exited her car and immediately went to the counter to look for Han Yue Xiu. The nurse at the station pointed her the direction, and Li Qin Yao immediately saw Han Yue Xiu''s figure sitting on the bed from a distance away. A young nurse was tending after her injuries. Looking at the scene before her, Li Qin Yao was chocked with tears.


    She stepped slowly towards her friends and gritted her teeth so that she won''t shed a tear. Once she arrived at the bed, Han Yue Xiu tilted her head up and smiled as their gaze met.


    "Yao Yao." Once Han Yue Xiu saw her friend, instantly, her tears fell on her cheek.


    Looking at Han Yue Xiu''s tears as if she had just given her a scolding, made Li Qin Yao started to panic. "Why are you crying? I haven''t said anything yet."


    Han Yue Xiu pouted as she wiped her tears with the back of her hands. "Yao Yao, it hurts."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her friends from her head to her feet. There was a slight abrasion on both her arms. Her left legs were bandaged, and a big, white plaster on her head. Instantly, Li Qin Yao turned to the nurse beside her and asked for Han Yue Xiu''s condition.


    Fortunately, Han Yue Xiu was not severely injured and she will be able to go home after her wound was dressed. She sprained her ankle and she knocked her head on the ground. The abrasion on her arms happened as she was dragged on the street, trying to prevent the thief from stealing her purse.


    Han Yue Xiu calmed down after a while and started to retell what had happened earlier when she saw a familiar figure, craning his neck as if looking from someone. The words she wanted to say immediately disappeared from her mind as she continued to watch the man walking towards her direction.


    Her eyes grew wider and Han Yue Xiu finally raised her hand to poke at Li Qin Yao''s waist.


    Seeing that there was something wrong with Han Yue Xiu, Li Qin Yao followed her gaze and saw that Zhang Yu Han walked over to them. He stopped once he reached them and smiled.


    "Miss Han, hello."


    "Hello." Han Yue Xiu stared at him with a puzzled expression.


    "I heard of what happened to you through Miss Li. Are you alright?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Han Yue Xiu could only reply to him with a nod. Then, she poked at Li Qin Yao''s waist a few times.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought and immediately understood Han Yue Xiu''s subtle inquiries. "Right. I met Mister Zhang while queuing in front of the restaurant. Once he heard that you got into an accident, he offered to drive me here."


    Han Yue Xiu''s nodded and her lips were smiling as she heard Li Qin Yao''s explanation. "Mister Zhang. Thank you. I know Yao Yao for years and once she started worrying too much, she won''t be able to do things right. Luckily, you were around. Or else, I would worry about Yao Yao''s driving skills."


    "It''s not a problem." Zhang Yu Han said, he glanced at Li Qin Yao and a slight smile appeared on his face. He then turned to Han Yue Xiu to ask about her condition. Once he had helped Han Yue Xiu to settle with her treatment fee, Zhang Yu Han took them to the police station to file a report, and then, sent the two girls back to Han Yue Xiu''s apartment.

 Chapter 82 - Mixed Messages

    "Yao Yao¡­"


    Li Qin Yao immediately sensed that it won''t be a peaceful night when she heard the way Han Yue Xiu calling her name. She locked the door behind her and met her friend''s strange gaze when she turned around. Li Qin Yao subconsciously stepped back until her back touched the door behind her. "Yue Xiu, what''s wrong with you?"


    Han Yue Xiu chuckled. She wanted to walk over to her friend so that she can coax an honest confession from her friend, but with his sprained leg, it was hard for her to stand up. Thus, Han Yue Xiu could only crook her hands and motioned Li Qin Yao to come closer. "Come here. Sit." She patted on the sofa.


    "What are you trying to do?"


    "What can I do with this injury on my body?" Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. "Come. Let''s talk."


    In the end, Li Qin Yao could only walk over to Han Yue Xiu and sit down. But of course, she picked an empty seat away from her friend.


    "Yao Yao¡­"


    Hearing the way Han Yue Xiu called out her name sweetly like that, Li Qin Yao rubbed her arms. "Stop calling my name like that. You''re creeping me out."


    "You," Han Yue Xiu pointed her finger as if to reprimanded her friend. "Why don''t you tell me what is going on with you and Mister Zhang?"


    "What is going on with me and Mister Zhang? Didn''t I tell you that we met at the entrance of the restaurant and he happened to heard bits of our conversation? That was why he offered to drive me to the hospital to find you."


    "I would believe you if he only drives you to the hospital. But then, he also drive us to the police station and helped with filing the report procedure. And that''s not all. He even bought us dinner."


    "Why are you asking me? He''s helping you."


    Han Yue Xiu clicked her tongue and waggled her fingers. "No. No. No. I''ll tell you what I think. I think Mister Zhang was helping me because he was trying to get to you by being nice to me. I think he likes you. Or else, he would not trouble himself to this extend to help me. Anyway, if that was what he''s trying to do, I have to say that he has my approval."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head down as she thought about Zhang Yu Han. That man had helped her and her friend a lot that night. From the way he helped them, Li Qin Yao could see that Zhang Yu Han is an attentive man.


    It was not as if she was a total idiot when it comes to relationship matters. There were a few times that Li Qin Yao had thought that perhaps, Zhang Yu Han was trying to court her. However, that man always sent her mixed messages.


    Though he would sometimes show signs as if he was interested in her, there were also times that he was trying to keep his distance towards her. In the end, Li Qin Yao had chosen to stop thinking too much, or she might someday embarrass herself.


    "He helped you once and suddenly he have your approval?" Li Qin Yao chuckled. "Yue Xiu, do you think it is really easy to date me?"


    Han Yue Xiu laughed and suddenly, Li Qin Yao had a feeling that she might have picked the wrong words.


    "You already think about dating?" Han Yue Xiu asked. Once she saw that her friend had given her a dagger look, Han Yue Xiu lifted both hands. "Alright. Alright. I''ll stop teasing you. But, Yao Yao, you have dated Chen Hao for more than a year. I know that you guys previously have plans to get married, but let me tell you this. The number of times I see you with Mister Zhang together was way more than the number of times I see you and Chen Hao together."


    Hearing her ex-boyfriend''s name, Li Qin Yao''s face turned sour.


    "Yao Yao, hear me out. Back then, when you were with Chen Hao, how many times has he been around whenever you run into trouble? I know that you are very independent. Chen Hao knew that you could handle things yourself and probably took advantage of that too. But isn''t it nice to have someone you can depend on once in a while?"


    Li Qin Yao listened to what Han Yue Xiu said to her and suddenly recalled how there was once when she had a high fever and her mother was away for a few days. She tried to find Chen Hao, but his mother then stopped him from coming over because of some matters. Li Qin Yao recalled how sad she was as she laid on the sofa alone. But then, she forced herself to stand out and go out on her own to the pharmacy to get some medicine. On that day, she was hoping that Chen Hao could come over and see her.


    "Let''s not talk about this anymore," Li Qin Yao spoke after a long silence. Realizing that the surrounding had suddenly turned silent, Li Qin Yao glanced at her friend. "You''ve been through so much tonight. You should get some rest and sleep."


    Han Yue Xiu heaved a sigh, knowing that what she had said that night had somewhat made Li Qin Yao upset. Han Yue Xiu stood up from her seat with the help of a crutch and headed to her bedroom. She stopped at the door and turned around. "Yao Yao. I only have one request."


    "What?"


    "Please don''t mention any of this to my parents. I don''t want them to worry."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her friend''s bandaged foot and soon nodded. "I won''t tell your parents. But, you''re going to take a few days off from work and stay with me and my mother. At least I won''t worry about your condition."


    Han Yue Xiu smiled. "Alright. Thank you."


    Li Qin Yao watched as Han Yue Xiu closed the door behind her and soon, she headed to the guest room. As she would sometimes stay at Han Yue Xiu''s place, her clothes and necessities are all kept in the guest room. Li Qin Yao went up to the bathroom to clean up and once she was done, she jumped into the bed and called her mother to inform that she will be staying at Han Yue Xiu''s place and come back the next morning.


    Just as she was about to put down her phone on the side table, a thought crossed her mind and she began to type a message. Only when the message was successfully delivered that Li Qin Yao realized that perhaps she was being too hasty.


    Before she could regret her action, her phone screen brightened up, showing that a new message had arrived. Li Qin Yao clicked on the screen and saw Zhang Yu Han''s reply that he had arrived home ten minutes ago.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her phone absentmindedly before she composed another message.


    A few seconds later, his reply came: Good night, Miss Li. I will see you next Monday.

 Chapter 83 - Muddle-headed

    As Li Qin Yao walked out of her room that morning, Han Yue Xiu was sitting in front of the television, watching some morning talk show, while her mother was nowhere in sight.


    "Auntie stepped out to work five minutes ago," Han Yue Xiu said. She reached for her crutch and stood up. "She said there''s an emergency at work, so she has to leave early. Breakfast is ready. Come let''s eat first."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She walked over to the dining table and looked under the food cover. There was a plate of rice porridge condiments and a plate of meat bun. Li Qin Yao then walked into the kitchen and poured two bowls of porridge before she returned to the dining area.


    "I heard from auntie that you''re going to meet an important investor today," Han Yue Xiu reached to pick some century egg and placed it into Li Qin Yao''s bowl. "Eat more, so you will have the energy to win over the investment."


    "You sit down," Li Qin Yao had a displeased face when her friend tried to stand up. "You need to rest your sprained foot if you want to get well soon." She looked down under the table and frowned at Han Yue Xiu''s bandaged foot.


    Last night, she helped Han Yue Xiu to redress her wound and was shocked to see how her foot swelled and turned black blue. It was until the doctor convinced her that the swelling will go down after a proper rest did Li Qin Yao relaxed a little bit.


    "Fine. Fine. I''ll listen to you."


    "Will you be alright to live here alone?" Li Qin Yao asked with worry about her expression. "I promise I''ll return to accompany you once this appointment ended."


    "You don''t have to worry about me," Han Yue Xiu waved her hand. "Your mother had already cooked some food for my lunch. So you can focus on your work and return when it''s time to return. Right. I remember that famous egg tart place not too far from your new office. Be sure to grab a box for me before you come back."


    Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle. It seemed that she did not have to worry about Han Yue Xiu that much. "Yue Xiu. Have you told your boss that you won''t be going to work for a few days?"


    "Of course," Han Yue Xiu snorted. "I sent a picture of my foot and he told me to have a week rest. These days, he knew how to treat me well after I threatened to quit my job."


    The two of them ate their breakfast while chatting until Li Qin Yao''s phone rang, signaling that there was a new message coming. Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat and ran across the room to get her phone and saw that it was a message from Zhang Yu Han. Li Qin Yao clicked at his message.


    Zhang Yu Han: I will be arriving in five minutes.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt the food she ate stuck in the airways. She patted her chest a few times and ran back to the dining area.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Han Yue Xiu asked.


    Li Qin Yao finished her food quickly before she turned to her friend. "I have to go. Didn''t I tell you that I am meeting an important investor today? I received a text from the investor. I should go now or else, I might make them wait."


    Of course, Li Qin Yao was not going to tell her friend that this investor is Zhang Yu Han. Who knows what Han Yue Xiu was going to say once she heard that Zhang Yu Han was going to pick her up so that they could visit the site together.


    Last night, while Li Qin Yao was making the last preparation for their appointment, she suddenly received a message from Zhang Yu Han suggesting that they should meet up somewhere and head over the site together. Then perhaps, they could discuss a little bit about their upcoming cooperation.


    Since Li Qin Yao was planning to go to the site straight from her house, she had given Zhang Yu Han the apartment''s address without much thought. It was when she was making the final check on the plan that she realized what she had done. By that time, thirty minutes have passed since she had sent that message.


    Even if she wanted to retract her message, it was already too late. In the end, Li Qin Yao chose to put this matter at the back of her mind and go to bed. It was until she received his message this morning that she recalled this new arrangement.


    Therefore, Li Qin Yao rushed over and head downstairs after she bid goodbye to Han Yue Xiu. Once she arrived at the lobby, Li Qin Yao could see Zhang Yu Han''s black Cayenne parked not far away. She adjusted her knapsack straps and jogged over. Before she reached the vehicle, Zhang Yu Han stepped down from his car with a worried look on his face.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath to calm down. "Good morning, Mister Zhang."


    "Good morning," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He frowned when he saw the tinge of pink on her cheek. "Why are you running over?"


    "Uh¡­ I didn''t want you to wait for too long." Li Qin Yao admitted.


    There was a hint of guilt on Zhang Yu Han''s face. If only he knew that Li Qin Yao would rush down because she did not want him to wait for too long, he would have told her that he will be arriving later.


    "We should go now," Li Qin Yao said. "I already texted my assistant to tell him that we will be meeting him at the site."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He walked over to the other side and opened the door for Li Qin Yao. "Miss Li. Please."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him in a daze before she sat shotgun. Then, she watched Zhang Yu Han walked to the other side to the driver seat. He turned on the ignition and drove in silence.


    After a few minutes, Li Qin Yao began to wonder how did she become muddle-headed to agree to this arrangement. How can she let her potential investor drive her around! She should be the one to act as his driver!


    Li Qin Yao glanced at Zhang Yu Han and wondered if she should say something to start a conversation. But once Li Qin Yao saw how he was concentrating on the road, she decided not to say anything.


    Because of the silence between them, Li Qin Yao''s mind began to wonder. Since she was sharing the space with Zhang Yu Han, her thought drifted to the conversation she had with Han Yue Xiu two days ago. A random thought suddenly came to her mind.


    Wait.


    Did he come over and pick her up because he was trying to court her?


    Wait. Wait.


    So what if this man was trying to court her?


    It was then that Li Qin Yao realized that she had never given much thought on what she was going to do if Zhang Yu Han was really trying to pursue her.


    What did she think about him?

 Chapter 84 - Horrifying Thoughts

    Li Qin Yao glanced towards the man beside her but stopped herself once she realized what she was about to do. What if she got caught checking him out? That was dangerous!


    She leaned back on the seat and looked out the window. Though the scenery in B City was pretty, Li Qin Yao did not have the chance to appreciate it. Her thought was somewhere else.


    Li Qin Yao could not deny that although she did not know Zhang Yu Han for too long, she did find it comfortable with him around. He might look a bit cold with his unsmiling face, but she could tell that he had a warm heart.


    If he had suddenly told her that he liked her, there might be a chance that she might consider him. But that might have something to do with the fact that he had that deep, low voice that seemed to enchant her whenever she heard it.


    Wait. What?


    There was a horrifying expression on her face at the moment. Li Qin Yao was astonished over her thought. She could feel her face grew warm. At that moment, Li Qin Yao was cursing Han Yue Xiu in her heart for leading his thought in this way.


    Unable to bear the long silence between them, Li Qin Yao opened her mouth to speak, but just before she could say anything, the man beside him had cut her off.


    "We should be arriving soon. Let''s discuss everything once we arrive."


    Li Qin Yao swallowed before she turned to look out of the window. Since he was not eager to engage in a conversation with her, doesn''t that mean that he was not ''that'' into her? Perhaps she was overthinking things after Han Yue Xiu''s words the other day.


    As that thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao tilted her head down and wished that she could bury herself into the ground. She was embarrassed by her thoughts.


    She didn''t know where she should hide her face if Zhang Yu Han knew what was going on in her mind.


    But¡­


    Is she ready to start dating? How long has it been since she broke up with Chen Hao? Slightly over two months?


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao began to think that perhaps, she was moving on too fast to even think of a new relationship. Moreover, she still was not sure of how she felt and Zhang Yu Han had not said anything that hinted towards that direction.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao decided to leave everything to fate. It was too early to think about this relationship matter when she was unsure of her heart. If there comes a day when she found herself falling in love again, then, she will think of this matter again. Taking a deep breath, Li Qin Yao pushed the matter to the back of her mind.


    A few minutes later, with her navigation, the vehicle arrived at the site. Li Qin Yao took a deep breath after experiencing that suffocating feeling she had while sharing the same space with Zhang Yu Han.


    Li Qin Yao looked up when she heard footsteps coming towards her.


    "Miss Li, you''ve arrived," Liang Sheng nodded politely to her. Then, he glanced at Zhang Yu Han with an inquiring gaze.


    "Right. Liang Sheng, this is Mister Zhang from Zhang Group Worldwide. Mister Zhang, this is Liang Sheng, my assistant," Li Qin Yao introduced.


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression brightened when he was introduced to Liang Sheng. Turns out that Wei Jun Hao was wrong. Liang Sheng was not another potential rival, but Li Qin Yao''s assistant. He then reminded himself to tell Wei Jun Hao about this.


    "Mister Zhang, good morning." Liang Sheng nodded politely.


    "Liang Sheng will show you around this site," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han paused. "What about you?"


    "Of course, I will be coming along," Li Qin Yao said. "We can discuss this cooperation as we walk around this area. If you have any questions, you can just ask me."


    A smile appeared on his lips. Zhang Yu Han had thought that Li Qin Yao was going to leave him to Liang Sheng. If he had to walk around the site with another guy, he would rather send Wei Jun Hao to look at the area for him. After all, he only made a trip to B City to meet with Li Qin Yao.


    The three of them walked around the site and Liang Sheng explained their plan as they walked around. Because the area is too large, they only covered the area which will be a part of the first phase of development. Then, the three of them spent a few hours to discuss the project. Before they knew it, it was already passed noon.


    Liang Sheng excused himself and headed to the office to deal with a few documents, leaving Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han alone.


    "Are you heading to your office too?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "Mister Zhang, didn''t I promise to treat you for a meal? If you''re free, why don''t we have lunch together? B City is not only famous for its historical sites, but they are also famous for culinary tourism. I know a few good places around here."


    "Since you will be treating, how can I decline?" Zhang Yu Han said. "Then perhaps, we could continue our discussion during lunch."


    "Then, Mister Zhang. Do you have any preferences? Or allergies?"


    Zhang Yu Han shook his head. "I''m alright with anything."


    "How do you feel about Sichuan cuisine?"


    "I can deal with spicy food."


    At this moment, he did not care about the food. As long as he got to spend his time with this girl even a little more, then, he was willing to go anywhere.


    Zhang Yu Han helped to open the door for Li Qin Yao and soon, drive to an area. He recalled that he had previously met Li Qin Yao and her friend at a basketball court not too far from the place. Zhang Yu Han parked his car and the two of them walked to a Sichuan restaurant.


    Because they did not have any reservation and the private rooms were all occupied, Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han picked a spot further into the restaurant. They ordered some food and began to eat. True to what Zhang Yu Han had said, the two continued to discuss the matter regarding their cooperation.


    Zhang Yu Han was trying his best to made their conversation revolved around their cooperation because he did not want to make Li Qin Yao uncomfortable if he started to ask a few personal questions. However, because of this, Li Qin Yao was assured that Zhang Yu Han was not interested in her.


    Once they finished their lunch, Zhang Yu Han offered to sent her back to her office. However, as the two of them walked out of the restaurant, Li Qin Yao happened to run into two familiar faces.


    It was Chen Hao and Tang Ai Ling.

 Chapter 85 - Broken Up Months Ago

    Zhang Yu Han was walking right behind Li Qin Yao when they run into Chen Hao. The moment he recognized that man, Zhang Yu Han had taken a few steps away from Li Qin Yao so that they would not be seen as together. Zhang Yu Han was afraid that Chen Hao might misunderstand and cause them to argue.


    No matter how much he wished to snatch Li Qin Yao away from Chen Hao, Zhang Yu Han had no intention to make things hard for Li Qin Yao. He did not want to see the girl he liked to be sad. Even more, if it was for another guy.


    However, the moment he saw that Chen Hao was not alone, Zhang Yu Han''s expression darkened. The girl beside Chen Hao was holding his arm tightly. Anyone with a clear mind would be able to guess what was going on between those two.


    To think that this man dared to play with around by seeing another woman while dating another!


    Meanwhile, he had to wait for ten years to be reunited with the girl he liked, only to find that she was dating a scum like Chen Hao.


    Zhang Yu Han was angered! At the same time, his heart started to ache for Li Qin Yao. Zhang Yu Han made a decision, if Chen Hao dared to harm Li Qin Yao in front of him, he will not hesitate to pull her away from here and protect her.


    His gaze shifted between Li Qin Yao and Chen Hao, wondering what was going to happen between those three. Worried that something bad was going to happen, Zhang Yu Han''s gaze stayed at Li Qin Yao. Because he was standing behind her, Zhang Yu Han did not get a clear look on her face, but he noticed the way her body stiffened.


    "Yao Yao," Chen Hao was the first to speak.


    "Chen Hao," Li Qin Yao nodded at the man, then her gaze moved to the woman beside him. "Miss Tang. Good day."


    Tang Ai Ling tightened her grip on Chen Hao''s arms and glanced at Li Qin Yao up and down in disdain. Then she turned to Chen Hao, tugged at his arms and whispered, "Chen Hao, we have to go. Your mother is still waiting for us."


    However, it was as if Chen Hao had not heard anything that Tang Ai Ling had said. His gaze remained on Li Qin Yao''s face in a daze. He had not seen Li Qin Yao for more than two months since they broke up. It looked like everything about her has not changed much.


    "I did not expect to see you here. You... look well," Chen Hao spoke. However, when Li Qin Yao did not reply to his words, Chen Hao started to feel uneasy.


    After dating her for more than a year, he should have known that this was what he will see after he chose not to fight for their relationship. Li Qin Yao is someone who would put her heart into the things she loved, but she will not hesitate to cut her life from something that has left her.


    Li Qin Yao merely smiled. When her eyes fell on Tang Ai Ling, she had guessed that in the end, Chen Hao chose to follow what his mother had arranged for him. He will not go against his mother''s wish, no matter what.


    "Chen Hao," Tang Ai Ling gritted her teeth and shook Chen Hao''s arms. But when he still ignored her, Tang Ai Ling then chose to vent her anger at Li Qin Yao. "Miss Li, Chen Hao is my boyfriend now. We have met each others'' family and we are planning to get married after the new year. Miss Li, I hope you won''t be that person who would destroy others'' relationship."


    Li Qin Yao was not surprised to hear the news that Chen Hao and Tang Ai Ling''s marriage. However, she still felt a bit sad to hear the news. It was not because she still harbored any hope that she and Chen Hao would get back together. She was sad to see that even after everything, Chen Hao refused to stand up and take control of his future.


    How did she fall for someone like him in the first place?


    "Ai Ling!" Chen Hao pulled his arms away from Tang Ai Ling''s grasp. His expression showed that he was displeased, and his tone was warning Tang Ai Ling not to say something that would upset Li Qin Yao.


    Facing Chen Hao''s sudden anger, Tang Ai Ling was dissatisfied. She continued to glare at Li Qin Yao before she stomped away in anger and left.


    "You should go and chase after your fiance," Li Qin Yao spoke softly.


    Chen Hao blinked. He stared at Li Qin Yao for a few seconds longer and hesitated.


    In the end, Chen Hao moved his gaze away to the direction where Tang Ai Ling had run off to. He took a step and paused again to look at Li Qin Yao. It was as if he was letting her make a decision. If she asked him to stay, Chen Hao thought that perhaps, he would fight to make their relationship work.


    Li Qin Yao turned her head away from Chen Hao when she sensed his gaze on her. She swallowed and spoke in a whispering voice, "Congratulations."


    Chen Hao''s eyes widened at her words. He looked away in embarrassment and realized that he no longer has the right to stay around her. Though she was the one who initiated their breakup, it was his decision to let her go in the first place.


    Slowly, he picked up his pace to chase after Tang Ai Ling. This time, he no longer stopped to look back.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath as Chen Hao had walked past her. It felt as if this time, she had really cut Chen Hao completely out of her life. She stood at the same spot for a few seconds longer to compose herself. It was only when she noticed a presence behind her that she turned around. She tilted her head up and met Zhang Yu Han''s worried gaze.


    "Are you alright?"


    Her gaze softened at his concern. Li Qin Yao smiled at him and nodded. "Yes."


    Zhang Yu Han balled his hand into fists. His heart ached as he saw a sad smile on her face. At this moment, he wished to pull her into a hug and comforted her. However, Zhang Yu Han could only control his emotions.


    "Isn''t that your boyfriend? You are not going to go after him?"


    A chuckle escaped her lips. "What for? We have broken up months ago. Since he chose to be with someone else, then I don''t want to waste my time on him. It''s not worthy."


    At this moment, Zhang Yu Han thought that he was hearing things. Suddenly, everything around him seemed to disappear. There was a deafening silence around him. Zhang Yu Han stared at Li Qin Yao in a daze before he moved his gaze and swallowed.


    Huh? She broke up? What? When? Why didn''t he know anything about this?

 Chapter 86 - Asking Wei Jun Hao For Dating Advice

    That night, in the middle of a basketball court in Y City, a group of men was running around, chasing and passing the ball around. The sound of their shoes squeaking against the floor and the ball, bouncing filled the area. The men were playing three against three, and at this moment, it seemed like one team was leading with big point gaps against the other.


    At this time, Lin Xiao Feng dribbled the ball past Wei Jun Hao before he threw it to his left side.


    Seeing that there was no one guarding that area, Wei Jun Hao heaved a sigh with relief. However, at this time, Zhang Yu Han suddenly appeared to snatch the ball. He dribbled the ball towards the hoop with speed and jumped up high.


    The boys at the court stopped on their tracks to watch the ball.


    It was a slam dunk.


    Seconds later, half of the men in court were cheering, and the other half was groaning in frustration.


    Su Ming Yuan, one of the men in Wei Jun Hao''s team, chased after Wei Jun Hao. He poked him with his elbow and nodded towards Zhang Yu Han and his team.


    "Hey," Su Ming Yuan spoke through his panting. "What''s wrong with the captain? Who provoked him? Why did he call us to gather and torture us like this?"


    Wei Jun Hao wiped his sweat with the back of his hand and shook his head. "I don''t know. I asked around, but even Yu Ying did not know what was going on with him."


    "You''re the closest to the captain. Maybe you should talk to him. Tell him to go easy on us." Su Ming Yuan pushed his friend lightly on his shoulder.


    Wei Jun Hao took a step back and cursed at Su Ming Yuan. "I am not going to be the punching bag, alright?"


    At this time, Zhang Yu Han turned to the others and raised a brow. "Shall we continue?"


    Immediately, the boys who were in Wei Jun Hao''s team had a look as if they were about to cry. However, Su Ming Yuan quickly stepped backward and hid behind Wei Jun Hao. Because he stood in front of the other two, Zhang Yu Han immediately threw the ball to him.


    Ready to resign to his fate, Wei Jun Hao had no choice but to act as the spoke person. "I beg you, Young Master Zhang. Let us go, alright. It''s only Monday, and every one of us still needs to show up at work tomorrow."


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand to look at the time. A hint of surprise flashed through his eyes when he saw the time. It was late. He did not expect that he had dragged the others to play a few rounds for hours. "Alright," he nodded. "You can all go."


    Hearing his words, the others started to scatter before their captain change his mind. In the end, only Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao were left at the basketball court.


    Wei Jun Hao picked up the ball, bounced it on the floor a few times and threw it to Zhang Yu Han. "What happened to you? Even if someone had made you upset, you shouldn''t torture us to play basketball for hours like this."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Who said I was upset? Do I look upset?"


    "Then what? Why else would you summon us all here to play a few rounds of basketball on a weekday night?"


    "I''m happy, alright?"


    Wei Jun Hao stared at his friend''s face in a daze. His body shivered when he noticed the smile on Zhang Yu Han''s face.


    Happy? How is that face a happy face? The smile on Zhang Yu Han''s face looked as if he was planning something bad, alright?


    Wei Jun Hao frowned as he tried to recall if he had offended his friend without knowing. However, after a few seconds of thinking, Wei Jun Hao was sure that he had not done anything that would ignite Zhang Yu Han''s anger.


    Just as Wei Jun Hao was deep in his thought, Zhang Yu Han went to the side to drink from the bottle. Once he had emptied the bottle, Zhang Yu Han let out a long laugh.


    Oh, God! Was he possessed?


    Subconsciously, Wei Jun Hao took a step back. Before Wei Jun Hao could escape, Zhang Yu Han had turned to look at him. His laugh had stopped, and there was that familiar frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face.


    "Wei Jun Hao, you tell me."


    "W-what?"


    "How long should one wait to date again after a breakup?"


    "Huh? A breakup?" A thought flash through his mind and Wei Jun Hao looked at his friend in surprise. "You¡­ are you telling me that you ready to move on?"


    It did not take too long for Zhang Yu Han to figure out what was going on in Wei Jun Hao''s mind. "It''s not me. It''s Li Qin Yao." The smile returned on Zhang Yu Han''s face. "Today, I found out that she had broken up with his boyfriend."


    Wei Jun Hao gaped. "Are you sure?"


    "Of course I''m sure," Zhang Yu Han showed a look of displeased at his comment. "She told me herself. She broke up with that man for months. I even saw that man with another girl today."


    Wei Jun Hao then remembered that Zhang Yu Han was supposed to meet with Li Qin Yao to visit a site and discuss an investment. As the lawyer who handled most of Zhang Yu Han''s legal matter, of course, Zhang Yu Han had mentioned these things to him.


    "So tell me. How long should one wait to date again after a breakup?"


    "I guess it depends on the person and how much they invested in that relationship," Wei Jun Hao scratched at the back of his neck. "Some would take a few months, some a few years."


    At the thought that he might have to wait for years to pursue the girl he likes, Zhang Yu Han was upset. Perhaps it was a bad idea to ask Wei Jun Hao for dating advice. "I have waited for ten years to meet her again. I don''t want to wait for another few years."


    "Then, don''t wait. Just go ahead and make your move. Don''t waste your time and let another man took the chance to pursue her."


    Zhang Yu Han would love to go ahead and make his move. However, he was afraid that Li Qin Yao was not ready, and she would reject him later. He told his concern to Wei Jun Hao. "What do you think I should do?"


    There was a long silence from Wei Jun Hao. He did not have much experience in dating. Why on earth did Zhang Yu Han ask him for dating advice?


    "Then," Wei Jun Hao paused. "Then you should be around more. Pursue her silently, slowly. But, don''t let her notice what you are trying to do. Make her feel comfortable at your presence." As he continued to talk, Wei Jun Hao began to feel confident at his own advice. "You know, it''s like that metaphor: To cook a frog in tepid water and bring it to boil slowly."

 Chapter 87 - Not An Employee

    It was around lunch hour when Li Qin Yao received a call from Yin Mei Xuan that someone came over to her cafe and looked for trouble. Li Qin Yao was in the other office, to discuss the amendments needed to be made before QL Property and Zhang Worldwide could sign an agreement which was supposed to be next week.


    Initially, Li Qin Yao wanted to let Qing Kong resolve the matter for her. However, when she had heard who were the people that had come to her cafe, Li Qin Yao changed her mind. She gave a few instructions to Liang Sheng and dashed off to Lilium Cafe.


    Fortunately, her cafe and the new branch office was not too far away. It only took her around five minutes to arrive after she jogged around. As Li Qin Yao approached the cafe, she peeked through the window glass and saw the two women, talking to her manager with anger on their faces.


    Because it was the lunch hour, her cafe was almost a full house. Her customers should be enjoying their lunch in peace, but everything was ruined by the presence of those two women. Because of those two shoutings and yelling, the atmosphere was destroyed, and the customers had a displeased expression on their faces.


    Li Qin Yao immediately pushed the door open and rushed in. She was afraid that if she did not stop those two women, they would ruin her''s and her cafe''s reputation.


    Yin Mei Xuan was the first to notice their boss''s arrival. Both Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling had their back facing her, therefore, the two of them did not notice Li Qin Yao''s appearance. Yin Mei Xuan was about to call out her name but stopped when she saw Li Qin Yao placing a finger on her lips, signaling her not to say anything. Qing Kong nodded once and let the elderly woman continue to shout.


    "Are you still not going to call that woman here? Why are you still protecting her? She''s merely an employee here. Was it worth it to protect an employee like her to this extent?" Mother Chen continued to yell at Qing Kong, while the latter tried to calm the situation.


    "Madame, please calm down or else we will need to call the police." Qing Kong said.


    "You dare to call the police? Go on! Do you think I would be afraid? We''ll see which side the police are going to take," Mother Chen snickered.


    Meanwhile, Tang Ai Ling beside her stood obediently beside Mother Chen. If others looked at them, it would appear as if Tang Ai Ling was trying to calm Mother Chen.


    However, Li Qin Yao knew best what she was trying to do. Although she had never faced such a situation before, it doesn''t mean that she was an idiot.


    It was not hard to guess why Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling had appeared at her cafe again. It was only yesterday that she had bumped into Chen Hao and Tang Ai Ling. When Tang Ai Ling had left, she had a disdain look on her face because Chen Hao had scolded her for saying things to her.


    Li Qin Yao had expected that Tang Ai Ling would definitely come to find her and look for trouble. It was just that¡­ Li Qin Yao did not expect that this girl would come over so soon.


    Seeing that Mother Chen was about to get physical at her staff, Li Qin Yao finally stepped up. "Madam Chen, may I know why do you come to look for trouble here?"


    Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling turned around simultaneously. Once they saw that Li Qin Yao had appeared, Mother Chen''s face turned several shades darker and Tang Ai Ling appeared as if she was wronged.


    "You dare to show up now!" Mother Chen approached Li Qin Yao. She raised her hand to slap the girl in front of her, but Li Qin Yao was fast enough to take a step back.


    In the end, Mother Chen only slapped the air. Seeing that she could not hit Li Qin Yao, Mother Chen was infuriated.


    "You dare to evade me?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle. "Then, should I let you slap me? Why? Do I look like an idiot?"


    Mother Chen clenched her hands into fists before she turned to Qing Kong. "You see! This is the attitude of your employee here. Why do you still hire someone like her? Are you not afraid that you will ruin your cafe''s reputation? Your employee here dared to seduce others'' fiancee!"


    Qing Kong shifted her gaze between Mother Chen and Li Qin Yao. "Madame, I''m afraid that you are mistaken. She is not an employee here. Miss Li is the owner of this cafe."


    In the background, Yin Mei Xuan and the staff looked as if they were about to burst into a laugh. However, because the situation was not suitable, they could only hold in their laugh.


    "What?" Mother Chen blinked her eyes a few times as she stared at Li Qin Yao. She only knew that Li Qin Yao worked at this cafe. She had never known or ask what was her position. Once she heard that Li Qin Yao was working in a cafe, she had immediately thought that the girl was nothing more than a waitress.


    "Mrs. Chen, if you continue to cause a ruckus here, then I will have to ask you to leave," Li Qin Yao said. "The others wanted to have their meal in peace, and you were disturbing them."


    Mother Chen sneered. "So now you know how to be afraid your customers will know that you are trying to seduce others'' fiancee?"


    "Mrs. Chen. Don''t malign me or I will have to sue. Just tell me what do you want and leave."


    "Chen Hao is about to get married to Ai Ling! I want you to leave my son alone. Do you hear me!"


    "Good. I agree. I promise that I will keep my distance away from your son. Is that fine?"


    Mother Chen was momentarily speechless that Li Qin Yao had agreed immediately. However, once she turned to Tang Ai Ling and saw how the girl looked as if she was holding back her tears, the anger in Mother Chen''s returned.


    "Don''t try to trick me. I know that you will go and look for my son again!"


    "I already give you my words. What else do you want from me?"


    "That''s right. That''s right. Miss Li had already given her words that she will not go and look for your son. Why are you still scolding her? What else do you want? It couldn''t be that you''re trying to scam Miss Li into giving you money, right?"


    Suddenly, someone among the customer stood up and walked over to them. Once Li Qin Yao saw the girl, her eyes flickered. The girl was no other than Zhang Yu Ying, Zhang Yu Han''s sister.


    "Who are you? Why do you want to interrupt our conversation?" Mother Li saw the way the young girl looked at her in disdain, causing her anger to rose further.


    "I''m the customer here. And I''ve been listening to the two of you slandering Miss Li for half an hour, and disturbing our peace here." Zhang Yu Ying said.


    "That''s right. Old lady. You are too much," another customer chimed.


    "We have known Miss Li for a long time and have been her customer for years. Do you think we would be an idiot to continue to listen to you?" another said. Then gradually, the other customers began to speak for Li Qin Yao.


    "Well old lady, you heard everyone. No one likes you here. If you still want to stay and scold Miss Li, then everyone here will not hesitate to call the police and testify that you came to cause a disturbance."


    The customers began to agree.


    Seeing that everyone started to look at them in anger, Tang Ai Ling began to tug on Mother Chen''s arm. In the end, the two of them chose to flee, after Mother Chen gave her last warning to stay away from his son.

 Chapter 88 - Kidnap His Future Granddaughter-in-law

    Li Qin Yao rubbed the space between her brows as she watched the two left. Then, with a smile on her face, she went to every customer to apologize for the disturbance that the two women had caused.


    Of course, after she had promised that everyone would get a ten percent off and free ice cream for dessert, everyone had a big smile on their face.


    Once she had gone to every table, Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Ying and smiled. "Thank you for helping me earlier. We have met once before. You are¡­ Zhang Yu Ying, right?"


    Zhang Yu Ying had a bright smile on her face. "Sister. You remember my name!"


    Facing Zhang Yu Ying''s energetic character, Li Qin Yao was affected by her smile. "Well. Of course. But, what are you doing here?"


    "Oh¡­" Zhang Yu Ying trailed off. She was not expecting that question.


    Not long ago she had heard from her grandfather that her future sister-in-law had a cafe in B City. It was only last night that she had dug out the location from Wei Jun Hao. She decided to come over and look around, but then, she happened to witness two shameless women trying to create trouble for Li Qin Yao.


    "Right," Zhang Yu Ying snapped her fingers. "I heard from my grandfather that you had a cafe here. Since I was around B City, I decided to drop by and buy something for grandfather. He did say the food he had the last time here was really good."


    "Did you get what you ordered yet?"


    Zhang Yu Ying tilted her head down when she realized that her lies were about to be exposed. "No. Not yet. I-I was thinking of surprising grandfather, but I stared at the menu for too long and still could not decide on what to order for him." her voice gradually became lower as she spoke.


    "Then, should I placed the order for you?" Li Qin Yao said. "I still remember that your grandfather tried the last time he came over."


    Hearing what Li Qin Yao had said, Zhang Yu Ying nodded her head. Soon, Li Qin Yao called one of the waiters and placed an order.


    "I have placed the takeaway order for your grandfather. It shouldn''t take them too long to long to prepare them."


    Zhang Yu Ying held Li Qin Yao''s arms before she could turn around and leave. "Sister, if you''re free, why don''t you come along with me to Y City and deliver this meal to my grandfather. He would be happy to see you."


    Li Qin Yao hesitated. She recalled that the last time, Zhang Jing had said that he had not seen his granddaughter for years. Now that she had returned, naturally, Grandfather Zhang would want to spend his time with his grandchildren, right?


    "You haven''t been to our company before right?" Zhang Yu Ying said.


    As she thought about that adorable grandfather, her lips curved into a smile. It was then that she remembered that she had not met with Grandfather Zhang and thank him for his help. If the Zhang Group did not come forth and cooperate with QL Group, then she would have a hard time to find another investor.


    "I haven''t," Li Qin Yao said. "Well, alright. I''ll go with you."


    Zhang Yu Ying''s eyes brightened up. Then, she let out a loud gasp as if she had remembered something important.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Sister, I just remember that my brother is in the company too. Maybe we should bring him something for lunch too. When he was busy with work, he tends to forget to eat his lunch."


    Hearing that, Li Qin Yao felt a tug in her heart. Anyway, because of their cooperation, Zhang Yu Han had to spend more time to study a bit about real estate. Thinking of it, Li Qin Yao nodded and instructed the waiter to prepare another portion for Zhang Yu Han.


    Almost half an hour later, Zhang Yu Ying was driving back to Y City while Li Qin Yao sat shotgun after Zhang Yu Ying had suggested going together. Anyway, Zhang Yu Ying had driven to B City, and Li Qin Yao was planning to take public transport to return home.


    The two of them chatted a bit and Li Qin Yao thought that Zhang Yu Ying''s cheerful personality was refreshing. The two siblings, Zhang Yu Han and Zhang Yu Ying was the opposite. But still, she could see that the two of them had a great relationship.


    Because the traffic was smooth, it took them less than half an hour to arrive. Zhang Yu Ying parked her car in the basement and dragged Li Qin Yao on the top floor to visit her grandfather. As the receptionist had been informed that Zhang Yu Ying would show up at the company soon, no one came forward to stop them.


    Just as they had arrived at the top floor, Zhang Yu Ying placed a finger at her lips as she looked at both Li Qin Yao and Assistant Huo, signaling both of them not to make any noise. Then, she cleared her throat and knocked on the Chairman''s door. Once she heard the permission to come in, Zhang Yu Ying walked briskly into her grandfather''s room.


    "Grandfather!" Zhang Yu Ying went forward and kissed her grandfather on his cheek.


    Zhang Jing lifted his head to look at his granddaughter and went back to look at the documents on his table. "Yu Ying, you''re here," he paused to jot down his signature and looked up. "I thought you were not going to show up in the company until next week. Didn''t you said you were going to take a few weeks to rest before you come to work?"


    Zhang Yu Ying decided to ignore her grandfather''s speech. "Grandfather. Guess what? I came here with a guest!"


    "Oh?" Zhang Jing looked at his granddaughter and laughed. "A guest? Who is it? It couldn''t be that you have found yourself a boyfriend while going around in the city?"


    Zhang Yu Ying clicked her tongue. "Grandfather, do you think that finding a boyfriend is as easy as picking up some vegetables in the market?" She walked towards the door and then, pulled Li Qin Yao forward. "Grandfather, look!"


    When he saw the familiar face standing at his door, Zhang Jing immediately stood up. The surprised look on his face was apparent. "Miss Li? How are you here?"


    "Grandfather, were you surprised?" Zhang Yu Ying had a bright smile on her face. "I went to visit Lilium Cafe earlier and ran into Sister. I invited her to come over and she said she wanted to come to thank you for helping her with the investment."


    Zhang Jing chuckled as he heard Zhang Yu Ying whispering everything to him. It turned out that this girl had gone to B City to kidnap his future granddaughter-in-law. Zhang Jing looked at Li Qin Yao and invited her to come in and sit. "This is your first time coming here, right?"


    "Yes. Grandfather, you have helped me a few times. It would be rude if I did not come to visit you. Anyway," Li Qin Yao lifted the bags in her hands. "I brought you something from my cafe. Grandfather, you haven''t had your lunch yet, right?"


    Zhang Jing had a wide smile on his face as he peeked into the takeaway box. His stomach started to grumble as he took a sniff. He remembered eating the same dish when he visited Lilium Cafe and thought that the dish was suitable for his palate.


    "Right. Since this is the first time you come over, we need to take a picture to commemorate this event," Zhang Yu Ying turned to Assistant Huo who was standing not too far away and pass over her phone. "Assistant Huo, take a picture of us."


    In the end, Li Qin Yao was forced to sat in the middle of Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying as Assistant Huo snapped a few pictures. The background was, of course, the Chairman''s work desk.


    Once Assistant Huo was done, Zhang Yu Ying took back her phone to check on the photo. Once she picked the prettiest one, she immediately posted the photo on her Wechat moment. Of course, she did not forget to tag her brother.

 Chapter 89 - Photoshopped Photo?

    Zhang Yu Han was giving some instructions to his secretary when his phone pinged. At first, he decided to ignore the notification as he was in the middle of dealing with an important matter.


    However, the notifications from his phone did not stop coming, and his secretary''s attention seemed to be disturbed by the continuous ping.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han threw the pen on his desk and reached for his phone. His expression showed his irritation once he saw that there were a few messages coming from his sister. He clicked on the messages and felt an urge to strangle his sister. After all, Zhang Yu Ying had not said anything important other than asking him to look at her Wechat moments.


    With a groan, Zhang Yu Han clicked at the tagged notification. Once the picture showed up on his phone, Zhang Yu Han felt as if everything around him had disappeared. His attention was focused on that one picture.


    Zhang Yu Han double-clicked at the photo to enlarge the photo and he continued to stare at Li Qin Yao''s smiling face.


    This¡­ this is not a photoshopped photo, right?


    "Director Zhang? Are you alright?"


    When he heard the secretary''s voice, Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his thought. "Huh?" He shook his head and waved a hand. "Secretary Tian, you can leave my room now."


    Secretary Tian looked at the documents on her boss''s desk. "But-"


    "We''ll continue our discussion later," Zhang Yu Han cut off her words.


    Seeing that her boss''s expression had changed right after he looked at his phone, Secretary Tian thought that Zhang Yu Han probably received an important message. She then nodded and left Zhang Yu Han''s office silently.


    Once Zhang Yu Han heard the door clicked, he took another look at the photo. This time, he started to realize that his grandfather and his sister, Zhang Yu Ying was also in the picture. He took a closer look and realized where the photo was taken.


    Was this not the Chairman''s office? Li Qin Yao¡­ with his grandfather?


    Zhang Yu Han stood up abruptly. The chair behind him was forcefully pushed, causing it to bump into the window behind him with a loud noise. He took a step towards the door and stopped. Then he looked at his phone again and started to text his sister. However, it seemed that Zhang Yu Ying had decided to ignore him. She did not reply to any of the messages he sent.


    Impatiently, Zhang Yu Han tried to call his sister''s number. However, once he heard what the other person on the other line had said, his face turned a few shades darker.


    This girl! He dared to turn off her phone once she had gotten the reaction from him!


    Secretary Tian stood up when the Director''s door swung open. She waited for Zhang Yu Han to give her an instruction, but that man merely walked pass by. With a puzzled look on her face, Secretary Tian sat down to ponder about her boss''s strange action.


    Zhang Yu Han peeked from behind the wall to look at the Chairman''s office. There were a few secretaries outside, doing their job, but Assistant Huo was nowhere in sight. He tried to listen to voices coming from the Chairman''s office, but could not hear anything.


    A frown appeared on his face as he thought that perhaps, his sister was playing a trick on him. Just as he was about to come out from his hiding place and head over to her grandfather''s room, Zhang Yu Han heard footsteps coming from behind him.


    "Director Zhang?"


    Zhang Yu Han felt as if his heart was about to leap out. He turned around quickly and cleared out his throat in an attempt to pretend that he was not doing anything suspicious. "Assistant Huo. Is my grandfather inside?"


    Assistant Huo''s lips curved into a smile. It was less than an hour ago that Zhang Yu Han had left Chairman Zhang''s office. It was not hard to figure out why he had returned. "Yes. However, he was with a few guests."


    Zhang Yu Han had a mixed feeling. Usually, when his grandfather had a guest in his office, Zhang Yu Han would turn around, not wanting to disturb his grandfather and his guests. After so long of working for Chairman Zhang, Assistant Huo should have understood his habit.


    Now that Assistant Huo mentioned that there were a few guests in the Chairman''s office, it did not seem right for him to walk in.


    Sensing Zhang Yu Han''s hesitation, the smile on Assistant Huo''s lips grew wider. "Young master, you can go in and meet the Chairman. The others have been waiting for you for quite some time."


    Zhang Yu Han cleared his throat again. One glance at Assistant Huo''s face, and he knew that the old man was trying to tease him. It looked like his grandfather has been discussing his matters to Assistant Huo.


    However, he had no time to think about what did his grandfather had told Assistant Huo. He was impatient to meet the guest in her grandfather''s office. After knocking on the door for a while, the door swung open, and Zhang Yu Ying''s face appeared with a mischievous smile.


    "Brother, we waited for you long enough. I sent messages to you ages ago. The food we brought has turned cold!" Zhang Yu Ying teased. However, once she noticed her brother''s gaze, Zhang Yu Ying let out a nervous laugh.


    Realizing that she will be in deep trouble if she did not pacify her brother, Zhang Yu Ying quickly pulled her brother into their grandfather''s office.


    She could not bear to have her brother holding grudges at her. After all, she needed to curry favor with her brother.


    "Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han greeted his grandfather before he turned to look at the girl who stood at the coffee table just beside his grandfather. "Miss Li."


    "Mister Zhang, you''re here." Li Qin Yao smiled. "I met your sister by coincidence at my cafe. Then, I realized that I haven''t come and met your grandfather to thank him for suggesting this collaboration. Therefore, I came here without any notice. I hope you don''t mind."


    "I don''t. You are always welcome here."


    "Right. We brought something from my cafe. Your sister said that you probably hadn''t eaten anything for lunch yet," Li Qin Yao took the bag and placed the takeaway box on the table.


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to the coffee table, peeked into his grandfather''s takeaway box before he opened his takeaway box. His gaze was then fixed into that rice and lemon chicken dishes.


    "I''m not sure about your preferences, but I remember that you ordered this dish once when you come over with your friend," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Thank you," Zhang Yu Han swallowed, but not because the meal in front of him looked appetizing. At this moment, Zhang Yu Han felt as if something had bloomed in his heart, knowing that this girl has been paying attention to him.

 Chapter 90 - Call Him By His Name

    Zhang Jing has been watching his grandson''s act once he entered his office. Although his grandson was trying to play it cool, how can he not notice how Zhang Yu Han has been stealing glances at Li Qin Yao, while his hand was gripping at the chopsticks tightly. Zhang Jing thought that it wouldn''t be strange if the chopsticks suddenly broke.


    Seeing the scene before him, Zhang Jing heaved a sigh. He could see that his grandson really liked this girl. However, he could not understand how did his mind work. Zhang Jing thought that his grandson was too slow to pursue the girl he liked. If he wasted more time, it was possible that someone would steal this girl away.


    Now that he thought of it, Zhang Yu Han was a bit similar to his son, Zhang Xi. Back then, it took Zhang Xi a few years to court his daughter-in-law, Mo Hui Lan and proposed. If he did not meddle in and help, Zhang Jing did not know when will his son will bring home his daughter-in-law.


    Zhang Jing could not figure out where did the father and son got that trait. When he was pursuing his wife, Zhang Jing was very quick and decisive. He knew his wife for two months before he proposed.


    No. He cannot let that happen. He cannot let history repeat.


    Zhang Jing knew that if he did not meddle in into his grandchildren''s affair, he might not see Zhang Yu Han bringing home his granddaughter-in-law. Without a granddaughter-in-law, how was he supposed to see his great-grandchildren?


    At the thought of small kids running around the Zhang residence, a small smile appeared on Zhang Jing''s lips. Zhang Jing thought that Zhang''s residence was too quiet. His son and daughter-in-law moved abroad to manage their hotel there and his wife has passed away for a few years. Zhang Yu Han had returned to keep him company these past few years, but his grandson too had moved out to in his own house and only come to accompany him on certain days.


    Suddenly, he missed his late wife and the lively house they once had.


    "Right, Miss Li, since you''re here, after lunch you should go with Yu Han and continue the talk about the cooperation," Zhang Jing said. "I might be the one who suggested this cooperation to happen, but Yu Han is the one who will be in completely in charge of this project."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She turned to Zhang Yu Han and asked. "Mister Zhang, are you free later?"


    "Of course. If you don''t mind, I will show you around our hotel." Even if he had works to settle, there was no way that he would miss his chance to spend with this girl. Moreover, this was the first time she had come over to the company.


    Zhang Jing cleared his throat as he listened to the two''s exchange. "Miss Li, why do you still call my grandson, Mister Zhang?"


    Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Jing with an apparent confusion on her face. "What''s wrong?"


    "No," Zhang Jing quickly said. "Since the two of you are around the same age, you shouldn''t be too formal. Moreover, when you called Mister Zhang, I thought that you were calling me. It was a bit confusing"


    Zhang Yu Ying thought that her grandfather was talking nonsense. She had never heard anyone who would call her grandfather as Mister Zhang. Unless if her grandfather was abroad, most people would call him Chairman Zhang. Although their family did not stand out too much, the number of people who recognized her grandfather on the street was not that little.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Ying did not dare to say anything after her grandfather had given his warning through his stare.


    "Then¡­" Li Qin Yao glanced at Zhang''s family with a hesitant look.


    "Just call him by his name to avoid this confusion," Zhang Jing said.


    Zhang Yu Han peeked at her with anticipation. At this moment, Zhang Yu Han decided to go easy on his grandfather''s diet if his grandfather''s plan worked.


    "Then, I will just call him by his name," Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and continued, "Zhang Yu Han. Is it alright if I call you like this?"


    "It''s alright." Zhang Yu Han nodded. Then, he tilted his head down to stare at his meal to hid his embarrassment. He thought that his heart was almost exploded. It was a simple thing to hear the girl he liked to call out his name, and yet he was too excited to this extent.


    Zhang Yu Han scolded himself for acting like a bashful schoolboy. However, until he had finished his meal, Zhang Yu Han did not dare to lift his face to look at Li Qin Yao in fear that she would notice that his expression was a bit strange.


    After they have finished their meal, Zhang Jing sent the three of them out with an excuse that he got an important conference later.


    Li Qin Yao took this chance to head over to the ladies'' room and let the two Zhang''s siblings wait for her at Zhang Yu Han''s office. Once Zhang Yu Ying saw that Li Qin Yao had walked out of his brother''s office, she immediately looked at her brother with a mischievous smile.


    "Brother, I did good today, right?" Zhang Yu Ying said.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at his sister and frowned. "Okay. What do you want from me?"


    "Grandfather gave me a few company documents and asked me to point out the mistakes and summarized everything to him," Zhang Yu Ying said. "I took a look at those documents and it was too difficult for me. Since I did you a favor today, then you should do this for me."


    "I can help you to figure out the problems, but I cannot help you to do everything," Zhang Yu Han said. "Yu Ying, once this cooperation between Zhang Group and QL Property begins, I will be too busy. You need to study well and help grandfather here."


    Zhang Yu Ying closed her eyes and groaned. "Fine. I get it. But you promise that you have to help me."


    "Alright."


    Zhang Yu Ying was about to leave her brother''s office when a thought crossed her mind. She turned around and spoke to her brother in a hushed voice. "Brother, I have something interesting to tell you. Something happened when I was at sister-in-law''s cafe today."


    "What is it?"


    Zhang Yu Ying did not answer. She held out her hand and smiled.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Brother, if you want this important information, you will need to pay."


    "What do you want?"


    "Just give me some money to spend. You know that I didn''t have much on me after returning from T Country."


    "What? You''re trading for information now?" Zhang Yu Han complained and took out his wallet with a deep sigh. He pulled out his black card and placed it in his sister''s palm.


    Zhang Yu Ying gasped at her brother''s generosity. She wrapped her arms around her brother''s neck to hug him and squealed happily.


    "Return my card to me tonight. Don''t spend too much," Zhang Yu Han said. "Now tell me, what happened at her cafe?"

 Chapter 91 - Suffered From Another Blow

    When Li Qin Yao returned to Zhang Yu Han''s office, his sister, Zhang Yu Ying had long escaped giving the two spend their time together. After thanking Secretary Tian for showing her way, Li Qin Yao walked over to Zhang Yu Han''s desk and looked around the room.


    "Where''s your sister?"


    Zhang Yu Han has been watching Li Qin Yao from the corner of his eyes since his secretary ushered her in. Of course, he saw the way Li Qin Yao has been looking around, looking for his sister.


    "She left after she received a phone call," Zhang Yu Han said. He pointed at the empty seat across him. "Have a seat first. I''ll take you around after I finished this. Five minutes."


    Li Qin Yao sat down in front of him and leaned back on the chair. Once Zhang Yu Han saw that the girl had sat down quietly, he went back to read the documents in his hand. However, after two minutes, Zhang Yu Han began to feel something strange. It was the feeling as if he was being watched.


    However, when he lifted his head, what he saw was the figure of Li Qin Yao was looking at her phone. He did not know what she was looking at, but as he saw the way she smiled, Zhang Yu Han could guess that it must be something interesting.


    Thinking that he was imagining things, Zhang Yu Han went back to read the documents. After a few seconds, he found that the words on the paper no longer make any sense no matter how many times he read it. He can no longer concentrate.


    He was alone with the girl he had liked for ten years! How is it possible for him to concentrate on the documents in this situation?


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han closed the document on his desk and pushed it aside. He looked up and tried to speak when he found that Li Qin Yao was staring at him.


    At this scene, Zhang Yu Han felt as if something was hitting on his chest hard. His heart thumped rapidly and he felt his mouth dry. "W-what''s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" His deep voice did not give away the chaotic feeling he had in his heart.


    "No. I was thinking about how crazy I was to think of you as an insurance salesman."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. Insurance salesman again?


    Li Qin Yao''s lips curved into a wide smile and a soft laugh escaped. "Zhang Yu Han, you don''t look like you''re suitable as an insurance salesman. Your face is too serious."


    Zhang Yu Han felt as if he had suffered from another blow. He did not expect her to call out his name again. Actually, had thought that earlier, Li Qin Yao was only humoring his grandfather to call him by his name. He had thought that she would revert to address him as ''Mister Zhang'' when they were alone, but he was mistaken.


    But wait. Did she say that his face is too serious? Was that a good thing or a bad thing?


    In the beginning, Zhang Yu Han did not pay too much attention to what Li Qin Yao thought about him. That was because, he thought she had a boyfriend, and he wanted to try to keep their distance.


    However, now that he knew that Li Qin Yao had broken up, and he had aimed to pursue her, he began to take note of what she thought of him.


    "Right," Zhang Yu Han cleared his throat. "Since we are no longer too formal around each other, can I just call you Li Qin Yao?"


    Once he finished the question, Zhang Yu Han pursed his lips tightly. Actually, he had wanted to ask this once his grandfather had made her call him by his name, but he was too embarrassed to ask this in front of his grandfather and sister. He did not want them to laugh at him.


    "Of course." Li Qin Yao tilted her head down slightly and her hair began to cover her redden ears as she intended to do. Hearing Zhang Yu Han called her name in his deep voice that she thought was pleasant to hear, Li Qin Yao was a bit embarrassed.


    Suddenly, their surroundings turned to silence.


    Not knowing what else to do, Zhang Yu Han stood up from his seat and cleared his throat again. "Come on. I''ll take you on tour."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She then followed Zhang Yu Han around the office and then, move to take a look around the hotel. Li Qin Yao found that the hotel in Y City had different ambiance and decoration from the one in the Capital City. Li Qin Yao thought that the hotel in Y City is definitely grander than the one in Capital City.


    After walking around for a while and seeing that the time is late, Li Qin Yao excused herself to return to B City. However, before she could leave, Zhang Yu Han had stopped her.


    "I will send you back."


    "I can take the train. My place is not that far from the station."


    "Please. Li Qin Yao, let me send you back. I would be worry to let you take the train."


    Hearing Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice saying her name, Li Qin Yao was in a daze. After a while, she nodded in agreement.


    Although Li Qin Yao had convinced herself that Zhang Yu Han was not interested in her, there was still that tiny feeling that made her suspicious of this man''s intention. Now that Zhang Yu Han had offered to drive from Y City to B City and send her home, of course, her heart was in chaos.


    However, this thought vanished when Zhang Yu Han began to talk more about their upcoming cooperation throughout their journey.


    Since they were conversing on business matters, both of them wore a serious expression on their face.


    "I have talked to President Lu from NEXT Group and he is interested to invest in QL Project in B City. If you''re free next week, I will arrange for a meeting. Coincidentally, he will be visiting Y City."


    Li Qin Yao''s face brightened up at his words. If she can have NEXT Group to invest in the project, then she will no longer have to worry about finding another investor. Then, she can concentrate on winning the tender. Li Qin Yao thought that she was lucky to meet Zhang Yu Han and his grandfather.


    "Since you are our most important investor, I wanted to introduce you to another of our investors before we submit the tender. Are you familiar with MH Group in L City?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He had heard of MH Group after he returned to the country. Similar to QL Group, they were in real estate. At that time, the news was reporting the MH Group''s Chairman sudden illness. Their stocks plummeted due to the incident. In the end, his two sons took over the company and worked together to stabilize the company.


    "MH Group had experienced in building an attraction park. When their current vice-president heard that I had the intention to build an attraction park in B City, he offered to help."


    Zhang Yu Han paused. "The vice-president? Mo Cheng Yi?"


    "You know him?"


    "I''ve heard of him. He is famous in the business world after he and his elder brother took over the MH Group after the chairman was hospitalized," Zhang Yu Han said. Seeing the way the girl in front of him was smiling, Zhang Yu Han raised his brow. He had seen Vice-President Mo a few times and knew that he can be considered good looking. "How are you acquainted with him?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head. "You can say that he''s my senior."


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han had a foreboding. A deep frown appeared on his face as his thought was filled with random thoughts on Vice-President Mo.


    "Well, we''re here."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned when he realized that they have arrived at Li Qin Yao''s apartment. He began to think that the distance between Y City and B City was not that far. He wanted to spend more time with her.


    However, he could only nod, say his goodbye and watched her as she disappeared into the apartment building.


    Once he could no longer see Li Qin Yao''s figure, Zhang Yu Han took out his phone and dialed a number as he recalled the conversation he had with his sister earlier on.


    "Jun Hao," he spoke as the phone was connected. "I need you to look into someone."

 Chapter 92 - Song Yi Appeared

    After almost a week of staying with Li Qin Yao with her mother, Han Yue Xiu made her decision to return to Y City. After all, the swelling around her ankle has gotten better and she was worried about leaving her job for too long.


    It wasn''t too long ago that she had taken a week break when she threatened her boss with her resignation. If she took a long break, then it would not look good on her reputation. Even though she did not like her eccentric boss that much, Han Yue Xiu really liked her job right now.


    Her boss, Song Yi had mentioned that it will be fine if she worked from home and concentrated on recuperating, but Han Yue Xiu did not feel good about that.


    "Wait until this weekend," Li Qin Yao said as she cracked a half-boiled egg into her bowl.


    "Un. Un. Auntie would worry to let you take public transport to go back with that foot," Xu Yilan said. "It might look better, but if you''re not careful, it will affect you in your older days."


    Seeing the concern on the mother and daughter''s face, Han Yue Xiu could only nod to agree. "Alright. I''ll listen to your arrangement."


    As the three of them were enjoying their breakfast, the doorbell suddenly rang. Li Qin Yao placed down her cutlery and stood up. "I''ll get it." Li Qin Yao grabbed the napkin to wipe her mouth and went to the door. "Who is it?"


    Li Qin Yao looked through the camera and froze momentarily when she saw that familiar face. This man... she had seen him once at Han Yue Xiu''s apartment!


    When the doorbell rang again, both Xu Yilan and Han Yue Xiu turned towards the door. A questioning look appeared on their face as they saw the strange look on Li Qin Yao''s face.


    "What''s wrong?" Xu Yilan said. "Why didn''t you open the door? Who is it?"


    This time, Li Qin Yao''s gaze went to Han Yue Xiu. "Yue Xiu. It''s your boss!"


    Han Yue Xiu was drinking some water when Li Qin Yao spoke. Instantly, she started to chock on the water, and a few of them spewed from her mouth. Han Yue Xiu looked at her friend with her eyes wide. "W-what?"


    The doorbell rang again.


    "What is he doing here?" Han Yue Xiu tried to stand up and walked slowly towards the door.


    "What am I supposed to do? Should I open it?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Han Yue Xiu looked at the camera. In that small screen was the image of her boss, dressed in a long, brown coat. Because he was looking down at his shoes, his fringe fell to cover his face.


    Then she pushed at the button beside it. "Boss Song? What are you doing here?"


    Song Yi looked up and waved an envelope in his hand. "I have an important document for you to check."


    Han Yue Xiu turned to Li Qin Yao. Her expression showed that she was puzzled over her Song Yi appearance in B City, in front of her friend''s door. However, seeing that her boss brought a document with him, Han Yue Xiu signaled Li Qin Yao to open the door.


    Li Qin Yao put her hand on the door and paused when she noticed that Han Yue Xiu was dressed in a body-hugging T-shirt, a short and a pair of fluffy unicorn slippers. Because there were only girls in the house, Han Yue Xiu was not wearing a bra.


    The corner of Li Qin Yao''s lips twitched. "Yue Xiu, are you sure you wanted to show up in front of your boss like this?" she asked in a hushed voice.


    Han Yue Xiu glanced down to look at herself and gasped. Swiftly, she turned around and ran towards her room to change.


    "Don''t run!" at this time, Xu Yilan has not forgotten that Han Yue Xiu''s foot was still hurting. Seeing that a guest was going to enter her house, Xu Yilan quickly tidied up the house a little bit.


    Once Han Yue Xiu closed the door to change, Li Qin Yao turned around to open the door. "Mister Song. We meet again," Li Qin Yao said.


    Song Yi peeked into the house before his gaze went to Li Qin Yao. He nodded politely to greet and asked, "Where''s Han Yue Xiu?"


    "She went to get change. Her attire was not very presentable right now," Li Qin Yao moved her body aside. "Please come in. Yue Xiu will come out when she''s ready."


    Song Yi nodded. He walked into the house and sat down on the sofa. His legs shook impatiently as he waited.


    "Would you like anything to drink, Mister Song?"


    Song Yi shook his head. "I''m fine."


    Seeing that the man did not seem to want to talk to her, Li Qin Yao stepped aside and waited for Han Yue Xiu to come out. Fortunately, it did not take Han Yue Xiu too long to come out, or else, Li Qin Yao thought that she was going to spend a long awkward time with her boss. When Han Yue Xiu came closer, Li Qin Yao tacitly walked away to the kitchen.


    "Boss Song, how did you know I''m here?" Han Yue Xiu said as she came out.


    "I told you that I will send you some documents and you gave me the address yesterday, remember?" Song Yi spoke. He put the brown envelope on the table and watched as Han Yue Xiu, who was sitting across him to pick it up.


    "I thought you were going to send this through a delivery boy," Han Yue Xiu said as she took out the document. "I did not expect you to come personally."


    "Well, this is urgent. You remember about the matter I emailed you about last night?" Song Yi said. He leaned forward slightly as he continued to watch Han Yue Xiu read what was on the documents. For a while, only the sound of rustling papers could be heard in the living room.


    As she read through the documents, Han Yue Xiu''s face gradually change. When she looked up at Song Yi again there was a hint of anger on her expression. "You waited this long before you come to look for me?"


    Song Yi''s face was calm. "You were recuperating." When he saw that Han Yue Xiu suddenly stood up, a frown appeared on his face. "What are you doing?"


    "Boss, we need to return to the office now and correct this error or else, it will take us months to repair this system," Han Yue Xiu said impatiently. "Do you want to go bankrupt?"


    Hearing that bits of commotion from the living room, both Li Qin Yao and her mother came out from the kitchen.


    "Yue Xiu? What''s wrong?"


    "Yao Yao, I have to return to Y City right now. There''s an important matter at the office," Han Yue Xiu explained. She turned to Xu Yilan and continued. "Don''t worry. After work, I''ll ask my colleague to send me home, alright. I''ll call you when I get home safely."


    Seeing the way Han Yue Xiu was panicking, Li Qin Yao then helped her to gather her belongings. When everything was done, Li Qin Yao helped Han Yue Xiu downstairs and into Song Yi''s car.


    Just before Song Yi got into the driver seat, Li Qin Yao had stopped him. Glancing at Han Yue Xiu who was inside, Li Qin Yao then gave him a warning. "Yue Xiu''s foot is not completely healed yet. You look after her."


    Song Yi frowned impatiently when Li Qin Yao stopped him, but when he heard her words, he immediately nodded and promised to look after her.


    As the car drove away, Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. Just as she was about to turn around, she noticed a familiar Cayenne parked not far away from her. When turned to look properly, Zhang Yu Han stepped out of the vehicle.


    Li Qin Yao watched as he walked slowly towards her with her mouth gaped open.


    What was he doing here early in the morning?

 Chapter 93 - Hello, Auntie

    Zhang Yu Han has started to feel a sense of danger when he saw the look on Li Qin Yao''s face as she talked about Vice-President Mo. With that thought in mind, Zhang Yu Han knew that he had to step up his game.


    For the past few days, he has been busy, staying up late for various overtime to settle the matters in the company before he can fully concentrate on Li Qin Yao, and of course, their cooperation in B City.


    That morning, Zhang Yu Han head over to B City to look for Li Qin Yao under the pretense to discuss their collaboration. Seeing that it was still early, Zhang Yu Han thought that perhaps he could offer her a lift. Then, he can make an excuse to send her home later.


    Although Li Qin Yao has a license to drive, she was someone who would often use public transport to go around.


    However, who would have thought that he would see another guy around Li Qin Yao? Moreover, he had seen them around Li Qin Yao''s apartment!


    He had thought that there was only Chen Hao around her in the past. But, it seemed like there are more flies around her. Won''t he be in a lot of trouble when Li Qin Yao finds one of the flies interesting?


    In fact, Zhang Yu Han arrived in the area shortly after Li Qin Yao had helped Han Yue Xiu into Song Yi''s car. When he noticed Li Qin Yao, the girl was talking to Song Yi. And this scene had created chaos in Zhang Yu Han''s mind.


    Before he could properly process what was going on, Zhang Yu Han saw that Li Qin Yao had noticed his car. He then decided to step down and walked over to her.


    "Good morning," Li Qin Yao said as he approached. "Zhang Yu Han, why are you here?"


    Hearing his name again, his spirit lifted a little bit. "I was on my way to meet Wei Jun Hao, but he told me that it would be better if you come along to look at the agreement. I tried to call you but I think there''s something wrong with my phone. I couldn''t make a call."


    Of course, the lies came out smoothly through his mouth.


    "Seeing that it was still early, I figured that you must still be at home," Zhang Yu Han continued. "So I come here hoping to catch up to you. I thought that if you''re free this morning, we can go together."


    "Fortunately, you run into me here," Li Qin Yao said. She glanced at her feet and saw that she was wearing rubber slippers. "I am free right now. But my stuff is still upstairs. Can you wait for me?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Alright." He has waited to meet her again for ten years. To wait for a few more minutes would not do him any harm.


    It was just a few days ago that Wei Jun Hao had reminded him that trying to pursue someone you like was like fishing. To catch that big fish, you have to reel in slowly. The most important thing is that it requires a lot of patience.


    As he accompanied Li Qin Yao as she waited for the elevator to arrive, Zhang Yu Han took this chance to ask the thing that has been bothering him for the last few minutes. "Why are you downstairs?" Of course, he did not dare to straightforwardly ask about that man he saw earlier.


    "Han Yue Xiu has been staying with me and my mother since that accident the last time, and just now, she had to return to Y City with her boss for something urgent."


    Zhang Yu Han looked down to hide the relief on his face. He was worried over nothing. Since he had seen that man and Li Qin Yao together, various thoughts went through his mind, and each of them only dampened his spirit. Who would have known that he was Han Yue Xiu''s boss and he came to pick her up!


    Ding!


    The elevator slid open and both of them stood aside to let the crowd of people walk out the elevator. A few familiar faces stopped briefly to greet Li Qin Yao before they go on their way.


    Once the elevator was emptied, Li Qin Yao walked in, pressed on her level button and waved at Zhang Yu Han as the elevator door shut, causing the man to be a bit stunned at her action.


    Zhang Yu Han put his hands in his pocket and tilted his head down. He thought that the way she waved her hands at him was too cute and he was slightly shy.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao heaved a long breath as she stared at the number slowly rising. Li Qin Yao could not help but feel a bit strange as she thought of how Zhang Yu Han had shown up around her house.


    Before she could dwell on the matter, the elevator stopped at her level and Li Qin Yao hurriedly went into the house to grab her stuff because she did not want to let Zhang Yu Han wait for her for too long.


    Hearing that bit of commotion, Xu Yilan came out from her room with a handbag and a laptop bag. "What''s wrong with you? Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Li Qin Yao paused at what she was doing and looked at her mother. "A friend is coming to pick me up. He''s waiting for me downstairs. Ma, you remember that I told you that the Zhang Group agreed to invest in my project."


    Of course, Xu Yilan remembered. Her daughter has been facing a few setbacks to find some investors. When Li Qin Yao found that a company has agreed to invest in the project, she was too happy that she had talked about it the whole night.


    Thinking of this, Xu Yilan was suddenly intrigued to know a bit about her daughter''s business partner.


    "Well, since you''re going down, let''s go together." Xu Yilan said.


    Once Li Qin Yao was ready, she walked to the elevator with her mother and head downstairs. When the door opened, Li Qin Yao found that Zhang Yu Han has been waiting at the same spot where she had left him earlier. She walked out of the elevator and stood aside so that they will not be obstructing the path.


    Zhang Yu Han was a bit puzzled when he saw Li Qin Yao moving aside, and a middle-aged lady beside her followed. Upon closer look, Zhang Yu Han felt that the woman''s face looked somewhat familiar. He glanced at both Li Qin Yao and the woman and noticed their resemblance. Suddenly, his heartbeat accelerated.


    This woman¡­ Li Qin Yao''s mother? His future mother-in-law?


    While Zhang Yu Han was looking at Xu Yilan, the latter was doing exactly the same. Xu Yilan looked at Zhang Yu Han from head to toe as if to inspect him.


    "Ma," Li Qin Yao turned to her mother and introduced them to each other casually. "This is Zhang Yu Han, my business partner. Zhang Yu Han, this is my mother, Xu Yilan"


    Zhang Yu Han felt his heart skipped a beat. He was not ready for this! He could feel himself perspiring against her mother''s scrutinizing look. However, his expression did not show the chaotic state he felt inside.


    "Hello, auntie," Zhang Yu Han greeted politely.


    "Hello."


    Seeing that the man seemed to be very polite, Xu Yilan nodded at him and lowered her guard a little bit. Earlier, she was a bit curious when she heard that a guy had come to pick her daughter up. Her daughter had just broken up and as the mother, she was worried about the man that her daughter came in contact with.


    Although her daughter did not talk much about her breakup, Xu Yilan knew that her daughter was hurting. After spending time and energy towards a relationship that did not meet a happy ending, of course, her heart would ache.


    "Ma, you should get going now or you''ll be late," Li Qin Yao hurriedly said before her mother could say anything unnecessary to Zhang Yu Han.


    Xu Yilan glanced at her wristwatch and nodded to her daughter. Xu Yilan thought that Zhang Yu Han was lucky that she was in a hurry to head over to work. Or else, she would make him stay and asked him a few questions.

 Chapter 94 - His Trust

    As he watched the familiar vehicle drove away, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh in relief. He did not expect that he would be meeting Li Qin Yao''s mother when he came to find her.


    Finally, it felt as if he can breathe easier without Xu Yilan''s scrutinizing gaze on him. Or was he overthinking things?


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out from his thought and turned to Li Qin Yao. "Wei Jun Hao texted me earlier and said that something cropped up and he might be late."


    Earlier, Zhang Yu Han had called his friend to inform him of this sudden change of plan. Of course, Wei Jun Hao was infuriated. However, after Zhang Yu Han made a few deals with him, Wei Jun Hao reluctantly agreed to meet up with the agreement draft.


    "Is your phone okay now?"


    Her question made him paused. It was then that Zhang Yu Han realized that he had given an excuse that something was wrong with his phone and therefore he could not contact her.


    "Well, I tried to switch it off and on again when you went upstairs and suddenly, everything turned out alright," he lied.


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Then, what''s your plan now?"


    "Let''s head to your office first," Zhang Yu Han said. "I''ll text Jun Hao your address and asked him to come over later."


    "Is that alright?"


    "Of course. His office is in B City. It shouldn''t be difficult." He led her to his Cayenne and opened the door for her. Then he went to the driver''s side and put the key into the ignition. Only when he was sure that Li Qin Yao had fastened her seatbelt, that he started to drive.


    After five minutes, they suddenly found themselves stuck in the traffic. It seemed that B City is more congested than Y City. Perhaps it was due to this that Li Qin Yao would prefer to use public transport.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the woman beside him and decided to end the silence between them. "Can I ask you something?"


    Li Qin Yao was looking out the window when she heard his voice. She tilted her head and said, "What is it?"


    "Why didn''t you stay and work with your grandfather in Capital City?" though he had heard the reason through Wei Jun Hao''s report, Zhang Yu Han wanted to know what was her thought.


    Li Qin Yao was startled as she was not expecting the question. She stared at Zhang Yu Han for a few seconds longer and wondered if he would change his mind on collaborating with her after he learned about her scandal.


    How many people knew that she was involved in such a scandal ever since she moved to B City to live with her mother? Even Chen Hao knew nothing about this. But it was only because she had never told Chen Hao the truth about herself.


    Li Qin Yao turned away from him and tilted her head down. "Have you heard about QL Group''s scandal in Capital City two years ago? A shopping mall collapsed and a few construction workers died."


    "I''ve heard of it," Zhang Yu Han confessed. "Since the two companies are cooperating, I did ask someone to have QL Group investigated. Naturally, I''ve heard of this scandal."


    "I was involved in that scandal. In fact, I was the project manager for that project." Li Qin Yao lifted her gaze again to look at his expression. "Will this make you change your mind and stop investing in B City''s project?"


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer her question. "What happened?"


    Li Qin Yao was surprised that there was no change in Zhang Yu Han''s expression, but then she thought that perhaps, Zhang Yu Han was someone who rarely showed a change in his expression.


    "Two years ago... what happened? How did you get involved in such a scandal?" He repeated his question when he thought that she might not his question the first time.


    "There were rumors that I had authorized the use of cheap materials that led to this accident."


    "Did you do it?"


    Li Qin Yao clutched her fist tightly at his question and turn to look out the window.


    The scene from two years ago appeared in her mind. In one evening, she received news that the west wing of the incomplete shopping mall has collapsed. Seven were heavily injured. Three were dead and there were a few more casualties.


    It was such a big accident that it had received a lot of cover from the local news.


    Then, she was called up to face the higher-ups. Everyone was looking at her with an accusation gaze. Even though her grandfather had taken her side, Li Qin Yao knew that he too thought that she had done something as despicable as authorizing the use of cheap materials in construction.


    "No." Her voice came out softly.


    "I believe you." Zhang Yu Han pressed his foot on the brake as the traffic light turned red. He turned to look at her and their gaze met.


    His answer surprised her. Li Qin Yao turned to look at Zhang Yu Han with her eyes wide as if in disbelief over what she had heard. However, his deep voice, saying that he believed in her resounded in her ears a few more times.


    "If you said you did not do it, I will believe in your words," Zhang Yu Han continued when she did not give a response. Soon, the light turned green again, and he went back to concentrate on the road.


    Slowly, her lips curved into a smile. "You don''t know what happened. How can you say that you believe in me?"


    "True. I don''t know what happened two years ago. I was not at the scene. Therefore, I cannot comment on anything I did not know of," Zhang Yu Han said. "But I choose to believe in your words."


    "Why?"


    "You said it was a rumor. Why would I choose to believe in a rumor? Li Qin Yao, I rather trust your words."


    Li Qin Yao felt a tingle in her eyes. Back then, how many of them had said that they believed in her?


    However, this man who she only knew for a short period had said that he trusted her.


    Looking at his expression, Li Qin Yao could see that he was telling her the truth. Moreover, Zhang Yu Han had no benefit to lie to her in such a situation. After all, he was placing his investment in her project.


    It would be a lie to say that she did not feel anything towards his trust in her.


    Li Qin Yao swallowed as she felt something warm expanding in her chest. "Zhang Yu Han. Thank you."

 Chapter 95 - Increase The Chance To Reconcile? No Way!

    After they arrived at the QL Group branch office, Li Qin Yao took Zhang Yu Han around for a tour, but this tour only took them no less than half an hour as it was just a small office with only a few staff.


    Once the tour is over, Li Qin Yao went over to the pantry to make some coffee from the instant packet before she entered her office where Zhang Yu Han was waiting for her.


    "I hope you don''t mind instant coffee," she said as she placed the mug on the table. "This is the only thing we got around here."


    Zhang Yu Han put the file in his hand on the table and reached out for the coffee. He took a sip and smiled. "Don''t worry. It tasted good." He saw the way Li Qin Yao was glancing at the clock and said, "Wei Jun Hao said he should be here soon. Do you have somewhere you need to be?"


    Li Qin Yao immediately waved her hands. "No. No. It''s fine. It''s the first time you visit this office. Surely I have to make time for you." she sat down across him and smiled.


    Taking another sip from the coffee, Zhang Yu Han then placed the mug on the table. "Right, I talked with my grandfather after you visited our office last week. Since the Zhang Group were not well versed in real estate, my grandfather suggested that I should help you and oversee the tender. If I come over here often, would that be a trouble for you?"


    "Of course not. Since the Zhang Group is our biggest investor, naturally you are welcome here. When you are involved, you would feel more at ease as well," Li Qin Yao said. "But, will this be alright? What about your work?"


    "I won''t have to come over to the office often after this," Zhang Yu Han said. He noticed the puzzled look on Li Qin Yao''s face and smiled. "Since my sister has returned, we are planning to let her learn more about the business. She will be in charge of various things and grandfather will be mentoring her."


    "Then I guess we will be seeing each other a lot in the upcoming month."


    His smile widened as he thought of how he was going to spend most of his time around her. Of course, he had planned everything.


    The two of them talked about the project and Zhang Yu Han''s plan to introduce her to President Lu Xun from NEXT Group when someone came to knock on the door.


    Since the door was opened wide, the Xiao Lian Yi peeked her head at the door and smiled. "Miss Li, someone called Wei Jun Hao is looking for you downstairs. Should I let him in?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Please, send him here." She turned to Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "Please wait here. I''ll go and look for your friend."


    As Li Qin Yao walked out of the office to receive her guest, Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wristwatch in displease. It felt as if he did not spend enough time alone with Li Qin Yao, and now Wei Jun Hao had appeared. Even though he was the one who called his friend to come over, shouldn''t Wei Jun Hao tacitly arrive later?


    When Wei Jun Hao walked into the door, he naturally noticed the discontent in his friend''s face. However, he decided to pretend that he did not see it and continue to chat merrily with Li Qin Yao.


    Upon seeing that Li Qin Yao was laughing at something that Wei Jun Hao had said, Zhang Yu Han stood up and adjusted his suit. "What took you so long?"


    Wei Jun Hao tried his best not to roll his eyes. Even though he was angry that Zhang Yu Han had instructed him to come over with the agreement, Wei Jun Hao could not be angry at him. After all, Zhang Yu Han was his client.


    "I misplaced the agreement and had to look for it," Wei Jun Hao said.


    "Did you find them?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow.


    "It turns out that it was in my table all along," Wei Jun Hao laughed.


    At this time, Xiao Lian Yu reappeared with another mug of coffee for Wei Jun Hao. After letting Xiao Lian Yu place the mug down, Li Qin Yao then asked Wei Jun Hao to sit down. Naturally, Wei Jun Hao will pick up a seat next to his friend.


    After a few pleasantries, Wei Jun Hao took out the document from his bag and produced two copies of the agreement. He handed one to Zhang Yu Han and one to Li Qin Yao.


    The two of them read the documents in silence until Wei Jun Hao spoke up, "If there is anything you need to ask me, just go ahead."


    "I''m fine with the arrangement." Li Qin Yao said. After both she and Zhang Yu Han agreed that there were no problems, both of them put on their signatures on a few papers as per Wei Jun Hao''s instruction.


    Wei Jun Hao nodded after he checked on both documents. "Once you win the tender, I will give you a new agreement to sign. That time, you can have the media to cover the cooperation between Zhang Group and QL Group in B City."


    "We shall talk about that once we win the tender," Zhang Yu Han said. "From what I understand, there will be a few investors who will be involved in this cooperation as well, right?" he turned to Li Qin Yao and watched her nodded.


    The three of them continue their discussion until another staff knocked on the door to ask her a few things. Seconds later, Li Qin Yao excused herself, leaving both Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao alone in her office with her door remained open.


    Wei Jun Hao turned to his friend and frowned. "Right. You didn''t tell me about the person you asked me to investigate the other day." he received a warning glance from his friend and knew that he should keep his voice down. "Who is she? Don''t tell me you''re interested in another woman?"


    "Are you crazy?"


    Wei Jun Hao backed away as he sensed the murderous look from Zhang Yu Han. "Hey. Hey. I was only curious. The last time you asked me to investigate a girl, it turned out to be the girl you''ve been looking for for the last ten years. How would I know why would you want me to investigate another girl this time?"


    Zhang Yu Han scoffed. "She''s just a girl who was causing trouble for Li Qin Yao."


    Wei Jun Hao''s eyes brightened up at this new gossip. "Oh? What do you plan to do to her?"


    "Nothing at this moment," Zhang Yu Han frowned as he recalled the investigation report he received from Wei Jun Hao on his email the other day. He found out that the girl was the one he had seen around with Li Qin Yao''s ex the other day.


    Tang Ai Ling was a granddaughter of a big company. Because of Chen Hao''s mother''s connection with the Tang, Chen Hao had recently got a promotion in his job. Knowing that the girl was currently dating Li Qin Yao''s ex, Zhang Yu Han was hesitant to do anything to teach her a lesson.


    He did not want to brew trouble between Chen Hao and Tang Ai Ling. Why would he help to increase the chance for Chen Hao to reconcile with Li Qin Yao? No way!


    The girl he like was finally single. Why would he want to help her ex to get back with her?


    Moreover, he had heard from his sister how Li Qin Yao had protected herself from both Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling. He did not think that it was time for him to intervene.

 Chapter 96 - Interested To Invest

    Li Qin Yao stood at the entrance of the train station in Y City. Occasionally, she would stand tiptoe to look at the road to look for that familiar Cayenne. After a while, the phone in her hand buzzed. Li Qin Yao checked at the message and saw that Zhang Yu Han should be arriving soon.


    For the past few days, Li Qin Yao noticed that she has been meeting with Zhang Yu Han frequently.


    Most of the time, Zhang Yu Han would come over to B City, pick her up at her apartment and they both would stay together in her office to discuss work. Because they did not have much time until they submit their tender, they often worked overtime and had meals together. Then, Zhang Yu Han would send her back home before he drove back to Y City.


    Those were her schedule for the past few days.


    If it was not because Zhang Yu Han wanted to introduce her to his friend who was interested to invest in her project in B City, Li Qin Yao would not have time to come over to Y City.


    Because she wanted to avoid the traffic, Li Qin Yao chose to travel by train and let Zhang Yu Han pick her up from the station.


    Two minutes after his text, Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne came into view.


    Zhang Yu Han stopped in front of her and lowered his window. "Come in."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the cars queuing behind Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne and quickly entered the car. Once the air conditioner blew on her face, Li Qin Yao let out a satisfying sigh. Recently, the weather had turned hot.


    "Have you wait for too long?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He turned on the signal before he drove into the lane. When he caught Li Qin Yao fanning herself with her hand, Zhang Yu Han turned up the air conditioner.


    "No," Li Qin Yao shook her head. She looked at Zhang Yu Han and asked, "Where are we going?"


    "Back to the hotel."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao''s eyes grew wide. "If you told me earlier, I would fetch a taxi to the hotel. Isn''t this is too troublesome for you to drive back and forth from your office?"


    "It''s nothing troublesome," Zhang Yu Han glanced at the girl beside him and smile. He was slowly courting the girl he like, how would he find it troublesome? In fact, he was happy that he got to spend more time with her like this. "Actually, we were supposed to meet my friend somewhere else, but there has been a change in plan."


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "Will you be free afterward? Grandfather said he has not seen you for a while. If you''re free, let''s have dinner together. Grandfather had booked a private room at the Fujian restaurant we met previously. My sister will be joining us as well."


    Li Qin Yao recalled the restaurant mentioned. Not too long ago, it was Han Yue Xiu who invited her to the restaurant. However, due to an accident, Han Yue Xiu did not show up and she had never tried the food at the restaurant.


    "Okay," Li Qin Yao took out her phone and send a text to her mother that she will return home late. Previously, she had cleared up her schedule to meet this investor as she was not sure how long will this meeting last. Therefore, she had no other plan other than meeting with this potential investor.


    Zhang Yu Han lips tilted up slightly at her agreement.


    The drive back to the hotel took him less than fifteen minutes. Zhang Yu Han parked at his designated parking lot and led Li Qin Yao towards the lift.


    Because it was rare to see their Director with a girl beside him, the employees began to peek at the two of them. Some of them recognized Li Qin Yao as Zhang Yu Han had taken her on tour around the hotel not too long ago.


    Seeing the two of them together, the employees were excited. They started to whisper among themselves and soon, a rumor that Director Zhang showed up at the hotel with his girlfriend spread like wildfire.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han had no idea of this rumor.


    The two of them went to the hotel''s lounge where a waitress led them to a slightly hidden spot, where a man with black-rimmed spectacle was waiting for them.


    Once he saw Zhang Yu Han walked over to him, Lu Xun stood up and buttoned up his suit. He glanced at the woman beside Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "You''re here."


    "Have you been waiting for a long time?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He shook his hand with Lu Xun and patted him on the shoulder.


    "No. Just arrived," Lu Xun said. He glanced at Li Qin Yao and raised a brow to his friend.


    "Let me introduce you. Li Qin Yao, this is the President of NEXT Group, Lu Xun. Lu Xun, this is Li Qin Yao, the General Manager of QL Group in B City''s branch."


    "Hello," both of them greeted each other.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled a chair for Li Qin Yao before he took a seat beside her.


    At this time, the waiter approached them with a glass of iced lemon tea for Lu Xun. Seeing that his boss was seated with the customer, the waiter then took the drink order from Zhang Yu Han and head back to the bar.


    The three of them chatted briefly until the waiter came back with freshly squeezed juice for both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao.


    "Just like Yu Han, I only returned to this country a few years ago. Someone said that to make more money in this country, real estate is the best way. But, I have no knowledge of real estate. Of course, when Yu Han mentioned the project in B City, I am very interested to invest," Lu Xun said. "Miss Li, how much investment do you need?"


    Li Qin Yao watched the bespectacled man with her eyes wide. "President Lu, don''t you need to listen to the plan or look over some documents first?"


    Lu Xun glanced at his friend, then spoke again. "Yu Han had already briefed me about this project. Zhang Group has invested in this project and I trust that Yu Han will not invest in a project that will not bring them any profit," he said and smiled. Then, Lu Xun leaned on his seat, pulled out a pen from his pocket and wrote something on a napkin. "Do you think this amount is enough?" he slid the napkin on the table.


    Li Qin Yao reached for the napkin and swallowed as she saw the amount of money that Lu Xun was willing to invest. This... is more than enough.


    With this amount, she will no longer need to worry about finding another investor. She can focus on the tender without worrying about anything else!

 Chapter 97 - Relationship Approved

    Once Lu Xun left the hotel with the promises to keep in touch, Zhang Yu Han brought Li Qin Yao back to his office. Anyway, the meeting had ended earlier than they thought and there were still a few hours before the working hours ended.


    "Zhang Yu Han, is it alright for your friend to invest that much money?" Li Qin Yao asked as they both entered Zhang Yu Han''s office.


    "You don''t have to worry about Lu Xun," Zhang Yu Han smiled as he pointed to the sofa for Li Qin Yao to sit. "That guy has a lot of money. He and a few of his friends start a gaming company while we were still studying in college, and became rich after a few games under their company goes popular. A few years ago, he decided to sell his share and returned to this country."


    Zhang Yu Han paused upon seeing Li Qin Yao''s dazed expression. A tinge of regret appeared in his mind. Perhaps he shouldn''t say a lot of good things about Lu Xun lest Li Qin Yao would find him interesting. "What are you thinking about?"


    "I''m impressed," Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh. "How did your friend have tome make a lot of money while studying? Back then, I think I played around too much. Right," she paused as she took out her laptop from her bag. "Can I use the plug here? I need to e-mail a few things to Liang Sheng"


    "Sure." Zhang Yu Han pointed towards a corner just beside the sofa. "There is still an hour and a half before the work hours ended. You can sit here while we wait. If you need anything, just tell me."


    At this time, Secretary Tian walked in with a tray of refreshment. She placed them at the coffee table and glanced towards the two in the office. Earlier, a few of her co-workers had emailed and texted her to know the gossip about their single director.


    From Secretary Tian''s observation, she thought that the two had a good relationship. However, this was not something that she can say to her co-workers. She still loved her job.


    Once Secretary Tian left, Li Qin Yao pulled out her laptop to email Liang Sheng and the others of her instruction. It did not take a long time for Li Mu Bai to text her his congratulatory.


    Seeing that Li Qin Yao was focusing on her laptop, Zhang Yu Han went back to his desk to read a few files that Secretary Tian had piled on his table. Once in awhile, Zhang Yu Han would peek at Li Qin Yao who seemed so focused on her work.


    A smile curved on Zhang Yu Han''s lips as he continued to watch Li Qin Yao for a while longer. He thought that he really enjoyed this arrangement where he can see her whenever he raised his head.


    Watching Li Qin Yao like this made him feel as if his fatigue had all disappeared. Once he had watched her enough, Zhang Yu Han went back to read the file on his hands.


    When Zhang Yu Han looked up again, it was five minutes before work ended and his sister, Zhang Yu Ying sent him a reminder to show up at the restaurant on time.


    Zhang Yu Han rubbed at his temple and cleared the documents on his table. Glancing at the woman who sat in his office, Zhang Yu Han was about to call Li Qin Yao to remind her to get packed. His movement stopped when he saw how Li Qin Yao was leaning on the sofa with her eyes close.


    Slowly, he walked over to the sofa. Looking at the way she did not react and the way her chest was heaving up and down steadily, Zhang Yu Han was sure that Li Qin Yao had fallen asleep.


    For a second, Zhang Yu Han did not know what he should do. His hand moved to wake her up, but as he watched her sleeping peacefully, Zhang Yu Han retracted his hand and let her sleep longer.


    These past few days, he had spent most of his time with her. Naturally, Zhang Yu Han knew how hard Li Qin Yao and her team worked on the tender. Because this is the first project for QL Group in B City, there are a lot of things for them to do and consider. At a time, Zhang Yu Han would accompany her as she worked overtime.


    However, because real estate was not something he understood much, there was not much that he can help with.


    Zhang Yu Han stood silently beside her and watch her as she slept for more than five minutes. It was when Secretary Tian rapped her knuckle softly on his door that Zhang Yu Han finally snapped out of his thought.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao began to stir up from her sleep.


    Zhang Yu Han then moved away from the sofa and head to the door before Li Qin Yao woke up from her nap properly. Once he opened the door, Secretary Tian stared at her boss with a surprised expression.


    Usually, when Secretary Tian knocked on his door, she will have to wait until her boss permitted to enter. But now, Director Zhang had stood in front of her to open the door. Of course, she was confused!


    However, she had glanced into the room earlier and saw that the woman who was with their Director was stretching up as if just woken up from a nap. Seeing this scene, Secretary Tian could guess why her boss had come to the door.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice resounded in the room.


    Secretary Tian snapped out of her thought and steadied herself. "Director Zhang, the Chairman wanted you to remind him when you''re ready to go back. He will be waiting for you in the coffee house."


    "Tell him that I will come to him in five minutes."


    "Yes." Secretary Tian nodded and retreated politely. Once the door closed again, Secretary Tian let out a gasp in excitement. It was frustrating for Secretary Tian. It seemed that she had stumbled into something worth gossiping about, but there was nothing she could do but to keep everything to herself.


    Back in the office, Zhang Yu Han turned around and saw that Li Qin Yao was staring at him. He cleared his throat and walked over to the sofa.


    "Sorry. I seemed to fall asleep." Li Qin Yao looked at him guiltily. "What time is it?" She reached for her phone on the table to look at the time.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "If you''re ready, we can go out now. Grandfather is waiting for us."


    As she recalled that she had promised to have a meal with the Zhang''s, Li Qin Yao quickly gathered her stuff.


    "Take your time." Zhang Yu Han reminded her.


    Li Qin Yao nodded but did not reduce her speed to pack up her belongings. Once she finished, both of them walked out of Zhang Yu Han''s office together and headed to the Coffee House to pick up Zhang Jing.


    Because it was around the time the employees clocked out, many of the hotel''s employees ran into both of them as they walked around the hotel together. Some of the overexcited employees even snapped a few pictures to share among the coworkers.


    When an employee sneaked a photo of Li Qin Yao talking happily together with both their Chairman and Director, another rumor that said that their Director''s relationship with the girl was approved by the Chairman began to spread.


    Thus, a few girls who had set their eyes on Director Zhang had their heartbroken.


    Of course, the three of them knew nothing about this new rumor.

 Chapter 98 - Trying To Help Your Grandson

    Zhang Yu Han had a bad expression on his face as he drove from the hotel to the restaurant. Ever since the three of them entered the vehicle, his grandfather has been talking non-stop with Li Qin Yao as if he did not exist. Not only that, his grandfather even kidnapped Li Qin Yao to sit with him in the back, thus making him appear as the two''s chauffeur.


    Thankfully, the drive from the hotel to the restaurant was not very far away. With the smooth traffic, the three of them arrived earlier than planned. Zhang Yu Han found a parking spot near the restaurant and helped both his grandfather and Li Qin Yao off the car.


    As Zhang Jing watched how his grandson treated his future granddaughter-in-law, his lips curved into a smile. Fortunately, his grandson was not totally clueless about trying to pursue a lady.


    Although Zhang Jing knew that he had to give a bit of push to help his grandson, he realized that he could not always give a hand to help. Or else, what will happen to their relationship later? Everyone knows that too much meddling from outsiders would ruin a relationship.


    The three of them walked over to the restaurant. Zhang Yu Han took out his phone to call his sister and stopped when he saw her silhouette in a distance away. And Zhang Yu Ying was chatting with someone near the entrance.


    As they approached Zhang Yu Ying and her friend, Zhang Yu Han finally recognized the person beside his sister as Xiao Ran. Previously, Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao had run into Xiao Ran while they were picking up his sister from the airport.


    "Yu Ying," Zhang Jing called out.


    Hearing her grandfather''s voice, Zhang Yu Ying turned around and smile. "Grandfather." She glanced at the person beside her grandfather and her eyes sparkled with joy. "Sister, you''re here too!"


    "Who is your friend?" Zhang Jing asked. Of course, from Zhang Jing''s perspective, her granddaughter was with a boy. Seeing that his granddaughter was with her prospective boyfriend, Zhang Jing got excited about a while.


    Zhang Yu Ying pulled her friend''s hand and tugged her forward. "Grandfather, you remember my friend, Xiao Ran? I ran into her at the entrance."


    "Grandfather Zhang, hello," Xiao Ran greeted politely with a soft, sweet voice.


    Zhang Jing''s expression changed slightly. The boy that he thought was a potential grandson-in-law turned out to be a girl. Nevertheless, Zhang Jing quickly composed himself and smiled. "Xiao Ran? I almost did not recognize you! I heard that you went to Country T to study. Did you come back to visit your grandparents?"


    Xiao Ran nodded. Because Zhang Jing and her grandparents can be considered acquaintances, Xiao Ran chatted briefly with Zhang Jing and peeked at both Zhang Yu Han and the girl beside him. She peeked at Zhang Yu Ying and frowned slightly when her friend did not show any sign that she was going to introduce the other woman.


    Although Zhang Yu Han and the other girl was not acting intimate, Xiao Ran could not miss the gentle look in Zhang Yu Han''s eyes as he looked at her. From Xiao Ran''s womanly intuition, she could see that this girl was someone special, but, there was a hint of doubt in her heart.


    "Right. Xiao Ran, we still have to a reservation with restaurant," Zhang Yu Ying said as she looked at the waiter who stood at the door. "Let''s arrange for another meeting later."


    Xiao Ran watched her friend with her eyes widened. "Sure. I''ll call you and maybe we can go shopping together."


    With a bright smile on her face, Zhang Yu Ying linked her hand with her grandfather and pulled him towards the restaurant. "Grandfather, hurry up. I''m hungry."


    Zhang Yu Ying gave her name to the waiter and the four of them were brought into a private room.


    At first, Zhang Yu Ying wanted to be seated next to Li Qin Yao. However, facing her brother''s sharp gaze, Zhang Yu Ying then obediently sat next to her grandfather and allowed her brother and Li Qin Yao to be seated together. This way, Li Qin Yao was seated between Zhang Yu Han and Zhang Jing at the round table.


    The waiter came in to pass them their menu and poured some water on the glass.


    Zhang Jing stared at the menu and inched closer to his granddaughter to pinch her on her waist. "You brat, don''t you think you''re a bit rude to your friend earlier? Why do I feel as if you''re trying to shoo her away?"


    As he thought about his granddaughter''s action earlier, Zhang Jing was a bit unhappy. As an elder, he did not want others to think that he was not good at educating the junior in his house.


    Zhang Yu Ying pouted as she rubbed her waist. Although her grandfather did not use any strength, it was still painful for Zhang Yu Ying. "Then, grandfather, do you expect me to invite her to this meal together?"


    "What''s wrong with inviting her to have a meal together?"


    Zhang Yu Ying clicked her tongue. "I''m trying to help your grandson, alright?" She leaned forward to her grandfather and whispered a few words.


    Hearing his granddaughter''s words, Zhang Jing narrowed her eyes. He turned to look at Zhang Yu Ying and smiled. "Well then, you did a good job."


    "What are the two of you being secretive about?"


    The grandfather and granddaughter duo jumped up slightly at the deep voice. They raised their head at the same time and saw that Zhang Yu Han was looking at them with a suspicious glance.


    "Nothing. It''s just that, grandfather was trying to bribe me to order a few more meat dishes," Zhang Yu Ying was fast to make her escape.


    "Me? When did I?" Zhang Jing stared at his granddaughter with his mouth agape. His expression showed that he was betrayed. However, no matter how he wanted to explain himself, he could not do it in front of Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao.


    The thing that his granddaughter had said to him was better for them to know nothing about it. In the end, he had no other choice but to swallow his frustration.


    "Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han spoke in a warning tone.


    Li Qin Yao suppressed her laugh as she looked at Zhang Jing''s pouting face. She could not help but adore how close Zhang Jing was with his grandchildren.


    "I heard you have accompanied grandfather a few times for a meal," Zhang Yu Han spoke to Li Qin Yao. He watched her nodded and continued, "The next time you accompany him for a meal, you have to remind him not to eat too much meat. The doctor wanted him to watch his diet."


    Li Qin Yao nodded at Zhang Yu Han''s reminder and winked when she turned at Zhang Jing.


    Zhang Yu Ying, who saw the exchange let out a chuckle.

 Chapter 99 - Zhang Yu Han, Good Night

    After the four of them had their meal, Zhang Jing instructed his grandson to send Li Qin Yao back to B City, while he was going to take a lift from his granddaughter.


    At the thought of spending more time with Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han immediately agreed. It was in his plan to drive her home. Even though it would take almost an hour''s drive back and forth from Y City to B City at a time like this, Zhang Yu Han did not mind at all.


    However, the same thing couldn''t be said to Li Qin Yao. Upon seeing that grandfather was insistent to have his grandson send her back, Li Qin Yao was helpless. She did not want to be bothersome to Zhang Yu Han. Driving back and forth between two cities would be tiring.


    Even though Zhang Yu Han had convinced her that he did not mind, Li Qin Yao thought that she should not be taking advantage of him. Li Qin Yao knew that if she suggested Zhang Yu Han to drop her at the train station, he would definitely disagree.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao pulled out her phone and dialed Han Yue Xiu''s number. Once she told her friend that she will be staying over at her house, Han Yue Xiu immediately agreed.


    As the call ended, Li Qin Yao felt as if something was not right in Han Yue Xiu''s voice. At the thought that she was going over to Han Yue Xiu''s place anyway, Li Qin Yao was less worried. She then called her mother to inform her that she will be staying over in Y City and went back to find Zhang Yu Han.


    The man was leaning on his Cayenne when Li Qin Yao returned. When he heard the footsteps, Zhang Yu Han stood up straight and turned towards the sound. "Finished with your call?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her ears tingle at his deep vibrating voice. There were only two of them at the parking lot. Earlier, Zhang Yu Ying and her grandfather had returned first, leaving them both alone. Li Qin Yao pulled her hair to cover both her ears and nodded at his question.


    Zhang Yu Han moved to the passenger seat to open the door for Li Qin Yao.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao paused at his side.


    "Hmm?"


    "You¡­ could you send me over to Han Yue Xiu''s house?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her face for a few seconds longer. "You''re staying over at your friend''s house?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded again. "It''s late. I think it would be better if I stay over at my friend''s place. This way I won''t worry that you have to drive back from B City to Y City on your own."


    Hearing that she would worry about him, Zhang Yu Han felt his heart warmed. "Alright. Get in."


    Li Qin Yao hopped into the passenger seat and fastened her seat belt as she waited for Zhang Yu Han to start the engine. When Zhang Yu Han started to drive, Li Qin Yao turned to look at him. "You remember Han Yue Xiu''s address?"


    "Hmm¡­ I still remember the way." It was not too long ago that he drove them both back to Han Yue Xiu''s place. Since Han Yue Xiu was Li Qin Yao''s closest friend, Zhang Yu Han made it his business to remember her address.


    Li Qin Yao leaned on her seat and looked out the window to enjoy the night light.


    "Did you enjoyed the food?"


    Li Qin Yao turned when she heard his voice. "Un. It was delicious. I heard a few good reviews about the restaurant when Yue Xiu invited me to the restaurant. I''m glad that it did not disappoint."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. This should be the first time he had a meal with both Li Qin Yao and his grandfather. As he watched the two of them ate happily, Zhang Yu Han understood that the two of them shared the same traits. They were both foodies! The two of them would encourage each other to try different dishes.


    Seeing the way Li Qin Yao would pick some food for his grandfather, Zhang Yu Han was jealous. However, the harmonious scene really warmed his heart. He knew that his grandfather genuinely like Li Qin Yao.


    "That¡­ Will you return to B City in the morning?" Zhang Yu Han asked as they almost reached to Han Yue Xiu''s place.


    "Yes, I still have to go to the office. Since your friend had agreed to invest, there are so many things to do. We can pick up our pace and finished earlier."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. As they have arrived at Han Yue Xiu''s place, Zhang Yu Han parked his car at the side road. "Then, the next morning, I will come over to pick you up." As he noticed that her movement has paused, Zhang Yu Han let out a cough. "Anyway, we are going in the same direction."


    "Then, I can only bother you," Li Qin Yao gave him a bright smile.


    "It''s no bother," Seeing that she had agreed, Zhang Yu Han was relieved. He exited his Cayenne as Li Qin Yao was gathering her belongings and opened the door for her.


    "Thank you." Li Qin Yao stepped out of the vehicle and staggered. Anyway, from Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne, her legs were a bit short to reach the ground. Moreover, her hands were full. One hand was holding her knapsack, and another was holding her purse.


    Just as she thought that she was going to knock her head on the door, a warm hand was holding her arms and helped her to stabilize herself.


    "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao shivered. Because they were standing too close, Zhang Yu Han''s voice sounded deeper than usual. Fortunately, it was dark at night. Or else, Zhang Yu Han would able to notice her reddened ears. Li Qin Yao lifted her head and met Zhang Yu Han''s worried gaze. "I''m fine."


    Once he was assured that there was nothing wrong, Zhang Yu Han retracted his hands. It was then that he realized that he had one hand on her arm, and another on her waist. "Sorry," he took a step back to give her space and peeked at her expression. He let out a breath of relief seeing that she was not angry. He did not want her to misunderstood that he was taking advantage of her. "Let me hold your bag for you."


    Li Qin Yao did not reject his offer. She passed him her purse before she slid her knapsack on her shoulder. Once her hands were free, Li Qin Yao took her purse from him. "Thank you. I should go up now."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded, though he was a bit reluctant. He shut the passenger door and watched as Li Qin Yao walked over to the apartment. He was not planning to leave until he had seen her enter the building safely.


    Just before she stepped on the stairs, Li Qin Yao turned around to look at him and smiled. "Zhang Yu Han, good night. I''ll see you tomorrow."

 Chapter 100 - Go with the Flow

    Li Qin Yao jogged up the small steps and went straight to the elevator. She did not stay long to look at Zhang Yu Han''s expression. Or else, she might catch his rare bright smile. She pressed at the up button and peeked behind her shoulder as she waited for the elevator to arrive. However, in her distance, she could no longer see Zhang Yu Han''s silhouette.


    As she thought of their small interaction as she got off his vehicle just now, Li Qin Yao''s ears turned red.


    She had momentarily lost her balance and Zhang Yu Han was quick enough to help her. Or else, her head might knock against the door or worst, she might sprain her ankle if she did not land properly.


    What was disrupting her mind right now was how close they were in such a situation, that it almost felt as if Zhang Yu Han was hugging her. To make things worst, he had spoken so near to her ear, and his voice almost make her knees weak.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her legs and silently cursed her short legs and her weakness at hearing a deep baritone voice in someone like Zhang Yu Han. Fortunately, it was dark at night or else, she was going to be embarrassed to death if Zhang Yu Han noticed how her ears had turned red.


    Ding!


    The elevator arrived and Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance. She walked in a daze as her mind continued to think of what happened.


    It was not as if she did not notice Zhang Yu Han''s change of attitude around her.


    Not too long ago that she had convinced herself that Zhang Yu Han absolutely had no interest in her. But recently, it was difficult not to notice the change in the way he has been treating her.


    Picking her up, sending her back and spending time with her in the office under the pretext to learn more about their project. Although Zhang Group had invested a lot of money in this project, Li Qin Yao still thought that it would be too strange that he would come over from Y City every day for this reason.


    It was not hard for her to see that he was interested in her. And this time, he no longer sent her any mixed messages. He no longer tried to distance himself after getting closer.


    However, she still did not know whether his feeling towards her was merely an interest, admiration or more than that.


    Regarding her feeling¡­


    After she had run into Chen Hao and Tang Ai Ling together, Li Qin Yao already thought that she did not felt the same way as she did in the past. When she saw both of them together, though she was disappointed that Chen Hao had chosen to follow his mother''s wishes, Li Qin Yao had wished for the two of them to be happy together. Perhaps Mother Chen really do know best for her son.


    Since she had let go of Chen Hao, Li Qin Yao thought that she will not shy away from a new relationship and take a chance. Whatever it is, she has decided to go with the flow. If one day she found someone she liked, she will not hesitate to tell the other person of her feelings. If one day someone had confessed to her, then she will only follow her heart at that time.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance when the elevator stopped at Han Yue Xiu''s level. She headed to the door and knocked. It did not take Han Yue Xiu a long time before she appeared at the door.


    "You''re here," Han Yue Xiu stepped aside to let her friend in. "I''ve been waiting for you since you called. Why did you suddenly decide to stay here?"


    "Zhang Yu Han introduced me to a new investor," Li Qin Yao looked at her friend with a bright smile. "Yue Xiu, I don''t have to worry about not having enough budget anymore!"


    Han Yue Xiu was affected by her friend''s smile. "That''s good. We can celebrate!"


    Li Qin Yao turned to the living room and paused. Her mouth gaped as she watched the view in front of her. She had long known that Han Yue Xiu was someone who loved junk food but seeing various types of junk food lying around the room shocked her. Li Qin Yao had visited Han Yue Xiu''s apartment for a lot of times, but this is the first time that she had seen it this messy!


    "Yue Xiu, what happened?"


    Han Yue Xiu locked the door and followed Li Qin Yao''s gaze. "Sorry. I haven''t had time to clean up." She walked over to the living room and began to pick up a few discarded wrappers on the floor. Then she pointed to the sofa. "Have a seat."


    Li Qin Yao put her bags at the side and picked up a portable vacuum. Turning it on, she then vacuumed around the sofa. "Are you not afraid that there will be cockroaches later on?"


    "Hey, don''t say that creature''s name or you''ll jinx it," Han Yue Xiu stood up straight and started to look around as if that creature would appear from a corner of the room anytime soon.


    It was no secret that Han Yue Xiu was scared of the insect, especially the one that flies. If she encountered a flying cockroach, Han Yue Xiu would run into another room.


    Once she had vacuumed the sofa, Li Qin Yao put it aside and sat down. She glanced at Han Yue Xiu and noticed that her friend was in a daze. It was then that she recalled how she thought Han Yue Xiu''s voice did not sound so good on the phone.


    Li Qin Yao continued to stare at her friend, but Han Yue Xiu did not seem to notice her gaze on her. Feeling that something was not right, Li Qin Yao grabbed both of Han Yue Xiu''s hands to stop her from picking up another can on the floor.


    "Yue Xiu, what''s wrong with you."


    Han Yue Xiu snapped out of her trance. She stared into Li Qin Yao''s eyes for a while before she looked away and sighed. Slowly, she sat down and massaged her temple. "Yao Yao, I quit my job."


    Li Qin Yao blinked. For a short while, she did not know how to react. She had heard the same words from Han Yue Xiu not too long ago, however, the tones were different.


    "What happened this time?" Her eyes flashed as she recalled hearing something while Han Yue Xiu''s boss visited her apartment to deliver some files. "Did something happened at work?"


    Han Yue Xiu frowned as she thought of her workplace. She lifted her face and her expression twisted. "My boss. That stupid boss. He kissed me."

 Chapter 101 - Whats with this Sudden Development?

    There was a long silence in the room.


    Li Qin Yao''s stared at her friend and seemed to finally snap out from her trance after a blink.


    Huh? What''s with this sudden development?


    Li Qin Yao thought that she was probably still muddle-headed after that small interaction with Zhang Yu Han earlier just now. However, as her gaze stayed at Han Yue Xiu''s expression, Li Qin Yao then knew that she did not mishear anything. However, at this state, Li Qin Yao did not know what should she say. She probably needed more time to process what Han Yue Xiu had told her.


    After a long silence between them, Li Qin Yao found her voice. "Why did he kiss you?"


    "How am I supposed to know what was going on in that pervert''s mind?" Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. As she thought of the situation that afternoon, Han Yue Xiu was angered.


    The two of them were in his office and she was trying hard to show him that there was something wrong in the system. It was as if an insider deliberately messing up with the system and made it look like their system was about to collapse.


    Han Yue Xiu was invited back to Y City by her boss after he told her of an emergency state in the office. It took Han Yue Xiu a few days to put everything back in place. She worked overtime and probably skipped a few meals. As she was repairing the system, Han Yue Xiu noticed that something was not right.


    Once the system was back in place, Han Yue Xiu tried to investigate everything in silence as she did not wish to alert anyone. Once she got enough evidence that someone was indeed tampering with the system, Han Yue Xiu went to find her boss in the hope that he will continue this investigation. After all, as the boss of the company, it would be proper for him to handle the situation.


    But who knew that once she finished telling him about her findings, and urging him to call the police, her boss, Song Yi would shamelessly admit that it was his doing.


    Han Yue Xiu was shocked. She certainly could not think of a reason why Song Yi would do such a thing that would be damaging his company. His reaction next was surprised her. Song Yi had suddenly said that he liked her before proceeded to lower his head to kiss her on her lips. And it was not an accident. The kiss was the kind of kiss that made her slowly lose her rationality.


    Of course, Han Yue Xiu was perplexed. What does liking her got anything to do with sabotaging the system in his company? Was he an idiot?


    Didn''t he remember that he was someone else''s boyfriend?


    It was not as if Han Yue Xiu had never seen Song Yi''s girlfriend before. After all, she often came over and visited the office.


    Before she could ask such a question, her hands moved faster in reflex. Han Yue Xiu had slapped her boss and once she realized what she had did, Han Yue Xiu chose to flee. She needed to calm down and organize her thoughts. Absentmindedly, she went back to her apartment. As she tried to think of what was happening, Han Yue Xiu picked a few bags of chips and started to binge eating.


    Li Qin Yao listened to Han Yue Xiu''s story and only responded with a ''hmm'' and ''uh-huh'', once in a while.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao truly did not know how she should react to this news. It took her a while before she spoke again. "Then¡­ why do you want to quit your job?"


    "What else am I supposed to do?" Han Yue Xiu spoke exasperatedly. She raked her hands through her hair and let out a loud sigh. "I cannot go back to work, look at his face and pretend that nothing had happened, alright? It''s awkward."


    Indeed. It would be awkward for Han Yue Xiu to return to her office and pretended that nothing had happened.


    Li Qin Yao did not have many opinions towards Han Yue Xiu''s boss. She had only met him twice. Once at Han Yue Xiu''s apartment, and once at hers. He was a few inches taller than Han Yue Xiu and was pretty handsome with his slightly bronzed skin. However, Li Qin Yao thought that Song Yi was too quiet.


    "Yue Xiu, you¡­ what do you feel about him?"


    In the past, she would often joke that perhaps, Han Yue Xiu''s boss was holding her in office for work because he was secretly fond of her. Who knew that it would be the truth?


    "I don''t know." Han Yue Xiu shook her head. "Nothing? I never considered dating my boss. Yao Yao, he is someone who had a girlfriend. You know that I will never entangle myself with someone who is in a relationship. It''s too much trouble."


    At this time, Han Yue Xiu''s phone on the coffee table started to ring. Han Yue Xiu glanced at the screen and decided to throw it on the sofa after she saw the name on the screen.


    "You''re not going to pick it up?"


    Han Yue Xiu shook her head again. "I am not going to talk to him until I have a clear mind."


    The music from Han Yue Xiu''s died before it continued again.


    Li Qin Yao could only sigh at Han Yue Xiu''s stubborn self. A conflict like this should be resolved with the parties involved to sit down and talk. However, Han Yue Xiu was someone who will not sit down and talk until she had calmed down a lot. According to Han Yue Xiu, when a person sat down and talk with emotion instead of a clear mind, the situation could only get worse.


    "Yao Yao, this time I am resolved. I am going to quit my job without notice," Han Yue Xiu tilted her head down, but her eyes were looking at her phone on the side.


    "Are you sure? Yue Xiu, I know how much you really like this job and the company."


    Han Yue Xiu looked up with a bitter expression. After giving it a thought, she slowly nodded. "Maybe," she trailed off as if thinking of something. "Maybe I should take some time off and visit my parents."


    "Aren''t they in S country?"


    Han Yue Xiu nodded again. "I missed them. It has been almost two years since the last time I saw them."


    Li Qin Yao frowned, knowing that her friend wanted to flee instead of facing this situation. But as Han Yue Xiu had made her decision, there were not many things that she could do. "When are you planning to go?"


    This time, Han Yue Xiu''s phone on her side rang again. This time, it was a string of notifications. Han Yue Xiu glanced at her phone again and closed her eyes when she saw her boss''s name. "As soon as possible."

 Chapter 102 - Mister Zhang, I’m Rooting For You!

    Li Qin Yao was helping Han Yue Xiu to pack her bags when her phone rang. She put a bag of toiletries into the luggage before she stood up to pick up her phone. A glint of light flashed in her eyes as she saw the caller''s name. She brushed a finger on the screen and pressed her phone to her ears. "Hello?"


    "Li Qin Yao, good morning."


    Zhang Yu Han''s voice sounded rich and deeper on the other line. It made her ears turned red and slightly itchy. Li Qin Yao bit on her lips as she pondered if she perhaps had a fetish towards this type of voice. Why did she always felt like shrinking her neck and curling her toes whenever she heard his voice?


    "Hello?"


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thoughts and cleared her throat. "Hello. Sorry," she stood up quickly and walked over to the window in the hope that the morning air would be able to make her calmer. "I was in the middle of something. Well, good morning to you too."


    "Are you going back to B City this morning?"


    "En," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "Then, I will come and pick you up later," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "Alright," she nodded again. She heard a movement behind her and turned around to see Han Yue Xiu picking up a few more stuff and put it in the bag. "Wait. Zhang Yu Han?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Could you hold on for a few seconds?" Once she heard he made a sound to agree, Li Qin Yao pulled away from the phone from her ears and placed her palm around the phone as if to block Zhang Yu Han from hearing her speak. "Yue Xiu, did you get someone to drive you to the airport yet?"


    Han Yue Xiu looked at her friend in a puzzle before she shook her head. "No. It is hard to get a driver around this time, but I''ll keep trying. Surely someone will answer soon."


    Li Qin Yao pressed her phone back to her ears. "Hello? You''re still there?"


    "I''m here."


    Li Qin Yao saw that Han Yue Xiu was busy looking at her phone to find a driver to drive her to the airport and heaved a sigh in relief.


    Last night, after the two friends had a long chat, Han Yue Xiu pulled out her laptop to look at the flight. In an impulse, she decided to book a flight in the morning.


    Han Yue Xiu had predicted that once she did not show up at work this morning, Song Yi would definitely come over to look for her. It was best if she started to flee before that happened. Han Yue Xiu then joked that perhaps the one who would come and barge at her door later would not be her boss, but his girlfriend!


    "Zhang Yu Han, do you think you can give me a lift to the airport today?"


    Zhang Yu Han was happy that Li Qin Yao had thought of him when she needed help, but as he listened to her request, a frown appeared on his face. "The airport? You''re going somewhere?"


    "Not me. But Han Yue Xiu. She''s going to S Country to visit her parents. Her flight is this morning but we couldn''t book a cab this morning. Maybe we could give her a lift to the airport before we head to the office?"


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face gradually disappeared, and his lips curved into a stunning smile. Zhang Yu Han found that he quite like the way Li Qin Yao had unintentionally referred them as ''we.''


    "Alright. Tell me the time. I''ll be there for you soon."


    Once Li Qin Yao hung up the call, she talked to Han Yue Xiu of the arrangement, causing her friend to be relieved, yet suspicious.


    "Yao Yao, what''s going on between you and Mister Zhang?" Han Yue Xiu asked. "Why is he being so nice to give me a lift to the airport?"


    "You think too much," Li Qin Yao turned around and continued to help Han Yue Xiu to pack up her belongings. "You do know that he''s staying in Y City, right? Anyway, he''s going to B City to take part in the development project. What''s wrong with asking him to give you a lift? This way, I can send you off to the airport. Besides, it''s not like you have found-" her words were left unfinished. Li Qin Yao raised a brow when she saw the way Han Yue Xiu was staring at her. "What?"


    Han Yue Xiu narrowed her eyes. "You''re talking too much. That''s suspicious."


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes. "You better pack up your stuff. Or else, your boss will be the one who catches you before you catch the flight."


    At the thought of her boss would show up at her apartment once he saw that she did not show up at work, Han Yue Xiu began to panic. Li Qin Yao found it a bit hilarious with how Han Yue Xiu seemed to be escaping her boss.


    Once Han Yue Xiu had packed up everything she needed, the two girls went down and found Zhang Yu Han was waiting for them in the lobby. Zhang Yu Han walked over to them and greeted, "Good morning."


    Han Yue Xiu stepped forward, dragging her luggage. "Good Morning, Mister Zhang. Thank you so much for helping me. You''re a lifesaver!"


    "It''s not a problem," Zhang Yu Han glanced at Li Qin Yao before he helped Han Yue Xiu with her luggage. The three of them boarded on Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne and before he drove to the airport.


    Because Li Qin Yao did not know how long will Han Yue Xiu be staying in S Country, she spent her time talking with her friend while giving her reminders to be careful in another country.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han could only watch everything through the mirror. Though he found that the way the two friends were acting a bit strange, he decided not to ask anything.


    The drive from Han Yue Xiu''s place to the airport took almost forty minutes. The two girls stood at the departure hall, hugging and saying their goodbyes as Zhang Yu Han helped with Han Yue Xiu''s luggage.


    "Alright, alright. You don''t have to send me in. Sending me off here is enough," Han Yue Xiu spoke in a helpless tone as she patted her friend on her back. "It''s not like I''m not coming back."


    "Yue Xiu. You take care. Don''t forget to inform me once you landed."


    "Un. Un." Han Yue Xiu nodded. "Yao Yao, you look after my apartment if you''re free, alright?"


    Once Han Yue Xiu pulled away from her friend, she turned to Zhang Yu Han with a bright smile on her face. "Mister Zhang. Really. Thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He took out a card from his pocket and handed it to Han Yue Xiu. "Miss Han, if you ever need a hotel room in S Country, you can visit our hotel. If you show them this card, you will get a special discount."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the card before she accepted them happily. "Thank you, Mister Zhang. I''m going to S Country to visit my parents, but," she waved the card he had given her. "I''ll be sure to check out your hotel and give you a good review. Anyway," Han Yue Xiu stepped forward and lowered her voice so that Li Qin Yao would not hear a thing, "Mister Zhang, I''m rooting for you!"


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow, not quite understand her words. Once he saw the way Han Yue Xiu tilted her head towards Li Qin Yao''s direction and winked, Zhang Yu Han finally understood what she tried to hint. Seeing the playful smile on Han Yue Xiu''s face, Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Thank you, Miss Han."

 Chapter 103 - Sensed an Incoming Danger

    Zhang Yu Han was in a good mood, especially after Li Qin Yao''s friend had personally wished him luck in pursuing her best friend.


    Through his short period of knowing Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han had learned that Han Yue Xiu was her closest friend. Of course, since Han Yue Xiu had personally wished him luck, Zhang Yu Han understood that Han Yue Xiu was giving him his approval.


    Now that he thought of it, Zhang Yu Han thought that it sounded like a good plan.


    To pursue the girl he liked, perhaps it would be better if he has got the favor of the people around her. Since he had obtained Li Qin Yao''s friend''s approval, perhaps it was best if he started to think of something to get the others as well, such as her employee, or perhaps, her mother.


    As he recalled his future mother-in-law, Zhang Yu Han began to shiver.


    He had only met her mother by chance, once and judging from the way she was looking at her, Zhang Yu Han had a feeling that she was quite cautious of him. It was as if his mother-in-law could already know his intention towards her daughter.


    It was then that he decided that he needed to do something to make his mother-in-law like him.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the girl who sat beside him and another worrying thought crossed his mind.


    If Han Yue Xiu was able to see that he was trying to pursue her friend, then, doesn''t that mean his gesture was apparent? Then, would Li Qin Yao notice it too?


    Zhang Yu Han was both excited and worry. Of course, he was excited to know that what he had done secretly to enter her life had worked that Li Qin Yao began to notice his presence.


    However, once he thought of how she would react towards his feeling for her, Zhang Yu Han was worried. He did not know what was her opinion towards him. What if she ended up rejecting his feelings?


    As someone who had never confessed to another person, or had any feelings towards another person other than Li Qin Yao, of course, he was worried. He had liked her for ten years and was not able to forget her after he saw her at the basketball tournament.


    He wouldn''t know how to handle her rejection.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han decided that it would better for him to tell her his feeling once he was sure that she had liked him a little more.


    "Are you alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han was worrying too much that he did not notice the cease on the space between his brows. Li Qin Yao has been watching him from the corner of her eyes and noticed his expression.


    "I''m sorry. We were supposed to go to the company and work on the paperwork, but I turned you into our chauffeur," Li Qin Yao had an embarrassed look on her face. "Well, if you''re tired, you can let me drive."


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han glanced at her with an assuring smile and he focused on the road. "We are going in the same direction and I don''t mind stopping at the airport to help your friend. Besides, it doesn''t take that long."


    "But the drive back to B City would take a lot longer now." Li Qin Yao let out an inaudible sigh when Zhang Yu Han glanced at her with a smile. She could tell that he really did not mind the long drive and thus, decided not to mention it anymore. Li Qin Yao made a mental note to treat Zhang Yu Han for a meal later.


    As Li Qin Yao stole a glance at Zhang Yu Han who seemed so focused on the road, a light smile appeared on her lips. Li Qin Yao was reminded of her train of thoughts last night after Zhang Yu Han sent her to Han Yue Xiu''s place. Suddenly, her Li Qin Yao pulled her hair down to cover her ears and looked out the window. The thought had made her shy and she did not want Zhang Yu Han to notice her reddened ears.


    At this time, her phone suddenly rang.


    Li Qin Yao jolted in surprise before she looked at the caller ID. Swiftly, she swiped her fingers on the screen and pressed her phone to her ears. "Liang Sheng?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at her when she spoke. Worried that there might be some problems arising as she was not present in the office yet, Zhang Yu Han listened to her conversation as he drove. His expression relaxed when he knew that Liang Sheng was only calling to inform her regarding an e-mail.


    Once the call disconnected, Li Qin Yao busied herself to check on the e-mails that Liang Sheng had forwarded to her.


    After a long silence in the vehicle, Zhang Yu Han turned as he noticed there was no movement on Li Qin Yao''s side. His eyes grew warmer when he saw that she was fast asleep. Her breathing was steady, her arms crossed on her chest and her hand was holding her phone tightly. When he saw her posture, Zhang Yu Han quickly turned down the air conditioner and drove slower.


    This was the second time that he had seen her fallen asleep. Though he did not mind that she had fallen asleep in his presence, Zhang Yu Han was worried that she was not too cautious with the people around her. As a girl, shouldn''t she be more alert? What if he happened to be a bad guy?


    The vehicle had entered B City when the phone in Li Qin Yao''s hand started to vibrate. Li Qin Yao stirred from her sleep and looked around as she sat up straight. Once she saw the familiar scenery outside the window, she started to relax. It was then that she realized that she had fallen asleep as Zhang Yu Han drove her back to B City.


    "We haven''t arrived yet?"


    "We''re almost there." Zhang Yu Han looked at the confused Li Qin Yao and sighed helplessly. "Your phone is buzzing."


    "Oh!" Li Qin Yao glanced at her phone. Earlier, she had set her phone to vibrate as she did not want to make too much noise as she continued to chat with Liang Sheng. As Li Qin Yao looked at the screen, her eyes brightened with joy. She accepted the call quickly and pressed her ears to the phone. "Senior Mo?"


    Zhang Yu Han straightened up as he sensed an incoming danger. Although he did not know who was the other person on the line, and what he was saying, Zhang Yu Han could still hear that it was a man''s voice. Hearing from his tone, this man seemed to be a bright and cheery guy.


    Fortunately, their conversation did not last long.


    Li Qin Yao hung up her phone and turned to the man beside her. "Zhang Yu Han. Do you remember when I said I wanted to introduce you to one of our investors? That was Vice-president Mo. He said he will come and visit the office in B City two days before we submit the tender."

 Chapter 104 - His Love Life was Not Going Smoothly

    Wei Jun Hao cursed as he watched Zhang Yu Han jumped past him and shot the ball into the hoop. It has been two nights in a row that Zhang Yu Han had asked him to come over to play basketball.


    Last night, the others had also come out to accompany their captain to play a few rounds, however, this night, it seemed that everyone else had found a reason not to show up.


    Some of them had to work overtime, some had to go out and entertained their clients and some of them had a prior engagement. Su Ming Yuan, however, had blatantly given an excuse that his mother did not allow him to go out at night. When Wei Jun Hao heard Su Ming Yuan''s excuse, he really wanted to curse and beat his friend to death.


    How original! How old was Su Ming Yuan that he still needed his mother''s permission to go out at night?


    They''re friends! A team! Shouldn''t they face joy and suffering together? How can they let him be the only one tortured to play a one-on-one match against their captain! Of course, since the others were not present, Zhang Yu Han had beaten him badly and had refused to give him some face.


    Wei Jun Hao wiped the sweat on his face and panted. He bent down with both hands on his knee and raised his head to Zhang Yu Han. "That''s it. This is enough. I cannot play anymore!"


    Zhang Yu Han had a displeased expression on his face. However, he grabbed the ball, bounced it on the floor a few times and walked over to Wei Jun Hao. "How can you run out of stamina this fast. We haven''t played that long. Wei Jun Hao, you''re too weak."


    Wei Jun Hao gritted his teeth, unable to say anything. Who knows what was upsetting Zhang Yu Han that he had asked him to accompany him to play basketball. Wei Jun Hao walked over the corner and grabbed a bottle of drinking water. In seconds, he drank it empty. "Alright," he paused to catch his breath. "What''s going on with you? Did someone make you upset or happy? Why are you torturing me to play basketball with you two nights in a row?"


    "How is this torturing?" Zhang Yu Han grabbed another bottle and drank half of it. "I was concerned about your health. You spend most of your time sitting in front of your computers. Exercising is good for you. Isn''t this a good way for us to hang out?"


    Wei Jun Hao thought that if he was still drinking, the water would surely spill out of his mouth. Due to his job, he spent most of his time outside to meet clients, not cooped in his office and stay in front of the computer.


    "Even if you want to hang out, why can''t you ask us to meet up in a club or something?" Wei Jun Hao said with frustration.


    "No. It''s too stuffy in there."


    Wei Jun Hao thought that playing basketball and getting tortured by Zhang Yu Han like this was making his chest stuffy.


    With a heavy sigh, Wei Jun Hao followed after his friend as they walked to leave the basketball court. But just as they were about to reach the parking lot, Zhang Yu Han stopped and turned to sit at a bench.


    "The deadline to submit the tender to QL''s project in B City is near," Zhang Yu Han said as Wei Jun Hao took a seat beside him.


    "So¡­ you were worried?" Wei Jun Hao looked at his friend inquisitively. "What is it? You did not think that QL will win the project to develop the area?"


    "It''s not that. Li Qin Yao planned to introduce me to Vice President Mo from MH Group before they submit the tender," Zhang Yu Han said. "By the way she was talking about VP Mo, I can see that the two of them were quite close."


    Wei Jun Hao looked at his friend incredulously. So, he has been in a bad mood because his love life was not going smoothly?


    "How long has it been? You still haven''t said anything to her?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a shade darker. "Who was it that said I should pursue her slowly?"


    "Hey, I also said that you should go ahead and make your move before another man took the chance," Wei Jun Hao said. "Just go ahead and flirt a little. Grab her and kiss her. I heard that domineering man is in trend among girls nowadays."


    Zhang Yu Han tried his best to resist throwing the ball to Wei Jun Hao''s head.


    There was not a moment when he did not think about kissing her. He spent most of his time alone with her in her office. Just a man and a woman together alone in the office, how can he say that he never had the intention? There were times when he wanted to let go and just kiss the girl, but Zhang Yu Han found that he was not brave enough. He was afraid that with one misstep, he might make her hate him.


    Call him a coward, but what he wanted was to make fall for him and not to push her into a corner and leaving her with no way out. Judging from Li Qin Yao''s personality, he did not think that she would appreciate such a move either. Anyway, wasn''t there was a proverb saying a melon forced off its vine is not sweet?


    "I don''t know why I''m asking for advice from a single man like you," Zhang Yu Han shook his head.


    Wei Jun Hao could not resist rolling his eyes. "Then, how about you set me up with your sister? Then I wouldn''t be a single man anymore? That would stop my aunt from forcing me to go on a blind date. I don''t know what was wrong with her? She''s more anxious about it more than my mother."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his friend for a few seconds longer. Though he had always known that Wei Jun Hao liked his sister, he had never heard Wei Jun Hao say it out loud.


    Sensing that Zhang Yu Han did not say anything, Wei Jun Hao grew to worry. As Zhang Yu Han''s best friend, naturally, Wei Jun Hao knew of how good the siblings'' relationship can be. Though the two of them always annoy each other, there was no way that he did not know how Zhang Yu Han can be overprotective towards his sister.


    After a long silence, Zhang Yu Han let out a deep breath. "Forget it. Before I get myself a girlfriend, there''s no way that I will help you to get one."


    Wei Jun Hao was relieved that Zhang Yu Han did not say a word of objection towards what he had said, however, his words still drove him mad. "Zhang Yu Han. I did not know that you can be this petty!"

 Chapter 105 - Looking for Han Yue Xiu

    It has been more than a week since Han Yue Xiu quit her job and went over to S Country to stay with her parents. Although Li Qin Yao was initially worried over her friend, she was relieved upon seeing that Han Yue Xiu seemed to be enjoying her life in S Country.


    "Yao Yao, I''m bored. You should come over to S Country to play. My mom said she was going to cook her famous sweet and sour fish if you come over with auntie," Han Yue Xiu said.


    The two best friends were having a video chat as Li Qin Yao was getting ready to go out to meet with Mo Cheng Yi with Zhang Yu Han later. Han Yue Xiu however, was munching on her snacks as she sat lazily on the sofa.


    "If you''re bored, you should go around to take a walk."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed. "I finished touring this country after two days. Now that my parents went out to work, I was left at home with nothing to do." Han Yue Xiu lay on the sofa and spread her arms. She stared at the ceiling fan and let out a loud sigh.


    Seeing her friend''s dramatic act, Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. She picked up her bag and went to check that she had put in all the necessary documents inside. Once she was sure that she had not missed anything, Li Qin Yao lifted her head again. "Yue Xiu, you¡­ what about your boss? Have he tried to contact you?"


    Han Yue Xiu sat up straight and rolled her eyes. "It''s ex-boss! I haven''t spoken to him since I send him my resignation. Someone from the company e-mailed me and said that he was busy looking for me. But of course, I did not reply to that e-mail. Anyway, I cut off every route available for him to contact me. I don''t plan on contacting him lest his girlfriend found out about what he did and accuse me as being the third wheel. Let''s not talk about that pervert."


    In other words, Han Yue Xiu ghosted from having contact with Song Yi and his company. Li Qin Yao could only sigh. The two of them continued to chat for a while longer and hung up when it was time for Li Qin Yao to head out to work.


    As usual, Zhang Yu Han had promised that he will come over to her place to pick her up before he will drive them to meet Mo Cheng Yi and bring him to take a look at the site.


    Li Qin Yao went downstairs after having a light breakfast. She walked out of the elevator and smiled when she saw Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne in the parking lot. It was hard to miss. Because most of the tenant had gone out to work, the parking lot was almost empty.


    "Miss Li Qin Yao?"


    Before Li Qin Yao could descend the stairs, she heard a familiar voice calling out her name. Li Qin Yao turned around to that voice and frowned when she saw Han Yue Xiu''s ex-boss stood in front of her.


    It was not long ago that she had a conversation with Han Yue Xiu regarding this man, and now he had appeared in front of her.


    "I''m looking for Han Yue Xiu," Song Yi said. "Is she here?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at Song Yi''s expectant expression and shook her head. "She''s not here." She stepped away to leave but was pulled back by Song Yi. Li Qin Yao glanced at her wrist which was held by Song Yi and looked up at that man in displeased.


    "Sorry," Song Yi quickly released his grip. He took a step back to create a small distance between them. "Do you know where I can find her? Han Yue Xiu, she¡­ she has not come to work for a week. I don''t know where else I can find her."


    Li Qin Yao turned her body to face Song Yi. "I do know where Han Yue Xiu is." She saw the way Song Yi''s expression brightened up at the news and wondered what was this man thinking as he approached her friend. "But sorry, Mister Song, I cannot tell you where she has gone to."


    Immediately, Song Yi''s gaze turned darker. His fist clenched impatiently.


    "Is this man bothering you?"


    Li Qin Yao did not have to turn around to know whose voice was that. That low, deep voice only belonged to Zhang Yu Han. Li Qin Yao knew that he was standing right behind her when his tall figure blocked the light behind her.


    Seeing that Song Yi began to take another step back, Li Qin Yao turned around. The space between her brow creased when she saw his intimidating gaze on Song Yi.


    Li Qin Yao tugged at Zhang Yu Han''s sleeve and shook her head when their gaze met. "It''s fine. He''s Han Yue Xiu''s ex-boss. He was looking for her."


    Gradually, Zhang Yu Han''s intimidating glance disappeared. Earlier, he was waiting for Li Qin Yao at the same spot. He was watching her as she head over to his vehicle when a rude man came to block her path. When he saw the way Song Yi grasped Li Qin Yao''s wrist, he immediately left his car and went over.


    Zhang Yu Han was afraid that Song Yi might do something to hurt Li Qin Yao, and therefore, he rushed over to her side.


    "Mister Song, I don''t know what happened between you and my friend, but if you''re planning to play around with Han Yue Xiu, then I suggest you don''t waste your time to look for her."


    Song Yi''s expression darkened at Li Qin Yao''s comment. He could make a rough guess towards what Han Yue Xiu had told her friend. Song Yi wanted to defend himself, but facing Zhang Yu Han''s threatening gaze, Song Yi decided to withdraw.


    Forget it. Anyway, Song Yi knew that there were other methods if he wanted to find out where Han Yue Xiu was hiding. With that thought, Song Yi left without saying anything.


    Li Qin Yao frowned as she watched Song Yi leave. Once he was away from her eyesight, Li Qin Yao let out a deep sigh.


    "Are you alright?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He glanced at the wrist where the rude man had touched and frowned.


    Li Qin Yao followed his gaze and lifted her hands. She pulled up her sleeve a little bit and inspected the area. Though Song Yi''s grasped was rather tight, fortunately, it did not leave any marks. Li Qin Yao tilted her head up to look at him and smiled. "I''m alright."


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression gradually softened when he saw her smile. Then, her gaze went back to her hand. He really wanted to hold her hand and rub the area that the man had touched, but resisted.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han''s change of expressions was seen by Li Qin Yao. She had noticed the way he was staring at her hand earlier and lifted them to show him that she was alright. From his gaze, she could tell that he was worried. However, now that his gaze was back at her hand, Li Qin Yao wondered what was on his mind.


    "Come on. We should get going."


    Zhang Yu Han retracted his gaze and nodded.


    "Or else, we''ll make VP Mo wait for us."


    Hearing that name, once again, Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a few shades darker.

 Chapter 106 - His Heart Almost Stopped Beating in Excitement

    Zhang Yu Han was not looking forward to meeting VP Mo.


    If it was not because VP Mo was Li Qin Yao''s senior, Zhang Yu Han would probably want to meet VP Mo. After all, he had heard how VP Mo and his elder brother took over the company when their father was suddenly hospitalized.


    At that time, the company''s stock dropped and they were facing an internal conflict. Most people were expecting that MH Group would go bankrupt. However, the two brothers took over, stabilized the company and brought profit in a short period. MH Group had expanded since the two brothers took over.


    Many admired the two brothers'' cooperation to bring the company back from death. As someone who was around their age, how can Zhang Yu Han not admire VP Mo and his brothers? However, it was also because of this that he was afraid that Li Qin Yao would be attracted to someone like VP Mo.


    Moreover, Zhang Yu Han could see the way Li Qin Yao''s lips would curl into a bright smile as she continued chatting with VP Mo on WeChat. Of course, Zhang Yu Han knew that the two of them were communicating with each other as Li Qin Yao was the one who told him.


    Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne arrived at a five-stars hotel that obviously did not belong to Zhang''s Group. He parked at the front and handed his key to the jockey. As he lifted his head to look at the hotel, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh as he readied himself to meet VP Mo.


    The two of them walked on the stairs and headed to the lobby. Just as they were about to pass the door, Zhang Yu Han felt someone tugged on his hand to pull him back. Swiftly, he halted his steps.


    "Careful."


    Zhang Yu Han followed the voice and saw Li Qin Yao''s worried gaze on him. He snapped out of his trance and finally noticed that if he took another step, he might step on that small pool of liquid. It seemed that someone had spilled some coffee on the floor.


    "Thank you," Zhang Yu Han said to Li Qin Yao. A few seconds later, Zhang Yu Han noticed something strange. His gaze went to his hand and his heart almost stopped beating in excitement when he saw that Li Qin Yao was holding his hand.


    "Are you okay? It seemed that you were a bit absentminded since this morning," Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways as she studied his expression.


    His face grew a bit warmer from embarrassment from both Li Qin Yao''s touch and his stupid action. "I''m alright. Sorry, I was thinking about meeting VP Mo for the first time," Zhang Yu Han smiled as he gave his excuse. He then swallowed and took a deep breath to control himself. He made a mental note not to show any embarrassing side to the girl he liked anymore.


    Seeing that he was back to himself, swiftly, Li Qin Yao retracted her hands. "Fortunately, I stopped you in time."


    Zhang Yu Han pursed his lips as the warmth around his right hand disappeared.


    A few seconds later, a hotel janitor rushed forward to clean up the mess. Behind him, a man dressed in a suit and tie approached with a wide smile on his face. Looking at the way he behaved, Zhang Yu Han could tell that he was the manager of the hotel.


    "Director Zhang, what are you doing here?" The manager glanced at the spilled coffee and frowned. He sent a signal to the janitor to be quick with the clean up before he looked at both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao with a wide smile.


    Of course, as someone from the industry, it would be impossible if the manager did not recognize Zhang Yu Han, a director of their competitor''s hotel. Luckily, he was on the way out when he noticed Zhang Yu Han. However, once he glanced at the floor again, the manager was embarrassed to let Zhang Yu Han see their hotel''s conditions.


    "I''m only here to meet a friend," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "You don''t have to mind me."


    "Well then, I hope Director Zhang will have a good time here," the manager smiled as he watched Zhang Yu Han and his partner walked around the lobby and took a seat at the seating area. The manager turned to the janitor and began to scold him of his tardiness to clean up.


    Zhang Yu Han''s face was no longer as cloudy as earlier. While Li Qin Yao was on the phone to informed VP Mo that they were waiting in the lobby, he has been staring at his right hand.


    It was not long ago that he had wished to hold her hand, and he got his wish came true!


    Suddenly he was no longer unhappy about meeting VP Mo. No matter who was VP Mo to Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han was resolute that in the end, he will be the one who will win Li Qin Yao''s heart.


    Just as he has begun to calm down, Zhang Yu Han saw a familiar figure heading towards them. The crease between his brow reappeared when he recognized that the person was no other than VP Mo, and that man was staring at Li Qin Yao with a bright smile on his face.


    "Senior Mo, you''re here," Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat and walked over to Mo Cheng Yi. "I haven''t seen you for a while and it looks like you have lost some weight."


    Mo Cheng Yi laughed. "Li Qin Yao, are you saying that I was fat before?"


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face deepened as he watched the two were very friendly with each other. For a while, he thought that he was invisible.


    As if he could hear Zhang Yu Han''s thought, Mo Cheng Yi turned and smiled. He glanced at Li Qin Yao and asked, "Qin Yao, this is?"


    "Senior Mo, let me introduce you. This is Zhang Yu Han, Director of Zhang Group. He is the major investor in my project in B City," Li Qin Yao said. "Zhang Yu Han, meet Mo Cheng Yi, the vice president of MH Group."


    The two men shook hands and greeted each other politely. However, Mo Cheng Yi could feel that Zhang Yu Han''s grip on his hands was a bit tighter, but he quickly dismissed his thought as the two began to engage in small talk.


    At this time, the three of them could hear the sounds of high-heels heading to their way.


    "Yao Yao!


    Li Qin Yao raised her head and her eyes brightened up when she saw the newcomer. "Yun Xi! Why are you here as well?" She turned to Mo Cheng Yi and frowned. "Senior, why didn''t you tell me that Yun Xi is coming along?"


    The men''s conversation paused. Zhang Yu Han looked at the newcomer with a frown, while Mo Cheng Yi smile widened.


    "How is it? Did you like this surprise?" Mo Cheng Yi asked Li Qin Yao.


    "Of course I liked it," Li Qin Yao smiled. She went over to the girl''s side and the two girls were hugging each other. "Yun Xi, it has been a long time!"


    Once the girl was apart, Mo Cheng Yi walked over to the girl and held her hands. "Right, Director Zhang, let me introduce you. This is my fiancee, Fan Yun Xi."

 Chapter 107 - Almost Like a Double Date

    When Zhang Yu Han thought of how he had tormented himself for days because of VP Mo, he felt very stupid. VP Mo and Li Qin Yao were close, but their relationship was not as what he thought.


    On that day, Zhang Yu Han found out that the three of them studied at the same university. Fan Yun Xi and Li Qin Yao were roommates and the two of them were close. Fan Yun Xi and Mo Cheng Yi were childhood sweetheart and that was how Li Qin Yao became an acquaintance with him.


    Moreover, because QL Group and MH Group were in the same industry, Li Qin Yao''s relationship with VP Mo was pretty close and thus, they would always keep in touch. In the past when MH Group was facing a crisis, Li Qin Yao was among those who had offered her help.


    It was probably better if he did not jump into the conclusion that fast next time.


    Zhang Yu Han stole a glance at Li Qin Yao and subconsciously, his lips curved into a helpless smile. The four of them were walking around the site in B City, where Li Qin Yao was giving Mo Cheng Yi a tour. Once in awhile, VP Mo would say a few words to give some ideas.


    The sun rose high as they walked around. Seeing that both Li Qin Yao and VP Mo were still discussing something regarding the attraction park, Zhang Yu Han walked towards his Cayenne and came back with two black umbrellas. He held the umbrellas in each hand and shaded them from the glaring sun.


    "Thank you," Mo Cheng Yi smiled brightly at Zhang Yu Han before he took the umbrellas from his hand and shared the umbrella with his fiance.


    Zhang Yu Han returned his smile before he stood quietly behind Li Qin Yao and shaded her from the glaring sun.


    As Li Qin Yao noticed that the light was blocked by an umbrella, she swiftly turned around and was surprised to see Zhang Yu Han behind her. She reached out her hand to hold the umbrella but stopped herself once she realized that it was not appropriate.


    If she was the one who was holding the umbrella, then, Zhang Yu Han will not be able to stand under it. She was too short, and Zhang Yu Han was too tall. In the end, Li Qin Yao gave a polite smile to Zhang Yu Han before she continued to discuss the matter with both Mo Cheng Yi and Fan Yun Xi.


    Because Zhang Yu Han did not know much about real estate and development, he could only choose to stay around and listened as they discussed.


    The four of them stayed around the site for hours. Seeing that it was around lunch hour, Li Qin Yao invited them to a famous restaurant around. Because they have not booked a private room, the four of them choose to sit in the dining area where Mo Cheng Yi and his fiance sat with each other, and both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han on the opposite.


    As Zhang Yu Han looked at his surroundings, he began to think that the setup was almost like a double date. At this thought, Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a bit red. Fortunately, a waiter came over with a menu card, so Zhang Yu Han was able to hide his face from the others.


    The waiter walked away once they have placed their order. Mo Cheng Yi leaned forward and glanced at both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han. "I''m curious. Yao Yao, how are you acquainted with Director Zhang? Seeing that Zhang Group had agreed to invest in your project, I guess that your relationship was more than friends?"


    "Senior Mo, you''re thinking too much," Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and saw that he too was looking at her. Quickly, Li Qin Yao looked away. Somehow, Mo Cheng Yi''s question made her embarrass to look at Zhang Yu Han.


    Fan Yun Xi began to nudge Mo Cheng Yi under the table. Once Mo Cheng Yi noticed that his question had made the atmosphere uncomfortable, he pursed on his lips and wished that he had not asked that out loud. No matter how curious he was, he should only ask his junior when they were in private.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han noticed how the girl beside him was embarrassed. He looked at Mo Cheng Yi and said, "VP Mo, I guess you could say that my meeting with Li Qin Yao began with a coincidence." He glanced at Li Qin Yao and smiled. "At that time, she thought that I was selling insurance."


    When Li Qin Yao recalled the time she met Zhang Yu Han in that sushi restaurant, a smile curved on her lips. It was a meeting that led them into a few more coincidental meetings. Somehow, along the way, Zhang Yu Han agreed to invest in the project when he heard that she was searching for investors. In the end, they became friends.


    "Moreover, the one who suggested me to invest in this project was my grandfather, Chairman Zhang. In a way, you could say that Li Qin Yao and my grandfather are friends."


    Li Qin Yao began to ease up and she turned to Zhang Yu Han with a grateful smile.


    As they heard Zhang Yu Han retold the story about how his grandfather had suggested him to invest in the development project, Fan Yun Xi continued to stare at Zhang Yu Han as her mind thought of something. Her eyes widened when a thought crossed her mind. She looked at Li Qin Yao and smiled.


    "Yao Yao," Fan Yun Xi reached her hands across the table and held on Li Qin Yao''s hands. "Do you remember that band you like in university? What are they called? Yes. TIME."


    Li Qin Yao stiffened at the question. Of course, she still remembered that band. The lead singer of that band had a deep, vibrating voice whenever he was speaking. It was after she had listened to his voice that Li Qin Yao began to notice her fascination towards men with a deep voice. It was also because Zhang Yu Han had a similar voice that she found herself attracted to him.


    But, why did Fan Yun Xi asked this question about the band unexpectedly?


    When Li Qin Yao saw the way her friend was hinting with her eyes, Li Qin Yao realized that Fan Yun Xi might have noticed something. Anyway, Fan Yun Xi was her roommates during the phase when she had listened to that band. Fan Yun Xi knew how much she liked to listen to men with a deep voice.


    However, in front of Zhang Yu Han, she could only pretend that she knew nothing. Li Qin Yao


    thought that if he knew that she found his voice to her liking, she would probably die from embarrassment.


    "I remember," Li Qin Yao nodded. However, she gave a warning gaze to her friend. "What about them?"


    Fan Yun Xi let out a chuckle when she noticed that gaze. "It''s nothing. I heard that the group will be on tour soon. If you''re free, let''s go together."


    ¡­


    The four of them enjoyed lunch together before Zhang Yu Han send the couple back to their hotel to rest.


    "You only arrived in B City last night. Why do you have to return to L City this quick? Stay a few more days. I''ll take you guys around to play," Li Qin Yao was dissatisfied upon hearing that the couple decided to return to L City the first thing in the morning. The couple even refused her when she said that she wanted to come over and send them off.


    "You know that MH Group had expanded in other business as well," Fan Yun Xi said. "Actually, both Cheng Yi and his brother were busy, but his father urged us to come over and take a look at your project and help you with anything that we can. The last time, you have helped Cheng Yi and his brother. It doesn''t feel right if we only send some people to assist you with the attraction park without coming here and look."


    Li Qin Yao pouted as she exchanged a few more words with Fan Yun Xi.


    "Right. Yao Yao, the tender submission will be in a few days, right?" Mo Cheng Yi said after a while. "Good luck. After you win, you and Director Zhang should come over to L City to play. You should come and look at our attraction park before the construction in B City begins."

 Chapter 108 - She Really Liked His Voice

    The sky has long turned dark and the surroundings were quiet when Zhang Yu Han sent her back to the apartment. Because the two of them has spent half of the day to accompany both Mo Cheng Yi and Fan Yun Xi around the site, once they went back to the office, they had to work overtime. As the day to submit the tender was approaching soon, there were a lot of things that they have to do.


    Li Qin Yao slid her knapsack properly on her shoulders as Zhang Yu Han went to open the door for her. Since the last time she almost stumbled when she descended from his vehicle, Li Qin Yao learned that she should wear her knapsack properly.


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao said as she adjusted the straps on her shoulders. "Sorry. You have to accompany me to work until late at night."


    "It can''t be helped. The submission date is the day after tomorrow. And I couldn''t help much with it."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. Today, when everyone was busy with completing their work, Zhang Yu Han went out for a while and got everyone a hot cup of coffee from her cafe. Zhang Yu Han could not help them much with their work, but these past few days, he had stayed around to look after everyone else.


    When Li Qin Yao thought about it, she thought that it was inappropriate for someone like Zhang Yu Han to do such menial tasks. However, Zhang Yu Han had said that he was willing to do it.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao did not know that Zhang Yu Han was trying to curry favor with her employees. Seeing how someone like Zhang Yu Han was willing to run a few errands for them, naturally, the workers in QL''s B City''s Branch looked up at him. The employees thought that although Director Zhang had a stern expression, that man was quite nice and easy to approach.


    "Will you be free to come along with us to submit the tender? The result will be announced on the same day," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Tell me the time. I''ll come and pick you up as usual."


    Li Qin Yao paused. She was not asking him to come along to have him acted as her chauffeur. However, Li Qin Yao had no way to bring up that matter. In the end, she just let the matter pass.


    "I should go in. Text me when you have reached home safely."


    Sensing that the girl was worried about him driving alone at night, Zhang Yu Han''s lips curled into a smile. "Alright."


    After saying her goodbye at the entrance apartment, Li Qin Yao stood behind the wall to watch his vehicle disappeared into the night before she entered the lift.


    Her mother, Xu Yilan, went outstation for a few days and thus, Li Qin Yao stayed home alone.


    Li Qin Yao put her belongings in her room and went into the bathroom to clean up. It was a busy day and she was planning to go to bed soon. However, once she walked out of the bathroom, Li Qin Yao heard her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Fan Yun Xi.


    Sliding her finger across the screen, Li Qin Yao then pressed the phone to her ears. "Hello? Yun Xi?"


    "Yao Yao. You''re back from work?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    "I was planning to call earlier, but Cheng Yi and I went out around the city. I couldn''t find a suitable time."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow as she listened to her friend''s words. She sat down on the bed and dried her hair with a towel with one hand. "Miss Fan, could it be that you are calling me to brag about your date with your fiance?"


    Fan Yun Xi laughed at her accusation. She glanced towards the bathroom and heard the shower running. "Actually, I wanted to apologize to you about Cheng Yi''s question during lunch. Cheng Yi was insensitive and it was uncomfortable for you. The last time we talked, you did mention that you were seeing someone."


    "Well," Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. "You don''t have to apologize. That person and I have broken up for months."


    "Ah? You broke up?" Fan Yun Xi sat up straight on the bed. "Yao Yao, you didn''t tell me. Are you okay?"


    "Mmm¡­ I''m alright. I didn''t have much time to dwell on it," Li Qin Yao sandwiched her phone between her ears and shoulder before she continued to dry her hair with the towel. "Soon after that, my grandfather assigned me to take over this project and I was busy preparing the proposal and tender. You know how it is. When we were busy to chase after the deadline, we tend to forget about everything else."


    "As long as you''re alright. Yao Yao, you know that you can always call me if you need anyone to talk to."


    Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. "Thank you. Don''t worry about me. I have moved on. I have long accepted that between Chen Hao and I, we couldn''t be together."


    "What happened?"


    "Let''s just say that his mother did not like me as the daughter-in-law and had picked a candidate for him."


    As she listened to Li Qin Yao''s tone, Fan Yun Xi could tell that her friend did not want to talk much about her ex-boyfriend. Since it was the case, she immediately thought of another subject to change the subject. "Anyway, that Director Zhang, he had a voice that you liked, huh?"


    Li Qin Yao''s movement stopped. Slowly, her hands moved to cover her face. "Yun Xi, why do you still remember about that band?"


    "Have you forgotten that I was your roommates? You used to listen to that band on repeat," Fan Yun Xi laughed. Then, she tried to imitate the way that lead singer of TIME used to sing.


    Hearing Fan Yun Xi''s imitation, Li Qin Yao burst into a laugh. When she thought about that phase during her fascination with that group, Li Qin Yao was embarrassed. Back then, she had a couple of their CDs as well as posters. At one time, she had gone over to the band''s concert alone and thought that the lead singer really does have a nice voice.


    Of course, even after her friend had baited her to talk about Zhang Yu Han, Li Qin Yao had cleverly changed the topic to something else. In the end, the two friends talked about Fan Yun Xi''s upcoming wedding until Mo Cheng Yi had urged his fiancee to go to bed as they need to check out and leave B City early in the morning.


    Once she had hung up the phone, Li Qin Yao browsed the internet and listened to the band''s song for a while. At the end of the song, Li Qin Yao was surprised to find that the lead singer''s voice did not enchant her as much as it did years ago.


    She had thought that Zhang Yu Han''s voice sounded deeper and gripping than TIME''s lead singer.


    Recently, she had spent most of her time with Zhang Yu Han. The more she heard his voice, the more she thought that she really liked his voice. Sometimes, Li Qin Yao thought that it was not easy to have a discussion with Zhang Yu Han as she would always entranced by his voice.


    Could she really have a fetish towards this type of voice?


    Coincidentally, just as the song ended, her phone rang with an incoming message from Zhang Yu Han, informing her that he had arrived home safely.


    Seeing his name on the screen, her lips formed a smile. Suddenly, she could almost hear his deep voice, wishing her good night.


    Startled by her imagination, Li Qin Yao immediately covered her face with a pillow in embarrassment.

 Chapter 109 - The Result

    After working on the tender for a month and a half, Li Qin Yao and her group were ready to submit their bid.


    Earlier that morning, Zhang Yu Han came to pick her up as usual before the two of them headed to the next destination to the bidding meeting. When they arrived, Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi were already waiting for Li Qin Yao in the lobby. Seeing that she walked in with Zhang Yu Han, Liang Sheng immediately walked over to greet them both.


    "Miss Li, Director Zhang, good morning."


    Li Qin Yao looked at her Liang Sheng and noticed that an elderly man stood quietly behind him. Once his gaze met with Li Qin Yao, the man smiled politely and Li Qin Yao could not help but think that she had seen this man before.


    "Miss Li, this is Mister Yu," Liang Sheng took the opportunity to introduce them both. "Chairman Li sent him here to oversee the procedure."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the man and returned his smile. It was then that she recalled seeing the elderly man with his grandfather in the past. He was her grandfather''s lawyer and a trusted friend. Li Qin Yao''s heart warmed knowing that her grandfather had sent someone to assist with anything.


    "Mister Yu, thank you for coming." After exchanging short pleasantries with the elderly man, Li Qin Yao turned to Liang Sheng anxiously. "How''s everything?"


    Last night, she was not able to sleep as she was worried that her hard work for the last few months was not good enough and that they might lose the site to another company.


    For Li Qin Yao, this was the first time that she will be handling such a big project, and the first time she would handle a project after that incident two years ago. Of course, Li Qin Yao wanted everything to go smoothly. If she won, then it would mean that she would get another chance to return to the industry. Perhaps later, she can clear her name and prove that she had nothing to do with that rumor two years ago.


    For the project in B City, this time, the Chairman and President of QL Group had challenged her with limited budgets and therefore, she needed to look for investors on her own. Despite the scandal from her past, the investors and others who worked with her had chosen to believe in her. Seeing their trust in her, Li Qin Yao did not want to let them down.


    She wanted to win this project!


    Liang Sheng nodded to answer his boss''s question. "I have rechecked everything twice. We have everything we need here." he lifted the brown envelope in his hands.


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief. She had worked with Liang Sheng for a few months and trusted the way he does his work. They have done all their best, now they only have to rely on their fate to get this project.


    "This time, other than QL Group, there are ten other companies that will take part in this bidding meeting with KM Property and BH Company as the two biggest companies joining," Liang Sheng said as he led them both inside a hall.


    As soon as they entered, the people inside turned around to look at them. There were a few groups of people gathered.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao had recognized a few of their faces.


    Seeing the five newcomers entered the room, the representatives from KM Property walked over to greet Li Qin Yao and her group. However, once they came closer and recognized that Zhang Yu Han the representatives were all surprised. But seeing the way Zhang Yu Han acted as if he did not see them, the others were hesitant to talk to him.


    "Miss Li, I did not expect to see you here. QL Group project mostly focused on Capital City. Miss Li, don''t tell me that this time, QL Group is planning to expand to B City?" the person who greeted Li Qin Yao was the project manager from KM Property. Though KM Property was not as big as QL Group, they were the leading real estate company in B City.


    "QL Group cannot stay in the same place if we want to grow," Li Qin Yao said. "When we heard about the Tourism City, naturally we wanted to try and take part in this project."


    The group continued to have small talk while silently scrutinizing each other. Not long after, a group of officials entered the hall. The others started to dispersed and seat in their groups while waiting for the officials to set up.


    They were called one-by-one to hand in their tender. Li Qin Yao went last. Once she handed over the documents, she walked over to the others and took a seat next to Zhang Yu Han.


    The officials announced that they were going to take a while to inspect the documents before they make their decision.


    As the officials gathered on the podium to discuss, Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and clenched her hands into fists. Her heart was beating furiously in anticipation. Li Qin Yao closed her eyes to calm down and started to pray for her luck.


    "It will be alright."


    When she heard that familiar deep voice, Li Qin Yao turned to the voice and saw that Zhang Yu Han was watching her. Her heart which had started to calm down, once again beat furiously as their gaze met. The two of them sat next to each other, and Zhang Yu Han''s voice sounded deeper when he lowered his voice.


    "You have worked hard for the past few months, I''m sure everything will be alright," Zhang Yu Han said. "Li Qin Yao, I believe in you."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. Hearing Zhang Yu Han voicing out his support made her heart assured. Furthermore, as someone who was attracted to his voice, Li Qin Yao was naturally distracted from worrying too much about the submitted documents.


    "Zhang Yu Han, even if we did not win this project, will it still be alright?"


    "Of course," he did not hesitate to answer.


    Li Qin Yao adjusted her position so that she was facing Zhang Yu Han properly. "But you spent a month going back and forth from Y City," her lips curved into a playful smile. "If we did not win this project, then, wouldn''t everything you do will be for nothing?"


    "I would not say it was for nothing," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao waited for him to continue, but Zhang Yu Han remained silent for a long time. Facing Zhang Yu Han''s gaze, Li Qin Yao felt her ears started to heat up.


    Fortunately, at this time Liang Sheng called her to discuss something. Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief as turned to Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi.


    It did not take the officials too long to discuss. The host walked up on the podium to announce the result. The host read the name of the companies and their data.


    As the host then announced their judging system, Li Qin Yao tightened her grip on her jacket anxiously. Soon, the host began to announce the result from the highest score to the lowest.


    "In the first place is the QL Property Group with an overall score of 97.2 marks. In the second place¡­"


    Li Qin Yao no longer heard the next result. She was staring at the host in disbelief. It was until Xiao Lian Yi held her hands to congratulate her that Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance. She received congratulatory wishes from the others before she turned to Zhang Yu Han who was standing beside her silently.


    "Zhang Yu Han we won!"


    When he saw the smile on her face and how happy she looked at that moment, Zhang Yu Han too was affected by her smile. "Li Qin Yao, congratulations."

 Chapter 110 - Zhang Yu Han was Acting Strange

    The meeting ended in the afternoon. As everyone else started to disperse, Li Qin Yao turned to Liang Sheng and instructed him to gather everyone for lunch.


    As they have won the bidding, it was only proper for her to take everyone to lunch and thanked everyone for their hard work. From the moment her grandfather proposed her to take that project until the day they submitted their tender, everyone in QL B City Branch had worked hard.


    Once Liang Sheng went away to give everyone else a call, Li Qin Yao continued to receive congratulatory wishes from the others. It took her a while before she could excuse herself from that situation. Li Qin Yao turned around and took out her phone from her bag. Before she could look at the contact list, Li Qin Yao saw that Zhang Yu Han was standing at one of the pillars, watching her.


    Li Qin Yao pushed a few strands of hair behind her ears and slid her phone back into her purse before she walked over to Zhang Yu Han. "Sorry. Have you waited long?"


    Zhang Yu Han shook his head. "It''s fine."


    "Liang Sheng booked a place to lunch, would you like to come along?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her face for a while before he answered, "Sure."


    "Let''s go." Li Qin Yao went after Zhang Yu Han as the man led her towards his vehicle.


    As Li Qin Yao stared at Zhang Yu Han''s back, she could not help but think that Zhang Yu Han was acting a bit strange. Ever since he came over to pick her up that morning, Li Qin Yao could feel that Zhang Yu Han was looking at her strangely.


    She could sense that Zhang Yu Han had something to tell, but he would only stare and not say anything. Looking at the way he acted, Li Qin Yao was worried.


    Just as they were approaching the Cayenne, Zhang Yu Han''s phone rang. He took it out and slid his finger on the screen.


    "Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han answered nonchalantly. He opened the door for Li Qin Yao as he listened. "Hmm¡­ yes¡­ Grandfather, you should ask her yourself." After a while, Zhang Yu Han glanced at Li Qin Yao and handed his phone to her. "Grandfather wants to talk to you."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the phone before she took the phone from Zhang Yu Han. "Hello? Grandfather?"


    "I heard from Yu Han that you won the bidding. Congratulations," Zhang Jing spoke and laughed merrily.


    "Thank you, grandfather. Well, if it was not for your help, perhaps I would not be able to join the bidding." Li Qin Yao''s lips curved into a smile as she recalled how Zhang Jing had persuaded her to tell him more about the project when she was still thinking about finding suitable partners. "Grandfather, thank you."


    "Well, if you wanted to thank me, then you should come over to my house to celebrate and have dinner together," Zhang Jing said. "Let''s have a barbecue. I''ll cook. You don''t know this, but I''m pretty good at barbecuing."


    Li Qin Yao hesitated. "Grandfather, I did not want to trouble you."


    Zhang Jing laughed. "It''s no trouble. To tell you the truth, Yu Han usually controlled my diet and would not let me eat too much meat," he took a deep breath and sighed. As an elder, Zhang Jing knew that the best way to make the younger generation to listen to his words was to gain their pity. "I haven''t had barbecued meat for a long time, and I thought that I could use winning the bidding as an excuse to use the grill in the back yard." He paused and let out another heavy sigh. "Don''t worry. Yu Ying, Wei Jun Hao, and a few others will be here as well."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at Zhang Yu Han who seemed so focused on his driving. It was then that she recalled how Zhang Yu Han had once mentioned that his grandfather was good at barbecuing.


    However, since Zhang Jing was inviting her to dinner, Li Qin Yao knew that there was a chance that it will end late. Knowing Zhang''s family, Li Qin Yao did not doubt that both Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Han will insist to send her back home when it was time for her to go back. Knowing that B City and Y City was not that close, she did not want to trouble Zhang Yu Han.


    When she thought of how she had not seen Zhang Jing and how he had helped her to win, Li Qin Yao finally agreed. After all, she can always stay at Han Yue Xiu''s place for a night. "Alright. I''ll see you later, grandfather."


    When he heard that she had agreed, Zhang Yu Han''s lips tilted up.


    As Zhang Yu Han drove towards the restaurant, Li Qin Yao continued to chat with Zhang Jing. It was until they have reached their destination that Li Qin Yao bid her goodbye and handed Zhang Yu Han''s phone back to him.


    "Grandfather invited me to his house for dinner and I agreed," Li Qin Yao spoke as Zhang Yu Han helped to open her door.


    "Did he invite you over for a barbecue?" Zhang Yu Han smiled as he watched her nodded. "It''s good that you agreed."


    "Of course. Previously, you told me that I shouldn''t decline his invitation if he invited me to come over for a barbecue."


    The smile on Zhang Yu Han''s lips widened. He placed his hands on her shoulders and quickly retreated before Li Qin Yao could notice it. "Come on. The others have been waiting for you."


    When the two of them walked into the private room together, everyone from Li Qin Yao''s office started to exchange their glance. As the onlookers, it was not hard for them to see that Director Zhang was trying to pursue their boss. Everyone was not blind. They could tell by the way Zhang Yu Han was looking at their boss when Li Qin Yao did not notice.


    However, none of them dared to say a thing.


    The group had their food and drink as they chatted together.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao thanked everyone for their hard work and mentioned that since they had won the bidding, their work will only get busier. Everyone in the room listened to their boss''s speech with focus and clapped as it ended.


    Just as Li Qin Yao was talking with one of her employees, her phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, Li Qin Yao excused herself and walked out of the room. She took a deep breath and answered the call. "Hello, grandfather."


    "Hmm¡­"


    "I called you earlier, but Assistant Liang said you were in a meeting."


    "I know," Li Ren Xin spoke. "I heard from Assistant Liang that you won the bid. Congratulations."


    "Thank you."


    "Yao Yao, since you have won the bid, come back to Capital City. I am planning to announce about your winning to the shareholders soon. They are going to have some questions."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Then, I''ll come back next week once I arrange everything here."

 Chapter 111 - Playing Basketball Before the Others Come

    After lunch, Li Qin Yao and the others returned to their office where she gave further instruction to the others. There was a lot to do and they could not afford to waste time. If they wanted to complete the project within time, everything needed to follow as scheduled.


    Li Qin Yao clocked out earlier as they still need to travel back to Y City. Moreover, she did not feel too good to show up late as Zhang Jing had said that he will be the one who cooks.


    Once they clocked out, Li Qin Yao went with Zhang Yu Han to Y City and he took her back to the Zhang residence. When they arrived, the housekeeper greeted them at the door and Zhang Yu Han introduced her as Auntie Wu.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled out a pair of slippers for Li Qin Yao before he looked at Auntie Wu. "Where''s grandfather?"


    Auntie Wu looked at Li Qin Yao and smiled. When her gaze returned to Zhang Yu Han, the smile on her face widened. "Old Master is in the kitchen. He was persistent to prepare everything himself." Auntie Wu looked at Li Qin Yao again and said, "Miss Li, please come in."


    Li Qin Yao stepped into the Zhang residence and started to look around. Although the building was not as big as her grandfather''s place in Capital City, Li Qin Yao could see from the outside that they have a bigger courtyard.


    "Yu Han is here?" Zhang Jing''s head peeked out from the kitchen. Once he saw Li Qin Yao at the door, Zhang Jing''s expression brightened. He wiped his hands on the apron and waved for Li Qin Yao to come closer. "You''re here. Come. Have a seat. Auntie Wu, take out some refreshments for them. It will be a while before we get to eat."


    "Grandfather, it''s fine. I''m still full," Li Qin Yao walked over to Zhang Jing. "I ate too much during lunch. Grandfather, is there anything I can help you with?"


    Zhang Jing waved his hand to decline. "No need. Auntie Wu is here to help me. Moreover, I just need to marinate the ingredients before we take everything in the backyard. You just need to sit around and wait." he looked at his grandson and said, "Yu Han, give our Qin Yao a tour before we start."


    Previously, when Zhang Jing had proposed for Li Qin Yao to stop calling his grandson formally, Li Qin Yao had urged Zhang Jing to call her Qin Yao or Yao Yao.


    Zhang Yu Han looked around and frowned when he noticed that the surrounding was too quiet. "Yu Ying not here?"


    "I sent her for an errand," Zhang Jing said. "She should return with Jun Hao shortly."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Grandfather, have you started the grill?"


    "I asked Assistant Huo to help me with that. You go and check on him."


    Zhang Yu Han turned to Li Qin Yao and waved his hand to let her come with her. The two of them went to the backyard and saw that Assistant Huo was busy lighting up the grill.


    Assistant Huo paused at what he was doing when he saw that the two of them were walking towards him. "Director Zhang, Miss Li, hello."


    "Hello, Assistant Huo," Li Qin Yao greeted.


    Zhang Yu Han took off his coat and put it on the garden chair. Then, he went to Assistant Huo''s side, picked up a bag of charcoal and put a bit more in the grill. As Li Qin Yao watched the way Zhang Yu Han swiftly helped Assistant Huo to start the fire, she was reminded that he had once told her how his grandfather had taught him a lot about barbecuing.


    As the fire started to grow bigger, Zhang Yu Han told Assistant Huo to look after the grill. Then, he turned to Li Qin Yao and tilted his head. "Why are you still standing there? Have a seat. Or would you like to walk around the courtyard before the others come?"


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao looked around her surroundings as she admired the trees and flowers in the courtyard. There was a large apple blossom tree at the middle of the yard with its pinkish flower blooming. As she continued to look around, her gaze paused when she saw the basketball court at the corner.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled as he followed Li Qin Yao''s gaze. "When I was younger I was an active player in a basketball club. Grandfather build that basketball court for me to practice. Sometimes, Wei Jun Hao and the others would come over to practice together." He pursed his lips as he hesitated. "You¡­ would you like to play before the others come?"


    Li Qin Yao turned to him and blinked.


    "Let''s see if you still remember what I have taught you previously."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she recalled that day when he had personally coached her. That day, the two of them were having a barbecue to celebrate that the shareholders had passed her project. Li Qin Yao tilted her head and nodded. "Okay."


    The two of them walked over to the basketball court. Zhang Yu Han rummaged through the small shed and took out a ball. After ensuring that the ball was in good condition, Zhang Yu Han past the ball to Li Qin Yao and she caught it perfectly.


    "Not bad," Zhang Yu Han commented. "Now, show me what you remember."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow at him. Then, she bounced the ball on the court and shot the ball into the hoop. However, the ball did not go in the hoop. Disappointed, Li Qin Yao let out a heavy sigh and pouted.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled as he saw her face. "Your posture is good, but perhaps, you did not aim properly," He jogged to picked up the ball. He glanced at Li Qin Yao and then shot the ball from his position. The ball hit the hoop once before it went in.


    "That''s not fair. You probably have practiced a lot of time in this court," Li Qin Yao said as she crossed her arms on her chest.


    "Then, maybe you will be better if you practice a few times."


    Li Qin Yao received the ball when Zhang Yu Han passed it to her. She dribbled the ball around and attempt another shot. The ball finally went in on her fifth try. As she watched the ball went in, Li Qin Yao raised both hands to the sky and laughed happily. Then, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and blinked.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle as he looked at her expression as if she was looking forward to his praise. "Good job." He picked up the ball again and threw it back to her.


    Li Qin Yao started to dribble the ball for a while and raised it to shoot. However, this time, she found Zhang Yu Han in front of her, blocking her way from shooting to the hoop. Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes at him. Then swiftly, she moved aside and dribbled the ball again.


    Because of their difference in height, it was easy for her to slip through Zhang Yu Han.


    But, as someone who had played basketball for years, how can it be easy for Zhang Yu Han to let the others slip away. With his long leg, Zhang Yu Han chased after her and blocked her way again.


    Li Qin Yao was not expecting that Zhang Yu Han will appear before her again. In that moment of confusion, Li Qin Yao was not looking in front of her properly and thus, she bumped into something hard.


    The ball slipped away from her hand. Li Qin Yao rubbed her nose and took a step back from that ''wall''. However, because her movement was too sudden, she almost fell backward.


    Just as she was bracing for that impact, Li Qin Yao felt a tugging on her hand. A few seconds later, she found herself in Zhang Yu Han''s arms.

 Chapter 112 - Her Nose Might Really Start to Bleed

    Li Qin Yao''s eyes widened when she realized that her face was sticking up too close to Zhang Yu Han''s chest. Li Qin Yao let out a gasp as his arms tightened around her waist. Right now, she could breathe in his scent.


    If anyone walked out of that door right now, they would probably think that the two of them were hugging intimately in the middle of that basketball court. Fortunately, Assistant Huo was not around to witness this. Earlier, he had gone in into the house to help Zhang Jing.


    Before Li Qin Yao could react to what was happening, Zhang Yu Han had pulled away, creating a distance between them. Then, his hand was on her chin to tilted up her head. Li Qin Yao held her breath as she watched Zhang Yu Han''s face close to her.


    "Are you alright? Did it hurt?" Zhang Yu Han was not paying much attention to their closeness.


    Right now, he was worried about her condition. Earlier, she had hit his chest hard and he was worried that her nose might bleed.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head to answer. Her hand was still covering both her nose and mouth.


    "Let me take a look." Zhang Yu Han peeled her hand that was covering her nose to take a good look at it and frowned as he saw at her reddened nose.


    Li Qin Yao flinched when he touched the tip of her nose with his finger.


    "It''s a bit red, but fortunately, it''s not bleeding."


    Li Qin Yao thought that if she had to stay closer to Zhang Yu Han a while longer with his voice so next to her ears, her nose might really start to bleed soon due to excitement.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his gaze to meet hers and saw her watery eyes. There was a slight crease at the space between her eyebrow. He immediately guessed that she was in pain as she had bumped into her chest hard. Zhang Yu Han continued to stare into her eyes for a few seconds longer before he realized that he was still holding her in his arms.


    Slowly, Zhang Yu Han released her from his arms and looked away. "Sorry." He swallowed and looked at her again. "Does it hurt?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "It''s not." she touched her nose and tilted her head down.


    "Anyway," Zhang Yu Han cleared his throat. "You should sit down first."


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. She looked around and heaved a breath of relief when she saw that there was no one around. Even Assistant Huo was not around the grill. The two of them walked over to the reclining chair and Zhang Yu Han helped her to lay down for a while.


    As Li Qin Yao leaned back on the chair to catch her breath, Zhang Yu Han went inside to grab her a glass of water and a pack of ice.


    "Here," Zhang Yu Han stared at the pack of ice. "I don''t know if this will help."


    Li Qin Yao rubbed her nose. "Thank you. But I don''t think it''s necessary. Besides, it''s not hurting anymore."


    Zhang Yu Han retracted the hand that was holding the pack of ice and passed her the glass of water. "Then, have a drink."


    Li Qin Yao took the glass and drank silently. After playing basketball for a while, she was a bit thirsty. When Li Qin Yao looked up at Zhang Yu Han again, she caught him staring at her with worry.


    Looking at how he was too anxious after she had bumped into his chest, Li Qin Yao gave him an assuring smile. "You don''t have to worry. I''m really fine."


    But no matter how Li Qin Yao tried to assure him that she was alright, Zhang Yu Han continued to worry. After all, it can be said that it was his fault that she had that little accident. If he did not appear suddenly in front of her, Li Qin Yao would not bump into him.


    Fortunately, the two of them did not have to spend a long time awkwardly as both Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao came back shortly. Once Zhang Yu Ying saw Li Qin Yao in the courtyard, her eyes brightened with excitement.


    "Sister, you''re here." Zhang Yu Ying put down a bowl of the marinated chicken wing on the table.


    "Yu Ying," Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief when she saw her. If she had to spend a few minutes longer with Zhang Yu Han staring at her with worry, she might start to hyperventilate from panic soon. Li Qin Yao turned to Wei Jun Hao and greeted him as well. "Mister Wei, you''re here too."


    Wei Jun Hao smiled and shrugged lazily. "Grandfather Zhang invited me, saying that the more, the merrier, but," he went closer to Li Qin Yao and whispered. "I think he just needs me around to lift some stuff." After saying that, he put down large bags of drinks.


    Zhang Yu Ying walked over to Li Qin Yao and noticed the way her nose and ears had turned red. Swiftly, she turned to her brother and raised a brow, as if asking him what had he done to their guest.


    Zhang Yu Han turned away to ignore her and walked over to the grill to look at the charcoal.


    Seeing the way her brother reacted, Zhang Yu Ying narrowed her eyes before she went back to chat with Li Qin Yao. "Sister, I heard from Grandfather that you''ve won that bidding," Zhang Yu Ying said. "Congratulations."


    "Thank you," She put down the empty glass on the table and looked at the bag that Wei Jun Hao had carried in earlier. "Is there anything I can do to help?"


    "Sister, you should just sit down and relax," Zhang Yu Ying said. "You''re our guest. How can we let you do anything."


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue as he looked at Zhang Yu Ying. "Then, why did I have to be the one who has to lift all those heavy drinks. Zhang Yu Ying, I didn''t know that you treat your guest differently."


    Zhang Yu Ying rolled her eyes. "We invited Sister Yao Yao to celebrate that she had won that bidding. She''s our main star today. Of course, we can''t let her do any work."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched the two continue to argue. Her laughter faded as she had a feeling of being watched. Li Qin Yao looked up and caught Zhang Yu Han staring at her tenderly. As their gaze met, Li Qin Yao felt her heart skipped a beat.


    However, when he wqs caught staring, Zhang Yu Han quickly looked away and cleared his throat. He walked over to Wei Jun Hao and reminded him to look after the fire before excused himself to change his clothes.

 Chapter 113 - Feed Me

    As the sky turned darker, Zhang Jing, Assistant Huo and Auntie Wu walked out from the house carrying a few trays and bowls of ingredients and side dishes.


    Zhang Yu Han and Wei Jun Hao were tasked to stay and grill the ingredients while Zhang Jing was supervising the two boys. Assistant Huo had excused himself after everything was set up.


    Zhang Yu Ying took this chance to chat with Li Qin Yao and the two girls made plans to go out shopping the next time.


    When the first batch of lamb was properly cooked, Zhang Jing grabbed a plate and filled it with the meat and other side dishes. Then, he drove away from his granddaughter and took a seat beside Li Qin Yao.


    Zhang Yu Ying narrowed her eyes at her grandfather before she walked over to the grill to pester Wei Jun Hao. The two of them argued for a while over some barbecued chicken wing before Zhang Yu Ying coaxed Wei Jun Hao to another side where they make a campfire to make some s''more.


    Zhang Jing passed over the plate to Li Qin Yao and said, "Here, taste this and let me hear what you think."


    Just from the look and the smell of the barbecued lamb, Li Qin Yao could tell that it was going to taste amazing. She clipped the hot lamb, dipped it into the dipping sauce and took a small bite.


    Her eyes widened in surprise at the taste. The meal was juicy, tender and the flavor burst into her mouth. As the lamb was marinated with herbs for hours, it did not have any smell.


    Li Qin Yao looked at Zhang Jing and swallowed it down. "Grandfather, this taste amazing!"


    Zhang Jing laughed happily at her compliment. "When I was younger, I used to travel around the world. An old neighbor who was a fan of barbecue taught me a few recipes. It''s pretty good, right?" His smile widened when she nodded. "If it''s good, you should eat a little bit more. After all, it was not every day that you get to eat something that I prepared."


    Li Qin Yao held the plate for Zhang Jing. "Grandfather, you should eat too."


    Zhang Jing''s eyes brightened up at her offer. He picked up a slice of meat and turned to his grandson with a smug look.


    Earlier, when he had wanted to grab a few pieces of cooked meat, his grandson had swatted his hand and reminded him not to eat too much meat. Though he was the one who prepared the food, Zhang Jing was allowed to take a piece of each food. He had eaten more than usual, but Zhang Jing was still disappointed.


    His grandson was too strict with his diet.


    However, since it was Li Qin Yao who had offered him to eat, Zhang Jing knew that his grandson would not nag him too much.


    Zhang Jing took a piece of the barbecued lamb and ate. Then he took another piece. Just as he thought that he could eat more of them, Li Qin Yao slid a plate full of vibrant color salad in front of him. The smile on his face froze.


    "Grandfather, don''t just eat meat. You should try this salad too," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Jing lifted his head and saw the smile on Li Qin Yao''s face. Though the girl did not say anything, Zhang Jing could tell that she cared about him. Therefore, Zhang Jing sighed helplessly and took the plate from her.


    Seeing that it was his future granddaughter-in-law who offered the salad, Zhang Jing had no choice but to silently ate them. Just as he took a bite, Zhang Jing heard a chuckle coming from his grandson. The two of them exchanged a look before Zhang Jing chose to look away and continued to eat his salad.


    Li Qin Yao chatted with Zhang Jing about the project in B City while serving him with more vegetable dishes. After a while, Zhang Jing went back inside to replenish some of the sauces. Li Qin Yao watched as Zhang Jing disappeared into the house before she stood up and walked over to Zhang Yu Han.


    "Don''t stand too close," Zhang Yu Han warned. "Or else, your clothes are going to smell like smokes."


    "It''s fine.


    He glanced at her before he flipped the big prawns on fire. Then, he clipped another piece with a tong and said, "Would you like some prawn? This one looked like it''s cooked." Zhang Yu Han placed a few prawns on the plate and handed it to Li Qin Yao.


    "Brother!"


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Ying appeared from behind them. "I want to eat some prawns too." She grabbed the plate from her brother and smiled mischievously. "I''ll take this first and eat with Brother Jun Hao."


    Seeing that the plate had disappeared from his hand, Zhang Yu Han frowned in displeased. His gaze followed to where his sister and his friend run to.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched the scene. Then she tilted up her head to look at Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "Your relationship with your sister is pretty good. As the only child to my mother and father, I''m envious."


    "Well, there is the good and bad of having a sibling." Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao watched the ingredients on the griller and pointed to a few of the prawns. "These few looks like they''re done."


    Zhang Yu Han moved the tong to transfer those prawns into a plate.


    Seeing the cooked prawns in front of her, Li Qin Yao began to pick up a prawn.


    "Careful," Zhang Yu Han was anxious upon seeing her trying to peel off the skins. However, from her expression, it did not seem as if the prawn was hot. A frown appeared on his face as he watched her removed the head and peeled off the skins in seconds. "You''re good at this."


    "I have plenty of training in the past. So I''m used to it," she said with a shrug. She looked at Zhang Yu Han again and tilted her head. "Zhang Yu Han¡­ You''ve been standing here and cooking for a while. But have you eaten anything?"


    Zhang Yu Han paused as he put on a few more ingredients on the grill. Then, he turned to Li Qin Yao and smiled. "If I say I haven''t, will you help to feed me?"


    He was intending to tease her. However, before Zhang Yu Han could resume his job as the cook, Li Qin Yao had lifted a prawn to his mouth.


    Zhang Yu Han took a step back as he eyed the prawn. "I was only teasing." He swallowed and wondered why was he digging his own grave when he was not brave enough to deal with the consequences.


    "It''s fine. Anyway, your hands are dirty." Li Qin Yao glanced at his hands that were slightly smeared with some charcoal. Then, she lifted the prawn higher. "Come on. It''s tiring to lift my hands like this for a long time."


    Zhang Yu Han looked around and noticed that the others were not around. He turned at the prawn again before he moved closer to take a bite.

 Chapter 114 - Would You Like to Give it a Try?

    Actually, Zhang Yu Han did not know how the prawn in his mouth tasted like. The seconds the prawn entered his mouth and his lips touched the tips of Li Qin Yao''s finger, Zhang Yu Han felt a numbing sensation throughout his body. It felt as if time was moving slowly around him.


    Zhang Yu Han continued to chew on the prawn for a long time as he stared at the grill absentmindedly. He did not even know when he had swallowed the food in his mouth.


    Right now, he did not dare to look at Li Qin Yao as he was afraid that his emotion will be transparent to her. All he could do now was to watch her through his peripheral gaze. Fortunately, the night prevented her to see his face clearly or else, Li Qin Yao would able to see his reddened face.


    As a businessman, Zhang Yu Han was known for his resolute and firm character. However, Zhang Yu Han did not know how to face someone he really likes.


    "Those chicken wings look like they''re done," Li Qin Yao pointed out.


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his trance as he stared at the chicken wings. The tip of the wings had charred a little bit due to his negligence. Swiftly, he transferred the wings to a tray and set it aside on the table.


    Seeing that everyone else seemed to have disappeared elsewhere, Zhang Yu Han decided not to cook the remaining ingredients. He turned to Li Qin Yao and saw that she was peeling more prawn. His gaze paused at her fingers and suddenly, his grip on the tong tightened as if he had just resolute himself to act.


    Anyway, he had made a bet with himself to be brave and take an action if Li Qin Yao were to win the bidding.


    Since she had won the bid, Zhang Yu Han knew that he needed to take this chance to confess.


    His heart was beating fast and his heart was overwhelmed with this feeling that he would only get whenever he looked at the girl beside him.


    Zhang Yu Han straightened up his posture as he looked at the girl in front of him and took a deep breath. His lips parted, and he spoke, "Li Qin Yao, I¨D"


    However, at this time, Wei Jun Hao appeared from god''s knows where and linked his arms around Zhang Yu Han''s neck.


    "Hey, is the chicken wings done? Yu Ying has been asking about it," Wei Jun Hao said. "I think she''s a bit tipsy."


    Zhang Yu Han groaned as he suppressed his frustration. He turned to Wei Jun Hao with a dangerous look in his eyes. Slowly, Wei Jun Hao removed his arms around his friend''s neck.


    "W-what?" Wei Jun Hao blinked innocently. He glanced at Li Qin Yao and suddenly understood that he was interrupting his friend''s time to be alone with the girl he liked. Suddenly, Wei Jun Hao had a feeling that he was going to suffer from Zhang Yu Han''s wrath for a few days.


    Zhang Yu Han picked up the plate and transferred some of the chicken wings. Then, he shoved it to his friend. "Take this. Look after my sister and don''t let her drink anymore."


    Wei Jun Hao nodded slowly. He took the plate from Zhang Yu Han and fled from the scene.


    Actually, Zhang Yu Han was not sure whether he should be grateful or displeased at his friend''s timely interruption. If it was not for Wei Jun Hao, perhaps, Zhang Yu Han would brave himself to tell Li Qin Yao that he liked her. However, he was still scared that he might get rejected and thus, he was secretly relieved that he had not said anything.


    "Are there any chicken wings left?" Li Qin Yao peeked at the grill. "Let me take some to your grandfather and Auntie Wu."


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath as he transferred those wings on another plate and passed it to Li Qin Yao.


    As he watched her walked in into the house, Zhang Yu Han felt slightly disappointed.


    ...


    The barbecue ended late at night. Because of it, Zhang Jing had offered Li Qin Yao to stay at Zhang''s residence. However, Li Qin Yao had rejected his offer and told him that she had a place to stay in Y City.


    After Li Qin Yao had cleaned up herself and changed her clothes to something that Zhang Yu Ying had let her borrowed, Zhang Yu Han took his car keys and drove his Cayenne to Han Yue Xiu''s place.


    In the vehicle, both of them choose to stay in silence.


    After getting a lift from Zhang Yu Han for a month, Li Qin Yao had long understood that Zhang Yu Han was someone who would quietly concentrate on his driving. While, at this time, Zhang Yu Han''s mind was preoccupied with what had happened throughout the day. And most of all, he was thinking about what he had almost said to her before Wei Jun Hao appeared and ruin that moment.


    Because of the smooth traffic and distance, it did not take long before they arrived at Han Yue Xiu''s apartment.


    Zhang Yu Han opened the door for Li Qin Yao and watched her exited. "Are you sure you have the keys?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Han Yue Xiu gave me her keys before she left the country." She rummaged through her purse and found the keys. "Found it." She lifted the keys to let Zhang Yu Han see and smiled.


    "Will you return to B City tomorrow?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded again. "I still have a few matters I need to settle. Since I have won the bid, I need to return to Capital City and discuss a few things with my grandfather."


    "Then, I will come and pick you up tomorrow."


    "You¡­ you don''t have to. I''ll just take the train. Anyway, the train station is not that far."


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "I still need to meet Wei Jun Hao and a few friends in B City tomorrow."


    Li Qin Yao hesitated for a while before she nodded. "Alright. Then, I should go in first. Zhang Yu Han, thank you for the lift. You should be careful when you drive back."


    Zhang Yu Han watched as Li Qin Yao turned around to leave. Suddenly, he took a deep breath and called her name. "Li Qin Yao."


    Li Qin Yao turned around and tilted her head as she looked at him. "Hmm?"


    The atmosphere around them was filled with peaceful silence.


    Zhang Yu Han tightened his hands into fists, and said, "I like you."


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes widened at his sudden confession.


    "Would you like to give it a try?"


    "Try what?"


    He had thought that the meaning of his question was clear, especially right after his confession. Zhang Yu Han frowned and said, "Try and date me."

 Chapter 115 - She Would Follow Her Heart

    Try and date him?


    For a while, Li Qin Yao did not know what to say.


    Of course, she was not expecting to hear a confession at a time like this. Because she was not prepared, Li Qin Yao continued to stare at Zhang Yu Han in dumbfounded. Her mind was in chaos as many thoughts went across it until she did not know how to respond.


    Seeing the blank look on Li Qin Yao''s face, Zhang Yu Han began to panic.


    Suddenly, he was really afraid that he was going to hear her rejection. Now that he thought of it, the two of them did not know each other for a long time, and he was afraid that his confession was going to scare her.


    However, the first time he met her ten years ago at the basketball tournament, he had missed his chance but since he had received a second chance, Zhang Yu Han thought that he should not turn back. Anyway, the words he wanted to say have already escaped his mouth.


    Zhang Yu Han took another deep breath. "I," he stopped himself and swallowed. He thought that he should say something, but he did not know what. It took him a while before he could compose himself and spoke again.


    "I cannot say that I can be the best," Zhang Yu Han said. "I cannot promise you that I won''t make mistakes. But I can tell you that if you''re willing to give it a try, then I will try hard to be the best for you."


    Li Qin Yao''s heart started to beat rapidly. She had heard a few confessions before, but nothing like what Zhang Yu Han was making her feel.


    Because the surroundings were quiet, Zhang Yu Han''s voice sounded deep and rich to her ears. Facing against his words and his magnetic voice, Li Qin Yao has become slow in reacting. Li Qin Yao thought that she was starting to get a little bit lightheaded.


    Seconds passed by and Li Qin Yao''s head began to function properly again. She stood up straight from her position and continued to watch the man in front of her as she pondered about how to respond.


    Although she had noticed the way Zhang Yu Han treated her and guessed that he was probably trying to pursue her, Li Qin Yao was not too sure of how she felt for him. Anyway, it was not too long ago since she broke up. But once she got his hint, Li Qin Yao had promised herself that she would follow her heart if he ever said he liked her.


    Right now, she thought that Zhang Yu Han was not that bad. In this short period that she had known him, Zhang Yu Han was always considerate towards her.


    He really does have the kind of voice she liked.


    And right now, her heart was telling her that...


    Anyway, she was not someone who was afraid to take a chance to love again. She knew that if she wasted this chance, she would regret it.


    Besides, Zhang Yu Han had said to try.


    They will have to just see. If it works out, that would be great, but if they were not compatible, then they would just have to break up.


    Li Qin Yao noticed the furrow in his brow and suddenly felt warmth spreading in her heart. She thought back at the time when she had met Zhang Yu Han in Sanctuary Coffee to exchange their phone. The first time she saw him, he had that frown on his face as well.


    At that time, Li Qin Yao thought that he gave off a vibe for others not to get close to him. However this time, the frown on his face gave off something else. He was nervous.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao thought that Zhang Yu Han was adorable. She held his gaze as she took a few steps towards him.


    Seeing her getting closer to him makes Zhang Yu Han anxious. He could feel perspirations on his body. The feeling was worst than the first time he signed an agreement for the company.


    At this point, he no longer cared about what her answer will be as long as she gave him a response.


    Even if he gets rejected, he can try again and win her heart, right?


    Before he could brace himself for her response, Zhang Yu Han heard her voice.


    "Alright."


    Zhang Yu Han was stunned at her reply.


    Looking at the man''s expression, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she should laugh.


    Sensing that he probably did not hear her word for the first time, Li Qin Yao moved closer to him. She lifted her head to look at him, and he had to tilt his head down. Then, she repeated her answer. "Alright. Let''s give it a try. But if your performance was not satisfactory¨D"


    "I will do my best," Zhang Yu Han said before she finished. Since she had already agreed, there was no way he was going to let her say the word, ''break up''. "Li Qin Yao, if you tell me to go east, I will never go west."


    Li Qin Yao chuckled at his words. "Good." She turned around to leave. But after two steps, she stopped and turned around to look at him again. Her lips curved into a smile. "Zhang Yu Han, good night. I will see you tomorrow."


    "Good night," he whispered. But as Li Qin Yao walked in into the building, Zhang Yu Han was still standing at the same spot for a while longer. Once he regained his sense, a smile slowly bloomed on his face.


    Zhang Yu Han went into his car and called Wei Jun Hao''s number. "Where are you?"


    "Just arrived home. What is it?"


    "Jun Hao, call out the others to meet up."


    Wei Jun Hao cursed. "Young Master Zhang, I''m begging you. Don''t do this to me. The others are starting to hate me because I made them come to join you in a basketball game. Su Ming Yuan had already threatened me that he will introduce a few young girls to my aunt if I ever call him out for a basketball game. I''m tired of going to those blind dates, alright."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned at his friend''s response. "Who said I was going to ask you to come and play basketball?"


    "Then?"


    "Let''s go out for a drink. My treat."


    Wei Jun Hao distanced his phone away from his ear. He frowned when he saw the name on the screen was indeed his friend''s name, Zhang Yu Han. "Are you for real?"


    "Un," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Anyway, I have something to tell you."


    "Huh? What is it?" It was an hour ago since the last time he saw him, but back then Zhang Yu Han did not seem like he had something important to say.


    "Actually," Zhang Yu Han paused. He was planning to share his joy during his meetup with the boys but it looks like he can no longer contain his excitement. "Li Qin Yao agreed to date me."

 Chapter 116 - Its Never Good to be Overconfident.

    Back in Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Bai was having his breakfast of toast and a sunny side up in the dining area when someone pressed on the doorbell. He looked up at the watch and frowned.


    It was still too early. And he could not think of anyone who would want to visit his place this early.


    Li Mu Bai stood up and walked over to the door. He pressed at the button and looked at the screen. Once he saw that it was his mother and sister, Li Mu Bai froze for a while.


    Looking at his mother''s face, Li Mu Bai could guess why she had come this early to meet him. It was just that, he had thought that his mother would raise her questions at the office. He did not expect his mother to be impatient enough to come over his place.


    The bell rang again, and Li Mu Bai could hear his mother screaming out his name outside. With no other choice, Li Mu Bai pressed another button to allow both his mother and sister to enter. Li Mu Bai went back to the dining room and ate his breakfast slowly as if he was not disturbed by his mother''s arrival.


    A few seconds later, Li Mu Bai could hear their footsteps coming over. His grip on the cutlery tightened as he braced himself for the next thing.


    "Mu Bai!" Zhao Wei entered the dining area with a furious face. She glanced at the breakfast item on the table and suddenly, his anger risen. "You still have the mood to have your breakfast now!"


    "Isn''t it good that I''m not skipping my breakfast?" Li Mu Bai asked nonchalantly.


    Zhao Wei gritted her teeth. "Li Mu Bai!"


    Seeing that her mother was getting furious, Li Mu Chen tried to calm her mother down. She turned to her brother and said, "Brother, let''s not make mother angry."


    Li Mu Bai turned at his sister with a dangerous look. "What did I do? I was merely having my breakfast at my house. The two of you were the ones who come to my house in anger."


    Zhao Wei rummaged through her bag and pulled out her phone. She tapped her fingers on the screen and showed a news article to her son. "You look at this and you tell me why I should not be furious?"


    Li Mu Bai glanced at the title and looked away. "QL Group won the bidding project in B City. Mother, why are you upset? Should we not be happy that the company won the project?"


    "That project was under your cousin''s!"


    "If she does well, this will only boost QL Group''s reputation," Li Mu Bai said.


    "I would be happy if this project will boost the company''s reputation. However, I could not accept that this project is under Qin Yao. If she does well, there is a chance that your grandfather will bring her back to the headquarters," Zhao Wei said. "Don''t you get it? When that happens, she will threaten your position as the President."


    Li Mu Bai''s gaze darkened at his mother''s words. He knew that he won the position as the President of QL Group due to his hard work. Therefore, he could not understand why his mother would make it sound like he only got the position because his cousin, Li Qin Yao was no longer in the company.


    "I told you earlier that you should let your sister handle that project. But you just would not listen! Your sister is still new to the company. Would it be hard for you to lend a hand to help her?" Zhao Wei continued to argue. Not only she failed to take over that project from Li Ming Han, but now she had to watch Li Qin Yao climb back to her position.


    "Did I not let her handle a commercial hub project in the city?" Li Mu Bai looked at his sister. "Mu Chen, if you do well in that project, you will naturally make your name and reputation in the company."


    "But it will not be as good as letting your sister leading the project in B City!" Zhao Wei said.


    Li Mu Bai stood up from his chair and walked over to his sister. "If I let you manage the project in B City, do you think you can win that bid to build the tourism city?"


    "Of course," Li Mu Chen spoke with confidence. "I have learned hard these few years and mother had taught me a few things as well. Isn''t it just preparing a proposal? How hard can it be?"


    Li Mu Bai laughed at his sister''s answer. "Wrong. You will fail."


    "Brother!" Li Mu Chen''s face turned ugly.


    "You are not as experienced as Qin Yao and you still think you have the chance to win?" Li Mu Bai tilted his head sideways. "Mu Chen, it''s good to be confident, but it''s never good to be overconfident."


    "Brother! You!" She could not say anything but grit her teeth in anger.


    "Do you how much money the company is allocating for that project in B City?" Li Mu Bai asked his sister. When she did not answer, Li Mu Bai then turned to his mother. "Mother, you should know this, right?"


    Zhao Wei frowned. Of course, she knew. It was not hard for her to obtain any information in the company. However, judging from her son''s tone, does it mean that he knew something?


    "Mu Chen, the amount of money that QL Group is allocating to build that tourism city in B City is only half than what she needed," Li Mu Bai said. "The other half, Li Qin Yao will have to find people who are willing to invest in that project. Qin Yao managed to find those investors in less than a month. She had gained a lot more then what we aimed for through the investors and that money led her to win that bidding. If it was you, do you think you could do the same?"


    Li Mu Chen''s face paled. Of course, she could not do it. She was still new in the company and did not have many connections. How was she going to gather that much money in a short time? She opened her mouth to answer, but her brother had cut her off.


    "You cannot!"


    Zhao Wei took a deep breath to calm down. "Now that Qin Yao had won that bidding, how about letting your sister take over?" Her voice softened as she made the request. "Or else, you can send over your sister to help her. Maybe Mu Chen can learn a few things or two from Qin Yao. Don''t you think that is a good idea?"


    "Mother''s right." Li Mu Chen did not like the idea of working under Li Qin Yao. However, there was nothing she could do if she wanted to suppress her cousin. "I can learn from Cousin."


    "I don''t agree. Even if you bring this matter to grandfather, he will not agree to it as well. Mother, I am someone with integrity," Li Mu Bai said. He then looked at his sister and sighed helplessly.


    Even though he did not like Li Mu Chen''s method to gain reputation quickly in the company, she was still his sister. "Mu Chen, if you wanted to prove yourself you better focus on that commercial hub. Don''t think of robbing off someone else''s achievement."

 Chapter 117 - Examining Goods

    When Li Qin Yao went down from Han Yue Xiu''s apartment, Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne was already waiting for her in front of her in a distance away. As she walked over, Zhang Yu Han descended from his vehicle and stood beside it, waiting for her.


    Li Qin Yao was worried over her decision last night to try and date Zhang Yu Han, but as she met his gaze, Li Qin Yao felt warmth spread all over her body. There was a rare wide smile on his face and his eyes were shining like a bright star when he looked at her. The way Zhang Yu Han was looking at her made her embarrass and nervous.


    Li Qin Yao did not know whether she should laugh at this scene. Zhang Yu Han looked so much like a boy in love.


    It was adorable.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao wondered if everyone in Zhang''s family was as adorable as Zhang Yu Han and Zhang Jing.


    "Good morning," Li Qin Yao greeted.


    "Good morning," Zhang Yu Han helped to open the door for her before he went to the driver''s side. "Did you sleep well?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han''s gaze softened. It was good that she had a good night''s sleep. Meanwhile, last night Zhang Yu Han found that it was hard for him to fall asleep. Even after he returned from the gathering with the boys, Zhang Yu Han found that he was too excited to sleep.


    All he could think about was the scene from last night when Li Qin Yao agreed to date him before he finally drifted to sleep.


    Zhang Yu Han turned around and fetch a paper bag from the back seat. "I bought you breakfast."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the paper bag in surprise. Because Han Yue Xiu was not at home, she was too lazy to have her breakfast. Li Qin Yao thought that she should whip something to eat when she goes to her cafe afterward.


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao smiled. She took the paper bag from Zhang Yu Han and peeked inside. There was a cup of hot soy milk and two meat buns. Those were what she usually have for breakfast.


    It seemed that Zhang Yu Han has been observing her preferences in the month that he spent his time around her.


    "How did you know I haven''t had my breakfast yet?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Zhang Yu Han replied with a smile. After ensuring that Li Qin Yao had fastened her seat belt, he began to drive towards B City while Li Qin Yao ate her breakfast.


    After one bite at the bun, Li Qin Yao paused and glanced towards Zhang Yu Han who was focusing on his driving. Since she had agreed to give their relationship a try, Li Qin Yao took this chance to openly look at him.


    Previously, she could only look at him in secret.


    Looking at his side profile, Li Qin Yao thought that Zhang Yu Han was really good looking. With his good looks, it was not impossible for someone like him to attract many females. However, he had chosen to go out with her. As she thought of the possibility that she might have to fight against his admirers, Li Qin Yao began to have a headache.


    However, if he really likes her, then he would not be someone who would be easily swayed by others.


    Li Qin Yao thought that she should fight when she needed to, but it won''t be worthy to fight if he was someone who was easily swayed. She did not want to waste her time and stay around. A relationship like that was too tiring.


    Facing Li Qin Yao''s gaze for a while, Zhang Yu Han began to get uneasy. He glanced at her before he turned to the road again. "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she thought about teasing him. "Didn''t you say that I should try and date you? Therefore, I''m examining the goods."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at her quickly and chuckled. "So, does it mean I''m in probation?"


    "Isn''t it?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the roas again and his ears turned slightly red when he noticed that Li Qin Yao continued to stare at him. "Then, after staring at me for so long, what do you think?"


    Li Qin Yao did not answer him quickly but took her time to continue to observe him. After a few seconds passed, Zhang Yu Han began to get uneasy. But at this time, Li Qin Yao replied to him.


    "Good looking."


    Zhang Yu Han''s lips subconsciously curved into a wide smile.


    "And you had a really nice smile too."


    The smile on his face froze. Fortunately, he has been paying attention to the traffic. Or else, it was possible that he would ram into the car in front and caused an accident.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched his reaction. "You always had a serious expression on your face. But I think your smile looked really nice. You should do that more often."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. Since he was driving, he could not hide away to evade Li Qin Yao''s intense gaze.


    "What should I do? Maybe you will have a few admirers if they saw your smile." Li Qin Yao continued to tease him.


    "That''s not something you should worry about. Even if others admire me, there is nothing they can do about it," Zhang Yu Han said. He stepped on the brake at the coincidental red lights and turned to look at her. "I only have my eyes on you."


    Li Qin Yao was thrown off her guard. She did not expect that Zhang Yu Han would turn around to look at her at this time and spoke those words using his deep voice. Their gaze met and the two continued to look at each other until the person behind him started to honk.


    Zhang Yu Han continued his driving while Li Qin Yao took a couple of deep breaths to calm her heart and continued to eat her breakfast.


    Li Qin Yao thought that it was not fair. Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice and good looks gave her an instant kill! At this time, Li Qin Yao made a mental note not to let Zhang Yu Han find out about her fascination with his voice. Or else, she might make everything too easy for him.

 Chapter 118 - Our Regular, Handsome Customer

    After Zhang Yu Han sent her to the office, Li Qin Yao spent her time in a meeting with Liang Sheng and a few others to discuss the tourism city until lunchtime.


    This time, because Zhang Yu Han had already mentioned that he was going to Wei Jun Hao, he could not stay around to accompany Li Qin Yao, but to promise that he will come back to her for and have dinner together.


    During the meeting, the first thing they were discussed was to demolish those old, abandoned factories. Only when the land is empty can they begin the construction.


    But before the construction can begin, there was still a lot for them to do, people to meet and talk to. However, because Li Qin Yao was experienced and she does have her connection to a few people, it would not be too hard for her to do her job.


    Once her discussion with her team member finished, Li Qin Yao headed to her cafe which was a few blocks away. Anyway, it has been a while since she had checked on the place.


    When she showed up, Li Qin Yao called her Qing Kong to report the progress to her. After leaving the cafe to Qing Kong''s supervision for a month, there was a lot that she needed to check.


    Fortunately, with Yin Mei Xuan''s help, the cafe was running smoothly.


    Before she knew it, hours passed by.


    If it was not due to her phone ringing by her side, Li Qin Yao might not notice that she had spent hours in that cramped office. Li Qin Yao glanced at the phone and saw that it was a message from her former assistant, Bei Ruo Xi.


    Bei Ruo Xi was reporting that her Second Aunt, Zhao Wei was in a bad mood once she heard the news that Li Qin Yao had won the bidding. Of course, since Bei Ruo Xi was working under Zhao Wei, she had to face her boss'' wrath.


    Before Li Qin Yao could compose a reply to Bei Ruo Xi, there was an incoming call from her cousin, Li Ming Han. Li Qin Yao slid her finger on the screen and pressed her phone against her ears.


    "Cousin sister, I heard the news that you won the bidding for the tourism city," Li Ming Han went straight to the point after a brief greeting. "Congratulations."


    "Thank you."


    "I would give you this congratulatory call earlier, but, I was busy with this and that," Li Ming Han said. "Anyway, I suppose you were going to come back to Capital City soon to discuss the project with Grandfather?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao sandwiched her phone between her ear and shoulder as she continued to flip on the account books on her table. "Grandfather said that there was going to be a meeting with the board of director next Monday and he wanted me to come."


    "So, you''ll be arriving on Sunday?"


    "Not sure. I haven''t book my ticket yet," Li Qin Yao paused and frowned. "What''s wrong?"


    "Hey, nothing much," Li Ming Han laughed at the other line. "I just wanted to warn you to be careful of Second Aunt. I heard that her staff had to suffer under her wrath this morning. I''m guessing it was due to your news."


    "I know. I heard about this from my former assistant as well." Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. "Is it really bad?"


    Li Ming Han pondered over the question for a few seconds before he answered. "I guess it was bad. Anyway, it seemed that Second Aunt and Brother Mu Bai argued about this matter as well. I''m guessing that Second Aunt will do something to trouble you the next time."


    Li Qin Yao massaged her temple as she heard her cousin''s warning. She had long known that her Zhao Wei will cause trouble once she heard that she had won the bidding.


    While she was trying to contact any potential investors to help her with the project, Zhao Wei was the one who stopped them from investing in the project.


    Though Li Qin Yao knew about her aunt''s sabotage, there was nothing she could do without any evidence.


    If it was not for Zhang Yu Han and his friend, Lu Xun, QL Group will probably have no chance to join the bidding at all.


    Now that she had won the bidding, it would not be hard for her aunt, Zhao Wei to pull something as she did during their last meeting. After all, she does have a lot of supporters among the shareholders and the members of the director.


    After Li Qin Yao ended her call with Li Ming Han, Li Qin Yao picked up her pace to check on the documents. She planned to finish everything early before Zhang Yu Han would come over to pick her up.


    It was the first day since she agreed to date him and Li Qin Yao did not want to disappoint him by burying her head under that pile of works.


    Just as she was looking at the list of inventories, Yin Mei Xuan appeared at her door with a big smile on her face. "Yao Yao, a handsome guest is looking for you."


    "A handsome guest?" Li Qin Yao asked absentmindedly.


    "Our regular handsome customer."


    Li Qin Yao looked up and after a few seconds, a face appeared on her face. She glanced at her wristwatch and noticed that it was almost time for her to clock out. "Zhang Yu Han?"


    "Un. Un," Yin Mei Xuan nodded with enthusiasm. Her eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Yao Yao, what is going on with the two of you?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head and wondered why was her friend asking her such a question. "What do you mean?"


    Yin Mei Xuan''s smile widened and she seemed excited. "Well, anyway, that handsome customer is coming to see you with a bouquet. I did not have to count them to know that there were ninety-nine roses in there."


    "Huh?" She was surprised to hear that Zhang Yu Han had come with a bouquet.


    "Tell me. Yao Yao, is he trying to pursue you?"


    Li Qin Yao did not answer her friend''s question. She quickly cleaned up her table and went outside, carrying her bag. As she tried to imagine Zhang Yu Han frowning face with a bouquet of roses in his hand, a smile appeared on her lips.


    When she stepped out to the dining area, Li Qin Yao was stunned upon seeing Zhang Yu Han walking over to her with that bouquet of roses. Suddenly, everything around her disappeared and all she could see was Zhang Yu Han, carrying the flowers.


    Li Qin Yao thought that he looked absolutely handsome.


    Zhang Yu Han stopped in front of her and handed over the roses. "You''re ready to go?"

 Chapter 119 - First Date

    Li Qin Yao took that bouquet from Zhang Yu Han with her face reddened. "Why did you come over with flowers?" Li Qin Yao whispered, to avoid others from eavesdropping.


    "Didn''t you say that I''m in probation?" Zhang Yu Han said. "Of course I have to try hard until this probation period ends."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his words. She looked at him with a mischievous look. "But giving me these flowers, are you not worried that I''m allergic?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s face paled. "Are you?"


    "No."


    He let out a breath in relief. "Then, do you like them?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She looked at the bouquet again and smiled. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you."


    After a while, she began to notice that her staff has been staring at them and Yin Mei Xuan''s curious glance was starting to make her nervous. Fortunately, there were not many customers during this time, or else, Li Qin Yao thought that she would be embarrassed.


    Li Qin Yao held tightened her grip on the bouquet and said, "Wait for me for a while. I need to speak to the others first."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded and obediently stood at the same spot as he watched Li Qin Yao walked over to the counter where her staff started to gather. He did not have to stand closer with the girls to know that they were going to ask Li Qin Yao about the flowers.


    Once Li Qin Yao stepped away, Yin Mei Xuan pulled her aside and eyed the flower in her hand. "I thought you were going to escape. It''s good that you still have your conscience. Now spill it. What is going on between the two of you."


    Li Qin Yao let out a nervous laugh. "Well, it is just as you thought," she lowered her gaze to look at the beautiful flowers in her hand. "Well, we''re seeing each other."


    Yin Mei Xuan let out a gasp. She wanted to jump around in excitement, however, since Zhang Yu Han was not far away from them, Yin Mei Xuan held back and instead, her smile grew bigger.


    "It''s good that you''re in a new relationship," Auntie Yu said. "I was worried that you were going to shy away from another relationship after you broke up."


    Li Qin Yao turned to Auntie Yu and smiled appreciatively. Li Qin Yao knew that as an elder, Auntie Yu would always worry about her. Auntie Yu was like her mother.


    "Anyway, I have to go," Li Qin Yao said as she turned to Yin Mei Xuan. Then she turned to Qing Kong who stood silently beside everyone else. "I''ll come again tomorrow to discuss something with you."


    "Is there any problem with my work?" Qing Kong asked hesitantly.


    "No. Don''t worry," Li Qin Yao smiled reassuringly. "I''m going to Capital City for a few days next week. I''ll discuss it with you tomorrow."


    Li Qin Yao stayed to talk to her staff for a couple more minutes before she walked out with Zhang Yu Han. Zhang Yu Han opened the passenger''s door as usual before he went to the driver''s side.


    "Where are we going?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Let''s grab something to eat first," Zhang Yu Han said. "What do you want to eat?"


    Li Qin Yao gave that question a thought before she replied, "I heard that there is a night market not far away from the site. Why don''t we go and walk around?"


    "Alright," Zhang Yu Han nodded. Though he was a bit disappointed that the two of them won''t be having their first date together at a luxurious restaurant together.


    Previously, he had browsed a few websites for a first date recommendation and most of them would suggest steak or any western food. Having a candlelight dinner with relaxing music with just the two of them sounded very romantic.


    However, since his girlfriend had said that she wanted to grab something to eat at a night market, Zhang Yu Han could only comply.


    Zhang Yu Han parked his Cayenne in an area before the two of them walked to the night market area. As the two of them walked further into the night market, Zhang Yu Han began to notice that there were too many people and the crowd continue to build up.


    Subconsciously, a deep frown appeared on his face. Zhang Yu Han glanced at the petite woman beside him and began to worry that he might lose sight of her in the crowd.


    As he was worrying over things, Zhang Yu Han felt warm around his palm. He looked down and saw that Li Qin Yao had linked her hands with his. Zhang Yu Han stared at their intertwined fingers and then lifted his head to meet her gaze.


    "This way we won''t lose each other," Li Qin Yao said and smiled.


    At this moment, he thought that having their date at a place such a place was not too bad at all.


    A few seconds later, Zhang Yu Han found himself being tugged away until they arrived at a less crowded place. The two of them went hopping between the stalls to try a variety of foods and chatting.


    Of course, most of the topics discussed were about the tourism city.


    After walking for a while, the two of them picked a bench to sit down. Seeing the way Zhang Yu Han was blowing to cool down the food in his hand, Li Qin Yao took out her phone and took a few selfies of herself. In the background was the night market scenery and a side profile of Zhang Yu Han.


    After a while, she posted the picture on her moments.


    To others who might never see Zhang Yu Han with her together, the picture might appear as if Li Qin Yao was enjoying some street snacks alone and coincidentally, a passerby was in the shot.


    However, once Han Yue Xiu saw that picture, she immediately sent a message through a private chat.


    "Yao Yao! What am I seeing? Why are you together with Mister Zhang enjoying some snacks?" Han Yue Xiu asked.


    "What do you think?"


    "Yao Yao! Please don''t make my imagination run wild!" Han Yue Xiu waited for a while, but seeing that her friend did not reply, she sent another message. "Don''t tell me that Mister Zhang has indeed confessed to you!"


    Towards Han Yue Xiu''s guess, Li Qin Yao merely replied with a smiley face before she slid her phone into her bag and continued to enjoy a night walk with Zhang Yu Han while her friend was stressing out, waiting for her reply.


    ¡­


    At another part in Y City...


    Chen Hao was reviewing a few documents on his desk before he decided to retreat to bed early. He grabbed his phone and decided to browsed through the Wechat moments.


    He froze once he saw Li Qin Yao''s post and stopped to stare at the selfie for a few minutes longer.


    His finger traced on her happy smile on the screen.


    He always knew that Li Qin Yao was someone who loved eating good food. It''s not strange for her to enjoy eating out alone in the night market.


    In the past, he would sometimes accompany her to eat out and try various cafes and restaurants.


    However, the woman in the picture no longer had any relationship with him.


    At that thought, Chen Hao immediately retracted his hands. He took a deep breath to calm down and threw his phone aside before he walked towards his bed.

 Chapter 120 - He was Being Too Careful

    For the past few days, Zhang Yu Han has been in a great mood. Due to their busy work, both of them would usually spend their time having dinner together. Though Zhang Yu Han usually had to travel to B City back and forth to meet his girlfriend, Zhang Yu Han did not find it tiring at all. Once he saw his girlfriend''s face, Zhang Yu Han thought that his tiredness seems to fade away.


    Because of the relationship, the staff at Zhang Group hotel found that their Director was much approachable recently. The frown and the cold aura around him seemed to disappear. Even Zhang Yu Han''s secretary found that her job was getting smoother and talking to her boss was easier.


    Zhang Yu Han thought that his happy days would last for a long time until Li Qin Yao reminded him that she needed to go back to Capital City to discuss the project with the higher-ups.


    Initially, Zhang Yu Han had planned to accompany Li Qin Yao to Capital City. After all, Zhang Group does have another hotel there and it was not unusual if he comes and does his inspection there.


    However, due to the development project in B City, Zhang Yu Han had already taken a long break to stay by his girlfriend''s side. If he took another leave this time, his sister, Zhang Yu Ying would be furious and it would not be proper to leave everything to his grandfather.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han had to reluctantly agree to let his girlfriend travel alone.


    On Sunday morning, Zhang Yu Han drove over to B City to pick up his Li Qin Yao before he drove to the airport in Y City.


    On the way to the airport, the two of them chatted until they arrived at the airport. Zhang Yu Han parked at the basement parking and walked with Li Qin Yao to the departure hall.


    Of course¡­ although Zhang Yu Han tried to hide it well, Li Qin Yao could still notice the dispirited look on Zhang Yu Han''s face. Seeing that he was somewhat in a downcasted mood, Li Qin Yao found it a bit amusing.


    "Well, I will be going for a few days," Li Qin Yao said as if coaxing him. "One week at most."


    At the thought that he will not be able to see Li Qin Yao for a week, Zhang Yu Han''s mood turned worst. Ever since he stayed at the QL B City Branch to help with the tender, it has become a habit for him to see her face every day.


    How was he going to survive not seeing her for a week?


    As he stared at the girl in front of him, Zhang Yu Han had this idea to keep her in his pocket so that he could keep her close all the time.


    "Once I returned from Capital City, you should take a few days off," Li Qin Yao continued.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his gaze and looked at her with a puzzled face. "Why?"


    "Didn''t VP Mo and my friend invited us to L City?" Li Qin Yao said. "Before the construction began, we should go and take a look at the amusement park. Maybe we can get a bit of an idea for the amusement park in B City."


    Once he heard that the two of them were going to have a date at an amusement park together, Zhang Yu Han''s expression brightened. The last time he read a few dating guides, he had heard that going on a date at an amusement park would be a great idea. Riding those heart-pounding rides could stimulate feelings and reliance among a couple.


    "Alright. Tell me the date and I''ll take a few days off," Zhang Yu Han said. Suddenly, he was looking forward to the date.


    He will need to bear parting with his girlfriend for a few days and be compensated by going on a trip to L City and having a date at the amusement.


    Towards this compensation, Zhang Yu Han was contented.


    Seeing that his mood had lightened up after she mentioned going to L City together, Li Qin Yao really thought that Zhang Yu Han was really cute.


    The two of them chatted for a while until the announcement on Li Qin Yao''s flight was heard.


    "Yao Yao, if you have any problem in Capital City, you can find my assistant, Xiao Ye, at the hotel," Zhang Yu Han reminded her. "If you changed your mind and needed a place to stay, just come over to the hotel. I''ll make an arrangement for you."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head and her lips curved into a playful smile. "Is this considered the perks of being your girlfriend?"


    Zhang Yu Han laughed. "Aren''t you glad that you agreed to date me?"


    "I promised my grandmother that I will stay at the residence this time," Li Qin Yao said. "But thank you. I''ll tell you if I need anything."


    There was another announcement for Li Qin Yao''s flight and Zhang Yu Han realized that it was time for them to be apart.


    "You should go now," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her boyfriend and wondered if he was going to take another step.


    Her smile grew wider when she saw the frown between his eyebrow. The look on his face showed that he wanted to show some affection, perhaps pulling her into his arms or to kiss her. However, Li Qin Yao could tell that Zhang Yu Han was hesitant.


    It was as if he was afraid that his sudden move will make her upset. Perhaps it was because she had mentioned his status as her boyfriend on probation before and therefore he was being too careful.


    At that thought, Li Qin Yao wondered if Zhang Yu Han had never had a girlfriend before her. If he had a girlfriend before her, shouldn''t he be skillful at pursuing a girl? However, at this point, Zhang Yu Han had only dared to hold her hands and nothing else.


    She hesitated for a few seconds and wondered if she should be the one who initiated things, but after a while, she decided not to. She did not want to make things too easy for him. After all, they were still in the initial dating period.


    Although Li Qin Yao was slightly disappointed that Zhang Yu Han has been holding back, there was a part of himself that was happy with how he acted. Li Qin Yao thought that he was being very considerate towards her.


    Suddenly, warmth began to spread from her heart.


    "I should go now," Li Qin Yao finally said. "I''ll give you a call when I arrived."

 Chapter 121 - Met Assistant Ye at the Airport

    When Li Qin Yao arrived at the airport, she was surprised to see someone holding a signboard with her name on it. Upon closer look, Li Qin Yao thought that the man was somewhat familiar.


    The man lowered the signboard and walked over to Li Qin Yao with a polite smile on his face. "Miss Li, hello!"


    Li Qin Yao frowned. "You are?"


    "Miss Li, I am Director Zhang''s assistant, Xiao Ye. Do you remember me?" Xiao Ye secretly glanced at the woman before him.


    Xiao Ye had seen Li Qin Yao before during his boss'' last visit to Capital City. It was the first time for him to see his boss with a woman, and his boss had even instructed him to upgraded her room to an expensive suite in the hotel.


    Now that he had received instructions from his boss to treat her well, naturally, Xiao Ye was curious about Li Qin Yao''s relationship with Zhang Yu Han. However, he still knew that he could not ask and overstep his boundaries as an assistant.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "We met the last time I came to the Capital City. But why are you here?"


    "Director Zhang send me over to fetch you and take you wherever you need to go," Xiao Ye said as he handed over his name card.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the card and held up a hand, signaling Xiao Ye to wait for a while. Then she went to the side and dialed Zhang Yu Han''s number. The moment the call was connected, Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze to hid her reddened face with her hair. She was not expecting Zhang Yu Han to spoke to call her name with a lower tone.


    "Qin Yao?" Zhang Yu Han continued to call when she did not reply. He looked at the phone screen and was sure that the call was still connected.


    At this moment, Li Qin Yao''s body had turned rigid. As expected, she was still weak towards Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice. Moreover, this time, he deliberately lowered his voice as if he was whispering, and his voice was full of pampering.


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao managed to answer after a while.


    "Have you arrived?"


    "Hmm¡­ The flight just landed a few minutes ago. I met Assistant Ye at the airport. You send him over?"


    "Didn''t you say you were going to get a taxi from the airport?" Zhang Yu Han looked at the manager who stood in front of him. The elder man was still waiting for his answer to the report he submitted. "I worried that you will have to wait for a long time when you could not get a taxi. I hope you would not mind this arrangement."


    Her lips subconsciously curved into a smile. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you. Okay. I have to go now. I''ll text you later when I get to my grandparent''s place."


    Li Qin Yao walked over to Xiao Ye once the call ended. "Sorry about that."


    Xiao Ye smiled. "Don''t worry, Miss Li. It''s fine." He glanced at Li Qin Yao''s luggage and offered to help. Xiao Ye took her to Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne and drove over to Li''s residence. Once they arrived, Xiao Ye reminded Li Qin Yao to give him a call if she needed his help before he drove away.


    Li Qin Yao walked into the mansion, Auntie Han came to greet her. She handed over her luggage and asked, "Where''re my grandparents?"


    "Old Madam is in the kitchen, and old Master is in his study," Auntie Han said. "Miss, do you want to head upstairs and rest first?"


    "No need. I''ll go and see my grandmother first," Li Qin Yao said. She watched Auntie Han took her luggage into her former room and texted both her mother and Zhang Yu Han that she had arrived at her grandparent''s place.


    Then, she walked into the kitchen and saw that her grandmother was standing in front of the stove, cooking something that smelled delicious with her helper called Ah Xu assisting her.


    Because she did not want to startle her grandmother, Li Qin Yao leaned at the door and watched as her grandmother move back and forth between the table and the stove. When Ah Xu noticed her presence, Li Qin Yao put a finger on her lips, to signal Ah Xu not to say anything.


    Ah Xu nodded and pretended that she did not know anything.


    Once it looked like her grandmother had finished, Li Qin Yao knocked on the door.


    Immediately, Mu Ling Xi turned around. Her eyes widened and there was unmistakable happiness when she saw her granddaughter. "Qin Yao! You''re here!"


    "I have been standing here for a while, Grandmother," Li Qin Yao admitted.


    "And you keep on standing there in silence," Mu Ling Xi washed her hands and dried them on a towel. Then she went over to her granddaughter that she had not seen for a while. Mu Ling Xi laughed when her granddaughter hugged her. "Quickly let me go. I probably smell after spending too long in the kitchen."


    "It''s fine."


    Mu Ling Xi let out a helpless sigh. "How is your mother?"


    Seeing the grandmother and granddaughter started to chat, Ah Xu excused herself to do other tasks.


    "Mother is doing good," Li Qin Yao said. "Recently, she has been busy with her works. Right. My mother sent over some food and supplements for you and grandfather."


    "Even though we have not seen each other for a long time, your mother would still remember us," Mu Ling Xi frowned a bit. There was a hint of regret in her tone each time she mentioned her former daughter-in-law.


    "Mother always said that you have always been good to her in the past. Of course, she will remember you," Li Qin Yao said. She then looked around and saw a lot of dishes being prepared on the table. "Grandmother, why did you cook so much?"


    Mu Ling Xi smiled. "Your auntie and her family are coming back for a short vacation. Since you are also in the Capital City, I have invited everyone to gather and have a meal together for dinner. It has been a while since the last time since everyone come together for a family meal." Mu Ling Xi lowered her gaze as she recalled the last time her children and grandchildren all gathered together.


    At that time, her eldest son, Li Xuan had passed away from a heart attack, leaving her granddaughter, Li Qin Yao alone. It was always disheartening when a child died before the parents.


    Li Qin Yao''s gaze turned a shade darker at the thought that everyone else will gather for dinner. It has been years since the last time she had seen her youngest auntie''s family. However, if everyone gathered together, then it would also mean that her Second Aunt, Zhao Wei will also be present.


    When she recalled Li Ming Han''s warning, Li Qin Yao wondered what will happen at the family dinner later.

 Chapter 122 - Han Yue Xiu Entered His Trap

    After talking to her grandmother and greeting her grandfather, Li Qin Yao excused herself to return to her room. At the thought that she will need to join the family dinner in a few hours, Li Qin Yao took a nap to preserve her energy.


    While chatting with Zhang Yu Han through WeChat, a call from Han Yue Xiu came in.


    "Yao Yao, help me," Han Yue Xiu said the moment the phone call was connected. Of course, she did not bother with pleasantries.


    "What is it? You''re bored to death?"


    It was not the first time that Han Yue Xiu would complain that she was bored to death. She had been saying that after two days of staying with her parents in S Country.


    "That''s not it, but close," Han Yue Xiu said. "It was not me who was bored to death. It''s my mom."


    "What with your mom?"


    "She said she was concerned that I have been staying at home doing nothing ever since I arrived in S Country. Right now, she''s arranging blind dates for me," Han Yue Xiu said. "Last night, my parents took me out for dinner, and who would have thought that she would invite her friend and her son."


    Li Qin Yao burst into a fit of laugh at her words. She could almost imagine her friend''s frustration. It was not long ago that Han Yue Xiu had said that she did not want to get married too early.


    "That''s not a bad idea."


    "That''s a very bad idea," Han Yue Xiu said. "It was embarrassing, alright? Anyway, I still want to wait until you and Mister Zhang get married first."


    Li Qin Yao was momentarily speechless. She frowned to hid her awkwardness. "Yue Xiu, what are you saying? We have only dated for a week. It''s too early to talk about marriage, alright?"


    "Didn''t you''re the one who said that you don''t date without marriage as the future prospect?" Han Yue Xiu laughed. "Yao Yao, I still want to be your bridesmaid!"


    Li Qin Yao''s face grew warm. "Han Yue Xiu, let''s not try to divert the topic. Weren''t we discussing your blind dates? Yue Xiu, what are you planning to do about it?"


    Han Yue Xiu felt as if she wanted to cry when her friend had turned the topic back towards her blind dates. She did not know how to deal with her parents'' arrangement. At this point, she wished to forget about this matter.


    "Do you think I should end this vacation and return?" Han Yue Xiu asked. "Maybe if I find another job, my parents would soon forget about this matter."


    "Are you sure?"


    "I don''t know," Han Yue Xiu sighed and pondered over the matter for a while. "But I think that my ex-boss has stopped looking for me. I no longer received his e-mails, and my ex-colleagues have no longer contact me and ask anything about my resignation. Did that person come over to your place again and asked for me?"


    "I didn''t see him again after he came over last week," Li Qin Yao said.


    The two of them chatted for a while longer and hung out after almost an hour.


    Once the call ended, Han Yue Xiu reached for the potato chips on her sides and started to binge eating while browsing through the internet and news. She tried to reach for another chip when her eyes caught a piece of news in the business section.


    Han Yue Xiu clicked on the news and widened her eyes in surprise.


    It seemed that Song Yi''s company was in deep trouble. Something went wrong with their server and this problem has been going on for days. Some business journalists caught this matter in and wrote about it, causing the company to go down. If this matter goes down for a while longer, the company might go bankrupt.


    Han Yue Xiu''s hesitated. She knew that Song Yi was deliberately letting the journalist write something like that about his company to lure her out and return to the company as he had done previously.


    It was how Song Yi had persuaded her to end her vacation and returned to work. However, it was during that time that Song Yi had pulled that stupid act on her.


    Han Yue Xiu was reluctant.


    She has been with Song Yi''s company since the early days and she was one of those who helped to build the system. To see that the company was declining and will soon close down like this make her heart ached.


    After a while, Han Yue Xiu wiped her hands on a tissue paper and dialed a number.


    Although she had no longer keep that man''s number in her phone, Han Yue Xiu could remember that number by heart. She waited for a while and took a couple of deep breaths to calm down.


    It took a while until the call connected.


    "Hello?" Song Yi spoke. He frowned when the person on the other line did not spoke. He glanced at the man who was standing beside his table and raised a brow. "Hello? Who am I speaking to?"


    Han Yue Xiu took another deep breath. "Song Yi, you idiot! Are you really planning to dump everything you work for? I worked hard for it. You worked hard to help to build that system and you''re going to let it go just like this?"


    Song Yi did not have to guess who was the person on the other line. From the voice and her words, he knew that it was the person he has been waiting for, Han Yue Xiu.


    "Why are you doing all this? You do know that others are working under you. They have a family to feed and you''re still pulling this nonsense. Whatever you do, I am not planning to go back to the company, alright! Song Yi! I''m very disappointed in you!" Han Yue Xiu said before she hung up the phone.


    ¡­


    In another part in Y City¡­


    Song Yi stared at his phone and slowly, his lips curved into a mischievous smile. He knew that Han Yue Xiu will enter his trap.


    He lifted his head to look at the man beside him. "Have you found out where she is?"


    The man wiped the sweat on his forehead as he tapped his fingers furiously against the keyboard. After a while, he let out a sigh with relief and turned to Song Yi with a big smile on his face. "I got her." He turned the computer screen to face Song Yi and continued, "That person is in S Country."

 Chapter 123 - Family Dinner

    After a few hours of rest, Li Qin Yao went downstairs and helped her grandmother to set up the table.


    The first to arrive was her youngest auntie, Li Chun, and her family. Once her youngest auntie saw her, she immediately pulled her into a tight hug. After a while, she pulled away, looked at her niece from top to bottom and suddenly, her eyes reddened.


    "Yao Yao, you''ve grown up," Li Chun touched her niece''s face. "The last time I saw you were five years ago, right?"


    Li Qin Yao''s surprised expression faded and her gaze softened.


    Five years ago, her father had died and the last time she had seen this aunt was on the day that she followed her husband to C Country.


    In the past, because Li Qin Yao and her father had stayed in Li''s Residence, she was quite close to her youngest aunt. Because she married quite late, her auntie had treated her very well and doted on her.


    "I bought you and everyone else some gifts from C Country," Li Chun said. She turned around to look at the helpers who were carrying the items she bought home inside and coincidentally saw her teenage son behind her. "Right," Li Chun waved her hand to her son. "Yao Yao, you remember your cousin, Nan Feng?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at the teenage boy and saw him nodded to greet her. The last time she saw this cousin, he was still a little boy. Right now, the small boy has grown up taller than her. He looked at Li Qin Yao with an expression that clearly said, ''don''t talk to me''.


    Seeing that expression, Li Qin Yao greeted him before she turned to her auntie to chat about their life abroad.


    Not long after, her second uncle''s family arrived.


    As Li Qin Yao saw her second aunt, Zhao Wei, and her cousin, Li Mu Chen walked through the door, she subconsciously tightened her hand into a fist. It was only when her second uncle, Li Jing, her worry disappeared. This was because, she knew that whenever her second uncle was around, the mother and daughter would always behave themselves.


    Li Mu Bai intended to have a talk with Li Qin Yao regarding the project in B City, but when he saw that she was chatting happily with their youngest aunt, Li Mu Bai went over to his grandfather''s office instead.


    Her third uncle''s family was the last to arrive, and when they arrived, Li Ming Han did not appear together.


    Initially, her grandmother, Mu Ling Xi wanted to start the meal once everyone had gathered, but once her third son, Li Sheng whispered something to her, Mu Ling Xi''s eyes brightened up before she ushered everyone to start having their meals without Li Ming Han.


    The scenery was lively as the family chatted while having meals. Because it has been a while since Li Chun and her family returned home, she became the center of attraction. Their conversations revolved around her life in C Country.


    No one would dare to talk about company matters with Mu Ling Xi''s appearance in the dining table.


    Li Qin Yao was having her meals in silence when she felt as if she was being watched. When she looked up, her cousin, Li Mu Chen was staring at her with an intense gaze.


    Although she could guess what Li Mu Chen was upset about, Li Qin Yao decided to pretend as if she had not seen her anger.


    The family was in the middle of a meal when Auntie Han appeared and announced that Li Ming Han had appeared.


    Mu Ling Xi''s expression brightened up upon hearing the news and soon, Li Ming Han walked into the room with a girl beside him, causing almost everyone to look at him in surprise.


    "Ming Han, you''re here," Mu Ling Xi beamed as she stared at the lady beside her grandson.


    Li Ming Han led the lady towards his grandparents and introduced the girl, "Grandmother, grandfather, let me introduce you," he looked at the woman beside him and smiled. "This is Bai Qing Qing."


    In just a few seconds, the atmosphere in the dining room turned livelier at the news that Li Ming Han was planning to hold a wedding with the woman soon. Because this will be the first wedding among their grandchildren, the grandparents were extremely happy.


    Mu Ling Xi asked Auntie Han to prepare another seat for both of them and chatted up with the lady.


    Of course, as the eldest grandson, Li Mu Bai could not escape his grandparents'' nagging to find a partner soon.


    Once the dinner ended, Li Qin Yao went out alone in the garden to have a walk and help digest the food she ate. Unfortunately, she stumbled into the mother and daughter, Zhao Wei and Li Mu Chen. Just as she was about to turn around and evaded those two, Li Mu Chen had noticed her presence.


    "Li Qin Yao, you stop there!"


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath, rolled her eyes and stopped. Actually, she could have chosen to walk away, however, since the one who asked her to stop was an elder, Li Qin Yao chose to stay. She turned around with a smile on her face and greeted, "Second Aunt."


    Zhao Wei stopped in front of her and forced a smile. "I heard you won the bidding project in B City. Congratulation."


    Of course, this congratulatory does not sound sincere.


    "Thank you."


    Zhao Wei narrowed her eyes. "Just tell me, how did you get those people to agree and invest? Who are they?"


    Zhao Wei had worked with QL Group for years and naturally knew almost everyone connected to Li Qin Yao. Previously, she had heard that everyone that Li Qin Yao had reached out to had pulled out before they could sign an agreement to invest. Zhao Wei had thought hard and in the end, she still could not figure out who did her niece had sought out for help.


    Even when she had asked her son, Li Mu Bai regarding the investors, he had refused to say a word and only told her to wait until the meeting with the boards of directors before she figured out the truth.

 Chapter 124 - She Did Not Appreciate Her Tolerance

    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes. Since Zhao Wei did not know the identity of the investors, then, it was safe to say that both Li Mu Bai and her grandfather had not said anything to her.


    "Second Aunt," Li Qin Yao smiled politely. "Why are you interested to know about the investors?"


    "I''m one of the managers in QL Group. Don''t you think I have the right to know where did you get that source of money?"


    "Li Mu Bai did not tell you?"


    Zhao Wei pursed her lips tightly and did not answer. Li Qin Yao''s words made her heart ached. If her son was willing to tell her, then she did not have to come and ask.


    "Since both the Chairman and President did not say a word, then I supposed that the investors will remain a secret. Second Aunt, you did not have to worry. We will be having a meeting tomorrow. When that time comes, you will know who those investors are."


    "Mom, you don''t need to bother and ask," Li Mu Chen said. She stared at Li Qin Yao and sneered. "Since she refused to say a word about it, then perhaps Maybe Cousin was just embarrassed with the method she used to get those investors to agree."


    Li Qin Yao threw a warning gaze to her cousin. She could guess what Li Mu Chen was implying.


    "What?" Li Mu Chen raised a brow. "Isn''t that''s it? How else would you get some wealthy men to invest in that project."


    "Li Mu Chen, you must have been reading too many novels in your free time, right?"


    "What? Just because it''s fictional, it doesn''t mean that it did not happen in real life."


    Li Qin Yao looked at Zhao Wei and Li Mu Chen alternately. "If there is nothing else, then I will be going first."


    "Li Qin Yao, you stop there!"


    Li Mu Chen''s voice could be heard as Li Qin Yao turned around. As it was only her cousin, Li Qin Yao did not think that she should pretend to be courteous. Just as she was about to leave, Li Qin Yao felt a tug on her arms. Her body was forced to turned around to face the mother and daughter again.


    "Did you not hear me?" Li Mu Chen asked.


    "I heard you. But I''m just too lazy to talk to you. My intelligence might go lower if I continue to talk to you," Li Qin Yao turned around to leave once again.


    Li Mu Chen was furious at her words. She was about to raise a hand and give her cousin''s a good beating, but her mother stopped her in time. Li Mu Chen looked at her mother with aggrieved expression. Zhao Wei shook her head and smiled scornfully.


    "Li Qin Yao, don''t you think it''s rude for you to leave when your elder had not given you permission to leave?" Zhao Wei spoke loud enough for Li Qin Yao who had walked a few steps away to hear it. "Oh, I forgot. Someone who was raised a low-bred mother tended to be ill-mannered as well."


    Zhao Wei''s words successfully made Li Qin Yao stopped on her track.


    Li Qin Yao clenched her hand tightly to a fist to hold back her anger. She could not tolerate someone talked badly about her mother. However, at this time and place, she could not do anything but to hold back. Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and continued to walk away.


    However, who would have thought that Zhao Wei did not appreciate her tolerance and wanted to continue to add oil to the fire.


    "Oh well, perhaps that was why your father chose to divorce your mother," Zhao Wei continued. "Your mother¡­ who did not know that she came from the countryside? To have someone as boorish as her to teach-"


    Zhao Wei did not get to finish her word as Li Qin Yao had lurched forward to grab her aunt by the collar.


    Li Mu Chen, who was watching at the side started to shriek. "Li Qin Yao, what are you doing? Release my mother now!"


    Of course, Li Qin Yao turned her ears deaf from her cousin''s words. Li Qin Yao continued to stare dangerously into Zhao Wei''s eyes and said, "Second Aunt, I can be tolerant to you because you are still an elder. But that does not mean that I will give you the chance to insult my mother."


    "What?" Zhao Wei sneered despite her niece''s glare. "You think I''m wrong?"


    "I''ve been lenient to you for years. But Second Aunt," She inched her face closer and whispered. "If you continue to insult my mother, then don''t blame me when I send some evidence from two years ago to both my Second Uncle and Cousin Mu Bai."


    Zhao Wei''s face paled, but she composed herself quickly knowing that Li Qin Yao was trying to play a trick on her. "What do you mean?"


    "You should know what I mean. Second Aunt, just because a person went missing it does not mean that he could not be found again."


    Zhao Wei stiffened and her expression distorted.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao finally released her grip on Zhao Wei. Because of Li Mu Chen''s scream, she had attracted both her Second and Third Uncle into the garden. But before they could ask anything, Li Qin Yao had walked past them and head towards another part of the garden.


    Li Qin Yao sat down under a shady tree and pulled her knees closer to her chest in her attempt to calm down. Because it was darker around the place she hid away, the others could not found her no matter how long they search.


    It was until the others had gone away from that part that Li Qin Yao slowly released her grip around her knees. She leaned back on the tree trunk and looked up at the sky.


    At this time, the phone in her jacket suddenly rang.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the screen for a few seconds before she decided to answer. "Hello?"


    "Hello," Zhang Yu Han paused at the other side. Somehow, he could sense that something does not seem right with her tone. "Are you alright? You¡­ sounded upset?"


    Li Qin Yao was stunned at Zhang Yu Han''s words. After a while, she forced a smile and said. "It''s nothing. I just argued with my auntie, that''s all."


    "Do you want to talk about it?"


    "No. Let''s not talk about something so upsetting," Li Qin Yao said. "Zhang Yu Han, have you had your dinner yet?"


    Zhang Yu Han smiled at her attempted to change the subject. "It''s already so late. Of course, I have had my dinner."

 Chapter 125 - Two Years Ago

    Li Qin Yao''s mood was better after she spent hours chatting with Zhang Yu Han about unimportant stuff.


    At first, she was reluctant to pick up his phone call, but who would have thought that by listening to his deep, low voice made her heart calm and slowly, she began to forget about whatever that has been troubling her mind.


    That night, she had unexpectedly slept soundly.


    When Li Qin Yao went downstairs the next morning, she was not surprised that both her grandparents did not ask anything about her argument with her Second Aunt. Her grandmother, Mu Ling Xi was only concerned that she had disappeared for a long time, after dinner.


    Li Qin Yao told her grandmother that she went to take a walk around the garden and later, she found out from Auntie Han that Zhao Wei and Li Mu Chen did not mention anything about last night.


    There was no way that Zhao Wei would speak a word, especially after her empty threat last night.


    Though Li Qin Yao had long guessed that her Second Auntie was the person who sabotaged her two years ago, Li Qin Yao could not do anything to clean up her name because of the lack of evidence.


    In that year, when the others accused her of her involvement in that accident, Li Qin Yao was given three days to prove her innocence.


    She had spoken to a few of her trusted friends to help her investigate the matter. After probing into the incident, they did found a few clues. Following the lead, she found out that her aunt had been talking to the manager of the supplier.


    Surprisingly, the manager admitted to taking bribes from her aunt to change the materials used.


    Just when she thought that she has enough evidence to bring to the board of directors, the manager suddenly disappeared. Without evidence, she had no other choice but to give up and leave QL Group.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance once they have arrived at the headquarters. She followed her grandfather into the building and separated when she met Liang Sheng inside. Li Qin Yao took a seat at the lounge and had a last minutes discussion before the meeting with the Board of Directors.


    In the middle of their discussion, Liang Sheng paused and lifted his head. Li Qin Yao followed his gaze and saw Li Ming Han stood at their side with a smile.


    Liang Sheng turned to Li Qin Yao and nodded before he tacitly stood up and left.


    "You''ve finished?"


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes. "Why are you here? I thought the meeting won''t start until later."


    Li Ming Han let out a low laugh. "Of course I''m here to see you, Cousin Sister. Are you okay? I heard you disappeared last night after dinner."


    "I''m fine," Li Qin Yao''s gaze softened when she saw the concern in her cousin''s expression. "I took a walk in the garden last night. It has been a long time since I last return, so I lost my track of time."


    Li Ming Han frowned as he took a seat beside her. He stared at Li Qin Yao for a while as if contemplating something and spoke. "The three of you were not the only one in that garden last night. Nan Feng was around in the garden as well."


    Li Qin Yao immediately thought of her young cousin, Lin Nan Feng.


    "He went out to smoke and saw your argument with Second Aunt," Li Ming Han said. He leaned on the sofa and continued, "I saw him giving a strange look at both Second Aunt and Cousin Mu Chen. I asked him a few questions and who would have thought that he would answer me truthfully." He laughed. "But don''t worry, I made him promise not to tell anyone about your arguments."


    "Thank you. But, why would he promise you?"


    "I threatened him that I will tell Youngest Aunt that he went out to smoke," Li Ming Han said.


    Li Qin Yao snickered. There was a brief silence between them before Li Qin Yao spoke and changed the topic. "Right. I didn''t get the chance to congratulate you and Miss Bai last night. Congratulations. When is the wedding?"


    "We planned to get a certificate in next week and had a wedding in three months."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her cousin with her eyes wide. She wanted to tease her cousin but had never thought that Li Ming Han would be off the market for this fast.


    Li Ming Han turned to her and his smile widened. "Cousin Sister, you have to come to my wedding. You can bring along your plus-one."


    "Of course," Li Qin Yao nodded. A thought crossed her mind and Li Qin Yao inched closer to whisper, "Tell me the truth, is Miss Bai pregnant?"


    This time, it was Li Ming Han''s turn to look at his cousin with wide eyes. "No. Of course not."


    Li Qin Yao returned to her early position and laughed. "But, why do I feel that Miss Bai looked somehow familiar?"


    "Hmm¡­ You have probably seen her before," He lowered his gaze and stared at his shoes to avoid Li Qin Yao. "Qing Qing and I were classmates during high school. Her father is someone who worked under the mayor."


    "You mean Miss Bai is the daughter of Secretary Bai?" Li Qin Yao put her hand on her chin as she continued to stare at her cousin. "And you have been dating from high school? How come I did not know this?"


    "Actually, it was not that long," Li Ming Han laughed. "We haven''t been dating until last year. We haven''t seen each other after high school and I only met her during Mayor Shi''s birthday banquet."


    "It seemed that things would not be easy for you now that you are going to marry Miss Bai," Li Qin Yao commented. Now that she thought of it, perhaps it was because of Li Ming Han''s engagement that both her Second Aunt and her cousin, Li Mu Chen seemed upset.


    Zhao Wei worked hard to push her son to the top, but now, she had one foot in the company and Li Ming Han was about to marry Secretary Bai''s daughter. Zhao Wei would be afraid that with someone powerful behind Li Ming Han, her son would be pushed out from the top.


    The directors and shareholders would want to curry favor with Li Ming Han and no one would dare to offend him.


    Just at the thought of Zhao Wei''s upset expression brought joy to Li Qin Yao''s heart.


    However, this would also mean that Zhao Wei will continue to cause trouble for Li Ming Han and perhaps do something to stop his wedding. Perhaps that was why Li Ming Han was in a hurry to marry.

 Chapter 126 - Li Ming Hans Intention

    The meeting began in time with most of the board of directors showed up.


    Of course... this time, her Second Aunt and her cousin, Li Mu Chen could not attend the meeting as they were both not part of the directors. However, among the members of directors, half of them were Zhao Wei''s people.


    In the first half of the meeting, they were discussing the progress on a few ongoing projects around Capital City. Once everyone had reported what they needed to report, everyone who was presented had their eyes on Chairman Li Ren Xin.


    Everyone knew that he was going to announce the QL Group project in B City. The last time that Li Qin Yao had joined the shareholder meeting, the directors have heard about the Tourism City project in B City.


    Because it would be a profitable project for QL Group, and it was the first project that QL Group outside of Capital City, everyone was anticipating to know the result.


    Though a few of them did not have a good impression on Li Qin Yao due to her scandal two years ago, they were happy to hear that QL has won their project.


    Who would not like it when they know that the project would bring them a lot of money?


    After waiting for a while, the Chairman finally announced that Li Qin Yao had won the bidding in B City. He then called Li Qin Yao and let her explained the project.


    Li Qin Yao stood up and began to explain about the project and their next plan. When they heard that the MH Group from L City will be collaborating to build an amusement park, none of the directors were surprised. They have long heard that Li Qin Yao was an acquaintance with VP Mo.


    However, the directors could not hide their surprise upon hearing that Zhang Group Worldwide was part of the investors.


    Who among them had not heard of Zhang Group? They had a few luxury hotels in the country as well as in a few parts of the world.


    But, how on earth did Li Qin Yao be acquaintance with someone from Zhang Group that they were willing to invest that much? When Li Qin Yao was still working for QL two years ago, none of them had heard that she had made such a connection.


    Furthermore, Li Qin Yao managed to convince someone from NEXT Group to invest in her project. Everyone had heard that the President of NEXT Group who had returned to the country not long ago, start-up his company and rose steadily. Most of everyone in the business world was impressed by that young man.


    In the end, one of the directors could no longer stop their curiosity and asked about her connection with those two groups.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao only told them that she was able to know them after living in B City for two years. Coincidentally, Zhang Group had heard that QL was looking for investors, and they wanted to join in.


    Even if the directors did not believe in her words, there was nothing they could do about it. Even if they looked into the matter, they would only found out the same thing that she had said. Everything she had said was the truth anyway.


    Everyone started to disperse once the meeting ended.


    Once she stepped out of the room, Li Qin Yao saw that Zhao Wei was waiting at a corner and a director walked over to her to report whatever that was discussed during the meeting. Her grandfather and Li Mu Bai both stayed in the meeting room to continue discussing some other matters. While Li Ming Han followed her around to the elevator.


    "Why are you following me?" Li Qin Yao sighed exasperatedly as she pressed on the elevator button.


    "It''s lunch hour," Li Ming Han spread both arms. "Cousin Sister, should we go for lunch together?"


    "Shouldn''t you find Miss Bai and have lunch together?"


    Li Ming Han waved his hand. "She had to entertain some of her clients. Therefore, I am very free right now."


    Her brow furrowed as Li Qin Yao continued to stare at her cousin. She had clearly remembered that both her and Li Ming Han were not close to each other. It was only after she had returned to Capital City to propose the project to the shareholders that Li Ming Han was starting to get close to her.


    At first, Li Qin Yao had thought that Li Ming Han only wanted to gain her vote to win the right to manage the project in the west part of the city. However, it looked like her cousin had not stopped trying to get close to her even after he had won the project.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao was suspicious of Li Ming Han''s intention. In her current situation, it doesn''t look like she would be able to help him much. Unless if Li Ming Han intended to keep his eyes on her.


    The elevator arrived, and the two of them entered at the same time. Both of them stood at a corner, watching each other.


    "Cousin Sister, you don''t have to be wary of me," Li Ming Han suddenly said. His usual sunny smile stayed on his face. "Though the three of us, you, me, and Cousin Mu Bai were competing for the President position before, both I and Cousin Mu Bai would not do anything to hurt you."


    Li Qin Yao was startled when Li Ming Han suddenly said those words. Could it be that her expression was so obvious that Li Ming Han was able to guess what was on her mind?


    "Cousin Mu Bai at least has his mother to look after him, but with me, I am the only one who chose to work for QL. When Eldest Uncle was alive, he was the one who mentored me when I first entered the company." The smile on his smile widened, but there was a hint of sadness in his expression. "Back then, the Eldest Uncle always told me to look after you. Even though I always said that I will look over for you, I still could not do anything to help you two years ago."


    Li Qin Yao continued to stare at Li Ming Han in astonishment until the elevator let out a ''ding'' sound and the door slid open.


    Seeing that they have arrived at their floor, Li Ming Han then pulled her cousin out of the elevator and let the others entered.


    When Li Qin Yao turned to look at her cousin again, his expression was back as usual. Li Ming Han pulled her towards the exit as he listed out a few good restaurants around.


    "Miss Li."


    Li Qin Yao paused when she heard that familiar voice. She turned towards the direction and saw that it was Xiao Ye.

 Chapter 127 - Sweet Stuff Would Cheer You Up

    Li Qin Yao pulled her hand away from Li Ming Han and walked over to Xiao Ye. From the look of it, it seemed like Xiao Ye has been waiting for her at the entrance for quite some time.


    "Xiao Ye? Why are you here?" Li Qin Yao asked. She subconsciously looked around as if Zhang Yu Han was going to appear anytime soon. However, she could only see Xiao Ye carrying a luxurious looking pastel pink box in his hand.


    Xiao Ye did not answer immediately. He glanced at Li Ming Han and smiled as he held up a box in his hand. "My boss instructed me to send this to you."


    Li Qin Yao took the box and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the logo on the box. She then peeked into the box and a sweet, delicious smell wafted out. Inside, there were sixteen different types of cakes.


    With one glance, Li Qin Yao could see that they were exclusive desserts from The Orchid, a hotel under Zhang Group.


    A shy smile curved on her lips and warmth began to spread on her heart. Although the two of them were miles apart, Zhang Yu Han had not failed to give her a surprise.


    "Your boss?" Li Ming Han raised a brow. "Who is your boss?"


    "Chef Qin prepared those sweets personally for you," Xiao Ye said to Li Qin Yao. "Miss Li, I hope you enjoyed the sweets."


    "Chef Qin? That famous pastry chef from the Orchid?" Li Ming Han sent a questioning glance to Li Qin Yao. "I heard that it was hard to get his personally crafted desserts. And I heard that they don''t actually allow people to take away their dessert¡­ right?"


    Xiao Ye continued to smile at Li Ming Han''s question.


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao said to Xiao Ye. It seemed as if the two of them were not paying any attention to Li Ming Han.


    "You''re welcome," Xiao Ye bowed slightly. "Miss Li, if there is nothing else, then I should return first."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. Then, she watched Xiao Ye walked towards his vehicle and drove off.


    Beside her, Li Ming Han was still curious about Xiao Ye''s appearance. He continued to give Li Qin Yao a questioning gaze and she stared at the box of dessert to avoid him. Li Qin Yao then made a mental note to give Zhang Yu Han a call once she got rid of her cousin.


    Once she sensed that Li Ming Han had not given up to get an answer from her, Li Qin Yao lifted her head and smiled. "Didn''t you said you were going to treat me to lunch?"


    "When did I say I was going to," Li Ming Han stopped in the middle of his speech. He was going to ask about Xiao Ye and the person who sent her those desserts, but Li Ming Han could sense that he won''t be getting the answer soon.


    Suddenly, his lips curved into a sly smile. "How about I treat you to lunch and you give me one portion, no, two portions of that dessert?"


    Li Qin Yao tightened her grip on the box. "Why do I have to give you any portion?"


    "It''s not like you were able to finish them all, right?" Li Ming Han sighed helplessly.


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes dangerously. Though there were sixteen pieces of those desserts, they were in a petite size. She could finish them all. If Li Ming Han thought that she could not finish them on one sitting, then, he was looking down on her.


    "Come on. I could use those cakes and gifted it to Qing Qing. Previously, we went to The Orchid to try Chef Qin''s crafts, but of course, we failed to get them. Apparently, there is a long reservation queue for Chef Qin''s dessert. He won''t care even if you can pay a lot of money," Li Ming Han said. "Cousin Sister, why don''t you give me a chance to make my fiancee happy?"


    Li Qin Yao thought about it for a while before she reluctantly agreed. "Fine. I can give you two pieces. Just think of it as my congratulatory gift. But I get to pick which one I want first."


    "Whatever you say," Li Ming Han nodded. "I''m just happy that you are willing to share those desserts. Cousin Sister, thank you. Now, let''s go for lunch."


    The two of them had lunch together and Li Qin Yao then gave away a strawberry and white chocolate flavored dessert. But of course, not before she took a few pictures of those small desserts and posted it on her WeChat''s moment.


    As usual, Han Yue Xiu was the first to comment. A few friends expressed their jealousy at the box of cakes.


    Once Li Qin Yao was back to her grandparent''s place and went to her room. Once she was alone, Li Qin Yao made a call to her boyfriend. The call was connected within seconds after it rang.


    "Is the meeting ended?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Are you busy?"


    Zhang Yu Han closed the file on his desk and waved a hand to Secretary Tian to leave him alone. Then, he leaned on his chair and answered. "I''m not busy."


    Secretary Tian, who was walking towards the door almost stumbled in her steps as she heard her boss'' words. Director Zhang was away from the office for almost a month and he was planning to take a few days of leave next week. Recently, he had stayed in the office working overtime until almost midnight. How was he not busy?


    "How was your meeting?" Zhang Yu Han asked as Secretary Tian closed the door.


    "It''s okay. There wasn''t any issue with the directors," Li Qin Yao moved from the sofa towards the bed. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you for the cakes. But, why did you suddenly send me those cakes?"


    "You sounded like you were in a bad mood last night. I thought that eating some sweet stuff would cheer you up."


    Li Qin Yao thought that the sweetness from the dessert had reached her heart. Zhang Yu Han''s words made her feel giddy. Li Qin Yao laid down on her bed and rolled around with a big smile on her face.


    "Do you like them?"


    "Un," she nodded. "I like them."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "If you like them, I can ask Xiao Ye to send you more."


    "There''s no need for that. It won''t be good to eat too much of them. Besides, it''s not like I''m going to stay here for a long time."


    "When is your flight?"


    "Wednesday afternoon."


    "I''ll come and pick you up from the airport, alright? Then, if you''re alright with it, we''ll have a meal with Grandfather. The other day, he mentioned that he missed you."


    Li Qin Yao was quiet as she considered Zhang Yu Han''s plan. But before she could answer, Li Qin Yao could hear his voice again.


    "Li Qin Yao, I," there was a brief pause. "I miss you too."

 Chapter 128 - Hold on to Me

    Time seemed to move slowly.


    Zhang Yu Han showed up an hour early before Li Qin Yao''s flight arrived to pick her up. Because it was still early, Zhang Yu Han sat down at a cafe as he waited. Once in a while, his eyes would glance at the board to check whether Li Qin Yao''s flight have arrived.


    It has only been a few days since the last time he saw his girlfriend. Although the two of them would call each other every day, Zhang Yu Han did not think that by hearing her voice would make his longing disappear.


    Back when they weren''t dating, Zhang Yu Han did not feel as if he would miss her that much when they haven''t seen each other for a while. But, now that they are dating, Zhang Yu Han found that not being able to see her for a day was unbearable.


    Perhaps after accompanying her every day during their bidding preparation, he was accustom to it?


    Zhang Yu Han stood up from his seat the moment he saw that the flight has landed. He went over to the arrival hall and waited patiently for his girlfriend to show up.


    Once he saw her silhouette from afar, Zhang Yu Han''s eyes brightened and he straightened up his pose. However, it seemed that Li Qin Yao did not notice his presence as she had her head down and she was looking at her phone.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned when he could not see her face clearly as Her shoulder-length hair draped down on both sides of her face. But he stood there and waited until she was close enough before he would call up her name.


    Suddenly, the phone in his pocket started to vibrate. Zhang Yu Han took his phone out and was about to reject the call when he noticed that it was Li Qin Yao. Zhang Yu Han slid his finger on the screen and pressed his phone against his ear.


    "Hello? Zhang Yu Han, I''ve reached the airport. Where are you?" Li Qin Yao spoke as the phone was connected.


    "Look up."


    "Huh?"


    "Look up. I''m just in front of you."


    Li Qin Yao finally lifted her head and paused. Their gaze met and a smile spread on her lips. Li Qin Yao then hastened her pace towards her boyfriend and stopped as they were a few steps away from each other.


    "Have you waited long?"


    "Not really," Zhang Yu Han hung up the phone and slid it back into his pocket. Then, he stepped forward to her, closing the distance between them. He stared at his girlfriend, wanting to hold her in his arms, but he did not know how to. "How was your flight?"


    "It was alright." Li Qin Yao slid a few strands of hair behind her ears and looked up. Her heart skipped a beat when he noticed the way he was looking at her.


    Zhang Yu Han''s gaze was hard to describe, but Li Qin Yao thought that his gaze made her feel warm and giddy.


    "You must be tired after a long trip," Zhang Yu Han said. "Here. Let me help you with your luggage." He then reached his hand to grab the luggage from her.


    However, before he could take her luggage, a man walked in a hurry and bumped into Li Qin Yao. Right before she fell over, Zhang Yu Han moved quickly to grab Li Qin Yao''s waist and pulled her towards him.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and looked at the man dangerously.


    The man wanted to scold Li Qin Yao for standing in the middle of the path, however, but once he saw Zhang Yu Han''s dangerous look, the man''s anger disappeared.


    "Sorry, sorry. I''m in a hurry," the man hastily apologized before he fled away.


    When Li Qin Yao tried to stand up straight, she noticed that she was in Zhang Yu Han''s arms and he was practically hugging her.


    Li Qin Yao''s face turned scarlet. Her face was so close to his chest and she could breathe in Zhang Yu Han''s scent. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao''s mind was brought back to that night when the two of them were playing basketball. It seemed that something like this had happened previously.


    But back then, Zhang Yu Han was quick to pull away. But this time¡­


    "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao heard his deep voice almost whispering in her ear. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt a bit ticklish and with that, she started to blush. "I''m fine," she answered.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head when she felt his hand on her arms tightened. As she stared at him in close proximity, Li Qin Yao felt her heart started to beat faster. After staying at the position for a few seconds long, Li Qin Yao tried to stand up straight but stopped when she heard his voice.


    "You''re too petite that others would bump into you even when you''re standing at the side," Zhang Yu Han said with a slight frown on his face. Then, he took her hands into his. "Just hold on to me like this."


    Li Qin Yao froze momentarily and laughed. "Okay." She nodded. Then, she let him entwined their hands and tightened her grip.


    With one hand holding her girlfriend, and another pulling on the luggage, Zhang Yu Han led Li Qin Yao towards the car park. The two entered into Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne and he drove away.


    "Grandfather said he will be waiting for us at the restaurant. My sister will be joining us as well," Zhang Yu Han said as he drove towards the City Center. He parked at a space before the two of them walked towards the restaurant, holding hands.


    As they walked along the sidewalk, Li Qin Yao suddenly thought that the scenery around her was very familiar. It was until they walked past a cafe that she began to notice where they were. Just as she had figured out, Zhang Yu Han took her to a famous restaurant in Y City.


    Coincidentally, the restaurant was also the same restaurant that she had gone to the last time she and Chen Hao was together.


    "What''s wrong?" Sensing that there was something wrong in her mood, Zhang Yu Han tightened his grip on her hands. "You don''t like it here?"


    "No. That''s not it," Li Qin Yao shook her head quickly. "I just thought that this restaurant was a bit familiar. I heard the food in this restaurant was really good." Li Qin Yao forced out a smile as she did not want him to worry.


    The last time she visited the restaurant to meet with Chen Hao''s parents, Li Qin Yao had suddenly found out that Chen Hao''s mother did not like her. Chen Hao''s mother went as far as inviting the girl she approved to have a meal with them together.


    Although she had heard that the food in the restaurant was delicious, she could not enjoy anything that she ate that day.


    It was not a happy memory.


    Zhang Yu Han breathed with relief. "Grandfather said the ribs from this restaurant is one of the best. He insisted to have a meal together here."

 Chapter 129 - Insecurity

    The two of them entered the restaurant and a waiter quickly led them to a private room. However, just before they entered the room, Li Qin Yao tugged at Zhang Yu Han''s sleeve.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han looked at her with worry.


    "I forgot to ask you something," Li Qin Yao lowered her head and bit her lips.


    "Hmm?" Zhang Yu Han gently scratched at the back of her hands to urge her to continue.


    "Your grandfather, did you tell him about us?"


    Zhang Yu Han was stunned when he heard her question. However, he liked the way she had referred to them as ''us,''. Because of that word, there was a big smile on his face. "I did. My sister knows about us too."


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head with surprise in her expression. The two of them had only started to date. Of course, she did not expect that Zhang Yu Han would be quick to spread the news to others.


    Meanwhile, the only person who knew that she was seeing Zhang Yu Han was Han Yue Xiu. Li Qin Yao did not even get the chance to say a word to her mother yet.


    Imagine how she would react that Zhang Yu Han had practically told everyone close to him that he was in a relationship on that very day Li Qin Yao had agreed to go out with him.


    Even his parents who were currently overseas have heard the news. If Zhang Yu Han did not stop his parents, they would choose to book a flight to take a look at their future daughter-in-law.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was nervous to face Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather. Although Grandfather had treated her very well, Li Qin Yao was still worried about the elder man''s opinion towards her. "What did he think?"


    "Grandfather?"


    "Un."


    The crease on Zhang Yu Han''s forehead gradually disappeared as he guessed her worry. He wondered how his girlfriend would react once she heard that his grandfather had tried to get them together on multiple occasions.


    If it was up to his grandfather, he would want his grandson to tie the knot right away. Fortunately, his grandfather knew very well that such things as a marriage should not be done hastily. The old man had waited for years for his grandson to finally have a girlfriend. It would be bad if he accidentally scared her away.


    "My Grandfather likes you, don''t you know that?"


    "Being a friend and a girlfriend is two different things, you know?" She mumbled. "Will he continue to like me once he heard that we''re seeing each other?"


    After that last meeting with Chen Hao''s parents, Li Qin Yao subconsciously had this worry that Zhang Yu Han''s family too might not like her that much. Although Zhang Jing and her get along well previously, Li Qin Yao could not stop worrying that the old man would change his mind.


    Li Qin Yao thought that, if Zhang Jing did not like her, she would be very sad. After all, she does enjoy spending time with that elderly man.


    Perhaps it was because they were coincidentally visiting the same restaurant where she was rejected by Chen Hao''s mother, Li Qin Yao was slightly traumatized to face the situation at the same restaurant.


    "You''re worrying too much." Zhang Yu Han chuckled.


    He did not know why, but he could sense a hint of insecurity from his girlfriend. Zhang Yu Han put both hands on her shoulders and bent down to look straight into Li Qin Yao''s eyes.


    "Qin Yao, don''t worry. Whatever happens, I''m right here with you." He smiled at her and said. "Trust me. It''s going to be alright."


    Li Qin Yao was stunned. Hearing his voice and words suddenly gave her strength. She took a deep breath and smiled. "Okay. I trust you. Let''s go in."


    Zhang Yu Han pushed the door and suddenly, they could hear a high pitched voice. Both of them followed the direction of the voice and found Zhang Yu Ying walking towards them.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han found that the hands he was holding seconds ago had disappeared. He turned around to see that his sister was hugging his girlfriend tightly. His face turned a shade darker at the thought that someone had snatched away his girlfriend right before his eyes!


    Of course, Zhang Yu Ying completely disregarded her brother''s warning gaze, while Li Qin Yao could only stare at Zhang Yu Han with a dumbfounded expression.


    Before Li Qin Yao could process what was going on, Zhang Yu Ying had pulled away and looked at her with a wide smile on her face.


    "Sister! I heard that you are dating my brother," Zhang Yu Ying said with full excitement. "Ah! I''m so happy! Oh, wait. Should I start calling you as sister-in-law now?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked. At that moment, she did not know what to think anymore. But even if she had started dating Zhang Yu Han, why was his sister so excited about it?


    "Yu Ying," Zhang Jing cleared his throat. "What are you doing? Don''t you know that Qin Yao had just returned from a long trip? Why are you disturbing her?"


    Zhang Yu Ying took a few steps back and pouted.


    Once she was now free from Zhang Yu Ying, Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Jing and smiled. "Grandfather."


    Zhang Jing nodded and patted down the empty seat beside him. "Come. Qin Yao, you sit down next to me." He turned towards his two grandchildren and spoke, "What are you still doing? I''m hungry. Just sit down."


    Soon, everyone was seated around the table. Li Qin Yao was, of course, sitting between Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Han. The waiter soon walked in with the food that Zhang Jing had ordered previously.


    "I just ordered everything that was recommended by the chef," Zhang Jing said. "If you wanted to add on something, just go ahead and tell that to the waiter."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the food on the table and doubted that the four of them would be able to finish everything. "That''s fine. I think this is enough."


    "You don''t have to be shy," Zhang Jing patted on her hand as he spoke. "After all, we are almost family."


    Li Qin Yao was embarrassed by Zhang Jing''s words, however, she was glad to see that Zhang Jing had still treated her the same.


    Perhaps Zhang Yu Han was right. She was worrying too much.

 Chapter 130 - Spilling a few of Her Brothers Secrets

    The four of them had their meals as usual where Zhang Yu Han and her grandfather continued to argue about the elderly man''s eating habits. In the end, Zhang Jing sent a pitiful look to his future granddaughter-in-law, and Li Qin Yao then turned to her boyfriend with the same pitiful look.


    Zhang Yu Ying, who was watching everything from the sides thought that the exchange was amusing. Since her sister-in-law seemed to be her brother''s weak spot, Zhang Yu Ying decided to go through Li Qin Yao whenever she needed something from her brother.


    Zhang Jing was happy that he got to eat an extra piece of his favorite spareribs. To show his appreciation, Zhang Jing then clipped at another piece of spareribs and placed it on his benefactor''s bowl.


    "Thank you, Grandfather," Li Qin Yao smiled.


    "Haha. Qin Yao, you''re so thin. You should eat more of them," Zhang Jing said happily.


    With Zhang Jing looking at her, Li Qin Yao picked up the sweet and sour spareribs and took a bite. The spareribs were tender and full of flavor. Li Qin Yao thought that it was worthy for Zhang Jing to label it as one of the best spareribs.


    "Is it good?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Un. Delicious. Grandfather, no wonder you liked the restaurant''s spareribs so much."


    Zhang Jing laughed happily when it seemed as if he had gotten Li Qin Yao''s approval on the food he suggested.


    "Qin Yao."


    "Huh?" Li Qin Yao turned around when she heard Zhang Yu Han calling out her name in his deep, low voice. Her eyes widened when Zhang Yu Han suddenly leaned towards her.


    Just as she was wondering what was Zhang Yu Han going to do, that man had already wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin.


    "There''s a sauce stain on your lips," Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    "Oh."


    "Don''t just eat those spareribs, eat more vegetables too," Zhang Yu Han said. He picked some stir-fried eggplant and put it into his girlfriend''s bowl.


    "Oh." Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han picked up another piece and put them on his grandfather''s bowl. "You too, Grandfather."


    Zhang Jing stared at the stir-fried eggplant in his bowl and frowned as a thought crossed his mind. That scene where his grandson was wiping Li Qin Yao''s mouth was familiar.


    Not long ago, Zhang Yu Han had done the same to him when he caught him having a meat dish when he was supposed to be on a vegetarian diet. However, although the scene was almost the same, why does he feel as if Zhang Yu Han''s movement with Li Qin Yao was gentler?


    Initially, Li Qin Yao was worried that the four of them will not able to finish the food. However, towards the end, the plates and bowl were empty. Zhang Jing then announced that he had ordered some desserts as well.


    While waiting for desserts to be served, Zhang Yu Han left the room to answer a phone call. Seeing that opportunity, Zhang Yu Ying then went over to sit down on her brother''s seat.


    "Sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying approached cheerily. Though she received a warning gaze from her grandfather, Zhang Yu Ying pretended that she had not seen anything.


    Li Qin Yao blushed at the way Zhang Yu Ying addressed her. It was the first day that she had met Zhang Yu Ying and their grandfather with her identity as Zhang Yu Han''s girlfriend. For Zhang Yu Ying to address her as Sister-in-law¡­ wasn''t that too early?


    "I like you from the first time I saw you. Therefore, I will give you my blessing," Zhang Yu Ying said.


    Li Qin Yao felt something warm spread through her heart. Each second she spent with the Zhang''s, they would continue to show her their acceptance towards her. "Well, thank you."


    Zhang Yu Ying let out a giggle. She inched closer to Li Qin Yao and spoke in a lower voice so that her grandfather could not eavesdrop to their conversation. "Sister-in-law, let me tell you something. Although my brother was blessed with his good look, this is the first time he has been in a relationship. So, my brother might be a bit slow in the romance department."


    Hearing Zhang Yu Ying''s words, Li Qin Yao looked at her with surprise. Previously, she had a hunch that perhaps, Zhang Yu Han had never been in a relationship before, but she did not think that her guess was correct.


    The smile on Zhang Yu Ying''s smile widened. "Sister-in-law, you are my brother''s first girlfriend. So everyone in the family is thrilled," Zhang Yu Ying tilted her head sideways and looked at her grandfather who was trying to eavesdrop. "Right, Grandfather?"


    Zhang Jing cleared his throat and reached for the teacup on the table, pretending that he was not trying to listen to the girls'' conversation.


    "Sister-in-law, I hope that we will continue to get along with each other," Zhang Yu Ying said before she continued to spill a few of her brother''s secrets.


    Zhang Jing drank his tea silently as he eavesdropped to the girl''s conversation. After a while, a waiter walked in with a plate of fruits and a few bowls of dessert.


    Seeing that his grandson has not yet returned, Zhang Jing turned to Li Qin Yao and said, "Qin Yao, just tell me if Yu Han bullies you. I''ll teach him a few lessons for you."


    Zhang Yu Ying snorted. "Grandfather, are you sure you can do it? What if my brother threatens to control your diet strictly and forbid you from eating meat for a month?"


    Zhang Jing froze at the thought that he will have so spent a month without eating his favorite food.


    Looking at the grandfather and granddaughter interacted with each other, Li Qin Yao was amused.


    In the past, before she was involved in that scandal, Li Qin Yao''s relationship with her grandfather was almost as good as Zhang Yu Ying and Zhang Jing. However, these days, though the two of them would still talk to each other, their relationship was never the same.


    As she thought about her grandfather, Li Ren Xin, Li Qin Yao was suddenly saddened.


    The door swung open again and Zhang Yu Han walked in to see that his sister was sitting at his place, and the girl was arguing with their grandfather. Zhang Yu Han frowned and spoke, "What are you doing?"


    Hearing his deep voice, the three of them were startled. They exchanged a glance before Zhang Yu Ying tacitly stood up and went back to her place.


    As Zhang Yu Ying sat down and poke at a slice of honeydew, a mischievous smile curved on her lips. "Sister-in-law. I heard that you were going to L City next week to look at their amusement park. Can I come along?"

 Chapter 131 - What was He Doing Here?

    In S Country¡­


    Han Yue Xiu woke up in the morning only to find that her parents have gone off to work. She secretly rejoiced the fact that she will not have to face her mother''s morning talk about going to another blind date.


    It was just last night that she was forced to go to another blind date. Her mother had threatened her that she was not allowed to return home if she did not show up at the date.


    After some arguing and exchanging unpleasant words, Han Yue Xiu reluctantly goes out and headed towards to a restaurant to meet her blind date.


    Fortunately, S Country was not so big and public transportation was good. At least Han Yue Xiu would not get lost on her way to the restaurant.


    Sitting by the window on the bus, Han Yue Xiu began to wonder if her mother was getting used to the second honeymoon phase with her father.


    Because she Han Yue Xiu had suddenly arrived in S Country and announced her thought of living together with them, her mother was secretly displeased and wanted to get rid of her. That was why she wanted to arrange those blind dates and encouraged her to get married sooner.


    As that thought crossed her mind, Han Yue Xiu wondered if she should use the card that Zhang Yu Han had given her before she departed to S Country. If she stayed at a hotel, perhaps she won''t be disturbing her parents much.


    The other party had already arrived when she entered the restaurant.


    After spending time for half an hour talking with the man surnamed Fu, Han Yue Xiu had learned a few things about him. Though he had a good look and a somewhat good personality, this man worked as an insurance salesman.


    To call it a blind date would be inappropriate. Ten minutes after the two started to chat, that man surnamed Fu tried to sell her a few insurance plans.


    In the end, Han Yue Xiu stood up and ruthlessly leave without saying anything else. Of course, she did not leave without paying for her orange juice first.


    When she returned home, her mother was quick to nag her for leaving rudely. But once she mentioned that the man was an insurance salesman, her mother quickly shut her mouth and pretended that she did not say anything.


    Of course, her mother still remembered her insurance salesman ex-boyfriend who disappeared after her mother was admitted into the hospital for surgery.


    Han Yue Xiu had a feeling that with this recent development, it will be a while before her mother arranged her to attend the next blind date. But before that happen, Han Yue Xiu thought that she should plan an escape plan.


    After washing her face, Han Yue Xiu walked into the kitchen only to find that her parents did not leave any food.


    Han Yue Xiu took out her phone and tapped at the food delivery apps that she had installed a few days ago. As she waited for her food to arrive, Han Yue Xiu put the kettle on, made some coffee and walked over to her laptop in the living room.


    She browsed through the internet and soon, opened up the job recruitment portal and began to look for jobs.


    After sending her resume to a company, the house phone rang and someone from the security announced that her food delivery has arrived. Once Han Yue Xiu confirmed that she did order that food, the security guy gave the man a pass and let him to Han Yue Xiu''s floor.


    The delivery guy arrived at her door shortly. Han Yue Xiu looked at her outfit and grabbed a jacket when she noticed that she was not wearing a bra.


    The doorbell rang again as Han Yue Xiu draped the jacket on her shoulder.


    Han Yue Xiu swung the door open and reached for the food without looking at the man''s face. "Thank you."


    However, Han Yue Xiu then sensed that something was not right when the man did not seem as if he was going to leave after sending the food. She lifted her face and her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing that familiar face.


    No. Not at the food delivery guy, but at the man who stood behind him.


    It was Song Yi!


    But, what was he doing here?


    At this time, the delivery guy chose to open his mouth. "Miss, the shop you ordered from had an offer. Because of the amount you had spent, they gave you a box of chicken nuggets for free." The delivery guy lifted another paper bag in his hand.


    Han Yue Xiu moved her gaze to the delivery guy. She took the paper bag, thanked the delivery guy again and moved quickly to shut the door.


    However, Song Yi was even faster. Before Han Yue Xiu could shut the door on his face, he had blocked the door with both his foot and his arms.


    "Han Yue Xiu, we haven''t seen each other for a few weeks and you dared to shut the door on my face," Song Yi spoke.


    Hearing the chill in his voice, Han Yue Xiu began to panic. She was determined to push the door and Song Yi away from the house. However, Song Yi was too strong for her and she was holding two paper bags in her hand. In the end, Han Yue Xiu gave up and Song Yi had won.


    Han Yue Xiu''s chest heaved up and down. Perhaps she was tired after trying to get rid of her ex-boss, or perhaps she was too furious that she had lost to the man.


    Seeing that the man was looking at her from head to toe, Han Yue Xiu subconsciously took a step back. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"


    Song Yi took a step into the apartment as he continued to look at the woman before her. "Of course, I''m here to look for you. As for how I find you¡­ Han Yue Xiu, you were the one who gave me your location."


    "When did I?"


    Song Yi raised a brow. "You don''t remember? You called me last week."


    Han Yue Xiu froze. How could she forget that for someone like Song Yi, it will not be hard for him to trace her location from her phone call?


    That day, she was the one who dialed Song Yi''s number after she saw the news.


    As Han Yue Xiu finally realized that she was tricked by that man, she muttered a silent curse.

 Chapter 132 - Too Cruel

    "Tracking you here was an easy thing, however, trying to find out where you live was quite troublesome. Fortunately, you have listed your parents'' number as the contact person to the HR Department," Song Yi said and smiled. "You should really remind your parents to be careful of scammers."


    Han Yue Xiu gritted her teeth at the thought that Song Yi had scammed her mother into telling him her home address.


    She had momentarily forgotten how sly this man could be. She had spent most of her time with him from day one she was employed in his company. And Han Yue Xiu was there from the very first month that Song Yi had started up his company. Han Yue Xiu thought that she should have known better.


    Song Yi was someone who was not afraid to pull a few tricks to win business deals or to get whatever he wanted. She had stayed by his side for years. Of course, she had seen him do this and that.


    But perhaps, after spending time with him for years, she had gotten used to him and was no longer cautious of him.


    Han Yue Xiu took a few deep breaths to calm down. "Now that you have seen me, you can go back."


    Song Yi pretended that he had not heard her words. He stepped further into the apartment and began to look around. After a while, Song Yi began to realize that Han Yue Xiu would take a step back each time he stepped forward. Song Yi stared at the girl in front of him and asked, "Han Yue Xiu, are you afraid of me?"


    Instinctively, Han Yue Xiu lifted the two paper bags in her hand to cover her chest.


    Song Yi let out a chuckle and continued to watch her with an amused expression. "Relax. I am not going to do anything to you."


    "I don''t trust you. Mister Song, this would not be the first time you lie."


    Song Yi let out a heavy sigh. "Can we talk? Properly?"


    Han Yue Xiu continued to watch him warily as her former boss walked over to the sofa and sat down as if he was the host.


    Song Yi glanced at Han Yue Xiu''s laptop which was turned on and turned to Han Yue Xiu with a frown. "You''re looking for a job? Why don''t you come back and work for me?"


    "No. I don''t want to," Han Yue Xiu was quick to reject. "I''m planning to stay here and I have no plan to return."


    "Then should I move over here and start over?"


    "What? Why? Why do you want to do that?" Han Yue Xiu put the paper bags on the table and walk over to him. "Song Yi, are you crazy?"


    "You said you were planning to stay here."


    "What does that got to do with you?"


    Song Yi suddenly stood up, causing Han Yue Xiu to take a step backward. Seeing her apprehensive attitude towards him, Song Yi stopped at her tracks. "Han Yue Xiu, I like you."


    Han Yue Xiu''s eyes widened as she heard his words. "You shut up. Don''t say something like that again!"


    "Why can''t I say that? I like you." Song Yi walked over to her and Han Yue Xiu continued to take another step back until she hit the wall behind her.


    When she ran out of space to run to, Han Yue Xiu put both hands to cover her ears. It was as if she was afraid that Song Yi was going to repeat the same thing over and over again.


    Once she sensed that Song Yi did not say another word, Han Yue Xiu finally looked up to meet the man''s gaze.


    Seeing the way he continued to stare at her, Han Yue Xiu was suddenly enraged. "You should get out of here before I call the police and report you trespassing."


    Song Yi opened his mouth to speak again but was stopped by Han Yue Xiu.


    "Don''t say things like you like me and stuff," Han Yue Xiu said. "Song Yi, have you forgotten about Miss Fang? Weren''t you going to marry her next year? And you still have the guts to say that you like me? I''m sorry, but I never want to be the third party."


    "Who said anything about a third party?" Song Yi''s face darkened. "Miss Fang was only someone who my parents like, but I never like her. I only treat her well because of my parents. If you don''t like it, then, I will not talk to her anymore."


    "Whether you like her or not, it has nothing to do with me," Han Yue Xiu lurched forward and put both hands on his chest in her attempt to push Song Yi towards the door and out of the apartment.


    Song Yi pulled at Han Yue Xiu''s hands on his chest to stop her from pushing him. He had come over to look for her so that the two of them can talk properly, but how did she treat him?


    "Han Yue Xiu, don''t you think that you''re being cruel?"


    Han Yue Xiu suddenly froze when she heard his tone. It was something that she had never heard coming from Song Yi. His tone sounded cold and chilling. Song Yi narrowed his eyes and stared at her angrily.


    In fact, Han Yue Xiu did not understand why would Song Yi be furious at her.


    She was the victim. She was the one who supposed to be angry at him!


    "How am I cruel?"


    "You are the one who knows everything about the company, from how to fix the system to where I last put my stapler."


    Han Yue Xiu blinked. "Your stapler? What does that-"


    Song Yi gave her a warning glance, causing Han Yue Xiu to shut up.


    "From the first day you entered the company, you made it so that I would rely on everything on you," Song Yi continued. "And now, the company could keep on going without me around but I would struggle without you. You made me depending on you so much and now you wanted to leave me? You''re still saying you''re not cruel?"

 Chapter 133 - Not What She Aimed For!

    Han Yue Xiu swallowed as she faced Song Yi''s wrath.


    It was true that she made Song Yi relied on her, but that was only because she wanted to be indispensable to the company. She only wanted to stay in the company for a long time and she did not want to give her boss any reason to fire her.


    Back then, she had to bear with and his demands. Doing overtime, coming to work even though it was weekends, sacrificing her holidays and her off day. She loved her job but soon found that her boss can be overbearing. After some consideration, she wanted to test Song Yi and the company whether she was important to the company.


    That was why she decided to quit her job and let her boss come and coax her to come back to work. It was a gamble, but she had won.


    Since her boss valued her, Han Yue Xiu decided to negotiate with him so that he will no longer bully her at work with overtime and such. In the end, Song Yi even agreed to give her an increment.


    Song Yi tightened his grip on her hands, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze. His tone softened and the anger in his eyes disappeared and was replaced with something else that Han Yue Xiu could not understand.


    "You can''t leave me," Song Yi continued. "Han Yue Xiu, the company can''t function without you. And I cannot be without you."


    Han Yue Xiu continued to stare at her ex-boss for a long time. Her eyes wide and her mouth agape. However, once she noticed that Song Yi had moved his gaze to another part of her face, Han Yue Xiu quickly retracted her hands, took a step back and covered her mouth with her hands.


    She was afraid if he decided to kiss her again. The last time he had said that he liked her, Song Yi had kissed her as if he was trying to prove something.


    Every time Han Yue Xiu recalled that kiss, her face would blush and she subconsciously bit on her lips. When she realized that she was reminiscing his kiss, Han Yue Xiu had the urge to knock her head against the wall.


    If only she could lose that fragment of that memory from doing that¡­


    Suddenly, Han Yue Xiu started to wonder that perhaps, something has gone wrong with her trick.


    Because of her scheming, she had accidentally made Song Yi realized that both he and the company need her.


    Han Yue Xiu froze at the realization.


    What with this development? This was not what she aimed for!


    Han Yue Xiu''s mind continued to whirl to look for the relationship between her plot to make Song Yi relied on her so that he won''t have a reason to fire her, with him liking her and kissing her.


    No matter how long she thought about it, Han Yue Xiu thought that it was unrelated.


    It''s fine if he found that she''s a good employee and wanted to keep here in the company for a long time. But why does he have to like her? Even at this point, Han Yue Xiu could not figure out what she had done for him to like her.


    "You," Song Yi spoke after a long silence between them. "Han Yue Xiu, you''re not going to say anything?"


    Han Yue Xiu raised a hand to stop him from taking another step towards her. "Hold on. I haven''t thought things through."


    "What do you have to think about? I like you and I wanted to go out with you. What else do you need to think about?"


    "It''s fine if you want me to continue working for the company, but why do you have to like me?" Han Yue Xiu accidentally spoke her mind. "Why do you have to-" she thought about that kiss again and bit her lips.


    "What''s wrong with liking you?"


    Han Yue Xiu was exasperated. "Why do you want to like me?"


    Song Yi''s frowned. After a minute has passed, he then answered. "I don''t know. But I just like you. After you decided to resign the first time, I realized that I cannot bear when you''re not around and this is not just because you''re my employee."


    Han Yue Xiu really wanted to curse herself for causing this trouble.


    "I''m sorry. But, Mister Song, I like working for your company, but I don''t feel that way towards you."


    "Why not?" Song Yi asked. "I''m a great catch. I have a good look and a good temperament. I can make a lot of money and you won''t have to lift a finger. Even if there are a lot of women trying to get my attention, Han Yue Xiu, I only like you."


    Han Yue Xiu had goosebumps. She never realized that her boss can be a narcissistic person. He might have a good look and can make a lot of money, but his temperament was definitely not that good!


    "Why?" Han Yue Xiu snorted. "Mister Song, you have been torturing me with overtime and denying my holiday. Do you think I would like you after you bullied me at work so much?"


    "Didn''t I promise to stop giving you overtime?" Song Yi asked. "Can''t you just bully me back?"


    Han Yue Xiu was rendered speechless by his words. Her head started to ache and she was tired of talking with him. But, it doesn''t seem like Song Yi was planning to leave until he got the answer he wanted. But, what he wanted to hear from her was something that she could not give.


    "I just didn''t feel that way to you, alright? I have never thought about dating or relationship," Han Yue Xiu sighed with frustration. Right now, she really wanted to cry. Han Yue Xiu did not know how else she can explain to Song Yi that she did not feel that way towards him.


    Song Yi stared at the girl in front of him for a long time. If Han Yue Xiu looked carefully, she might see the disappointment in his eyes. "If you like me, then will you return and stay with me?" Song Yi spoke in a lower voice.


    Han Yue Xiu was starting to get impatient. Right now, all she wanted was to get rid of Song Yi. "Well, if I like you," she pressed on the word, ''if''. "Of course, I will stay with you."


    "Then, isn''t if fine if I just make you like me?"


    "Huh?"


    Song Yi continued to stare at the girl in front of him. Suddenly, there was a glint in his eyes. "Han Yue Xiu." He inched closer to her.


    "W-what?" Han Yue Xiu suddenly had a premonition.


    "I''ve decided. I will make you like me."


    "Huh?"


    Can someone tell her what was going on with her ex-boss?

 Chapter 134 - Great Trouble

    "Yao Yao, don''t you think that there was something wrong with this man''s head as well?" Han Yue Xiu said after she had let out her grievance to her friend. "Do you think that I''ve accidentally provoked a madman?"


    Li Qin Yao continued to laugh as she listened to Han Yue Xiu retelling her what had happened when her ex-boss, Song Yi showed up at her parent''s apartment. He then declared that he was going to make Han Yue Xiu fall for him because she had rejected him.


    It was impressive.


    First, Li Qin Yao was not expecting that Song Yi would be able to find Han Yue Xiu in S Country or Han Yue Xiu''s whereabouts.


    Second, Li Qin Yao had never thought that when Han Yue Xiu schemed to get her boss to bow down to her demand, she would accidentally make her boss realized that he liked her.


    And third, Li Qin Yao had met with Song Yi a few times and she had the impression that Song Yi was a serious man. He didn''t talk a lot. If only Song Yi did not come to look for Han Yue Xiu at her place, then, they will never exchange any word. Of course, Li Qin Yao was not expecting Song Yi to profess his feeling the way he did.


    From how Han Yue Xiu had descried her ex-boss, Li Qin Yao thought that Song Yi was childish and a little bit like those domineering CEO that she used to see in a book or a drama.


    He did sound like a madman.


    "You still dare to laugh at me." Han Yue Xiu was frustrated upon hearing her friend''s continuous laugh. As a friend, shouldn''t she figure out something to help her get out of this mess?


    "Well, you have to admit that it was funny." Li Qin Yao suppressed her laugh. "Who would have thought that something like this would happen, right? But Yue Xiu, what are you going to do about him?"


    "What am I going to do? Of course, I should avoid him. Yao Yao, do you think that maybe I will take a short vacation somewhere? I heard Country C have great fall scenery."


    "Hmm? You''re not giving him a chance? Didn''t he say that he was such a great catch? Are you sure that you want to let go of this great catch?" Li Qin Yao decided to continue to tease her friend.


    "What great catch? He''s great trouble, alright?" Han Yue Xiu shivered as she thought of the way her ex-boss treated her in the past.


    There were many times that she was almost strangled that man to death. If it was not because she liked the company and her job, Han Yue Xiu would leave the company long ago.


    If she was in a relationship with Song Yi, wouldn''t she be angered to death?


    There are many reasons that Han Yue Xiu could think of why she should not be in a relationship with Song Yi.


    Those things that Song Yi had mentioned as his good points were what Han Yue Xiu think as his bad points. Because of his attributes, Han Yue Xiu thought that being in a relationship with him would be tiring.


    She would constantly have to worry that another woman might show up and snatch him away.


    Moreover, the two of them had different backgrounds.


    Han Yue Xiu knew that she should only do things and aim for something that is within her abilities. And Song Yi was way out of her league. This was why she had never thought of being in a relationship with him or tried to get his attention in that way from the very beginning.


    Han Yue Xiu thought that, no matter how much you love someone, once you have to face the same trouble over and over again, you will eventually get tired. In the end, you will lose a part of your self and the relationship might not work.


    Since she would have to suffer, then, why should she start and get into this trouble? She was too lazy for that.


    What Han Yue Xiu was looking for in a relationship was someone who could give her assurance. Song Yi was not someone who could give her what she wanted.


    "Anyway," Han Yue Xiu said after a while. "I''ve already reported to the guards to tighten their security around the building." She shivered as she recalled how she had to drive Song Yi away from her place. "I don''t know what that guy was planning to do, but I think I won''t be seeing him around the apartment again. As long as I stayed in the apartment, I won''t be seeing him again, right?"


    Just as the two friends continued to chat, Li Qin Yao looked up when she caught her mother standing at the door. She chatted with her friend for a while and the two bid their goodbye. When Li Qin Yao hung up her phone, her mother was seated at her bed as she looked at the stuff in her luggage.


    "Is everything alright with Yue Xiu?" Xu Yilan asked as she looked up.


    "Hmm¡­ Yue Xiu will be fine. She should know how to deal with her trouble."


    Xu Yilan nodded. "Have you packed up everything you need?"


    "I have," Li Qin Yao went over to her mother and wrapped her arms around her mother''s shoulder, giving her mother a back hug. "You just returned from outstation two days ago, and now I will be leaving for a few days. Ma, I feel like I haven''t spent much time with you recently. How about you come along with me to L City as well."


    "If I come along with you as well, then who was going to finish writing my report?" Xu Yilan let out a soft laugh. She peeled off her daughter''s arms around her shoulder and pulled her to sit next to her. "Besides, I don''t want to be a light bulb."


    Li Qin Yao froze. "What light bulb? Ma, his sister, and grandfather will be going as well. Besides, I''m going over for work, alright."


    Xu Yilan smiled. "Zhang Yu Han is that man that I saw the last time?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "Is he treating you well?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded again.


    "Actually, I rather you to be with someone ordinary," Xu Yilan said. She continued to stare at her daughter''s face and continued. "But, as long as he''s treating you well and you''re happy, then I''ll be relieved."


    Xu Yilan thought about her daughter''s ex-boyfriend. Because Chen Hao was someone ordinary, Xu Yilan was satisfied with him. But who knows that the man''s family would look down on her daughter''s status and Chen Hao was not brave enough to protect her Yao Yao.


    Actually, Xu Yilan was afraid that if her daughter was involved with someone in high status, the man''s family would look down on her Yao Yao. Especially because of that scandal from two years ago.


    Although her daughter was innocent, she did not want Yao Yao to be bullied because of it.


    But it seemed that this new man that her daughter was seeing has been treating her very well. From what she had heard, even his family did not mind her Yao Yao''s background or that scandal.


    "Well, you tell that Zhang Yu Han to come over a bit earlier to pick you up," Xu Yilan said. "Since he''s dating my daughter, I have to get to know him a little bit. At least, if he kidnapped you away, I would know who I should look for."

 Chapter 135 - Meeting His Future Mother-in-law

    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath to calm down. He looked out the window and suddenly, was overcome with anxiety.


    Last night, while he was chatting with his girlfriend at night as usual when she suddenly mentioned that her mother wanted to invite him for lunch before they departed to L City in the evening.


    Instantly, Zhang Yu Han froze.


    The last time he had met his future mother-in-law, Li Qin Yao had introduced him as her business partner. Back then, the look that her mother had given him was quite scary. It was only after her mother had left that Zhang Yu Han thought that he could breathe normally again.


    Once his grandfather heard that he will be meeting his future mother-in-law, Zhang Jing had offered to come along. However, Zhang Yu Han had declined that offer. He knew that to win his future mother-in-law''s heart, he needed to do it himself.


    Because of that, he had brought some health products and supplements for this visit and can only hope that she can go easy on him with those bribes. Auntie Wu had even sent a jar of pickles for him to bring to his future mother-in-law.


    After sitting quietly in his vehicle for five minutes, Zhang Yu Han took out the stuff brought and entered the building.


    With each step he took, Zhang Yu Han was felt his feet were getting heavier. Soon, without realizing it, he found that he was standing in front of the door. Zhang Yu Han took out his phone to check the address again. He had remembered her address by heart since the last time Wei Jun Hao gave him her profile, but because he was too anxious, his mind did not work properly.


    Once he was sure that he was standing in front of the right house, Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand to press at the doorbell. Not long after, Li Qin Yao showed up at the door with a wide smile on her face.


    "You''re here," Li Qin Yao glanced at the bag that Zhang Yu Han was carrying and frowned.


    Seeing her face at least made him feel a bit at ease. "Right. I brought a little something for your mother."


    Li Qin Yao looked into the paper bag and let out a small laugh. "You brought a lot."


    "Did I?" Zhang Yu Han touched the back of his neck. "I didn''t know what to bring along and just brought everything."


    "Come in," Li Qin Yao moved slightly to give him space to enter the house. Because they were standing too close, Li Qin Yao had to lift her head to look at him. Seeing the slight frown on his face made her smile. "Are you nervous?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. "What do you think?"


    "Don''t worry," Li Qin Yao patted him on his arm. "My mother is a nice person. She won''t be giving you a hard time. Well, I hope not."


    "Then, I''m relieved."


    The smile on Li Qin Yao''s face widened. Though Zhang Yu Han''s expression did not show that he was worried, Li Qin Yao knew that he was anxious. Or else, he won''t be clenching his hand tightly into a fist.


    Li Qin Yao led him to the sofa and make him wait as she called her mother.


    Once Li Qin Yao had disappeared into her mother''s room, Zhang Yu Han took his chance to look around. This was the first time that he had entered their apartment. It was smaller than he had expected, but somehow, even with the minimize decoration, the apartment that Li Qin Yao and her mother had lived in looked very homely.


    When he first got to know Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han was surprised that Li Qin Yao and her mother were living in a smaller apartment. He had thought that Li Qin Yao would be living in a luxurious apartment because of her status.


    But Li Qin Yao had mentioned that her mother did not like to live in such a big place. With a small space, it will be easier for them to clean up. Moreover, her mother is someone who would travel for work.


    Zhang Yu Han stood up as Li Qin Yao and her mother walked out of the room. He stood up straight before he bowed slightly. "Hello, Auntie. I''m Zhang Yu Han."


    Xu Yilan nodded with a warm expression on her face. "Hello. We''ve met again."


    Zhang Yu Han stood rigidly, not knowing what to do until he remembered the stuff he brought. He lifted the paper bags and spoke, "I brought you a little something."


    Xu Yilan moved her eyes towards the bag and was startled by the number of things that he had brought with him. "Thank you. Just put it there. You should have a seat first. Right. What do you like to drink?"


    "Anything is fine."


    Xu Yilan turned to her daughter and instructed her to prepare some tea.


    When Li Qin Yao returned to the living room with a tray of tea, her mother was chatting amiably with her boyfriend, and mostly asked him questions about his work and such.


    Li Qin Yao placed the tray on the coffee table and looked up again when her mother called.


    "Yao Yao, you go out and buy some meat buns from Uncle Huang," Xu Yilan said.


    "Huh?" Li Qin Yao blinked. "But we just cooked some food for lunch."


    "Suddenly I''m craving for Uncle Huang''s meat buns," Xu Yilan spoke before her daughter could say another word of protest.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao began to understand her mother''s intention. She looked at Zhang Yu Han and the two of them exchanged a look. Her lips curved into a smile as he gave her a nod, saying that he could handle being alone with her mother.


    Li Qin Yao then left the house with her phone and some cash. She closed the door behind her and took a deep breath. Ten minutes should be enough for the two of them to talk, right?


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han''s heart was beating furiously, despite his relaxed expression. Suddenly, his mind was filled with various situations. Because Xu Yilan has always been giving him a cold look, Zhang Yu Han was worried if she would tell him to break up with her daughter.


    At the thought of such a situation would happen, Zhang Yu Han felt as if his blood drained out of his body.


    After years of waiting, he finally got together with the girl he liked. Of course, he did not want to break up with her. He did not even want to think of anything of that sort.


    Zhang Yu Han took another deep breath to calm down. After a brief silence in the room, he spoke. "Auntie, whatever is it that you want to say to me, please, just say it freely."

 Chapter 136 - Will Your Family Feel the Same?

    Zhang Yu Han picked up the teacup and drank elegantly to calm down as he continued to observe the woman in front of her.


    Xu Yilan might be in her early fifty, but she was still as beautiful. At one look, Zhang Yu Han could see that Li Qin Yao inherited most of her features from her mother. But perhaps, her eyes were probably similar to her father and most of her family members in Li''s family.


    Just like Zhang Yu Han, Xu Yilan too was observing the man silently.


    The first time Xu Yilan saw Zhang Yu Han, she had a feeling that the man was had other intentions towards her daughter.


    At that time, her daughter had just broken up with Chen Hao. Because of that, she was wary of any guy who was any man that tried to get close to her daughter.


    It was unexpected for Xu Yilan that her daughter would suddenly come up to her and announced that she was seeing someone.


    Xu Yilan thought that it was too soon.


    However, since her daughter had decided to be with this guy, Xu Yilan could tell that the person that her daughter had chosen would not be too bad. After all, she always trusted her daughter''s judgment.


    Xu Yilan had thought that it would be a while before her daughter will start to see someone new.


    This was why he was curious about the man that her daughter was seeing. Even though the two were still in the early stage of their relationship, Xu Yilan had made her daughter bring her boyfriend back home for her to see.


    Her first impression of Zhang Yu Han was pretty good. The first time they met downstairs, he was polite to her and Xu Yilan could see that he was not pretending. Though he looked a bit cold and hard to approach, it did not look as if he was putting on airs.


    In the past, when Xu Yilan was still married to Li Qin Yao''s father, she had met a lot of people from the upper class. It was not something that she enjoyed. Despite having her husband as her support, most people looked down on her. In front of her husband, those people would show the brightest smile, but once he looked away, Xu Yilan found out that they were all pretending.


    Just now, when the two were at the door, Xu Yilan has been spying on her daughter. Naturally, she could see that at least right now, Zhang Yu Han was treating her daughter good.


    However, whether he will continue to treat her daughter well or not, was a different story.


    After a long silence between the two of them, Xu Yilan decided that it was time for her to start her interrogation before her daughter would return from Uncle Wu''s place.


    "Since you are also Yao Yao''s business partner, I''m guessing that you already know that she is a granddaughter of Chairman Li Ren Xin."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "I know."


    "Then, did you know about the scandal in the QL Group two years ago? A building of QL Group collapsed, and killed several people," Xu Yilan said. "After investigation, they found out that it was due to the use of cheap materials.


    "Qin Yao has mentioned that," Zhang Yu Han said. "Because of that incident, she had to leave QL Group as well as Capital City."


    Xu Yilan looked at him with a hint of a surprise however, she quickly masked her expression. She did not expect her daughter to talk about that incident.


    After all, until the day she broke up with Chen Hao, her daughter had not told his ex-boyfriend about that matter.


    "Qin Yao said that she didn''t do it," Zhang Yu Han continued to speak. "I believe her."


    Xu Yilan''s lips curved into a smile that did not reach her eyes. "You might have believed in Yao Yao, but will your family feel the same way?"


    "Before Zhang Group chooses to work together with QL Group, we have investigated a little bit about the company as well as Qin Yao," Zhang Yu Han gave an apologetic look. "Of course, my grandfather and the rest of my family members knew about the scandal, but we too choose not to believe it."


    "My family, they did not mind much about a person''s past or their background," Zhang Yu Han said.


    After listening to Xu Yilan''s words for a while, he could guess what she was worried about.


    "A person''s past and background is what shaped someone to become who they are now," Zhang Yu Han said. "No matter what is Qin Yao''s background or what was in her past, those things were what make her who she is today. And I think the present Li Qin Yao is a great person."


    Xu Yilan looked at the man in front of her with a bit of skeptical but soon thought that Zhang Yu Han had no reason to lie about this matter. Besides, Xu Yilan had heard from her daughter that she was quite close to Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather even before the two of them started dating.


    If Zhang Yu Han''s family didn''t think that her daughter was good, then Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather would not treat her daughter nicely, right?


    Whatever it was, Xu Yilan was relieved to know that the Zhang family did not disdain her daughter''s background or history.


    Xu Yilan picked up the tea and took a sip. A small smile appeared on her lips. After a brief silence, she spoke again. "I can see that your parents had taught you well." Her expression gradually warmed.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled at Xu Yilan''s comment. "Auntie, you''re a great parent to Li Qin Yao too. For her to become who she is today because of your teaching."


    Xu Yilan narrowed her eyes at Zhang Yu Han''s attempt to butter her up. However, her impression of Zhang Yu Han gradually increased.


    "Or perhaps, you just have a sweet mouth," Xu Yilan observed the man''s expression and stifled her laugh when she saw the smile on his face froze. "Don''t be so stiff, I was only joking."


    Zhang Yu Han did not think that his future mother-in-law was joking. In fact, right now he feared that he had said something that has messed up her opinion towards him.


    "I hope you don''t mind me asking these few questions," Xu Yilan said. "As a parent, I will always worry about my daughter. Not a lot of people would treat Yao Yao well after they heard about the incident."


    She let out a soft sigh as she thought of the reason her daughter broke up with Chen Hao. She did not want others to look down on Yao Yao''s background or her past.


    Xu Yilan too had a shadow in her heart because of her background. What she did not want the most is for her daughter to experience the same thing that she had.


    She closed her eyes briefly and smiled when she looked at Zhang Yu Han again. "I just didn''t want my daughter to hurt again. She has gone through so much."


    Zhang Yu Han clenched his hand into a fist as he met with Xu Yilan''s gaze. "Auntie, you don''t have to worry. I won''t do anything that will hurt Qin Yao."

 Chapter 137 - At the Same Place Ten Years Ago

    When Li Qin Yao returned home with a bag of meat buns, she was shocked upon seeing that Zhang Yu Han was standing on a chair, changing the bulb in the dining area.


    Li Qin Yao changed her shoes into slippers and gave Zhang Yu Han a questioning look.


    However, Zhang Yu Han merely smiled at her before he instructed switch on the light to test whether the light was now working.


    Seeing that the light that has been out for a month had now worked, Li Qin Yao turned to her boyfriend again and was about to ask him questions. But this time, her mother came out of the kitchen with a bowl of sweet and sour fish.


    Xu Yilan tilted her head up to look at the functioning light. Then, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and said. "It''s good that you''re tall. We don''t have stairs here and the maintenance guy took forever to come." Xu Yilan eyed the bag in her daughter''s hand and said, "You brought back Uncle Wu''s meat buns?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at her mother with her eyes wide. "Didn''t you tell me that you''re craving for it?"


    Xu Yilan cleared her throat. They both knew that it was merely an excuse so that her daughter will leave the house while she talked to Zhang Yu Han. Xu Yilan did not expect that her daughter would really buy back those meat buns.


    "Go put them on a plate and bring them out," Xu Yilan said.


    "Oh." Li Qin Yao nodded. She glanced at Zhang Yu Han before she walked into the kitchen. She grabbed a plate and waited for her mother to come back to fetch another dish. When Xu Yilan appeared, Li Qin Yao looked at her mother with and smiled.


    "What is it?" Xu Yilan suppressed her laugh as she watched the way her daughter was clinging to her. "If you''re so free, then help me to get those dishes out."


    "Ma, what did you talk to Yu Han just now? How come it''s over so soon?" Li Qin Yao spoke in a low voice. Because their house was not that big and Li Qin Yao was worried that Zhang Yu Han might overhear their conversation.


    She had thought that she could stand behind the door and eavesdrop a little bit when she returned, but it seemed that the two of them had finished their conversation.


    "Then would you like me to grill him a little bit longer?"


    Li Qin Yao pouted. "That''s not what I meant."


    "Then what is it?" Xu Yilan decided to play dumb.


    Li Qin Yao stood in front of her mother and looked at her in the eyes. "What did you two talk about when I was not around?"


    "Hmm," Xu Yilan turned and pretended that she was thinking about their previous conversation. "Of course we talked about you." Xu Yilan let out a soft laugh. "I only warned him not to hurt you or else, I''ll be coming for his life. Of course, I couldn''t let you be around or else, you would choose to side with your boyfriend."


    Seeing that her daughter was about to say another word of protest, Xu Yilan turned to pick up a bowl of a dish and passed it to her daughter. "Stop talking. We should eat soon. The two of you still need to head over to the airport later, right?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock and immediately walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of stir-fried vegetables.


    The three of them ate their lunch while Xu Yilan would occasionally ask Zhang Yu Han about his work.


    Li Qin Yao continued to watch her mother suspiciously. She did not know when did her mother had an interest in the hotel industry. Li Qin Yao thought that the two of them could have a conversation about business and hotel industries forever. Meanwhile, it looked as if the two of them had forgotten about her presence.


    Just as she was silently sulking about the two lack of attention towards her, a piece of sweet and sour fish dropped into her plate. Li Qin Yao looked up and met Zhang Yu Han''s gaze. Seeing the gentle look on his eyes, Li Qin Yao lowered her head and continued to eat silently.


    Once lunch was over, Xu Yilan had declined her daughter''s offer to help her with the dishes. Because she hasn''t packed up her toiletries and some other stuff, Li Qin Yao went back to her room first.


    Li Qin Yao picked up a few stuff that she might need in her trip and finally, closed her luggage. When she looked up again, she found Zhang Yu Han standing at the door, looking at her.


    "Have you finished packing up?"


    Li Qin Yao stood up and nodded.


    "We''ll leave once you''re ready."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock. "What about Grandfather and Yu Ying? We''ll pick them up before we head to the airport?"


    "Don''t worry about them. Jun Hao will send them over to the airport," Zhang Yu Han said. He looked around the room from where he stood and smiled. "Can I come in?"


    "Sure." Li Qin Yao pushed her luggage to the side.


    Once Zhang Yu Han stepped in into the room, Li Qin Yao thought that her room has become crowded. Seeing that a tall Zhang Yu Han stood in her small room, Li Qin Yao thought that he almost seemed like a giant.


    "Do you mind if I look around?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head to answer him.


    "Sorry, my room is a bit messy." Li Qin Yao swept her eyes around the room just in case if Zhang Yu Han might see anything inappropriate. Fortunately, she had cleaned up her room a bit when she was packing up her stuff.


    "It''s alright. It''s not messy at all." Zhang Yu Han spoke it took him three steps to reach over from the door to the study table with his long legs. There was not much furniture in the room. Just a bed, a study and a big bookcase with lots of books.


    Li Qin Yao leaned on the wall as she watched Zhang Yu Han looking at her bookcase.


    Suddenly, she noticed that his gaze had stopped in a direction. Li Qin Yao followed his gaze and saw a picture of her and Han Yue Xiu during their younger day.


    In the picture, Han Yue Xiu was wearing her basketball uniform. Behind them was a giant banner of the basketball tournament.


    "That picture was taken when I was in high school. Probably ten years ago?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his girlfriend as he heard her spoke.


    "At that time. I came over to live my mom for a short while," Li Qin Yao smiled as she reminisced the past. "Coincidentally, Yue Xiu told me that she was going to enter a tournament and she asked me to come along with her team to support her. That was the first time I saw a basketball match live."


    Zhang Yu Han lips curved into a smile. "I remember this tournament. Coincidentally, my team too took part in this tournament."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him with her eyes wide in surprise. After a while, she let out a laugh. "Zhang Yu Han, it turns out that we were both at the same place ten years ago!"


    "Well, yes." He laughed.


    "This is incredible." Li Qin Yao made a note to herself to mention this coincidence to Han Yue Xiu later on. Then, she looked at her boyfriend again with an amused smile. "I wonder if I had seen you and your team''s match on that day." she chuckled and shook her head. "But there were so many teams from many schools on that day."


    Seeing the smile on his girlfriend''s face, Zhang Yu Han opened his mouth to tell her that he saw her shooting a three-pointer when others were not around. "Actually-"


    However, at this time, Xu Yilan came and knocked on the door before announcing that she had made some tea.


    As Zhang Yu Han watched his girlfriend walked out, he could only let out a sigh that he had missed his chance.

 Chapter 138 - Zhang Yu Hans Unhappy Gaze

    The flight from Y City to H City took less than two hours. Once they arrived in H City, a young man in his twenties welcomed them and introduced himself as the driver sent by VP Mo.


    Because there were four of them, Zhang Yu Han choose to ride shotgun, while Li Qin Yao, Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying sat at the back.


    From there, the trip to L City would take another forty-five minutes.


    The sky has turned dark long ago. As Li Qin Yao looked at the scenery out the window, she felt something pressing on her shoulders. Li Qin Yao glanced at her left, where Zhang Jing was leaning on her shoulder with his eyes closed and he was breathing steadily.


    Li Qin Yao''s gaze softened as she watched Zhang Jing fell asleep. Traveling from Y City to L City for an elderly man like Zhang Jing must have been tiring.


    Actually, Zhang Yu Han wanted to persuade his grandfather not to come along to this trip, however, Zhang Jing suddenly said that he wanted to look at some properties that belonged to MH Group. If it was possible, he wanted to cooperate with MH Group and had the first Zhang''s hotel in L City as well.


    Since his grandfather had such intention, Zhang Yu Han had no other reason to reject her grandfather. In the end, he had to agree to let his sister come along as well.


    Seeing Zhang Jing''s tired face, Li Qin Yao could only choose to bear and let him sleep. Li Qin Yao glanced at Zhang Yu Ying who sat on her right and saw that she too had her eyes closed as she leaned on the window.


    Li Qin Yao then adjusted her seating so that Zhang Jing would be more comfortable. Just as she lifted her head, Li Qin Yao could see Zhang Yu Han''s unhappy gaze through the sun visor mirror.


    Looking at the direction of his gaze¡­ he couldn''t possibly look at his grandfather that way, right?


    As if sensing that someone was staring at him, Zhang Yu Han shifted his eyes and his gaze met with Li Qin Yao. The moment that he realized that his girlfriend was looking at him, Zhang Yu Han was shocked. He looked away briefly guiltily before he forced himself to look back at Li Qin Yao and smiled.


    Once he saw that his girlfriend had shyly looked away, Zhang Yu Han glanced at her grandfather, who was leaning his head on his girlfriend''s shoulder.


    Zhang Yu Han had a mixed feeling as he watched this scene.


    There was a tinge of jealousy as he watched his grandfather lay his head on his girlfriend''s shoulder. He had been in a relationship for a while but had yet to act intimately as that with his girlfriend. The most he would do was to hold hands with her.


    Although Wei Jun Hao and the others had once said that it was normal for a couple in a relationship to touch and kiss each other, Zhang Yu Han still would not dare to do so.


    Even in their flight, although he was seated next to his girlfriend, he did not dare to do such things.


    He was afraid that she was going to get uncomfortable. He did not want to scare her or make her think that he was taking advantage of her.


    Ever since he was a boy, his mother would remind him not to touch a girl casually or else, she would beat him up to a pulp. Growing up with such a threat, Zhang Yu Han would always remember his mother''s words and tried not to get too close to the opposite gender.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao spent their time talking during their flight. At first, Li Qin Yao was still probing what had her mother told him when she was not around. In the end, their conversation moved on to work.


    However, the same scene also brought warmth to his heart. His grandfather seemed to like Li Qin Yao a lot and this girl too has been treating his grandfather really well. Seeing the way that she had adjusted her posture so that his grandfather could rest comfortably made him realized that everything that she does would make him like her more.


    The car stopped as they reached the hotel.


    Zhang Yu Han descended the vehicle and quickly move to help Li Qin Yao to wake his grandfather from his sleep.


    Zhang Jing stepped out of the vehicle in with his grandson''s help. Because he had just woke up, of course, he did not realize that he had been sleeping on his future grand daughter-in-law''s shoulder.


    Just as Zhang Yu Han helped his girlfriend out from the vehicle, a bellboy rushed forward to help them as well. Soon, Mo Cheng Yi and his assistant walked over to greet them.


    "Qin Yao, you''re here. Yun Xi wanted to be here to welcome you as well, but she fell asleep while waiting and I didn''t have the heart to wake her up. But she''ll come and meet you next morning," Mo Cheng Yi then turned to Zhang Jing and greeted the elderly man politely. "Sorry, I was not able to pick you up at the airport," he smiled apologetically. "But, I hope the journey here is good?"


    "Senior Mo, you have sent someone to pick us up. This is good enough," Li Qin Yao said.


    "It''s late. But I have asked the kitchen to prepare a little something for you to eat," Mo Cheng Yi said as he led them into the hotel. "Or you would rather return to your room and rest? I can ask them to send the food to your room."


    Tacitly, everyone turned to Zhang Jing to ask for his opinion.


    "I just want to rest after spending hours in flight," Zhang Jing said. "You youngsters should go to eat and do something else if you want to."


    "Then, we''ll rest in our room," Zhang Yu Han said. He looked at Mo Cheng Yi and smiled. "I''ll have to trouble VP Mo to ask them to send the food to our room."


    Zhang Jing was about to protest, but both his grandchildren was insistent.


    Mo Cheng Yi turned to his assistant and that guy tacitly hand over two key cards to his boss. Then, he handed the keys to Li Qin Yao. "I booked a two-bedroom suite for you." Mo Cheng Yi said before he started to list out a few of its features. "If you need an additional room or anything else, just tell me."


    Hearing that it was a two-bedroom suite, Li Qin Yao declined for Mo Cheng Yi offer. It was decided earlier that Li Qin Yao will share a room with Zhang Yu Ying, while Zhang Yu Han will be in a room with his grandfather.


    However, as they entered the suite, Li Qin Yao suddenly realized something. In this way, doesn''t it mean that Zhang Yu Han and her were practically living in the same space?

 Chapter 139 - Snuggled with Sister-in-law to Sleep

    Zhang Yu Han walked out of the room that he shared with his grandfather and found his sister, Zhang Yu Ying sitting leisurely on the couch while munching on some chocolate bar.


    On the other side of the room, a butler stood straight as if he was waiting for someone to come over and instructed him with something. Once he saw Zhang Yu Han had emerged from the room, his expression brightened.


    However, Zhang Yu Han looked away and turned to his sister. "Where''s Qin Yao?"


    "Before I go out, she was still taking a shower," Zhang Yu Ying paused and suddenly, a mischievous smile curved on her lips. She crooked her fingers to beckon her brother to come closer.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he sat down next to his sister. "What is it?"


    The smile on Zhang Yu Ying widened. She looked around as if scanning for someone who would want to eavesdrop to her words and spoke in a low tone. "The room that I and sister-in-law shared had a king bed."


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s brow deepened. "And then?" Suddenly, he had a premonition.


    Zhang Yu Ying laughed before she continued, "Of course. Last night I snuggled with sister-in-law to sleep. Brother, let me tell you something. Sister-in-law''s hugs are so warm and comfortable. Her body is so soft."


    Zhang Yu Han''s face darkened as he heard his sister''s words. Though he knew that his sister was only trying to tease him, to imagine his sister taking advantage of his future wife still made him upset.


    "You should sleep out here on the couch tonight," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "No. No. I have to sleep with my sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying said. "If I was not around, who would know if you suddenly sneak in and turned into a wolf?"


    "Do I look like such a person?" Zhang Yu Han gave a dissatisfaction look at his sister.


    Zhang Yu Ying sat up properly and stared at her brother with her big eyes. "You have been single for years. Who knows what was you were thinking?"


    Looking at his sister''s teasing gaze, Zhang Yu Han had the urge to beat her. Subconsciously, he grabbed the cushion behind him and swung it hard to his sister. Zhang Yu Ying then blocked the attack with her arms.


    When Li Qin Yao walked out of the room, this was the scene that she witnessed.


    As the two siblings heard the door swung open, their movement suddenly stopped. Their head turned to Li Qin Yao in unison. Zhang Yu Ying widened her eyes and took this chance to run behind Li Qin Yao.


    "Sister-in-law, save me."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she saw Zhang Yu Han''s face had turned a shade darker. "It looks like your relationship is really good."


    "Sister-in-law, did you see wrongly? How can this be said as good?" Zhang Yu Ying pouted.


    Zhang Yu Han could only let out a sigh in resignation. His sister was hiding behind his girlfriend, her arms encircled Li Qin Yao''s waist and she was sticking out her tongue out as if to provoke him.


    At this moment, Zhang Yu Han really thought that his sister came along to this trip to ruin his date as well as provoke his anger.


    He wanted to peel off his sister''s hand from his girlfriend. Why is everyone taking advantage of his girlfriend right in front of him? It was a big mistake to agree to let both his grandfather and sister to come along.


    As he looked at how his girlfriend in front of him with her clean, fresh face, Zhang Yu Han found that he really could not do anything to punish his sister right now. One of these days, he needed to remind his girlfriend that his sister can be a devil in disguise.


    "Zhang Yu Han, good morning."


    Zhang Yu Han froze as he heard her voice. For a few seconds, he did not know how to react. Usually, they would greet each other with good morning and good nights through text and sometimes, through the phone calls.


    To hear her voice, greeting him with a good morning like this felt good. Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han felt warmth bubbling up to his chest. Just like that his grievance to his sister seemed to disappear.


    "Good morning," Zhang Yu Han smiled back.


    Zhang Yu Ying who was witnessing this exchange let out a small chuckle before she rolled her eyes at her brother and looked away. Her brother was really an idiot.


    "Where''s Grandfather?"


    "He should be getting out soon," Zhang Yu Han replied as he glanced at the door. Then, he walked over to the butler who still stood at the side and instructed him to bring in their breakfast.


    Zhang Jing walked out of his room and the butler began to serve them breakfast. The four of them sat down together at the dining table as they discussed their activities.


    When the four of them came down to the lobby after breakfast, a cheery voice immediately greeted Li Qin Yao. She turned towards the voice and saw her friend rushing towards her.


    "Yao Yao, you''re here!" Fan Yun Xi finally stopped and wrapped her arms around her friend''s neck. Once she pulled away, there was a bright smile on her face. "I wanted to come to welcome you last night, but," Fan Yun Xi paused as she narrowed her eyes to her fiance.


    "Well, you''re here now, aren''t you?" Li Qin Yao laughed before she turned to Mo Cheng Yi to greet him. It was then that she noticed a familiar man behind her senior. Li Qin Yao pulled at her friend''s hand and spoke in a low tone, "Yun Xi, is that your brother-in-law?"


    Fan Yun Xi nodded.


    "Hey, he still has that scary expression on his face, huh?" Li Qin Yao commented, causing her friend to laugh.


    One could really tell that the two Mo brothers had different personalities at a glance. It was like day and night.


    Mo Cheng Yi walked over to his fiancee''s side before he introduced his brother to everyone else, and Li Qin Yao then introduced Zhang''s family to the others.


    "I heard Chairman Zhang come over to look at our properties. It would be rude if I did not come along to welcome you," Mo Cheng Feng said as he shook hands with Zhang Jing. "Our father, Chairman Mo wanted to come along to meet you as well, but he was still recuperating from his last surgeries."


    Zhang Jing waved his hand, saying that he did not mind. The men began to talk about property development in L City and Zhang Jing spoke that he had an interest over having one of their hotels in L City.


    Seeing that the men were talking about business, Fan Yun Xi turned to Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Ying. "Hello, hello. I''m Fan Yun Xi, Qin Yao''s friend from university."


    "Hello, I''m Zhang Yu Ying."


    Fan Yun Xi smiled. "I will be your guide in L City. You can tell me if there''s any place you''d like to go to."

 Chapter 140 - But My Brother is an Idiot!

    Half an hour later, Li Qin Yao and the other arrived at the amusement park, which was one of the most popular attractions in L City. Because it was still early, there were not too many people queuing at the ticketing booth.


    Because Li Qin Yao and the others are guests to Mo brothers, they were permitted to early entry. As Zhang Jing had come along, Mo Cheng Feng too joined the others to show them around and soon, they were introduced to the park''s designer.


    Li Qin Yao listened to their explanation as she marveled at the attractions around. There were a few spots where couples could spend their date, and some attractions for the family with small children to enjoy their time together.


    The most popular ride was, of course, their roller coaster. It was steep, fast with a few twists and turns. Definitely a favorite to a thrill seeker.


    It was lunch hour when the tour ended. The Mo brothers then brought them over to lunch and soon they decided to let their guests explore their park and have fun.


    Hearing that they were going to play around in the park, Zhang Jing decided not to join them. Mo Cheng Feng then invited the Elderly man to visit their headquarters where they will discuss business.


    Before they parted, Mo Cheng Feng took out a few cards and handed them to Li Qin Yao. "Miss Li, these are VIP pass. If you show them to the attendants, you can skip the queue and the attendants will take you straight to the rides and attractions."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the pass and smiled. "Thank you, President Mo."


    Mo Cheng Feng, who always had a poker face, suddenly smiled. "These are the only thing we can do to help. Miss Li, I still have not thanked you for your help the last time."


    "Your brother is my senior and Yun Xi is a good friend of mine. Of course, I could not ignore everything when I heard about your predicament."


    The two of them exchanged a few more words before the Mo brothers left with Zhang Jing. In the end, Fan Yun Xi was left to entertain Li Qin Yao and the two Zhang siblings.


    Fan Yun Xi, who was appointed as the group''s guide began to notice that something does not seem right with her friend. As the two Zhang siblings were looking at the park maps and discussed how they were going to spend their time in the park, Fan Yun Xi dragged her friend aside.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao blinked.


    "Yao Yao, you tell me," Fan Yun Xi frowned. "Why do I feel like there''s something strange between you and Director Zhang?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways and pretended that she did not understand her friend''s meaning. "What do you mean, strange?"


    "I''m not blind, alright," Fan Yun Xi rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I saw how the two of you were sneakily holding hands while we walked around the park."


    "Alright. I''ll tell you," Li Qin Yao let out a laugh. "It is as you suspected. We''re dating."


    "Ah?" Fan Yun Xi stared at her friend with her eyes wide. Though she merely guessed after she had seen certain scenes with her eyes, to hear her friend confess it still made her shocked. "When? Hey! The last time I saw you, didn''t you say that nothing was going on?"


    Li Qin Yao gave a shy smile to her friend. "It was only recently."


    "Hey, Cheng Yi was right. Director Zhang does have his eyes on you. The other day, he said that the way Director Zhang looked at you was the same as the way I looked at him. Like a love-struck fool."


    "Senior Mo is right. Yun Xi, the way you looked at him does resemble a love-struck fool."


    Fan Yun Xi slapped her friend on her upper arms, causing Li Qin Yao to yelped in pain.


    Instantly, both Zhang Yu Han and his sister turned to them.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes at her friend and mouthed a few threats before she walked over to Zhang Yu Han and tell him that they were joking around.


    Fan Yun Xi stared at her friend and chuckled. She joined the others and began to play her role as their guide. "What are you going to try first?"


    Zhang Yu Ying raised her hand high. "We have to try the roller-coaster. This is exciting. Just by hearing how the others scream, you could tell that it will be a heart-pounding experience!"


    Li Qin Yao swallowed as she heard Zhang Yu Ying''s suggestion. She had heard how the others had screamed while they were walking pass by, but she did not think that it will be an exciting experience.


    Though she had no problem with height, she did not think that riding a fast ride like that would be a good thing. Moreover, just look at the twist and turn in the middle of the track! She could feel her blood drained off her face.


    "Let''s not ride them. The queue is too long," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "Didn''t we have a VIP pass?"


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he stared at his sister.


    "Brother, are you afraid?"


    "Can I not go?" Li Qin Yao finally said.


    "Alright, alright," Fan Yun Xi pulled at Zhang Yu Ying''s hand and smiled. "How about I accompany you to ride the roller-coaster." Then, she looked at Li Qin Yao. "You two should walk around and look for ideas for the Tourism City project."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the tall man beside her. Then she nodded to her friend. "Let''s separate and meet again after we played enough."


    In the end, Zhang Yu Ying watched the two of them walked away with her mouth gaped. Though she wanted to stop her brother from leaving, Fan Yun Xi had held her back from being a troublemaker.


    "Sister, do you know what you have done?" Zhang Yu Ying looked at Fan Yun Xi exasperatedly. "It''s finished. My brother is finished!"


    "What is it? You don''t like your brother and my friend dating?"


    "That''s not it. I like my sister-in-law. That''s why I have to help my brother and push him when he needed a push."


    Fan Yun Xi heaved a sigh of relief. "Then, just let the two of them have their date peacefully. Too much interfering isn''t a good thing," Fan Yun Xi patted the girl on her shoulder.


    "I don''t plan to interfere, but my brother is an idiot!"


    "Your brother might be an idiot, but Yao Yao is not. At least, let''s have faith in her. Meanwhile, the two of us can have fun without them stuffing us with dog food. Anyway, riding roller-coaster on a date is never a good idea." Fan Yun Xi frowned.


    The roller-coaster was too exciting. After all, there were many who ended up throwing up after a ride and had to end their date earlier than planned.

 Chapter 141 - Dating a Workaholic

    Initially, Zhang Yu Han was happy that Li Qin Yao''s friend was understanding enough to gave them a chance to be alone. However, as Zhang Yu Han glanced at the woman beside him, he did not know whether he should laugh or cry.


    The two of them have been walking around the park for half an hour, but so far, Li Qin Yao has been studying at the parks'' layout and rides while taking photos here and there. Sometimes, she would turn to him and asked his opinion.


    His girlfriend had said that she was going to visit the amusement park in L City in preparation for the development project, and true to her words, she came to the park to work.


    He wondered if he was dating a workaholic.


    Not that he minded about it. Zhang Yu Han thought that as long as he can to spend his time with his girlfriend, and see her whenever he turned around, he would be satisfied.


    It will be just like the last time where the two of them spent their time in the office.


    Moreover, this time, he got to walk around while holding her hand. Li Qin Yao''s hand was small and soft as compared to his.


    While Li Qin Yao was busy looking around, Zhang Yu Han has been studying his girlfriend''s small hand. He held her hand tight, and then, moved to interlace their hands together, and soon stealthily measure their hands together.


    Zhang Yu Han was busy studying Li Qin Yao''s nails when he noticed that they were standing in front of an intersection.


    He looked at the signboard and saw that there were three different attractions upfront. One road would lead to the mirror house, one to the haunted house and the other one would lead to the carnival games area.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his girlfriend and raised his brow. "You wanted to visit the haunted house?"


    Li Qin Yao turned and shook her head. "Let''s not go."


    Zhang Yu Han hid his disappointment. He thought that going to a haunted house would bring them much closer. Then, he can play a role as a knight, protecting his princess. But it looked like he would not get this chance.


    "You''re afraid?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Actually, in the past, Yue Xiu and I went to a haunted house in a carnival after we graduated high school," she lowered her head in embarrassment. "There was a ghost who appeared out of nowhere. Because I was too shocked, I accidentally punch the ghost on his face. Who knows, that a real person was disguising as a ghost."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his girlfriend in shock. "You really hit a person?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. "The result is that the person had his nose bleed and bot Yue Xiu and I was banned from going to the haunted house again. After that, I never stepped into a haunted house again."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a small laugh.


    "Don''t laugh."


    His laughter immediately stopped, but a smile remained. "Then, where do you want to go next? Are you planning to walk around and not try any rides in this park?"


    "Of course not. Later let''s go and ride the sky ride before we join Yun Xi and your sister and head back to the hotel."


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression brightened up. He had read a bit about the sky ride earlier and knew that it was popular among young couples.


    "I heard from Yun Xi earlier that if we ride the cable car, we will be able to see the whole view of the park. It''ll be best to get some idea from a different perspective."


    His girlfriend''s last sentence really made him wanted to cry. In the end, Li Qin Yao was dedicated to her work.


    "Are you tired? Do you want to take a break first?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Her questions turned him speechless. Weren''t those were the questions that he was supposed to ask?


    "I''m fine." He spotted an empty bench not far away from them and led her towards the direction. "You should sit down for a while. I''ll get us something to drink. What do you like?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head up. Because of Zhang Yu Han''s height, he managed to block the sunlight from her face. "Juice. Any kind of juice is fine."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded before he walked away to buy some drinks. When he returned with drinks and some snacks, Zhang Yu Han caught the sight of Li Qin Yao massaging her calf.


    A frown appeared between his brow.


    Earlier, when Li Qin Yao was asking whether he was tired, Zhang Yu Han did not think too much about it. Fortunately, he had suggested she sit down for a while, or else, would she continue to walk around?


    Though he wanted for her to be able to speak freely with him, Zhang Yu Han realized that he too was acting the same. If it was not about work, they would always conceal their thoughts.


    If he wanted to go forward, he needed to take the first step. They cannot continue to keep guessing at each other''s thoughts.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh before he walked over to the bench.


    Once Li Qin Yao noticed his approaching, she immediately stopped whatever she was doing and smiled at him.


    Zhang Yu Han sat down next to her and hand over the cup of juice. "I got you some orange juice and some cinnamon donut puff, is this alright?"


    Li Qin Yao took the cup and the bag of donut Then, she drank a few mouthfuls of juice. Then, she turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Would you like some?"


    "You drink first," Zhang Yu Han said. He lowered his head to look at her legs and hesitated. "If you''re tired, I can help massage your legs for you."


    Li Qin Yao, who was in the middle of drinking her juice almost chocked on her drink. "It''s fine now." She lowered her head. Li Qin Yao did not expect that Zhang Yu Han had seen her kneading her calf earlier. She continued to sip on her juice slowly and stared at the man beside her.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?"


    "I was thinking," Li Qin Yao put a hand under her chin and rested her elbow on her thigh. "Is it too late to accept your offer?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. Then he patted his thigh. "Put your legs here."


    Li Qin Yao carefully put her legs over his thigh and avoiding her shoes from hitting his pants.


    "Where are you hurting?"


    "My calves."


    Once Zhang Yu Han put his hand on her legs, Li Qin Yao let out an inaudible sigh.


    "Comfortable?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded and smiled. "You''re pretty good at this."


    "Sometimes, I injured myself while playing basketball. And then, I learned a bit about massage."


    "So that''s why." Li Qin Yao''s face brightened up as something crossed her mind. "Right. Zhang Yu Han, let''s head over to the carnival games area after this."

 Chapter 142 - Her Love-struck Fool

    Li Qin Yao munched at the cinnamon donut while feeding Zhang Yu Han who was still rubbing at her sore calf. The two of them talked a little bit share hilarious stories of them going to an amusement park when they were still young.


    As she watched Zhang Yu Han continue to massage her legs with a hint of a smile on his face, Li Qin Yao felt her heart softened.


    Actually, she was hesitant to trouble her boyfriend with such a task. However, as she continued to watch a few young couples around them, she began to notice something.


    Although she had agreed to try and date Zhang Yu Han, Li Qin Yao thought that she had never really given him the chance to be her boyfriend.


    Zhang Yu Han would drive over from Y City to B City and they would have a meal together and date like other couples almost every day. But other than holding hands, the two of them did not do anything that would differentiate them from a couple to a friend, right?


    Zhang Yu Han has treated her well, and she could tell that he tried his best. He was careful with her, but also attentive.


    It was impossible for her not to see that he was slightly disappointed when she had rejected his offer. And when she said that she changed her mind, the joyful look in his eyes was too apparent.


    Perhaps, Fan Yun Xi was right that the way Zhang Yu Han looked at her does resemble a love-struck fool. And right now, he was her love-struck fool.


    It was strange, yet amazing to think that the person who she initially thought as a scary insurance seller would look at her that way.


    A relationship requires two-party to make it work.


    Since she had agreed to give him a chance, she too needed to do something to make their relationship work. It wouldn''t be fair to make him do all the chasing, right?


    In the end, he might get tired of her, and she might lose this opportunity to be with someone who really loved her.


    As the thought came to her mind, Li Qin Yao decided to spend the remaining time in the amusement park and enjoy herself. Moreover, she can still consult the park designer and engineers next.


    Seeing that there were no more donuts, Li Qin Yao took out a wet tissue from her bag and wiped her hands clean off the cinnamon sugar. After thanking Zhang Yu Han for his hard work, she then dragged him over the carnival game center.


    When they arrived, Li Qin Yao silently looked around at the games and was disappointed that she could not see what she was looking for. Then, she walked over to the arcade area.


    Zhang Yu Han, who thought that his girlfriend was still in her working mode followed her around without complaining.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao stopped at her tracks and turned around.


    "What is it?" Zhang Yu Han was worried when she had suddenly stopped, but seeing her smiling happily, he couldn''t help but smile along as well.


    "Zhang Yu Han, go and get some tokens as well."


    The man raised a brow. He glanced to his left, where two teenage boys were competing in a dance on a DDR machine. Immediately he began to understand his girlfriend''s intention. "You wanted to play games here?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded as she tugged at his hands. "Quickly, go. I''ll wait for you here."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. He patted her soft hair and said. "Alright. You wait here. Don''t run anyway."


    Li Qin Yao nodded again. As Zhang Yu Han walked over to the token counter, Li Qin Yao began to look around at the people in the arcade.


    When Zhang Yu Han returned, he found his girlfriend stood in front of the claw machine. He tapped her on her shoulder and asked, "You want to play this?"


    "Are you good at claw machine?"


    "No. I never try them before."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Forget it. Let''s play something you''re good at. Right. Did you get the token?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded before he showed her the tokens in his hands. "Is this enough?"


    "It should be. We''ll get more if it''s not enough," Li Qin Yao said. Then, she dragged him over to the Arcade Hoops. Then, she turned to him again and said, "Zhang Yu Han, teach me how to shoot."


    Zhang Yu Han froze against her bright expression. He looked at the machine and said, "Hoop machine is different than basketball. For example, the height is different."


    "Then, wouldn''t it be easier for me to learn?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han looked at the woman beside him. Their height difference was around twenty centimeters-ish. Standing side by side, Li Qin Yao only reached to his chest. "I guess it will be easier for you to shoot."


    Zhang Yu Han bent down and put the token in the machine. The balls rolled down towards them, and he picked one up and shot the ball into the hoop a few times. Then, he picked another one and passed it to his girlfriend. "You try."


    "There''s a timer," Li Qin Yao pointed out.


    "Forget the timer. Just shoot first."


    Li Qin Yao held the ball tight, aimed, and shot. The result is that the ball hit the hoop and fell. Before she could say anything, Zhang Yu Han had handed her another ball.


    "Try again."


    She held the ball and get into the position. Soon, Li Qin Yao sensed Zhang Yu Han stood behind her. He corrected her hand posture before he told her to shoot. This time, the ball went into the hoop perfectly.


    Li Qin Yao turned around and clapped her hands happily. Then, she reached for another ball and continued to shoot. After the fifth balls, Zhang Yu Han no longer stood behind her to correct her and instead, stood aside to watch her while giving his advice.


    After a minute has passed, the machine stopped. Just as Li Qin Yao was about to take another token, she realized that something had come out from the machine. It was a gift redemption ticket.


    "What is that?"


    "Gift redemption tickets. It looks like if we have enough tickets, we can redeem a gift." Suddenly, Li Qin Yao''s eyes brightened and she pushed her boyfriend in front of the machine.


    Zhang Yu Han laughed as he watched her inserting another token in the machine.


    The machine started.


    "Zhang Yu Han, do your best!"


    Seeing the expectation on her gaze, Zhang Yu Han obediently grab the ball and shot. Once he passed the first stage, the hoop started to move left and right. And soon, he reached the final stage.


    The redemption tickets came out a lot more than the last time. Soon, it was decided that Zhang Yu Han would shoot the balls and Li Qin Yao would act as his cheerleader. In the end, the two of them spent their time in front of the machine until they ran out of tokens.

 Chapter 143 - Rain Started to Fall

    After the two of them had spent almost an hour in the arcade arena, Li Qin Yao walked out carrying a cute bunny plush which they redeemed with the tickets that Zhang Yu Han had won.


    His gaze softened as he looked at the way his girlfriend was holding the toys in her embrace. She looked happy as she pulled at the bunny''s long ears. At this time, Zhang Yu Han thought that shooting the balls until his arms were almost sore was worth it.


    "Where do you want to go next? Is there anything you wanted to do?" Li Qin Yao asked as she turned around.


    "Didn''t you say you wanted to try the sky ride?"


    "Let''s do that later. Anyway, we can walk over to B Station and get a ride to return to the entrance."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded at her suggestion. "When are we supposed to meet up with the others again?"


    "Hold up. I''ll ask Yun Xi," Li Qin Yao took out her phone and dialed her friend''s number. After talking for a while, Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and said, "Yun Xi agreed to meet at the entrance in an hour."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wristwatch. "Isn''t that too early? I thought you wanted to look around for a while longer."


    "It''s fine. Grandfather would be bored if we leave him for too long," Li Qin Yao said. "Weren''t we going to accompany Grandfather to dinner? We should go back to the hotel and freshen up a bit before the meal."


    "You treat Grandfather well."


    Li Qin Yao froze at his words. For a second, she wondered if her boyfriend was jealous of his grandfather. "Well, your grandfather is nice to me. Of course, I must treat him well." She laughed. However, as she looked at Zhang Yu Han''s expression, Li Qin Yao really did not know how should she coax him.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao pretended that she did not sense his sour expression. She gave him an innocent smile, and the man could only sigh helplessly.


    Zhang Yu Han took out the maps from his pocket to figure out their location. Then, the two of them walked towards the B Station and decided that if they see any interesting attraction along the way, they were going to try them out.


    To get to the B Station, the two of them had to walk around the flower garden. The garden was decorated with colorful flowers all around and buildings that made them feel as if the patron felt as if they were in a European country. Everywhere they look, there would be couples taking pictures here and there.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced the woman beside him and lifted the hands that were holding hers higher. Soon, Li Qin Yao looked at him with a questioning look.


    "Do you want to take a few pictures here as well?"


    Li Qin Yao looked around and nodded to agree.


    The two of them picked up a good spot and just like that, Zhang Yu Han acted as a personal photographer for his girlfriend. Although he was not a professional, every picture he snapped turned out great.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao scrolled at the photos that Zhang Yu Han had snapped and admired the man''s skill. "Why don''t I take some pictures of you next?"


    "It''s alright," Zhang Yu Han shook his head. Though he enjoyed acting as her personal photographer, it does not mean that he wanted pictures of him with those flowers.


    Li Qin Yao sneaked a glance at her boyfriend and smiled. "Then, do you want pictures of us together? We didn''t have pictures of us together, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her with his eyes bright. Even before he could say anything, Li Qin Yao had pulled him at the center of the garden. Without much warning, she started to snap a few pictures together.


    Just as they were busy playing around and snapping pictures, suddenly they heard a noise.


    Both of them looked up the sky and saw that some gray clouds were moving towards their direction and the rain started to fall. Soon, the people around the garden started to scatter and run.


    Zhang Yu Han grabbed Li Qin Yao''s hands and started to run to find a place to take shelter.


    Unfortunately, because they were at the center of the garden, it took them a while to reach a place for shelter.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his girlfriend and frowned when he saw that she was gasping for air.


    Slowly, he tried to match up to her pace until they reached a building away from the others.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she looked at the sky. The sunny sky was replaced with dark clouds and it doesn''t look like the clouds were going to move away.


    "That was unexpected," Zhang Yu Han commented. He pulled Li Qin Yao towards the wall and stood in front of her to block the rain.


    "You''re all wet," Li Qin Yao rummaged through her knapsack and pulled out a packet of tissue. She handed a few papers to Zhang Yu Han before she dabbed her face and hair dry from the water.


    When she lifted her head to look at Zhang Yu Han again, she could see that there were a few spots that he had missed.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he sensed her gaze on him.


    Li Qin Yao took out a few more papers and looked up again. "Here. Let me help you." She extended her arms and began to wipe the wet spot on his brow. After a few seconds, Li Qin Yao began to notice the change in the mood.


    Her right hand paused at his cheek. Because she was standing on her toes, the distance between them became closer.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her eyes to look at Zhang Yu Han and noticed the way he was staring at her lips. He looked as if he was going to kiss her.


    And if he bent down a little bit, their lips would meet.


    Her heart skipped a beat. She tightened her grip around the tissue, while the other hand, held the bunny plush as she anticipated his next move. The two of them stayed in that pose for a moment that felt so long.


    However, the kiss that she was expecting did not come.


    Zhang Yu Han chose to look away. Though he wanted to take a step back to avoid the awkward situation, Zhang Yu Han found that he could not retreat as the rain was falling heavily.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    Hearing she called his name, Zhang Yu Han turned again. But before he could say anything, Zhang Yu Han felt Li Qin Yao''s something tugging at his collar and soon he could feel her lips pressing against his.


    That kiss did not last for long.


    Li Qin Yao pulled away and stared into his eyes. With her hand gripping his shirt, Li Qin Yao then said, "Zhang Yu Han, you may kiss me if you want to... you know?"

 Chapter 144 - Nothing but a Sweet Dream

    Zhang Yu Han froze as he heard her words. and the two of them continued to stare into each others'' eyes.


    At this moment, Zhang Yu Han was still in a trance. He was shocked!


    Though he had imagined kissing her lips countless times, he had never dared to take the step. He was always someone who knew how to control his emotions well.


    Zhang Yu Han might have waited for a long time to be with the girl he liked, but he did not want to rush things between them. It was his first time for him to be in a relationship and therefore, he wanted to take things slow and enjoy everything that they do together.


    He wanted to make her fall head over heels for him. And to do so, he chose to slowly entice her rather than forcing things between them.


    Didn''t they use to say that strong twisted melon is not sweet?


    However, what he did not expect was for Li Qin Yao to initiate the first kiss.


    Of course, his head would go blank and he started to wonder whether he kept thinking about kissing her that he started to have this hallucination. Or perhaps everything was nothing but a sweet dream.


    But as he continued to look into her eyes Zhang Yu Han was slowly convinced that the kiss was real.


    Still¡­ he could only continue to stand still as his brains slowly started to move and process what he should do with this unexpected situation. His head was debating whether to lean in and kiss her would be a good idea.


    Anyway, he was still her probation boyfriend.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao was starting to doubt her action. Perhaps she was too brazen and that had scared Zhang Yu Han. Otherwise, why won''t he come forward and kiss her back?


    They were standing too close. Their situation made her anticipate for his kiss, but Zhang Yu Han had turned to look away. Perhaps she was carried away the moment that she decided to grab the front of his shirt, forcing the man to bent down and kissed him.


    Now that she thought about it, perhaps she was too abrupt.


    Will this made Zhang Yu Han change his opinion towards her?


    Just as those thoughts came to her mind, Li Qin Yao began to panic.


    She slowly released her grip on his shirt and tried to back away. Li Qin Yao tilted her head down in both disappointment and embarrassment. All she could think about was to find a way to escape.


    However, just before she could run away and hide, Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han''s hand sneaking on the back of her head, tugging her forward. Before she could properly figure out what was happening, his other hand touched her chin as he tilted her head up. Then, Zhang Yu Han brought his face down to kiss her.


    Her eyes widened in shock.


    In the beginning, Zhang Yu Han merely kissed her hesitantly, testing whether she was going to push him away. Then, he slowly let her adjust to his lips with his slow caress and alternating his kisses between light and firm.


    Facing his tender kiss with such longing, Li Qin Yao felt her heart raced and soon, she started to pry open her lips a little bit and responded to his kiss.


    Li Qin Yao thought that her mind almost went blank. They have kissed until she was short of oxygen.


    For someone who had no prior experience in dating and such, how can his kiss be so electrifying?


    Li Qin Yao started to wonder whether Zhang Yu Ying was lying when she said that his brother had never dated anyone before her.


    As though he could not get enough of her, Zhang Yu Han began to put an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. But then, he slowly noticed that there was something between them, preventing him from pulling her closer to his body.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the bunny plush in Li Qin Yao''s embrace and was suddenly annoyed. He wondered whether he should toss it away. But soon, he found her leaning towards him and their lips meet up again in another heated kiss.


    After a moment that felt like an eternity, the two of them broke away, but their gaze remained at each other. There was a slight crease between Zhang Yu Han''s brow as he continued to stare at her intensely as they both tried to calm down and catch up with their breath.


    Li Qin Yao moved her hands and suddenly realized that she had placed one arm around his neck to stabilize herself. She peeked at the sky from his shoulder and saw that the dark clouds have dispersed and the ray of sunshine could be seen.


    Realizing that they probably have been kissing for a long time, Li Qin Yao was suddenly embarrassed. Anyway, they were outdoors, in public. Surely, there must be others who witnessed their exchange.


    "The rain has stopped," Li Qin Yao was the first to speak.


    "Hmm." Slowly, he bent down again for a soft peck.


    Li Qin Yao felt her blood rushed through her brain and she lowered her head in fear that he was going to kiss her again. "That¡­ should we go now? Yun Xi and your sister will be waiting for us at the entrance."


    It took him a few seconds before he gave out his reply. "Okay." Zhang Yu Han slowly released his hand around her waist.


    "Wait!"


    Zhang Yu Han held her hands and was about to turn around when he heard her call. When he looked at her again, Li Qin Yao pulled her hand from his and rummaged through her knapsack to find something. She pulled out a wet tissue and stared at him with her face reddened.


    "Lipsticks" Li Qin Yao pointed at his lips.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the wet tissue and guessed at what she was trying to tell him. "You help me to wipe it off. I can''t see it properly."


    She can only surrender and leaned forward to wipe the lipstick smudges around his lips. Realizing that he was still staring at her, Li Qin Yao shrunk her neck as if to hide from him.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Why are you shy? Weren''t you the one who initiated to kiss me?"


    Li Qin Yao frowned to control her embarrassment. Then, as if she had gathered her courage, Li Qin Yao looked at him again to say things that have been bothering her. "I thought you weren''t going to kiss me. I thought you didn''t like-"


    Her words were left unfinished as Zhang Yu Han had leaned in for a quick kiss. He then looked at her eyes, and said, "But, Qin Yao, I always wanted to kiss you."


    Hearing his saying those words with his low vibrating voice, Li Qin Yao thought that she was going to lose her mind. In her state where she was unable to think straight, Zhang Yu Han suddenly bent down to kiss her lips again.

 Chapter 145 - Wanted to Come to L City to Eat

    That night, Li Qin Yao and the others accepted the Mo brothers'' invitation to dinner. Surprisingly, the Mo brothers suggested them to have a meal at a famous Brazilian restaurant in L City.


    Mo Cheng Yi sent his driver to pick up the group and drive them to the restaurant. Zhang Jing, who had escaped from playing in the amusement park earlier had a refreshed face.


    Earlier, after he had a brief discussion with President Mo, Zhang Jing returned to the hotel and took a long nap. It was until his grandson entered the room that he woke up.


    Seeing the downcast expression on his granddaughter''s expression, Zhang Jing raised a brow. "What is it? Weren''t you having fun at the amusement park earlier?"


    "We were," Zhang Yu Ying let out a dramatic sigh. "But who knew that it would suddenly rain heavily. Most of the rides stopped because of the weather. In the end, we have no choice but to return."


    Hearing Zhang Yu Ying mentioned the rain, Li Qin Yao lifted her gaze and saw the way Zhang Yu Han was staring at her through the sun visor mirror. As their gaze met, Zhang Yu Han suddenly curled his lips into a smile.


    While in a daze, Li Qin Yao tuned out from the grandfather and granddaughter''s conversation. It wasn''t until Zhang Jing called out her name that she snapped out of her trance.


    "Sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying poked at her arms. "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "No. I was just thinking about work."


    "I heard that Yu Han got a plush toy for you," Zhang Jing said.


    "We walked around and saw a hoop machine in the arcade Who knew we had enough tickets to exchange them to a plush toy."


    Zhang Jing laughed. He was relieved to hear that his grandson was not that hopeless.


    Seeing that Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying continued their chat, Li Qin Yao glanced at the mirror again and this time, she could see Zhang Yu Han''s widened smile.


    It was impossible not to see the joy in his eyes. It seemed as if his eyes were filled with million stars.


    Suddenly, she had the urge to cover Zhang Yu Han''s mouth with her hand so that she wouldn''t see his teasing smile.


    She was worried that Grandfather and Zhang Yu Ying would notice something and asked. Then, what should she say? How should she act?


    Every time she thought back about that raining scene, Li Qin Yao felt her face grew hot.


    To think that she was the one who initiated that kiss!


    She wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it. It was too embarrassing.


    She did not know what had possessed her to initiate the kiss. But it seemed as if she had accidentally turned on a switch when she had said that he can kiss her if he wanted.


    Ever since then, Zhang Yu Han would steal a few quick kisses now and then when no one was around until they reached the hotel.


    Fortunately, his sister was not around with them.


    Fan Yun Xi had sent her a message and told her to return straight to the hotel instead of meeting at the entrance. It was slightly humid and cold after the rain and Fan Yun Xi did not want to make them wait too long at the entrance.


    After they have returned to the hotel, Li Qin Yao went into the bathroom to take a hot bath. Li Qin Yao sat in the tub with her cheek flushed and her lips reddened.


    Her head started to replay the scene and suddenly, various emotions were bursting through her heart. She felt a bit sweet and shy when she thought about how Zhang Yu Han had kissed her.


    But once she regained her sense, Li Qin Yao thought had an urge to bang her head on the walls a couple of times. Perhaps, that would help her to forget the shameless thing she did earlier.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance as the car stopped once it arrived at the restaurant. Zhang Yu Han helped his grandfather out of the vehicle before he turned to girlfriend.


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips. She tried to put that scene from earlier in the back of her mind and acted as if she was not bothered by it.


    The group walked into the restaurant and the waiter led them to a table where the Mo Cheng Yi and Fan Yun Xi were already waiting. The couple stood up to welcome Li Qin Yao and the others.


    "My brother wanted to join us for this dinner, but something came up and he could not make it here," Mo Cheng Yi apologized as they were seated.


    Zhang Jing waved a hand and said that he understood that as a businessman, sometimes they would face some situation like that.


    Li Qin Yao looked around the restaurant and wonder why were her senior taking them to a churrascaria restaurant when there were a lot of specialty dishes in L City. She turned to her friend and asked about this matter.


    Mo Cheng Yi, who heard the question, quickly turned. "It was Chairman Zhang who suggested this place. We didn''t even know that there was a Brazilian restaurant around here."


    Immediately, everyone turned to Zhang Jing, causing the elderly man to avoid his grandson''s gaze.


    "Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han spoke in a warning tone.


    "It has been a long time since the last time I eat this," Zhang Jing said to his grandson. "I heard about this restaurant and the review said their cooking was authentic. Of course, since we''re here, it would be a waste not to go."


    Li Qin Yao had a feeling that Grandfather only wanted to come to L City to eat.


    Suddenly, the grandfather and grandson were engaged in a staring contest.


    Of course, Zhang Jing was the first to look away. But he only moved his gaze to Li Qin Yao and giving her a look as if to ask her to plead for his fate.


    "Forget it," Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh. "Just for tonight." He thought that since he was in a very good mood, he should be lenient to his grandfather. Anyway, once they return, he will be strict with his grandfather''s diet.


    Soon, a chef walked over to serve them with some grilled meat.


    Zhang Jing looked at his grandson and said, "Right. I have a long discussion with President Mo earlier and I found something that I like. Yu Han, before we went back to Y City tomorrow night, you should accompany me and discuss things."


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer his grandfather right away, and instead, he turned to look at his girlfriend, as if to ask for her opinion.


    Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han caressing her hand under the table. She looked at the man beside her and smiled. "That''s fine too. Meanwhile, Yu Ying and I will go out with Yun Xi to shop around."

 Chapter 146 - He Has Become Greedy

    "Yao Yao, your sister-in-law is very adorable."


    Li Qin Yao, who was browsing through the rack of clothes suddenly turned around to her friend. "What sister-in-law?"


    Fan Yun Xi giggled at the side. "I heard Zhang Yu Ying keep calling you that and was influenced by her."


    Li Qin Yao could only sigh helplessly.


    Last night, it was decided that for the girls to go out and shop around while both Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Han visited the Mo Brothers to discuss some business. In the end, Fan Yun Xi dragged both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Ying to a famous shopping center.


    The three of them have been walking from shop to shop. As Zhang Yu Ying found a dress that she liked, she went into the fitting room, leaving the two friends to catch up.


    "That sister-in-law of yours did not have much experience in dating, but she was worried about her brother too much that she wanted to go along with you two." Fan Yun Xi said.


    Hearing that Zhang Yu Ying was worried about her brother''s dating life, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry.


    "Anyway, I told her that she was worrying too much. Fortunately, I stopped her from turning herself into a light bulb." Fan Yun Xi put a hand on her friend''s shoulder and smiled.


    Li Qin Yao saw the creepy smile on her friend''s face and had goosebumps. "Yun Xi. What is it? Why are you smiling at me like that?"


    "I accidentally saw Director Zhang''s phone wallpaper last night. It seemed that your relationship with him is pretty good, huh? Tell me, did you enjoy walking around in the flower garden yesterday?"


    Li Qin Yao watched her friend in a daze. She could not understand how did Fan Yun Xi knew about their walk yesterday.


    With the hint that her friend has given, Li Qin Yao could guess that Fan Yun Xi had probably seen their pictures together. But, this would also mean that Zhang Yu Han had changed his phone wallpaper from the usual geometrical pattern to their photos together.


    But, when did he changed his wallpaper to their photo? How did she not know about this?


    She had long forgotten about the pictures they took together in the amusement park. After she had returned to the hotel, her mind kept on replaying that kiss.


    Even after they came back from dinner with the others, Li Qin Yao found herself replaying the scene in her head that she could not get a good sleep.


    Of course, she had no time to think about anything else.


    When she thought that her friend had seen their photo together, Li Qin Yao was suddenly shy.


    However, in front of her friend, she can only pretend that she was not affected by this situation.


    Li Qin Yao put on her best poker face and said, "the garden was pretty. Anyway, we have only started dating not too long ago. Since we''re still in our honeymoon phase, of course, our relationship is pretty good."


    Fan Yun Xi scoffed at her friend''s reaction. She only wanted to tease this friend a little bit, but why did she suddenly stuff her with dog food? "Yao Yao, why do I feel like beating you?"


    At this time, Zhang Yu Ying walked out of the fitting room and called Li Qin Yao for her opinion. She twirled around and the two of them discussed a bit about the dress.


    Fan Yun Xi who stood at the side, heaved a sigh. As she saw her friend''s happy expression, Fan Yun Xi could not help but be happy for her. It was not too long ago that she heard that Li Qin Yao had ended her relationship.


    Moreover, Fan Yun Xi had heard that the reason for that break up was because the man''s mother did not like her friend. Seeing her friend''s good relationship with Director Zhang''s sister and grandfather, Fan Yun Xi was relieved.


    It looked like Director Zhang was very good to her friend too.


    Fan Yun Xi thought that she has not seen her friend being this happy for a long time.


    ...


    When Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Ying went back to the hotel, Zhang Yu Han was already waiting for them in the lobby. He glanced at the shopping bags that the bellboy helped them to carry and suddenly, his lips curved into a doting smile.


    Seeing her brother''s gaze on her sister-in-law, Zhang Yu Ying was reminded of the things that Fan Yun Xi had told her yesterday. She looked at her brother and told them that she was going back to her room to rest before their flight back to Y City. The bellboy then followed Zhang Yu Ying to the elevator to deliver their stuff.


    Seeing that his sister had disappeared into the elevator, Zhang Yu Han pulled at his girlfriend and bent to kiss her on the lips. Once he pulled away, there was apparent satisfaction in his eyes. "Did you have fun?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "If you''re not too tired, do you want to take a walk around?"


    Thinking that they have a few hours more to spent together, Li Qin Yao quickly agreed. Soon, the two of them walked around in the garden while chatting about their day where Zhang Yu Han explained to her about his grandfather''s wish to purchase a failing business in L City.


    "Is your Zhang Group is really rich? Didn''t you just invest a lot of money on my project in B City?"


    Zhang Yu Han merely smiled. "Don''t worry about this. Since we''re planning to purchase a failing business, it should not be as expensive as building a new hotel." He put both hands on her shoulders and planted a kiss on her forehead.


    Li Qin Yao frowned, but decided not to think too much about it. Anyway, she should not be poking her head into Zhang Group''s business.


    The two of them walked around and found an empty bench. Seeing the way her boyfriend keep tugging and pulling at her hand, Li Qin Yao looked at him and smiled.


    "Once we returned both of us will be busy," Li Qin Yao said after a while.


    Zhang Yu Han froze at her words.


    "In a few days, QL headquarters will send a few people to assist us with that project."


    It took him a few seconds to reply to her with a simple hum. As he continued to listen to his girlfriend go on about the project, Zhang Yu Han was suddenly dispirited.


    These two days, he can see her face after waking up and before going to sleep. Zhang Yu Han thought their stay in L City was really nice that he did not want to return to Y City.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her face and wondered when will he get to keep her in his home so that he would be able to see her every time, or any time he wanted.


    As these thoughts came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han realized that he has become greedy.

 Chapter 147 - Are You Turning Into a Shut-in?

    Once she returned from the trip to L City, Li Qin Yao was suddenly piled up with work. The old factories at the site were demolished and the people from QL Headquarters came to B City to study the location. There was a lot of paperwork to be dealt with, and more people that she should meet before the construction could begin.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han too was busy. Previously, he had left his work to court Li Qin Yao, and now that he''s back at the company, he had to teach his sister a few things before she could take over some of his work burdens.


    However, despite the busy schedule, Zhang Yu Han would always find a time to drive over to B City to see his girlfriend and the two would spend their time talking about their daily life while having a meal.


    Li Qin Yao was looking at the lists of suppliers when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was Han Yue Xiu. After giving a quick instruction to Liang Sheng, Li Qin Yao saw her assistant out her office before she picked up the call.


    As usual, Han Yue Xiu would ask her friend if she was free to talk before she would prattle about her dull life, and tease her friend on her relationship with a certain tall and handsome man.


    Anyway, Han Yue Xiu had too much time on hand.


    Ever since Song Yi had appeared at her parents'' apartment, Han Yue Xiu has been locking herself in the house and had not stepped out for fear that she was going to run into that lunatic guy.


    Fortunately, Song Yi had not appeared in front of her ever since.


    Han Yue Xiu thought that it was good that she had made a report to the security to strengthen their security and prevent anyone who was not a residence to enter the building freely.


    After chatting with her friend for a while, Han Yue Xiu went into the kitchen to grab a few packets of chips before she went back into her room to watch a few horror movies that she had downloaded.


    As usual, she turned off the light and closed the door to get into the mood.


    The movie had a good review, and after half an hour of watching the movie, Han Yue Xiu thought that although the plot was interesting, there was too much dialogue that was starting to give her headache. However, because the ghost had pretty good makeup, it can be considered quite scary.


    At that moment, Han Yue Xiu had arrived at the moment where the female lead had stupidly entered the house despite knowing that it was a bad decision to go in.


    Just as Han Yue Xiu was concentrating on the laptop screen, suddenly, the door swung open and Han Yue Xiu let out a loud scream along with the female lead.


    Han Yue Xiu looked up from the screen and saw that her mother was screaming along with her.


    Seeing that it was only her mother, Han Yue Xiu patted at her chest and frowned. "Mom, what are you doing?"


    "What am I doing? Who told you to scream so loud like that? Are you trying to disturb the whole neighborhood?" Mother Han spoke. She entered her daughter''s daughter and turned on the light, causing Han Yue Xiu to narrow her eyes to adjust to the bright light.


    Mother Han frowned as she looked around the room. "Han Yue Xiu, what are you doing in this room?"


    "I''m watching a movie-" Han Yue Xiu mumbled as she dusted off some crumble on her shirt.


    "Are you turning into a shut-in?" Mother Han continued. She walked into the room and started to pick up some dirty clothes lying on the floor. "Why are you spending your time in the room all day?"


    Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath as she continued to listen to her mother''s nagging. Slowly, she started to tune out whatever her mother had said before she stared at the wall in a daze.


    "Han Yue Xiu, are you listening to me?" Mother Han put both hands on her waist as she stared at her daughter in anger.


    "What? What?" Han Yue Xiu snapped out of her trance and blinked as she stared at her mother.


    "I already arranged a blind date for you. This Saturday. I don''t care. This time, you have to show up!"


    Han Yue Xiu''s eyes widened as she stared at her mother. "But why!?" She had thought that her mother was done arranging a blind date for her.


    "You been spending your day watching horror movie all day long," Mother Han complained. "It has been a long time. When was the last time you stepped out of this house?"


    "Mom," Han Yue Xiu said with a sigh. At this moment, she was trying to find an excuse so that she did not have to show up to another blind date.


    "No. This is non-negotiable," Mother Han was quick to speak before her daughter could come up with an excuse.


    It seemed as if after spending her time watching too much movie and eating too much junk food, her brain could not think as fast as she used to.


    These days, she had tried to find a job, but she did not know why her applications were all rejected.


    The company would say that she was overqualified and they could not afford to hire her. Even though Han Yue Xiu had mentioned that she did not mind a lower salary, the companies still did not wish to hire her.


    "It''s not like you have anything else to do," Mother Han said. "Anyway, your father and I had a long discussion. It''s either that you go to see this guy, or you can no longer stay in this house."


    "Mom, are you kicking me out?" Han Yue Xiu''s face turned black.


    "You can think that if you want." Mother Han said. "But Yue Xiu ah, your mom and dad are only worried about you, alright?"


    Han Yue Xiu let out another sigh as she heard her mother''s words. She was actually weak whenever her mom would say that she was worried about her. Now that she had grown up, the most thing she did not want was to let her parents worry about her.


    In the end, after a long time of negotiation, Han Yue Xiu had no other choice but to agree to her mother''s arrangement. Anyway, Han Yue Xiu decided that this will be the last time that she was going to attend a blind date.

 Chapter 148 - Has He Turned Into a Stalker Now?

    On Saturday, Han Yue Xiu walked out of her parent''s apartment after her mother once again made a long story about how they would be sad if they suddenly leave the world with no one looking after her.


    As usual, Han Yue Xiu could not argue with her mother and therefore, she reluctantly decided to attend this blind date.


    Forget it, she might as well treat this date as if she was going for a job interview.


    Anyway, she thought that perhaps she could take a look at this guy for a while, find an excuse and then, maybe grabbed something to eat and then, go out to watch a movie.


    Han Yue Xiu glanced at the dress that her mother had brought for her a few days ago and frowned as she thought of the last time that she had worn a cute skirt.


    Probably in her teenage years?


    Han Yue Xiu sighed for an umpteenth time.


    Her mother was ruthless this time. To make sure that she spends her time talking to her blind date, Mother Han had refused to let her eat too much during breakfast.


    According to Mother Han, it was best if she left with an empty stomach and have a meal with her blind date instead. That morning, her mother only allowed her to drink a cup of coffee and a fried egg.


    Han Yue Xiu headed towards the elevator and stopped as she ran into two burly men who were lifting some furniture.


    When she suddenly recalled the way Song Yi had entered the building the other day, Han Yue Xiu was alerted.


    She looked around to search for her ex-boss and was relieved when she could not see his silhouette. Han Yue Xiu then stood in front of the elevator and watched as the men entered the house next door. Only then did she walked into the elevator and press on the ground floor.


    Han Yue Xiu stepped out from the apartment building and narrowed her eyes to adjust the bright light. The sun shone brightly, making her head slightly dizzy.


    Taking a deep breath, Han Yue Xiu took out her phone to check on the address.


    Suddenly, she saw a familiar figure stood not far away from her. Of course, that person was no other than her lunatic former employer, Song Yi. Han Yue Xiu had thought that this man had gone back after she had rejected him not too long ago.


    Who would have thought that this man would wait for her in front of the apartment building?


    Has he turned into a stalker now?


    Just as she was about to sneak out and made her escape, Han Yue Xiu heard the man called out her name.


    "Han Yue Xiu!"


    Han Yue Xiu closed her eyes tightly before she decided that she did not hear that man''s voice. She gripped her purse tightly and continued to walk.


    However, Song Yi was not going to give up so soon. After all, he had worked hard to find Han Yue Xiu again. But who knows that suddenly, the security around the apartment tightened and he could no longer sneak into the building as he did last time.


    Currently, it has been almost one month since the last time he had seen her. Of course, Song Yi was not going to leave without seeing her. But this girl was daring enough to pretend that she had not seen or heard him.


    Song Yi frowned as he jogged towards the girl. "Han Yue Xiu, wait!" he tugged at her arms, forcing Han Yue Xiu to turn around to face him.


    Fortunately, Han Yue Xiu had braced herself that Song Yi was going to stop her. Or else, she might lose her footing and fall directly to the man''s arms.


    Song Yi gaped at Han Yue Xiu when he noticed that she was dressed up.


    Although he had seen Han Yue Xiu with her face full of makeup before, this should be the first time that he had seen her wearing a skirt. Unless if she needed to appear in the office in her formal attire, Han Yue Xiu would usually wear jeans and a thick jacket in the office.


    "Let go of me," Han Yue Xiu frowned.


    Song Yi obediently released her hand.


    He had imagined that the next time he was going to meet Han Yue Xiu, that girl was going to look at him with a smile. After all, he had told her that he liked her and declared that he was going to make her like him as well. He did not expect that Han Yue Xiu was going to look at his disdain.


    This is wrong.


    In the past, any girls would go crazy whenever he smiled at them. Why was Han Yue Xiu acting differently?


    "Han Yue Xiu, what is wrong with you?" Song Yi frowned. He studied the girl''s face and noticed that her face was a bit pale. "Are you unwell?"


    "Mister Song, Boss Song, I really did not have time to play around with you today," Han Yue Xiu said. She took a deep breath and massaged the space between her brow. "I''m already late."


    "Where are you going? I''ll send you over."


    "Don''t bother." Han Yue Xiu took a few steps forward and paused when she noticed that Song Yi was following her. "Stop following me. I haven''t eaten anything for breakfast and I''m very hungry. If you continue to pester me, then I will get mad."


    Once she finished saying what she wanted, Han Yue Xiu turned around.


    "Han Yue Xiu."


    But it doesn''t look like Song Yi understood her words.


    Han Yue Xiu turned to him and barked, "What!?" She was about to continue to shout at him when Song Yi suddenly raised his hand with something in his palm.


    When she saw the white, red and blue candies in Song Yi''s hand, Han Yue Xiu was surprised.


    White rabbit candies.


    Those were her favorite to munch on whenever she needed something sweet so that she could replenish her energy and concentrated on her work. Ever since she came to S Country, Han Yue Xiu had not seen this candy sold anywhere and she was starting to miss that sweet and milky taste.


    "Didn''t you said you''re hungry?" Song Yi glanced at the candy in his hand. "Isn''t this is what you always eat during work?"


    Han Yue Xiu looked up and stared at Song Yi in a daze. "Where did you get this? Why are you carrying them around?" Her gaze went back at those candies. Han Yue Xiu wondered if it would be a good idea to snatch those candies from Song Yi''s hand.


    Sensing that the girl''s anger had suddenly disappeared, Song Yi was relieved. "You left some of them in the office and I took them with me." Then, he recalled how he had taken one of those candies out of curiosity and frowned. "But Yue Xiu, these candies tasted disgusting."

 Chapter 149 - Treated Him Like Flies

    Han Yue Xiu savored the taste of that sweet milky candy in her mouth as she gave a sharp glare to the man who kept following after her even though she had warned him to leave her alone.


    He dared to say that her favorite candy disgusting after stealing them from her table!


    Although she had left her belongings in the company, it doesn''t mean that she had no intention of getting them back.


    Anyway, since those candies belonged to her in the first place, Han Yue Xiu did not have to feel awkward about snatching them back from Song Yi.


    Moreover, the low sugar in her blood is making her agitate over everything.


    Han Yue Xiu stood at the bus stop and glanced at Song Yi again.


    Since he wanted to follow her around, then, she will let him do whatever he liked. As long as he did not harm her, Han Yue Xiu was determined not to care about him.


    Right now, Han Yue Xiu only treated him like flies, flying around noisily. No matter how hard she tried to shoo him away, he won''t leave anyway.


    Fortunately, the bus arrived soon. Han Yue Xiu went on board and took a seat next to an elderly woman.


    Just as she had expected, Song Yi followed after her. His expression darkened when he saw that she had chosen to sit next to someone else. After standing still for a while, Song Yi decided on the seat behind her.


    This way, he would be able to see her when she decided to hop off the bus. Even though he could only see the back of her head, Song Yi knew that he had to do with that.


    After twenty minutes or so, Han Yue Xiu finally pressed on the bell and soon hopped off. She looked at the address on her phone again and walked along the sidewalk. After five minutes, she finally arrived at the cafe.


    Han Yue Xiu looked around and a waiter greeted her at the door. After she told the waiter that she was going to meet someone, the waiter politely led her to a table. Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath as she approached the table.


    The man looked up when he noticed someone stood at his table.


    "Mister Si Tian Yi?"


    The man''s eyes perked up when he saw her. He stood up and gave her a polite smile. "Miss Han Yue Xiu?"


    Han Yue Xiu nodded. The man gestured towards the seat and Han Yue Xiu took her seat. The waiter then appeared beside the table on cue. After ordering a cup of hot chocolate, the two people smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say or do.


    "Sorry," Han Yue Xiu was the first to speak. "Let me be honest with you, I don''t really want to come if it was not for my mother."


    Si Tian Yi lowered his gaze. He picked up the coffee on the table and took a sip. "Don''t worry Miss Han. I am almost the same as you. I won''t be here if it was not for my mother."


    Han Yue Xiu rubbed her arms awkwardly.


    "But since we are both here, why not just have a meal together?" Si Tian Yi said with a smile. "After all, it is almost lunch hour. I''m sure Miss Han has not eaten yet."


    Han Yue Xiu thought about her sad breakfast that morning and agreed.


    When the waiter came back with her hot chocolate, Si Tian Yi asked for the menu and both of them ordered something to eat.


    Han Yue Xiu ate her pasta and wondered if this man was only trying to be polite when he said that he was in the same situation as her. Judging from their conversation, Han Yue Xiu thought that their conversation was no different than what she would talk about during her last blind dates.


    She quickly dispelled that thought from her heart and continued to eat her pasta.


    After chatting with Si Tian Yi for a while, Han Yue Xiu thought that he was not a bad man. He had a good job, had a good temperament and a good look.


    However, according to Mister Si, the only reason he was still single was that he was still recovering from a bad breakup. He had a relationship with his ex-girlfriend for seven years before they decided that they were not suitable for each other.


    Han Yue Xiu waited until they had finished their meal and Si Tian Yi offered to pay for their meal.


    Since she had finished her part to attend the blind date as her mother had wanted, Han Yue Xiu decided to head home and laze around.


    Just as she was walking along the sidewalk, suddenly, Song Yi came to block her way. Han Yue Xiu stopped at her track and stared at the man with her eyes wide.


    "What are you trying to do?"


    "Han Yue Xiu, you dare to attend a blind date?" Song Yi''s expression darkened. His hands clenched into fists as he tried his best to suppress his anger.


    Earlier, he had been tailing after Han Yue Xiu even though this girl has been ignoring him. Who would know that she would then meet up with another man in his presence?


    If it was up to him, Song Yi wanted to rush forward and dragged her out, but he knew that by doing that, he will only annoy her. In the end, he sat behind Han Yue Xiu and was forced to listen to her conversation with her date.


    It was infuriating.


    "Why can''t I go to a blind date?" Han Yue Xiu narrowed her eyes at him.


    Song Yi stared at the angry woman before him with his eyes wide. He really wanted to squeeze Han Yue Xiu to death. He had to watch her talking and laughing with another guy and she was angry at him?


    "You''re not my parents. You''re not my husband. Who are you to tell me what to do? Song Yi, the only relationship we have right now is an ex-employer and ex-employee."


    Song Yi felt as if a sharp dagger was piercing his heart as he heard her words. His expression turned gloomier when Han Yue Xiu walked past to leave him. In a panic, Song Yi chased after Han Yue Xiu and tugged her arms.


    Han Yue Xiu frowned. She gave a sharp look at Song Yi''s hand, and the man immediately removed his hand.


    "But Han Yue Xiu, rather than going to a blind date, why not be with me? I like you."


    Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath as she faced Song Yi with his puppy dog eyes and wonder if she was dealing with a kid now.


    "Yes. You''re free to like me," Han Yue Xiu said. "Even if you like me, I cannot do anything to stop it. But Song Yi, I don''t like you. Not like that, alright. Stop forcing me. Stop disturbing me like this, or else, I might hate you."

 Chapter 150 - Her Parents were Acting Strange

    Han Yue Xiu returned to her parents'' apartment and wonder if she was being too harsh on Song Yi.


    When she thought of Song Yi''s sad eyes just now, Han Yue Xiu felt a bit sorry for that man. However, at this time, she did not have any romantic feelings towards him. It would not be fair to give him hope when she did not feel the same.


    Moreover, right now, she did not have the thought of going into a relationship.


    Once she entered the apartment, Han Yue Xiu found that her parents were not at home. She tossed her bag on the couch and went into the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. Then, she stood at the counter and browsed through her circle of friends.


    Her fingers stopped when she saw Li Qin Yao''s last post. Recently, this friend of hers had this habit of uploading photos of food to her circle of friends. Although Li Qin Yao did not post the picture of the person she was with, Han Yue Xiu could guess that her friend was on a date with Mister Zhang.


    Judging at the frequency of the post, Han Yue Xiu could guess that the two of them went cafe hopping on their date almost every day.


    Han Yue Xiu wrote a comment on the pictures and sent a personal message to tease her.


    When she suddenly heard a voice coming from the front door, Han Yue Xiu placed her phone on the table and peeked from the kitchen wall. Her parents entered the house as they were whispering something.


    Han Yue Xiu was about to call them out, but her voice stuck in her throat when she noticed the unhappy expression on her mother''s face. And her father seemed as if he was comforting her.


    She continued to watch the two of them and frowned. Han Yue Xiu thought that her parents were acting strangely. Her attempt to eavesdrop to their conversation, however, failed as the two were whispering.


    Her father was the first to notice her presence. Han Yue Xiu did not miss the shocked expression on her father''s face when he saw her. Immediately, Father Han nudged at his wife''s arms and whispered something.


    Mother Han snapped out of her trance. She hid her face at her husband''s chest to wipe something on her face. Only then did the two of them turned to face their daughter.


    "Yue Xiu, when did you return?" Father Han asked as he put a smile on his face.


    "Probably five minutes ago," Han Yue Xiu walked into the living room. Her gaze moved to her mother and she did not miss the tears stain on her mother''s face. "Mom, what''s wrong with you?" she then turned to her father. "Where did you two go to?"


    Her parents exchanged a glance before mother Han answered, "We went to the hospital to visit my colleague. She had an accident last night and her condition was quite bad."


    Thinking that her mother was probably sad for her friend, Han Yue Xiu put her heart at ease.


    Father Han led his wife into to sit down on the couch, and walked over to the kitchen and pour some water into two glasses. "That''s right. Yue Xiu, didn''t you go on a date just now? How did it go?"


    "It was alright."


    Mother Han took the glass of water from her husband and looked at her daughter with a sparkle in her eyes. "What do you think of him?"


    "He''s alright." Han Yue Xiu replied with a shrug.


    The smile on her mother''s face widened. "Do you think there will be a second date this time?"


    Han Yue Xiu let out a loud exhale. "I don''t know. Mister Si looked like a nice person, but it seemed that he still could not forget his ex-girlfriend. According to what he said, the two of them almost got engaged. I don''t think a person who had invested in a relationship that long would be ready to meet another woman. Mom, I don''t want to be that person who distracts him from his break up."


    Mother Han glanced at her husband and then heaved a sigh. "Well if it doesn''t work, then it''s alright. You can try again and meet someone else."


    Seeing that their family of three were gathered in the living room, Han Yue Xiu gathered her courage to sit beside her mother. "Mom, can you not arrange me to another blind date again. I''m tired of going to these blind dates and truthfully, I don''t think that I want to get into a relationship with someone right now."


    "What do you mean?" Mother Han frowned. "You don''t want to get married and have a family?"


    "It''s not like that," Han Yue Xiu hesitated. "It''s just that at this time, I am not ready for such a thing. This thing about relationships and marriage is not something that we could force. What if I marry someone and end up unhappy? Mom, Dad, you wouldn''t want your daughter to live in an unhappy, marriage, right?"


    The parents exchanged another glance again. When Mother Han looked at her daughter again, her gaze had softened,


    "Mom," Han Yue Xiu spoke before her mother could say a word. "You know that I have recently quit my job, right. I just thought that before I settle down, there are things that I wanted to achieve as well."


    Han Yue Xiu continued to give a long speech to her parents on why she did not want to attend another blind date.


    After a few failed relationships, Han Yue Xiu found it hard for her to date a new man. Although she had tried to go out with others, in the end, she did not dare to take the next step as she was afraid of getting hurt.


    This is why Han Yue Xiu always admired her friend, Li Qin Yao. As compared to her, Yao Yao was someone who was not afraid to get herself into a new relationship and try to fall in love again. Han Yue Xiu, on the contrary, thought that she was a coward.


    Getting her heartbroken was not something that she would like to experience again. And before she found herself brave enough to try again, she did not think that she should jump into the next step.

 Chapter 151 - A Surprise Visit

    Back in Y City,


    Li Qin Yao was seen walking out of Han Yue Xiu''s apartment. She grabbed a taxi, gave her destination to the driver and gave Han Yue Xiu a call.


    Once the call was connected, the two friends exchanged a brief greeting before Li Qin Yao reported that she had done what Han Yue Xiu asked her to do.


    "Yao Yao, thank you," Han Yue Xiu said. "When I return, I''ll treat you something delicious."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she was reminded of the few times where Han Yue Xiu wanted to treat her to a meal, but in the end, something would happen in Han Yue Xiu''s end.


    "When are you planning to return?"


    "Probably after the Mid-Autumn Festival."


    "Right," Li Qin Yao spoke as she recalled something. "Yue Xiu, when I picked up your stuff from the company, I heard from the others that your former boss, Song Yi had sold the company. Do you know about this?"


    There was a long silence in Han Yue Xiu''s part. "No," she spoke in almost a whisper. She cleared her throat and spoke again. "Anyway, I haven''t seen that man around for a few weeks."


    Han Yue Xiu frowned. The last time she had seen Song Yi, she had told him not to disturb her again and he had obediently disappeared from her life.


    The two friends continued to chat until the taxi reached to The Orchid, a luxury hotel belong to Zhang''s group. Li Qin Yao paid for her fare and entered the building.


    Once the bellboy noticed her, his eyes widened and he hurriedly helped to open the door with a polite smile. He gave a signal to the girl who sat behind the counter and that girl immediately rushed to help Li Qin Yao find her way to the Director''s office.


    Li Qin Yao watched the girl speechlessly.


    Was this appropriate? Shouldn''t she asked if she had made an appointment with their Director before she let her into the elevator? Was the security around the hotel was that bad?


    Soon, the news that the Director''s girlfriend had come to visit the hotel spread like wildfire among the employees. Some of them left their desk for a while to peek at the Director''s legendary girlfriend.


    When Li Qin Yao arrived at Zhang Yu Han''s floor, Secretary Tian was already waiting for her in front of the elevator. Li Qin Yao stepped out and smiled.


    "Is Director Zhang''s here?"


    "He''s in the office," Secretary Tian said as she led Li Qin Yao to Zhang Yu Han''s office. "Assistant Huo had told me that you would be coming to visit today. But Miss Li, don''t worry. I did not say a word to Director Zhang."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Thank you, Secretary Tian. Right. I don''t know if it was just me, but why do I feel as if everyone here was looking at me strangely?"


    Secretary Tian laughed. "I hope you wouldn''t mind them too much, Miss Li. They were simply curious."


    "Curious? Of what?"


    "Of you, of course." Secretary Tian saw the surprised in Li Qin Yao''s face and quickly explained. "It was rare for us to see Director Zhang with a woman. Since the last time you came here, news that Director Zhang''s girlfriend came to visit the hotel had spread among the employees."


    Li Qin Yao stared at Secretary Tian speechlessly. The last time that she came to the hotel, the two of them were not in a relationship yet. But it seemed that the hotel staff had already thought of her as his girlfriend?


    It was no wonder that the girl at the front desk had voluntarily led her up here.


    However, this new information made her embarrassed.


    The two of them chatted for a while and soon, arrived in front of Zhang Yu Han''s office.


    "Miss Li, would you like anything to drink?"


    "It''s fine. I will tell you if I need anything."


    Secretary Tian nodded. "Then Miss Li, you can just knock on Director Zhang''s door." She smiled and continued. "I will leave first."


    Li Qin Yao watched as Secretary Tian turned around before she knocked on the door three times. There was a brief silence before Zhang Yu Han''s low and magnetic voice could be heard behind the closed door.


    "Come in."


    Li Qin Yao entered the office, closed the door behind her and stood there to watch Zhang Yu Han from her distance. He had his head tilted down as he studied the documents on the table and did not see her. Seeing the way he was focusing on his work, the corner of her lips tilted up to a smile.


    After a minute of silence, Zhang Yu Han finally noticed that something does not feel right. Usually, his secretary would say something when she walked in. Zhang Yu Han raised his head and was surprised to see Li Qin Yao stood at the door with a smile on her face.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her in a daze as he wondered if he was imagining things. When he heard the sound of her soft laugh, he was finally sure that the girl in front of him was not an illusion.


    Li Qin Yao walked forward and stopped midway. "Are you busy?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the clock and frowned. He was planning to clock out early and head over to B City to find his girlfriend. But it looked like she had come to find him first.


    "Why are you here?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "I came to run a few errands for Yue Xiu. Since I''m in Y City, I decided to come over and find you. Grandfather said you should be in the office at this time." Li Qin Yao paused and looked at him hesitantly. "Are you not happy?"


    "Of course I''m happy," Zhang Yu Han stood up hurriedly and walked over to his girlfriend. He held both her hands and pulled her over to give a peck on her lips. "I wanted to come over to look for you later today. But here you are."


    "I just realized that I have never taken the initiative to find you first."


    "It''s fine." Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at her and teased, "Miss Li, did you come over to check on me?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. After thinking about it for a bit, she nodded. "Un. As your girlfriend, shouldn''t I come over for a surprise visit to check on you?" Feeling that the smile on her face would not disappear, Li Qin Yao lowered her head. "But of course, Zhang Yu Han, right now you have my complete trust. So, I hope you won''t betray it."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han felt something sweet bubbling in his heart. "Of course," He put a hand on her waist, and another on her cheek before he bent down to kiss her again. This time, the kiss was longer.


    "Wait for me for a while," Zhang Yu Han said once he pulled away. "Once I finished with my work, let''s go for dinner together."

 Chapter 152 - We Look Good Together

    While Zhang Yu Han was busy with his work, Li Qin Yao sat on the couch, took out her phone to check some e-mail. Earlier, before she had departed to Y City, Li Qin Yao had delegated a few works to Liang Sheng and the others.


    Recently, the QL B City Branch was busy choosing the right suppliers for the development project.


    After looking at the list of companies who were interested in working with them, Li Qin Yao decided to let Liang Sheng handled the matters.


    Because this was QL B City Branch''s first project, they need to meet up and choose everyone they work with carefully. After long consideration and consulting her grandfather, Li Qin Yao decided to shortlisted the suppliers and let them bid to win the tender.


    As she thought about the upcoming meeting next week, Li Qin Yao suddenly had a headache.


    "Are you ready to go?"


    Li Qin Yao leaned her head on the back of the couch and tilted her head up. Suddenly, all she could see was Zhang Yu Han''s face, blocking out the light above her. It took her a while before she snapped out of her thought and realized that she was now in Zhang Yu Han''s office.


    "What were you thinking about?" Zhang Yu Han chuckled as he played with a few strands of her hair.


    "Just some e-mails from Liang Sheng regarding work." Li Qin Yao said. "Finished your work?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. Before he could say something, Li Qin Yao had stood up and walked over to him.


    "Let''s go and ask if your Grandfather and your sister wanted to come along as well," Li Qin Yao glanced at her wristwatch and looked up at him with a wide smile on her face.


    Facing his girlfriend''s bright smile and eyes full of expectation, Zhang Yu Han had no choice but to nod.


    Whenever his girlfriend traveled to Y City, she would always invite his grandfather and sister to have a meal together. It was not hard to see that his girlfriend enjoyed accompanying his grandfather to eat. Perhaps, because they were both foodies, it was not hard for them to get along well.


    However, he really wanted to go on a date with just the two of them. That was probably why Zhang Yu Han would always choose to drive over to B City to meet her instead of letting her come over to Y City.


    They arrived at the Chairman''s office and Zhang Yu Han knocked on the door after checking with Assistant Huo.


    Zhang Jing immediately looked up from the computer when the two walked in. He adjusted his glasses and smiled as he looked at them. "You''re here," he said to Li Qin Yao. "I hope I have been a great help just now."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. She glanced at the tall man beside her and said. "Thank you for your cooperation, Grandfather."


    Zhang Jing cast a smug look at his grandson. Then, he looked at the time and spoke, "You two are going out?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We''re going to grab something to eat. Grandfather, would you like to come along?"


    Zhang Jing looked at the couple in front of him and chuckled. It was not hard to guess that his grandson did not want him to agree.


    Now that his grandson finally got himself a girlfriend, it seemed that he would rather spend his time with her instead of an old man like him. Fortunately, his future granddaughter-in-law would always think of spending time with him.


    "It''s fine," Zhang Jing let out a small sigh. "I have a checkup with the hospital in a few days. I''m supposed to be on a diet. It wouldn''t be fun to have a meal with me. Let''s wait for a few days. Besides, I already plan to stay and teach Yu Ying a few things. The two of you should go and have fun."


    Anyway, Zhang Jing thought that it would be better to let the two of them cultivate their feelings without other people''s intervention. If things go well for them, perhaps, he would be able to see his great-grandchild sooner.


    After checking with Zhang Jing again, the two of them finally left the office.


    Of course, the employees in the company once again started to gather to peek at Director Zhang''s girlfriend once they heard that the two were leaving the office together.


    Now that Li Qin Yao had known that the employees love for gossips, she was more aware that the people were looking at her. However, as she glanced at Zhang Yu Han, she could tell that he was not even affected by his employees'' stare.


    As they walked into the elevator, Li Qin Yao tugged on his sleeve and spoke. "Zhang Yu Han. Have you not realized that your employees have been staring at us?" She saw the way he tilted his head sideways and continued, "I heard from Secretary Tian today that, from the last time that I came here, they have guessed that I am your girlfriend."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "It''s good to know that my employees have good eyes. They can see that we look good together." He helped to push a few strands of hair behind her ear and continued to look at her face.


    After a few seconds, Li Qin Yao started to feel her face heated up because of his stare. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She put both hands on her face and frowned as a thought crossed her mind. "Zhang Yu Han, do you think I have turned a few shades darker after spending too much time under the sun?"


    "Really?"


    His gaze softened at the thought that his girlfriend will have to spend more time under the sun to visit the construction site. However, this was her work and something she enjoyed doing. He did not want to prevent something that she liked to do.


    "I don''t think there''s any difference," he continued to stare at her. "For me, you are always beautiful to look at."


    Li Qin Yao felt her toes curled up in her sneakers and she lowered her gaze shyly.


    Recently, she had found that Zhang Yu Han was very good at speaking sweet words. Most of the time, he would turn her speechless, and the smile on her face would become apparent.


    Of course, because of his voice, the words he spoke had double effects on her.


    Once the elevator reached their floor, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her shoulder and led her to his Cayenne.


    "Right," Li Qin Yao spoke as Zhang Yu Han slid into the driver''s seat. "We are meeting a few suppliers for the project next week. Don''t forget that you should attend as well."


    "Of course I will be there," Zhang Yu Han said. He put the keys in the ignition and turned to his girlfriend. Noticing that she had not fastened her seat belt, Zhang Yu Han leaned forward to help her before he took the opportunity to kiss her lips lightly. "Where are we going?"

 Chapter 153 - Reminiscing

    Zhang Yu Han drove as according to his girlfriend''s instruction and soon parked at an empty parking space. Then, the two of them walked along the sidewalk and soon arrived at a restaurant.


    As Zhang Yu Han looked at the signboard, he suddenly thought that the place seemed very familiar.


    When a waitress greeted them at the entrance, Zhang Yu Han finally recalled the restaurant.


    Was this not the sushi restaurant where they accidentally switched their phone?


    As the thought crossed his mind, Zhang Yu Han turned to the woman beside him. "Why do you suddenly wanted to come here?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked innocently. "Of course because I wanted to eat sushi." She looked at his expression and laughed. Once they were seated at the barstool, Li Qin Yao turned to him with a wide smile. "Do you remember this place? The last time I saw you, you were sitting in the same place."


    So, she was reminiscing the last time they met at the restaurant?


    Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at his girlfriend. Right at that moment, he had the urge to pull her close and kiss her on her lips. However, because he knew that it was not appropriate to do a public display of affection, Zhang Yu Han could only hold her hands tightly.


    "But," Li Qin Yao paused to take a plate of salmon sushi on the conveyor belt before she turned to Zhang Yu Han again. "The last time, I saw you here, another woman was sitting beside you."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low chuckle and wonder if she was upset. "Well, if it was not for Wei Jun Hao, I wouldn''t attend that blind date."


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao took out disposable chopsticks and ate her sushi. Then, she pointed at the seat behind Zhang Yu Han. "At that time, I was sitting just beside you."


    Zhang Yu Han thought of what would have happened if he had turned around to look at her face. Then perhaps, he would have met her one day earlier.


    A waiter stopped at their seat to deliver cups and a jar of cold tea. Zhang Yu Han then poured their cups with tea and looked up at Li Qin Yao again. "Fortunately, I attended that blind date in Jun Hao''s place. Or else, I probably missed the chance to meet you."


    The smile on Li Qin Yao''s lips widened. She could still remember how she had eavesdropped to his conversation with his blind date only because she was attracted to his deep, low voice.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao had no plan to tell him about this matter.


    The two of them continued to reminisce and soon their conversation moved to their daily life.


    "Right," Zhang Yu Han paused to drink his tea. "Are you busy this Friday?"


    Li Qin Yao thought for a moment before she shook her head. "Not really. Liang Sheng and the others are handling things well. I''m planning to head over to the cafe to look around."


    "Then, I''ll come and pick you up in the evening," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "I wanted to introduce you to a few of my friends. You have met them previously, but I have never properly introduced you to them. Those boys are the same guys who always accompanied me to play basketball. Are you alright with that?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "You arrange it. I''ll just go along with you."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. He watched as Li Qin Yao picked up another plate of sushi and placed it in front of him. Knowing that she had picked up the plate for him, Zhang Yu Han obediently clipped at the tempura prawn sushi roll and eat.


    "I recently noticed something," Li Qin Yao said as she watched him eat. "Zhang Yu Han, you''re not picky about your food, but once you find something you like, you will only pick the same dishes, right? In this sense, you are different than Grandfather, right?"


    "Isn''t it good to stick to something that you like?"


    "I didn''t say it''s not good, but I hope you can be more adventurous at trying new food. That way, I wouldn''t feel guilty when I drag you around to try different types of food."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed. Although he was not someone who would love trying new food, these past few months, he had tried various things he never tried before as he was accompanying his girlfriend.


    "You don''t have to be guilty about it," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "It wasn''t that I wasn''t willing to try something new, it''s just that when I found something that I like, I just wanted to stick to it."


    Li Qin Yao looked at him and noticed the strange look in his eyes. Just before she could say a word, someone came towards their table and called out Zhang Yu Han''s name.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the strange woman before him and frowned. "I''m sorry, but do I know you?"


    The woman glanced at Li Qin Yao before she smiled at Zhang Yu Han. "I''m Qin Fang. We came to this restaurant for a blind date a few months ago, don''t you remember?"


    Li Qin Yao exchanged a glance with Zhang Yu Han. It was not after she listened to the woman''s voice that she recalled who she was.


    Who would have thought that they would run into the woman who had attended a blind date with Zhang Yu Han a few months ago!


    "Back then, you had an emergency and we did not have the chance to exchange our numbers," The woman''s smile grew wide. "Ever since that day, I would frequently come over to this restaurant and hope to meet you again. Who would have thought that today is my lucky day."


    "I''m sorry, Miss Qin," Zhang Yu Han spoke up to reject her. "But it''s really inconvenient."


    "Actually," Qin Fang quickly spoke up again as if she could sense that Zhang Yu Han was about to reject her. "I remember that you told me that you''re an insurance salesman."


    Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle and quickly covered her mouth to suppress her laugh.


    Qin Fang glanced at Li Qin Yao in displeased before she continued. "I was interested in a few policies and wonder if you can spend some time to explain to me." She glanced at the empty seat beside Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "Do you mind if I sit here?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s eyes turned darker. He came here to enjoy his date with his girlfriend, but now someone else had come over to disturb them.


    When Li Qin Yao saw the irritated look on her boyfriend''s face, she immediately stood up and extended her hand for a handshake. "Hello Miss Qin," Li Qin Yao spoke up and smiled. "I am Mister Zhang''s colleague. Actually, he''s no longer with that insurance company. But, Miss Qin, have you heard about YKT? You probably have heard of our popular product. that weight loss coffee."


    "YKT?" Qin Fang''s expression changed after a few seconds. "Is that not a pyramid scheme company?"


    "So, you have heard of us," the smile on Li Qin Yao''s lips widened. "Are you interested to join our membership? Sit down and I''ll tell you the benefit of joining. Not only will you live a healthy life, but you can make a lot of money if you join."


    Qin Fang''s face paled and she glanced at Zhang Yu Han with an awkward smile. "Actually, I forgot that I have an important meeting with a friend. Mister Zhang, it''s great to see you again, but I have to go now."


    Li Qin Yao watched as the woman hurriedly walked to the exit with her wide eyes. Then, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and laughed. "Zhang Yu Han, I didn''t think that this trick would work."


    Seeing her laughing happily, Zhang Yu Han sighed helplessly and bopped her nose."You naughty girl."


    "Who asked her to aim for my boyfriend?"


    Looking at the way she continued to eat her sushi nonchalantly, Zhang Yu Han could only smile. Right now, he really wanted to bite this girl.

 Chapter 154 - Im Here to Kidnap You

    On Friday morning, Li Qin Yao went to her cafe after a short meeting with her employees at the QL B City Branch. When she walked in into the kitchen, Li Qin Yao was greeted by the smell of burned sugar and both Yin Mei Xuan and Auntie Yu were staring at an object on the counter.


    "What happened?" Li Qin Yao stared at that blackened object that looked like... a large misshaped ring?


    Yin Mei Xuan turned around with an expression as if she was about to cry. "I turned around briefly and suddenly everything has turned black, I have to use hot water to get the hardened sugar out of the pot."


    "This is her attempt to make the spun sugar for the croquembouche," Auntie Yu tried to explain.


    Li Qin Yao watched that hardened sugar and felt her mouth twitched. Then she turned to her friend and said, "I thought you were trying to make sculptured sugar."


    Yin Mei Xuan pouted.


    "Alright. Alright. Just clean up that thing and do it again," Li Qin Yao held her laugh. "And turn on the ventilators or the customers might change their mind once they entered."


    After catching up with Yin Mei Xuan, Li Qin Yao then looked for Qing Kong and the two of them discussed a little bit about the cafe''s sales and performance. Only then did she walked into her small office.


    Recently, she has been staying at the other office and was getting used to the spacious room.


    Looking at the cramped office and that pile of documents Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. She then started to organize the documents on the table and paused as she saw a thick looking envelope addressed to her.


    Li Qin Yao picked up the letter and tore up the envelope. Her brow rose as she noticed that it was a wedding invitation card from her cousin, Li Ming Han which will be held earlier next month.


    It seemed that she should arrange a trip back to Capital City. After all, Li Ming Han has been a great help to her recently. It wouldn''t be right if she did not attend this cousin''s wedding.


    Anyway, she can meet her Grandfather and discuss with him their project.


    Li Qin Yao slid the invitation card into her knapsack and took out her phone to mark the date and sent a quick text message to Li Ming Han to informed that she had received his card.


    Then, she sat on the chair and started to browse through the documents in her table. When she was done, it was almost lunch hour.


    Li Qin Yao went to the kitchen and watched as the other was doing their final mise-en-place before the customer from lunch hour would come in. She made some sliced chicken sandwiches for herself and took out her phone to read some e-mails. Just then, one of her staff walked in and informed her that someone was looking for her.


    When Li Qin Yao walked out, Zhang Yu Ying waved her hand happily at her. "Yu Ying, what are you doing here?"


    "Sister-in-law, are you busy?"


    "Not really," Li Qin Yao answered. Anyway, she had finished looking at the important documents in her office. She thought that she was going to head back home and rest before Zhang Yu Han come over to pick her up before he took her to meet his friends.


    "That''s great," Zhang Yu Ying''s smile widened. "Sister-in-law, I''m here to kidnap you."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Where are you taking me?"


    "How do you feel about going to a spa? It has been a long time since I''ve been to one," Zhang Yu Ying said. "I always wanted to try this health club, but I got no one to accompany me."


    Thinking that she had once promised to hang out with Zhang Yu Ying previously, Li Qin Yao immediately agreed.


    "Sister-in-law, you''re the best!" Zhang Yu Ying said and sigh.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Would you like to eat something first?"


    "I''m alright. I already ate a bit before I come here," Zhang Yu Ying said. "Let''s take my car."


    "Sure. I''ll grab my bag," Li Qin Yao went back to her office and come back to Zhang Yu Ying.


    Soon, Zhang Yu Ying drove into Y City with the help of the GPS and the two girls chatted about this and that on their way.


    Soon, the two of them arrived at a health club. Zhang Yu Ying found a parking spot and held Li Qin Yao on her arm.


    "I always wish that I have an older sister," Zhang Yu Ying said with a sigh. "Then, she can accompany me to shop and play dress up. You don''t know this, but when I was a small girl, I was forced to join my brother and his friends to play games that boys would enjoy. Sometimes, I got jealous when I heard stories from my friends about how doting their elder brothers can be. My brother only knows how to bully me."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she continued to listen to Zhang Yu Ying complaining about her brother. She looked at the health club in front of her and frowned.


    Li Qin Yao had never been to this health club before, she had heard that the place was a bit expensive and one will need a membership to visit the place.


    Although she was not someone without money, spending too much on going to an exclusive health club was not something she usually does.


    Why spend too much when she can experience almost the same thing at a cheaper price?


    "I''ve already booked a whole body package for both of us," Zhang Yu Ying said as they walked in. "Are you alright with that? It should take around three hours or so."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her wristwatch and frowned.


    "Don''t worry. I know that you have a date with my brother after this," Zhang Yu Ying smiled before Li Qin Yao could say anything. "I promise it will end before my brother come over and pick you up."


    Hearing Zhang Yu Ying''s words, Li Qin Yao was assured. "But I heard that we will need a membership to come here."


    "Sister-in-law, don''t worry about that," Zhang Yu Ying gave her a mysterious smile.


    The two of them walked over to the front desk, and the staff helped to verified Zhang Yu Ying''s membership and booking. Then, the two of them entered the waiting area where they were served with tea and some snacks.


    Li Qin Yao studied the decor and was impressed by the atmosphere. Just sitting in the waiting room could give her a sense of calmness.


    Soon, two staff walked over and announced that their room was ready. Li Qin Yao walked into the room and noticed that there was two bed in the middle of the room.


    The staff explained their treatment and soon, the two girls were laid down on the bed and let the staff do their work.


    A few hours later, Li Qin Yao walked out of the room feeling refreshed. She was given a massage, facial and the staff volunteered to do her hair and makeup after she had taken a quick shower.


    Once she was dressed, Li Qin Yao walked over to the counter to pay for the treatment. Surprisingly, the staff then told her that everything has been paid for.


    "Sister-in-law, don''t worry about it," Zhang Yu Ying said when Li Qin Yao asked her about it at the lounge. "Actually, it was my brother who asked me to take you out and relax." She turned towards the door and there was a mysterious smile on her face.


    Li Qin Yao followed her gaze and was surprised to see Zhang Yu Han at the door.


    Zhang Yu Ying walked over to her brother and handed him his black card. "Thank you for your treat, brother." She stretched her body and turned to Li Qin Yao. "Well, my mission here is completed. Since my brother is here, then I''ll leave first."

 Chapter 155 - The Legendary Miss Li

    Li Qin Yao''s eyes brightened as she saw him standing at the entrance. She walked over to her side and smiled. "Why are you here?"


    "Of course I''m here to pick you up," Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand to play touch a few strands of her hair. His lips curved into a smile as he felt that smooth texture against his fingers. "Did you have fun with Yu Ying?"


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao recalled Zhang Yu Ying''s strange words and smile and quickly understood that it was Zhang Yu Han who asked his sister to take her to the health club. "You asked Yu Ying to bring me here?"


    Zhang Yu Han answered her with a smile. "Weren''t you worried that your skin would turn darker after spending too much time under the sun?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at him speechlessly and wonder why did he remember such a thing. A few days ago, she had casually mentioned this matter, but she did not think that he would put this matter in his mind.


    "Anyway, since you have some free time today, I hope that you can take time off and relax," Zhang Yu Han said. "Qin Yao, you have been working too hard ever since you got this project in your hand."


    Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh. "I heard that this place was kinda expensive."


    "You don''t have to worry about that. The health club is in the discussion to collaborate with our hotel. So, they gave me some special price," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "In a few months, you can visit their club when you come over to our hotel. How was it? Are they good?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. With their whole body package, how can she not feel good? Then she looked at Zhang Yu Han and pouted.


    "What''s wrong?" Of course, Zhang Yu Han would notice her expression.


    Li Qin Yao thought of how Zhang Yu Han would always buy her stuff and did not feel too good about it. Although money was not something that they both would worry about, Li Qin Yao had this thought that she was not a good girlfriend. Being the person who would always receive everything does not make her comfortable.


    "You don''t like it?" Zhang Yu Han asked when she did not say a word.


    "Of course I like it," Li Qin Yao smiled when she saw the worry in his expression. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han was immediately relieved upon seeing her carefree smile. "Should we go now?" He watched her nodded and then, put his arms around her shoulder and turned to the exit.


    As they both reached his Cayenne, Li Qin Yao turned again and raised a brow. "Is it fine if I dressed like this?"


    Zhang Yu Han gave her a look over. Then, he nodded. His smile was full of approval. "It''s fine. You don''t have to dress up too pretty. We''re only going to see a few of my friends."


    Li Qin Yao looked at him speechlessly.


    Zhang Yu Han drove into the city and soon, they arrived at a fancy restaurant. He handed his key to the valet and led his girlfriend inside.


    When the two of them walked into the private room, Zhang Yu Han friends were already gathered in the room. Seeing the five men gathered at the table all turned to her, Li Qin Yao gave them a polite smile before she glanced at Zhang Yu Han.


    "Finally, we''ve been waiting for you for a while." Wei Jun Hao said. He looked at Li Qin Yao and smiled. "Miss Li, it has been a long time since the last time I saw you."


    Zhang Yu Han helped to pull a chair for Li Qin Yao and sat next to her. "You already know Wei Jun Hao," Zhang Yu Han said. He then pointed at his friends who sat around the round table and began to introduce them.


    The boys muttered a polite greeting before they all sat down and Wei Jun Hao signaled for the waiter to come in to serve their food.


    "Finally, we get to meet the legendary Miss Li," Qi Zheng said.


    "Legendary?" Li Qin Yao repeated.


    Noticing that his friends were looking at him, Qi Zheng suddenly realized that he had almost slipped out the things that he was not supposed to say.


    The boys had had long heard that Zhang Yu Han has been looking for this girl ever since he saw her at the basketball tournament, but they all have agreed not to say a word about this in front of their captain''s girlfriend.


    "Well, everyone here is just happy for Yu Han," Wei Jun Hao quickly tried to change the subject. "After all, this is the first time that he got himself a girlfriend. Congratulation on graduating from singlehood."


    Zhang Yu Han groaned. "Wei Jun Hao, you should talk less."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her boyfriend and noticed his reddened ears. Slowly, her lips curved into a smile.


    "Miss Li," Su Ming Yuan lifted the glass in front of him. "Let''s toast for our first meeting."


    Zhang Yu Han grabbed the glass in front of him and smiled. "Sorry. But my girlfriend does not drink. I''ll drink for her." He then signaled for the waiter to serve a cup of tea for Li Qin Yao.


    Seeing the look on Zhang Yu Han''s face, none of the boys argued and they obediently tilted up their glass to drink.


    "Miss Li, the five of us need to thank you," Su Ming Yuan said. "Fortunately, with Miss Li around, our captain has stopped asking us to come and accompany him for a round or two of a basketball match."


    "Captain?" Li Qin Yao turned and saw Zhang Yu Han''s lips curved into a small smile.


    "Uh, this is what we call Yu Han," Wei Jun Hao said. "He was our captain during high school and after spending time with everyone else for a few years, we were used to it."


    Hearing the boys mentioned their days in the high school basketball club, Li Qin Yao was intrigued. "How was he as a captain?"


    The boys were suddenly reminded of their practice camp before the tournament and shivered. Zhang Yu Han was a good friend, but during practice, he can be stricter than their coach. Back then, their junior had labeled him as the devil behind his back.


    "Ha!" Fang An Yu, who did not say too much since the beginning let out a chuckle.


    Suddenly, every eye turned to his direction and followed by a long silence.


    Fang An Yu began to notice that the atmosphere does not seem right. He looked around the room and noticed his friend''s warning look. Knowing that he was in trouble, Fang An Yu turned to the couple and smiled. "Sorry. Don''t mind me. I was thinking about something at work."

 Chapter 156 - A Drunk Zhang Yu Han

    Li Qin Yao ate her food quietly as the boys catch up with each other. She picked up a piece of eggplant in her bowl and after a while, a deshelled prawn arrived into her bowl. She glanced at Zhang Yu Han and saw him smiling at her before he turned to his friends.


    Feeling almost giddy with happiness, Li Qin Yao picked up the prawn, stuffed it into her mouth and snaked her hand under the table to hold Zhang Yu Han''s hand as she chewed on her food.


    Zhang Yu Han, who was talking about something with Wei Jun Hao paused in the middle of his sentence and turned to look at his girlfriend.


    Seeing that she continued to chew on her food nonchalantly, his lips curved into a small smile. Zhang Yu Han then pulled his hand to intertwined their fingers together. Then, he continued his chat with Wei Jun Hao.


    Qi Zheng, who happened to see this little exchange let out a snort. He turned to the others and said, "Captain, it looks like the reason you invited us out is to torture us the single dogs."


    Seeing the innocent look from both couples, Su Ming Yuan decided to join in the fun. "That''s right. Captain, don''t think that we did not see what was going on between the two of you."


    Li Qin Yao bowed her head shyly. Her attempts to pull her hand from Zhang Yu Han of course failed.


    Soon, the other boys started to voice out their dissatisfaction with Zhang Yu Han.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han only smiled as he listened to his friend''s complaints. After a while, Zhang Yu Han tilted his head to look at them and smiled. "What is it? You guys are jealous? How about you guys start to find a girlfriend instead?"


    Of course. Zhang Yu Han''s comments garnered his friends'' anger and soon, their voices of dissatisfaction erupted in the private room.


    In the end, because of his words, Zhang Yu Han was forced to drink a few more glass as punishment.


    ¡­


    Fortunately, Wei Jun Hao had arranged for a driver for everyone early on. Once he had sent everyone else back, Wei Jun Hao turned to Zhang Yu Han who was sitting at the bench with his girlfriend.


    At this time, Zhang Yu Han had his eyes closed as he leaned on Li Qin Yao''s shoulder.


    "I already talked to Yu Ying," Wei Jun Hao said. He turned to Li Qin Yao and said. "She should be here to pick you guys up soon."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Thank you, Mister Wei."


    "Well if there is anything I can help you with, you must not hesitate to tell me," Wei Jun Hao said. "Since you''re with Yu Han, you are a part of our group too. Don''t be hesitant to trouble any of us with anything."


    Li Qin Yao turned to the man beside her and smiled helplessly. Her gaze trailed down to their intertwined hands which Zhang Yu Han had refused to let go from earlier on.


    Although Li Qin Yao had expected that there will be some drinking involved, she did not expect that the others would make Zhang Yu Han would drink so much.


    Fortunately, he did not undergo drastic character changes. Other than refusing to let go of her hands, Zhang Yu Han was quite obedient.


    Wei Jun Hao followed her gaze and chuckled. "It''s rare to see him drinking too much like this. Don''t worry. Yu Han is quite well behaved when he''s drunk. He will probably sober up after he sleeps for a few hours." He glanced at his phone and said. "I''ll go and check on Yu Ying."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. He watched as Wei Jun Hao walked towards the street and soon, turned her gaze to Zhang Yu Han. She lifted her free hand to touch his cheek and soon, Zhang Yu Han''s eyes fluttered open.


    "You''re awake?"


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer her question and instead, he stared at her with hazy eyes and a sweet smile. "Qin Yao."


    "Hmm."


    "My girlfriend."


    Seeing his smile, Li Qin Yao had the urge to pinch his cheek. Anyway, this man beside her always seemed too tall. She would have to stand tip-toed if she wanted to pinch his cheek. Now that she got this chance, of course, Li Qin Yao did not want to let it go.


    Just as her hands touched his cheek, Zhang Yu Han had buried his face in her neck.


    Li Qin Yao froze as she felt his breathing against her skin. It took her a few seconds to compose herself and asked, "Are you alright? Do you feel unwell?"


    "I''m fine," Zhang Yu Han spoke in his low voice, causing her to shudder. "Just a little bit dizzy. Let me rest here for a while, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a helpless sigh. Seeing that he had his eyes closed, Li Qin Yao then turned towards the entrance to look for both Wei Jun Hao and Zhang Yu Ying.


    "Qin Yao" After a minute of silence, Zhang Yu Han called out her name again. "You smell nice."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his comment. "Are you sober now?"


    Zhang Yu Han only replied to her with a short hum. But of course, Li Qin Yao thought that he was far from sober.


    "Qin Yao, I''m very happy to have you," Zhang Yu Han said before he adjusted his head on her shoulder.


    Hearing his words, her lips subconsciously curved into a smile. Li Qin Yao patted him on his soft hair and said, "Well, I''m very happy too." She leaned forward and kissed the top of his head.


    "I," Zhang Yu Han made a long pause. "I have waited for a long time and finally I can announce to everyone that you''re my girlfriend." He let out a happy giggle.


    Li Qin Yao thought that a drunk Zhang Yu Han was cute. However, to say that he had waited for a long time was a bit exaggerating, wasn''t it? After all, they have only known each other for only a few months.


    "Therefore, Qin Yao," Zhang Yu Han continued. "You have to stay by my side forever. Don''t leave me, alright?"


    With his words, Li Qin Yao could feel his grip on her hand tightened. "Well, that will have to depends on your performance."


    "Oh," Zhang Yu Han''s voice drifted off into a long silence.


    Li Qin Yao looked at his face and saw him breathing steadily. Just as she thought that he had drifted back to sleep, Zhang Yu Han opened up his mouth to call out her name again.


    "Qin Yao."


    Li Qin Yao laughed when she heard his voice again. "What is it?"


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath. "Li Qin Yao, I love you."


    Li Qin Yao stared at Zhang Yu Han with her eyes wide. Her lips curled into a soft smile when she saw that he had fallen asleep.

 Chapter 157 - Dont You Remember?

    Zhang Yu Han woke up from his sleep with a terrible headache. He took the time to look around his surroundings and noticed that he had spent his night in his grandfather''s mansion.


    After a while, he tried to think of what had happened last night.


    Zhang Yu Han remembered hanging out with the boys to introduce his girlfriend to them. And then, everyone made him drink too much. The last thing he remembered was taking out his card to pay for their meal.


    And then what?


    After a few minutes of thinking, Zhang Yu Han concluded that Wei Jun Hao must have arranged someone to bring him to his grandfather''s place.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han sat up with a jolt.


    Li Qin Yao!


    He was supposed to drop her at her friend''s place last night. But now, he could not remember what happened to her after that dinner. Zhang Yu Han scrambled to find his phone and found that it was out of battery.


    It was after he had calm down that Zhang Yu Han deduced that he must have asked Wei Jun Hao to send Li Qin Yao to her friend''s apartment.


    Did he?


    After plugging on the charger, Zhang Yu Han poured himself a glass of water and then, went into the bathroom to freshen up himself. Then, he picked up his phone and gave a call to Li Qin Yao. When she did not pick it up, Zhang Yu Han started to send a series of text in panic.


    Seeing that his girlfriend was not going to answer his messages, Zhang Yu Han felt as if his blood drained. He changed his clothes, grabbed his keys and wallet, and headed out downstairs.


    Then, he stood at the dining room with a look of disbelief.


    Why is his girlfriend here?


    Zhang Yu Han stood still as he continued to watch his girlfriend and his sister in the kitchen with Auntie Wu. The two girls were chatting lively while tasting the food that Auntie Wu had prepared.


    Zhang Yu Ying was the first who noticed her brother''s appearance at the door. She tilted her head and asked, "You''re up now?"


    Swiftly, both Li Qin Yao and Auntie Wu followed Zhang Yu Ying''s gaze. Seeing Zhang Yu Han at the door, Auntie Wu quickly grabbed a bowl and poured in some hangover soup for him.


    Zhang Yu Han drank the soup obediently with his eyes trained on his girlfriend. He finished the soup and walked over to Li Qin Yao. "How come you''re here? I didn''t drop you off to your friend''s place?"


    "You didn''t remember what happened last night?" Li Qin Yao tested.


    Zhang Yu Han tried to recall his memory but nothing came up.


    "Last night, Brother Jun Hao called and tell me that you passed out. So I have to come over and pick you up, don''t you remember?" Zhang Yu Ying said. "When I arrived, you held on sister-in-law''s hand tightly and refused to let go. We can''t drop of sister-in-law at her friend''s apartment with such a situation. Therefore, we decided to let sister-in-law spend the night here."


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the two of them alternately. Even after his sister had mentioned what happened, Zhang Yu Han still could not recall anything.


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han said to Li Qin Yao. "I was supposed to send you back to your friend''s place last night."


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao waved it off with a smile. "Fortunately, I can still wear Yu Ying''s clothes."


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han heaved a long breath. He could not describe the guilt he felt. He had promised that he will send her, but he did not know what happened to him, and he did not do as he had promised.


    What he hated most was to break a promise he made.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at Li Qin Yao and noticed the dark circle around her eyes. A fear that he has done something to trouble her last night arose in his mind.


    "Zhang Yu Han, are you feeling better now?" Li Qin Yao looked at him with worry.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He observed her for a while and did not see any change in the way she looked at him. "I hope I did not cause you trouble last night."


    "You''re well behaved when you''re drunk," Li Qin Yao chuckled. "Other than holding my hand the whole night. You did not do anything."


    Zhang Yu Han exhaled in relief. He was worried that he had acted inappropriately. He wouldn''t know what he would do if he had accidentally offended his girlfriend.


    "Sorry. I promise that I won''t drink too much the next time. After breakfast, let me send you back to your place, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Soon, Auntie Wu called out Zhang Jing and the four of them ate their breakfast in harmony. Zhang Jing suggested for Li Qin Yao to stay around and let Zhang Yu Han send her home after lunch.


    Since it has been a while since the last time she talked with Zhang Jing and figuring that Zhang Yu Han still needed to rest, Li Qin Yao immediately agreed and the two of them spent time discussing the project in B City.


    It wasn''t until lunch hour did Zhang Yu Han could see his girlfriend again.


    Regretfully, he was not able to spend time with her although she was so close to him.


    During the travel back to B City, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han were quiet. Anyway, Li Qin Yao was used to Zhang Yu Han''s habit to drive in silence.


    Back when they have started dating, Li Qin Yao had asked him about this habit. And Zhang Yu Han had told her that since he was responsible for her life, then, he would like to concentrate fully on the road.


    With the quiet atmosphere, Li Qin Yao spent her time thinking about Zhang Yu Han''s confession. Last night, she could not sleep well because of it. Her heart was bursting with sweetness and her lips could not stop smiling.


    In the end, she rolled around the bed in one of the guest rooms in Zhang''s mansion before she finally fell asleep.


    However, when she looked at the man beside her, Li Qin Yao could tell that he had no recollection of that moment.


    After almost an hour of driving, Zhang Yu Han parked at the apartment and went over the passenger side to help his girlfriend. Zhang Yu Han noticed the strange look on his girlfriend''s face and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Zhang Yu Han, do you remember what you told me last night?"


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. He tried to recall, but could not remember anything important. "What did I say to you?"


    Li Qin Yao did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry.


    She actually spent her night rolling around in like a lovesick schoolgirl, thinking about those words he said, but this man had no recollection of saying them.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head in disappointment, but quickly lifted her face and pretended that there was nothing wrong.


    Since he did not remember what he had said, Li Qin Yao has decided that she will pretend that she had not heard his words. She was too embarrassed to casually bring it out.


    Anyway, like this, Li Qin Yao hoped that Zhang Yu Han will say those words again when he was sober, and then, she could tell him what she felt too.


    "Nothing important," Li Qin Yao shook her head and smiled. "Just that, Zhang Yu Han, last night, you promised that you will send me a box of Chef Qin''s handcrafted dessert. Don''t you remember?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her in a daze. "I did?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. Her smile grew wider as she watched his confused expression.

 Chapter 158 - Special Delivery From Capital City

    Li Qin Yao returned to her office the next week and was immediately slumped in works. Due to that previous incident two years ago, she wanted to pay more attention to the suppliers.


    Because of her negligence, someone had forged her signature to approve the use of cheap materials.


    Now that she had been given the chance to work on such a huge project, Li Qin Yao did not want to repeat the same mistake. Moreover, she did not want her mistake to harm Zhang Yu Han and his friends. They have invested a lot of money on the project and trust her.


    Liang Sheng entered her office carrying a few documents in his hand. He placed the documents on Li Qin Yao''s table and stood at the side. "Miss Li, these are the shortlisted companies."


    Li Qin Yao browsed through the papers and paused when she saw one of the companies names. WS Company? Why was that name sound familiar?


    "Miss Li, is there something wrong?" Liang Sheng asked.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head. "No. Nothing''s wrong." She slid the paperback to Liang Sheng and said, "You can proceed as planned. The representative should be here soon, right?"


    Liang Sheng took the paper and the two of them discussed for a while about their plan. Then, he stood beside her table and took out a few envelopes. "Miss Li, I met with the Chairman last weekend and he wanted me to give you these."


    "What are these?" Li Qin Yao looked at the envelope and noticed that she had received them a few days ago.


    "It''s Director Li Ming Han wedding invitation," Liang Sheng explained. "The chairman wanted you to pass them to the three investors of the project."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the envelope for a while and nodded. "Sure. Thank you, Liang Sheng."


    Liang Sheng nodded. Then he left the office to hurry with the preparation of the meeting.


    Not too long after Liang Sheng had left, Xiao Lian Yi knocked on her door to announced that the preparation was completed and the meeting will be starting soon.


    Li Qin Yao nodded before she asked, "Is Director Zhang here yet?"


    Xiao Lian Yi shook her head. "I don''t think he''s here yet."


    Li Qin Yao sent Xiao Lian Yi into the meeting room and told her to let Liang Sheng handle the meeting and she will be there soon once Director Zhang has arrived. Then, she walked to the entrance, took out her phone, and dialed Zhang Yu Han''s number.


    The phone was connected after one ring.


    Li Qin Yao pressed the phone to her ear and spoke in a lower voice, "Zhang Yu Han. Where are you? Are you coming?"


    "I''m here."


    Li Qin Yao turned to the glass door and saw her boyfriend walked towards the door. Once their gaze met, Zhang Yu Han hastened his speed to reach to her side.


    "Sorry. I''m late," Zhang Yu Han smiled apologetically.


    "What''s wrong? Was the traffic bad?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low chuckle. "You can say that." He turned towards the door and soon, a familiar figure was seen walking towards them with a box in his hand.


    Li Qin Yao frowned when she recognized that man as Zhang Yu Han''s assistant in Capital City, Xiao Ye. She looked at Zhang Yu Han with a questioning gaze. "Why is your assistant here?"


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer her question. He helped to pull the door for Xiao Ye before he took the box that his assistant was carrying. "For you. Special delivery from our hotel in Capital City," Zhang Yu Han passed the box to Li Qin Yao and smiled.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the familiar-looking pink pastel box and turned to Zhang Yu Han in surprise. "Is this not-- Why did you suddenly give me these desserts?"


    "Didn''t I promise to send you a box of Chef Qin''s handcrafted dessert?" Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "I asked Chef Qin to prepare them and had Xiao Ye to deliver it here."


    Xiao Ye smiled as his boss mentioned his name. As Xiao Ye thought about the desserts, he had the urge to cry. When he came to the kitchen to pick up the dessert box, Chef Qin had spoken a few nasty words; something about food safety and he didn''t usually let others take away his craft.


    Then, his boss, Zhang Yu Han had threatened to cut off his salary if he failed to deliver the dessert in perfect condition. In the end, he had arrived later than he should and had to face Zhang Yu Han''s anger.


    "You brought this all over from Capital City?" Li Qin Yao turned to Xiao Ye in shock.


    She had merely joked with Zhang Yu Han the other day as he had forgotten about what he had said. Li Qin Yao did not think that he would ask his assistant to deliver them to B City!


    Xiao Ye merely smiled to respond.


    "Thank you, Xiao Ye," Li Qin Yao said. "It must be tiring to come here just to deliver this. Would you like something to drink? I''ll ask someone to bring you something."


    Xiao Ye wanted to cry. Fortunately, his boss''s girlfriend was nicer to him. Just as he was about to answer, Xiao Ye noticed the look that Zhang Yu Han gave him. In the end, he can only excuse himself and leave. Anyway, he still needed to catch a flight back to Capital City.


    "You only thank Xiao Ye?" Zhang Yu Han spoke after his assistant had left. He looked at his girlfriend with a sour expression.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. Once she was sure that there was no one else around, Li Qin Yao stood on tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you."


    His lips immediately curved into a smile.


    "I better put these in my office," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded before he followed Li Qin Yao to her office. He watched as Li Qin Yao opened the box and took a bite at one of the desserts. Zhang Yu Han chuckled, seeing the way she closed her eyes in satisfaction as she tasted the cake. "Is it good?"


    "Un. They''re sweet. I really like them," Li Qin Yao nodded happily.


    Zhang Yu Han felt satisfied seeing her happy smile that he could not help but smile too. However, his smile stiffened and his eyes darkened when he saw the way she licked the cream on the corner of her lips.


    "Would you like to taste them?" Li Qin Yao asked as she turned to him. "Be quick. We still need to meet the suppliers."


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to Li Qin Yao, put both hands on her waist, and pulled her closer before he kissed her lips softly. After a while, he pulled away and smiled. "Un. Very sweet."

 Chapter 159 - How Do I Graduate From This Position?

    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes a few times at Zhang Yu Han before she tilted her head down to avoid his gaze. The tip of her ears turned red and Li Qin Yao found it hard to breathe as they were too close.


    Fortunately, most of the staff have gone into the meeting room and busied themselves with work. Or else, she would be embarrassed if someone caught her in the office.


    Li Qin Yao put a hand on his chest to push him away slightly. "Let me show you the list of the suppliers. I''d like to hear your opinion."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled as he stared at her abashed expression. He obediently took a step back and watched her walked around her desk to pull a few documents.


    After searching for the papers on her table, Li Qin Yao pulled out a few documents and two envelopes.


    "What''s this?" Zhang Yu Han grabbed the envelope on the table.


    "Wedding invitation," Li Qin Yao said. "My cousin, Li Ming Han is getting married. As one of QL''s biggest business partner, the chairman invited you to attend his grandson''s wedding."


    Zhang Yu Han studied the wedding invitation for a while, thinking whether he should attend or not. A thought crossed his mind and he leaned forward to the desk and stared at his girlfriend. "Will you be attending?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded as she continued to arrange the paper in her table. "Li Ming Han had helped me in the past. It wouldn''t be right if I did not attend his wedding banquet."


    Zhang Yu Han''s lips curled into a smile as he continued to stare at her. "Then, under what identity should I attend this wedding?"


    Li Qin Yao thought that his question sounded strange. It wasn''t until she had lifted her head to meet Zhang Yu Han''s gaze that she understood his words. She then leaned forward to him until their face was only an inch apart. "Which one would you prefer?"


    Staring at the teasing smile on Li Qin Yao''s face, Zhang Yu Han restrained his impulse to kiss her. "Of course, I would prefer to attend as your plus one. Or perhaps, Miss Li, are you intending to bring someone else as your plus one?"


    Hearing Zhang Yu Han''s question with that voice, Li Qin Yao felt her heart skipped a beat. "I planned to bring along my mother, but she did not want to be involved with my paternal family," Li Qin Yao said. "Mister Zhang, do you want to attend this wedding as my plus one?"


    "So, am I only your second choice?" Zhang Yu Han raised his brow teasingly.


    "Well, when you graduate from my probation boyfriend, then I''ll consider making you my first choice."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Then Miss Li, tell me, how do I graduate from this position?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao tilted her head to a side. "Everything shall depend on your performance." She patted him on his chest and said, "You''ve been great so far but I decided to continue to observe you for a while longer. Anyway, I like you as my probation boyfriend."


    For a while, both of them stared at each other in silence.


    Unable to resist the ambiguous atmosphere, Zhang Yu Han leaned forward to kiss her lips. He then lifted his hand and placed it on the back of her head, pulling her closer. The only thing that separated them was the darn desk. And because of the desk between then, the kiss did not last for too long.


    Anyway, he did not want to hurt her.


    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes a few times at him as if to continue to tease him. Seeing the way he leaned in for another kiss, Li Qin Yao quickly grabbed the papers on her table and shoved it to his chest. "Zhang Yu Han, you should look at the list of the suppliers first." When she saw the frustrated look on his face, Li Qin Yao let out a giggle.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the stack of paper in his hand and took a deep breath to calm down.


    Recently, he found that Li Qin Yao was getting better at teasing him. Although he was the one who will end up suffering, Zhang Yu Han thought that he really like this side of Li Qin Yao.


    Silently, Zhang Yu Han sat down on the sofa and started to go through the papers in his hands.


    "This morning, we are scheduled to meet with two suppliers and another three after lunch hour," Li Qin Yao said. "Give me a few minutes. Then, we''ll head to the meeting room together."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He flipped through the pages to study them. Soon, his eyes stopped as he reached to one company''s details. Seeing the company''s name, Zhang Yu Han''s eyes turned dark.


    The last time he asked Wei Jun Hao to investigate the girl that caused trouble for his girlfriend, Wei Jun Hao had included a brief investigation on Li Qin Yao''s ex as well. Of course, he was familiar with the company that Chen Hao worked for, WS Company.


    Zhang Yu Han then found out that after Chen Hao dated this girl called Tang Ai Ling, Chen Hao was promoted to a managerial position.


    The thought that his girlfriend would meet and work together with her ex turned him into a bad mood.


    He had waited for years and finally dated this girl.


    Zhang Yu Han did not know why the two of them had broken up, but he had no intention to let them reconcile.


    A few months ago, he was the one who stood at the sidelines, watching the couple in a good relationship.


    This time, although he could see that Li Qin Yao liked him too, Zhang Yu Han had no confidence if he was to face Chen Hao.


    He was not confident in how much Li Qin Yao likes him as compared to his ex.


    Suddenly, Xiao Lian Yi knocked on the door and walked into the room with a document in her hand. She greeted Zhang Yu Han politely and walked towards Li Qin Yao.


    "Miss Li, Liang Sheng wanted to know if you will be joining the discussion with LUX Group," Xiao Lian Yi announced.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "I will come over in five minutes."


    Xiao Lian Yi looked at her wristwatch and said, "I''ve received words that the GM from WS Company should be here soon."


    She then exchanged a few words with Li Qin Yao and walked out of the room.


    Zhang Yu Han peered from his paper to look at his girlfriend''s expression and trying to guess her thoughts. Somehow, he could not detect any joy or anger when her staff mentioned WS Company.


    He did not know if Li Qin Yao was pretending to be cool about the probability of meeting her ex again.


    Or perhaps... she did not care about that person anymore?


    As the latter thought came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han quickly dismissed it.


    It couldn''t be it, right?

 Chapter 160 - Enemies are Bound to Meet on a Narrow Road

    "Why does your face look so bad?"


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his thought and looked up to see his girlfriend staring at him. When he saw the happy smile on her face, the previous thought in his mind gradually disappeared.


    "You don''t think they''re good?" Li Qin Yao asked as she looked at the papers in Zhang Yu Han''s hand.


    The project was important to her and because Zhang Yu Han was her largest investor, Li Qin Yao valued his opinion more than anything.


    Zhang Yu Han followed her gaze. Then, he looked at her and forced a smile. "No. I''m just not familiar with any of the companies. It might take time to read them through."


    The frown on Li Qin Yao''s face disappeared. "Maybe you will understand it better once you meet them. Come on. Let''s go," Seeing that Zhang Yu Han was not in the mood to move, Li Qin Yao picked the papers from his hand and put it aside, then she grabbed his hand and tried to pull him up.


    With Li Qin Yao''s strength, it would be impossible for her to pull him up, therefore, Zhang Yu Han could only follow her lead and let her pull him up.


    Once he was up, Zhang Yu Han hugged her briefly and placed a kiss on her forehead. Feeling the uneasiness in his heart lightened up, Zhang Yu Han then looked at her and said, "Okay, I''m all charged up. Let''s go."


    Li Qin Yao let out a laugh before she led him to the meeting room.


    Not too long ago, everyone in the office had witnessed Director Zhang pursuing their boss. Now that the two of them were in a relationship, none of them think it was strange for the two to walk around the office holding hands.


    Li Qin Yao and her team spent almost an hour discussing with the people from LUX Company.


    Soon, the meeting ended and Li Qin Yao promised to come over to their company to look around before they sign an agreement.


    Li Qin Yao sent the guests out to the door before she turned to Zhang Yu Han. "There''s one more group to meet. And then, we''ll go out to lunch, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded obediently. He bent his tall figure closer to her face and smiled. "Then Miss Li, it''s a date."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. Just as she was about to open her mouth to speak, she heard a familiar voice calling out her name. Li Qin Yao too turned to the direction of that voice. Once she saw that it was Chen Hao, her eyes widened in surprise.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes dangerously.


    Surely, enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road.


    "Yao Yao, why are you here?" Chen Hao asked as he stepped forward. His face showed obvious confusion. But the expression quickly softened as he came up with an excuse.


    His ex-girlfriend owned a cafe not far away from the building and Chen Hao deduced that Li Qin Yao was probably there to deliver some food or drinks.


    At this time, Xiao Lian Yi appeared from the office and walked over to Chen Hao and his group. "Sorry, you are the representative from WS Group, right?"


    The elderly man beside Chen Hao nodded before he exchanged a brief greeting with Xiao Lian Yi.


    Xiao Lian Yi turned to see both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao at her side and her smile widened. "Right. Mister Huang, Mister Chen, let me introduce you to our bosses, Miss Li from QL Group, and Mister Zhang, our partner from Zhang Group Worldwide."


    "QL Group?" Chen Hao repeated. He then turned to Li Qin Yao with a surprised look on his face. "That Li Qin Yao from QL Group is you?"


    Everyone who did not know their past relation immediately turned to Chen Hao with a bad expression. They could not help but think that Chen Hao''s words sounded rude.


    Even Mister Huang, who came with Chen Hao had an embarrassed look on his face. They came as a representative of WS Company to discuss new business cooperation. It would be bad if they accidentally offended the big bosses in the project. This project could gain them a lot of money!


    Just as Mister Huang was about to warn Chen Hao, Li Qin Yao had first spoken.


    "Mister Chen, it has been a while," Li Qin Yao smiled politely. Actually, Li Qin Yao too was surprised upon seeing Chen Hao, but she was quick to mask her expression.


    It took her a few seconds before she recalled where she had heard about WS Company previously. It was the company where Chen Hao worked at. Therefore, she had never thought that she would be seeing Chen Hao again in this place or situation.


    Chen Hao''s face turned pale at the way she had addressed him. Before he could say anything else, Li Qin Yao had already led them into the office. As his superior has already tugged on his arms, Chen Hao had no choice but to walk into the office.


    As the meeting started, Chen Hao could not divert his eyes away from Li Qin Yao. There were a lot of questions going through his mind.


    For example, when did she start to work for QL? How did she become the person who was in charge of this huge project? Didn''t she run a cafe just a few blocks away from this office?


    Chen Hao could not help but think that Li Qin Yao has changed a lot since the last time he had seen her.


    In the end, he could not concentrate on whatever they were discussing at all. His boss, Mister Huang was the one who had to do all the talk. Fortunately, with Mister Huang''s presence, the meeting ended smoothly.


    Li Qin Yao let both Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi send their guests to the door while she sat around in the meeting room to arrange the documents. When she looked up, Li Qin Yao found Zhang Yu Han staring at her.


    "Hungry?" Li Qin Yao smiled. "Come on let''s go out to eat."


    Zhang Yu Han hesitated for a while before he nodded.


    There were a few things he would like to ask her, but at this time and place, Zhang Yu Han did not think that it was appropriate.


    He could only wait until they were alone.


    Li Qin Yao gave her staff some instructions before the dragged Zhang Yu Han out of the building, holding hands.


    The two of them, discussed their meeting earlier as they walked towards Zhang Yu Han''s vehicle. Suddenly, Chen Hao appeared out of nowhere and stopped them both in front of the building.


    Zhang Yu Han was displeased as he looked at Chen Hao. It was not hard for him to guess what was Chen Hao trying to do. He was suddenly afraid that Chen Hao might say something and Li Qin Yao would change her mind.


    Subconsciously, Zhang Yu Han tightened his hand on Li Qin Yao''s.

 Chapter 161 - Hes My Boyfriend

    Li Qin Yao frowned as she looked at Chen Hao. After meeting him in the office, she could guess that he wanted to speak to her. Because of this, she had asked Liang Sheng to see their guests out.


    But who would have thought that this man would not take her hint and appear in front of them?


    "Mister Chen, how can I help you?"


    "Can we talk?" Chen Hao asked. Then, he glanced at Zhang Yu Han in the hope that he will take the hint to walk away, however, once he saw their intertwined hands, his expression changed. He glanced at Zhang Yu Han again before he turned to Li Qin Yao. "Yao Yao, you and Director Zhang¡­"


    "He''s my boyfriend. We''re dating."


    Zhang Yu Han turned his head towards Li Qin Yao. There was a mixture of surprise and happiness on his face as he heard her firm voice. Then, his gaze gradually softened. At this moment, the uncertainty he had felt earlier dissipated.


    As he continued to stare at the woman beside him, a warm feeling rose in his heart.


    Although he was still not confident with how Li Qin Yao felt towards him, Zhang Yu Han decided that he wanted to trust her.


    Somehow, he hoped that she will not disappoint him. The woman he liked was an amazing person. He wanted to trust that the person he liked would have a great taste and judgment.


    Meanwhile, Chen Hao was shocked! His hands clenched into a fist at her confirmation.


    "Qin Yao," Zhang Yu Han tightened her grip on her hand and leaned closer to whisper. "I''ll wait for you in my car, alright?"


    Initially, Li Qin Yao wanted to reject his idea, but once she saw the look in his eyes, Li Qin Yao smiled at him and nodded. "Wait for me, alright?"


    The smile on his face widened. To Zhang Yu Han, these words were a promise that she will choose to return to his side. Zhang Yu Han squeezed her hand and let go. As he walked past Chen Hao, Zhang Yu Han gave him a warning gaze.


    Chen Hao shivered. He waited until he could no longer see Zhang Yu Han''s silhouette before he walked over to Li Qin Yao. "Let''s talk this over somewhere else."


    "No. You should say whatever you want here."


    "Yao Yao," Chen Hao wanted to plead.


    "Mister Chen, I didn''t want your fiance to find a reason to attack me later." Li Qin Yao smiled. "After all, it wouldn''t be the first time she had done so."


    Chen Hao frowned as he wondered what Tang Ai Ling had done behind his back. In the end, he could only stand there and spoke what was on his mind. "Yao Yao, you never told me that you''re Chairman Li Ren Xin''s granddaughter."


    She looked at him and smiled. "Will there be any difference?"


    "Of course it will be different. If I had known, then perhaps, my mother--"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled as Chen Hao mentioned his mother. "I have not forgotten what your mother had said to me. The thing that she did not like about me is that my parents were divorced."


    Chen Hao frowned. He knew that his mother was only saying those because she did not think that marrying Li Qin Yao would benefit anything to his future. But things are different now.


    Li Qin Yao and Tang Ai Ling were worlds apart. Although Tang Ai Ling''s family could be said wealthy in B City, her family was nothing as compared to Li Qin Yao''s. Not to mention QL''s wealth, Chen Hao knew that QL had more connections than the Tang family have.


    "Whether I am Li Ren Xin''s granddaughter or not, we still won''t end up together," Li Qin Yao continued. "Because Chen Hao, you and I, it was not about my status as someone''s granddaughter. It was just that we both gave up on our relationship."


    Chen Hao felt as if something had stuck in his throat. Slowly, he tilted his head down to avoid Li Qin Yao''s gaze.


    Didn''t their relationship failed because he was the one who chose to listen to his mother?


    But still, Chen Hao thought that Li Qin Yao was not being truthful to him. If she had told him earlier, then his mother will not reject their relationship.


    Noticing that Li Qin Yao was about to leave, Chen Hao grabbed her arm to stop her. "You still could have told me."


    Li Qin Yao turned around and laughed. "Chen Hao, you''re so funny. During the period when we''re dating, have you ever told me anything about your grandparents? Why do you think that it was important for me to casually mention mine? In the end, did you date me for me, of for my grandparents?"


    "Yao Yao," Chen Hao spoke in a soft voice. "Let''s give us another try, alright? This time, I will convince my mother. This time, I will fight for you."


    "What''s past is past. Let''s just leave it that way. Now," Li Qin Yao swallowed before she looked at Chen Hao sharply. "Can you let me go?"


    Facing her gaze, Chen Hao loosened her grip on her arms and watched her leave. A few steps away, Chen Hao clenched his fist and said, "In the end, Yao Yao, you never really loved me, do you?"


    Li Qin Yao paused at her tracks when she heard the question. She turned and stared at the man in front of her with a sad expression.


    To think that he would still doubt her, blamed her...


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt that she no longer know this man. Chen Hao was no longer the man she dated previously.


    Li Qin Yao decided not to answer his question and walked away to find Zhang Yu Han.


    As she was approaching the black Cayenne, Zhang Yu Han got off the car to help her with the door. Li Qin Yao stared at him in a daze and felt as if a heavy burden was lifted off her shoulder.


    "Qin Yao, are you alright?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao gave him a weak nod. She then took a step towards Zhang Yu Han and leaned her head and half of her body on his chest. "Just a little bit exhausted. Zhang Yu Han, you''re too tall, so I couldn''t say to lend your shoulder for me. I can only ask you to lend me your chest. Let me rest for a while, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. It took him seconds before he could respond and pulled her body closer into a hug. One arm encircled around her waist, and another was patting her back softly as if to coax her. Just like that, the two of them stood at the side silently for a while.


    Once she felt as if her energy was back, Li Qin Yao spoke in a low voice. "Zhang Yu Han, I''m hungry."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. He pulled away and looked at her with a wide smile on his face. "Then, let''s eat. What do you want to eat?"

 Chapter 162 - Dont You Have Any Questions For Me?

    Li Qin Yao let Zhang Yu Han decide on the place to eat and he took her to a French restaurant in B City.


    When he learned that his girlfriend was a foodie and would go cafe hopping when she got the chance,


    Zhang Yu Han did some research on some good restaurants for their dates.


    Because of its atmosphere, the French restaurant was quite popular, especially among young couples. The greenery and flower garden around the restaurant gave a feeling as if they were dining in a small garden.


    Just as they entered the restaurant, Li Qin Yao could see a few couples taking photos here and there. The two of them were seated at a quiet corner of the restaurant as they both enjoyed their meals.


    Seeing that Li Qin Yao''s appetite was, as usual, Zhang Yu Han was relieved. He was worried that after meeting Chen Hao and recalled their past relationship, his girlfriend would be unhappy. But it seemed as if he was worrying too much.


    The couple enjoyed their lunch together and chatted without mentioning anything about Chen Hao. Knowing that the meetings with the potential suppliers were important to her, Zhang Yu Han asked whether she wanted to return to her office after their meal was over but Li Qin Yao shook her head.


    "I texted Liang Sheng earlier and let him handle everything," Li Qin Yao said. "Let''s just walk around this place."


    "Is that alright?"


    Not too long ago, Li Qin Yao had told him about what happened that accident. Naturally, he knew how much she cares about the suppliers. So, when Li Qin Yao decided not to join the meeting, Zhang Yu Han was a bit surprised.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "Liang Sheng is someone who was sent by my grandfather. I trust that he will do everything well."


    Zhang Yu Han watched her expression for a couple of seconds and nodded.


    The two walked around and enjoyed the scenery before them in silence. Just as they reached a corner, Li Qin Yao turned to face Zhang Yu Han and pulled at his hand. "Zhang Yu Han, don''t you have any questions for me?"


    Zhang Yu Han helped to tuck a few strands of her ears behind the ear and smiled. "I have."


    Seeing that he did not want to continue to speak, Li Qin Yao frowned. "You''re not going to ask?"


    Initially, Zhang Yu Han had a lot of questions after he learned that they will be meeting with people from the WS Company. However, whatever questions and doubts he had disappeared the moment that she had returned to his side.


    Anyway, after seeing that person''s expression and hearing his words, Zhang Yu Han could guess a bit of what that person was upset about.


    As long as Li Qin Yao chose to stay by his side, Zhang Yu Han thought that nothing else should matter.


    "I am curious. But I believe if it was something you would want me to know, you will tell me," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "You trust me that much?"


    "Qin Yao, whatever you tell me, I will always choose to trust your words." Zhang Yu Han watched her tilted her head sideways and spoke again. "Actually, I have to admit. When that person showed up, I was afraid that you were going to leave and get back to him."


    Li Qin Yao saw that Zhang Yu Han looked away from meeting her gaze. However, he could not hide away his reddened ears.


    Suddenly, her lips curled into a teasing smile. "You don''t have confidence in yourself?"


    "When it comes to you I can never be confident," Zhang Yu Han spoke in a low voice. He turned to look at her again. "Qin Yao, what should I do? I think I like you too much that I always fear that what I did was not enough."


    Her eyes widened. Li Qin Yao suddenly felt a tug in her heart when she heard him say that he was afraid that he has not done enough.


    The thing Zhang Yu Han has done for her for the past few months, of course, Li Qin Yao could see it all. In fact, Li Qin Yao was the one who always felt that she had not done enough.


    Li Qin Yao could tell that Zhang Yu Han might like her after spending time on the project. She got in this relationship thinking that she wanted to give them both a try. But after a while, Li Qin Yao could say that she was glad that she had taken this chance.


    Zhang Yu Han treated her really well. It would be impossible if she was not moved.


    The way he would look at her would always make her heart flutter. It was just as her friend, Fan Yun Xi had pointed out. Zhang Yu Han was looking at her like a lovesick fool.


    But then again, Li Qin Yao thought that if the other person was not Zhang Yu Han, she would probably not be as moved.


    Now and then, Li Qin Yao would wonder what was it about her that makes someone as good as Zhang Yu Han to like her that much. But things about liking someone was not something that one could explain.


    After spending by his side, Li Qin Yao found herself falling more and more for him. Even if someone would ask her what was it that she liked about him, Li Qin Yao thought that it was something that she did not know how to explain.


    It was not just because Zhang Yu Han treated her very well, or the surprise gifts he often gave her. Many other reasons made her like him.


    Of course, his deep enchanting voice is one of the reasons she liked him best.


    Li Qin Yao only knew that her heart would swell with happiness every time her gaze fell on him.


    Zhang Yu Han made her happy.


    As these thoughts go through her mind, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt her eyes started to sting. Because she did not want him to worry, Li Qin Yao moved closer and rested her head on his chest.


    These days, she would often find this place very comfortable.


    Li Qin Yao would never tell this to Zhang Yu Han, but she always enjoyed listening to his voice as she put her ears closer to his chest.


    When he put his arms around her shoulder, Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. With her ears so close to his heart, Li Qin Yao could hear his heart was beating louder. She then tightened her arms around his waist as if trying to listen clearly to this beat.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she felt the vibration from his chest. "You are good enough."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh.


    "My past relationship... it didn''t end well," Li Qin Yao said. "But I decided to let bygones be bygones. Let''s just focus on the present, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han tightened his hold around her body and said, "Alright."

 Chapter 163 - Auntie, I’m Not a Pervert

    "Yao Yao, I''m so proud of you."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she heard Han Yue Xiu''s words. "You''re proud of me?"


    "Un, un," Han Yue Xiu nodded. She leaned back on the bench as she continued to watch a few teenagers playing basketball in an open court in front of her parents'' apartment. "Who would know that this guy turned out to be scum? If I were in front of him, I''d make sure to throw him a punch or two."


    Li Qin Yao heaved a long sigh. "Don''t say that. After all, Chen Hao is someone I used to date. Han Yue Xiu, are you saying that I have a bad taste?"


    "But Yao Yao, your relationship with Mister Zhang is going on pretty well huh?" Han Yue Xiu teased. "I still could not believe that you would bring him to meet your paternal grandparents. The last time we talk, you were still hesitant about taking Chen Hao to meet them. Yao Yao, you dated Chen Hao for a year, and you still thought that it was too early to introduce him to your paternal grandfather. How long did you know Mister Zhang? You see, you already going to introduce him to your grandfather."


    Li Qin Yao let out a small chuckle. "But Zhang Yu Han''s situation is different, right? He did know that I am my grandfather''s granddaughter because we are working together on that project."


    "Ey, How can it be different? If it was different, then Mister Zhang would be coming to meet your grandfather as a business partner, not as your plus one, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a nervous laugh.


    Han Yue Xiu once told her that, if he''s not the one, then, even if she had dated someone for ten years, she would still think that it was too early to introduce that person to her paternal grandparents.


    Since she was ready to introduce Zhang Yu Han to her paternal grandparents, then, does it mean that subconsciously she had thought of him as the one?


    "At this pace, I''m scared that you might get sweep away to be Mrs. Zhang before I return," Han Yue Xiu said. "Yao Yao, you can go and get that red book, but if you''re going to hold a wedding, you have to wait until I return, alright? I still want to attend your wedding and be your bridesmaid."


    "Good, I''ll wait for you to return. But you still need to prepare a big red packet for me."


    The two friends joked around a while longer. Once the phone call ended, Han Yue Xiu stood up and stretched up her body. Just as she was about to pick up the bag of snacks on the bench, Han Yue Xiu noticed an incoming object heading towards her.


    Due to her good reflex, Han Yue Xiu managed to catch the ball.


    Suddenly, the sounds of clapping could be heard.


    "Auntie! Great catch!" one of the boys said. "Can you pass that ball to me?"


    Han Yue Xiu felt the corner of her mouth started to twitched. She did not think that she was too old to be called auntie by this group of teenagers. Han Yue Xiu glanced at the ball and smiled. "Alright." She bounced the ball on the floor a few times before she shot the ball into the hoop.


    The ball hit the hoop once before it entered.


    Then the sound of clapping was heard again, this time, it was louder.


    "Auntie, you''re awesome!" One of the boys said.


    "I bet it was pure luck."


    Han Yue Xiu let out a chuckle. "Don''t look down on me, alright? Back then, I was a member of a basketball club and an MVP, alright?"


    "Auntie, how about teaching us how to shoot like that?"


    Han Yue Xiu raised a brow. "You want me to teach you?" she watched the boy nodded and continued, "How about calling me pretty sister instead?"


    Once they''re reached for an agreement, Han Yue Xie then stayed at the basketball court to coach the boys some shooting technique.


    Perhaps it has been a while since the last time she had some exercise, or perhaps it was due to her age, but after twenty minutes, Han Yue Xiu found that her body was sweating and it was harder for her to catch her breath.


    Han Yue Xiu walked over to the bench and pick up a bottle of juice to quench her thirst. After a while, she began to notice that something was not right.


    Swiftly, Han Yue Xiu turned around.


    It might be because she was paranoid, but Han Yue Xiu had this feeling as if she was watched.


    After she had rested enough, Han Yue Xiu said goodbye to the boys and went up to her parents'' apartment. From a distance away, Han Yue Xiu could see that the door was ajar and there were sounds of laughter coming from her parents'' place.


    Han Yue Xiu frowned at the thought that a guest was coming over. She tidied up her look and took a deep breath before she entered. However, once she saw that man beside her mother, Han Yue Xiu could only stare at them with her eyes wide and her mouth open.


    This person¡­ why was he here? It has been more than a month since the last time she had seen him. Didn''t he leave some time ago?


    "Ey? Yue Xiu, you''re back," Mother Han greeted when she saw her daughter at the door.


    Han Yue Xiu snapped out of her trance after a few seconds. Her gaze met with Song Yi and Han Yue Xiu immediately shot him a hostile look. Then, she turned to her mother and asked, "Mom, what is this person doing here?"


    Mother Han stood up and smiled. "Yue Xiu, let me introduce you to our neighbor, Mister Song. We met downstairs and he helped me with some stuff earlier. Mister Song has moved over last month, but this is the first time we met him."


    Han Yue Xiu could feel her anger bubbling as she heard what her mother said. "Mom, he''s a pervert!"


    "Ah?" Mother Han looked at her daughter in dumbfounded before she shifted her eyes to Song Yi with a judgemental look.


    "Auntie, I''m not a pervert," Song Yi quickly clarified. "Your daughter and I are an acquaintance. Previously, there was a bit of misunderstanding between us."


    Knowing her daughter''s character as someone who would often throw tantrums, Mother Han was quick to take Song Yi''s side. "You two know each other?" She watched Song Yi nodded and smiled. "Then, why don''t you two have a chat. Yue Xiu, you take care of our guests here. I''m going to the kitchen to cook."


    Han Yue Xiu took a few deep breaths to calm down. She decided to ignore this man and headed straight to her room. But before she could make her escape, she felt a grip around her right arm.


    "Han Yue Xiu, we need to talk."

 Chapter 164 - Lets Start Over

    "I don''t have anything to talk to you. Why are you at my parents'' place? " Han Yue Xiu glanced at his hand on her arm dangerously. "Are you not letting me go?"


    Song Yi obediently released his hand. Before Han Yue Xiu could take another step, Song Yi spoke again. "Han Yue Xiu, please, let me say a few words to you alright?"


    Han Yue Xiu opened her mouth to say something. But realizing that her mother was peeking at her through the kitchen, she instinctively shut her mouth. She tossed the bag of snacks on the table then waved her hand to him, gesturing him to follow her out. "If we''re going to talk, let''s do it somewhere else."


    The corner of his mouth curled up as Song Yi watched Han Yue Xiu turned around. He followed her around but his expression darkened when they stopped at the empty staircase. "Why did you bring me here?"


    "Didn''t you said you wanted to talk? Now talk. I''m giving you five minutes," Han Yue Xiu said. "But if you say something that pisses me off again, I will leave immediately."


    Song Yi''s expression turned panic when he heard that she was going to leave.


    Of course, he knew well what were the words that Han Yue Xiu did not want him to say. The last time that he had said them, didn''t he make her displeased?


    Song Yi clenched his fist as he was reminded what his friend had reminded him to say. He opened his mouth a few times to say the words but found it hard to say. After a few seconds, the words finally escaped his lips. "Han Yue Xiu, I''m sorry. "


    Han Yue Xiu was about to leave after Song Yi had stayed silent for some time when she heard his words. Slowly, she turned around to look at her ex-boss and wondered if her ears were playing tricks on her. "You¡­ what did you say?"


    "I''m sorry," he repeated. Song Yi thought that saying the words for the second time felt easier. "I know that I have not apologized for that thing I did the last time. I shouldn''t have kissed you without your consent. If I offend you in some kind, I apologize." Song Yi lowered his head.


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the man''s face for a while as if waiting for him to pull another trick on her.


    But looking at his expression, she could tell that he did not come to pull a trick or launch into another speech on why she should date him.


    Han Yue Xiu had known Song Yi for a few years, but this was the first time she had seen this expression on his face. Right now, Song Yi had this docile look on his face.


    For as long as she had known him, Song Yi was someone that always had this arrogance look on his face. When did he ever have this kind of expression? When did he ever apologize to someone?


    This should be the first time she had seen this scene.


    After a long silence between them, Han Yue Xiu dropped her gaze. "Apologies accepted."


    Song Yi looked up at her with a spark in his eyes. "Really?"


    Han Yue Xiu paused and nodded. "Un."


    Song Yi was about to lurch forward to hug her, but then he remembered the words that his friend had said to him. In the end, Song Yi had no other choice but to refrain himself. Seeing that the girl was about to leave, Song Yi swiftly called her again. "Han Yue Xiu, wait."


    "What? You have something else to say?"


    "I know that there are many things that you did not like about me," Song Yi started. "In the past few weeks, I''ve been doing some thinking. Han Yue Xiu, you said that I bullied you too much. I promised that I won''t bully you again. You said that you did not like Fang Meng Ran. Therefore, the last time I went back, I''ve made it clear to both Miss Fang and my parents that I couldn''t be with her."


    Han Yue Xiu''s eyes widened. She had thought that this man had become normal. But, who would have thought that he would start speaking something crazy again? "You what?"


    She did not care that he promised not to bully her again, but Han Yue Xiu was surprised that Song Yi would do such thing to Miss Fang. What if that woman finds her and brings her trouble?


    "I''ve recently sold over my company and am planning to start over. Han Yue Xiu, let''s start over, alright? Just like the last time. You and I together, starting up a company from scratch."


    "Sorry," Han Yue Xiu let out a long breath. She found that talking with Song Yi was tiring. Whenever they were not working on a project, their mind was never in the same wavelength. "But I don''t want to work for you."


    "Who said that you will be working for me? I wanted to start a new company with you as my partner. Then, we''ll share everything fifty-fifty. I won''t have any right to order you around. You can do whatever you like I promise that I will never cross any boundaries between us."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at Song Yi in disbelief. A part of herself was tempted by his offer. However, Han Yue Xiu knew that this was too good to be true. First of all, she was not as rich as Song Yi to have that much capital to start a company.


    Right now, she can only treat as if Song Yi was speaking gibberish.


    She rubbed the space between her brow and said, "Even if I''m interested in starting over a company, I don''t have that much capital."


    "You don''t have to bring in anything. Just your skill is enough."


    "You provide your expertise and I''ll provide the capital. I''ve worked with you for the longest time. I know your skill well. You are one of the best people I worked with," Song Yi said. "Just as long as you agree to work together with me, I will agree to any of your terms. If you wanted to stay here in S Country, then we''ll start a company here."


    "I''m sorry to disappoint you. But I''m planning to return to the mid-autumn festival."


    Song Yi watched the girl speechlessly.


    After all, the reason why he had sold his company was that this girl had told him that she was planning to stay in S Country. If she was planning to return, then why would he bother to sell that company and plan to migrate over to S Country?


    "Then," Song Yi quickly spoke again. "Then, we''ll start over once we return, alright?"

 Chapter 165 - He Could Not Bear a Life without Han Yue Xiu

    Song Yi returned to his new apartment and tightened his grip on his phone. He lifted his hand to throw the phone against the wall, but after a while, he decided against it.


    In the end, no matter how much he persuaded Han Yue Xiu, that girl had refused to come back and work for him.


    Hearing her rejection, of course, Song Yi was angered.


    Back then, didn''t she said that she liked working with him? Why did she reject him now?


    He had made the best offer he can make. He had even told her that he will restrain himself and not say things like ''liking her'' and stuff. Still, she had rejected him.


    After a few weeks of disappearing from Han Yue Xiu''s life, Song Yi had been traveling around and doing a lot of thinking. Since she did not like him, the Song Yi decided not to care about her. He wanted to move on.


    But after a few days, Song Yi found that he could not bear a life without Han Yue Xiu by his side. He returned to his company only to find that he could not do his work properly.


    At that moment, he had decided that he did not care if Han Yue Xiu did not share the same feeling as his. As long as Han Yue Xiu could be in a place where he could see for now and then, he would be satisfied.


    That''s right! What was it that he liked about her? Han Yue Xiu was the messiest and unladylike woman he ever met. She had an obsession with junk food and would often argue with him about everything.


    But still... he liked this girl. The smile on her face when she had successfully solved a work problem could light up the whole world.


    Song Yi found that he had missed her very much.


    It was during this time that he met this new friend who pointed out that what he did to Han Yue Xiu was wrong. This person was his lifesaver and his life coach.


    According to that person, to force her to like him back was not considered liking anymore, but an obsession. If he continued to push her, then he was being selfish. In the end, selfish love will only make both parties suffer.


    If he really liked her, then he should stop harassing Han Yue Xiu and respect whatever choice she made.


    Back then he was too rushed. He thought that Han Yue Xiu did all those tricks to grab his attention. He had thought that she liked him. That was why he had kissed her.


    Apparently, that was not the case.


    Han Yue Xiu did not like him that way. Unfortunately, Song Yi had fallen too much for her.


    If he wanted to pursue Han Yue Xiu, he needed to do it slowly, patiently. Even if she did not like him, he should be happy as long as she''s happy.


    So this time, Song Yi returned to S Country to try and win Han Yue Xiu back. He was determined to start everything from scratch. First, he needed to get rid of whatever that was making Han Yue Xiu displeased about him.


    That was why he had returned to his parents'' house and warned that he did not want anything to do with Fang Meng Ran, causing his parents anger.


    Anyway, since that woman that his parents liked had the potential to ruin his path of romance, Song Yi decided to deal with it first. Fortunately, his grandparents were supportive of his wishes.


    For the elders, as long as Song Yi would someday meet a nice girl, start his own family, and have his own offspring, they did not care much. Moreover, the Song family was not a family that requires marriage for benefit.


    Once he had done whatever necessary, Song Yi then went back to S Country to look for Han Yue Xiu. Of course, at this time, he was still in contact with this new friend.


    At first, Song Yi did not want to appear in front of Han Yue Xiu so soon. However, it was fated that he would meet Han Yue Xiu''s mother in the elevator. Mother Han was carrying too much stuff in her hand and Song Yi only helped her.


    It was after then that Song Yi realized that this woman he helped was Han Yue Xiu''s mother. After all, they were neighbors. The last time he had come over to Country S, Song Yi had bought over the apartment next door and this week was actually the first time that he had stayed in the house.


    And because of this, Song Yi had the chance to run into Han Yue Xiu.


    Unfortunately, this girl had thought that he had deliberately come to see her mother and planned something.


    Song Yi took a couple of deep breaths to calm down. Once his thought was cleared, Song Yi dialed a number. The phone was soon connected and Song Yi immediately told the person of his encounter with Han Yue Xiu.


    "I''ve done the things that you told me," Song Yi said.


    "Well, Song Yi, you''ve done a good job holding in," that person''s voice was slightly hoarse.


    "Yi Chen, what am I supposed to do? Han Yue Xiu, she said that she did not want to come over and work with me. What if she continues to reject me? How am I supposed to be content by staying on her side when she won''t even allow me to see her?"


    "What did I tell you previously?" Fu Yi Chen spoke again. "Things won''t happen just because you wish for it to happen. Song Yi, if you wish to win a woman''s heart, you have to be patient. Just slowly appear every now and then. Be there when she needed a friend. But don''t agitate her with your words and action. Sooner or later, she will be moved. Unless of course, if the two of you were not meant to be together."


    "No. Han Yue Xiu and I are certainly meant to be together," Song Yi was quick to say.


    Fu Yi Chen laughed at the other line. "Remember, it''s fine if you want to continue to like this girl. But Song Yi, you cannot be obsessed."


    "I understand." Song Yi''s lips curved into a faint smile at his friend''s words.


    "Didn''t she already said that she had accepted your apology?" Fu Yi Chen said. "Then it''s a good start. Her heart will slowly soften after this. Come back and wait until she returns."


    Song Yi paused for a few seconds before he agreed. He listened to Fu Yi Chen''s words and was determined to follow the man''s advice.


    Previously, didn''t Han Yue Xiu tricked him into making him relying on her? This time, why can''t he do the same? Perhaps by then, Han Yue Xiu will see that he would be good for her.


    First, he needed to return to the country and make some preparation.

 Chapter 166 - Acting like a Proper Neighbor

    Han Yue Xiu was staring at the grocery list in her hand, wondering if she knew any of those ingredients. Mother Han was preparing to cook in the kitchen and her father went out to his office for an emergency. Therefore, the task to go out for groceries fell into her hand.


    Han Yue Xiu pushed the bu??on and waited. Meanwhile, she took out her phone to search look at the items that her mother had written down on the list.


    After a few seconds, there was a ringing sound and the elevator door opened.


    Once she saw the familiar guy, walking out of the elevator, Han Yue Xiu instinctively made a fighting pose.


    "What are you doing?" Song Yi raised a brow as he walked out of the elevator.


    Looking at how this girl was acting, Song Yi did not know whether he wanted to get angry or to laugh. He knew that Han Yue Xiu was constantly on guard against him, but he did not expect that she would treat him as if he was a hooligan.


    But still¡­ Song Yi found that this part of her was rather cute. Suddenly, he had this urge to pinch both of her cheeks and make a mess of her hair. Maybe then she would look less adorable.


    "Nothing," Han Yue Xiu quickly recover herself. She cleared up her throat and tried to walk pass Song Yi to enter the elevator.


    "Han Yue Xiu," Just as the door was about to close, Song Yi called out her name and held the elevator door.


    "What?" Han Yue Xiu was on guard again.


    "I''m going back. I have booked a flight ticket tonight."


    "Oh," Han Yue Xiu responded. "You¡­ you''re not coming back to S Country, right?"


    Song Yi gave her a faint smile. "Since you''re not planning to stay here, then I don''t have a reason to stay."


    Han Yue Xiu half regretted that she had asked him that question.


    "Are you happy?"


    "You can go wherever you want, it''s none of my concern," Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. "Then, what about your house? You just bought it, right?"


    "It''s fine," Song Yi chuckled. "I''ll just take it as an investment."


    "Well," Han Yue Xiu stared at Song Yi''s hand on the elevator door. "I need to get some groceries. My mom would nag if I took too long to come back with that bottle of soy sauce."


    Song Yi let out a disappointed sigh as he let down his hand. This was the most decent conversation that they shared recently. Unfortunately, this moment ended too soon.


    However, just before the elevator door could close again, Song Yi put his hand back at the door. "Han Yue Xiu, when you come back and you need a job, you can always find me, alright? That offer that I gave you the other day will be open for as long as I live."


    Wasn''t his words were too exaggerating?


    "You have to think it over," Song Yi said as he released his hand from the elevator again. "Han Yue Xiu, I''ll wait for you."


    The elevator door finally closed and started to descend slowly


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the closed door with a mixed feeling.


    These past few days, Han Yue Xiu found it rather strange that Song Yi did not come over to pester her. Although Song Yi had apologized, Han Yue Xiu still had this feeling that Song Yi will continue to show up in front of her and her parents.


    After working with Song Yi for years Han Yue Xiu was very familiar with his character. Song Yi can be persistent. When he had his eyes on something, Song Yi would work hard for it that sometimes, he would refuse to listen to what others would say.


    Perhaps, that was why his company was successful.


    Han Yue Xiu was ready to stay a few days in a hotel using the card that her friend''s boyfriend had given her. But Song Yi had stayed away from her just as she had requested.


    Even if the two of them met outside the door, the most thing Song Yi would do was to greet her politely before he would go on his way. He was acting like a proper neighbor!


    Since it was like this, Han Yue Xiu was a bit more relaxed.


    These past few days, she had been going around freely without worrying much about her ex-boss.


    But still, Han Yue Xiu could not help but wonder why and how did this man change so much?


    A person shouldn''t be able to change this much in a short period, right?


    What happened to Song Yi since the last time that he disappeared?


    Han Yue Xiu snapped out of her thought as the elevator reached the ground floor. She stepped out of the building and went to the grocery store a few blocks away from her parents'' apartment to get the stuff from the list that her mother had given her.


    Once she got everything that she needed, plus a few additional snacks, Han Yue Xiu walked back to the apartment building. She glanced at her wristwatch and noticed that it had taken her almost an hour to shop for groceries.


    The mid-autumn festival was around the corner and as the citizen of S Country too celebrated this festival, the grocery was a bit pack with shoppers who went to find the item they needed.


    As she walked into the door, Han Yue Xiu could smell the delicious food that her mother was making. They only needed to wait until her father got off work and then, they can all eat together.


    "Mom," Han Yue Xiu placed the grocery bag on the dining table before she walked into the kitchen to find her mother. "What are you making? That smell so delicious." She peeked into the pot and saw that the gravy in the pot has almost dried.


    Swiftly, Han Yue Xiu turned off the heat and stir the ingredients in the pot to prevent it from burning or sticking.


    "Mom. You forgot your dishes on the stove," Han Yue Xiu yelled from the kitchen.


    After a few seconds passed, Han Yue Xiu began to notice that something was not right. Her mother should be rushing in into the kitchen to take a look after she had reminded her.


    Han Yue Xiu heaved a sigh. She walked around the house and paused when she heard a sound coming from her parents'' room.


    She stood still for a while and listened carefully. It sounded like someone was calling her name in a low voice and it was coming from her parents'' room.


    Seeing that the door was jarred open, Han Yue Xiu peeked into the room and called out her mother''s name again for a few times.


    When she saw her mother sprawled on the floor, Han Yue Xiu instantly panicked.

 Chapter 167 - She was the Only One Who Knew Nothing

    Han Yue Xiu rushed over to her mother''s side to check on her condition. "Mom, what''s wrong with you?"


    "Yue Xiu," Mother Han whispered weakly. Then, she pointed towards the table next to them.


    Han Yue Xiu looked over and saw a small bag and inside, there were few packets of medicine. She looked at the various drugs and was flustered as she did not know which medicine she should give. "Mom! Which one?"


    Mother Han pointed at one of them and Han Yue Xiu quickly opened the package. She checked the dosage written and handed them to her mother before rushed into the kitchen for a glass of water.


    Han Yue Xiu''s face turned pale as she watched her mother tried to breathe. Swiftly, she took out her phone and dialed her father''s number.


    Unfortunately, at this time, her father had turned his phone off due to work. Han Yue Xiu then tried to dial the emergency number. But it was at this moment that she realized that she did not know the emergency number in S Country.


    Han Yue Xiu knocked her forehead with her phone as she tried to think.


    Suddenly, she stood up as a person came to her mind. "Mom, you wait here. I''ll get some help." Han Yue Xiu said before she rushed out the door.


    ¡­


    Song Yi was packing up his luggage when he heard the continuous knock on his door. He walked over to the door and through the peeping hole, he found Han Yue Xiu standing in front of him with an anxious look on his face.


    Instinctively, Song Yi could tell that something does not seem right with her.


    Han Yue Xiu who was always so strong in front of him had tears running down her cheek.


    Song Yi felt a tug in his heart. Quickly, he swung the door open and asked, "Han Yue Xiu, what''s wrong with you?"


    "My mom," Han Yue Xiu spoke anxiously. "Something wrong with my mom. Song Yi, did you know this country''s emergency hotline?"


    "I''ll call them," Song Yi offered. He took out his phone from his pocket and dialed a number.


    Once he entered the room, Song Yi found that Mother Han was lying on the floor. He crouched down beside Mother Han and spoke something to the other line. Then, he turned to Han Yue Xiu and asked, "How long has she been like this?"


    Han Yue Xiu shook her head. "I don''t know. I returned from the grocery store and found her like this"


    Song Yi quickly guessed that whatever happened to mother Han occurred during the time after he met her at the elevator.


    After speaking on the phone about Mother Han''s condition, Song Yi then turned to Han Yue Xiu. Seeing Han Yue Xiu''s crying face, Song Yi was distressed. "The paramedics will be here shortly. Han Yue Xiu, you should stay calm."


    Han Yue Xiu nodded even though she could not pay attention to anything that Song Yi said to her. Her mind was on her mother''s condition. At this time, Han Yue Xiu did not know how or why did her mother become like this.


    Moreover, when did she start taking so much medicine?


    Even if she had questions for her mother right now, Han Yue Xiu could not do anything but to stare at her mother, wondering if she could do anything.


    Han Yue Xiu finally snapped out of her trance when the paramedic arrived. She stood up at a corner as she watched them check on her mother''s condition.


    "Pack up anything important and go with them," Song Yi said. He lifted his hand to touch her head but stopped himself. "Han Yue Xiu, did you hear what I said?" He watched her nodded and continued. "I''ll be right behind you alright?"


    Once they arrived at the hospital, Han Yue Xiu was made to wait outside as the doctor checked on her mother. Han Yue Xiu sat down on the bench and sent a message to her father.


    Just as she clicked on the send bu??on, Song Yi had appeared in front of her again.


    "Your mother?"


    Han Yue Xiu moved her gaze towards the Emergency Room. "The doctor''s checking on her," she said. "Why are you here?"


    "I couldn''t possibly leave you alone at a time like this."


    Han Yue Xiu averted Song Yi''s gaze before she nodded. "Thank you." Then, closing her eyes, Han Yue Xiu started to imagine a different scenario.


    What if she did not come back in time? What will happen to her mother then?


    As she thought drifted towards the bags of medicine on her mother''s table, Han Yue Xiu began to feel uneasy. Then, she started to blame herself. As her mother''s daughter, how can she not know that her mother was unwell?


    Han Yue Xiu did not know how long time has passed. During this time, the nurse had come in and out of the Emergency Room a few times, but fearing that she will delay them from doing their job, Han Yue Xiu could only sit still on the bench.


    After exchanging a brief greet with Song Yi, Father Han then sat down next to her daughter.


    Just like that, the three of them waited outside patiently.


    When they saw a doctor was walking over to them, both father and daughter stood up abruptly.


    Father Han exchanged a few words with the doctor before the doctor explained a few things about her mother''s condition using some medical jargon that Han Yue Xiu could not understand.


    But still, Han Yue Xiu could grasp a few things from this conversation between her father and the doctor.


    Her mother had a heart problem, and her father was aware of it. It seemed like she was the only one who knew nothing about it.


    Fortunately, Han Yue Xiu had arrived home in time and fed her mother with medicine before the paramedics arrived. Or else, there might be a chance that Han Yue Xiu will never see her mother again.


    According to the doctor, Mother Han was supposed to undergo surgery a few weeks later. But due to her condition, the doctor recommended them to do this surgery as soon as possible.


    It was after the doctor had left that Han Yue Xiu realized that something was not right.


    At the thought that her mother wanted to keep her health a secret from her, Han Yue Xiu''s expression turned dark.


    No wonder she could sense that her parents were acting strangely...

 Chapter 168 - Han Yue Xius Anger

    After helping her mother with some hospital procedure, Han Yue Xiu went up to visit her mother.


    As she walked along the corridor, Han Yue Xiu spotted Song Yi from afar and saw that he was on the phone.


    Strangely, that guy chose to stick around even though he was supposed to leave last night.


    Although she was grateful for Song Yi''s help, at this moment, Han Yue Xiu was too preoccupied in her mind to pay any attention to Song Yi. Her mind was thinking about her mother and how should she face her.


    Han Yue Xiu was angered that her parents chose to keep a secret.


    After interrogating her father, Han Yue Xiu learned that it was her mother''s choice to keep her health matter a secret from her. It turned out that her parents had found out about her mother''s condition even before she came to S Country.


    If it was not because she had found her mother sprawling on the ground, she would know nothing about it.


    Han Yue Xiu stood outside her mother''s ward for a long time. From the slightly ajar door, Han Yue Xiu could hear her parents whispering voice.


    Her knuckle rested at the door. She just needed to give it a slight push and the door would swing open. But at this moment, Han Yue Xiu did not know why she was hesitant to do so.


    Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Han Yue Xiu then knocked on the door before she pushed the door open.


    Her heart felt a tug and her eyes stung seeing her mother lying on the hospital bed. She stepped inside slowly and immediately averted her gaze as she put a bag of food that she brought with her on the table.


    After a few seconds, Han Yue Xiu lifted her gaze to meet her mother''s. Her parents were staring at her silently and there was a hint of worry on their face.


    At this moment, Han Yue Xiu suddenly felt a surge of anger. However, as she looked at her mother''s pale expression, she was forced to suppress this feeling. And this anger made her wanted to cry.


    Forcing down this conflicted thought inside of her, Han Yue Xiu chose to sit down or else, she might start to lash at her parents.


    Seeing that her daughter had sat down at the chair without saying a word to her, Mother Han then turned to look at her husband.


    Father Han cleared his throat, hinting that he understood his wife''s intention. After mentioning that he needed to go out to buy some porridge for her mother, Father Han made his escape. He knew at this time, there was a lot of things that the mother and daughter needed to talk about.


    Han Yue Xiu took out her phone and kept her head down to avoid starting the impending conversation.


    "Yue Xiu," Mother Han called out her name softly.


    Han Yue Xiu replied to her with a soft hum without even looking up.


    Mother Han let out a soft sigh as she watched her daughter''s attitude. Of course, being her mother, Mother Han knew exactly that her daughter was keeping her silence to hold down her anger.


    She could imagine what her daughter might feel when she found her lying on the floor yesterday.


    As she thought of the way to start this conversation with her daughter, Mother Han let out a small cough.


    Mother Han took a sip as she peeked at her daughter. Although she could sense her daughter''s anger, Mother Han knew that Han Yue Xiu was jworried.


    In the end, it was her fault for keeping her health a secret. At least, Mother Han was aware of why she deserved her daughter''s anger.


    Sensing that Han Yue Xiu was about to return to her seat, Mother Han quickly grabbed her hand to prevent her from leaving.


    "Yue Xiu, listen to me, alright?"


    Han Yue Xiu turned to her mother with a sharp glance. She bit hard at her teeth to refrain herself from saying anything.


    "I¡­ I didn''t mean to lie to you," Mother Han spoke. "I just did not want you to worry."


    Hearing her mother''s reason, Han Yue Xiu felt a surge of anger. "Mom, if I did not find you on the floor yesterday, will you insist on keeping this a secret?"


    "Yue Xiu," Mother Han''s tone was slightly pleading.


    Feeling the sting on her nose, she then began to look away from her mother again. Anyway, judging from her mother''s tone, Han Yue Xiu knew that her mother was silently admitting to it.


    "How could you keep something like this from me?" Han Yue Xiu said in anger. She tried her best to tone down her anger as she did not want her mother''s condition to worsen. "Dad said that you''re planning to have the surgeries after I leave. If I did not come over to S Country to stay with you guys, are you planning on not telling me as well? Then, what should I do if something happens to you? What if I missed out on the last chance to see you?"


    Seeing the tears that started to pool at her daughter''s eyes made Mother Han teary as well. She had not given too much thought before she decided to keep it a secret from her daughter. And now, Mother Han could only deal with the consequences.


    "This is why you were so eager to kick me out of your house, isn''t it?" Han Yue Xiu continued. "No wonder you were so relieved when I told you that I''ll be going back after the festival. Mom, in the end, am I still your daughter?"


    "Yue Xiu," Mother Han gripped on her daughter''s arm a bit tighter. Of course, she was saddened upon hearing her daughter''s words, but at this moment, she could not find any words or excuse to defend herself from keeping the matter a secret from her only daughter. In the end, she could only call out her daughter''s name. "Yue Xiu, I''m sorry. Mom shouldn''t keep this a secret from you, alright?"


    Han Yue Xiu wiped the tears that started to stream down her cheek furiously.


    "I did not think things through when I made the decision," Mother Han said. "Yue Xiu, I was wrong. Will you forgive me?"


    Han Yue Xiu stayed silent for a while and was unable to answer. She was still angry and it would not be easy for her to forgive her mother.


    The silence between them lasted for a long time until someone came to knock on the door. Seeing that a nurse had come in to check on her mother, Han Yue Xiu wiped at her tears, grabbed her purse, and dashed out from the room to calm down.

 Chapter 169 - Song Yi, You Idiot!

    Han Yue Xiu ran into both her father and Song Yi as she dashed out from the ward and headed to the elevator.


    Father Han stared at her daughter but was unable to say anything. Looking at her daughter''s expression, Father Han could guess at how the conversation between the mother and daughter ended.


    In the end, he could not do or say anything but to watch as her daughter entered the elevator and leave.


    Anyway, it was best to give her daughter some space to clear up her mind. Once her anger goes down, Father Han did not doubt that the mother and daughter will patch up their relationship again.


    However, Father Han was still worried about his daughter''s state of mind. He turned around and wondered whether he should go and coax her daughter.


    But Father Han knew well that her daughter was angry at him as well. He too took part to keep his wife''s condition a secret. Even if he tried to say a few words to Han Yue Xiu, Father Han knew that his daughter was not willing to hear anything until she calmed down.


    Father Han took a step forward to go after her child and paused when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, Father Han saw that his new next-door neighbor was looking at him.


    "Uncle, I''ll look after her," Song Yi said before he walked over to the elevator to find Han Yue Xiu.


    Father Han could only heave a long sigh. Knowing that there was someone to look after his daughter, Father Han was relieved. He did not know the new neighbor that well, but he had heard from his wife previously that this guy was his daughter''s ex-boss.


    Since the two know each other, it should be alright, right?


    Not wanting to think too much, Father Han turned around to look for his wife.


    ¡­


    Song Yi muttered a silence cursed as he could not find Han Yue Xiu. When he saw her crying face earlier, Song Yi felt turbulence in his heart.


    For as long as he knew this girl, when did she ever shed a tear? Even when he ''bullied'' her with overtime and unrelated task, Han Yue Xiu would always grit her teeth in anger.


    When she could not hold them anymore, she would often find a way to release her anger. Sometimes by lashing at him, but most of the time, she would play a trick on him for revenge.


    He ran back and forth in the lobby to look for Han Yue Xiu and started to panic.


    A security guard then walked over to him with a warning not to run around in the hospital.


    Song Yi held the guard on both shoulders and described Han Yue Xiu''s to him. Once the guard pointed towards the exit, Song Yi then ran out.


    However, there were a lot of people walking around. Song Yi could only run around blindly to look for Han Yue Xiu.


    Where could this girl be hiding? Though she had long legs, it couldn''t be that she had run off too far right?


    Song Yi stopped at his track to catch up with his breath. He had both hands on his knees, but his eyes were wandering around to look for Han Yue Xiu''s figure in the crowd.


    Just as he stood up straight to look for her again, Song Yi caught Han Yue Xiu''s figure not far away from him.


    Song Yi took a deep breath and walked towards her. As he was approaching her, Song Yi tried to call out her name, however, Han Yue Xiu seemed as if she did not hear or want to stop anytime soon. She continued to walk fast, ignoring everything around her.


    Knowing that Han Yue Xiu was in a bad mood after what has been happening to her mother, Song Yi chose to follow her in silence. Anyway, that girl could be feisty when she was in such a mood. He did not want to be cannon fodder and faced her wrath.


    When did he ever have this chance to look at her for as long as he wanted? Han Yue Xiu would always give him a sharp look whenever she caught him staring.


    Fortunately, they were on a road where there were not a lot of people. At least, there won''t be anyone who would look at him strangely when they noticed that he was following her.


    At this time, Song Yi began to notice a few things about Han Yue Xiu.


    For example, her springy steps were somewhat adorable. It seemed as if every time Han Yue Xiu took a step, she was going to jump up next for a slam dunk.


    He had been watching her a few days ago and knew that Han Yue Xiu was pretty good at basketball.


    Song Yi continued to observe her and suddenly, he cleared his throat when his eyes started to wander to some places that he shouldn''t have.


    As Han Yue Xiu was about to cross the road, Song Yi noticed an upcoming car from the right. Sensing that this girl was still in absentminded, Song Yi lurched forward to pull her away.


    Thankfully, Song Yi managed to pull Han Yue Xiu away before the car could run into her.


    The driver lowered his window to mutter some curses and only left once he had given both Han Yue Xiu and Song Yi a middle finger.


    After checking that there were no injuries on her body, Song Yi looked up to meet her gaze. Instantly, he felt a surge of anger.


    "Han Yue Xiu, are you looking for death?" Song Yi shouted. "Do you know how dangerous that was? How can you cross the road without looking?"


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the man in front of her with her wide eyes. Her heart was beating furiously after that incident.


    She was not paying attention just now and was almost hit by a car. Of course, she was still in shock. However, this man in front of her continued to shout at her instead of consoling her. Han Yue Xiu opened her mouth to say something, but Song Yi continued to scold her.


    "Do you know what will happen if you were hit by that car? Your mother is now in the hospital. Do you want your parents to worry about you?"


    Feeling aggrieved that she was continuously scolded, Han Yue Xiu felt her nose and eyes started to sting. Suddenly, Han Yue Xiu raised her leg to kick Song Yi on his shin, causing the man to yelp in pain.


    "Song Yi, you idiot!"

 Chapter 170 - Did Song Yi Think of Her as a Kid?

    Song Yi was about to curse when Han Yue Xiu started to hit him hard on his ?h?st. He could only stare at this audacious girl speechlessly. He had never been hit or kicked by anyone or any girl.


    Only Han Yue Xiu was brazen enough to do those at him.


    Song Yi opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself when Han Yue Xiu started to bawl like a child. Suddenly, the anger inside of him quickly disappeared. His face paled. This was the first time that he witnessed a big girl crying this hard.


    "Hey, Han Yue Xiu, what''s wrong with you?" Suddenly, Song Yi did not know what he should do. "What is it? Are you injured?"


    Han Yue Xiu''s breath hitched. "I know I was wrong to suddenly come out without looking, but why do you have to be so fierce to me?" She shouted before she crouched down to bury her face in her knees and continue to bawl in the middle of the street.


    Suddenly, the passerby who came out of nowhere started to give him a strange look. In the end, Song Yi had no choice but to crouch down along with her and tried to coax Han Yue Xiu.


    "Alright. I know. It was my fault. Stop crying alright?" Song Yi coaxed, but Han Yue Xiu only cried harder.


    This made Song Yi panic. He did not know what he should do right now. He had never coaxed a girl before.


    If someone came and asked him to solve some programming or anything work-related, Song Yi might be able to figure it out in a short time. However, asking him to figure out what was going through Han Yue Xiu''s mind was difficult.


    He raised his hand to pat her head, but stopped himself, knowing that she did not like it when he touched her. "Don''t cry, alright?" His tone grew softer. "I''ll buy you as much candy you like? Didn''t you like that rabbit candy? I''ll get them for you."


    Han Yue Xiu chocked at her breath as she heard his words.


    Did Song Yi think of her as a kid? How can he coax her with candies?


    Actually, Han Yue Xiu has been bottling up her emotion after her mother was hospitalized.


    She was mad at her parents but she couldn''t be angry. She was sad, but she couldn''t cry in front of her mother.


    Han Yue Xiu did not know how long has she been crying, but once the tears stopped coming out, she was tired.


    Her legs were sore after crouching down for too long. Her throat was sore and at this moment, Han Yue Xiu did not doubt that her eyes would appear swollen.


    Feeling slightly embarrassed with Song Yi in front of her, Han Yue Xiu could only continue to bury her face in her knees to avoid Song Yi or any passerby to look at her face.


    "Han Yue Xiu, are you okay?" Seeing that the girl in front of him had stopped to cry, Song Yi was relieved.


    At this point, he no longer cares about how the passerby would look at them. As long as Han Yue Xiu would stop crying, Song Yi thought that he would be fine with anything.


    Han Yue Xiu''s breath hitched. Then, he replied Song Yi with a short hum.


    "You must be tired after crying so much," Song Yi said. Seeing that Han Yue Xiu did not answer, Song Yi continued to ask her a few more questions in hopes that she will lift her face and say something to him.


    Meanwhile, Han Yue Xiu was starting to get annoyed that the man in front of her could not stop chattering.


    He was always a man of few words, why did he talk so much today?


    "Song Yi," Han Yue Xiu called out with her voice hoarse.


    Hearing the change in her voice, Song Yi began to panic. "Hey, what happened to your voice?"


    Han Yue Xiu cleared her throat and said, "Why are you still here?"


    It took Song Yi a few seconds to reply. "Han Yue Xiu, did you expect me to abandon you at a place like this? What kind of person do you think I am? Is your opinion towards me is really that low?"


    Song Yi heaved a long breath when the girl did not reply to him. "Come on. Let''s go. We''ve been here long enough. You must be thirsty after crying that much."


    Han Yue Xiu continued to bury her head. She took a few deep breaths and said. "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to kick you."


    "I know."


    "Song Yi," Han Yue Xiu paused for a few seconds before she spoke again. "The doctor said that if I didn''t arrive in time, something might go wrong with my mother."


    "You were worried about your mother," Song Yi finally knew why Han Yue Xiu been crying so much.


    He had thought that she was mad at him.


    "Your mother will be alright," Song Yi said. "The doctors here are very capable. Or else, you can bring your mother back to our country and let her have her surgery there. I happen to know a good cardiologist."


    "I didn''t even know that she was unwell. It turns out that my parents been keeping this a secret from me."


    There was a brief silence between them. Song Yi finally picked up his courage and patted her hair softly as if to coax her. At a time like this, he did not know how to console her. After all, his relationship with his parents was not that good.


    "Come on. Let''s go back," Song Yi said. "Your parents must be worried about you as well."


    "I can''t go back."


    "Why not?"


    "My legs are numb. I can''t move them. Moreover, my face is swollen," Han Yue Xiu raised her head slowly and as a result, she managed to scare Song Yi with her swollen face and caused him to fall back on his bu??ock.


    "Han Yue Xiu, you¡­"


    "If you dare to say that I look ugly, I''m going to kick you again."


    Song Yi pursed his lips. After a while, he took off his jacket and put it on Han Yue Xiu''s head. "Okay, if you hid your head under this jacket, no one is going to see you, right?"


    "Thank you." Han Yue Xiu pulled at his jacket to cover her face properly. She tried to move his legs slowly and winced at the pain.


    "We should return to the apartment and let you freshen up first. Then, you''ll go back to the hospital to see your parents, alright?" Song Yi said as he helped her to stand up. "Right. You should send a message to your father and tell him that you''re alright. Earlier, he was worried about you."


    Han Yue Xiu tightened her grip at his jacket and nodded. "Oh."

 Chapter 171 - Please, Come and Kiss Me

    Back in Y City¡­


    As Li Qin Yao walked into the hotel building, the staff who saw her immediately greeted her politely.


    Nowadays, almost every staff had recognized her as the Director''s girlfriend.


    At first, Li Qin Yao was a bit uncomfortable with their extreme friendliness. However, after coming back to the hotel for a few more times, she was slowly getting used to it.


    The receptionist who saw her from afar quickly approached and led her to a special elevator.


    As usual, Secretary Tian was waiting for her in front of the elevator. Seeing her punctuality, Li Qin Yao could guess that the receptionist must have informed Secretary Tian of her arrival.


    "Miss Li, good evening. The Director is waiting for you," Secretary Tian greeted.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. The two of them chatted casually before Secretary Tian left her in front of Zhang Yu Han''s office. After knocking the door, Li Qin Yao pushed open the door and sauntered in only after she heard Zhang Yu Han''s voice.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head from the document and smiled when he saw Li Qin Yao.


    "Why are you late?" Zhang Yu Han''s voice sounded a bit complaining, but the expression on his face showed that he was glad to see her. He stood up from his chair and walked over to his girlfriend. "Is traffic bad? I told you that I can come over and pick you up after your meeting, but you wouldn''t listen."


    "The meeting ended later than expected," Li Qin Yao said. "Moreover, aren''t you busy helping Grandfather with that project in L City?"


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. He had recently found out that his girlfriend and his secretary''s relationship was pretty good. Sometimes, Li Qin Yao would ask his secretary to check on his schedule before she made a plan that would include him.


    Because he knew that she was afraid of troubling him, Zhang Yu Han could only let her do as she wanted.


    "Are you still busy?" Li Qin Yao wrapped her arms around his waist and tilted her head to look at him.


    "Hmm¡­ I just need to finish something," Zhang Yu Han said. "Then we can go out for dinner and I''ll send you back home, alright?"


    Before Li Qin Yao could answer, Zhang Yu Han, bent down to kiss her on the forehead, causing her to shrink back a little bit. Because she has been walking to the hotel, Li Qin Yao knew that her forehead must be sweaty.


    Li Qin Yao placed a hand on his ?h?st and gave him a little push. "You should get back to work. Or else, we''ll be late for dinner."


    For the sake of going out for dinner with his girlfriend, Zhang Yu Han could only do his work diligently. Moreover, he had promised to accompany Li Qin Yao to go back to Capital City to attend her cousin''s wedding soon.


    As Zhang Yu Han sat down and dealt with his work, Li Qin Yao sat on her usual spot at the sofa to sent an e-mail to Liang Sheng over the meeting discussion earlier.


    Just as Li Qin Yao pressed on the send e-mail bu??on, Zhang Yu Han called her name and gestured her to come over. Li Qin Yao stood up and walked over. When she reached by his side, Zhang Yu Han passed a stack of papers at her.


    "I forgot to show this to you earlier," Zhang Yu Han said. He pushed the ??ptop screen to face her and opened a document. "The architect sent me an e-mail on the hotel designing. What do you think?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the computer screen, and then, at the stack of papers in her hand. The two of them then began to discuss a little bit about the design.


    Once Zhang Yu Han had listened to her opinion, he then turned back to his computer. Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao leaned on his desk in a half-sitting position while looking at the data on the papers.


    Finding a piece of information that she did not understand, Li Qin Yao then turned to Zhang Yu Han to ask. However, once she saw her that he was too concentrated on his job, Li Qin Yao paused.


    Because she was still standing and Zhang Yu Han was sitting in his chair, Li Qin Yao was able to look at him properly. She stood there, watching him for a while longer, admiring his good look, but that man did not even notice that she was staring.


    Li Qin Yao curved her lips into a smile. She put the stack of paper slowly on the table and called out his name. "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?" Zhang Yu Han turned to look at her with a questioning gaze.


    Before he could ask her what was wrong, Li Qin Yao had already bent down to kiss him softly on his lips. Once Li Qin Yao pulled away, she could see an apparent excitement on his face.


    "What is that for?" Zhang Yu Han smiled.


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways. "What? I cannot kiss my boyfriend?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "That''s not it." He leaned back on his chair and with a slightly pouted face, he said, "Other than the first time, you never initiated to kiss me."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him for a while and let out a small laugh. "Isn''t it because you''re too tall? Even if I stood tiptoed, I still cannot be looking at you face to face, right?"


    Now that he thought about it, Zhang Yu Han wondered if her neck would strain every time he kissed her for a long time. Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at her and for the first time, he thought of how their difference in height can be an inconvenience as well.


    As Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at her in his position, suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. He continued to stare at Li Qin Yao and blinked at her a few times as if trying to convey something.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Sensing his strange stare, and that strange expression, Li Qin Yao started to feel a bit uneasy.


    However, Zhang Yu Han did not say anything but continue to stare at her in a cutesy way.


    "Zhang Yu Han, what are you..." Li Qin Yao trailed off.


    This strange look on his face... his expression was screaming, ''please, come and kiss me''.


    Once she understood his gaze, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she should laugh or cry. Slowly, she approached him again to kiss his lips again.


    The first time Li Qin Yao sneaked to kiss him, he was unprepared. This time, Zhang Yu Han cupped his hand on the back of her neck to hold her in place and reciprocate her kiss.

 Chapter 172 - Accidentally Got Carried Away

    Li Qin Yao did not know how long has passed, but it was when her phone was ringing from across the room that she realized how improper her position was.


    The two of them panted with their foreheads pressed together. Her both hands were resting on Zhang Yu Han''s shoulder, and she was standing on one leg. To stabilized herself, Li Qin Yao had her knees pressed on the leather chair, just between his crotch.


    She was only planning to give him a short kiss. How did it turn to this?


    It seemed that once she had a higher ground, Li Qin Yao accidentally got carried away.


    Li Qin Yao pulled away from Zhang Yu Han and stared at him in a daze. The way Zhang Yu Han was looking at her made her red face turned another shade darker. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was embarrassed by her action.


    She tried to stand up to fetch her phone, but Li Qin Yao soon realized that she was unable to move. Zhang Yu Han had his hand on the back of her head, preventing her from escaping.


    "I need to answer my phone," Li Qin Yao whispered.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he heard her words but it does not seem as if he had the intention to let her go.


    Seeing the way this woman smiled teasingly at him, Zhang Yu Han suddenly regretted his decision to play with fire. Now that he had tasted her kiss, it was difficult for him to let go.


    The phone across the room started to blast off again.


    Li Qin Yao gave him a peck on his lips and called his name, "Zhang Yu Han."


    With a heavy sigh, Zhang Yu Han finally released his hands to let her go.


    Li Qin Yao stood up abruptly and walked away to fetch her phone on the sofa. Her mood changed when she saw her mother''s name on the screen. Li Qin Yao quickly slid her finger across the screen and placed it to her ear.


    "Why did you take so long to answer?" Xu Yilan said before her daughter could properly greet her.


    "I was away," Li Qin Yao said. She cleared her throat and immediately changed the conversation. "Mom, why did you call? Are you back from the outstation?"


    "Hmm," Xu Yilan answered. "I was going to ask if you have any plan for dinner."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at Zhang Yu Han across the room. His head bowed to look at the documents on his table.


    "Are you with Yu Han?" Xu Yilan guessed when her daughter did not answer immediately.


    Li Qin Yao bit her slightly swollen lips as she nodded. "Un."


    "Well, that''s perfect. Ask him to come over to our place to have dinner together," Xu Yilan said. "Anyway, one of the light bulbs in the living room is broken. I can ask him to change them as well."


    Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle. Then, she spoke in a low voice, "Mom, are you really inviting him for dinner, or are you only inviting him over to let him change the bulb for you?"


    "What''s wrong with taking advantage of his height? Anyway, if you cannot rely on him on a small matter, how can you hope to rely on him for something big?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. She chatted with her mother a little bit and turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Zhang Yu Han." She watched him lifted his face to look at her and continued, "My mother invited you to come over to our place for dinner. Do you want to come?"


    ¡­


    When both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao arrived at her apartment, the sky has already turned dark. The couple went into the apartment building carrying a few bags of fruits and health supplements that Zhang Yu Han insisted on buying.


    As they walked into the house, both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao could smell the delicious food that Xu Yilan had cooked.


    Xu Yilan was carrying a bowl of steaming dishes into the dining room she saw the couple walked in. Zhang Yu Han greeted his future mother-in-law politely and handed over the item he bought with him.


    "Why did you bought so much?" Xu Yilan said as she peered into the bags. "Come. Go and wash your hands. Then, we can have dinner together. I don''t know what you like, so I just cook whatever available in the refrigerator."


    "Auntie, don''t worry. I''m not picky about food," Zhang Yu Han said. He looked at the dishes on the table and noted that those dishes were what he usually ate with Li Qin Yao. Because he often accompanied Li Qin Yao to eat out, Zhang Yu Han grew to like those dishes.


    Soon, the three of them began to have their meal together while chatting about their daily life.


    "Right, Yu Han, I went to that health club that you suggested the other day with a friend," Xu Yilan said to Zhang Yu Han. "But, my friend mentioned that the club is quite expensive. Is that really alright?"


    "Auntie, don''t worry about the price. That health club is in collaboration with our hotel. It didn''t cost a lot," Zhang Yu Han said. "Next time if you wanted to visit the health club again, you can use that card that I gave you the last time. You don''t need to worry about the expense."


    Li Qin Yao watched as her mother picked up a dish for Zhang Yu Han and wonder when did her boyfriend give her mother a card to the health club.


    When did the two of them contact each other behind her back?


    Now that she thought about it, Li Qin Yao was sure that he had not received any card to that same expensive health club from Zhang Yu Han. She turned to Zhang Yu Han with an inquiring gaze and he only replied to her with a smile.


    Li Qin Yao made a mental note to ask her Zhang Yu Han about this matter before he went back home.


    After dinner, Li Qin Yao helped her mother to clean the dishes and got shooed away. When she came back into the living room, Zhang Yu Han was in the middle of changing a light bulb for her mother. Li Qin Yao watched him from a distance and was about to head over to help him stabilized the chair under him when her phone rang.


    Li Qin Yao walked over to the sofa where she had left her purse and took out her phone. A small smile appeared on her lips when she looked at the name on the screen. Swiftly, Li Qin Yao slid her finger on that green bu??on to pick up the call.


    "Yue Xiu," Li Qin Yao called out cheerily. "What is it? Why did you call me at a time like this?" She glanced at the clock and realized that it was still early in Country S.


    "Yao Yao." As compared to Li Qin Yao, Han Yue Xiu''s voice was not as cheery. "I need your help."

 Chapter 173 - Help to Contact a Doctor

    From Han Yue Xiu''s tone of voice, Li Qin Yao could sense that something does not seem right. Li Qin Yao smiled at Zhang Yu Han and turned around to return to her room before she started to speak again, "Yue Xiu, what''s wrong?"


    "It''s my mother," Han Yue Xiu said. She took a deep breath and started to tell her friend of her mother''s heart condition.


    Li Qin Yao gripped the front of her shirt as she listened to Han Yue Xiu''s story. She had thought that Han Yue Xiu was enjoying time with her parents with the festivity season last week. She did not think that her friend and her family were facing something so difficult.


    Although she wished that Han Yue Xiu would share her difficulties with her sooner so that she can be by her friend''s side, Li Qin Yao knew that Han Yue Xiu was busy looking after her mother.


    She hoped that she can be presented beside her friend after what she has been through, but at this moment, she could not do anything but to offer a few comforting words.


    "Supposedly, there shouldn''t be any problem with my mom''s upcoming surgery, but after viewing her case, they were afraid that there might be some complication and they were not confident that they can continue with the surgery. After some discussion with my dad, we decided to bring her back and consult the specialists there," Han Yue Xiu paused. "I heard that there is a good cardiologist in Capital City."


    "You want me to help contact that doctor?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Hmm¡­ can you?"


    "Of course I can," Li Qin Yao said. "Don''t worry. I will help you to contact that doctor and book an appointment. Later, you just need to send me the name of that doctor. When are you planning to return?"


    "Our flight is scheduled the day after tomorrow. We''re planning to head straight to Capital City and stayed with my dad''s brother for a while."


    "Yue Xiu is there anything else I can help you with?"


    "It''s fine. Thank you, but Yao Yao you don''t have to worry about me," Han Yue Xiu said. "My ex-boss, Song Yi stayed around these past few days. Surprisingly, he has been a great help."


    Li Qin Yao wanted to ask about things between Han Yue Xiu and her ex-boss, but this was not the appropriate time. She continued to chat with Han Yue Xiu about her mother''s condition for a while longer.


    Once she hung up the call, Li Qin Yao immediately sent a text to her former ?ssistant, Bei Ruo Xi, to help her check about this doctor.


    When she looked up, Li Qin Yao caught Zhang Yu Han standing at the door. She gave him a faint smile and he immediately walked in and sat beside her on the bed.


    "How long have you been there," Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Just for a while. Your mother asked me to help with a few other things." Zhang Yu Han helped to push back a few strands of hair behind her hair. "What''s wrong?"


    Li Qin Yao leaned her head on his ?h?st and Zhang Yu Han immediately wrapped his arms around her body to comfort her.


    "Yue Xiu''s mom was admitted to the hospital," Li Qin Yao said before she told her boyfriend of the situation.


    Seeing the unhappy expression on her face made Zhang Yu Han''s heart ached.


    He knew that as compared to him, Li Qin Yao did not have many friends around her. Han Yue Xiu was his girlfriend''s oldest friend. Because they were previously neighbors, Zhang Yu Han had heard that their mothers were close.


    Surely at this time, Li Qin Yao would be distressed over her friend''s worry.


    "I can ask Xiao Ye to contact this doctor for you," Zhang Yu Han offered.


    "It''s fine. I already asked a friend to contact this doctor for me," Li Qin Yao said. "It shouldn''t be a problem."


    Zhang Yu Han continued to pat her on her back. He had nearly forgotten that before Li Qin Yao moved in with her mother in B City, she had been staying in Capital City for years. Surely, she had more connections in Capital City more than he does.


    After a long silence between them, Li Qin Yao spoke again. "Zhang Yu Han, I''m planning to head over to Capital City to meet them. "


    "Okay."


    "I don''t feel good if I don''t handle this myself. After all, Yue Xiu''s family is good to me and my mother. My cousin''s wedding is in the next two weeks. And most of my job can be delegated to Liang Sheng and the others anyway. So, it should be alright if I head over earlier than plan."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. He thought over the piling work in his office and knew that even if he wanted to accompany her, he could not be irresponsible and leave his work just like that.


    After a few seconds have passed, Zhang Yu Han finally answered. "Okay. When are you planning to go?"


    "The day after tomorrow."


    The frown on his face deepened at the thought that he will not be able to see his girlfriend for almost two weeks. The last time they were apart for too long was a few days after she had agreed to date him.


    Sensing that something does not feel right, Li Qin Yao pulled away to look at her boyfriend. "What''s wrong?"


    "Almost two weeks... That''s too long," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her boyfriend for a while and soon understood what he was hinting.


    The two of them would spend most of their time together whenever they''re free. Even when they were busy, they would still make time for each other. To others who knew them, the couple was inseparable.


    Indeed, it was too long.


    But this was something that she wanted to do for Yue Xiu and her mother.


    Seeing the uneasy look on his girlfriend''s face, Zhang Yu Han felt a bit guilty. He took a deep breath and patted her on her head. "It''s fine. We will still meet in Capital City to attend your cousin''s wedding together, right?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "Well then, let me pick you up and send you over to the airport on that day, alright?"

 Chapter 174 - Win the Mothers Heart

    When Xu Yilan heard that her good friend was unwell, she immediately volunteered to come along with her daughter to head over to Capital City. The Han family was a good neighbor. When Xu Yilan first moved to B City, the Han couple would often look after her. Of course, she would not be at ease if she did not visit them.


    Zhang Yu Han showed up at their apartment building and sent them both to the airport.


    Knowing that Zhang Yu Han drove back and forth from Y City made Xu Yilan uneasy. However, Zhang Yu Han ensured that he was not troubled at all.


    After interacting with Zhang Yu Han a few more time, Xu Yilan was even more satisfied with her daughter''s boyfriend. Anyway, as long as that person treated her daughter well, she would be contented. Xu Yilan could see that Zhang Yu Han treated her daughter good. It was apparent from the way her daughter would look or talk about her boyfriend.


    Seeing the two''s relationship, Xu Yilan heaved a sigh in relief.


    Once they arrived at the airport, Zhang Yu Han found a parking space and helped them with their luggage. Once he had helped the mother and daughter to check in, Zhang Yu Han stayed around with them until it was time for their flight.


    As the three of them hang around in a cafe, Li Qin Yao left briefly to the restroom. When she came back, Li Qin Yao could see that both her mother and her boyfriend were chatting happily.


    Once Xu Yilan saw that her daughter had returned, she took her turn to go to the restroom.


    Li Qin Yao sat beside her boyfriend and nudged his arms. "What did you and my mother talked about?"


    "Nothing much. Just a little bit of this and that."


    Narrowing her eyes, Li Qin Yao continued to ask, "You seemed very close to my mother."


    Zhang Yu Han saw the questioning look in her eyes and smiled. He bopped her nose and said, "I heard that to win someone''s daughter, one must try to win the mother''s heart first." Seeing that they were alone, Zhang Yu instinctively leaned forward to kiss her but stopped when she put a hand on his ?h?st to stop him.


    "My mom is here!" Li Qin Yao said urgently.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath to calm down. Of course... in front of his future mother-in-law, Zhang Yu Han was planning to protect his image.


    Though he wanted to punish this girl with a kiss, Zhang Yu Han knew that he shouldn''t be doing that in public. Anyway, he was afraid that her mother would really show up behind him.


    Zhang Yu Han could tell that Xu Yilan had taken to like him and had approved of his relationship with Li Qin Yao. To Li Qin Yao, her mother was the most important person in her life. Therefore, he did not want to mess things up. That was why he tried hard to win his future mother-in-law''s approval.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. Once she calmed down, she tilted her head sideways and said, "That''s right, I heard that you gave my mother a membership card to that expensive health club. How come I didn''t get any membership card?"


    This time, it was Zhang Yu Han''s turn to laugh. "You won''t need a card. The last time you come to the club with my sister, the management already taken your details and remember your face. The next time you come to that health club, you can just walk in without any reservation."


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han did not tell her that every time she visited the health club, she did not have to pay anything. Her bills would be directed to his account.


    Li Qin Yao stared at him in dumbfounded. She was only trying to tease him. She did not expect that Zhang Yu Han would let the management to remember her face or details.


    Zhang Yu Han merely smiled at the way his girlfriend was staring at him. "I have already instructed Xiao Ye to pick you and your mother at the airport. He will look after you during your stay in Capital City."


    "You don''t need to trouble your ?ssistant. I''m sure that he has a lot of other things to do."


    "Nonsense. Xiao Ye is usually free," Zhang Yu Han said.


    If Xiao Ye heard his boss''s words, he will definitely cry in aggrieved. Because he was sent over to deal with things in Capital City for Zhang Yu Han, he had a lot of tasks piling on his table. He was not less busy than his boss.


    "Besides," Zhang Yu Han continued. "You and your mother are staying at our hotel. Of course, I have to make sure that everything will be perfect. You are a guest."


    When Zhang Yu Han heard that Li Qin Yao would not be staying at her grandparents'' house, he immediately offered the mother and daughter to stay at their hotel. Li Qin Yao could only accept his arrangement or else, this man would be overly worried.


    As Xu Yilan returned to their side, there was an announcement calling for Li Qin Yao and her mother''s flight. Zhang Yu Han helped them with their belongings, but as they almost reached the gate, Xu Yilan suddenly sped up and walked into the gate without waiting for her daughter.


    Seeing the way her mother acted, Li Qin Yao could only laugh. She turned to Zhang Yu Han and said, "My mother likes you."


    "Isn''t that a good thing?" Zhang Yu Han let out a soft chuckle. "Qin Yao, I''m going to miss you," He spoke in his low voice. As he put his arms around her waist, Zhang Yu Han could feel that she was slightly trembling.


    Fearing that she might be cold, Zhang Yu Han adjusted her jacket before he pulled her closer to kiss her. "Have a safe flight. Call me when you arrived at the hotel."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She tilted her head up to look at him and knew that she was going to miss him too. They have spent most of their time together. It would be strange that she was not going to see him for almost two weeks.


    The two of them exchanged a few more words and kisses before Zhang Yu Han released her to let her walk into the departure gate.


    This time, the atmosphere felt different than the first time Zhang Yu Han sent to the airport. As Li Qin Yao thought of the last time, her lips curved into a smile.

 Chapter 175 - I Miss You

    The sky has already turned dark when they reached Capital City. Once they landed, Li Qin Yao sent a quick text to her boyfriend and a promise to call him when she arrived at the hotel.


    As the mother and daughter walked out of the arrival hall, Xiao Ye was already waiting for them. Li Qin Yao introduced her mother to Xiao Ye and after a brief exchange, Xiao Ye took them to the vehicle and drove to The Orchid.


    Once Xiao Ye had handled their check-in procedure, he personally led them towards a suite. It was a two-bedroom suite with twenty-four hours butler at their service.


    Seeing the atmosphere and decorating of the suite, Xu Yilan immediately turned to Xiao Ye. Zhang Yu Han''s ?ssistant was standing near the wide-open door with a polite smile on his face.


    "Are you sure that you did not give us the wrong room?" Xu Yilan asked. "There''s just the two of us. Why did you give such a big room."


    Xiao Ye smiled politely. "This is what the Director had ordered. He wanted both of you to have the best."


    Xu Yilan was about to say something when her daughter put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.


    "Ma, it''s fine," Li Qin Yao said.


    Xu Yilan heaved a sigh. Anyway, since this was Zhang Yu Han''s intention, she could only accept this. At least they did not have to worry about their lodgings for the time being. As Xu Yilan straightened up her thinking, she then walked over into the bedroom.


    At this time, there was a knock on the door. A hotel attendant stood at the door, carrying a box. After handing over the box to Xiao Ye and whispering a few words, the attendant then left.


    "Miss Li, this is a gift from Director Zhang," Xiao Ye said as he handed over the box.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the familiar pastel pink box and laughed. She did not have to peek inside the box to know that there were Chef Qin''s pastries inside. "Thank you, Xiao Ye."


    "No problem," Xiao Ye nodded. "Miss Li, if there''s anything, you can always reach me via my private number. Director Zhang had reminded me to look after you and your mother during your stay in Capital City." After exchanging a few more words, Xiao Ye then leave.


    Li Qin Yao opened the pastel pink box, picked up the strawberry cheesecake, took a bite, and heaved a satisfied sigh.


    Although she too had strawberry cheesecake in her cafe''s menu, Li Qin Yao thought that the difference was too great. Chef Qin''s creation was more delicious and delicate. Even the presentation looks outstanding.


    After she finished that one slice of cheesecake, Li Qin Yao went to her mother''s room. Once she noticed that her mother was in the bathroom, Li Qin Yao went into the opposite bedroom and took out her phone. After a few seconds, an image of Zhang Yu Han appeared on the screen.


    Seeing her boyfriend''s face, Li Qin Yao''s lips curved into a smile. However, that smile froze when she noticed the background. "You''re still in the office."


    Zhang Yu Han stiffened at her words. He recovered after a few seconds and smiled. "Hmm¡­ I was afraid that I might still be on the road when your call comes in. I''ll go back after this."


    Zhang Yu Han had returned to the office after he sent both Li Qin Yao and her mother to the airport. Since he did not have a date with his girlfriend like he usually does, Zhang Yu Han did not look at the time and forgot that he still needed to return.


    "Are you busy?"


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh and decided to confess. "Just a little bit. Grandfather asked me to help to look into that hotel in L City."


    Li Qin Yao felt warmth spreading in her heart. This man was even busier than her but he still made his time to send both her and her mother to the airport.


    Using the time for him to drive over to B City to see her, he could deal with his work and maybe concentrate on another matter. Li Qin Yao knew that time is precious especially for someone like her and Zhang Yu Han.


    Even if they could always arrange to meet on certain days and hang out with each other through video calls like they did now, Li Qin Yao thought that it was not the same. She liked spending time with him even if all they did was to tell each other about their day.


    Moreover, she liked hearing his voice when he was so close to her.


    Zhang Yu Han''s voice in person sounded better than on the phone.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao reached her hand to touch the face on the screen. "Zhang Yu Han, I miss you."


    Zhang Yu Han, who was in the middle of telling her about the problem they encountered to purchase that hotel in L City suddenly paused. He looked back at the screen and smiled. "I miss you too."


    Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. "Right. I received that box of pastries. Thank you."


    "I know you liked them," Zhang Yu Han said. "That''s why I asked Chef Qin to prepare them and had them deliver it to you once you arrived."


    The two of them chatted a bit and Li Qin Yao briefed him about her plan tomorrow to visit Han Yue Xiu and her mother. Once they hung out, Li Qin Yao walked out of the room and saw her mother watching some news on the television.


    "I thought you went to bed early," Li Qin Yao said.


    "I couldn''t sleep," Xu Yilan said. She turned to her daughter and patted the seat next to her.


    Li Qin Yao walked over and sat beside her mother. Then, she rested her head on her mother''s ??ps and turned to look at the television. "Mom, are you sure you did not want to attend Li Ming Han''s wedding? Grandmother and grandfather would be happy to see you again, you know?"


    Xu Yilan patted her daughter on her hair and smiled. "It''s fine. If I wanted to meet your grandparents I will arrange for another day. Even if I come to that wedding, your grandparents would be too busy greeting their guests."


    Li Qin Yao sighed knowing that her mother was not ready to meet her grandparents yet.


    "But Yao Yao," Xu Yilan hesitated. "Since I''m going to stay here for a while, I was hoping that you would accompany me somewhere."


    Li Qin Yao turned to her mother and asked, "Where do you want to go?"


    "To visit your father and brother."

 Chapter 176 - Pressing President Li to Get Married

    The next morning, Li Qin Yao and her mother went to the hotel''s coffee house for breakfast. When they arrived, Li Qin Yao''s former ?ssistant, Bei Ruo Xi, was waiting for her. The three of them exchanged a brief greeting before walking into the coffee house for breakfast together.


    After choosing the food they wanted, they walked over to a table and had their breakfast.


    "How was the arrangement? Is everything alright?" Li Qin Yao asked in the middle of their meal.


    "Miss Li, you don''t have to worry. I''ve contacted the doctor as per your request," Bei Ruo Xi spoke. She stirred her coffee and took a few sips. "Initially, the hospital said that the doctor was too busy, but after reviewing Mrs. Han''s case, he changed his mind and agreed."


    Both Li Qin Yao and her mother heaved a sigh with relief.


    "Have you visited them?" Xu Yilan asked. "How is Mrs. Han? Is she alright?"


    "When I visited Mrs. Han yesterday, Mrs. Han seemed in a good spirit," Bei Ruo Xi said and smiled. "The doctors were going to observe Mrs. Han for a while before they decide to operate on her."


    Xu Yilan nodded. Once she finished her breakfast, Xu Yilan left the table and head back to the room to give the two of them a chance to talk. Anyway, it was still too early before they can visit Mrs. Han in the hospital.


    Seeing that her mother had left, Li Qin Yao wiped her hand on the napkin and looked at Bei Ruo Xi. "How was the company recently? Li Ming Han wedding banquet is in next week. Come. Tell me what''s the latest gossip?"


    Bei Ruo Xi was silent for a while. Of course, she understood that Li Qin Yao was asking her regarding Zhao Wei''s movement.


    "Previously when Director Li announced his wedding, Manager Zhao was furious," Bei Ruo Xi said. "I heard that Manager Zhao went to look for Chairman Li. But I''m guessing that Manager Zhao did not get what she wanted. Anyway, Manager Zhao returned to her room and started to smash a few things in her office."


    Li Qin Yao drank her coffee silently. She could guess that her second aunt wanted to change her grandfather''s mind about the wedding and was furious upon knowing that Li Ming Han had already registered his marriage with his wife, Bai Qing Qing.


    "Recently, I heard that Manager Zhao is pressing President Li to get married," Bei Ruo Xi said. "It seemed that President Li was forced to attend to a few blind dates as well. I happen to run into President Li and his blind date not too long ago."


    Li Qin Yao thought about Li Mu Bai who was forced to attend a few blind dates and laughed. She can almost imagine Li Mu Bai attending Li Ming Han wedding banquet with one of the blind dates arranged by his mother.


    Since Li Ming Han was marrying someone with a powerful family, there was no way that her aunt, Zhao Wei would let it go. Since she could not do anything about Li Ming Han''s marriage, Zhao Wei was going to make her son marry someone more outstanding.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao had no doubt that Li Mu Chen will have to face the same fate.


    Anyway, Li Qin Yao could never understand what her aunt, Zhao Wei wanted. Her son, Li Mu Bai was already the president of QL Group. When she created that scandal that made her leave QL Group, was she not aiming for that position for her son?


    Now that she got what she wanted, what else did she want to do?


    However, it was a good thing to hear that her aunt was busy with her Li Mu Bai''s matter. At least for now, she did not have time to meddle with her project in B City.


    An hour later, Bei Ruo Xi excused herself and returned to the company. Li Qin Yao then went to look for her mother and the two of them decided to go to the hospital to visit Mrs. Han.


    When Xiao Ye heard that the mother and daughter were going out, he immediately prepared a driver for them. Seeing that she have no way to reject him, both Li Qin Yao and her mother accepted Xiao Ye''s offer.


    The two of them arrived at the hospital and immediately went to find Mrs. Han''s room. When they arrived, only both Mrs. Han and Han Yue Xiu were in the room. After exchanging a few words, Li Qin Yao grabbed Han Yue Xiu''s arms and the two of them went out for a walk, leaving their mothers to catch up.


    The two of them bought some milk tea and walked around the hospital garden.


    "Yao Yao, thank you for your help," Han Yue Xiu said.


    "Don''t mention it," Li Qin Yao waved her hand. "I didn''t do anything much. It was Bei Ruo Xi who helped to contact the doctor."


    Han Yue Xiu smiled before she took a sip from her milk tea. "You''re coming over to Capital City to visit me and my mother here, won''t Mister Zhang feel aggrieved that he was left alone for too long?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "He''ll come over next week to attend my cousin''s wedding."


    "That''s right. I have almost forgotten that you were going to introduce Mister Zhang as your boyfriend to your grandparents. Anyway, I should be wishing you good luck."


    Li Qin Yao nudged her friend on her waist. "Now you''re making me nervous."


    "What''s there to be nervous about?" Han Yue Xiu leaned on the bench. "Before I left, the two of you were not even in a relationship. And now, even your mother had turned to like him. Mister Zhang is formidable. I have a good feeling that your grandparents'' will have a good opinion about him."


    Li Qin Yao shook her head and laughed. She could almost imagine that the proud look on Zhang Yu Han''s face if he heard Han Yue Xiu''s comment.


    Thinking about that man... Li Qin Yao suddenly realized that she missed him. She glanced at her wristwatch and thought that at this time, Zhang Yu Han should be in his office.


    Li Qin Yao paused when she noticed a familiar man who was on the phone. Judging from his expression, one could tell that it was a serious conversation. Li Qin Yao turned to Han Yue Xiu and whispered, "Right, I''ve been wanting to ask you what is it with you and your ex-boss? He''s still going after you?"


    Han Yue Xiu followed her gaze and heaved a sigh. "I don''t know. At least, for now, he had stopped forcing me to be with him. Since he had helped me a lot in S Country, I thought I should at least treat him as a friend." Han Yue Xiu immediately changed their subject later on. She cast another look at Song Yi and frowned.


    Recently, she had noticed that Song Yi was on the phone a lot. Suddenly, she was curious about who was Song Yi talking to.

 Chapter 177 - Li Mu Chens Sudden Enthusiasm

    In the past few days, the mother and daughter have been spending their time back and forth from the hotel and the hospital. As she has been in Capital City for a few days, Li Qin Yao decided to visit her grandparents.


    Since Liang Sheng will come over to meet her grandfather with the progress report on B City, Li Qin Yao had thought that it would be a perfect time for her to tag along.


    When Li Qin Yao arrived, she could not help but notice the lively atmosphere.


    Surprisingly, both her second uncle and youngest aunt''s family was around. When Li Qin Yao walked in, everyone turned to look at her. Some with a smile, and some with not so happy face. Of course, her aunt, Zhao Wei, and her cousin, Li Mu Chen were those who were not happy to see her.


    Li Qin Yao greeted the elders politely and had a brief conversation with her youngest auntie.


    Because of Li Ming Han''s wedding, her youngest aunt and her family have been staying with her grandparents and will only return to C Country once the wedding ended.


    Li Qin Yao sent a bag of fruits to the housekeeper, Auntie Han, and asked, "Auntie Han, where my grandparents?"


    "Old Madam is resting in her room and Old Master is in his office," Auntie Han answered.


    Hearing Auntie Han''s answer, Li Qin Yao decided to visit her grandfather first. "Has Liang Sheng arrived yet?"


    Auntie Han nodded. "Liang Sheng and Young Master Mu Bai went into the Old Master''s office not too long ago."


    "Thank you, Auntie Han." Li Qin Yao watched the housekeeper retreated into the kitchen and went towards the stairs to find her grandfather.


    However, just before Li Qin Yao could take a step, she noticed a presence behind her. Turning around, Li Qin Yao found her cousin, Li Mu Chen stood behind her with her arms crossed on her ?h?st.


    "Li Qin Yao, you stop there," Li Mu Chen said.


    Li Qin Yao put a hand on her temple and sighed. When she walked in and saw that this cousin was around, Li Qin Yao had a hunch that Li Mu Chen will come and find trouble with her. "What do you want? Make it fast. I still have to meet grandfather to discuss something."


    Li Mu Chen stiffened at her cousin''s impatient tone. She opened her mouth to say something but paused when she caught the sight of their cousin, Lin Nan Feng walking towards them with a bag of potato chips in his hand. Li Mu Chen was planning to wait until that cousin to walk away before she would force Li Qin Yao to listen to her, but Lin Nan Fen only stood there to watch them as if waiting for a good show.


    Annoyed, Li Mu Chen turned to the teenager and said, "What are you doing here?"


    "I stay here," Lin Nan Feng replied lazily. "What about you?" Then, he picked up another chip and started munching without the intention to move away from his spot.


    The last time, he had accidentally seen how Li Mu Chen and her mother bullied Li Qin Yao. Of course, now that he saw the two girls together, Lin Nan Feng knew that there will be a good show if he stayed.


    Li Mu Chen rolled her eyes in frustration. She turned around to suggest Li Qin Yao to find another place to talk. However, the person she was looking for was already upstairs.


    Gritting her teeth, Li Mu Chen then hurried upstairs to chase after her cousin. Just before Li Qin Yao reached their grandfather''s office, Li Mu Chen had pulled her aside.


    "I told you to wait for me, did you not hear me?"


    "I also told you to make it fast. I saw that you wanted to talk to Nan Feng. Why would I want to stay around." Li Qin Yao stared at Li Mu Chen''s hand on her arm and frowned. "What do you want?"


    "Yao Yao¡­"


    Li Qin Yao suddenly shivered at the way Li Mu Chen called her name intimately. She rubbed her arms and took a step back.


    "You should tell grandfather that you want me to ?ssist you in that project in B City," Li Mu Chen said.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her in disbelief. Li Mu Chen must be crazy if she thought that she will allow Li Mu Chen to get close to her and her project. "But I don''t want you to ?ssist me. I have enough help and staff."


    "You know how grandfather likes it when we cousins working together," Li Mu Chen tugged at her arms again when that Li Qin Yao was trying to leave. "You know that I''m new in this business. Was it bad for you to teach me a thing or two? Yao Yao, I would love to learn from you!"


    Li Qin Yao frowned at Li Mu Chen''s sudden enthusiasm. "I''ll think about it," she spoke after a few seconds.


    Li Mu Chen''s face brightened up. "Really?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao forced a smile. Then she swiftly walked around Li Mu Chen and quickly knocked on her grandfather''s door. Anyway, she was too lazy to deal with Li Mu Chen and that was the only way to get rid of her quickly. Besides, she only told Li Mu Chen that she was going to think about it, and had not agreed on anything.


    Li Qin Yao walked into her grandfather''s office and found both Liang Sheng and her cousin, Li Mu Bai inside.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao greeted her grandfather and took a seat on the couch to join in their conversation.


    After the briefing ended, Li Ren Xin sent the others out and let Li Qin Yao stay around. Seeing that her grandfather had something to say to her, Li Qin Yao then chose to sit down.


    "Will you be staying here?" Li Ren Xin spoke. "Your grandmother missed you."


    "No. This time, I''m staying over at a hotel," Li Qin Yao said. "My mother is in the city to visit her friends."


    Li Ren Xin paused. He cleared his throat and said, "Then, at least stay around and have lunch together. Your grandmother is cooking a feast." He lowered his gaze for a second and lifted his face to look at her granddaughter with a complicated gaze. "Will your mother attend Ming Han''s wedding?"


    "She''s not."


    Li Ren Xin heaved a heavy sigh. How many years have passed since they have seen each other? The last time Li Ren Xin had seen Li Qin Yao''s mother was a day before the divorce.


    "Yao Yao," he hesitated. "If it''s possible, could you arrange a meeting for me and your mother?"


    Li Qin Yao bit her lips. She knew how much her mother wanted to avoid meeting her paternal grandparents. However, as she looked into her grandfather''s eyes, Li Qin Yao was reluctant to reject it. "My mother and I are planning to visit father tomorrow morning," she said.


    Li Ren Xin''s eyes brightened at his granddaughter''s hint.

 Chapter 178 - Visiting the Cemetery

    "Qin Yao, which color do you prefer? Blue or pink?"


    "Blue," Li Qin Yao answered without hesitation. After a few seconds, Li Qin Yao noticed that it was a strange question coming from Zhang Yu Han. "Why are you asking me this?"


    "Nothing. I was thinking about which necktie should I wear to the wedding. Anyway, what''s wrong with wanting to know my girlfriend''s preferred color?"


    Li Qin Yao frowned at his answer. Somehow she had a doubt that he was choosing necktie. Or else, he would not mention pink. "Then, what color did you prefer?"


    "Of course I would choose blue."


    Li Qin Yao chuckled, knowing that Zhang Yu Han was probably planning something. "Zhang Yu Han, when will you arrive in Capital City?"


    "Did you miss me?"


    "Un. I miss you."


    The smile on Zhang Yu Han''s face widened.


    Secretary Tian, who happened to be in the same room, preparing his coffee, suddenly stopped when she saw the Director''s gentle smile. Before her boss could say anything, Secretary Tian placed the coffee mug on the table and silently retreated.


    "Grandfather and I should be arriving tomorrow evening," Zhang Yu Han said as he watched the closing door.


    "Grandfather will be coming too?"


    "Hmm¡­ Grandfather and Yu Ying will be coming along. Since you have invited me to attend the wedding banquet as your plus one, of course, grandfather had to come as Zhang Group''s representative," Zhang Yu Han said. "But I think Grandfather only wanted to come to Capital City to eat. Assistant Huo mentioned that he surveying a few restaurants."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Then, should I come over and pick you up at the airport?"


    "It''s fine. Xiao Ye will come and pick us. I''ll meet you at the hotel," Zhang Yu Han said.


    The two of them chatted for a while longer and soon, Li Qin Yao exited her room and met her mother in the living room. The two of them had their breakfast at the coffee house and hopped into the vehicle that Xiao Ye had prepared for them.


    She had promised her mother that they will be visiting the cemetery.


    After almost half an hour of travel, the two of them arrived at a cemetery area. With two bouquets of flowers in her hand, Li Qin Yao led her mother to an area, and soon, they arrived at her father''s resting place.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the name and picture on that tomb for a while and placed a bouquet on her father''s tomb.


    As Li Qin Yao continued to stare at her father''s picture, her eyes started to sting and soon tears dropped on her face. It felt like has been a long time since she had come over and visited this place.


    After her parents'' divorce, she had stayed with her father and her grandparents. Therefore, she was closer to her father than to her mother. Back then, it was her father who taught her everything she needed to know about the property business.


    When she had to step down from her position after that scandal, Li Qin Yao did not dare to come to this place again. She thought that she had disappointed her father.


    Turning her gaze around, Li Qin Yao then stared at the tomb not far away from her father''s. She put another bouquet down and on the tomb and stared at the picture of her brother that she had never met. This brother was also the reason why her mother did not like to drink alcohol.


    Before her parents had her, they had a son. Her brother was the first child for her parents and the first grandchild for her grandparents. He was bright and cute. Naturally, he was well-loved by everyone.


    However, when he was five years old, a drunk driver hit him and he died on the spot. When he passed away, everyone was devastated.


    Her paternal grandparents were blaming themselves. At that time during the accident, they were taking her brother out for a stroll. Things happened so suddenly and they could not react in time.


    Meanwhile, her mother was two months pregnant with her when her brother died.


    She once heard from her grandmother that her mother had a bad postpartum depression after she gave birth to her.


    Perhaps, it was after his death that the relationship between her parents started to rock.


    Sometimes, Li Qin Yao could recall the way her mother''s sad gaze at her when she was little. It was only after she had grown up that she understood that her mother was missing her deceased brother. After all, her youngest aunt had once mentioned that her face looked almost identical to her brother.


    Seeing that her mother had crouched down in front of the tombs, Li Qin Yao excused herself and walked away to give her mother some space. She walked in a certain distance, but not far away that she could not see her mother.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and turned towards the gate. Soon, her paternal grandparents showed up. The two elders face brightened up once they saw their granddaughter.


    "Yao Yao, you''re here," her grandmother, Mu Ling Xi smiled. "Your mother...?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. Then, she turned her head in a direction and her grandparents immediately followed. Mu Ling Xi placed a hand on her mouth as she saw Xu Yilan stood in front of the tombs. It felt that it has been a very long time since the last time she had seen this daughter-in-law.


    "Should we head over?" her grandfather, Li Ren Xin asked.


    Mu Ling Xi shook her head. "Let''s wait for her to finish."


    Her grandparents then walked over to Xu Yilan and stopped a few steps away. The two elders waited until her mother had stood up before they approached.


    From the distance, Li Qin Yao could see the shock in her mother''s face when she saw the two elders.


    The two elders spoke something and Li Qin Yao watched as her mother''s expression soon changed and she started to cry.


    Li Qin Yao did not know what matters the elders were discussing. It seemed that she had stood at the side for a long time. As she continued to observe her mother, she wondered if it was a good decision to arrange a meeting like this.


    She subconsciously balled her hand into a fist when she saw her mother moved. Once she saw her mother leaned in to hug her grandmother, Li Qin Yao released a sigh in relief.

 Chapter 179 - Something From The Past

    "You told your grandparents that we''ll be coming over, didn''t you?" Xu Yilan asked.


    The mother and daughter left the cemetery area just before noon and had the driver to return to the hotel. After they have freshened up and had their lunch, the two of them were now heading towards the hospital.


    A few days ago, Mother Han had surgery and the operation has been successful. As Mother Han was staying in the hospital to recuperate, Xu Yilan wanted to go over and accompany her friend for a chat.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao planned to walk around the city with Han Yue Xiu.


    Hearing her mother''s question, Li Qin Yao looked at her mother cautiously and asked, "Ma, are you angry?"


    Xu Yilan smiled at her daughter before she patted her on her head. "Of course not."


    Li Qin Yao heaved with relief at her mother''s answer. "What did you guys talk about?"


    "Just something from the past."


    Seeing that her mother did not want to talk about it, Li Qin Yao knew that she should not pry into the elders'' matter.


    Xu Yilan leaned back on the seat and closed her eyes. She did not expect to meet Li Qin Yao''s grandparents at the cemetery. When she saw the two elders behind her, Xu Yilan was thrown off her guard.


    How many years ago since the last time she had seen the elders?


    Back then, her daughter was still in high school. Although the separation between her and her ex-husband was mutual and peaceful, there are still some matters that they could not be said.


    In her early marriage, Xu Yilan was very happy. She knew from the very beginning that Li Qin Yao''s father was someone who would always be busy with his work and had long accepted that. Li Xuan, her ex-husband was the eldest son and was expected to run the company once his father-in-law stepped down.


    However, it was after their son''s death that everything started to change. It was the time that she needed her husband the most, but coincidentally, the company was facing a problem and required his attention. Her parents-in-law could only ask her to be tolerant and she could only let him focus on the company.


    Suddenly, living in high society felt very difficult. Suddenly, Xu Yilan minded what others had thought and said about her. Everything turned worst after she gave birth to Li Qin Yao. Just at the sight of the baby girl made her upset. Fortunately, her in-laws were around to look after her.


    She had tried very hard to stay with Li Qin Yao''s father. But in the end, she still chose to separate.


    Although she might have hurt her daughter with her decision, Xu Yilan knew that it was the best decision with her body condition. She loved Li Qin Yao''s father, but if she had to choose again, she would still choose to separate.


    Fortunately, her daughter had never blamed her.


    Since then, she had not seen Li Qin Yao''s grandparents.


    Just now, the two elders had said a lot of things to her. Among those things were how they were sorry that they could not let their son stay with her during her hardest time.


    Their son passed away alone in his room from a heart attack. It was during this time that the two elders regretted that they had forced their eldest son too much.


    Fortunately, they let Li Qin Yao arrange this meeting and the three of them had met and said what they wanted to say. Or else, the two elders did not know whether they would be able to die without regret.


    Xu Yilan snapped out of her trance as the vehicle finally stopped. She opened her eyes and saw that they have arrived at the hospital. She took a deep breath and pretended that everything was alright.


    The mother and daughter went straight to Mother Han''s room to visit her. Once Xu Yilan met with her friend, her mood began to improve, and soon, the two old friends started to chat, ignoring their daughters at the side.


    Li Qin Yao looked at her mother''s mood and excused herself to go out with Han Yue Xiu.


    "Why does your face look so bad?" Han Yue Xiu asked as they walked along the corridor. "I thought you would be over the moon since Mister Zhang was supposed to arrive in Capital City tonight."


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh of relief. "My mother and I visited my father this morning and we run into my grandparents."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her friend and stayed silent. She had heard about Li Qin Yao''s parents when they were still young and thought that the ?du?ts'' relationship was too complicated.


    The two of them walked around the hospital garden as they were heading towards the main road. Li Qin Yao looked around and frowned. "Why don''t I see your man around here? Usually, he''s always hanging around this place."


    Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. "What''s my man? I don''t know where that person went to. Earlier, he was on the phone and suddenly he disappeared. Let''s not talk about him. Yao Yao, you promised to take me and eat delicious food today."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. The two of them boarded a taxi and headed towards a popular shopping center in the city. The two friends had a meal at some cafe in the place before they decided to walk around and window shop. Anyway, walking after eating would help their digestion.


    They went from shop to shop and floor to floor while chatting. Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao kept glancing at the time. She had the plan to return to the hotel before Zhang Yu Han and the others had arrived.


    "Look at you, is spending time with me that unbearable now?" Han Yue Xiu pouted playfully.


    Li Qin Yao quickly held on Han Yue Xiu''s arms and laughed. "You know it wasn''t like that."


    "I know. I know. You''re waiting for Mister Zhang to come right? What is it? You missed him that much that you can''t wait to see him again."


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We haven''t seen each other for almost two weeks."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her friend in disbelief. Suddenly, she got shiver all over her body. Han Yue Xiu rubbed her arms and spoke again, "Li Qin Yao, you were never like this before! You''re saying things that only a lovesick school girl would say. Where''s my best friend, Li Qin Yao? Return her to me immediately!"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her friend''s dramatic act.


    As she was alone, Li Qin Yao walked around at the shop browsing through this and that. Her steps paused as she reached the glass rack around the counter. As she stared at the rows of men''s accessories on display, Li Qin Yao was suddenly reminded of Zhang Yu Han.

 Chapter 180 - Splendid Night View

    Li Qin Yao glanced at the time and back at the road. She had thought that she would be able to reach the hotel before Zhang Yu Han would arrive, but looking at the time, Li Qin Yao doubted that she will be able to make it.


    She had separated with Han Yue Xiu at the shopping center and wanted to head back to the hotel. If her calculation was not wrong, she would have enough time to freshen up before she met Zhang Yu Han.


    Li Qin Yao did not expect that the road would be congested due to an accident. Right now, the vehicles were on standstill. It was expected that they would be able to get out of it in another half an hour.


    When Zhang Yu Han texted to inform her that his flight has landed, Li Qin Yao was still on the road. When he had arrived at the hotel, she was still on the road.


    Li Qin Yao was frustrated at her misfortunes.


    Fortunately, the driver had sent her mother back to the hotel a few hours ago or else, she would be caught in traffic as she was.


    After waiting in the standstill traffic for almost five minutes, the vehicle finally moved. Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief and looked back at her phone. She sent a text to both her mother and Zhang Yu Han and leaned back on her seat.


    At this time, there was nothing else she could do but to wait.


    The taxi finally arrived at the hotel almost an hour later. Li Qin Yao paid the fare and walked towards the entrance. Just before she reached the top stairs, Li Qin Yao caught the sight of the man that she had not seen for almost two weeks.


    Looking at the way he was staring at her, Li Qin Yao suddenly stopped on her trail and stared back at him. The smile on her lips widened. She had the impulse to leap into his arms, but right now, her feet felt heavy.


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to her and held her arms before he led her to the top stairs. The bellboy who stood at the side watched the two of them briefly before he looked away.


    "Sorry, I''m late," Li Qin Yao said. Feeling that her lips would not stop smiling, Li Qin Yao lowered her head.


    "It doesn''t matter. As long as you''re safe," Zhang Yu Han said. He glanced at the shopping bag in his girlfriend''s hand and helped her to carry them. "You went shopping with Han Yue Xiu?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned at the lightness of the paper bags. "Why don''t you buy more?" He seemed to recall that every time his mother or sister went out for shopping, they would buy a lot more.


    "There were not many things that I was interested in," Li Qin Yao said. "And I wanted to come over and meet you sooner."


    Zhang Yu Han stiffened. When he met her gaze again, there was a gentle smile on his face. He put his arms around her, pressed his lips on her temple and led her towards the elevator. "Have you walked around the hotel yet?"


    "No, I haven''t had the chance," Li Qin Yao tried her best to mask her disappointment.


    "Let me take you around at the hotel''s rooftop garden," Zhang Yu Han said as he pressed at the bu??on. "We have a splendid night view."


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    The two of them stayed silent until the elevator arrived at the top floor. When they arrived, there was a no entry sign for guests along with a notice that the area will only be accessible for the guests in the morning.


    A security guard saw the two of them and was about to remind them that the area was closed, but stopped himself when he saw that the man was no other than their Director. The security guard nodded politely towards Zhang Yu Han and continued to stand at his position.


    Li Qin Yao turned to look at Zhang Yu Han with a questioning gaze, as he led her past the pool area and towards the mini garden. From the moment they entered the area, she could see the beautiful night view. The night star could not be seen in the city, but the glittering colorful night light was as dazzling.


    It was too bad that the area was closed for the guests at a time like this.


    Li Qin Yao opened her mouth to say something, but Zhang Yu Han''s lips have already descended upon hers before she could say anything. Feeling his arms snaked around her waist to pull her closer, Li Qin Yao then stood tiptoed, put her arms around his neck, and reciprocate to his kiss fervently.


    Once she could no longer breathe properly, Li Qin Yao pulled away and rested her head against his ?h?st to catch up with her breath.


    "Qin Yao, I really miss you."


    Li Qin Yao trembled when she heard his voice seductive voice just next to her ear. She subconsciously pressed her ear closer to his ?h?st and caught the sound of his heartbeat.


    Too many things had happened during her visit to Capital City this time. Of course, she had missed this man terribly.


    Li Qin Yao continued to bury her head into his ?h?st and inhaled his familiar scent. It was the only way that she could tell him how much she had missed him too. After their kiss, Li Qin Yao could not find her voice to answer.


    He had always wanted to pull this girl into his embrace and showered her with his kisses the moment he laid his eyes on her. However, he had to restrain himself due to where they were.


    Zhang Yu Han was not worried about how others would stare at them, but he knew that Li Qin Yao would be too embarrassed to face his staff tomorrow.


    Therefore, he could only take her in this secluded place to kiss her and show her how much he missed her.


    They have not seen each other for days and he had missed her terribly. Zhang Yu Han never knew that he would miss her that much. When he woke up from his sleep, he would often wish that he could see her face the instant he woke up.


    If it was possible, he no longer wanted to be separated from this girl for that long.


    After a few minutes have passed, Li Qin Yao finally lifted her head to look at him. "I thought that you did not want to kiss me."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle before he pressed his lips on her forehead. "Didn''t I tell you previously? Qin Yao, I always wanted to kiss you."

 Chapter 181 - Of Course, Were Going on a Date

    When Li Qin Yao walked out of her room, Zhang Yu Han was already sitting in the living room with her mother. The two of them turned their heads to her simultaneously, causing her to stiffen in position for a while.


    "Good morning," Li Qin Yao smiled. "Have you waited long?"


    "Not at all," Zhang Yu Han stood up from his seat and reached for her hand. "Let''s go. Grandfather and Yu Ying will be waiting for us downstairs."


    Li Qin Yao nodded and turned to her mother. Xu Yilan grabbed her purse and the three of them head towards the coffee house.


    A waitress greeted them at the entrance and led them towards a secluded space in the coffee house. Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying stood up as the three of them approached the table.


    Zhang Yu Ying was about to shout ''sister-in-law'' as she usually did, but when she saw that Xu Yilan was with them, she suddenly behaved herself. As a sister, of course, she had to help her brother to protect his image in front of his future mother-in-law.


    "Madam Xu," Zhang Jing greeted. "Please, have a seat."


    Xu Yilan greeted the elder man politely. Just before she could pull the chair to sit down, Zhang Yu Han had already helped her. She thanked Zhang Yu Han and watched him pulling a seat for her daughter next.


    Although Xu Yilan knew that Zhang Yu Han was only trying to be courteous at her because she was an elder, Xu Yilan grew fond of her daughter''s boyfriend.


    Xu Yilan looked at the elderly man and said, "Sorry, we''re late." It was the first time for Xu Yilan to meet someone from Zhang Yu Han''s family. Because she used to live in a high society circle, she was a bit self-conscious.


    Zhang Jing quickly denied it. "No. The two of us have just arrived as well." He cleared his throat once and smiled amiably. "Hello, I''m Zhang Jing, Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather. This is my granddaughter and Yu Han''s younger sister, Zhang Yu Ying."


    Zhang Yu Ying greeted Xu Yilan politely on cue.


    "I heard that you have always taken care of my daughter," Xu Yilan said. "Thank you."


    Zhang Jing laughed. "It was the opposite. It was Qin Yao who always took care of us." He then glanced at the waitress on the side and gestured her to come closer. "Madam Xu, what do you like to eat for breakfast. Just tell the waitress here. The kitchen will prepare whatever it is that you like."


    As they talked, Xu Yilan felt her uneasiness gradually disappeared. It seemed that she was worried about nothing.


    Zhang Yu Han''s family doesn''t seem as if they were looking down on her or her daughter. She could probably guess that from Zhang Yu Han''s good manners. His family had taught him well.


    The five of them ate their breakfast in harmony while chatting about this and that. Actually, it was mostly Zhang Jing and Xu Yilan who chatted. Zhang Yu Han ate his breakfast silently while monitoring his grandfather''s diet. Once in a while, the couple was seen leaning towards each other, whispering a few words that others could not hear.


    This was what Zhang Yu Ying witnessed during their breakfast. She took out her phone and snapped a few pictures before sending them to her parents who were in Country C.


    Once the pictures were sent, Zhang Yu Ying could feel her phone vibrated nonstop. She glanced at the screen and saw that her mother had sent a few texts with too many questions.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Ying only replied that she needed to return to the home country soon if she wanted to get to know her future daughter-in-law well.


    Her replied left the Zhang couple in frenzy. The two of them had seen the pictures that their daughter sent earlier. It was a rare shot of their son, staring gently at his girlfriend.


    In the past, the Zhang couple had tried to match their son with a few girls, but each time, their son would reject them, saying that he wanted to search for the girl he saw at the basketball tournament. The couple thought that their son was merely giving excuses.


    However, not too long ago that they heard from Zhang Yu Ying that their son had finally had a girlfriend. Of course, they were curious.


    The Zhang couple exchanged a glance before the mother quickly urged her husband to finish whatever work they have and return to their home country to meet their future daughter-in-law.


    After their breakfast ended, Zhang Jing excused himself before he dragged his granddaughter to familiarize herself with their hotel in Capital City. Xu Yilan planned to visit a few of her old friends before they were going to return to B City in the next few days.


    Seeing that everyone had left, Zhang Yu Han dragged his girlfriend for a date. He grabbed a key from Xiao Ye and drove out of the city center. Li Qin Yao glanced at her boyfriend and asked, "Where are we going?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at her before he focused on his driving. "Of course we''re going on a date."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow. "We''re not going to see a movie?"


    "You want to go and see a movie?" It was right after that that he realized that the two of them had never gone out to see a movie. Zhang Yu Han hesitated whether he should turn the car back to the city.


    "No. I was just asking," Li Qin Yao said. "But, we can go next time."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded and he continued to drive.


    Soon, the vehicle arrived at a more narrow road. When Li Qin Yao looked out the window, all she could see was the greenery. She glanced at Zhang Yu Han and could not help but wonder where he was taking her.


    It couldn''t be that he was going to sell her off, right?


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his girlfriend and noticed the strange look on her face. He let out a chuckle and said, "We''ll be arriving soon."


    Five minutes after driving into the narrow road, Zhang Yu Han finally entered an area. He parked at an open car park and helped his girlfriend out. When Li Qin Yao stepped out of the vehicle, she could hear the sound of water babbling not too far away from them.


    As they reached their destination, Li Qin Yao held her breath at the beautiful scenery before her. She had live in Capital City for years but this was the first time that she knew that a place like this existed.


    "I found out about this place in the past from one of the staff. He''s a local here," Zhang Yu Han said. He embraced her from behind and lowered his body to rest his chin on her shoulder. "Qin Yao, I haven''t seen you for days. Rather than watching a movie, I would rather spend my time watching you."

 Chapter 182 - Cannot Get Enough of Him

    Li Qin Yao shivered because his voice sounded so close to her ears and it was making her ticklish.


    Sensing that the girl in his embrace was trembling, Zhang Yu Han turned to look at her. "You''re cold?"


    "No." Li Qin Yao took a deep breath of the fresh air and turned her head slightly to look at Zhang Yu Han. "Why do you suddenly wanted to bring me here?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han laughed. "We''ve been staying in the city for a while. I just thought that it would be a good idea to have a change of scenery. Going to see nature for fresh air once in a while is not bad, right?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Fortunately, she was someone who would always choose to wear sneakers or sport shoes instead of high heels due to her work. Or else, her attire would not be appropriate for the place.


    She looked at the stream in front of her and saw a few small fish swimming around. Li Qin Yao then turned to Zhang Yu Han and asked, "Can I dip my feet in the stream?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "We''re not here to play with water. Come on. Let''s walk around." He led her towards a pathway leading uphill and soon the two of them reached the top area. The air on the top was a bit cold and fresher. But after walking around, the two of them did not feel that cold.


    There were a few other patrons around the area, walking around and enjoying nature. There are a few gazebos and benches for people to sit down, and some stalls opened by the locals.


    The two of them climbed up the wooden tower and looked around the area. Li Qin Yao closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the fresh air. When she opened her eyes again, Li Qin Yao caught Zhang Yu Han staring at her. Just the way he looked at her alone would bring bu??erflies to her stomach.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head and peeked at him shyly. "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. After climbing up the slight hill, he began to notice that Li Qin Yao''s cheek had turned slightly pink. The way she looked right then was too adorable. Slowly, he inched closer and kissed her on the cheek.


    Li Qin Yao flinched knowing that her face was probably full of perspiration.


    Perhaps it was the season was changing, or perhaps they were in a higher place. When the wind blew gently and Li Qin Yao trembled slightly at the cold.


    Seeing that her girlfriend started to rub her upper arms for warmth, Zhang Yu Han moved to embrace her from behind, providing her with warmth. "Are you tired?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "Not tired yet."


    Although they have to climb up a few stairs to get where they are, it was not that tiring at all. With Zhang Yu Han by her side and the beautiful scenery before them, even if she felt a bit tired, it will all disappear.


    Watching the scenery around them, Li Qin Yao had this feeling that coming to this place with Zhang Yu Han was better than going to see a movie.


    Anyway, the two of them could spend their time holding hands and chatted about random things as they walked uphill. When her legs felt a bit sore, Zhang Yu Han would lend his shoulder to lean on. When there was no one around, the two of them would play around and Zhang Yu Han would lean in to steal a few kisses.


    Going on a date like this was not so bad.


    It almost felt like after spending more time with Zhang Yu Han, she grew to like him more and more. Her heart just cannot get enough of him.


    Sometimes, she wondered what was it that she had done to deserve this good man beside her.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at her and smiled as he caught her staring at him. He pulled her hand closer and planted a kiss on the back of her hand. "Let''s get something to eat," he suggested.


    After walking around a little bit, he was worried that Li Qin Yao would feel hungry.


    "The dumpling noodles from that stall is one of the best I''ve tasted," he pointed towards a stall not far away from them and looked at her with a smile. "But don''t tell this to Grandfather."


    Li Qin Yao laughed.


    The couple descended from the observation tower and Zhang Yu Han led her towards a small stall. They picked a seat and soon, an elderly woman walked over to them. Zhang Yu Han ordered two bowls of noodles and the two of them sat down and chatted while waiting for the elderly woman to prepare their meals.


    "Since I''ll be meeting your grandparents tomorrow, is there anything I should pay attention to?" Zhang Yu Han said as the elderly woman served their noodles.


    "My grandparents are a bit strict, but they''re nice." She looked at him with a teasing gaze. "Are you worried?"


    "Of course I should be worried. After all, your grandparents raised you. They... wouldn''t make things difficult for me, would they?"


    "I never brought anyone to see them. So I didn''t know how the elders would react."


    His smile widened. "Then, tell me a little bit about your cousins. Are you close to them?"


    Li Qin Yao thought about it as she stirred at the noodles. "Actually, I was not very close to any of my cousins. When I was little, I was pretty close to Li Mu Bai and his sister, Mu Chen. But as we grow up, we were not that close anymore. With Mu Bai, there was always this sense of rivalry as we both had an interest in QL Group, but with Mu Chen, I guess you could say that our personality does not click."


    "And the groom? Are you close to him?"


    "Hmm... It was not until recently that Li Ming Han and I started to get close. Previously, he helped me with to win the project in B City," Li Qin Yao slurped at her noodles and continued. "I have three other cousins, but I was not close to them due to the age gap."


    Her hand that was holding the chopsticks stopped moving and Li Qin Yao lifted her head to look at her boyfriend. "Zhang Yu Han, my relationship with my paternal family is a bit... complicated. I just hope that you wouldn''t mind when things were looking slightly strange."


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand and patted her on her soft hair. "Of course not. After all, every family has their issues."


    Li Qin Yao thought about her second aunt and Li Mu Chen and decided to warn him. "Since you''re coming as my plus one, I have to warn you that some of them might come to you and look for trouble."

 Chapter 183 - Really Good Looking

    Zhang Yu Ying rolled her eyes as she stared at her brother. He had been standing in front of the mirror for a while, adjusting his shirt for the umpteenth times.


    Leaning towards the door, Zhang Yu Ying then said, "Look at you. If I didn''t know that you were going to attend someone else''s wedding, I would suspect that you were preparing to attend your own wedding."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced towards his sister before he decided to ignore her. He only called his sister to help him choose his attire, but after she had helped him, Zhang Yu Ying had not returned to her room to get ready.


    Because he was meeting Li Qin Yao''s grandparents and elders tonight, Zhang Yu Han was especially nervous. He had heard from Li Qin Yao how her grandparents had raised her. After her parents were divorced, her grandparents had helped to raise her. Because of that, he was worried about what her elders might think of him.


    Zhang Yu Han was running his fingers across his hair when the doorbell rang.


    "I''ll get it," Zhang Yu Ying said before she turned around.


    The door swung open and Zhang Yu Han could hear the sound of people talking. His movement paused when he recognized the voice. He walked out of the room and suddenly halted as he saw the person his sister was talking to.


    Li Qin Yao was wearing a soft pink knee-length dress up with laces details. The dress highlighted her curves, but modest enough not to show anything too much.


    Because they were going to attend a wedding, Li Qin Yao was putting on more makeup on her face. It was not heavy, but it was enough to say that this new look made Zhang Yu Han stunned.


    Zhang Yu Ying turned around and saw her brother stood in a daze. "Hey, brother, someone came to pick you up." She gave a teasing glance to her brother and bit her lips when her brother sent her a warning gaze.


    "Am I late?" Zhang Yu Han glanced at the time and frowned when he realized that there was half an hour before he was supposed to pick her up.


    "No. I came early," Li Qin Yao said. She gave him a look over and walked over to him with a smile. "Hmm, really good looking." Her voice was a whisper.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh, feeling a bit dejected that the girl in front of him had stolen his task to pick her up as well as the words that he was supposed to say.


    "Why are you so early?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she inched closer to him. Because she was wearing a high heel, this time she appeared slightly taller beside him. "I just wanted to surprise you. You always come to pick me up. I think coming to pick you up once in a while should be a nice change."


    "Sister-in-law, you looked cute in that dress," Zhang Yu Ying complimented.


    Zhang Yu Han shot his sister another sharp look, finding that another person had stolen his words. Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han found that his sister''s presence was a nuisance. He put a hand around Li Qin Yao''s waist and could not wait to leave the room and bid his sister goodbye.


    "Yu Ying, I will see you and Grandfather later at the wedding banquet," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Sister-in-law, don''t worry. We won''t be late." She walked with the couple to the door and watched as the two entered the elevator.


    Once the elevator door was closed, Li Qin Yao suddenly raised her hand to cover her face. Seeing the sudden change in his girlfriend''s act, Zhang Yu Han was perplexed.


    "What''s wrong?"


    She peeked from behind her fingers and met Zhang Yu Han''s gaze. "I didn''t think that Yu Ying would be there when I come to find you."


    Li Qin Yao had wanted to give him the present she bought when she went shopping with Han Yue Xiu a few days ago. She had prepared a short speech along with it, but once she saw Zhang Yu Ying''s face, her thought had disappeared.


    In the end, she could only mask her surprise. However, Li Qin Yao was still worrying that Zhang Yu Ying would have different thoughts as she had taken the initiative to find Zhang Yu Han.


    "What are you worrying about?" he let out a chuckle. "You''re my girlfriend. What''s wrong with you coming over to find me?"


    Seeing the smile on his face, Li Qin Yao started to loosen up a bit.


    The elevator let out a ding sound and the two of them found that they have arrived at the ground floor. Zhang Yu Han led her across the lobby and stopped halfway.


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head to look at her boyfriend when they suddenly stopped in the middle of the hotel lobby. "What''s wrong?"


    "I forgot something," Zhang Yu Han paused to give her a look over. "Qin Yao, you look beautiful today."


    Perhaps it was because of the hotel''s lighting, but Zhang Yu Han thought that the woman in front of him was dazzling. Her face was glowing as she stared back at him.


    "Thank you." Li Qin Yao lowered her head shyly.


    Seeing her shy look, Zhang Yu Han felt something tightening in his throat and took a deep breath to calm down. He held her hands tighter and the two of them walked towards the entrance.


    Xiao Ye passed a car keys to Zhang Yu Han and sent the couple to the black Cayenne.


    Zhang Yu Han helped his girlfriend with her seat belt and paused when she tugged on his sleeve. Turning around, Zhang Yu Han then looked at her questioningly.


    "Actually," Li Qin Yao hesitated. "I come over to find you because I have something for you." She raised a wrapped package in her hand.


    Zhang Yu Han had long seen the wrapped packaging in her hand but had thought that she was preparing some gift for her cousin. When Li Qin Yao suddenly passed the package to him, Zhang Yu Han was surprised. "For me?"


    "Hmm¡­ I went shopping with Han Yue Xiu the other day and suddenly thought that I have never bought anything for you."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the packaging and said, "Thank you." He leaned forward and finally could not stop the urge to peck her on her cheek. "Can I look at it?" He watched her nodded and slowly unwrapped the package.


    His gaze paused at the watch inside the box. One glance at the brand name, he could immediately tell that it was expensive. He took off the watch on his wrist and immediately put on the new one. Then he showed the new watch to Li Qin Yao. "What do you think?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at him hesitantly. "Do you like it?"


    "I liked it." He glanced at the watch and the smile on his lips widened. It was a gift from his girlfriend. Of course, he was going to cherish it like a very valuable treasure.

 Chapter 184 - Our Yao Yao Brought a Friend with Her

    As the two of them arrived earlier, there were a lot of available parking spaces. Zhang Yu Han parked his Cayenne near the banquet hall entrance and helped his girlfriend from the car.


    Li Qin Yao held on Zhang Yu Han''s arms tightly as they walked into the hall. She was someone who rarely wore high heels due to her work. Now that she was wearing a high heel, Li Qin Yao found that it was a bit difficult to walk around.


    There was still an hour left before the wedding banquet began, therefore, there were not many people in the hall. As Li Qin Yao looked around, she noticed that her uncles and aunties were entertaining a few of their guests.


    Once the family noticed the two of them walking into the halls, everyone turned towards her with a questioning gaze.


    Sensing that everyone''s gaze was directed to her, Li Qin Yao felt her heart thumping loudly. She recognized a few faces in the banquet hall and realized that they were the same people who had given her that judging stares when they found out about the accident two years ago.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt as if she was back to two years ago where everyone was staring and whispering as she walked by. Back then everyone was accusing her of the constructors'' death. They were blaming her for using those cheap materials.


    Her hands started to sweat from anxiety and she wanted to take a few steps back to retreat. She was not expecting to experience the feeling again when she decided to attend this wedding.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han''s tightened grip on her hands and looked up. She saw his concerned gaze and blinked a few times.


    "Qin Yao, are you alright?" He bent down to look at her face.


    Once she heard his deep voice so close to her ear, Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance. His thumbs rubbing softly on the back of her hands soothed her. She looked at Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "Nothing. I was just¡­ nervous. I didn''t expect that there would be this many people."


    After all, Li Ming Han was marrying Bai Qing Qing, a daughter of someone prominent in Capital City. Surely their wedding banquet would be this grand.


    Seeing that the girl beside him had started to smile, Zhang Yu Han felt a bit relieved. But of course, her slightly pale face from earlier could not escape his eyes. Zhang Yu Han knew that she was not telling the truth. He was worried but decided not to ask at the time.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and ignored the other inquiring look. Forcing a smile on her face, Li Qin Yao pulled Zhang Yu Han towards her third uncle and aunt to greet and congratulated them for gaining a daughter in law. The others who stood far away started to lean closer to find out about the mysterious man beside their niece.


    "Yao Yao, you''re here early," her third aunt, Wen Shu Yue spoken. "Your two cousins, Ye Chun and Ye Xia are still having fun with the others. They should be here soon."


    Li Qin Yao glanced around the room and noticed that even Li Mu Bai and his sister had not arrived.


    Her third uncle, Li Sheng gave a look over at Zhang Yu Han before he turned to his niece. "Yao Yao, this is¡­"


    "Third uncle, third aunt, this is my boyfriend, Zhang Yu Han, Zhang Yu Han, this is my third uncle and third aunt."


    Li Qin Yao spoke in a low voice, but most of everyone who stood near to Li Sheng and his wife could hear her introduction. On cue, Zhang Yu Han then greeted the two elders politely before he spoke a few congratulatory words and blessings.


    "Third uncle, have you seen grandfather and grandmother?" Li Qin Yao had spoken first before both the elders could ask another question.


    Li Sheng exchanged a glance with his wife. A smile crossed his lips when he figured out what his niece was up to. "Your grandparents should be in the back, resting. They said they will come out once the others have arrived. The two of them are alone. If you have something to say to them, you should go ahead."


    Li Qin Yao felt heat creeping to her face as her intention was exposed. After chatting briefly with the husband and wife, Li Qin Yao then dragged Zhang Yu Han to find her grandparents.


    Once Li Qin Yao and the man had disappeared among the crowds, Li Qin Yao''s second aunt, Zhao Wei immediately left her friends and walked over to her brother-in-law.


    "Brother-in-law, sister-in-law," Zhao Wei smiled amiably at the couple. "Who was that with Qin Yao?"


    "Yao Yao introduced him as her boyfriend," Li Sheng said with a smile.


    Hearing the answer, Zhao Wei''s eyes brightened up. "That girl has a boyfriend?" She turned towards the direction where her niece and her boyfriend disappeared and knew right away that Li Qin Yao was going to introduce that man to the elders.


    "Did he said anything about her boyfriend?" Zhao Wei asked Wen Shu Yue.


    "We didn''t get to ask," Wen Shu Yue answered. "After all, we still need to greet our guests."


    Zhao Wei''s eyes dimmed. But once she saw that a few more guests had walked in into the hall, her smile went back on her face.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao continued to hold on to Zhang Yu Han''s arms as the two of them went to search for her grandparents. After checking with the staff for the direction, the couple then walked along a corridor and headed towards a room.


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head to look at Zhang Yu Han with a teasing smile. "Mister Zhang, are you ready?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle before he pressed his lips on her forehead. "Alright, now I''m ready."


    Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. She lifted her hand and knocked on the door gently. After a few seconds of waiting, her paternal grandmother, Mu Ling Xi appeared at the door. Once she saw her granddaughter standing at the door, a smile curved on her lips.


    "Yao Yao, you''re here. Is it time yet?" Mu Ling Xi called. Her eyes paused at the tall man beside her granddaughter. She gave him a look over, but her gaze stopped at the couple''s linked hands.


    "Grandmother, is Grandfather here?"


    Mu Ling Xi snapped out of her thought and smiled to the couple. "Come in. Your grandfather is just reading" She moved aside to let the two into the room.


    Once the two walked in, Mu Ling Xi immediately went to her husband who was focusing on the newspaper on his hand.


    "Old man," Mu Ling Xi''s voice sounded urgent as he shook her husband''s arms. "Our Yao Yao brought a friend with her."


    Li Ren Xin frowned at the sudden disturbance. "What friend?" He cast a displeased look at his wife and looked up. His movement paused when he saw a tall man beside his granddaughter.

 Chapter 185 - Your Cousins Boyfriend

    Li Ren Xin stood up as he recalled his conversation with his granddaughter the other day. She had mentioned about introducing some people to him.


    Because he had asked his granddaughter to send the invitation card to her project partners, Li Ren Xin had expected that his granddaughter will introduce to her partners from Zhang Group and NEXT Group.


    But, looking at the way his granddaughter was holding the man''s arms, Li Ren Xin doubted that his granddaughter was coming to introduce him to her business partners.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao broke the silence.


    Li Ren Xin snapped out of his thought and coughed. "Yao Yao, you''re here." He peeked at the door and asked, "Your mother is not coming with you?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. "You know that my mother was not ready to meet the others."


    Although her mother''s relationship with her paternal grandparents had slightly improved after the encounter at the cemetery, her mother still did not change her mind to attend the wedding.


    "Grandfather, grandmother, I''d like to introduce you to someone," Li Qin Yao tightened her grip on ZHang Yu Han''s arms. "This is Zhang Yu Han, my boyfriend."


    "Hello," Zhang Yu Han then greeted the elderly politely.


    Meanwhile, Li Ren Xin stared at the man with a scrutinizing gaze.


    "Zhang Yu Han?" Li Ren Xin repeated. He placed a hand under his chin as if he was in deep thought. Then, he looked up again. "Are you from Zhang Group Worldwide?"


    "Yes."


    Li Ren Xin turned to his granddaughter in confusion. Previously, he had heard that Chairman Zhang from Zhang Group will attend the wedding reception. As someone from the corporate world, of course, Li Ren Xin had heard about Chairman Zhang. Was he not an old man from his generation?


    The frown on Li Ren Xin''s face deepened as he tried to recall the name of that chairman.


    "Chairman Zhang is your grandfather?"


    "He is," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Ren Xin turned to his granddaughter before Zhang Yu Han could say anything else. "Didn''t you say that Chairman Zhang will attend today?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather will attend the wedding separately. I came here early because I wanted to introduce my boyfriend."


    Suddenly, it came to him that the Zhang Group had only agreed to invest their money in their project because the grandson was dating his granddaughter.


    However, as he continued to eavesdrop to his wife''s conversation, Li Ren Xin found out that his granddaughter only started dating after they have won the bidding.


    A thought crossed his mind and Li Ren Xin was suddenly annoyed that Liang Sheng had not informed him of any news about the two of them getting together whenever he came to Capital City with the progress report.


    ¡­


    As the wedding reception started, Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han escorted her grandparents to the main hall. As the four of them walked into the hall, everyone''s inquiring gaze was glued to Li Qin Yao and her partner.


    "Yao Yao, you come and sit with me," Li Chun, her youngest aunt quickly waved her hands to the couple.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the people on the table. Seeing that the others on the tables were only her youngest aunt and her family, Li Qin Yao decided to sit down with her aunt. She motioned to the table and Zhang Yu Han led her towards her aunt.


    "Little Auntie, is anyone joining you on this table?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Li Chun shook her head. "No. It''s just the three of us. We didn''t want to leave Nan Feng to sit alone, so we decided to sit together. You know how awkward Nan Feng can be since he did not know anyone here."


    "Then, do you mind if I invite two other guests to join us later?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Li Chun shook her head. "Not at all."


    Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and nodded. After helping her to pull the chair, Zhang Yu Han then sat down next to his girlfriend.


    "Yao Yao, who is this man?" Li Chun looked up and down at Zhang Yu Han a few times and smiled. She leaned closer to her niece and said, "Your boyfriend?"


    Li Qin Yao coughed before she nodded. "Little Auntie, this is my boyfriend, Zhang Yu Han.


    "Auntie," Zhang Yu Han greeted.


    Li Chun let out a small laugh as she stared at Zhang Yu Han. "So you''re Yao Yao''s boyfriend. There''s no need to feel reserved. Just enjoy the atmosphere." Then, she began to introduce her husband and son to Zhang Yu Han before continuing to chat with the couple.


    Not too far away from their table, Li Mu Chen frowned when she saw the tall, handsome man beside her cousin. She nudged at her brother and leaned closer. "Brother, do you know who that is?"


    Li Mu Bai raised his head and saw the scene where his youngest aunt''s family were talking warmly to Li Qin Yao and her partner. Shrugging his shoulder, Li Mu Bai then answered, "I don''t know."


    When the two of them entered the hall with their grandparents, Li Mu Bai had recognized that man as Zhang Yu Han, the Director of Zhang Group Worldwide.


    However, knowing that his sister was someone who would always argue with their cousin, Li Mu Bai chose not to say anything to her.


    "I heard from your third uncle earlier that he''s your cousin''s boyfriend," Zhao Wei said as she leaned into her daughter.


    "Her boyfriend?" Li Mu Chen frowned. "Who is he?"


    "Who knows who he is," Zhao Wei shot a look at the table and sneered. "Since he was not from our circle, I''m sure that your cousin is dating a nobody."


    Li Mu Bai, who happened to hear his mother''s words let out a small chuckle. As the other turned to look at him, Li Mu Bai picked up the glass in front of him and emptied its content.


    After his mother had learned that his cousin, Li Ming Han was marrying Bai Qing Qing, his mother had not stopped from pestering him to get married from one of the ladies from her circle.


    Though he had never cared much about his marriage, Li Mu Bai was still annoyed that his mother was treating the siblings'' marriage as if it was a contest.


    After listening to his mother talking on and on about introducing them to a good prospect after the wedding ceremony, Li Mu Bai let out a tired sigh. He emptied the drink in his glass and stood up. "I''m going to find dad."

 Chapter 186 - Accusation Voices

    Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying arrived at the banquet hall just before the reception started. Li Qin Yao met them at the entrance and let them towards the table to sit with her youngest auntie''s family.


    Once Zhang Jing herd that Li Qin Yao''s aunt lived in Country C, he began to chat with Li Chun''s husband, Lin Fei Yuan. After all, his son and daughter-in-law too were living in Country C to manage their hotel there.


    Zhang Jing glanced at his grandson and guessed that his first meeting with Li Qin Yao''s grandparents has ended well. He had thought that if the meeting did not end well, he was going to meet Li Qin Yao''s grandparents and talk some sense into them.


    Since he no longer needed to do that, Zhang Jing let out a breath of relief and continued to chat with Lin Fei Yuan.


    The wedding ceremony soon ended and it was time for the feast to start. Everyone on the table could get along rather well and the meal was eaten in harmony.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han did not forget to check on his grandfather''s diet and forced him to eat more vegetables. Because they were sitting with Li Qin Yao''s family, Zhang Jing could only resign to his fate and ate his vegetables.


    Fortunately, the taste of the food was very good.


    Seeing that the good atmosphere on their table, the people around them started to pay attention to their table. Most of them were curious to see the handsome man beside Li Qin Yao and the elder man beside them.


    Earlier they had heard some rumors that Li Ren Xin''s granddaughter who had disappeared for two years had shown up at the wedding banquet. They could not stop whispering among each other and brought back the scandals.


    The gossips on the scandals from two years ago immediately disappeared once they laid their eyes on the handsome man beside her. Suddenly, everyone was wondering about the tall man.


    Looking at the way he dressed and his manners, they started to guess that he was some big shot. However, once they noticed that the table was not reserved for some VVIP, their attention towards the man gradually disappeared.


    Those who recognized the grandfather and grandson wanted to approach them but changed their mind once they met Zhang Yu Han''s sharp gaze.


    Li Qin Yao ate her meal as she continued to chat with her aunt. She clipped at the fish on her bowl and paused when she saw that another piece of fish magically appeared on her bowl.


    Instinctively, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and saw that he was speaking something to his sister.


    Li Chun, who had witnessed the way Zhang Yu Han took care after her niece''s meal had a smile on her face.


    Earlier, she had thought that Zhang Yu Han had this stern and proud look on his face. He was very polite, but he had this unapproachable vibe around him that was completely on a different level from her teenage son.


    Of course, Li Chun was worried about her niece. Knowing her niece''s character, it was hard for her to imagine how she had a boyfriend like Zhang Yu Han.


    However, her worry soon disappeared as she continued to observe the couple''s exchange. Surprisingly, that stern man would treat his girlfriend gently and know to look after his elders.


    How many young men around his age would stay and watch after their grandfather''s diet?


    Of course, Li Chun was impressed.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Chun then glanced at her teenage son and decided that it was not too late to teach him to be more considerate towards his elders.


    Seeing that Zhang Yu Han had stood up to accompany her niece, Li Chun let out a happy laugh. "Look at you two. You''re inseparable."


    Zhang Yu Han merely smiled at Li Chun''s comment, while Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze shyly.


    "Little Auntie, please don''t tease me."


    Once she was teased enough by her auntie, Li Qin Yao finally able to escape to the restroom.


    As the two walked in the hall, Zhang Yu Han linked her arms with his as he was worried that she might trip on something. "Your relationship with your auntie is quite good."


    "Hmm... My youngest aunt always looked after me when I was still small. So, I was quite close to her. But we drifted apart after she got married and followed her husband." She lifted her head and caught Zhang Yu Han staring at her. "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    "Nothing," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "I suddenly wonder how did you look like when you''re a small girl."


    Li Qin Yao looked at him with a big smile on her face. "My mom always said that I was adorable."


    He paused to stare at her face a few seconds longer."You''re still adorable now."


    Suddenly, she felt warmth creeping up to her face. How was it possible that Zhang Yu Han always said something that would make her giddy and embarrass at the same time?


    As the two reached a restroom, Li Qin Yao told him to wait for her in the hallway before she walked in into the women''s room.


    After a few minutes, Li Qin Yao walked out and smiled when she saw that Zhang Yu Han was waiting for her in the hallway. She walked towards him and suddenly stopped when she heard a conversation.


    Although she did not recognize the owner of the voices, Li Qin Yao could hear them discussing her and the accident from two years ago.


    The voices were saying that she was too shameless to appear at the wedding banquet.


    The others started to wonder whether she was making a comeback in the industry and some even mentioned that the would refuse collaboration with QL Group if she was chosen as their project manager.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt as if she was back to two years ago.


    The voices around her were getting louder. She could hear the boards of the directors'' accusation voices. They were blaming her for authorizing the use of cheap materials. The victims'' families voices, pleading for justice over their family member''s death. Then, there were the reporters'' sharp and painful accusations.


    She tried to explain that it was not her doing, that she was framed. But none of them around her would believe her words.


    "... Li Qin Yao! Look at me!"


    Hearing that familiar deep and magnetic voice so close to her ears, Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance. She lifted her head only to meet Zhang Yu Han''s worried gaze.


    She blinked her eyes a few times at him and only then that she noticed that Zhang Yu Han had covered his ears with his palm as if to block her from hearing anything else.

 Chapter 187 - Somethings Wrong

    Zhang Yu Han has been waiting obediently in the hallway when his girlfriend entered the restroom. Leaning his body on the wall, Zhang Yu Han took out his phone to go through a few work e-mails to ignore his surroundings while keeping his eyes on the ladies'' restroom.


    Because he was looking down at his phone, those who walked about and wanted to find a chance to start a conversation with him began to hesitate. A few daring ladies had gathered their courage to talk to him but could only leave in disappointment when the man did not give them the attention.


    Whenever he heard the door opened, Zhang Yu Han would raise his head to check on his girlfriend. After a few minutes of waiting, Zhang Yu Han slid the phone on his hand back into his pocket when he saw his girlfriend walking over towards him.


    The radiant smile on her face caught his eyes and at that moment, Zhang Yu Han felt as if his legs were rooted on the floor. The grave expression he had on to avoid talking to others was gone and was replaced with a gentle look. Zhang Yu Han stood there and waited for her to reach his side.


    Suddenly, he saw the way her steps gradually slowed and finally come to a stop. The smile on her face disappeared and she was looking slightly pale.


    Not knowing what was going on to her, Zhang Yu Han walked towards her and called out her name softly.


    However, it does not look like she had heard his voice. Li Qin Yao tilted her head down and raised her trembling hands to her ?h?st. Her breathing grew faster.


    Zhang Yu Han was starting to worry about the way she acted. He did not know what was happening to her.


    "Qin Yao, what happened to you?" Zhang Yu Han bent his body so that he was looking at Li Qin Yao on eye level, but all he can see was her eyes were unfocused.


    Something was wrong.


    But, she was perfectly fine when she stepped out of the restroom.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned and suddenly overheard a conversation. He turned towards the direction of those voices and from his position, he could see a group of three men talking just behind the wall.


    "What do you think? Do you think that Chairman Li is planning to reinstate his granddaughter''s position?" One of them said.


    Another one let out a chuckle. "That accident was too big. Even local media reporting it here and there. It has only been a few years, no one could forget it in that scandal. Chairman Li cannot be that stupid."


    "If Chairman Li was planning to bring back his granddaughter to their family business, I will tell you now that I will not support it." another man said. "I would rather pull out my investment rather than working with that granddaughter. Using cheap material and neglecting others'' safety. Who would have the courage to work with someone like her."


    As Zhang Yu Han continued to listen to their conversation, the expression on his face turned dark. The look on his face coupled with his aura was frightening. A passerby could not help but to avoid making contact with him.


    Suddenly, he could guess at the sudden change in his girlfriend''s action. Ever since he entered her world and stayed by her side, Li Qin Yao always had this strong side. He did not know that the matter about the accident could traumatize her to this extend.


    Li Qin Yao had told him that she did not do what the others had accused her and he chose to believe in her. Even after he had asked Wei Jun Hao to look into the matter, in the end, he came out with the same conclusion.


    He believed that she was not responsible for that accident.


    After getting close to her and spending his time with her, Zhang Yu Han knew that his girlfriend was not someone who would do such things. He probed deeper into the case and found a few strange things regarding the accident. However, he could not find out that person who had wanted to cause her harm.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as the conversation continued. He wanted to turn around and asked the men to shut up. However, he knew that he could not leave the woman in front of him just like that.


    Right now, he needed to be by her side.


    He pulled her into his embrace and covering her pale face from passerby''s eyes. Then, he patted on her back and tried to coax her. But no matter what he does, the girl in his embrace was unresponsive.


    Meanwhile, the men''s conversation continued and it doesn''t look like they were planning to stop soon.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. He found that the men''s conversation was starting to annoy him. Zhang Yu Han put both hands to cover her ears and bent down to look at her in the eyes again.


    "Qin Yao," he called her name again. His voice sounded more like a pleading. "Please don''t frighten me like this. Li Qin Yao! Look at me!"


    "Zhang... Yu Han?" her lips moved to speak his name.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a long breath when the girl finally answered his call. "Qin Yao, are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes a few more times. It was as if she had only realized where she was. She stared at him for a while before she nodded with uncertainty.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled her back into his embrace. "You scared me. What happened to you?"


    "I," she hesitated. Her voice was a whisper.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned with worry when she did not continue. "Alright. Don''t say anything. Just take a few deep breaths. Don''t worry. I''m here with you." He patted her on her back and kissed her forehead.


    Because of his tall body blocking her, the others could not see clearly what was going on.


    Once she had calmed down a little bit, Zhang Yu Han led her out to the balcony for a bit of fresh air and texted his sister of their situation so that the others would now worry after the long absence.

 Chapter 188 - Hide You Away From Others

    A server knocked his knuckles on the door frame to attract the couple''s attention.


    Zhang Yu Han turned around to his direction and took the glass of water from the server and walked over to his girlfriend. Zhang Yu Han watched the way she tilted her head down. One arm covered her ?h?st and another was massaging her temple slowly.


    As she noticed the tall figure blocking the light in front of her, Li Qin Yao lifted her head and met with Zhang Yu Han''s gaze.


    "Drink this," Zhang Yu Han passed the glass to her and watched as she emptied the contents. Then, he took the glass and placed it on the side table. "How are you feeling now?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head to look at him and smiled. "Better." As she watched his worry gaze, Li Qin Yao inched closer to him and rested her forehead on his ?h?st. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han exhaled loudly before he patted her on her hair.


    Taking a deep breath and inhaling his scent, Li Qin Yao then closed her eyes.


    Her thought went back to what happened in the hallway. A long time has passed, and she did not think that she will experience the same thing all over again.


    Back then, after she had resigned from QL Group, the others would come and pointed their fingers at her, the reporters would not stop bothering her, and everyone would whisper about that incident. Although she had tried to explain that it was not her doing, none of them had believed her words.


    In the end, she had developed this condition. Li Qin Yao would start to have this attack whenever she goes out. It was one of the reasons why she decided to stay with her mother in B City, took a few cooking and baking classes, and started her cafe.


    She was fine after joining the meeting with the shareholders and the board of directors, therefore she had not though that the attack will happen again.


    Perhaps, it was because she had heard the accusation words again that she was brought back to that time.


    "If you''re not feeling well, we can always go back," Zhang Yu Han said. "I''m sure your family would not mind it."


    "It''s fine," she answered after a few seconds delay. "I''m fine now. Moreover," she pulled away and tilted her head up to look at him with a smile on her face. "Don''t I have you with me?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. Since she had said it like that, he did not think that he could persuade her to return to the hotel and rest.


    Leaning half of her body on the railing, Li Qin Yao continued to look at her boyfriend. She grabbed his hands and rubbed them gently with her fingers. "Sorry that I made you worried."


    "Do you always experience that?" Zhang Yu Han asked. When he recalled how Li Qin Yao''s expression at the hallway, Zhang Yu Han felt his heart ached.


    "I haven''t¡­ in a long time. Back then, I used to have this attack whenever I was facing the crowd."


    The frown on his face deepened. At this time, Zhang Yu Han wondered that if he had met her earlier, then perhaps this girl would not have to face the injustice. Zhang Yu Han wanted to say something but stopped when he saw the look on her face.


    Why does it look like this girl was trying to coax him now?


    Seeing her wide eyes staring at him adorably, Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle and a gentle smile curved on his lips. Only then that he realized that his girlfriend''s expression softened.


    Was the look on his face was too scary?


    Zhang Yu Han made a reminder to himself not to show the stern look on his face at this time.


    As she watched the crease between his brow disappeared, Li Qin Yao let out a breath of relief. Though she knew that he was only worried over her, Li Qin Yao did not want him to think things too much.


    Subconsciously, Li Qin Yao leaned her upper body forward and continued to stare at his face. It was as if she was afraid that once she looked away, the frown on his face would reappear and he would have that stern look on his face. Although she was no longer afraid of that stern look like the first time she had seen it, Li Qin Yao thought that she liked it better when Zhang Yu Han was smiling.


    Li Qin Yao watched as he lowered his gaze against her long stare and caught his face turned slightly red. Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han turned his head away and let out a dry cough.


    Her dress was modest and the neckline was not that wide. However, when she leaned forward to him, the space around her neckline widened and because of his height, it was easy for him to see what was underneath her cloth.


    Li Qin Yao straightened up her body and adjusted her clothes with her reddened face. Suddenly, a thought crossed to her mind and Li Qin Yao stared at the man before her.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?" He turned around to look at her again and met with her questioning gaze.


    "I seem to recall that you once said I have the right height."


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head, wondering what was on the girl''s mind. He watched her narrowed her eyes at him and suddenly, he seemed to guess what she was thinking.


    "Is it because it will be easier for you to see certain things?" The man she was dating could not possibly be a pervert, right?


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Of course not." He pulled her closer and rested her head on his ?h?st. "You have the right height because I like you leaning on my ?h?st like this." He wrapped his arms around her small frame and continued. "This way, I can even hide you away from others. Hmm," he tilted his head down and planted a kiss on the top of her head. "If I were to kidnap you like this, no one would be able to tell."


    "Why would you want to kidnap me?"


    "Maybe I just wanted to keep you for myself."


    Li Qin Yao laughed against his ?h?st. She seemed to hear his heart pounding faster as she leaned her head on her favorite spot. She then closed her eyes to listen to his heartbeat silently.


    Just like that, the two of them spent their time silently in each others'' embrace as if they had long forgotten about the wedding reception they were attending.


    "Oops, sorry. I didn''t think that someone was here."


    Her eyes snapped open when she heard a familiar voice. Just as she thought that Li Mu Chen would leave them alone, Li Qin Yao heard her voice again.


    "Wait. You''re¡­ Yao Yao''s boyfriend, right?"

 Chapter 189 - Cant You Take a Hint?

    Initially, Zhang Yu Han had no intention to entertain at the newcomer. However, once he heard that person mentioned his girlfriend, he wanted to turn around, but the person in his embrace clenched her fist on his shirt as if to stop him from moving.


    Zhang Yu Han gave her a questioning gaze and saw her shook her head.


    Thinking that his girlfriend was not in the mood to see anyone what had happened, Zhang Yu Han decided to stay still and continue to block the other person''s view from his girlfriend.


    "Hey, I''m talking to you. Did you not hear me?" Li Mu Chen took a step into the balcony and halted when he turned slightly only to give her a sharp look. It was as if the man was warning her not to come closer. That look scared her enough that Li Mu Chen took a step back.


    Once she recalled that they were at Li Ming Han''s wedding, and this man was no one but an outsider, Li Mu Chen took a deep breath and braved herself to stay around.


    Previously, she had given a few glances towards the man and saw his gentle expression when he was talking to everyone on his table. Li Mu Chen decided that perhaps she did not see his expression clearly and has mistakenly thought of it as an unfriendly glare. After all, it was dark in the balcony.


    Li Mu Chen swayed the tulle skirt and took a step into the balcony. Suddenly, the noise from the hall disappeared and she found that the atmosphere in the balcony was quiet.


    "Let me introduce myself," Li Mu Chen said with a smile. "I''m Li Mu Chen. Yao Yao''s cousin." She waited a few seconds and frowned when the man did not answer. "Are you¡­ not going to introduce yourself?"


    Zhang Yu Han frowned when he heard the name.


    Yesterday, he had heard that Li Qin Yao mentioned that she was not close to Li Mu Chen due to their personality. Instantly, Zhang Yu Han could guess why his girlfriend did not want to greet this cousin when she first appeared.


    He continued to tilt down his head to look at his girlfriend who was leaning her chin on his ?h?st. Seeing the way she continued to stare back at him with her bright eyes, Zhang Yu Han lowered his head to kiss her on the tip of her nose.


    He did not know what his girlfriend was planning, but Zhang Yu Han understood well that at this time, Li Qin Yao did not wish to see the cousin who had just appeared out of nowhere and disturbing their alone time on the balcony.


    "You do know that you''re being quite rude, right?" Li Mu Chen continued. She let out a sneer and took another step forward. Anyway, she was not planning to leave without learning who was her cousin''s boyfriend.


    Li Qin Yao frowned in annoyance as she heard Li Mu Chen''s high heel clicking against the floor. It seemed that this cousin of hers could not take a hint. Even after they have ignored her, she was persistent enough to continue to bug them.


    "Li Mu Chen, can''t you take a hint?" Li Qin Yao finally spoke. She gave Zhang Yu Han a look to say that he should not say a word in front of this cousin. She was not going to let Li Mu Chen hear her boyfriend''s magnetic voice.


    Li Qin Yao pulled away from Zhang Yu Han and peeked from his body. "Don''t you know that you should tacitly leave when others ignored you?"


    "You¡­" Li Mu Chen was surprised upon seeing her cousin suddenly appeared. Her face instantly turned red. She had thought that the man was alone, and she had wanted to approach him to find out about his relationship with Li Qin Yao. She did not expect that her cousin would be here as well. "What are you doing here?"


    Li Qin Yao stepped out from her hiding place and crossed her arms on her ?h?st as she looked at Li Mu Chen. "I''m spending my time alone with my boyfriend."


    "Li Qin Yao, you... you''re acting indecently!"


    "What''s wrong with me acting indecently with my boyfriend? We''re not in public."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle as he heard his girlfriend''s words. He raised his hand and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth. She glanced at the tall man and saw that his gaze was trained on her cousin. "I saw your boyfriend stood here alone and thought of introducing myself as your cousin. I didn''t know that you''re here as well. Yao Yao, you''re not going to introduce your boyfriend to me?" Li Mu Chen put on the best smile on her face.


    Li Qin Yao felt goosebumps when her cousin called her name intimately. Seeing the eager look on her cousin''s eyes, Li Qin Yao felt that it would be better if she did not introduce her boyfriend.


    "No."


    The smile on Li Mu Chen''s face froze when she heard that unexpected answer. Her blood boiled with rage when she saw that Li Qin Yao had pulled on the tall man''s hand and pulled him away to leave the balcony.


    Li Mu Chen stood in front of her to stop them from leaving.


    "Li Mu Chen. What are you trying to do?"


    She took a deep breath and put on her best smile. "Yao Yao, what''s the rush? The two of us have not the chance to sit down and talk for a long time."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her cousin for a few seconds longer feeling as if she had previously heard the same words from her. Then, she curved her lips into a smile. "Li Mu Chen, I have thought about it."


    Li Mu Chen furrowed her brow at her cousin''s suddenly changed the subject. "What are you talking about?"


    "I still think that I don''t need your help with my project in B City," Li Qin Yao said.


    It was then that Li Mu Chen recalled that she had asked her cousin to talk to her grandfather into letting her transfer to B City.


    Her face suddenly turned pale. Li Mu Chen opened her mouth but held her curse on the tip on her tongue when she realized that the tall man was still around. "Yao Yao, you promised."


    "I only said that I will think about it. I have never promised you anything."


    Li Mu Chen stared back at her cousin in astonish. Her mom had warned her not to annoy her cousin until she can convince her cousin into letting her transfer.


    She did not know what had happened, but Li Mu Chen realized that now that her mother would be furious when she learned that she had ruined her chance to transfer to B City.


    Once she realized what was going on, Li Mu Chen stepped forward to chase after her cousin. However, once she stepped into the hall, Li Mu Chen found that her cousin and her boyfriend were among the crowd.

 Chapter 190 - Zhang Jing was Quite Famous

    When Li Mu Chen went back to the table, her mother, Zhao Wei pulled at her hand and frowned. "Where have you been?"


    Li Mu Chen glanced at the table across the table and saw that Li Qin Yao was leaning her head on her boyfriend''s shoulder while she conversed with the elder man.


    "Nowhere. I went to get some air, but I ran into Li Qin Yao and her boyfriend," Li Mu Chen said. She turned to her mother with an aggrieved expression and continued, "I tried to start a conversation with them but guess how they treated me?" She sneered before retelling her encounter with her cousin earlier.


    Of course, Li Mu Chen managed to make her cousin looked bad and she did not mention Li Qin Yao''s unwillingness to help her transfer to B City. Her mother would scold her if she knew that she went to ask for her cousin''s help.


    "Just leave them be," Zhao Wei said after she heard her daughter''s side of the story. "You should not lower your standard to them. Next time, don''t go and find your cousin without reason. You should just wait. I will convince your brother and grandfather to let you join the project in B City."


    Li Mu Chen bit at her lower lips. She could not let her mother know that she had tried to convince her cousin into letting her participate in that big project and unfortunately ruined that chance.


    "Anyway," Zhao Wei continued. "I wanted to introduce you to Chairman Gao''s son, Gao Sheng. You should remember him. You went to the same high school as him."


    Li Mu Chen could only nod obediently at her mother''s request. She looked around and noticed that her brother was no longer sitting around at the table. "Mom, where''s big brother?"


    Zhao Wei glanced at the table at the center. "He went with your grandfather to greet a few of their business partner."


    After a while, it was time for the bride and groom to toast with the guests.


    Li Ming Han and his wife, Bai Qing Qing, walked from table to table with a videographer following behind them to record their every move.


    The newlyweds walked over to Li Qin Yao''s table and greeted Li Chun and her husband. Then, Li Ming Han turned to Li Qin Yao and she then introduced the couple to Zhang Yu Han and his family members.


    Li Ming Han had long known that his grandfather had invited his cousin''s business partner to attend his wedding banquet. However, as he looked at the way his cousin manner with Director Zhang, Li Ming Han could not help but widen his eyes in surprise.


    "Cousin Sister," Li Ming Han lowered his voice as he talked. "You and Director Zhang¡­"


    "Hmm¡­ we''re seeing each other."


    Li Ming Han continued to stare at his cousin with his eyes wide. A thought crossed his mind and Li Ming Han then glanced at Zhang Yu Han. "Then, Chef Qin''s specialty desserts last time¡­ they were sent to you by Director Zhang?"


    It was not hard for him to connect the two dots. Chef Qin was working with The Orchid, a hotel belonged to Zhang Group Worldwide. Because of Zhang Yu Han''s identity, it would not be hard for him to ask Chef Qin to prepare the cakes for his girlfriend and have those desserts as packed as takeaways!


    Li Ming Han suddenly turned to Zhang Yu Han with a wide smile on his face. "Cousin-in-law. I really liked those desserts by Chef Qin."


    Zhang Yu Ying, who was in the middle of drinking suddenly choked on her drinks. She stared at Li Ming Han in disbelief as the man continued to sing some praise to her brother while mentioning Chef Qin''s specialties. How can someone be as shameless as him?


    Her brother, Zhang Yu Han had a faint smile after the groom had addressed him as ''cousin-in-law''.


    "Then, the next time you come to our hotel, I will ask Chef Qin to prepare those desserts for you," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Instantly, Li Ming Han''s expression brightened. Meanwhile, his bride poked him on his waist before she turned to Li Qin Yao with a smile.


    Seeing that the bride was looking at her amiably, Li Qin Yao had a good feeling about Bai Qing Qing. "Qing Qing, what do you think of Chef Qin''s dessert? I heard you''re a fan," Since her cousin''s wife had previously introduced herself as Qing Qing, Li Qin Yao could only address her as such.


    "You are mistaken. I''m not a big fan of sweets," Bai Qing Qing said. She then turned to her husband. "Ming Han is the one with a sweet tooth."


    Li Qin Yao immediately turned to Li Ming Han once she heard Bai Qing Qing''s words.


    Back then, didn''t Li Ming Han coaxed her into giving away two portions of her deserts by saying that Bai Qing Qing was a fan of Chef Qin''s creation?


    Li Qin Yao suddenly figured out what was going on. It turned out that Li Ming Han had eaten those desserts by himself!


    How could Li Ming Han not notice the sharp gaze from Li Qin Yao? He turned to his cousin and let out a dry cough before smiling innocently.


    At this time, the group suddenly heard a commotion.


    Li Qin Yao turned around and saw that her grandfather and their cousin, Li Mu Bai was heading towards them.


    "Grandfather," both Li Qin Yao and Li Ming Han greeted simultaneously.


    Li Ren Xin nodded at the others before he turned to the two people he had never seen before. Once he laid his eyes on Zhang Jing, Li Ren Xin finally recalled who Zhang Jing was.


    Although they were not from the same industry, Li Ren Xin had heard stories about Zhang Jing. The younger generation might not know this, but back then, Zhang Jing was quite famous because of his love story with his late wife, who was someone from a reputable family.


    His late wife was a few years older than him. Therefore, when everyone heard that Zhang Jing was marrying her, everyone had thought that he only wanted to climb up the social ladder.


    But as years go by, Zhang Jing proved everyone wrong. Rumors were surrounding them, but the couple''s relationship remained strong. Zhang Jing''s relationship with his late wife''s family was really good that they would provide him with their backing to help him build up his business.


    Because of his late wife''s reputation, even when the Zhang family left their home country to expand their business overseas, their family continue to have their influence and their business continued to flourish.


    As Li Ren Xin recalled the stories, he then took a step towards Zhang Jing and stretched out his hand for a handshake. "Chairman Zhang, It was nice to finally meet you," he let out a small cough and continued, "I''m Li Ren Xin, Yao Yao''s grandfather."


    Everyone around them watched the scene with surprise on their face as Chairman Li took the initiative to introduce himself and not the other way around.

 Chapter 191 - She Had Thought of Them as Nobody!

    Everyone around could not stop from glancing towards the table as they watched this strange exchange.


    They clearly knew of Li Ren Xin''s influence in Capital City. QL Group was Li Ren Xin''s blood, sweat, and tears. He began with nothing and build his reputation in Capital City. After years, QL Group is one of the largest property group in Capital City and a few other big cities.


    When Chairman Li was walking around the hall to greet the others with his grandson, Li Mu Bai, it was always the others who would always greet Chairman Li first.


    Except for the Mayor and to his grand daughter-in-law''s father, Secretary Bai, Li Ren Xin has not shown too much eagerness when he greeted his guests until this moment.


    Through his manners and expression, everyone could see how much Li Ren Xin respected this old man.


    Moreover¡­ what did Chairman Li address that elder man? Chairman Zhang? Which Chairman Zhang?


    The others began to whisper among each other, wondering who was this strange man. A few who had long recognized Zhang Jing and his grandchildren let out a sneer as they watched those who were in the dark about Zhang Jing''s reputation.


    They have no intention to explain who was Zhang Jing to those who were ignorant.


    Zhang Jing curved his lips into a smile as he shook his hand with Li Ren Xin.


    It was at this time that Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance. "Right. Sorry," she turned to her grandfather and smiled. "I forgot to introduce the two of you. Grandfather, this is Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather."


    The others continued to watch the exchange as Li Qin Yao introduced her family member to the elder man.


    After the introduction, the two old men began to chat as if they were long lost, friends.


    Even after watching their exchange, the others were still clueless about Zhang Jing and his grandchildren. A few smarter ones took out their phone and started searching for his name.


    It was only then that they knew that the elder man was not someone that they could mess up with.


    Li Mu Chen, who saw the others took out their phone quickly followed their movement to look at Chairman Zhang. Once the clicked on the link, her eyes gradually grew wide. Li Mu Chen tugged on her mother''s arms and whispered. "M-mom."


    "What''s wrong with you?" Zhao Wei shot an annoyed look at her daughter. She was trying to figure out what was going on with the two old men when her daughter disturbed her.


    "Mom, you should look at this," Li Mu Chen shoved her phone to her mother.


    It turned out that they were the representative from Zhang Group Worldwide! And she had thought of them as nobody!


    But, didn''t her niece introduced that tall man as her boyfriend? Then, doesn''t that mean that Li Qin Yao was dating someone from Zhang Group?


    Not only her nephew, Li Ming Han had backing from an influential family as the Bai, but now, her niece, Li Qin Yao found herself backing through someone from Zhang Group?


    Zhao Wei continued to browse through the phone to learn more about Zhang Jing. She had seen how her father-in-law was acting very polite towards that man and knew that his identity was not that simple.


    But after browsing through the phone for a while, Zhao Wei could not find what she was looking for.


    Just as she was about to give up, Zhao Wei finally stopped when she found a site with a few old news. After reading on the site for a few minutes, Zhao Wei''s expression turned a few shades darker.


    Zhang Jing might be famous for his hotel, but what others might not know was that, due to his late wife''s family, his Zhang family was someone who had a good connection with the high ranked officials!


    Zhao Wei''s expression turned ugly as various thoughts went through her mind. Her face felt hot from both embarrassment and anger.


    Meanwhile, the two elderly men continued to chat amiably in low voice. Unless if they were standing too close, no one would be able to hear their conversation.


    Li Qin Yao stood at the side as she watched the two elderly men chatted. At some point, the two elderly men had pulled out a chair to sit down before they continued to talk.


    Because of that, the others too stayed around to surround them. Everyone wanted to catch the attention of those two elder men.


    Soon Zhang Yu Han began to notice that the others were surrounding the table.


    Worried that his girlfriend might be anxious due to others'' attention, Zhang Yu Han took her hand in his and started to rub them gently.


    "Are you alright?" Zhang Yu Han whispered when Li Qin Yao tilted her head to look at them. "If you''re feeling unwell, we can leave for a while."


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and lowered her head. Although she was a bit uncomfortable with all the attention, she did not want to leave their grandparents as they were still talking. Moreover, the two of them were someone she addressed as ''Grandfather''.


    "I''m alright," she answered after a while. "Aren''t you here with me."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. In the end, he could only stick around and held on her hand tightly as if channeling his strength. "Tell me if you''re not feeling good, alright?"


    Once Li Qin Yao nodded, Zhang Yu Han finally let his heart at ease.


    Fortunately, their grandparents'' conversation ended not too long after. Li Ren Xin realized that he still has a few people he needed to greet and he then excused himself after inviting Zhang Jing and his grandchildren to have dinner with them when they were free.


    As Li Ren Xin stood up from his seat and turned to leave, Li Mu Bai, who was accompanying his grandfather to greet their business partners turned to Zhang Yu Han and nodded. "Director Zhang."


    Zhang Yu Han replied to him in the same manner. "President Li."


    He recalled that his girlfriend had mentioned that her relationship with Li Mu Bai was not so bad and therefore was at ease with that man.


    Li Mu Bai then turned to Li Qin Yao and said, "Before you leave, come over and find me. There''s something I''d like to discuss with you."

 Chapter 192 - What if She Misunderstands You?

    The wedding reception soon ended and the guests began to leave the banquet hall after having their fill of good food and drinks.


    After saying their farewell to Chairman Li and the others, Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying was ready to return to the hotel. As Li Qin Yao had gone to discuss a few matters with Li Mu Bai, Zhang Yu Han decided to escort his grandfather to leave the reception first.


    The three of them stood at the entrance while waiting for Xiao Ye to arrive. As both the mayor and Secretary Bai had decided to come over to chat with Zhang Jing while waiting, the three of them caught the other attention.


    At this time, Zhang Yu Han was glad that his girlfriend was not around lest she would feel pressured by the attention.


    Thinking of his absented girlfriend, Zhang Yu Han began to worry. He glanced at the wrist and was about to complain of Xiao Ye''s tardiness when he saw that watch. A smile curved on his lips as he recalled that it was a gift from his girlfriend.


    "That''s new," Zhang Yu Ying spoke. She noticed that her brother has been staring absentmindedly at his watch and was curious at what he was looking at. "I have never seen that watch before. When did you get a new watch?"


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his trance and hid the watch under his sleeve. "It''s a present from your sister-in-law."


    Zhang Yu Ying clicked her tongue as she watched her brother quickly hid away his arms before she could take a good look at the present. She muttered a few dissatisfaction words before she raised a brow at her brother. "No wonder you look so happy."


    Zhang Yu Han covered a hand on the watch as he heard the clicking of high heels heading towards them. He turned around and frowned when he saw that familiar face heading towards them. Of course, Zhang Yu Han had remembered the face of the woman who had disturbed his alone time with his girlfriend earlier.


    Of course, the newcomer was no one else other than Li Mu Chen.


    Seeing that the woman was about to come closer to them, Zhang Yu Han turned to look away. However, at this time, he saw how Li Mu Chen tripped on the carpet and was about to fall forward.


    Before Zhang Yu Han could do anything to avoid Li Mu Chen''s falling, Zhang Yu Han saw something flashed before his eyes. Seconds later, Zhang Yu Ying was supporting Li Mu Chen to stand up.


    "Miss Li, are you alright?" Zhang Yu Ying asked. She helped Li Mu Chen to stand up and smiled.


    Meanwhile, Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth as her plan to play as a helpless maiden has failed. However, knowing Zhang Yu Ying''s identity, there was nothing that she can do towards her.


    "Thank you for your help," Li Mu Chen forced a smile.


    As Zhang Yu Ying saw the smile, a thought crossed her mind and she decided to play along. "Miss Li, you have to be careful with your steps," her voice was slightly high as she spoke. "Fortunately, I was quick enough to catch you."


    Li Mu Chen lifted her head and blushed when she noticed that everyone around was staring at her. Even the mayor and Secretary Bai were now looking at her direction. She lifted her head to look at Zhang Yu Han and was disappointed when he did not even spare a glance at her.


    Since her initial plan has failed, Li Mu Chen could not think to spare another minute under the others'' gaze. She clenched her hand on her skirt before she turned around and head back into the hall.


    Zhang Yu Ying watched her jogged with her high heel and put on an innocent smile on her face. "I thought she was heading out? Why did she turn around into the hall?"


    When she heard a chuckle coming from her brother, Zhang Yu Ying looked up and smiled. She latched at her brother''s arm and said, "Brother, I''ve helped you just now."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow but refused to say anything.


    "If I did not block Miss Li for you, she would surely fall onto you," Zhang Yu Ying spoke in a lower voice so that only the two of them could hear. "Imagine what will happen if my sister-in-law saw that scene. What if she misunderstands you?"


    "What do you want?" Zhang Yu Han spoke after a while.


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Ying pretended to ponder. "Grandfather wanted me to look into M City''s report and I''m not confident I to do it."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his sister for a while. "I''ll show you. Just this once."


    Hearing the answer she wanted, Zhang Yu Ying''s smile grew wider.


    After a while, Xiao Ye finally arrived in his car to fetch both the Chairman and Zhang Yu Ying back to the hotel. Once Zhang Yu Han bid them goodbye, he took out his phone and turned to look for his girlfriend.


    As he reached a corner, Zhang Yu Han heard the sound of high heels clicking behind him. After hearing the same clicking sound a few times, it was not hard for him to figure out who was it.


    Zhang Yu Han stopped abruptly and turned around to see that Li Mu Chen behind him.


    Li Mu Chen''s eyes went wide as she was not expecting that Zhang Yu Han would suddenly stop and turn. After a while, she put a smile on her face and stepped slowly towards him.


    "Director Zhang, I believe that we have not been introduced properly earlier," Li Mu Chen said. "I''m Li Mu Chen. Yao Yao''s cousin."


    Zhang Yu Han shot a sharp glance at her before he turned around. Anyway, he had left his girlfriend''s side for a long time and he was worried that something might happen. He tilted his head down to look at his phone and saw that Li Qin Yao had texted him back, saying that she had finished her discussion with Li Mu Bai.


    Seeing that Zhang Yu Han did not want to spare a glance towards her, Li Mu Chen clenched her hand tightly. She stepped forward to go after Zhang Yu Han and shouted. "Director Zhang. I guess you did not know a few things about my cousin before you started to date her, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s steps gradually stopped as he heard Li Mu Chen''s words.


    Meanwhile, Li Mu Chen had a smile on her face as she saw that the man had stopped. She took a few steps towards him and watched him turned around to look at her. "Director Zhang, have you heard about that accident in Capital City two years ago? A shopping mall collapsed, causing a few construction workers to die."

 Chapter 193 - Someone Bad-Mouthing His Girlfriend

    Li Qin Yao stared at the documents in her hand and studied them with focus. After a few minutes have passed, she lifted her head and met Li Mu Bai''s gaze and pointed out to a few information on the paper.


    The two of them discussed the matters regarding the project in B City briefly before Li Qin Yao stood up to leave.


    Li Mu Bai turned to his ?ssistant and passed the documents to him along with a few words before he stood up and walked over to his cousin. "Let me send you off."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him for a few seconds and nodded. The two of them walked out of the room and walked along the corridor. Li Qin Yao tilted her head up to look at her cousin. As she looked at his face, Li Qin Yao could see a hint of tiredness on his face.


    "You drink too much today," Li Qin Yao pointed out. "Are you alright?"


    Li Mu Bai glanced at her and answered. "Still okay." The two of them walked side by side until Li Mu Bai decided to break the silence. "I heard that you''re dating Director Zhang,"


    "Hmm¡­"


    "Is he treating you well?"


    Li Qin Yao turned to her cousin and tried to figure out the reason he was asking her the questions. After deciding that Li Mu Bai was merely asking, Li Qin Yao then answered. "He''s good to me."


    "I''m glad to hear that."


    Li Qin Yao shot another glance at her cousin. She then recalled a conversation with Li Ming Han not too long ago where Li Ming Han had mentioned that both he and Li Mu Bai would not do anything that would harm her.


    Although Li Qin Yao had once doubted Li Mu Bai''s involvement in the accident two years ago, recently, she had started to rethink things again. When she left QL Group, Li Mu Bai would be the one who would gain the most. However, after working together with Li Mu Bai for years, Li Qin Yao thought that he was not that kind of person.


    "I heard that you have started to go on a few blind dates," Li Qin Yao mentioned casually.


    Li Mu Bai let out a chuckle. "Ever since Li Ming Han announced that he was going to marry, everyone started to pressure me into marriage." Of course, other than his mother, his grandparents too would not stop nagging him to find someone who can look after him.


    "Well, it''s tough to be the eldest grandson," Li Qin Yao commented. She looked at him again and smiled.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao felt her phone vibrated on her hand. She unlocked her phone and smiled when she saw a message from Zhang Yu Han. She tapped her fingers on the screen and replied to him with a message that she was on her way to him.


    Just as both of them reached a corner, both Li Qin Yao and Li Mu Bai heard a familiar voice. Their steps were gradually slow as they tried to listen to the voice.


    "Director Zhang, have you heard about that accident in Capital City two years ago? A shopping mall collapsed, causing a few construction workers to die."


    It was not hard for Li Qin Yao to figure out that the voice belonged to her cousin, Li Mu Chen. Judging from the way she spoke, Li Qin Yao knew that her cousin was talking to her boyfriend.


    Her expression darkened as she guessed at what Li Mu Chen was trying to do.


    From the corner of her eyes, Li Qin Yao saw that Li Mu Bai took a step forward to stop his sister. Swiftly, Li Qin Yao stretched her hand to pull at Li Mu Bai''s sleeve to stop him. She looked at his face and saw the apparent anger on his expression.


    Lii Mu Bai raised a brow at her as if asking what she was trying to do and Li Qin Yao shook her head and placed a finger on her lips, signaling him to be quiet.


    At least for now, she wanted to hear what else would Li Mu Chen spoke about her.


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer to Li Mu Chen''s question, but instead, he continued to stare at her.


    Taking his silence as his permission to continue, Li Mu Chen took a deep breath and walked over the man. "You might not know it, but two years ago, that scandal had shaken the entire Capital City. That accident was because the project manager of that time authorized the use of cheap materials for the construction."


    Zhang Yu Han stood silently without saying anything. However, if one looked closely, one would see the way his eyes grew darker with every word that Li Mu Chen had spoken.


    Li Mu Chen stopped once she reached in front of Zhang Yu Han. She tilted her head sideways and smiled. "Do you know who was that project manager? It was no other than my cousin, Li Qin Yao."


    There was a long silence before Zhang Yu Han finally spoke. "Why are you telling me this?"


    The smile on Li Mu Chen''s lips grew wider. Director Zhang, don''t be mistaken. I have no other intention but to warn you to be careful of Li Qin Yao." She lowered her head and suddenly looked up, batting her eyes at him. "Since you are the biggest investor for that project in B City, I feel that it was necessary to warn you. After all, it would be bad if Zhang Group will be implicated if anything should happen with Li Qin Yao as the project manager."


    "Thank you for your warning, Miss Li, but I don''t need them," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Li Mu Chen froze as she heard his answer.


    Why is it that her plans were not working against this man? She was being generous by giving him a warning. Why won''t he listen to her?


    Could it be that he did not believe in her words?


    Li Mu Chen quickly composed herself and tried to stop Zhang Yu Han from leaving. "Director Zhang, I know that you are dating my cousin, but you have to believe in my words. I will not lie to you about such things. I have proof."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her and sneered. He pressed at his phone and placed it on his ears as he made his attempt to leave.


    Anyway, he did not feel the need to spend his time with Li Mu Chen and listen to someone bad-mouthing his girlfriend.


    Just as he was about to turn to the corner, his steps immediately halted as he saw the two people before him. His face gradually softened when he saw his girlfriend stood in front of him.


    "Qin Yao, you''re here."


    Li Mu Chen froze when she heard Zhang Yu Han''s gentle voice. She slowly turned around, ready to argue with her cousin when she saw that there was someone else besides Li Qin Yao. Li Mu Chen''s eyes grew wide and her face turned pale. "B-brother."

 Chapter 194 - We Have Full Trust in her Ability

    Li Mu Chen trembled as she saw both Li Mu Bai and Li Qin Yao in front of her. At this time, she could only pray that both of them had not heard anything that she had said to Zhang Yu Han.


    However, one look at her brother''s expression, Li Mu Chen knew that her brother had probably heard a little bit of what she had said to Director Zhang.


    Li Mu Bai ignored his sister and turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Director Zhang."


    Zhang Yu Han replied to his nod before he turned to his girlfriend. He slid his phone back into his pocket, grabbed her hand, and intertwined them with his. "It''s getting late." He glanced at Li Qin Yao. "We should return now."


    Li Qin Yao studied the situation before her and tightened her grip on Zhang Yu Han''s hands. "What about Grandfather?"


    "Xiao Ye came and pick him up a while ago," he whispered. His heart almost stopped beating when he found his girlfriend standing at the corner.


    Zhang Yu Han was fully aware of what Li Mu Chen wanted to do, and the last thing he wanted to happen was for his girlfriend might misunderstand the situation.


    Fortunately, Li Qin Yao''s gaze on him remained the same.


    Seeing the casual look on Zhang Yu Han''s face as he talked to Li Qin Yao, both Li Mu Bai and Li Mu Chen were dumbfounded. They were expecting that Zhang Yu Han would be angered, but that man continued to treat Li Qin Yao the same.


    Li Mu Bai had heard how his sister had tried to sow discord between their cousin and Director Zhang. Of course, he was worried that his sister''s words might have an impact on the couple''s relationship. "Director Zhang," Li Mu Bai hesitated.


    At this time, he was not sure whether he should address the matter or not. Li Mu Bai was worried that if he raised the matter, Zhang Yu Han might be displeased. What if he took that chance to broke off the cooperation between the two companies.


    Everyone presented today would have heard of QL Group cooperation with Zhang Group. If this cooperation broke out, then, wouldn''t it be a problem for QL Group?


    As the thought crossed his mind, Li Mu Bai cast another angry look at his sister.


    Should he pretend that he had not heard anything and played dumb instead?


    Li Qin Yao sent a disdain glance at Li Mu Chen before she turned to Li Mu Bai. With one look at Li Mu Bai''s expression, Li Qin Yao could see that her cousin was worried. "You don''t have to worry. Zhang Group was fully aware of that scandal involving me two years ago even before we signed to collaborate."


    Hearing her words, both Li Mu Bai and his sister turned to Li Qin Yao with an apparent surprise on their expression.


    Li Mu Chen frowned as she finally understood why her words did not have any effect on Zhang Yu Han. However, she was still puzzled as to why Zhang Group chose to work with someone with Li Qin Yao or why Zhang Yu Han would stay with her.


    The scandal back then was massive. Even after knowing that Li Qin Yao was the cause of that accident, how could someone as great as Zhang Yu Han chose to stay with her.


    "President Li, let me be clear to you. Zhang Group only chose to invest in B City Project because your cousin, Li Qin Yao was the one who was in charged of that project. We have full trust in her ability. If it was not for Qin Yao, Zhang Group will not consider investing in this project." Zhang Yu Han said. He glanced at Li Mu Chen and continued. "Moreover, you should teach your sister to be mindful of her words before she caused a problem for your company."


    "If there is nothing else, then we will excuse ourselves," Zhang Yu Han said. He nodded once again at Li Mu Bai before he led Li Qin Yao to leave the scene.


    Li Mu Bai watched as the couple left the area and turned to his sister in anger.


    "B-brother," Li Mu Chen tried to force a smile that only turned her face crooked. Subconsciously, she took a step back to escape. However, Li Mu Bai had already grabbed her by her arms, preventing her from escaping. "Brother¡­ it was a misunderstanding."


    "Do you think I''m deaf? I''ve heard every word you''ve said to Director Zhang," Li Mu Bai let out a few cursing words. "Li Mu Chen you idiot. Do you think that I was not aware of what you and mother have been planning?"


    Li Mu Chen shook her head. "I have no idea what you are talking about."


    "You and Mother have been trying to convince Grandfather to let you transfer to B City. Do you think that once Yao Yao was no longer in charge of that project in B City, you will be able to replace her?" Li Mu Bai sneered. "Li Mu Chen, you are not qualified! You can''t even handle that commercial hub project without Mother to ?ssist you. And yet you''re dreaming of taking over a large project?"


    Li Mu Chen felt her blood boiled at her brother''s words. "Li Mu Bai! I am your sister! Why are you siding with an outsider? You were supposed to help me!"


    "How is Yao Yao an outsider? She''s your cousin! Your family!" Li Mu Bai said angrily.


    Fortunately, at this time, the guests have left and no one was walking around the hallway.


    "Shut up! How could you speak of such things about your cousin? What you said will not only affect Yao Yao, but also QL Group," Li Mu Bai said. "Do you know what will happen if Director Zhang minded your words and decided to pull out their investment from that project in B City?"


    "What will happen? At most, Li Qin Yao will have to pull out of that project!" Li Mu Chen spat in anger.


    Li Mu Bai snickered. "Not only Yao Yao will be affected, but QL Group too will be at loss. Do you have any idea how much Zhang Group had invested? Without their investment, we won''t be able to complete the project in time, and when that did not happen, QL Group will have a lot to deal with. Do you realize that this is a QL Group development project with the government? Li Mu Chen, are you sick? What are you doing? Trying to bring the company down with your greed? If QL Group went down due to this failure, do you think you can shoulder the responsibility?"


    Li Mu Chen opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself once she saw her brother''s warning gaze.


    "Li Mu Chen, let me remind you not to be overconfident!" Li Mu Bai said.

 Chapter 195 - I will Always Choose to Believe You

    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the person beside him and frowned when he saw that she was unusually quiet. Although the two of them rarely had a conversation while he was driving, Zhang Yu Han could still tell that the girl was not in a good mood.


    As the Cayenne stopped at the red light, Zhang Yu Han glanced at his girlfriend and hope that she will turn her head to look at him rather than looking out the window.


    The red light turned green again, but the person beside him continued to stay in silence.


    Zhang Yu Han finally pulled over his Cayenne to the side road and stared at her with worry. His brow furrowed. "Qin Yao," his voice was a whisper. "What''s wrong?"


    When she did not answer, Zhang Yu Han reached for her hands which was rested on her th??h and held tightly. "Do you want to go for a walk?"


    There was a brief silence between them until Li Qin Yao finally nodded her head.


    Zhang Yu Han turned his attention back to the road and drive until they reached a quiet neighborhood. He pulled his car next to the playground, turned the ignition off, hop off the driver seat, and went to her side.


    Once he opened the door, Li Qin Yao tilted her head down and placed her forehead on his shoulder.


    Zhang Yu Han knew right away that his girlfriend did not want him to see her expression right now. After dating her for a while, he began to understand some of her actions.


    Most of the time, Li Qin Yao would try to hide her face whenever she was too shy to look at him. But this time, Zhang Yu Han knew that she was not hiding her face for that reason.


    When he saw the way her shoulder started to tremble, Zhang Yu Han quickly put his arms around her shoulder and into his embrace. Gently, he started to pat her without saying anything.


    His movement paused when he began to feel a wet spot on his shirt. Soon, a sniff followed and Zhang Yu Han knew right away that his girlfriend was silently crying.


    Although he wanted nothing but to look at her face right now, Zhang Yu Han could only bear with it. As she did not want him to look at her face right now, Zhang Yu Han chose to respect her wishes.


    As long as he can be by her side to comfort her, Zhang Yu Han thought that nothing else mattered.


    After a long silence, Li Qin Yao finally raised her hand to wipe the tears on her face. "Zhang Yu Han," She finally spoke with a cracked voice. "I''m sorry."


    "I''ve dirtied your shirt with my tears and snot." She continued after a sniffle.


    "It''s fine. As long as you''re alright, it''s fine if you dirtied my shirt."


    Li Qin Yao let out a whimper. "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?"


    "You were supposed to attend Li Ming Han''s wedding as my plus one, but in the end, you have to hear and witness all sorts of things," Li Qin Yao sniffled. "I''m sad. Although my relationship with Li Mu Chen was never that good, I''m still sad to hear her say such things about me."


    Her face contorted as she recalled that Li Mu Chen was trying to sow discord between her and Zhang Yu Han.


    Since they were a little girl, Li Qin Yao had always tried to get along with Li Mu Chen. They were a cousin and only a few months apart. Although Li Mu Chen would sometimes treat her nicely, Li Qin Yao was aware that her cousin did not like her.


    No matter how hard she tried, Li Mu Chen would have a way to make her sad. In the end, she had stopped trying.


    "It wasn''t me," Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I have never signed on those documents to authorize the usage of those materials."


    "I know," Zhang Yu Han tried to coax her. "I believe in you."


    "Why?"


    "Li Qin Yao, I told you that I don''t believe in rumors."


    "What if Li Mu Chen came up with a proof to show you that I really am guilty as charged?"


    "If you told me that you did not do it, that you have nothing to do with it, I will always choose to believe your words." Zhang Yu Han continued to pat her gently on her back. "Yao Yao."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head to look at him when she heard his call.


    "You''re my girlfriend. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I chose not to trust you?" Zhang Yu Han placed a hand on her cheek and wiped the tears with his thumb. "I don''t know your cousin. But I know you. Although we have only been together for a few months, I know that I can trust you."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head down again, but this time, she wrapped her arms around his waist.


    Just like that, Zhang Yu Han stood awkwardly with his girlfriend sitting in the passenger seat, while he stood outside to comfort her. Because of his height, Zhang Yu Han had to bend his head a little bit or else, his head might collide against the vehicle.


    "Zhang Yu Han, why are you so good to me?"


    "If I''m not good to you, who else am I supposed to be good to?" Zhang Yu Han let out a helpess sigh. After a while, he reached his hand to pull open a compartment and took out a box of tissue. He pulled out a few plies and handed it over to his girlfriend. "Now don''t cry. It made my heart ached to see you like this."


    "I will be fine," Li Qin Yao looked up to smile at him. Then, she took the tissue paper from his hand and paused as she saw that wet patch on his shirt. She then used half of them to dab at her tears and nose and the other half, she then began to clean at Zhang Yu Han''s clothes.


    After a few seconds of rubbing that tissue paper against his ?h?st, Zhang Yu Han finally grabbed her wrist to stop her.


    His action made her stop in shock. Li Qin Yao then looked at him with a questioning gaze.


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "I''ll let the hotel to clean it later."


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. She stared at Zhang Yu Han''s ?h?st and suddenly her face turned red when she realized what she has been doing. Fortunately, it was dark outside and there was no one else around. She looked away and saw the playground next to them. "Are we still going for a short walk?"


    "You wanted to walk around for a while?"


    "Hmm," she nodded again. "Anyway, I can''t return to the hotel like this. Or else, my mother might think that you''re bullying me."

 Chapter 196 - Summoned Back to Lis Residence

    Back in Li''s Residence¡­


    Zhao Wei and her daughter, Li Mu Chen stepped out of their vehicle and walked towards the mansion anxiously.


    Earlier that morning, Zhao Wei received a phone call from her father-in-law, demanding her to bring her daughter to Li''s Residence urgently.


    Throughout their journey back to the mansion, Zhao Wei had tried to figure out the reason why they were both summoned back to Li''s Residence unexpectedly. She had tried to raise the question to her daughter, but Li Mu Chen too could not figure out the reason why they were called back.


    When the entered the door, Auntie Han, the housekeeper was the one who greeted them. "The Old Master is waiting for both of you in his study," she said.


    Zhao Wei nodded. She took a step and paused when she noticed the nervous look on Auntie Han''s face. "Auntie Han, what''s wrong?"


    Auntie Han lowered her gaze. "Madam, you better head into the Old Master''s study room quickly."


    "What is it all about?" Zhao Wei asked. "Auntie Han, do you know what is going on?"


    "I don''t know," Auntie Han answered. "But the Old Master has been like that after Young Master Mu Bai came to visit him."


    Li Mu Chen''s eyes widened as she heard the news. Her hands started to tremble as her mind made a wild guess at what was waiting for both of them.


    "Mu Bai is here as well?" Zhao Wei asked with a smile. Obviously, she had not noticed the uneasy look on her daughter''s face. "Mu Chen, come. Let''s go."


    Without letting her daughter refuse, Zhao Wei had already pulled her daughter upstairs to Chairman Li''s study room. She knocked at the door and announced her presence. Seconds later, Li Mu Bai appeared at the door with a somber look on his face.


    Before Zhao Wei could say anything to her son, she could hear her father-in-law''s voice, asking them to come into the room quickly.


    Once the door was shut, Li Ren Xin grabbed at the nearest item to him, a fountain pen on his desk, and threw it to Li Mu Chen.


    Fortunately, Li Mu Chen was quick enough to dodge it. However, this action also caused the elderly man''s anger to rise.


    "Father, what''s wrong?" Zhao Wei asked with her eyes wide as she pulled her daughter into her embrace.


    "You''re asking me?" Li Ren Xin spat. "Why don''t you ask your daughter what she did?"


    Zhao Wei tilted her head to look at her daughter, but Li Mu Chen remained trembling in her arms. Knowing that her daughter was not able to answer at the moment, Zhao Wei looked at her son for an answer. However, Li Mu Bai only looked away, not willing to answer.


    Frustrated, Zhao Wei turned to her daughter again. "Mu Chen, what did you do?"


    Li Mu Chen raised her head and shook her head as she looked at her mother with her teary eyes.


    Zhao Wei took a deep breath. "Can someone tell me what is going on? Father, what did Mu Chen do that makes you this angry?"


    Seeing that his sister had no intention to speak, Li Mu Bai finally decided to speak. "Last night, Mu Chen did something to irritate both Yao Yao and Director Zhang."


    "Mom, I did not do anything," Li Mu Chen spoke quickly. Then, she shot a sharp look at her brother. Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth as her heart was filled with anger.


    No matter what, she was Li Mu Bai''s sister. It was fine if he chose not to side with her, but as a brother, how could he tell their grandfather what she did?


    "You dare to mention the incident from two years ago to Director Zhang and you still say that you did not do anything?" Li Ren Xin shouted. "Are you trying to cause harm to the company?"


    Zhao Wei looked at her daughter and felt a lump in her throat. From that short conversation, she could guess at what her daughter was trying to do. It was not hard to decipher from the way Li Mu Chen has been gazing at Director Zhang with infatuation once she found out about his identity.


    She did not mind her daughter''s actions. After all, everything is fair in love and war. If Mu Chen''s plan worked, she might be able to have a strong man as Zhang Yu Han as her backing. However, now that her daughter had failed and her failure might implicate QL Group, Zhao Wei''s was angered.


    "Father, you can''t be angry at Mu Chen," Zhao Wei said. No matter what, she needed to take on her daughter''s side. "She''s only a child."


    Zhao Wei''s words only raised Chairman Li''s anger to another level. "A child! Mu Chen and Yao Yao were only a few months apart. If Mu Chen is a child, then what about Yao Yao?"


    "Father," Zhao Wei had no way to counter her father-in-law''s words.


    Li Ren Xin took a deep breath and looked at the mother and daughter alternately. "I know that you and your mother have been eyeing that project in B City." His gaze stopped at Zhao Wei before he continued. "No matter what, I won''t agree to let Mu Chen transfer to B City. Instead of helping Qin Yao, I''m afraid that Mu Chen will only cause more trouble than she did now."


    Zhao Wei opened her mouth to protest, but then she bit her tongue to stop herself. She knew her father-in-law''s temper well. If she said anything at this moment, everything will backfire.


    Li Ren Xin grunted angrily before he walked towards the door and paused as he walked passed his granddaughter. "Li Mu Chen, listen up. From tomorrow onwards, you will no longer be in charge of that commercial hub project in the city."


    Li Ren Xin''s sudden decision shocked everyone in the room.


    "Grandfather!" Li Mu Chen tried to plead, but quiet down with one look from her grandfather.


    "I don''t think you have what it takes to look after a project," Li Ren Xin said. "From tomorrow onwards, you will report to Manager Yan as his ?ssistant. Until I decided that you are good enough to return as a project manager, you will stay as Manager Yan''s ?ssistant and learn from him."


    Li Mu Chen''s eyes dimmed with disappointment as she watched her grandfather left the room. She then grabbed at her brother''s arms as he too tried to leave. "Brother, how could you?"


    Zhao Wei who saw her daughter''s angry expression quickly decipher what was going on between the siblings. "Mu Bai, you did this to your sister?" Zhao Wei looked at her son in disbelief. "She''s your sister! You were supposed to protect her!"


    Li Mu Bai glanced angrily at her sister. "At least I did not tell Grandfather how my sister was acting shamelessly towards Director Zhang." He turned to his mother and continued, "No matter what, I cannot allow her to do something that will put the company at a disadvantage."

 Chapter 197 - Mister Zhang, Youre Good

    Li Qin Yao lowered her head as she ate her porridge quietly. As usual, Li Qin Yao and her mother were having their breakfast with Zhang Yu Han, his grandfather, and his sister that morning. However, Li Qin Yao had noticed the way Zhang Yu Ying was staring at her and Zhang Yu Han alternately ever since she showed up at the coffee house.


    It was not hard to tell that Zhang Yu Ying was staring at her slightly swollen eyes and was probably misunderstood that somehow, Zhang Yu Han had done something to make her cry.


    As this thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she should be laughing at this situation and felt sorry for her boyfriend. She had a feeling that no matter how much Zhang Yu Ying would inquire to him about her slightly swollen eyes, Zhang Yu Han will never tell her about what happened last night.


    She peeked at Zhang Yu Ying''s reaction again and saw the way she was giving her brother an accusing stare.


    Sometimes, Li Qin Yao thought that it was her blessing to get to know Zhang''s family. She could tell that the three of them care about her, treat her as part of their family, and gave her a sense of belonging.


    Once they finished their breakfast, Li Qin Yao went back to the hotel room with her mother to change before they go out to visit Han Yue Xiu''s mother at the hospital again.


    Their flight to Y City will depart tomorrow evening and the mother and daughter wanted to visit their old friend one last time.


    The bell rang as Li Qin Yao was waiting for her mother in the living room. She stood up from the sofa and smiled at the thought that Zhang Yu Han had shown up to pick them up before he drove them to the hospital.


    However, once she swung the door open, Li Qin Yao was surprised upon finding that it was Zhang Yu Ying.


    "Yu Ying, why are you here?" Li Qin Yao asked in surprise.


    "Sister-in-law, can I come in?" Zhang Yu Ying spoke in a low voice.


    Li Qin Yao shifted her body to allow Zhang Yu Ying to enter. Li Qin Yao shut the door behind her and watched as Zhang Yu Ying looked around the room.


    Once she saw that Li Qin Yao''s mother was not around, Zhang Yu Ying grabbed at both Li Qin Yao''s hands and looked into her eyes, making her anxious.


    "Yu Ying, what''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Sister-in-law, that should be my question," Zhang Yu Ying said. She continued to stare for a while before she exhaled a long breath. "You can tell me the truth. Did my brother argue with you?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes a few times, feeling slightly confused at the situation. It took her a while before she could figure out why Zhang Yu Ying came over to her room to find her.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was embarrassed about the situation. She let out a soft laugh as she felt heat creeping up her neck and face. "We did not argue."


    "You don''t have to worry. You can tell Whatever it is, I will be on your side," Zhang Yu Ying said. She led Li Qin Yao to the sofa and the two of them sat down. "Although my brother is a good man, as his sister, I know that he can be so dense sometimes. Sister-in-law, if he bullies you, you can tell me or Grandfather. We both will get justice for you."


    Hearing Zhang Yu Ying''s words, Li Qin Yao felt an indescribable sense of warmth in her heart. "Yu Ying, thank you. But really. Your were not arguing."


    "Then, why did your eyes..." Zhang Yu Ying did not finish her sentence as she continued to look at Li Qin Yao with concern.


    Li Qin Yao shifted her gaze and smiled weakly. "It''s not your brother. I ran into someone last night and there was a misunderstanding."


    Zhang Yu Ying''s expression changed. Although there was still that spark of doubt that her brother was bullying her sister-in-law, Zhang Yu Ying was sensible enough to let the matter go.


    "Why are you here?" Zhang Yu Han looked askance at his sister.


    "I have some matter to discuss with my sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying subconsciously pulled Li Qin Yao behind her as if to defend her from her brother.


    "What matter?"


    Zhang Yu Ying smiled mysteriously at her brother. "It''s a secret between us. As a guy, you shouldn''t pry into it." She turned to Li Qin Yao and winked.


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. He decided that he was too lazy to talk to his sister and turned again to his girlfriend. "Are you ready? Should we go now?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She went inside to get her mother and soon, the three of them departed to the hospital to visit Han Yue Xiu''s mother.


    When Han Yue Xiu saw Zhang Yu Han and her best friend walking side by side, a teasing smile curved on her lips. She walked over to the couple and greeted them both.


    "Mister Zhang, I have to say that I''m impressed," Han Yue Xiu said. "The last time I saw you, you were still trying to pursue Yao Yao. I left only for a while and found out that the two of you were seeing each other. Mister Zhang, you''re good." Han Yue Xiu then gave a thumb up to Zhang Yu Han.


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head down shyly before she gave a pinch at Han Yue Xiu''s waist.


    "Mister Zhang, when will you treat me to a meal? As your supporter, don''t you think that you should treat me to something expensive?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his girlfriend before he spoke. "If you''re free, how about lunch? Of course, you can choose the place."


    Han Yue Xiu''s eyes brightened at the suggestion. "Perfect. Coincidentally, I''m very free today." She laughed happily at the thought of mooching some food from Zhang Yu Han. "Are you two here to visit my mother?"


    "We will head back to B City tomorrow. It wouldn''t be right to leave without seeing your mother." Li Qin Yao glanced at the door and asked, "Is my mother with your mother?"


    Han Yue Xiu nodded. "Your mother is inside the room accompanying my mother. Once the two met, they started to chat non stop."


    "How is your mother," Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "She''s getting better," Han Yue Xiu said. "My mother should be able to discharge from this hospital next week."

 Chapter 198 - Teased by Han Yue Xiu

    After browsing through the internet, Han Yue Xiu finally decided on a French restaurant in the city. Since it was a rare occasion where she can mooch free food, Han Yue Xiu did not shy away to choose an expensive restaurant. Anyway, knowing Zhang Yu Han, she did not doubt that he would be able to pay for their lunch.


    The three of them left the hospital after Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han both paid a visit to Han Yue Xiu''s mother.


    "Are you planning to return to Y City after this?" Li Qin Yao asked after the waiter had left with their order.


    "Probably not," Han Yue Xiu said. "We decided to stay in Capital City for now. My mom will need to visit the hospital for a regular check-up after discharged from the hospital. Anyway, my dad decided to transfer back to Capital City. I heard that the higher-ups have already granted his transfer request."


    "If you need help to find a place to live, you have to tell me," Li Qin Yao said. "Although I have left Capital City for a while, I still have connections with some people. I can help you find a good place."


    It was then that Han Yue Xiu recalled her friend was someone who was involved in the property business. "I''ll have to discuss it with my dad first. If there''s anything, I will find you. Yao Yao, you need to give us a good bargain."


    "Of course."


    Han Yue Xiu took a sip from her glass and sighed as she was reminded of their time in high school. "This time, I will be the one who stays in Capital City, while you''re staying in B City."


    Li Qin Yao replied with a slight smile. "You have to find me when you''re in B City. But, what about your apartment in Y City? Are you planning to sell that one?"


    "Let''s leave it for now," Han Yue Xiu said. "Anyway, I still have not decided whether to continue to stay in Capital City or Y City. In the meantime, I can only count on you to look after my place."


    Li Qin Yao spent her time eating and chatting with her friend, while Zhang Yu Han sat by her side, listening to their conversation and only joined in once in a while.


    After a while, the phone in Li Qin Yao''s purse buzzed. She wiped her hand on the napkin and retrieved her phone. A slight frown appeared on her face once she looked at the caller ID.


    She slid a finger at the screen and pressed it against her ear. "Grandfather?"


    Zhang Yu Han put the cutlery in his hand as he heard her spoke. From her expression, Zhang Yu Han could guess that she was talking to her paternal grandfather, Li Ren Xin.


    Li Qin Yao listened to her grandfather for a while and turned to look at her boyfriend. "My grandfather wanted to have a meal with you and your grandfather before we leave for Y City tomorrow."


    Zhang Yu Han thought about his grandfather''s plan to pig out that night and replied, "It should be alright to arrange for a meeting for tomorrow''s breakfast or lunch. You decide. Don''t worry about my grandfather. He should agree if we lure him with food."


    Li Qin Yao laughed before she returned to discuss with her grandfather. After they have decided on the time and place, Li Qin Yao put her phone on the table. When she looked up again, Li Qin Yao was startled upon seeing Han Yue Xiu''s teasing smile.


    "Two families having meals together," Han Yue Xiu said with a sigh. "Why does it sounded like a bit suspicious. It couldn''t be that the two families are meeting to discuss marriage, right?"


    Li Qin Yao felt heat crept on to her face. She had picked up the phone in front of both Zhang Yu Han and Han Yue Xiu. As she was comfortable with the two of them, Li Qin Yao did not have a reason to answer her grandfather''s call somewhere else. However, she did not expect to be teased by Han Yue Xiu with that bit of conversation.


    Han Yue Xiu laughed as she noticed her friend''s reddened face.


    Fortunately, she sat the opposite of her friend, or else, Han Yue Xiu was sure that Li Qin Yao was going to pinch her hard on her waist again.


    Li Qin Yao shot her friend a warning gaze and peeked at her boyfriend''s reaction. Once she saw that Zhang Yu Han did not mind her friend''s way of joking, Li Qin Yao heaved a breath of relief.


    After their meal, Zhang Yu Han drove back to the hospital to send Han Yue Xiu.


    As Zhang Yu Han parked his vehicle, his phone rang. Noticing that it was an important call, Zhang Yu Han excused himself to answer the call. Meanwhile, the two friends decided to walk around the garden and chatted.


    "Yao Yao, it''s so good to see you happy," Han Yue Xiu latched herself at Li Qin Yao''s arms and smiled.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "What are you talking about?"


    "I was worried over you when you broke up," Han Yue Xiu sighed as she recalled that night where she had accompanied her friend to eat hot pot in the middle of the night just so she could have a good cry over her breakup.


    "You chose to bury yourself in that development project to distract yourself. I was worried that you might turn into a workaholic. But I can see that Mister Zhang is treating you well."


    Li Qin Yao turned her head to look at Zhang Yu Han who stood not far away from them. He had one hand in his pocket and another holding his phone. Although there was a slight frown on his face, Li Qin Yao thought that right now Zhang Yu Han was really good looking.


    After staring at him for a long time, Zhang Yu Han finally turned to look at her. Their gaze met and he smiled.


    Seeing the tender way he used to look at her, Li Qin Yao felt a bit shy and she started to feel a bit giddy. Suddenly, she had this urge to go to his side and kiss him.


    Li Qin Yao accompanied Han Yue Xiu for a while longer before they parted. She went to find Zhang Yu Han and saw that he was still on the phone. Just as she was about to approach him, Zhang Yu Han finally ended his phone call.


    "Are you done?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He opened his mouth to say something when his girlfriend suddenly stopped in front of him, stood on tiptoe and gave him a peck on his cheek.


    "What was that for?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Nothing. I just wanted to kiss you."

 Chapter 199 - Zhang Yu Hans Thought Ran Wild

    Li Qin Yao had arranged to meet her grandparents for lunch at a famous restaurant in the city. Surprisingly, this time, her mother decided to tag along.


    "Ma, are you sure you wanted to come along?" Li Qin Yao asked for the umpteenth time.


    "What''s wrong with me coming along? Your grandfather called me yesterday and invite me to come," Xu Yilan paused and let out a long breath. "After a long talk at the cemetery, I don''t think that I should avoid seeing them anymore."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her mother for a while and nodded. "If it was like that, then I''m glad."


    At the thought that her mother''s relationship with her paternal grandparents turned better, Li Qin Yao was glad that the two of them decided to take a long break to come over to Capital City. Their purpose for coming this time was to visit Han Yue Xiu''s mother, but unknowingly, her mother and her grandparents'' relationship saw an improvement.


    "Yao Yao, I still need time to get ready. Why don''t you head down and meet the others first lest they would worry?" Xu Yilan said as she popped up her head from the door.


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao nodded. She grabbed her bag and texted Zhang Yu Han that she was heading downstairs.


    When she arrived in the lobby, Li Qin Yao found that her boyfriend was waiting alone. She walked over to Zhang Yu Han and sat next to him. "Where are the others? Why are you waiting here alone?"


    Zhang Yu Han checked at the time and let out a breath of relief upon finding that there was still time before they would depart to have lunch with the Li family. "Grandfather took Yu Ying to the office for some matter. They will be here shortly," He grabbed her hand and locked their fingers together. Then, he raised her hand and planted a kiss at the back of her hand. "And your mother?"


    "My mom is getting ready. She should be here soon." Li Qin Yao stared at her boyfriend and soon noticed that something was not right with him. Li Qin Yao could tell that he was worrying over something. "Zhang Yu Han, are you alright? Why do I feel that you''re a bit agitated?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned to her with a startled expression. He hesitated before he smiled to ease her mind. "Nothing. Don''t think too much."


    How can he tell her that he was anxious after listening to Han Yue Xiu''s words yesterday?


    Li Qin Yao''s grandfather had called to arrange a meeting before they went back to Y City. This time, even Li Qin Yao''s mother was going to join them for a meal. At the thought that the elders would be meeting, Zhang Yu Han''s thought ran wild. He could not stop thinking that this lunch meeting will soon turn into a marriage discussion.


    Somehow, he was both terrified and excited.


    It might seem ridiculous, but from the first time he saw Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han had always known that she would be his. It was something that he could not explain.


    After years of searching, he finally found her again. In the beginning, he was afraid that his intuition about her was wrong, that she was not someone he thought she is. But after spending time with her, Zhang Yu Han realized that he really loved her. He did not think that he would be able to like someone that much.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the girl beside him and thought of how great it would be if the lunch meeting turned to a marriage discussion.


    The group arrived at the restaurant called Phoenix and was immediately ushered to a private room booked by Li Ren Xin. When they walked in, both Li Ren Xin and Mu Ling Xi were already waiting for them.


    The elderly couple stood up from their seat to greet Zhang Jing and the others.


    "The last time, I was too busy entertaining the other guests," Li Ren Xin said. "I can only invite you to have a meal to make up for the lack of hospitality from my part."


    Zhang Jing laughed and thanked Li Ren Xin for his invitation.


    Just like the last time, once Zhang Jing and Li Ren Xin met, the two of them started to chat as if they were old friends. Meanwhile, Mu Ling Xi had pulled Xu Yilan to sit next to her to chat.


    Soon, the waiter walked into the room to serve their best dishes.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the various type of food, wondering whether if this was a simple lunch meeting. After glancing at Zhang''s sibling who started to move their chopstick and eat, Li Qin Yao decided to just go with the flow.


    Throughout her meal, Li Qin Yao began to notice the strange way that her grandfather was looking at her. Perhaps she was too s?ns?t?v?, but Li Qin Yao thought that her grandfather''s way of looking at her as if he was guilt-ridden.


    Once the meal ended, Li Ren Xin pulled his granddaughter at the side to chat.


    Li Qin Yao watched her grandfather''s uncomfortable expression. "Grandfather, what is it?"


    "I heard from Mu Bai that Mu Chen tried to sow discord between you and Director Zhang." Li Ren Xin coughed dryly.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao was able to guess why her grandfather had arranged for that lunch. He had heard about what Li Mu Chen tried to do and was worried that the incident might harm her relationship with Zhang Yu Han.


    "Grandfather, you don''t have to worry," Li Qin Yao smiled. "Zhang Yu Han and I are fine. Regarding that incident two years ago¡­ Both Zhang Yu Han and his grandfather was fully aware of it."


    Li Ren Xin looked at his granddaughter with surprise. "They¡­ don''t mind?"


    "I told them that I was framed," Li Qin Yao paused to study her Grandfather''s expression. "They believe me."


    Li Ren Xin lowered his gaze as shame filled his heart.


    Back then, Li Qin Yao had told him that she was framed but he did not believe in her words. She was the granddaughter that he had raised with his hand, but he chose not to believe in her words.


    "It''s good that they believe in you." Li Ren Xin swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat.


    Knowing that someone who was not related to his granddaughter chose to believe in her words, Li Ren Xin thought that he had failed as her grandfather.


    Li Ren Xin quickly recomposed himself. "Your flight back to B City is tonight, right?" He watched her nodded and forced a smile. "If you run into trouble, don''t hesitate to find me. Come back to visit me and your grandmother when you can."

 Chapter 200 - Couldnt Bear to Leave

    Their flight from Capital City to Y City arrived around eleven at night. Once they landed, Assistant Huo was already waiting at the arrival hall. He handed a set of keys to Zhang Yu Han and led both Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying to his vehicle.


    Zhang Yu Han watched as Assistant Huo''s drove away before he led both Li Qin Yao and her mother to his Cayenne. Although it was late at night, he was insistent to send the mother and daughter back to their home in B City. Or else, he would not be at ease.


    Once they arrived at the apartment, Zhang Yu Han helped them with their luggage upstairs. After drinking a glass of water poured by his future mother-in-law, Zhang Yu Han excused himself.


    Although Xu Yilan had invited him to stay for the night, Zhang Yu Han had rejected her offer with work as his excuse.


    Li Qin Yao looked at her boyfriend with distress as she sent him downstairs. It was getting late. He needed to drive back to Y City and wake up early in the morning for work.


    "You should head upstairs," Zhang Yu Han said as the two of them walked out of the elevator. "I''ll be fine."


    Li Qin Yao let out a sigh as she walked him to the foyer. Looking around and found that there was no one else around, she then pulled at his ??pel to get closer. "Actually, my mother and I could always grab a taxi. You don''t have to insist to send us back here."


    "I won''t be at ease until I saw you back safely."


    "But now, I''m going to worry that you have to drive back to Y City," Li Qin Yao said.


    Although it would take him around fifteen minutes to drive back to Y City as the traffic was clear, Li Qin Yao could not stop to worry that something would happen.


    They have just arrived from Capital City a while ago and Li Qin Yao knew that her boyfriend was tired. It was apparent to see from the dark circle that started to form under his eyes.


    The smile on Zhang Yu Han''s lips widened. He put his hands on her waist and kissed her on the forehead. "I''ll text you when I arrived home, alright?"


    She never imagined herself as someone clingy. But it seemed that being in a relationship with Zhang Yu Han and pampered by him had turned her into a clingy person. Li Qin Yao did not know if it was a good thing to be a clingy person.


    "I''ll drive carefully," Zhang Yu Han promised. He tightened his grip around her waist. "If you''re too tired, rest a little bit more. Don''t go to the office tomorrow."


    Li Qin Yao felt his finger touching her arms and trailing from the upper part until it reached to her wrist. His touch was warm and ticklish, causing her to shiver and giggled. "Impossible. There are a lot of documents waiting to be reviewed tomorrow. I can''t let Liang Sheng do all my job."


    The two of them had taken a long break to attend the wedding in Capital City. Not that they are back, the two of them need to deal with that piling documents on their desk. Because of that, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han had agreed that they should not be meeting each other for the next few days.


    Initially, Zhang Yu Han disagreed. It took Li Qin Yao a while to coax him not to drive over to B City to meet her. Because he did not want his girlfriend to worry too much, Zhang Yu Han had to reluctantly agree.


    During the past few days in Capital City, he was able to see her whenever he wanted to, and kiss her whenever they were together. Now that they were going to be apart for a few days, Zhang Yu Han found that it would be hard for him.


    If it was up to him, Zhang Yu Han wanted to be able to see her all the time.


    He wondered if it would be a good idea to kidnap her and bring her home.


    "I''m going to miss you," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "I''m going to miss you too," Li Qin Yao buried her face on his ?h?st and inhaled in his scent. When she thought that she had enough, Li Qin Yao pulled away and tilted her head up to look at him. "Alright. You need to go now. Don''t let me stop you."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her words. "You couldn''t bear to let me go?" he teased.


    Unexpectedly, the girl in his arms looked at him with a serious expression and nodded. "Un."


    Zhang Yu Han felt his head numbed and his heart skipped a beat. "You shouldn''t acknowledge that easily."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow. "Why not?"


    The way she looked at him guilelessly made him smile. "Now I couldn''t bear to leave," Zhang Yu Han sighed helplessly.


    Li Qin Yao was dumbstruck. He had lowered his tone as he spoke making his voice was husky and ticklish. Li Qin Yao soon found herself entrapped by both his gaze and voice.


    Suddenly, he closed the gap between them and descended to kiss her lips. His arms were holding her waist tightly as his lips glided against hers. There was nothing else that she can do but to respond to him.


    Just when she thought that she was going to lose her ability to breathe properly, Zhang Yu Han finally pulled away. He rubbed his thumb on her lips and smiled. "I should go now."


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips as she watched him turned around and headed over to his Cayenne.


    Li Qin Yao returned to the office the next day and Liang Sheng briefed her about the progress during her absence the first thing in the morning. Li Qin Yao flipped through the documents and felt an incoming headache as she stared at the piling files on her desk.


    She had left the office for almost two weeks. Obviously now that she had returned to the office, she had to face her work.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath as she checked the agreements with their project suppliers as Liang Sheng was briefing her about visiting the suppliers to sign the agreements.


    Her eyes scanned at the paper and paused when she saw the company they were going to sign with.


    WS Group.


    Was that not the company where Chen Hao was working?

 Chapter 201 - Something Came Up

    "Did we decide to sign with WS Group?" Li Qin Yao asked. She placed the documents on her desk and turned to her ?ssistant, Liang Sheng.


    The bespectacled man nodded. "Miss Li, you have approved to sign with WS Group two weeks ago. You are scheduled to sign with the company this Thursday," Liang Sheng reported.


    Li Qin Yao reviewed the documents all over again. The quotation from WS Group was up to their budget and Li Qin Yao could not find anything wrong with what the company was offering.


    The only thing that she did not like about WS Group was the probability that she was going to see Chen Hao again. It was fine if the two of them could treat each other as friends, but the last time that Chen Hao had come over to discuss the agreement, he was insistent on getting back together.


    Chen Hao should have known that she was the type of person who would never go back once she had left. He was the one who pushed her aside when she needed him. Since he was the one who chose to withdrew from their relationship, it was no longer possible for them to return to the past.


    Moreover, she now has Zhang Yu Han by her side.


    Zhang Yu Han had treated her well that she would sometimes found it unbelievable to have him as her boyfriend. Since she was happy to be with Zhang Yu Han, she did not want to do anything that would hurt him. She was not someone who would betray a relationship.


    She had agreed to give their relationship a try and was determined to give her all.


    "Is there any problem with that document? Should I look at it over again?" Liang Sheng has been observing his boss''s expression for a while and noted that something does not feel right. Thinking that he had probably made a mistake while checking the documents, Liang Sheng was anxious.


    "No," Li Qin Yao replied quickly. She turned to Liang Sheng and smiled. "Just arrange everything according to plan."


    The contract draft with WS Group has no flaws and she was very satisfied with it.


    At the thought that she shouldn''t be mixing her personal feeling with business, Li Qin Yao decided to let it pass.


    She could always choose to ignore Chen Hao if he continued to pester her again. Or else, she could request WS Group to change the person who they had to deal with.


    Liang Sheng nodded at her instruction. Then, he started to brief her about her schedule. Now that she had returned to the office, there were countless of people that she had to meet and a dinner meeting to attend.


    When Liang Sheng finished, it was a few minutes away before their meeting started. Li Qin Yao walked over to the pantry and prepared herself a mug of coffee.


    Just as she was about to take a sip from her steaming coffee, her phone rang.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the caller ID for a while and smiled when she saw that it was her boyfriend. It was only two hours ago that he had given her a call. It was unexpected that he would call her again at this time.


    "Are you in the office?" Zhang Yu Han asked after a brief greeting.


    "Hmm¡­"


    "Busy?"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled. Though they were far apart, Li Qin Yao could detect a smile on his face. "Liang Sheng shoved a mountain of documents to review the moment I walked into the office."


    "Don''t forget to have your meal on time no matter how busy you are," Zhang Yu Han reminded.


    "I know," Li Qin Yao grabbed at the pen on her desk and spun it around her hands. She opened her mouth to remind him the same and stopped when she heard a knock from the other line.


    "Hold on," Zhang Yu Han put a hand on the receiver and told the other person to come in.


    On the line, Li Qin Yao could hear a familiar voice. The conversation between Zhang Yu Han and Secretary Tian began and ended in just a few minutes. Though Li Qin Yao was not able to hear the details, she could tell that the two of them were discussing something about work.


    "Are you busy?" Li Qin Yao asked as he returned on the line.


    "Hmm," a soft sigh escaped his lips and Zhang Yu Han began to massage his temple. "Something came up. I have to travel to M City for a few days."


    "What happened?" Hearing his sudden decision to head to M City turned her worried.


    They had only returned from Capital City last night and now Zhang Yu Han will have to travel to M City. Her heart began to ache at the thought that he b?r?ly has enough rest.


    "Some legal matters," Zhang Yu Han said. "I''m not too sure about the details yet. It was probably nothing. Don''t worry. Wei Jun Hao will accompany me to M City and ?ssist me."


    If he did not agree to help his sister to look at their hotel report in M City, he might have not discovered that there would be such a serious matter. After discussing with his grandfather about the problem, Zhang Yu Han decided to travel to M City to handle things personally.


    "When will you be back?"


    "If everything goes well, I should be able to return in two days. Secretary Tian had booked my flight at two o''clock," Zhang Yu Han reported. "I''ll head back to my apartment and pack up. Yu Ying will send me over to the airport."


    Li Qin Yao was quiet as she listened to him reporting his itinerary. The two of them had decided not to meet each other as they will be busy with work, but knowing that Zhang Yu Han will be in M City made her heart heavy.


    At least, if Zhang Yu Han was still in Y City, she could always come over when she missed him too much.


    Moreover, there was still the probability that he will have to extend his stay in M City until the matter was resolved.


    "I have talked to Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han continued. "Qin Yao, if you encountered any problem with the project, you can contact Grandfather or Assistant Huo."


    "Oh." Li Qin Yao stared at the pen on her desk. Earlier, she was still twirling the pen in her hand. It was unknown when did she had placed the pen down.


    "Li Qin Yao,"


    "Hmm?" She tilted her gaze down. She always loved his voice and especially when he called out her name with that deep voice. But this time, his voice failed to soothe her mood.


    "I''ll miss you." Zhang Yu Han said. "I''ll accompany you to anything you want when I return, alright?"

 Chapter 202 - Blacklist His Number

    Zhang Yu Han was supposed to conclude his business in two days, but unexpectedly due to some matters, he had to extend his stay in M City.


    With Zhang Yu Han''s absence, Li Qin Yao has been busying herself with work. If she was not in the office, Li Qin Yao would head over to her cafe to look over her small business.


    These days, Li Qin Yao no longer have to run around to run both her cafe and the development project.


    After she had chosen Qing Kong and trained her to manage the cafe, her business grew steadily.


    With Qing Kong finally ended her training and was appointed as the manager, Li Qin Yao was able to focus more on the development project in B City. She only needed to show up once in a while to look at the report and discuss their promotions and performance.


    On Thursday morning, Li Qin Yao headed to her cafe and poured herself a cup of coffee. Choosing the nearest table to the counter, she sat down and began to review the report that Qing Kong had prepared for her.


    As she was focusing on the performance of her cafe, her phone on the table hummed a soft vibration.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the screen and smiled happily when she saw her boyfriend''s name. She put down the documents, leaned back on her seat, and answered the phone.


    "What are you doing?" Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice greeted her.


    "Just reviewing some documents in Lilium," Li Qin Yao spoke. "I''m waiting for Liang Sheng to come over and report the progress with WS Group."


    "Hmm? Weren''t you supposed to be at WS Group to sign an agreement with them?"


    "I''ve met with their manager, Mister Huang last night, and signed an agreement," Li Qin Yao said. "Liang Sheng only went to WS Group to make an appearance."


    Although her ?ssistant, Liang Sheng, or Xiao Lian Yi would accompany her, Zhang Yu Han would still worried. However, that was something that she could not avoid due to her position.


    When she heard his soft cough on the line, her brow began to furrow. "Are you alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han cleared his throat and replied. "I''m fine." He smiled. Though he knew that she could not see it, Zhang Yu Han was happy to hear her concern. "Qin Yao, I''m calling to let you know that I''m at the airport with Jun Hao. Our business here is done. My flight should land in Y City around two," Zhang Yu Han reported. "Do you want to meet later?"


    A wide grin gradually appeared on her face at the thought of meeting him. "You''re not busy?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "I just wanted to see you. Qin Yao, I miss you."


    Li Qin Yao pressed her lips tightly when he unknowingly lowered his voice and made it sound deeper. Suddenly, her ears felt hot. Slowly, she nodded. "Alright."


    "Tell me when you have finished. I''ll come over to see you."


    The two of them chatted for a while longer until Zhang Yu Han announced that he needed to head over to the departure hall. Li Qin Yao ended the call and soon, picked up the documents on the table to continue her task.


    The small bell hanging on the glass door chimed. Li Qin Yao looked up and watched as her ?ssistant, Liang Sheng walked over to her.


    "Miss Li," Liang Sheng greeted politely.


    Li Qin Yao nodded and motioned towards the empty seat in front of her. "Have a seat." She called out one of the waitresses and looked back at her ?ssistant. "Liang Sheng, would you like something to drink?"


    The bespectacled man pondered for a few seconds. "A cup of black coffee would be fine."


    Once the waitress left the table, Liang Sheng pulled out an envelope and handed it to Li Qin Yao. Then, Liang Sheng watched as Li Qin Yao studied the documents.


    After checking on the documents twice and ensured that there was no problem, Li Qin Yao shoved it back into the envelope and handed it back to Liang Sheng.


    "Did you encounter any difficulties during your visit to WS Group?"


    Liang Sheng sipped at his coffee. "Nothing." He hesitated for a moment before he spoke again. "Miss Li, are you familiar with Mister Chen in WS Group?"


    "I know him."


    Liang Sheng''s gaze softened and he placed down his coffee back to its saucer. "Mister Chen has been asking a few questions about you after that meeting ended."


    Li Qin Yao paused as she heard what Liang Sheng had said. She had expected that Chen Hao would be looking for her once he heard that she would be coming to his company.


    Of course, as WS Group wanted to win the right to supply the materials to QL Group, they could not have many opinions towards that little change in plan.


    "I did not tell him anything other than explaining that you were absent due to an urgent matter," Liang Sheng said. "But he did ask me to deliver a message. He wanted you to contact him when you''re free. Mister Chen mentioned that he had some important matters to discuss."


    Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh. The last time she had encountered her ex-boyfriend, Chen Hao had persistently texted her and pleaded her to give him another try. After his tenth text, Li Qin Yao decided to blacklist his number.


    "I understand. Thank you for your hard work, Liang Sheng."


    After lunch hour, Li Qin Yao went with Liang Sheng to visit their land in B City to meet up with their engineers.


    When she arrived, she found that the old factories and buildings were demolished, leaving a large empty land.


    As she was discussing with the engineers regarding the land, Zhang Yu Han gave her a call to inform her that his flight has safely arrived in Y City.


    There were still a few hours left before her meeting with the engineers to end and therefore, Zhang Yu Han had told her that he would return home to take a quick break before he will drive over to B City to meet her.


    An hour before her meeting with the engineers ended, Li Qin Yao had given her boyfriend a text to inform him that her meeting would be over soon. However, once she checked her phone after the meeting, Li Qin Yao found that Zhang Yu Han had yet to reply to her.

 Chapter 203 - He Might Catch a Cold

    Something was wrong and her heart was uneasy.


    Knowing Zhang Yu Han, Li Qin Yao was aware that he was someone who would always alert with his phone. Even when his phone was set on silent mode, Zhang Yu Han was someone who would always check on his notification. It was a habit that he developed as he was looking after his grandfather.


    Therefore, when Zhang Yu Han had not replied to her text or answering her call, Li Qin Yao was starting to worry.


    Fortunately, in their last conversation, Zhang Yu Han had told her that his flight has safely arrived in Y City or else, Li Qin Yao''s mind might start to run wild, thinking nothing but unpleasant thought.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her phone absentmindedly. A few staff walked past her to bid goodbye, but she could not give them any attention. Her mind was occupied with the whereabouts of her boyfriend.


    It felt as if he had suddenly disappeared.


    Li Qin Yao was restless as she could not reach him. At this time, she was worried that something might happen to her boyfriend.


    It couldn''t be that he had seen her text an hour ago and was now driving over to B City to see her, right?


    Li Qin Yao quickly dismissed that thought as quickly as it has appeared.


    Even if Zhang Yu Han was driving, he could still answer her call using those hands-free gadgets.


    Minutes ticked by and Li Qin Yao felt her heartbeat accelerated. Until she heard a word from Zhang Yu Han, she would not be at ease.


    Li Qin Yao scrolled through the contact list on her phone and stopped at his grandfather''s name. Just before she pressed on the call bu??on, Li Qin Yao retracted her finger.


    Zhang Jing was someone with high blood pressure and other elderly''s health issues. It was the main reason why his grandson was so strict with his diet.


    At the thought that her call regarding his grandson might agitate him, Li Qin Yao decided not to make the phone call. After pondering for a while, Li Qin Yao decided to go with the next person on the list. His sister, Zhang Yu Ying.


    It did not take Zhang Yu Ying a long time to pick up her phone call.


    "Sister-in-law!" Zhang Yu Ying''s usual cheery voice greeted her as the call was connected.


    "Yu Ying," Li Qin Yao forced a smile.


    "Un. What''s the matter?"


    "I," Li Qin Yao hesitated, not knowing how to ask the question. Taking a deep breath, Li Qin Yao decided to go for it. "Yu Ying, have you seen or heard anything from your brother?"


    "My brother?" Zhang Yu Ying echoed. There was a hint of confusion in her tone. "I saw him a couple of hours ago. He dropped by the office to send in some documents and discussed some matter with Grandfather. Right. He told me that he was going to see you," Zhang Yu Ying paused when she sensed that it was strange that her sister-in-law called to ask about her brother. "Is he not with you?"


    "No," Li Qin Yao let out a loud sigh as she forehead. "I tried to reach his number, but he did not pick up my call."


    "Huh?" Zhang Yu Ying frowned. "That''s strange. My brother would always pick up a phone call. Sister-in-law, hold on for a while. I''ll check."


    Li Qin Yao pursed at her lips as she heard Zhang Yu Ying picked up the landline to call her brother. After a few attempts, Zhang Yu Ying could not reach for her brother. After pondering for a while, Zhang Yu Ying decided to call her brother''s best friend, Wei Jun Hao.


    The last time she saw her brother, he was with Wei Jun Hao to brief their report to Grandfather. Afterward, Wei Jun Hao was the one who sent him back to his apartment.


    Fortunately, Wei Jun Hao picked up her phone calls. After checking with Wei Jun Hao about her brother''s whereabouts, Zhang Yu Ying then returned to Li Qin Yao.


    "Sister-in-law, you''re still there?" Zhang Yu Ying asked.


    "Un. I''m here."


    "I talked to Brother Jun Hao. He told me that he sent my brother back to his apartment and left after that. Oh right! I just remember something," Zhang Yu Ying hesitated. "The last time I saw my brother in the office, I noticed that he had a sore throat. Brother Jun Hao said that he might catch a cold and now he is resting in his apartment. If that was true, that would explain why my brother did not pick up the phone."


    "A cold?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Ying nodded. "Usually when he had a cold, my brother would choose to sleep and nothing can wake him up."


    Li Qin Yao paused. Hearing Zhang Yu Ying''s words only made her worry about him. At least she now knew that Zhang Yu Han was safe. But at the thought of her boyfriend staying at his apartment alone made her heart anxious.


    Zhang Yu Ying was about to say that she could ask Wei Jun Hao to check on her brother, but at the thought that she could create a chance for her brother to be alone with her sister-in-law, Zhang Yu Ying changed her mind.


    She had long noticed that her brother was already in a bad mood when he returned from M City.


    Anyway, it has been a few days since the couple met. Initially, her brother had wanted to meet with her sister-in-law, but because he was unwell, he did not even realize that he had missed his date.


    At the thought of acting as her brother''s fairy godmother, Zhang Yu Ying lips unknowingly curved into a smile.


    "Sister-in-law, if you''re worried, you can always visit my brother at his apartment," Zhang Yu Ying said. "I am swamped with work. It would be hard for me to check on him and I did not want Grandfather to worry. If you can check on my brother, that would be great."


    "I," Li Qin Yao hesitated. "I did not know where his apartment is."


    Although she frequently visited Y City, Zhang Yu Han would always take her back to his grandfather''s residence instead of his apartment.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll text you his address and his passcode," Zhang Yu Ying spoke quickly. "If he did not come to the door, you can key in his passcode and enter his apartment. I''m worried that my brother might be in deep sleep after taking some medicine."


    "Will that be alright?" Li Qin Yao started to wonder if it would be a good idea to appear at his apartment without notice.


    "Of course it will. If it''s you, then my brother would be happy if you show up," Zhang Yu Ying said quickly. "Anyway, you would not be at ease until you see my brother, right?"


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips at Zhang Yu Ying''s words. She weighed her choices and made her decision. "Alright. Text me his address."

 Chapter 204 - He was Burning Up

    Li Qin Yao arrived in Y City just before the sky turned dark. She fetched a taxi from the station and within fifteen minutes, the taxi pulled over at a luxurious apartment building near the lake garden.


    Hastily, she went inside the building. With the address from Zhang Yu Ying, she finally arrived at the door.


    Taking a deep breath, Li Qin Yao cast another look at the number on the wall. After ensuring that she had indeed arrived at the right place, Li Qin Yao raised her hand shakily and pressed on the doorbell.


    This was the first time that she had come over to Zhang Yu Han''s place.


    Although she should be anxious as this was the first time she had visited his apartment, Li Qin Yao was more worried that she was not able to find him in the apartment.


    It was fine if she was unable to reach him because he was sleeping in his apartment. However, it would be a different matter if she could not find him inside.


    She wouldn''t know what to do if she could not find him.


    Various thoughts came to her mind all at once. There were too many ''what ifs'' and negative thoughts.


    Finally, Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance and shook her head to clear her mind. She pressed the bell once and silently counted to ten.


    However, the person she was looking for did not appear at the door. Anxiously, Li Qin Yao pressed at the doorbell again and waited.


    However, the response was the same. Zhang Yu Han did not appear at the door.


    His phone has been turned off, probably from the lack of power.


    She scrambled to find Zhang Yu Ying''s message to search for the passcode. Li Qin Yao held her breath as she pressed at the numbers. A beeping sound came after she pressed on the enter bu??on and Li Qin Yao pushed the door open.


    Fortunately, she had entered the right number.


    Li Qin Yao entered the apartment stealthily and was surprised to find that it was dark inside.


    "Hello? Zhang Yu Han?" She called out his name from the entrance and began to fumble for the switch.


    The room was brightly lightened after she clicked on the switch and it took her a few seconds to adjust her eyes against the light.


    Closing the door behind her, she then walked into the house to search for Zhang Yu Han''s silhouette.


    Her gaze roamed around the living room, but she could not find the person she was looking for. Carefully, she continued to walk around the house and soon stopped when she reached the master bedroom.


    The door was wide open and from where she stood, Li Qin Yao could see Zhang Yu Han sprawling on the bed.


    She put her phone back into her bag and walked over to check on his condition.


    "Zhang Yu Han?" She called out his name softly as if afraid that she was going to startle him. However, the person on the bed did not move at all.


    Li Qin Yao walked closer to him and glanced at the half-emptied glass and medicine on the table. She put a hand on his forehead and was shocked upon finding that he was burning up.


    She retracted her hand and patted at his shoulder. "Zhang Yu Han?"


    The man moved slightly under her touch. His eyelashes fluttered slightly. He opened his eyes and stared at her in a daze before he shifted his position and continued to sleep.


    Li Qin Yao started to panic. She grabbed her phone and quickly dialed Zhang Yu Ying''s number. After a few rings, Zhang Yu Ying''s cheery voice greeted her.


    "Yu Ying," Li Qin Yao''s voice was anxious. "Your brother is burning up. What should I do?" A thought crossed her mind and she blurted out, "Should I call the ambulance?"


    Zhang Yu Ying paused. She took a couple of deep breaths and spoke, "Sister-in-law, don''t panic, alright? I''ll call a doctor to come over."


    Li Qin Yao listened attentively to Zhang Yu Ying''s voice and instruction.


    When she hung up, Li Qin Yao hurried into the bathroom to get a small basin with water and a small towel. She tucked Zhang Yu Han''s body under the quilt, sat down at the edge of the bed, and started to wipe his face and neck in the hope that it will reduce his temperature.


    Almost twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang.


    Li Qin Yao left his side and went towards the door. She looked at the person through the camera and was surprised when she saw that familiar face.


    Quickly, she swung the door open and stared at the man with a questioning gaze.


    "Miss Li," the man greeted her.


    Li Qin Yao stared at his face for a brief second before she spoke. "You''re Zhang Yu Han''s friend, Qi Zheng, right?"


    "I''m glad that Miss Li still remembers me," Qi Zheng smiled. He glanced into the house and back to the woman in front of him "Zhang Yu Ying called and told me that there is an emergency?"


    "Right," Li Qin Yao opened the door and moved aside to let the man into the house. It was then that she noticed that Qi Zheng was carrying a black bag in his hand. "Are you a doctor?"


    Qi Zheng replied with a smile. "Can you lead me to the Captain?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She led Qi Zheng into Zhang Yu Han''s room and stood at the side as she watched Qi Zheng checked on Zhang Yu Han''s temperature.


    "How is he?" Li Qin Yao asked when Qi Zheng stood up.


    "I''m guessing that Captain is down with a fever due to lack of rest," Qi Zheng said. "Fortunately, his temperature was not too high," his gaze moved towards the side table and his lips curved into a small smile when he saw the small basin on the table. When he returned his gaze to Li Qin Yao, Qi Zheng could see that she was distressed with Zhang Yu Han''s condition.


    "Miss Li," Qi Zheng spoke in a soothing voice. "You don''t have to worry. Our Captain is always like this. He would sleep whenever he had a fever and woke up after a night of sleep. I''ll prescribe some medicine. But, he should be alright after some rest. "


    Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and frowned.


    Qi Zheng searched into his bag and took out a few tablets and medicine. Then he proceeded to inform her about consuming those medicine. "These medicines are best to be consumed after he had something to eat," Qi Zheng reminded. "Just give him something light to eat after he wakes up and make sure he drink a lot of water."

 Chapter 205 - While He was Sleeping

    After listening to Qi Zheng''s instructions on how to look after a sick person, Li Qin Yao walked him to the door. She thanked him for coming to check on Zhang Yu Han and finally closed the door behind her when he left. Then, she took out her phone and texted Zhang Yu Ying of the new development regarding her brother.


    She glanced at the time and suddenly realized that it was getting late. Because it was the first time that she has to look after a sick guy, Li Qin Yao has been asking Qi Zheng a lot of questions.


    Realizing that she probably won''t be able to catch the last train to head home later, Li Qin Yao sent a text to her mother to inform her that she will be staying in Y City for the night.


    Anyway, she won''t be at ease to leave Zhang Yu Han alone in his apartment. Qi Zheng had reminded her to monitor his temperature every few hours.


    She could not call Zhang Yu Ying and ask her to come over. Zhang Yu Ying was staying with Zhang Jing at Zhang''s residence. She did not want to alarm their grandfather when Zhang Yu Ying suddenly had to come over to look after her brother.


    After making her decision to stay the night and accompany him, Li Qin Yao returned to the master bedroom to check on her boyfriend again.


    Zhang Yu Han was sleeping soundly as she approached.


    She stood beside the bed and watched his steady breathing. Then, she put a hand on his forehead again to check on his temperature.


    Fortunately, his temperature was not as hot as the first time.


    Fortunately, Qi Zheng had told her that he was alright and only needed a good rest to recover.


    Li Qin Yao crouched down beside the bed and let out a soft sigh as she continued to stare at him.


    The eye bags under his eyes were very apparent. It was obvious that he was too tired to the point that his body collapsed. After all, he had to make a trip to M City after he returned from Capital City.


    Still¡­ after his flight landed in Y City, he chose to make a trip to B City just to see her.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao had mixed feelings about the situation. She was a bit touched, a bit guilty and a bit angry at Zhang Yu Han.


    If she had known that he was unwell, she would not make a plan with him and instead, she will insist for him to rest.


    Li Qin Yao ran her fingers on his eyebrow and slowly trailed down to the tip of the nose. She took her time to look at his feature as he was asleep. Although this was not the first time she had shamelessly stared at him, it was the first time that she had observed his sleeping visage.


    A smile curved on her lips as she thought of how attractive he looked like at the moment.


    As her breath touched his skin, Zhang Yu Han''s eyes fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes.


    Suddenly, their eyes met.


    Li Qin Yao froze as she did not know what to do. Her face gradually warmed at the thought that he had caught her staring at him while he was sleeping. She waited for him to break the silence, but hen merely stared back at her as if he was in a daze.


    In truth, Zhang Yu Han was really in a daze.


    At this moment, Zhang Yu Han thought that he was still in the hotel room in M City and his girlfriend had appeared in his dream.


    He had stayed a few days in M City to deal with a few matters and each night after he returned to his room, Zhang Yu Han would always video called his girlfriend to catch up with her. The two of them would talk about their daily life and some random stuff until one of them fall asleep.


    Or rather, until his girlfriend falls asleep.


    He would always make sure that she would fall asleep before he does. Then, he would stare at her sleeping face before he quietly wished her goodnight.


    Even though the two of them could see and talk with each other, Zhang Yu Han found that he was missing his girlfriend more than ever. He wanted to have her by his side where he could always touch her.


    And this time, it looked like his wish was granted.


    Even if it was only in his dream, Zhang Yu Han was glad that he was able to see her in front of him. This dream almost felt like it was real. He could feel the heat radiating from her as the two of them were so close to each other.


    "Qin Yao, it''s good that you''re here." He finally broke the silence. Zhang Yu Han gave her a weak smile and stretched his hand to touch her face. "You almost felt so real."


    Li Qi Yao smiled back. From his words, Li Qin Yao could decipher that he had thought of her appearance in his room as nothing but a dream. A soft laugh escaped her.


    Zhang Yu Han in his grogginess was definitely fun to watch.


    She brushed her hand on his cheek and asked, "How are you feeling?"


    Zhang Yu Han hummed. Then, he grabbed her hand on his face before he spoke again. "I miss you so much."


    Her gaze softened when she heard his words. But it seemed that he did not hear her question at all.


    Zhang Yu Han closed his eyes as he snuggled against her palm. "Qin Yao, stay with me alright?"


    It was then that she was reminded of Qi Zheng''s words.


    Li Qin Yao wanted to head over to the kitchen and prepare some porridge, in case Zhang Yu Han would wake up hungry. After all, she was sure that he did not consume anything before he went to bed as the two of them initially had the plan to meet and eat out somewhere.


    However, no matter how much she tried to pull her hand away, Zhang Yu Han refused to loosen his tighten on her hand.


    No matter how she tried to peel his hand off hers, Zhang Yu Han had refused to budge.


    Or perhaps, it was more that she did not try too hard as she was afraid of disturbing his rest.


    After a few attempts, Li Qin Yao finally gave up. She sat down on the wooden floor and rested her head at the edge of the bed. Her gaze continued to watch his sleeping face.


    Soon, his sleeping breath started to sound like a rhythm, coaxing her until her eyelid felt heavy.

 Chapter 206 - Dont Be Angry

    Zhang Yu Han blinked his eyes a few times when he saw the scene in front of him. He blinked a few more times and wondered if the girl in front of him would suddenly disappear.


    However, no matter how many times he shut and opened his eyes, the girl in front of him did not vanish from his sight.


    It seemed that he was unable to wake up from his dream.


    He was fully aware that he had missed her so much that she had appeared in his dream. It has been a few days since the last time he had seen her.


    Last night, he had wished for her to appear beside him. And just like that, his girlfriend had appeared next to him and kissed him on the tip of his nose.


    Wait. That''s not right.


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his thought and looked away from Li Qin Yao''s sleeping face. His breath stuck in his throat as he realized that he was back in his apartment instead of in the hotel room in M City.


    Slowly, he started to trail after his memory.


    It seemed that the problem in M City has been resolved and he had returned to Y City. Zhang Yu Han recalled giving a call to Li Qin Yao to inform her of his flight details. The two of them made a plan to meet and he had promised to meet her in B City.


    Seeing that there was still time before their meeting, he went back to his apartment to rest. Then, he started to have this headache. He popped in a few pills into his mouth and hope that the headache would go away by the time he went out to see his girlfriend.


    Zhang Yu Han was startled as he recalled that he was supposed to be in B City. As that thought went to his mind, Zhang Yu Han turned to Li Qin Yao again.


    But, how did his girlfriend appeared in his apartment? Why was she sleeping with her head resting at the edge of his bed? Just what on earth happened while he was taking a brief nap?


    Zhang Yu Han tried to shift his body to look at the clock and noticed that he was holding her hand. He stared at their linked hand for a while and suddenly was overcome with an indescribable feeling in his heart. His gaze became soft. Slowly, he reached to touch her hair with his free hand.


    Seeing that she did not react, Zhang Yu Han grew bolder. He inched closer to nuzzle at her hair and filling his nostril with her scent.


    Although it hurts him to see how she had slept beside him, Zhang Yu Han did not attempt to wake her up. Selfishly, he wanted to savor at the moment for a while longer.


    Li Qin Yao tried to move her body and felt sore around her neck.


    Instantly, her memories returned and she sat up with a jolt. Her hand touched his forehead to check on his temperature. Once she was sure it was no longer hot, Li Qin Yao let out a sigh in relief.


    It was then that she realized that he was staring at her.


    Li Qin Yao smiled at the man in front of her and spoke, "How are you feeling? Better?"


    Zhang Yu Han did not understand why she was asking the question. "How did you come here?"


    Li Qin Yao was reminded of the last time he was drunk. Similar to this situation, back then, he could not remember what had happened to him.


    "Your sister gave me your address and passcode," Li Qin Yao answered. She stared at him and hesitated. "I hope you won''t be mad at your sister. She¡­ we were worried about you."


    "Why would I be mad at her?" Zhang Yu Han frowned. "Wasn''t I supposed to come and pick you up from your office? How did you appear in my apartment instead?"


    "Zhang Yu Han, do you know how worried I was when I could not find you?" Her eyes were misty as she recalled finding him with his body burning up "You said that you were going to come over and pick me up, but after a long time of waiting, you did not appear. I tried to call and text you, but you did not reply."


    Zhang Yu Han was startled. He sat up quickly and tried to explain. "You tried to reach for me? Sorry. I wanted to take a nap before I come to see you. But I guess I was overslept."


    Her anger rose at his words. "You still wanted to talk about that. Zhang Yu Han, if your body is unwell, you should be resting. You''re a sick person, why do you want to come over to see me instead?" She stood up to look at him. "You developed a fever because you''re not having enough rest. Then tell me, what if something happened while you were driving to B City?"


    Zhang Yu Han continued to listen to her nagging. He finally picked up the puzzle pieces and guessed at what had happened after he took medicine and nap.


    Instead of feeling annoyed by her nagging, his heart was warmed up at her concern. He reached for her hand and rubbed her hand against his face.


    "Qin Yao, don''t be angry," he tried to pacify her. "Didn''t you say that I''m a sick person?"


    Li Qin Yao wanted to continue rambling about how worried she was upon finding him unconscious in his house. Last night, she could not channel out her frustration when she found out that he had passed out due to a lack of rest. Now that Zhang Yu Han had woken up, she wanted to vent her frustration.


    However, once she looked at him, the words got stuck at the tip of her tongue.


    "I know that I should have taken good care of my body, but we haven''t seen each other for days and I missed you so much," Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at her with his mouth slightly pouted. "I just wanted to see you."


    At this time, Li Qin Yao felt as if her heartbeat had momentarily stopped.


    Why was he looking at her while pulling a cute face? This was not fair.


    "Don''t be angry, alright?" Zhang Yu Han tugged at her hand softly and her body fell on the bed and she was sitting beside him. Before she could speak again, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her body in an embrace.


    "I''m not angry," Li Qin Yao spoke after a long silence between them. She took a few deep breathes and was able to calm down with his scent. "I''m worried."


    "I know. I''m sorry." Zhang Yu Han whispered at her ears. "I won''t make you worry again."

 Chapter 207 - I Will Listen to You

    Almost five minutes has passed before Li Qin Yao realized the situation she was in¡ªin Zhang Yu Han''s embrace on his bed.


    His arms were encircling her body as his hand moved to ??r?ss her upper arms as if coaxing her.


    Her face grew hot when she noticed that he had buried his nose in the crook of her neck. His soft breath and lips touched her skin and that area slowly became numb.


    Fortunately, her back was facing him. Or else, Zhang Yu Han would be worried that he might have infected her with his fever when he saw her reddened face.


    Li Qin Yao struggled out of his embrace and stood up. She turned to face him and saw the questioning look in his face.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han asked. They were fine just a few seconds ago and he was enjoying the sensation of having her petite frame in his arms after not seeing her for a few days. Of course, seeing that she had pulled away so suddenly made him feel lost.


    Li Qin Yao stared at his confused expression and suddenly did not know what to do. Her gaze fell on the medicines on the side table and spoke, "You need to eat something before you take your medicine. I''ll go and prepare something for you to eat. You should get yourself clean up first."


    Zhang Yu Han watched speechlessly as the girl scurried away from his room. Once she disappeared from his eyesight, Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. He sat silently on his bed and covered his face with his large palm.


    A frown appeared on his face as he remembered the feeling of her body against him. As a gentleman, he had restrained himself well enough.


    Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Zhang Yu Han stood up from his bed and walked towards the window. The sky was dark blue with a tinge of orange. As his bedroom was facing east, he was able to watch the sun starting to rise.


    Just how long was he asleep?


    He walked over the table and grabbed his phone. Finding that it has run out of battery, Zhang Yu Han plugged in his phone. Five minutes later, he turned on his phone and found almost hundreds of missed calls and messages. Most of them were from his girlfriend.


    His heart grew warm as he read her texts. Suddenly, he was overcome with guilt. He couldn''t imagine how worried she was when she could not reach him last night. As he read her text messages, Zhang Yu Han could see how anxious she was.


    After replying to a few important messages, Zhang Yu Han walked into the bathroom. Once he had taken a quick shower, Zhang Yu Han walked out of his bedroom only to find his girlfriend in the kitchen. His steps halted as he was mesmerized by the scenery in front of him.


    Li Qin Yao had an apron on and she was facing the stove, stirring something in the pot. A delicious smell wafted from the kitchen to where he was standing and Zhang Yu Han was momentarily in a daze.


    It seemed like this situation was somewhat familiar to him.


    The last time he was drunk and found himself back in his bedroom in his Grandfather''s residence, he had seen a situation similar to this.


    Back then, she was preparing breakfast in his grandfather''s kitchen along with Auntie Wu and his sister. But this time, she was alone and she was cooking something in his kitchen.


    Zhang Yu Han thought of how much he liked seeing what he saw now.


    Li Qin Yao tasted the food in the pot and turned off the fire once she was satisfied with how the food looked and tasted like. Suddenly, she had a hunch that someone was staring at her and turning around, Li Qin Yao found her boyfriend stood at the entrance, watching her.


    With a smile on her face, Li Qin Yao placed the ladle on a clean plate before she walked over to him. "You''re done?" she stopped in front of him and tiptoed to touch his forehead. A breath of relief escaped her when she did not detect high heat from him. "I made you breakfast."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. "There are not many ingredients in this kitchen."


    As the owner of the house, Zhang Yu Han was familiar with the item in his kitchen. Because he did not cook and would frequently stay in his grandfather''s place, there were not any fresh ingredients in his refrigerator.


    "I know. I just whipped something quick using whatever ingredients I can find. I hope you don''t mind me rummaging through your kitchen." She said with a smile. "Are you hungry? Come on. Sit down."


    Just as he was about to answer, Zhang Yu Han found that his stomach was rumbling. The aroma coming from that pot managed to stimulate his appetite.


    Li Qin Yao pulled his hand and led him towards the bar counter. Then, she pulled out a stool and motioned him to sit down. "Sit. I''ll bring you a bowl of congee. I bet you were famished. After all, you did not eat anything before you went to bed last night." She walked towards the stove, poured some congee into two bowls, and walked over to him. "Qi Zheng said you should eat something before you have your medicine."


    "My fever is gone." Zhang Yu Han pursed his lips when he noticed her sharp gaze. He tilted his head down to look at the thick congee in his bowl and spoke again, "Qi Zheng came over last night?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded before she sat down beside him. "Your sister called him to come over and check on you. Fortunately, he came. Or else, I wouldn''t know what to do."


    Zhang Yu Han put down the spoon that he had just lifted. "Qin Yao¡­ I''m sorry."


    "It''s alright." Her gaze grew soft and she tilted her head down to stare into that bowl of congee. "I just hope that you will take care of your body better."


    "Alright," He smiled when she lifted her face to look at him. "I will listen to you."


    Li Qin Yao bit at her lips before she urged him to eat his breakfast.


    After he had emptied the bowl clean, Zhang Yu Han saw her pushing a few pills and medicine towards him. Obediently, he swallowed the pills under her supervision.


    "Are you going to the office later?" he asked. "I''ll give you a lift."


    "No. It''s fine. I''m not in a hurry. I''ve told Liang Sheng that I won''t be coming in. I don''t have any meetings today, so I can work from anywhere as long as I have my ??ptop." She paused to look at him with a serious expression. "Anyway, I still want to accompany you and make sure that you eat your medicine on time."

 Chapter 208 - I Have a Confession

    Last few weeks ago, Li Qin Yao had left B City to Capital City to visit Han Yue Xiu and attended her cousin''s wedding. Because of that, she could not leave her work for too long as the construction will soon begin.


    As she had decided to stay around a while longer to accompany her boyfriend, Li Qin Yao had to make sure that her decision will not affect the development project.


    After freshening up in the bathroom, Li Qin Yao sat in the living room together with Zhang Yu Han. Both of them were focusing on their ??ptop.


    Although she wanted nothing but to let Zhang Yu Han rest, Li Qin Yao knew that it was unreasonable to make him stay in bed doing nothing.


    As he had just returned from M City, he still has a few works to do to tie up any loose ends.


    After a consideration, Li Qin Yao set a limit of two hours for him to do his work before he will be forced to take a break. Anyway, that would be a better choice than letting him go to his office.


    Li Qin Yao raised her head from her ??ptop and glanced at the man across from her. Somehow, just being together in the same room just like that gave her a sense of serenity.


    Her lips tilted into a smile as she peeked at his serious expression on his face. A slight crease formed at the space between his eyebrow and his jaw tightened.


    Zhang Yu Han''s fingers on the keyboard paused when he had this sense of being watched. Lifting his gaze, he caught his girlfriend staring at him with a shy smile on her face.


    Their gaze met and she did not attempt to hide that she was staring at him. Seeing the way he was looking at him, the frown on his face gradually disappeared. He leaned back on the sofa and patted the space beside him on the sofa.


    Tacitly, Li Qin Yao put her ??ptop on the table, stood up, and walked over to him. Instead of sitting down beside him, Li Qin Yao put a hand on his forehead to measure his temperature. A sigh escaped her when she found that his fever did not return.


    "I''m fine."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow at him before she glanced at the clock. "You have another hour to work. Then, you''re going to take a break."


    His lips curled into a smile. He placed his ??ptop aside, grabbed at her hand, and pulled her to sit on his ??ps. "I''ll take a quick break right now. Anyway, I could not concentrate on my work when you stare at me like that."


    Tilting her head with a mischievous smile on her face, Li Qin Yao put her arms around his neck to look at him. "Then, I''ll just stop staring at you."


    "But I like finding you staring at me," Zhang Yu Han teased. "Am I very attractive?"


    Li Qin Yao had bu??erflies in her stomach as she continued to watch him. His penetrating gaze on hers coupled with his deep voice ignited an indescribable joy. She bit at her lips and nodded.


    "Did you only agree to date me because of my good look?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his question. She lowered her gaze and stopped at his Adam''s apple. She removed a hand from his shoulder and proceeded to touch the protruding on his neck. She watched as his Adam''s apple moved and fought the urge to kiss it. "Actually¡­" Her gaze returned to his. "Zhang Yu Han, you have a very nice voice."


    Zhang Yu Han watched her with a puzzling gaze. He had never been told that he had a nice voice. It was the first time that someone had told him about it and therefore he was curious.


    "So, you liked my voice?"


    The smile on her face widened as she recalled the first time she had heard his voice. "Do you remember that sushi restaurant where we first met?"


    Zhang Yu Han wanted to argue that their first meeting was not at the sushi restaurant, but the words did not leave his lips and instead he replied to her with a nod.


    Taking a deep breath, Li Qin Yao spoke, "I have a confession!"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a soft laugh. At this time, he could not understand his girlfriend''s train of thought, or why did she frequently change their topic of discussion.


    Weren''t they were talking about how she found that he had a nice voice? How did their conversation jumped to their meeting at the sushi restaurant and a sudden confession in just seconds?


    "What confession?" Zhang Yu Han decided to just follow her thinking process.


    "Haven''t I mentioned to you previously that I was sitting beside you on that day?"


    So they were talking about their meeting in the sushi restaurant after all?


    Zhang Yu Han nodded.


    "Back then, I was eavesdropping to your blind date because I found that your voice was really good to listen to," Li Qin Yao paused as she wondered why was she disclosing this secret to him now.


    She continued to stare at him and decided that it was both his suave look and voice that persuaded her into divulging her secret.


    "I think," she licked at her lips nervously when she found him staring back at her with his penetrating gaze. "I think I might have fallen for your voice at that time."


    His gaze darkened at her sudden confession. "What do you like about my voice?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. She opened her mouth to answer but then decided that she had told him enough. She flashed him another mischievous grin and spoke. "Not telling you."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless chuckle. He gave a peck at her lips and her mischievous smile on her lips quickly disappeared.


    "Qin Yao." His voice was deep, rich, and dangerous.


    "Hmm?"


    Her heartbeat accelerated.


    Li Qin Yao thought that she had perhaps made the wrong move by telling him her secret. Right now, hearing him pronouncing her name with that voice was slowly driving her crazy.


    "Tell me." He tried to coax her with his voice.


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips tightly, refusing to say another word. It was best if she kept her mouth shut. She was afraid that anything she said later will be used against her.


    Seeing that she had persistently kept her mouth shut, Zhang Yu Han leaned forward and kissed her on her lips. Slowly he pried her lips open.

 Chapter 209 - Someone is at The Door

    Li Qin Yao tried to catch for her breath as she felt something igniting within her. And that heat slowly crept to her skin, overheating her body. She could feel his hand in her hair, drawing her closer to him and preventing her from escaping.


    Not that she had any intention to escape right now.


    Her mind was in a daze due to the lack of oxygen and she was probably too consumed with his kiss to pull away.


    Anyway, she really liked kissing him. Being around Zhang Yu Han made her happy and kissing him awakened an indescribable sensation within her. She realized that she really, really like him.


    Once she thought that she would pass out from the lack of oxygen, Li Qin Yao finally drew her lips away from his. Resting her forehead against his forehead, Li Qin Yao panted as she tried to catch up her breath. Their gaze met and Li Qin Yao swallowed as she met his darkened eyes.


    His gaze was both seductive and dangerous. Subconsciously, Li Qin Yao looked away to avoid his eyes and her gaze fell on his reddened lips. A soft sigh escaped her and she leaned in to give him another peck.


    Before Zhang Yu Han could catch her lips and continue to kiss her, Li Qin Yao had already created a small gap between them. When he looked at her again, Zhang Yu Han did not miss the mischievous grin on her face.


    This girl was getting better at teasing him. And it was slowly torturing him. Wanting to be a gentleman can be very hard.


    "Zhang Yu Han." Her voice was a whisper.


    "Hmm?"


    "What should I do?" Li Qin Yao bit at her slightly swollen lips. She continued to stare at him without continuing what she wanted to say and felt a surge of emotion bursting through her ?h?st.


    The smile on her lips could not disappear no matter how much she bit the inside of her cheek. Her heart won''t calm down no matter how many times she had su?k?d in a deep breath. Her mind felt dizzy as blood rushed through it. Everything was too overwhelming.


    Li Qin Yao clasped her hands together behind his neck. His short hair tickled at her hand, but she did not attempt to remove her hands. "I think I love you," she whispered.


    His hand around her waist tightened as he tried to bring back his self-control. But soon, his grip loosened at the thought that he might hurt her.


    He did not think that he can continue holding on anymore.


    It was the words that he always dreamed of hearing. Now that he had heard her enunciating those words, Zhang Yu Han was at loss at how he should react.


    "Qin Yao," he tried to speak, but only found that his voice sounded hoarse and very foreign.


    Finding that he could not speak things clearly, Zhang Yu Han slowly approached her, and soon, his lips brushed her soft lips before moving to initiate a gentle kiss.


    Unlike the previous kiss they shared before, in this kiss, he tried his best to tell her how he felt as he heard those simple words¡­


    The kiss lasted for a while longer before they started to notice that something was wrong.


    The doorbell has been ringing for a long time.


    Li Qin Yao pulled away and panted before she moved her eyes towards the entrance. "Someone is at the door."


    "Just leave them be," Zhang Yu Han said impatiently. "Eventually, they will leave once they realize that we are not able to entertain them."


    Li Qin Yao let out a laughed as she avoided his kiss, and seconds later, the doorbell rang again. "Are you sure? Whoever that is, I think that person has rung the bell for a while. Almost as if he knew that you are inside."


    He took a few deep breaths to suppress his annoyance before he looked at his girlfriend again with a forced smile. "Alright. I got it. I''ll go and open the door."


    Li Qin Yao moved over from his ??ps to the sofa. Then, she watched as Zhang Yu Han stood up and headed to the door.


    "It''s my sister," Zhang Yu Han said as he spied at the intercom.


    Her eyes grew wide at his words. "Quick. Open the door,"


    Zhang Yu Ying was aware that her brother would be staying at home and she would stay to accompany him. If Zhang Yu Han persisted not to open the door for his sister, then, wouldn''t Zhang Yu Ying started to suspect something?


    How was she supposed to see Zhang Yu Ying after this?


    Zhang Yu Han su?k?d in another deep breath before he opened the door for his sister. A deep frown appeared on his face when he saw the bright smile on his sister''s face. "Why are you here?"


    "Brother, how are you feeling? Better?" Zhang Yu Ying asked. She gave her brother a look over and noticed something amiss. Her brother was looking at her as if she had owed him millions. "Am I disturbing something?"


    "It''s good that you are aware of that." Zhang Yu Han sneered.


    Zhang Yu Ying felt her breath caught in her throat at her brother''s hostility. She clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction and said, "Is this how you treat your benefactor?" She lowered her voice. "I was kind enough to give sister-in-law your address and passcode. Aren''t you supposed to be thanking me?"


    Rolling his eyes at his sister, Zhang Yu Han then leaned his body on the door. "What do you want?"


    "Are you not going to invite me inside?" She answered him with a question. "I brought something for my sister-in-law." Zhang Yu Ying lifted the paper bags in her hand before she stood on tiptoe to peek inside the apartment. "Right. Where is my sister-in-law?"


    Zhang Yu Han moved his body sideways to look at the living room but found that his girlfriend was no longer sitting on the sofa.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Ying used this chance to barge into her brother''s apartment.


    Zhang Yu Han exhaled a long breath as he watched his sister slipped through him.


    Just as Zhang Yu Ying walked into the living room, Li Qin Yao suddenly appeared from the guest room.


    Zhang Yu Han watched his girlfriend for a while and noted that she had gone into the guestroom to tidy up herself before his sister could see her messy and disheveled state.


    Fortunately, he had held his sister at the door, giving her time to straighten up her clothes and hair. Or else, Zhang Yu Han was sure that his girlfriend would be embarrassed.

 Chapter 210 - Disappointed with Her Brother

    "Sister-in-law, I thought you have left when I did not see you," Zhang Yu Ying chirped when she saw Li Qin Yao. She studied her expression and smiled when she did not see anything amiss from her future sister-in-law.


    Unlike her brother, Li Qin Yao was giving her a welcoming smile when she saw her.


    As expected, her sister-in-law treated her better than her brother!


    "When did you get here?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "A while ago," Zhang Yu Ying smiled. "I rang the bell many times before my brother showed up at the door."


    "Hmm¡­ The doorbell is broken," Zhang Yu Han spoke with a straight face. "Sometimes, it doesn''t ring no matter how much you press on it. I''ll have the maintenance to check on it."


    Li Qin Yao tried not to laugh at his obvious lies.


    Zhang Yu Ying let out a sigh. Then she went to her brother and spoke in a low voice, "I could have entered using the passcode, but I was afraid that I might see something I shouldn''t. You were not doing something inappropriate right?" she looked around and saw two ??ptops at two different positions.


    She spied at the ??ptop and saw that both of them had work-related documents displayed on the screen.


    She had given him the chance to be alone with his girlfriend, but he still chose to work.


    "Thank you for your consideration," Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes dangerously at his sister. He did not know what his sister was thinking, but he did not like the look on her face right now.


    Li Qin Yao watched as the two siblings bantered. She always loved watching the brother and sister interacted that sometimes she would get jealous over their relationship. After all, she had never experienced the feeling of having a sibling.


    At times, it would seem as if the siblings were arguing, and Zhang Yu Han was treating his sister harshly. But it was apparent that the siblings cared for each other.


    Li Qin Yao wondered if her brother was still alive, would she had a similar relationship as the siblings?


    "Right," Zhang Yu Ying was quick to run away from her brother and hid beside her Li Qin Yao. "Sister-in-law, I brought you something." She lifted the bags in her hand and took out a brown paper bag . "I was worried that you might not have a change of clothes. So I brought everything according to your size. There are some toiletries in there too."


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes brightened at her words. She was getting uncomfortable in her yesterday''s suit and slack, but had not any clothes to change to and she was too embarrassed to ask to borrow from Zhang Yu Han earlier.


    Fortunately, the weather was getting colder, and she did not sweat a lot. It was still bearable to wear yesterday''s clothes.


    Casting a thankful glance, Li Qin Yao then said, "Yu Ying, thank you!"


    Zhang Yu Han leaned on the wall with his arms crossed on his ?h?st. Because of his sister''s keen observation and thought, he decided to forgive his sister for disturbing their couple moments earlier.


    "Don''t mention it," Zhang Yu Ying smiled brightly. "It was the least I could do after you helped to look after my brother." She glanced at her brother and continued. "Sister-in-law, it must be hard for you."


    After thanking Zhang Yu Ying for a bit more, Li Qin Yao was pushed into the guest room so that she can get changed into something more comfortable.


    "Have you guys had your breakfast?" Zhang Yu Ying brought another bag into the kitchen before she pulled out a few container boxes onto the kitchen counter. "Auntie Wu made you something when I told her that I''ll be visiting. We both know how you don''t keep much food around here."


    "We had our breakfast," Zhang Yu Han said. "Qin Yao made some congee earlier."


    Zhang Yu Ying paused. She turned to her brother with a shocked expression on her face. "No way. With what ingredients?"


    "What do you mean?" Zhang Yu Han''s cast an annoyed look at his sister. "I still have some rice and other ingredients lying somewhere in the kitchen."


    Zhang Yu Ying walked over to the refrigerator and peered inside. There were a few eggs, a wilted spring onion, and lots of instant food inside. The corner of her lips twitched as she wondered how did Li Qin Yao manage to whipped anything out of those ingredients.


    "Since you have eaten, then you can have these for lunch. Just remember to reheat them later before you eat," Zhang Yu Ying said before she shoved the container inside the refrigerator. "I already told Grandfather that you won''t be coming to the office today."


    Then she walked over to her brother and placed a hand on his forehead. "It''s good that your fever has reduced. You don''t know how worried my sister-in-law sounded like when she called me yesterday. You shouldn''t make her worry."


    Zhang Yu Han''s frowned as he imagined her panic. "I know." He tilted his gaze down and said, "Thank you."


    The siblings turned around as they heard a movement behind them and saw Li Qin Yao stood not far from them in a t-shirt and shorts.


    Finding that the siblings were staring at her, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt shy. She found that it does felt a little weird to dress comfortably in her boyfriend''s apartment.


    It bore a feeling as if she was living with him and that thought only turned her face a shade redder.


    Zhang Yu Ying went over to Li Qin Yao and walked around as if inspecting her. "Hmm... I know I chose the right size." She smiled in satisfaction. "Sister-in-law, are you planning to go back to B City today?"


    Zhang Yu Han paused as he heard her question. He was enjoying spending his time with his girlfriend with just the two of them.


    To suddenly hear that she will return to B City later, Zhang Yu Han found that he was unprepared for it. How he wished that he could make her stay forever.


    "Hmm... I''m planning to go back in the evening. Probably before the rush hour." Li Qin Yao said.


    "Then... sister-in-law, you should wait for me. I''ll give you a ride." Zhang Yu Ying said.


    "I can give you a ride," Zhang Yu Han spoke quickly. He looked askance at his sister.


    "You still need to rest," Li Qin Yao rejected.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. The look on her eyes was told him that he would be in trouble if he did not listen to her request.


    Then Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Ying and smiled. "Don''t worry about me. I''ll catch the train to B City."


    "Sister-in-law, don''t be too polite with me. It''s fine. I''m heading to B City after work to meet up with a few friends," Zhang Yu Ying said. "It won''t be a problem if I drop you along the way."

 Chapter 211 - Be a Good Boy and Eat Your Medicine

    Zhang Yu Han let out a long sigh after his sister left his apartment. He did not know why, but spending his time around his sister can be a bit too tiring. In his opinion, his sister, Zhang Yu Ying had too much chaotic energy that he did not know where did it come from.


    When he turned around after sending his sister to the door, Zhang Yu Han found Li Qin Yao sitting on the sofa with her eyes focusing on her ??ptop as she sandwiched her phone between her ears and her shoulder.


    He sauntered towards her direction and sat down before he grabbed his ??ptop. Then, he stared at the screen absentmindedly as he listened to bits of her conversation.


    Judging from the dialogue, Zhang Yu Han was sure that Li Qin Yao was talking to her ?ssistant, Liang Sheng about the matter of their project in B City.


    Seeing that she was busy at the moment, Zhang Yu Han picked up his ??ptop and stared at the documents.


    As he continued to observe her from his peripheral vision, Zhang Yu Han began to notice the frown on her face. He listened to her voice and found that they were no longer talking about the project.


    Zhang Yu Han straightened up his body and watched the girl across him. Their gaze met and before long, Li Qin Yao bid goodbye to Liang Sheng and ended the call.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "Your expression did not look too good."


    Li Qin Yao paused as she wondered whether she should be telling him the truth. After a while, her expression eased up. "It''s nothing. Just that, Liang Sheng mentioned that Chen Hao showed up at the company to look for me."


    It was then that Zhang Yu Han recalled that QL Group had decided to sign an agreement with WS Group. A deep frown appeared on his face at the thought that Chen Hao was hesitant to find his girlfriend even after the two of them had broken up.


    "Is he disturbing you?" Zhang Yu Han asked. His mind started to rake for ideas to stop that man from approaching his girlfriend again.


    "No," Li Qin Yao said. She looked at Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "I won''t let him."


    Zhang Yu Han was startled by her answer. From her answer, he could guess that she was going to protect herself well so that her ex-boyfriend won''t have the chance to approach her. But still, Zhang Yu Han could not help but worry¡­


    "Are you hungry?" Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock and noticed that it was almost lunch hour. Before Zhang Yu Han could utter his response, Li Qin Yao had spoken again. "Hmm¡­ you have to eat something even if you''re not hungry. Or else, you can''t have your medicine."


    "My fever is gone. I won''t need to eat them anymore," Zhang Yu Han argued.


    Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat and walked over to her boyfriend. "Qi Zheng said you should finish the doses." She patted her hand on his hair and smiled. "Be a good boy and eat your medicine, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han was rendered speechless at her words.


    "Just stay here for a while," Li Qin Yao said. "I''ll go and reheat the dishes that Auntie Wu had prepared. It should be over in a few minutes."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded obediently and turned his attention to his ??ptop. Not long after, the delicious smell wafted from the kitchen and Zhang Yu Han stood up and walked over to the kitchen. He spied at his girlfriend in the kitchen and smiled.


    When he saw that she was no longer facing the hot stove, Zhang Yu Han approached her silently and wrapped his arms around her waist, giving her a back hug.


    Li Qin Yao let out a soft laugh. She tilted her head back and her head met his solid ?h?st. Seeing curl on his lips, Li Qin Yao could not help but be affected by his smile. "What is it?"


    "Nothing," Zhang Yu Han leaned downwards to press his lips on her forehead. When he thought that kissing her forehead was not enough, Zhang Yu Han lowered his head and buried his face the crook of her neck. He inhaled her familiar smell and pressed his lips against it.


    "Stop that," Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. "It''s ticklish."


    She tried to wriggle out of his embrace to turn around and look at his face properly, but Zhang Yu Han''s grip around her waist only tightened.


    "Come on. Let''s eat before the food gets cold," Li Qin Yao said. "Auntie Wu cooked these dishes for you."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh and obediently loosened his grip around her waist. He then watched her placed the bowl and dishes on the table before she walked to him and pulled him to sit down around the table.


    She urged him to start eating and supervised his food intake. At this point, Zhang Yu Han could somehow understand his grandfather''s suffering when he had controlled everything he ate.


    The two of them ate while chatting and joking around. Once they finished, Zhang Yu Han was shooed away from the kitchen while Li Qin Yao did the dishes.


    As he stared at his ??ptop screen, her hands popped up beside him with a few tablets and medicine. He took the medicine and swallowed them under her supervision.


    Putting aside the emptied glass on the table, Zhang Yu Han then pulled the girl back into his embrace. With her back pressing on his ?h?st, Zhang Yu Han then rested his chin on her shoulder.


    Li Qin Yao wriggled out of his embrace and turned to face him. Noticing his deep set of eyes staring into hers, her cheek turned a few shades redder. "What are you thinking?" Her head tilted sideways as she continued to observe him.


    "It''s really nice to be like this," Zhang Yu Han said as he tightened his grip around her waist. "Seeing your face the first time I woke up and being able to hug you like this at any time..."


    Li Qin Yao let out a laugh at his words.


    "I wanted to be able to find you at any time and then seeing your face the first thing after I wake up." Zhang Yu Han continued. "I wanted to be able to see you around this house whenever I return here."


    The smile on her face widened, but there was a hint of confusion on her face. Slowly, she cupped her hand on his cheek. "What are you trying to say?"


    A thought crossed his mind and he did not want to hesitate to say it. "Qin Yao," looked at her into the eyes as if trying to peer at her soul. "We... let''s get married."

 Chapter 212 - She Was Not Ready For This!

    The smile on her face froze. Her body tensed and Li Qin Yao felt as if she was going to hyperventilate any time soon.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the man in front of her in a daze. It seemed that her brain short-circuited and she was not able to think things straight. At this moment, Li Qin Yao was in a state of disbelief.


    Weren''t they just casually chatting just now? Why did he suddenly propose marriage?


    Wait a minute. Was that a marriage proposal?


    How can he pop out the question just like that?


    She was not ready for this!


    Li Qin Yao opened and closed her mouth as if wanting to say something, but was unable to do so. A lot of things went through her mind all at once and she did not know which thought she should focus on.


    In the end, she could only stare at Zhang Yu Han with her mouth agape.


    It was only then that he realized that he should have at least prepared a proposal speech. Or else, how was he going to convince her to marry him.


    Earlier, the thought of spending his days with her, doing anything they liked excited him. He was caught in the moment and as he stared at the girl in his embrace, Zhang Yu Han had this thought that he really wanted them to be a husband and wife, and then, the two of them can live together.


    Thus, he did not hesitate to pop up the question.


    The two of them were very compatible. He loved her dearly and she loved him too. His grandfather had already given them his blessings. Even though his parents had never met Li Qin Yao, Zhang Yu Han had no doubt that they will love her the moment they saw their daughter-in-law.


    Since that was the case, Zhang Yu Han knew that he should not waste their time. It was better for them to be married and spend their life together.


    After all, he had wasted ten years to find her again.


    When he had found her again, he was devastated to find out that she was in a relationship. Once he found out that she was single, he was too slow at chasing after her as he was afraid to get rejected.


    He had almost lost her because he was a step too late.


    But now, their relationship has been going on smooth and steady. They learned about each other and he had fallen for her with each day they spent together. Zhang Yu Han could not imagine his life without Li Qin Yao.


    Just like this time¡­ he was afraid that she will reject him. Zhang Yu Han really did not know what he should do if she was going to say no.


    Taking a deep breath, Zhang Yu Han then spoke with a shaky voice, "Qin Yao¡­ I love you."


    Her heart skipped a beat and she was starting to feel a bit dizzy as blood rushed to her head all at once.


    She had heard Zhang Yu Han said those words when he was drunk, but this time, hearing the same words again, the feeling was very different. This time he was very sober. His voice sounded deep and husky. And his eyes were staring back at her with a mixture of tenderness and uncertainty.


    "Perhaps, you would think that this is too sudden," Zhang Yu Han spoke after a while. "We have only started seeing each other for a while. I can''t predict the future¡­ And to tell you the truth, I was scared of how things will turn out for us after this, or how everything going to be once we take this step."


    Li Qin Yao was blinked as she continued to listen to his words.


    "I cannot promise that I will be perfect for you. I can''t promise that I won''t make mistakes and I can''t promise that I won''t hurt you as we go along," Zhang Yu Han continued. "But if you are willing to take this risk and give this a chance, then, I can only promise you that I will do my best for you. Li Qin Yao," he mustered a smile. "Will you marry me?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her nose started to feel sour and her eyes were starting to get misty.


    He had caught her off her guard!


    Although he had casually proposed, she could tell that he was scared and nervous as he waited for her answer. She knew that it took him a lot of courage to propose.


    Zhang Yu Han started to panic when he saw her tears streamed down her cheek. He did not know what he did wrong or why was she crying. At this moment, Zhang Yu Han began to blame himself for his impatience.


    "Why are you crying?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "Did I say something wrong?"


    Li Qin Yao whimpered before she buried her face on his ?h?st. Her ear was so close to his heart that she could hear how it beat loudly inside.


    She did not know why she was crying, but the tears just came out and it won''t stop no matter how much she tried to stop it.


    Although the tears won''t stop pouring out, Li Qin Yao felt a surge of warmth spreading all over her body. She was touched by his words. He won''t promise for the things that he might not be able to fulfill, but he had promised to always be the best for her.


    For her, that was enough.


    Li Qin Yao wiped her tears from the back of her hand and saw that he was looking at her with worry. A chuckle escaped her.


    Her man was very handsome and adorable. He was her love-struck fool and unknowingly, he too had turned her into his love-struck fool.


    Li Qin Yao gave a light squeeze on his shoulder before she leaned forward to kiss him on his lips.


    Staring at his dazed expression, Li Qin Yao then smiled brightly at him and nodded. "Alright. Yes. I''ll marry you."

 Chapter 213 - We Have Something to Announce

    Lying on her bed, Li Qin Yao found that she could not stop smiling as she rolled around from left to right. Her heart was surrounded by a sweet feeling as she kept thinking about Zhang Yu Han.


    She could not get him out of her head.


    She had only spent a night to look after him and unknowingly, a lot of things has happened. Suddenly, they were now planning to get married.


    Li Qin Yao buried her face on the pillow and let out a giggle. Fortunately, her mother was not around at the moment, or else, she might worry that her daughter had lost her mind.


    Her phone beside her beeped shortly, indicating that someone had messaged her. Composing herself, Li Qin Yao then turned to look at her phone. A wide smile appeared on her face once she saw Zhang Yu Han''s name. She clicked at his name and read his message.


    It was a simple reminder for her to invite her mother to go out for lunch tomorrow, but still, that message brought indescribable joy to her. She had previously fallen in love and learned to like someone, but no one had made her feel the way Zhang Yu Han had made her feel.


    Being with Zhang Yu Han made her feel as if she was a teenager. As she recalled how she had reacted, Li Qin Yao covered her face with her palm in embarrassment.


    Just as she composed a reply and hit the send bu??on, Li Qin Yao could hear the front door swung open.


    She left her room and found her mother entering the apartment with her luggage in tow.


    Xu Yilan lifted her head when she heard a movement. A smile curved on her lips when she saw her daughter. "You''re home." Xu Yilan pulled her luggage into the living room and sat down on the sofa with a loud sigh. "How was Yu Han?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her heart started to pound when she heard his name.


    "Didn''t you say that he had a fever last night?" Xu Yilan continued when her daughter did not reply.


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao bit at her lips. "His fever reduced after taking some medicine and rested. The doctor said that he was probably too exhausted."


    Xu Yilan let out another sigh. "You young people. I know that his job is important, but he needs to remember to look after his body as well. Or it will be hard for him when he''s older."


    "I know," Li Qin Yao said. "I''ll make sure to remind him later. Right. Ma, did you have anything planned for tomorrow afternoon?"


    "I don''t think so," Xu Yilan replied. "What is it?"


    "Nothing much. Just that, Zhang Yu Han wanted to invite us to have lunch together."


    "He''s only recovering from fever," Xu Yilan frowned. "He should be resting at home when he had the chance to rest Why did he want to invite me to have lunch together?"


    Li Qin Yao shrugged and looked away. She was afraid that her expression was going to betray her thoughts. Anyway, the two of them had talked and decided to announce that he had proposed to her when everyone had gathered together.


    Fortunately, Xu Yilan was too tired after returning from her work trip to notice her daughter''s strange expression.


    "Alright. Since he wanted to treat us to lunch, how could I say no to him?" Xu Yilan said.


    The corner of Li Qin Yao''s lips turned out when she heard her mother''s answer. Once she pressed the send bu??on, Li Qin Yao looked at her mother again. "Then, ma¡­ you better rest and get to bed early."


    Xu Yilan hummed and Li Qin Yao then retreated into her room. Excitedly, she started to send a text message to Zhang Yu Han to tell him that her mother had agreed.


    The next morning, Li Qin Yao woke up with a little headache.


    Last night, due to excitement, she could not fall asleep no matter how hard she tried. In the end, she tossed around in bed and only managed to catch a wink when it was almost dawn.


    Xu Yilan looked at her daughter''s complexion and pressed her hand on her forehead to check on her temperature. "Have you caught a fever?"


    "It''s not that. I stayed up to do some work. You know that the construction for the Tourism City will begin soon. There were a lot of things to look at." Li Qin Yao was embarrassed to tell her mother the real reason she could not fall asleep.


    Xu Yilan sighed. She then continued to chide her daughter all the way to the restaurant to meet with Zhang Yu Han. Li Qin Yao could only nod as she listened to her mother''s nagging to protect their secret.


    The two of them arrived at a high-class restaurant in B City and was instantly ushered into a private room.


    Xu Yilan greeted Zhang Jing politely before she sat down. Then, she snaked her hand on her daughter''s th??h and gave her a pinch for not giving her any warning that they will be having a meal along with Zhang Yu Han''s grandfather and sister.


    Knowing that she was at fault, Li Qin Yao could only grit her teeth bear the pain.


    As everyone had shown up and seated, Zhang Yu Han turned to the waiter, and soon, the waiters walked in to serve the various dishes.


    The six of them continued to chat harmoniously as they continued to have their meal. However, everyone could not help but feel that there something does not feel right with the situation, but none of them know what was it except for Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao.


    Zhang Jing looked at the table with a few choices of meat dishes and could not help but frown. His grandson would usually forbid him from eating too many meat dishes, but this time, he had allowed him to eat to his contents. Of course, due to his consciousness, Zhang Jing would willingly pick up the vegetable dishes as well.


    He was afraid that his grandson would pull a trick and then, he was not allowed to eat meat dishes for the next two months.


    Once the slightly awkward meal ended, both Zhang Yu Han turned to Li Qin Yao. His lips curled into a tender smile as their gaze met. He held her hand under the table and gave her a light squeeze.


    After taking his time to observe the other''s expression, Zhang Yu Han coughed dryly, grabbing everyone''s attention.


    "We have something to announce," Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at Li Qin Yao again and smiled. "Qin Yao and I have decided to get married."

 Chapter 214 - Permission to Marry Your Daughter

    The room turned silent after that sudden announcement.


    Li Qin Yao looked lifted her head and noticed that ever everyone was looking at them with a shocked expression on their face. Seconds ticked by and she was starting to get anxious due to their lack of reaction.


    Her palm started to sweat as she wondered whether this was not joyous news for them. As various thoughts went to her mind all at once, Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han''s squeezed her hand lightly. She turned to look at him and saw his encouraging smile.


    Just one look at his face, Li Qin Yao knew that everything will be alright.


    "You''re getting married?" Zhang Yu Ying was the first to react. She looked at her brother speechlessly and said, "Brother, you proposed?" Her expression changed again and she turned to Li Qin Yao with a wide grin. Zhang Yu Ying stood up from her chair and went over to Li Qin Yao''s side to give her a tight hug.


    Zhang Yu Ying''s words and cheery reaction snapped the two elders'' from their trance.


    Suddenly, there was a bright smile on Zhang Jing''s face and he then broke into a hearty laugh. "Good! Good! The two of you getting married is happy news. We should celebrate!"


    Zhang Jing nodded as he watched his grandson.


    Finally, his grandson had done something right. He was always too slow in the relationship department that Zhang Jing could not help but worry. Previously, he had to give a slight push to his grandson before he could woo his granddaughter-in-law.


    Fortunately, his grandson was a fast learner and knew that he should grasp at the opportunity before it slipped away through his hand.


    Meanwhile, Xu Yilan did not say anything. There was a slight smile on her face as she continued to watch her daughter''s expression.


    The news was a joyous and a sudden one. Though she had seen how Zhang Yu Han treated her daughter and knew how much her daughter liked him, as a mother, she could not help but to worry at the unexpected announcement.


    A soft escape escaped her as her daughter turned to look at her.


    Xu Yilan had a lot of question she wanted to ask the two of them, but those question suddenly vanished the moment she saw her daughter''s hesitant, but happy smile on her face.


    From the way her daughter was staring back at her, Xu Yilan could see that Li Qin Yao was silently asking for her blessing.


    As a mother, what Xu Yilan was worried most was her daughter''s happiness. As long as her daughter was happy, she would not mind anything. As long as it was something that could make her daughter happy, Xu Yilan was willing to do anything.


    "I thought that it was strange for you to suddenly invited everyone here to have a meal together," Xu Yilan said. "It turns out that you wanted to share this news."


    Li Qin Yao fidgeted at the side. At this time, she did not know how to perceive her mother''s mind. Although she knew that her mother liked Zhang Yu Han, she was still worried that her mother was going to object their choice to get married.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to Xu Yilan with a serious expression on his face. It was then that he realized that he had not asked for his mother-in-law''s permission to marry her daughter.


    "Mother-in-law."


    Xu Yilan felt the corner of her mouth twitched at Zhang Yu Han''s change in addressing her. Didn''t he always address her as ''auntie''? When did it turn to ''mother-in-law''?


    When did he become this shameless?


    "I know that this news might be a bit too sudden," Zhang Yu Han said. "But I hope to get your permission to marry your daughter. I promise that I will take good care of Qin Yao and try my best to always be by her side."


    Xu Yilan''s expression softened at his words. "As long as Yao Yao had happily agreed to it, then I don''t have much objection. But, I wonder what did your parents think about this? A relationship might be a two people''s affair, but a marriage is not."


    She had heard that Zhang Yu Han''s parents were currently residing in Country C and her daughter had never met his parents. Because of that, Xu Yilan was worried of what Zhang Yu Han''s parents thought of her daughter.


    The last time, didn''t her daughter broke up because her ex-boyfriend''s parents did not like her daughter''s background?


    "You don''t have to worry about this," Zhang Jing spoke. "Yu Han''s parents have already know about Qin Yao and they did not have any objection to his marriage. Although my son and daughter-in-law had never met Qin Yao, the two of them fully support their son''s choice."


    Anyway, since he had agreed to his grandson''s choice, both his son and daughter-in-law will have no way to object to Zhang Yu Han''s choice. Both of them always listened to his words and arrangement.


    "If your parents have no objection to it, then I don''t have any objection to it as well," Xu Yilan said. She looked at her daughter and sighed. "Qin Yao is the only daughter I have. As long as you can look after her and make her happy, then I will be glad."


    Li Qin Yao held her mother''s hand and called out, "Ma¡­" Her nose and eyes starting to sour and she could not utter another word.


    "In-law, you don''t have to worry," Zhang Jing spoke. "If my grandson dares to hurt your daughter, I will help you to teach him a lesson."


    Xu Yilan looked at the elder man and wondered whether Zhang Yu Han inherited his shamelessness. Her daughter had yet married his grandson, and he had started to address her as in-law?


    "Marriage is a happy occasion," Zhang Jing spoke. "Of course, we will discuss the matter of their wedding once Yu Han''s parents return. But when do you plan to register your marriage? It would be better if you can get registered earlier."


    Zhang Jing was anxious. He had to wait for years to see his grandson in a relationship and now, he was afraid that his granddaughter-in-law would suddenly change her mind and decided not to marry his grandson. What should he do if that happened?


    "Hmm," Zhang Jing frowned deeply as he looked at the couple. "The bureau will be closed tomorrow. How about you just get registered on Monday?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked as she heard Zhang Jing''s words. "Huh!?"


    Monday... that''s two days away. Was that not too quick?


    She turned to Zhang Yu Han and saw the apparent joy on his face. Facing his loving gaze, Li Qin Yao suddenly became dazed. Her brain short-circuited and she had forgotten the words she wanted to say.


    Then, she heard Zhang Yu Han''s reply.


    "Alright."

 Chapter 215 - Wife

    Li Qin Yao turned around and stared at the building in front of her in a daze. Then, her head tilted downwards and her gaze stopped at the red book in her hand.


    Her heart experienced an indescribable feeling. There was joy, and also a bit of confusion. She did not think that she know what had happened. Ten minutes earlier, she was still unmarried, but now with the red book in her hand, her status had changed to a married woman.


    Everything felt surreal.


    How did everything change so fast?


    Li Qin Yao thought that she had no time to process everything in her head. It was as if everything around her was moving at a fast pace.


    That morning, Zhang Yu Han had appeared at the door with the brightest smile she had ever seen. It was impossible not to see how happy and excited he was upon seeing her face.


    Li Qin Yao still remembered the feeling she had when she had seen his expression. Her heart skipped a beat and her stomach somersaulted. The smile on his face affected her and she followed to smile along with him.


    As she grabbed her bag, her mother had said something to her, but she did not think that she could hear anything that her mother had said. However, the man beside her continued to nod his head with a serious expression on his face. At least she knew that he was still listening to her mother''s words, while she could only nod her head absentmindedly.


    Zhang Yu Han then drove over to the Civil Affairs Bureau. The two of them got off the car and Zhang Yu Han held her hand as he led her into the building. When they walked in, Wei Jun Hao has been waiting for them. The two friends chatted briefly before Wei Jun Hao handed Zhang Yu Han with some papers that they had filled in.


    The two of them sat down and waited for their turn. Li Qin Yao remembered the feeling of his damp palm. Although Zhang Yu Han had that calm expression on his face, she could see that he too was nervous as she was. Slowly, her feeling was at ease. She tightened her grip on his hand, knowing that she was not alone.


    Their turn came sooner than she had expected.


    Surprisingly, he had even prepared some candies to be distributed among the staff.


    Everything was moving on so smoothly.


    The two of them walked out of the bureau and now, she was standing in front of it, trying to process this overwhelming feeling in her heart.


    Li Qin Yao turned to look at Zhang Yu Han who was speaking something to Wei Jun Hao. As if noticing the way she was looking at him, Zhang Yu Han turned and smiled,


    Once their gaze locked, Li Qin Yao found that it was very hard to look away. His gaze was very tender and loving. She saw the way he extended his hand to her and she obediently walked over to him.


    "Miss Li, oh no, I should address you as Mrs. Zhang right now, right?" Wei Jun Hao teased, causing her to be embarrassed. "Congratulation."


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao managed to speak.


    Wei Jun Hao suppressed his laugh under his friend''s intense gaze. He then turned to Zhang Yu Han to remind him about meeting with the boys to celebrate. Then, he turned around and leave the newlyweds alone.


    Li Qin Yao watched as Wei Jun Hao''s vehicle left the area and suddenly felt Zhang Yu Han''s arms wrapping around her body. Her ear was pressed against his ?h?st and she could hear the loud thumping of his heart.


    "Wife. My Wife"


    His words turned her face crimson. Li Qin Yao felt this sensation as if her head exploded. She bit back her smile, but that soft giggle still escaped her lips.


    Her laugh surprised her and it made her wonder how Zhang Yu Han could make her act like a blushing teenager.


    She then encircled her arms around his body to return his hug. It was the only thing that she could do as she was too embarrassed to say anything. It was the only way she could tell him what she was feeling at that moment.


    Although she still could not register how everything was suddenly moving too fast between them, Li Qin Yao was glad that she had taken the step and married this man.


    As she felt the warmth radiating from his body, Li Qin Yao knew that she was not making a mistake by marrying Zhang Yu Han.


    Even if things might not work out for them in the future, Li Qin Yao knew that she would never regret the decision she had made at this time.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    She snapped out of her trance and inhaled his familiar scent. "Nothing. Just that everything happened so quickly that it almost felt like a dream," Li Qin Yao said. She silently gave herself a pinch on her hand and winced at the pain.


    It was such a soft and tender kiss but Li Qin Yao could feel his longing in that kiss.


    Though she was shy to be kissed in public, Li Qin Yao found herself unable to resist him and could only respond to him.


    "Does this still felt like a dream?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he pulled away.


    She laughed when he gave her a teasing gaze. "Somewhat."


    "Come on. Let''s go," Zhang Yu Han said as he pulled away. "There are still a few things that we need to do. Then, we need to be back home for lunch. Didn''t mom said that she''ll cook a meal for us?"


    Li Qin Yao was about to ask him about this ''mom'', but she quickly registered that he had changed the way he addressed her mother as ''mom''.


    As Li Qin Yao fastened the seat belt, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and wondered how did get used to their new situation quickly. She watched him turned back at her and realized that she had asked the question out loud.


    Zhang Yu Han had a smile on his face as he continued to stare at her face. "Because I have been waiting for this moment for a long time."


    Li Qin Yao watched him dumbfoundedly. Then, before she could say anything else, he had turned his attention to the road and drove away.

 Chapter 216 - Mother’s Advice

    The Cayenne stopped as it reached her office. Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han and smiled apologetically. "Sorry. Just give me five minutes to retrieve some documents."


    "I''ll go with you and we can share this good news with everyone. I have already prepared some sweets to be distributed," Zhang Yu Han smiled.


    Before she could say anything, he had already exited the Cayenne. He helped her out from the car and took out a few paper bags from the back seat. Then, Zhang Yu Han extended his hand to her and the couple walked into the building while holding hands.


    Liang Sheng immediately went to Li Qin Yao''s side when he heard of her attendance. He gave her a questioning gaze and asked, "Miss Li, I thought that you won''t be coming to the office today."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the man beside her and saw his smile. "Hmm¡­ I have something to announce," Li Qin Yao said. "Liang Sheng, help me to gather everyone in my office in five minutes."


    "Understood," Liang Sheng nodded.


    "Right. Did anything happened while I was away?" Li Qin Yao stopped him before he turned around.


    "I have already reported everything that should be reported," Liang Sheng said and hesitated. "Just that¡­ it was fortunate that you came here at this time. Earlier, Mister Chen from WS Group came to look for you. I explained that you won''t be coming to the office today. Of course, he did not believe in my words and chose to wait for you. It was ten minutes earlier that he left. If you came earlier, you might run into him."


    Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han''s hand tightened around hers when he heard about Chen Hao''s appearance. She thanked Liang Sheng and led Zhang Yu Han into her office.


    "Why is that man still coming to find you?" Zhang Yu Han said as he shut the door behind them.


    "Who knows what is he thinking," Li Qin Yao said. She saw the discontented look on his face and stood tiptoed to link her arms around his neck. "What are you worrying about?"


    Zhang Yu Han placed his hand around her waist to support her. Of course, he was afraid that that guy would pester her and tried to sway his wife with sweetened words. Just imagining that scene made him annoyed.


    "You don''t trust me?"


    "It''s not that I don''t trust you. It''s more like I did not trust him," Zhang Yu Han leaned in to kiss her on her forehead. "I worry that he might do try to harm you when he could not get what he wanted."


    Someone knocked on the door before she could say a word and Li Qin Yao quickly pulled away. She opened the door and invited the staff into the room.


    Everyone walked into the room with an anxious look on their face. They could not help but speculate on what their boss was going to announce.


    Once Li Qin Yao was sure that everyone had come in, she turned to Zhang Yu Han and faced the staff together with him. "I have something to announce." She noticed the way some were whispering words of worry and laughed. "Don''t worry. No one is getting fired or anything. We''re only here to announce a happy news."


    "Happy news?"


    Li Qin Yao linked her hand with Zhang Yu Han and said. "Director Zhang and I had registered our marriage today."


    Auspicious and congratulatory words could be heard in the office. Hearing their warm wishes, Zhang Yu Han started to distribute some sweets for the staff. Of course, once they saw that it was some expensive and popular brand of sweets, the staff were happy that they continue to spoke more happy words.


    The two of them left after Li Qin Yao had retrieved the documents she needed and head over to her apartment. When the two of them arrived, Xu Yilan had finished cooking and the dishes were served on the table.


    She greeted the new couple with a smile and demanded to look at the red book. Her tears threatened to fall at the thought that her daughter was now someone''s wife.


    She could still remember holding her daughter for the first time after delivery.


    When did she grow up and marry someone?


    Xu Yilan took a deep breath and quickly invited the two of them to sit around the dining table before her daughter could notice the change in her expression.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the dishes served and saw that most of them were the food that he preferred. It seemed that his mother-in-law had noticed the food he liked after eating a meal with him a few times. The thought that she had paid attention to his preferences warmed his heart.


    The three of them ate amiably while the couple retold the process of getting their certificates.


    Once they finished their meal, Xu Yilan insisted her daughter to return to her room and packed up whatever she might need in her new home.


    Li Qin Yao watched her mother with misty eyes at the thought that she will now have to live separately with her mother to follow her husband.


    "What are you crying about, you silly girl," Xu Yilan laughed as she patted her daughter on her head. "It''s good that you are now married and will now live together with Yu Han. This way, I would feel a lot more at ease too. You know that I am always traveling around due to my job. At least I don''t have to worry much when I leave for outstation."


    "It feels that I haven''t lived with you enough and now I have to leave your side."


    "It''s not that we''re not going to see each other again," Xu Yilan smiled. "We can still see each other and you can always come here whenever you missed me, right?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at the luggage on the side and slowly nodded.


    "Since you are now married, everything will be between you and Yu Han," Xu Yilan said. "Yao Yao, I wish for your love and relationship to grow stronger every day."


    Li Qin Yao had just suppressed her tears, but now that she heard her mother''s words, a drop of tear fell on her cheek. "Ma¡­"


    "Listen to him well, and don''t throw tantrum when you have a disagreement. Sit down and discuss things together properly." Xu Yilan continued. "Work as a team. The two of you need to be each other''s best supporters. Always have trust and respect for each other. Once you lost them, it would be hard to get them back."


    "Un." Li Qin Yao continued to nod as she listened to her mother''s advice.


    "Most importantly, you need to be happy," Xu Yilan let out a helpless sigh as she watched tears streaming down her daughter''s cheek. "Yao Yao, I wish a happy married life for you and Yu Han."

 Chapter 217 - A New Adventure

    Li Qin Yao watched as Zhang Yu Han entered the passcode to his apartment nervously. This was the second time that she had come over to this place, but the feeling was very different.


    The last time she stepped to this place, she was looking for Zhang Yu Han and found him unconscious with fever. But this time, she would move in to live with him. She was officially moving in.


    Just the thought that the two of them were now married and will begin their life as husband and wife made her stomach churned. There was a mixture of excitement and fear. The thought of sharing her life with the man she loved excited her. But the unseen future frightened her.


    The feeling was like going on to a new adventure.


    A beeping sounded and just like that, the door was unlocked.


    Li Qin Yao su?k?d in a deep breath as she watched the man pushed the door open. Her heart pounded loudly against her ribcage. Then, she caught Zhang Yu Han''s gaze and saw the smile on his lips.


    "Welcome home."


    Her heart skipped a beat at his words. It was then that she realized that from now on, this apartment will also be her home.


    "Come on. Let''s go inside," Zhang Yu Han said. "I''ll help you with your luggage."


    Li Qin Yao nodded meekly. She watched him carried her luggage inside and followed him to the master bedroom. He placed the luggage beside the large closet and turned to her.


    "You should unpack your belonging first. Later, we''ll go and have dinner with Grandfather and Yu Ying," Zhang Yu Han said. "Grandfather was excited to meet his granddaughter in law. He would want to see you sooner, but he still has a lot of work."


    Li Qin Yao''s lips curled into a smile as she thought of that elderly man. She snapped out of her thought when she realized that someone was blocking the light in front of her.


    "Qin Yao," Zhang Yu Han lifted her right hand and pressed his lips on the back of her hand. "Don''t be nervous."


    He had long noticed her restlessness the moment they get off the car. Seeing her anxious look, Zhang Yu Han was at loss. He did not know what he can do to make her more at ease.


    A soft laugh escaped her lips. "This is the first time I''m moving in with a man. Of course I''m nervous. I¡­ I don''t know what to do or what I should do." She felt his arms around her and habitually leaned on his ?h?st.


    His expression softened when he heard her words. At least she was not afraid of him.


    "Just be yourself and do what you wanted to do. That should be enough," Zhang Yu Han said. He took a deep breath and startled when he caught her sweet scent. Subconsciously his hand tightened into a fist.


    Zhang Yu Han wanted nothing but to pull her closer to him and kiss her senselessly. But at this time, he did not dare to do anything that would cause her to be more anxious. In the end, he could only plant a kiss on the top of her head and pulled away.


    "I''ll help you to unpack," Zhang Yu Han said.


    She nodded and started to unzip her luggage. Because she was moving in at short notice, Li Qin Yao managed to pack only one luggage with her. Anyway, B City and Y City was only a few minutes drive. If she ever needed anything, she can always go back.


    Li Qin Yao grabbed a few of her clothes and walked towards the closet. Her movement paused when she realized that half of his closet was emptied to give her space. Li Qin Yao hung her clothes on the rack and stared at the garments in a daze. To see her garments and Zhang Yu Han''s arranged next to each other gave her an indescribable feeling.


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han said as he hugged her from behind. "I was in a rush to marry you that I did not have much time to tidy up this place properly or redecorate this room."


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao said.


    After spending her time to unpack her staff and arranging them in the room, her anxiousness lessened and she was getting more comfortable. Cleaning up and rearranging stuff really does take her mind off some thoughts.


    Leaning to his broad ?h?st, Li Qin Yao continued, "We can decorate this place together. Then, it will be our place."


    His heart bloomed at her words. Zhang Yu Han moved to kiss her on the cheek. He glanced at the clock and noticed that it was almost time for them to meet up with his grandfather and sister.


    "Are you tired?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    The two of them rushed to get their certificate and had rushed over here and there. They b?r?ly had time to rest properly.


    "I''m still okay." she wriggled out of his arms and turned to face him. "I''m not tired."


    His lips curled into a small smile. "Then, we should get going now. Grandfather won''t be happy if I didn''t bring you to meet him sooner. I heard from Yu Ying that he has asked the chef to prepare a lot of meat dishes to celebrate."


    He deliberately made a joke to ease her tension. Once he saw her burst into a laugh, Zhang Yu Han let out a relieved sigh.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao called out his name and tiptoed to kiss him on the lips. "Thank you." Seeing the dazed expression on his face turned her smile wider.


    A thought crossed her mind and her smile turned slightly mischievous.


    Li Qin Yao tiptoed to link her arms around his neck. "Right. I almost forgot something."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow, motioning her to continue.


    Her expression turned serious as she spoke, "Congratulation. You have now graduated from my probation boyfriend."


    "Since you have married me, of course, you are now upgraded to my husband," she tilted her head sideways as she continued to stare at him. Then, she leaned forward to kiss him on the jaw. "A congratulatory kiss! Are you happy, husband?"


    Zhang Yu Han was stunned the moment he heard the word husband. Unable to bear his happiness and excitement, he then bent down to kiss her on the lips.


    He was supposed to give her a simple, short kiss, but due to his excitement he began to press their lips together in a desperate and rough kiss.


    Li Qin Yao found that she had to steal her breath between his kisses or else, she might suffocate. Her breath hitched when she began to feel his touch against her skin. His touch began to move from her back and slowly crept up.


    Then, he pulled away and looked at her straight in the eye. Zhang Yu Han swallowed when he saw her misty eyes.


    Something suddenly snapped in his mind and Zhang Yu Han suddenly realized that they were both late for dinner with his grandfather.

 Chapter 218 - Zhang Yu Yings Gift

    After a fifteen minutes drive, Zhang Yu Han pulled his Cayenne at his usual parking space in the basement and turned to the side. His gaze softened as he laid eyes on his wife''s sleeping face.


    Earlier, she had mentioned that she was not tired, but the moment she entered the car, Li Qin Yao immediately doze off.


    Zhang Yu Han watched his wife and sighed helplessly. He did not know whether he should wake her up or let her continue sleeping. He extended his hand to brush off a few strands of hair on her face and watched her stirred in her sleep.


    Soon, her eyes opened to a slit. The moment she saw his face, Li Qin Yao curled her lips into a smile. "Have we arrived?"


    He answered her with a nod. "If you''re tired, I can tell Grandfather to postpone this dinner."


    Li Qin Yao frowned at his suggestion. "Nonsense. This is the first time I''m addressing Grandfather as his granddaughter-in-law. How can you ask to postpone this dinner? I still want to give Grandfather a good impression of me."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled at her words. He always knew that she treated his grandfather extremely well.


    "Besides," she looked at him with a teasing smile. "Didn''t you mentioned that Grandfather had asked the chef to prepare a lot of meat dishes? You need to supervise his intake before he ate everything."


    Her words made him laugh. "You don''t have to worry too much. In case you haven''t noticed, Grandfather already adores you so much." Zhang Yu Han said before he got off the vehicle and helped his wife.


    Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Han when she noticed that they were not at the Zhang''s residence, but instead at Zhang''s hotel building. "We''re not having dinner at Grandfather''s place?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Because today is a special day, Grandfather asked the chef here to prepare dinner." He extended his hand to her and the two of them walked into the hotel, holding hands.


    The hotel staff immediately greeted them both as they entered the lobby. The manager saw them and ushered them to one of the hotel''s restaurant. The moment the couple stepped into the restaurant, they found that Zhang Jing stood at the side with an impatient look on his face.


    "Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han greeted.


    Zhang Jing turned around to his voice and scowled. "Brat! You''re late."


    "Grandfather, don''t be angry," Li Qin Yao tried to placate the elderly man. "I took the time to get ready. That''s why we''re a bit late."


    Zhang Jing turned to Li Qin Yao and immediately, his gaze softened. "You were only married to him for less than a day and now you''re already taking the blame for him?" his tone was full of pampering as he talked to his granddaughter-in-law.


    Li Qin Yao replied to him with a laugh.


    Then, as if remembering something, Zhang Jing extended his hand to his grandson with an apparent excitement on his face. "Quick! Let me see that red book."


    Zhang Yu Han took out the book from his pocket and handed it to his grandfather. "Didn''t I snapped the photo and sent them to you?"


    "That''s different," Zhang Jing was full of smile as he looked at the red book in his hand. He looked at the photo and his smile widened. It was the first time he got himself a granddaughter-in-law and at the thought that his grandson finally married, Zhang Jing was too excited.


    "Grandfather, stop standing at the entrance and let them come in," Zhang Yu Ying said as she appeared from the restaurant. She has been waiting inside for a while and was curious when her grandfather did not return after a long time.


    "Yu Ying," Li Qin Yao greeted.


    The frown on Zhang Yu Ying''s face disappeared and was replaced with a smile. She went to the couple''s side and said, "Brother, sister-in-law, congratulation on your marriage." Then she turned to Li Qin Yao and hugged her tightly.


    Her hug only lasted for a few seconds when Zhang Yu Ying noticed her brother''s warning gaze. Quickly, Zhang Yu Ying pulled the couple into the restaurant to avoid her brother''s wrath.


    As soon as they were seated, the waiters immediately walked in to serve an array of dishes. As expected, there were a lot of meat dishes served.


    Zhang Yu Han''s face darkened when he saw the dishes. He called the waiter and asked them to prepare a few vegetable dishes.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the table food of dishes and wondered if the four of them will be able to finish everything. Surprisingly, the four of them managed to finish everything.


    Perhaps because she was too famished after unpacking her luggage, Li Qin Yao ate a bit more than usual.


    Happily, Grandfather kept placing a few dishes on her bowl to try, and Li Qin Yao had no way to reject him.


    After the meal, Li Qin Yao was surprised when Zhang Jing handed her a thick red packet. She exchanged a look with Zhang Yu Han and thanked Grandfather for his gift.


    Zhang Jing held both of Li Qin Yao''s hands and spoke a few auspicious words and wished the new couple a good marriage.


    Seeing that it was late, Zhang Jing pulled at his granddaughter''s hand to leave. Anyway, his grandson has just gotten married and he knew that the two of them wanted to be alone.


    It was fortunate enough that the couple agreed to spend their time to have dinner with him.


    "What is it?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He peeked inside the envelope and his expression quickly changed when he recognized the black card.


    "A gift," Zhang Yu Ying smiled mischievously and leaned closer to her brother and whispered, "I asked the others to prepare a honeymoon suite for both of you earlier. It was the least I can do as your sister." She pulled away and looked at the newlyweds with a smile. "Brother, sister-in-law, I hope you won''t reject my gift." She finished what she wanted to say with a slight bow and fled to chase after her grandfather.


    Li Qin Yao watched as Zhang Yu Ying''s figure disappeared behind the wall speechlessly. Turning to her husband, Li Qin Yao then asked, "What did she give you?"


    She had long noticed her husband''s change of expression the moment he saw Zhang Yu Ying''s gift.


    Zhang Yu Han hesitated for a few seconds. Then, he dropped the hotel key card to his palm and said, "She prepared a honeymoon suite for us." He watched as her expression changed and the red blush crept on her face. Teasingly, he asked, "Do you want to go and have a look?"

 Chapter 219 - Honeymoon Suite

    They were greeted with scattered red rose petals moment they walked into the honeymoon suite. The light was set to dimmed orange, giving the room a romantic mood.


    Li Qin Yao walked around the room and saw how it might have taken Zhang Yu Ying a long time to prepare the room. There were chocolates and other sweets, chilled wine, and even Chef Qin Zhan''s pastries from the Zhang Hotel in Capital City.


    "It seems that your sister must have spent a lot of time to decorate this place," Li Qin Yao said. She walked over to the table to pick up a piece of chocolate to eat. Her eyes closed in bliss at the rich taste of the chocolate. She picked up the box to look at the brand, but could not find anything.


    Zhang Yu Han has been watching her the moment they stepped into the room and could guess at what his wife was thinking. "Chef Qin also made some chocolate. It was made to order." He took the box away from her and smiled. "You liked them? I can ask him to make some for you the next time."


    "No need," Li Qin Yao sighed. "Zhang Yu Han, if you keep feeding me with sweets like this, I''m afraid that I might gain weight."


    A soft chuckle escaped his lips. Zhang Yu Han placed the box on the table and was about to grab her waist when she successfully evaded him to continue inspecting the room. Zhang Yu Han let out a frustrated sigh.


    He really wanted to continue what they were doing back at the apartment¡­


    But, even though Li Qin Yao was acting casually at the moment, Zhang Yu Han knew that she was nervous. The two of them were now in the honeymoon suite, it was impossible to think that they did not come here to consummate their marriage.


    And because this was their wedding night, Zhang Yu Han did not want to put too much pressure on her. He did not want to frighten her.


    In the end, he could only wait and watch as his wife roamed around the room to check on his sister''s work in the room.


    Li Qin Yao stood at the bathroom door and was surprised to see that Zhang Yu Ying had even prepared toiletries for them to spend the night there.


    Sensing the penetrating gaze from behind her, Li Qin Yao peered at his expression and caught the way he was looking at her. His eyes were dark and there was an unmistakable yearning on his face.


    The way he looked at her made her stomach somersaulted and her heart started pounding loudly.


    It was as if a hungry wolf was stalking his prey.


    Li Qin Yao subconsciously took a step back into the bathroom and murmured, "I''m going to take a shower." With that, she closed the door abruptly and looked at her reddened face in the mirror. Li Qin Yao took a few deep breaths and patted her cheek to calm down.


    After taking a shower absentmindedly for more than half an hour, Li Qin Yao grabbed the bathing robe from the rack and suddenly, a pink bag fell on the floor. Picking up the bag, Li Qin Yao saw her name in Zhang Yu Ying''s handwritten on the bag.


    Curiously, Li Qin Yao peered into the bag and her face turned a few shades redder.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han has been staring at his phone absentmindedly as he waited for his wife to come out. It feels that she has been going in for a long time and he was getting worried that something had happened to her.


    He was about to stand up and knocked on the door when the door suddenly opened and his wife stepped out of the bathroom while holding tightly at the front of her bathrobe. There was a tinge of red blush on her face and Zhang Yu Han wondered if perhaps she had taken a hot shower for too long.


    Zhang Yu Han tried to swallow but felt the lump in his throat became lodged. The shy look on her face sparked something in his body and the heat crept throughout his body.


    "Qin Yao."


    Hearing his deep, magnetic voice that she had fallen for the first time she heard him, Li Qin Yao slowly raised her head to look at her husband. His voice became more husky and intoxicating due to d?s?r? and soon, Li Qin Yao found herself staring back into his darkened eyes in a daze.


    Li Qin Yao shuddered when he called out ''wife''. Her breathing became irregular and she shut her eyes tightly.


    Looking at expression, Zhang Yu Han''s heart pounded loudly.


    Since they had been together, he had always tried to restrain himself. The most he would dare to do was to kiss her. But this time, he really could not hold it anymore.


    His lips landed on her ears, causing her body to tremble. Then slowly, he moved to kiss on her neck and leaving a mark on a slightly hidden place under her bathrobe.


    Li Qin Yao had her hand rested on his ?h?st, but as seconds passed by, her palm moved upwards to rest around his shoulder.


    Feeling her hand on his shoulder, Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and pressed his lips against hers into a kiss.


    Feeling her response, Zhang Yu Han tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her closer possessively.


    Li Qin Yao felt something fell on the floor and Zhang Yu Han had pulled away. She lifted her head to look at him and met his dark, penetrating gaze.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao realized that the bathrobe had fallen, leaving her in the s?xy und?r??rm?nt that Zhang Yu Ying had left for her in the bathroom.


    Zhang Yu Han found himself unable to breathe. The red und?r??rm?nts contrast against her white skin. The lace and thin fabric managed to cover what should be covered while leaving him to his imagination.


    Conscious with the way she looked, Li Qin Yao began to cover her ?h?st with both hands. "Stop looking at me."


    "Yao Yao."


    At this time, Li Qin Yao was regretting that she had told him her secret - that she loved his voice. Hearing him calling out her name a few times with that voice was making her legs weak.


    Zhang Yu Han hungrily covered her lips again and the two continued to explore each other in the middle of the room.


    Unknowingly, her back had touched the wall and Zhang Yu Han put his hand around her waist to lift her. Li Qin Yao yelped before she wrapped her legs around his waist to support herself. Then, he started to kiss her again, while his hands explored her skin under that flimsy garment.


    Li Qin Yao was stunned upon meeting his dark gaze. She could see his apparent d?s?r? for her, and yet, he had stopped to look at her hesitantly. His mouth moved as if he wanted to say something, but those words did not escape his lips.


    Somehow, Li Qin Yao could understand that he was asking for her permission to continue to the next move. Her eyes widened as the thought crossed her head. After a few seconds passed, Li Qin Yao put her hand in his hair and pulled him forward to meet his lips.


    It was her unspoken answer.

 Chapter 220 - Almost Noon

    Li Qin Yao roused from her sleep when she felt a hot, tender ??r?ss on her ?h?st. She had wanted to ignore that person and continue to sleep and hoped that he would stop pestering her after she ignored him. But after a few minutes have passed, the touching did not stop and she was getting annoyed.


    She really wanted to sleep a while longer¡­


    After all, she was exhausted after what had transpired last night. They have tossed and turned on the sheet until she could no longer have the energy to do anything else.


    Once she sensed that Zhang Yu Han had no intention to stop teasing her, Li Qin Yao grabbed his misbehaving hands and held it tightly to stop it from moving around.


    "You''re awake?"


    His voice was deep and husky against her ears.


    Li Qin Yao felt his arms tightened on her stomach as he drew her body closer to him. She felt her back against his ?h?st and took a deep breath. "Zhang Yu Han, let me sleep a bit more. I''m really tired."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle at her slightly coquettish voice before he leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "Alright. I won''t disturb you anymore. Sleep."


    Hearing his voice, Li Qin Yao closed her eyes again to sleep but found that she was unable to fall asleep no matter how hard she tried. In the end, Li Qin Yao turned around and lifted her head to look at the man beside her.


    "Can''t sleep?"


    Li Qin Yao bit her lips and stared at him angrily.


    "Sorry," he stared at her expression in a daze. He never knew that her anger expression would be this adorable. Pulling her head closer to his ?h?st, Zhang Yu Han said, "It was my fault." He then patted her hair gently as if to coax her back to sleep.


    Li Qin Yao snuggled closer to his ?h?st, but the slight movement ignited a wave of pain all over her body, causing her to wince.


    Her thought went back to what happened last night and suddenly, her expression turned bashful.


    It was her first time but she could not believe that she was able to act so daringly. Just the thought of last night would make her blush.


    The first time he had entered her, Li Qin Yao felt as if she was ripped apart. Her body felt hot all over and it felt as if she would burn from the heat. The pain was enough to make her shed her tears. Then, he had moved slowly and appeased her, causing her body to tremble. His movement and touch were careful and tender.


    Her face grew crimson red at the thought of the way he had looked at her last night. He had stared straight into her eyes as if he wanted to savor her every expression. That gaze was full of love and Li Qin Yao found herself unable to look away.


    "Does this felt better?"


    She only replied to him with a slow nod before she closed her eyes and sighed at his comfortable massage.


    "What do you want to eat for lunch?"


    Li Qin Yao felt that his words were somewhat strange. She lifted her head to look at him with confusion written on her face. "Lunch? Not breakfast?"


    His lips curled into a smile. "It''s almost noon."


    Li Qin Yao suddenly jolted from the bed. She turned to look at the window and saw a streak of light entering the room, however, everything around the room was still dark. Li Qin Yao looked at the blind curtains and slowly muttered a curse.


    What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han frowned as he watched her stood up suddenly.


    She turned around to look at him but was unable to speak what was on her mind.


    Last night, she had promised herself to wake up earlier and check out sooner. After all, this was a Zhang''s hotel and it was Zhang Yu Ying who had prepared the room. It would not be hard for Zhang Yu Ying to figure out that the two of them had stayed until noon.


    She was embarrassed!


    Li Qin Yao continued to look at her husband and saw that his expression had changed. His jaw clenched and his eyes grew darker.


    It was then that she realized that something was not right - she had stood up abruptly that she did not realize how she was not wearing anything under that blanket earlier!


    Her face grew hot as she rushed to pull the blanket to cover her body.


    Before she could utter a word, Zhang Yu Han had already pulled her softly into his embrace, causing her to stiffen.


    "Don''t move," his voice was hoarse. Zhang Yu Han rested his chin on top of her head and continued, "Stay with me a while longer."


    Afraid that she might provoke something that should not be provoked, Li Qin Yao stayed silently in his embrace and not daring to make any move.


    Only after a few minutes has passed did she dared to look at his face again. "Zhang Yu Han, I''m hungry. Let''s get something to eat, alright?"


    He did not answer her right away. Zhang Yu Han bent his head to bury his nose in her hair and inhaled. When he was able to suppress his d?s?r?, Zhang Yu Han loosened his arms around her body and planted a kiss on her forehead.


    "What do you want to eat? I''ll call the room service."


    Li Qin Yao blurted a few dishes and watched him pick up the phone beside the table to order. Taking the chance, Li Qin Yao then slipped out of bed and rushed into the bathroom.


    Zhang Yu Han could only let out a chuckle as he watched her scurried away.


    ¡­


    The room service had served their lunch the moment Zhang Yu Han stepped out of the bathroom. But instead of showing his interest at the food served, Zhang Yu Han''s eyes instinctively found Li Qin Yao''s silhouette first. A small smile graced his lips as he watched her staring at the food hungrily.


    However, instead of starting to eat, she was waiting for him to come out so that they could have a meal together.


    Walking towards her, Zhang Yu Han then planted a kiss on her forehead before the two of them sat down to have a meal and replenished their energy.


    "This weekend, let''s head over to Capital City together," Zhang Yu Han said as he picked up a few vegetable dishes and placed it on her bowl.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her gaze and looked at him with puzzled.


    "Let''s pay a visit to your grandparents and announced our marriage," Zhang Yu Han continued.

 Chapter 221 - Watch My Wife Work

    As they have recently obtained their marriage certificate, Zhang Jing had given his grandson a few days off from work and hope that the couple would utilize the time to spend their time together.


    However, just because Zhang Yu Han had some idle time, it does not mean that his wife could bear to take a few days off.


    Previously, she had taken a long break to visit Capital City and after a few days of returning to the office, she had taken a day off to look after Zhang Yu Han and then, two more days for their marriage.


    At the thought of the pile of work waiting for her, Li Qin Yao can only reluctantly returned to the office.


    The development project was at the initial state and she needed to ensure that everything will go smoothly.


    Not wanting to be apart from his wife, Zhang Yu Han then chose to go to her office together to accompany her.


    As the couple walked into the building holding hands, the staff turned to look at them with a big smile on their face and congratulatory words on their lips. The shy Li Qin Yao hasten her steps to get into her office and closed the door.


    "What with that look on your face?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he rubbed the corner of her lips with his thumb. He recently found that he especially adored the shy look on her face.


    Li Qin Yao frowned but did not answer. "Are you sure it''s alright for you to stay here and accompany me? It might take me a while to finish everything. Perhaps you can go back and come and pick me up later."


    "I want to stay here and watch my wife work."


    Li Qin Yao watched him speechlessly. She did not know whether she can work well with Zhang Yu Han staying to watch her. In fact, his appearance might distract her from doing her job.


    "Perhaps I can look at those documents and help you with something," Zhang Yu Han said. He saw that she did not answer and raised his brow. "You don''t trust me?"


    "I did not say anything." A mischievous smile appeared on her lips as a thought crossed her mind. "It''s good that you want to help. If you do a good job and we can finish earlier, then I can think of something to reward you."


    Zhang Yu Han knew that his wife was up to no good when he saw the smile on her face, but still, he was intrigued by her words. He came closer to her and trailed his fingers from her shoulder and down to her fingers. "What kind of reward?"


    Li Qin Yao shivered at his touch. "You will have to wait until the end of the day before you found out about the reward," she tilted her head and smiled. "Wouldn''t the surprise made you anticipate the reward?"


    "If you keep teasing me with that smile, I''m afraid that you won''t be able to work at all."


    Li Qin Yao inhaled sharply and bit her lips. Lowering her head, she then turned her head to the desk where another pile of documents miraculously stacked. One glance at those piling documents made Li Qin Yao almost want to shed her tears.


    She walked over to the table and picked up a few documents. Fortunately, Liang Sheng was efficient enough to arrange the documents so that she knew which one she should look at first.


    He still could not believe that he had married the girl that he had fallen in love with at first sight. She was his first love. He thought back to when the first time he first saw her at the basketball court.


    He had missed his chance to get to know her when he met her, but fortunately, he had found her again after ten years. They fell in love, got together, and finally got married.


    He still thought that he was dreaming.


    "Stop looking at me like that or I really won''t be able to finish on time," Li Qin Yao said.


    She had noticed the way he was staring at her. Although she wanted to ignore his affectionate gaze, Li Qin Yao found that it was hard for her to focus.


    "Didn''t you say that you were going to help me?" Li Qin Yao grabbed a few documents and handed it over to him. "Help me to look at these documents and tell me what you think."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the documents before he raised his head to look at his wife. A small smile curled on his lips before he tilted his head down to look at those documents.


    Just like that, the couple worked together in silence while enjoying each other''s presence.


    After some time, someone came to knock on the door. Li Qin Yao permitted to enter and soon, Liang Sheng appeared at the door. He gave a polite greeting to Zhang Yu Han and turned to his boss.


    "Miss Li," Liang Sheng paused to touch his nose and smiled. "Right, I should be addressing you as Mrs. Zhang now."


    Zhang Yu Han heard the words had a smile on his face.


    Liang Sheng stepped forward and placed a few documents on the table before he gave his update report to what has been going on with their project while Li Qin Yao went away.


    "I have arranged for a dinner party to celebrate the beginning of the project," Liang Sheng reported. "The venue has been decided as per your instruction earlier and the invitation has been sent out."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She noticed Liang Sheng''s hesitation and asked, "Is there something else?"


    "Mister Chen from WS Group came to look for you again yesterday," Liang Sheng said. "I know that you did not want to meet him, so I was wondering if we stop sending the invitation card to him?"


    "Just send him the invitation," Zhang Yu Han said as he raised his head to look at Liang Sheng. "WS Group is a company that took part in the project. It would not be right if we did not invite him."


    Liang Sheng glanced at his boss to ask her opinion and saw her nodded. "Right. I will be heading to Capital City this weekend to report the project progress to the Chairman," Liang Sheng said. "Regarding your marriage with Director Zhang, should I inform the Chairman as well?"


    Previously, Liang Sheng was scolded by Chairman Li because he had failed to report the relationship between Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han. However, Liang Sheng still thought that it was his boss''s personal matter and he needed to ask for her opinion first.


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "You don''t have to. Director Zhang and I will be heading to Capital City this weekend. I prefer to announce this news to my grandfather personally."

 Chapter 222 - A Reward

    Li Qin Yao noticed the way Zhang Yu Han has been looking at her for the last ten minutes and knew what was on his mind.


    Earlier, he had helped her to go through a few documents, and with his help, she was able to finish her work earlier and the piling of documents on her table was all sorted out and signed.


    Of course, right now, her husband was waiting for that reward that she had promised to give him. But instead of mentioning anything about the reward, Li Qin Yao only told him that she was going to visit her cafe, Lilium which was a few blocks away from the office.


    Looking at his slightly pouting face, Li Qin Yao did whether she should laugh. It was strange for someone who always had a serious look on his face to have this adorable face. But of course, she knew that this was a side of him that he would not show to other people.


    Turning to look at Zhang Yu Han with a helpless smile on her face, Li Qin Yao then leaned forward to give a peck on his cheek. "Your reward."


    Zhang Yu Han looked at her with an astonished expression, but the pouting face immediately appeared again. "How can that be enough as a reward?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways. "Then, what should I do to reward you?"


    To answer the question, Zhang Yu Han sunk his hand into her hair and pulled her forward to kiss her on the lips and plunging even deeper to taste the sweetness on her lips.


    He had wanted to kiss her earlier as he continued to watch her at work, but he did not want to disturb her at work. Now that he had the chance to do what he could not do earlier, Zhang Yu Han took his time to quench his thirst by kissing her senselessly.


    When he finally pulled away, Li Qin Yao had to gasp for air.


    Zhang Yu Han watched her reddened face and extended his hand to fix her messy hair. With a smile, he then said, "My reward."


    Zhang Yu Han took a seat near the window and watched as his wife walked back and forth, giving a few instructions to the staff. Soon, she walked over to him with a stack of papers in her hand.


    "Aren''t you tired running around back and forth managing the two business?" Zhang Yu Han asked with concern. They were newlyweds and he had hope that his wife would pay more attention to him. But Zhang Yu Han did not want to stop her doing what she loved doing.


    He had long known that his wife can be a workaholic.


    "It wasn''t so bad," she answered. "Qing Kong can be as reliable as a manager. I only have to come and check on them once a week and that should be enough. Back then, I decided to go into F&B after I resigned from QL and came to live with my mother. I have free time and running a cafe can be fun and rewarding."


    As if remembering something, Li Qin Yao put down the paperwork in her hand. "You haven''t met everyone here, right? Let me introduce you to everyone."


    She stood up and extended her hand to him. Holding hands, the two of them walked into the back of the cafe where Li Qin Yao had asked Qing Kong to gather everyone. After introducing the staff to Zhang Yu Han, the cafe staff had a puzzled look on their face as they wondered what was going on.


    "You guys should know Zhang Yu Han, right?" Li Qin Yao almost laughed as she watched the way the others nodded cautiously. "Let me introduce him again. Everyone, this is Zhang Yu Han, my husband."


    There was a long silence as the staff began to question their hearing.


    "You got married?" It was Yin Mei Xuan who broke the silence.


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We got our certificate a few days ago."


    Yin Mei Xuan let out a few cursing words in her excitement. Meanwhile, Auntie Yu looked at their boss with a worried look. "Why did you get married so suddenly?"


    "Right," Yin Mei Xuan nodded. "Yao Yao, are you pregnant? Hey, don''t tell me that this a shotgun marriage?"


    Li Qin Yao''s face darkened at her friend''s question. "Yin Mei Xuan, don''t talk nonsense."


    The girl laughed as she instinctively hid behind Auntie Yu.


    Seeing the way his wife and her staff interacted, Zhang Yu Han had a smile on her face. Once the chaotic atmosphere has quietened down, Zhang Yu Han greeted the staff amiably. "Thank you for looking after my wife. I hope that everyone will come when we hold our wedding banquet."


    The couple left the cafe after Li Qin Yao was done browsing through a few documents and stopped by the grocery store to get some ingredients.


    In the past, Zhang Yu Han would always have dinner outside before returning to his place. Because of that, he had never paid too much attention to the ingredients in the kitchen. Luckily, his wife was able to cook him some congee using whatever ingredients he has in his kitchen.


    But now that the two are living together, it would not be good for them to always eat out. In the end, Li Qin Yao suggested for them to stop by the grocery store to get a few things.


    Pushing the cart in her hand, Li Qin Yao tilted her head up to look at her tall husband. "What do you want to eat tonight? Since you have helped me to look over the documents today, I''ll cook whatever you want as a reward."


    "Don''t look at me like that," Li Qin Yao said with a frown. Looking at his expression, Li Qin Yao had a hunch that he had no confidence in her culinary skill. "As a cafe owner, of course, I know to cook a few things. Moreover, my paternal grandmother happened to be an excellent cook. When I live in Capital City with my grandparents, I have learned a lot from my grandmother."


    "You¡­ will let me eat whatever I want?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded, but suddenly she had a premonition that Zhang Yu Han was up to no good.


    On cue, Zhang Yu Han bent down to whisper something to her ear. When he straightened up again, his wife''s face had turned red and she was covering her face with both hands.


    It was not fair.


    The thing he said coupled with his deep, vibrating voice was messing with her head. Suddenly, she could feel as if the place below her abdomen was burning from anticipation.


    Peeking through her fingers, Li Qin Yao shot him an angry look before she pushed the cart and tried to ignore the man who was looking at her teasingly.

 Chapter 223 - I Wont Give You Up Easily

    The flight to Capital City landed just before midnight. As usual, Xiao Ye was already waiting for them as they walked out from the arrival hall.


    Xiao Ye stepped out to help the couple with their luggage and smiled. "I heard that the two of you had recently got a marriage certificate. Congratulations."


    The smile on Zhang Yu Han''s lips widened when he heard his ?ssistant''s congratulatory words. The two of them spoke briefly before Xiao Ye led them to the vehicle and drove the couple to the hotel.


    Once they reached into the room, Li Qin Yao immediately dove into the comfy sofa. "So tired."


    Zhang Yu Han put the luggage beside the closet and walked over to the sofa and sat beside her. He lifted her legs and placed them on his th??h. Then slowly he began to massage her legs. He heard the soft sigh escaped her lips and smiled. "Comfortable?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Zhang Yu Han, you''re really good at giving massages."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh when he saw her shut her eyes to enjoy his massage.


    These past few days, his wife was busy with work and running back and forth from her office to the construction site.


    This morning, Li Qin Yao was stubborn to come to the office to deal with her work. In the end, a client dropped by and the two of them spent a long time discussing the development project.


    It was late when they arrived at the apartment, but instead of resting, Li Qin Yao had to busy herself with packing their luggage as they were heading to Capital City.


    "Aren''t you glad that you married me?" Zhang Yu Han asked teasingly.


    Hearing his question, Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. After pretending to ponder over his question seriously, she looked at him and nodded, "Un. It seemed that I''ve landed a great catch."


    "You''re getting better at saying sweet words."


    "Didn''t I learn this from you?"


    Zhang Yu Han gave a light pinch on her calf. But soon, he started to ??r?ss that area and continue his massaging. "If you''re tired, then you should go to bed early and sleep."


    "Let me stay here for a while. I''m too tired to move."


    "We are going to meet your grandparents in the afternoon, right?"


    "Un," she nodded. "Grandmother wanted us to stay for lunch."


    "Did you tell them why we''re going to see them?"


    "Grandfather was curious about why I decided to visit Capital City. But, I didn''t say anything to them. Didn''t we agree to announce it together?" Li Qin Yao said. She looked at him mischievously and asked, "But what should we do if my grandparents are against me marrying you?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s movement paused. He turned to her with a dangerous glint in his eyes and said, "It''s too late even if your grandparents are against it. You have already married me." He leaned his body closer to her and gave a peck to the corner of her lips. "Besides, didn''t you know that I''m a very charming man? Of course, I''m going to charm your grandparents."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his words.


    "Qin Yao," He called out her name and waited until their gaze met. "Since you are already my wife, I won''t give you up easily."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao felt a mixture of feelings attacking her all at once. His words made her heart grew warmer. Feeling her eyes and nose grew sour, Li Qin Yao covered her face with her palm.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle as he had thought that his wife was hiding her shy expression under her palm. He continued his massage for a while longer and soon noticed his wife slow and steady breathing.


    Seeing that his wife had fallen asleep, Zhang Yu Han removed her legs from his th??h and cautiously picked her up to the bed.


    ¡­


    When Li Qin Yao woke up from her sleep, the room was almost pitch black. She stretched up her body and touched the side of the bed only to find that it was cold and her husband was not at her side.


    That was not right. Wasn''t she laying on the sofa with her husband? How did she get to bed?


    She got off the bed and stepped out cautiously on the carpeted ground to find her husband. Stepping out of the bedroom, Li Qin Yao found that the living room area was dimly lighted.


    From where she stood, Li Qin Yao could see Zhang Yu Han''s silhouette from behind. He was sitting on the sofa as if focusing on something. Upon closer look, Li Qin Yao saw that he was studying a few papers in his hand.


    Li Qin Yao approached him quietly and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind. Then, she gave a peck on his cheek.


    "Why are you awake?" Zhang Yu Han turned to her and smiled.


    "You''re not surprised?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "I noticed your presence the moment you stepped out of the room."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the paper in his hand and asked, "Why are you still working? And you still have the nerve to call me a workaholic."


    "Xiao Ye came earlier to hand me these documents. I couldn''t sleep, then I thought I should look at these documents for a while," Zhang Yu Han said. He removed her hand from his neck and patted the empty seat beside him.


    Li Qin Yao went around the sofa and instead of sitting beside him, Li Qin Yao stood and grabbed both his hands. "It''s already this late. Stop working and come back to bed."


    Li Qin Yao was dumbfounded when she saw that familiar look on his face.


    That strange, yet adorable look on his face, was he not asking her to kiss her right now?


    It was then that she was reminded of that situation in his office.


    Back then, didn''t she told him that the reason she rarely initiated to kiss him was due to his height? Now that he was sitting and she was standing, of course, Zhang Yu Han would take this chance to demand a kiss from her.


    A laugh escaped her lips when she understood his intention.


    Maintaining their eye contact, she put one knee on the sofa and inched closer to put her hands on his shoulder. Seeing his eyes getting darker with excitement as seconds passed by, Li Qin Yao finally leaned in to kiss him on the lips.

 Chapter 224 - Sincerely Would Like to Apologize

    When the couple arrived at Li''s Residence, Liang Sheng was waiting for them at the entrance. Seeing the couple walking hand in hand, Liang Sheng greeted them both before they entered the house together.


    Auntie Han was the one who greeted them at the door. As she was briefed that their young miss will be bringing someone to the mansion, Auntie Han was not surprised upon seeing that Li Qin Yao showed up together with a young, handsome man.


    However, the elderly lady''s eyes paused at their intertwined hands before she ushered them in.


    Before Li Qin Yao could ask Auntie Han about his grandparents'' whereabouts, her grandmother, Mu Ling Xi had appeared beside Auntie Han. Her eyes brightened up when she saw her granddaughter and her boyfriend. She ushered everyone in before turning to Liang Sheng and informed him that Chairman Li was waiting for him in the office.


    Li Qin Yao exchanged a look with Zhang Yu Han and he nodded at her. "Go ahead. I''ll wait for you here."


    "You''re going to meet your grandfather?" Mu Lingxi asked when she noticed the little exchange between the couple. "Go ahead. I can keep Yu Han a company."


    Li Qin Yao smiled at her grandmother. Then, she looked at Zhang Yu Han again. "Will you be alright?"


    His lips curled into a helpless smile. "I''m not a little kid."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "I''ll come down in a bit." She gave a little squeeze at his hand before she jogged upstairs to find her grandfather.


    Mu Ling Xi watched as her granddaughter disappeared from her eyesight and shook her head.


    Her granddaughter was already a big girl, but she would still run around the house as if she was a young girl.


    Mu Ling Xi led Zhang Yu Han into the living area and instructed Auntie Han to prepare some snacks and tea. The two of them then spent their time chatting while waiting for both Li Qin Yao and Grandfather Li to come down.


    Previously, Mu Ling Xi had met with Zhang Yu Han during Li Ming Han''s wedding dinner and was quickly smitten with his good look and manners. However, due to the short time, Mu Ling Xi did not have enough time to chat with this young man.


    Now that she had the time to be alone with him, Mu Ling Xi did not waste any time to interrogate the boy that her granddaughter had taken a fancy to.


    The two of them were chatting warmly when the front door swung open and Li Mu Chen strode in noisily. "Grandma¡ª" Her words were left unfinished. Li Mu Chen halted her footstep when he saw that familiar face in her grandparent''s living room.


    Recently, under her mother''s instruction, Li Mu Chen has been frequently visiting her grandparents'' place. She tried to spend time with the elders and hoped that she can change her grandfather''s mind about pulling her off from managing any of QL''s projects.


    It has been two weeks since she was ?ssigned as Manager Yan''s ?ssistant and she hated that she had to listen to that old man''s words. Though she came to complain to her mother about her unwillingness to stay under Manager Yan, her mother could not do anything about it.


    After all, it was her grandfather who gave the order.


    In the end, Li Mu Chen had no choice but to try to soften her grandparents'' hearts. So far, her grandmother has been very warm towards her, but her grandfather was still very stubborn.


    "Mu Chen, you''re here," Mu Ling Xi''s smile stiffened. It has slipped her mind that this granddaughter would come and visit them every day. Suddenly, Mu Ling Xi did not know what to do.


    She and her husband had previously agreed to have lunch with Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han. Now that their other granddaughter, Li Mu Chen had shown up, Mu Ling Xi did not know whether she should send this granddaughter back home or not.


    Li Mu Chen put on the best smile on her face and turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Director Zhang, it has been a while since the last time we saw each other. Are you here to visit my grandparents?"


    "Mu Chen, you know Director Zhang?" Mu Ling Xi was surprised to see that her granddaughter seemed to know him.


    "Grandmother, we''ve met previously during cousin Ming Han''s wedding," Li Mu Chen explained.


    "So, it was like that," Mu Ling Xi nodded. Li Mu Chen''s explanation made sense, so Mu Ling Xi did not think too much about it.


    Meanwhile, Li Mu Chen could not hide the smile on her face. At this time, she was thankful that her brother had not mentioned that she had tried to tempt Director Zhang at Li Ming Han''s wedding banquet, or else, her grandparents would be furious and she would never have her chance to come close to this man again.


    "Your grandfather is in his office with Yao Yao and Assistant Liang''s son," Mu Ling Xi said. "If you wanted to see your grandfather, you will have to wait for a while."


    Li Mu Chen tightened her hand into a fist at hearing that her cousin, Li Qin Yao was at her grandparents'' house as well. She had thought, and hope that Zhang Yu Han was coming to visit her grandparents alone.


    As a business partner of QL Group, it would not be strange for someone like Zhang Yu Han to come and visit her grandfather, right?


    At this time, Auntie Han came out from the kitchen to ask Mu Ling Xi a few things about the dishes. Mu Ling Xi glanced at Zhang Yu Han and hesitated.


    "Grandmother, you should go and check on the dishes quickly before Auntie Han accidentally overcooked them," Li Mu Chen said. "Don''t worry about Director Zhang here. I will keep him company for you."


    Mu Ling Xi paused. But at the thought that Li Mu Chen and Zhang Yu Han previously know each other, Mu Ling Xi was ?ssured to leave them alone. After excusing herself, Mu Ling Xi went with Auntie Han to the kitchen to check on the dishes.


    Li Mu Chen watched as her grandmother''s silhouette entered the kitchen before she sat down at the seat opposite of Zhang Yu Han. She was wearing a knee-length skirt, but when she sat down, Li Mu Chen pulled her skirt up a little bit and crossed her legs as if showcasing her long leg.


    "Director Zhang, you remember me, right?" Li Mu Chen forced a smile when the man in front of her did not even lift his head to look at her. "We met the last time at Li Ming Han''s wedding banquet."


    Li Mu Chen let out a frustrated sigh when the man did not react at all. She uncrossed and crossed her legs and smiled again. She refused to believe that her charm did not affect this man''s heart.


    "I know that there was a misunderstanding between us," Li Mu Chen continued. "I sincerely would like to apologize for that."


    Zhang Yu Han finally lifted her gaze to look at the woman in front of him.


    For a second, there was joy on Li Mu Chen''s face, however, this expression gradually disappeared when she heard him spoke in a cold voice.


    At first, Zhang Yu Han had wanted to walk away from this shameless woman, however, her words only made him sneer in anger.


    "Apologize?" Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Miss Li, the only person you need to apologize to is to your cousin, Li Qin Yao. After all, you did try to slander her."


    Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth.


    Previously, she had heard her brother urging her to apologize to her cousin, but Li Mu Chen did not think that she was in the wrong.


    She only wanted to tell the truth. How was that wrong?


    "How did I slander her? I was only telling you the truth. It was true that my cousin was the cause of that accident two years ago."


    Just as Li Mu Chen finished her words, there was a roaring voice, coming from upstairs. "Li Mu Chen! Haven''t you done enough!?"


    Her body stiffened and Li Mu Chen''s face turned pale at the sight of her grandfather.

 Chapter 225 - Youre Fired!

    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh of relief when he saw his wife''s silhouette. Steadily, he stepped towards the stairs and waited for her as she reached the bottom.


    Of course, his movement was noticed by Li Ren Xin. The elderly nodded to his granddaughter and motioned her to go downstairs. Then, he turned to Li Mu Chen with an angry look on his face. "You, come with me to the office."


    "Grandfather!" Li Mu Chen wanted to plead, but upon meeting her grandfather''s gaze, the words she wanted to say got stuck in her throat.


    Li Mu Chen shot an angry look at Li Qin Yao as she watched her cousin walked down the stairs. She could not understand why someone as excellent as Zhang Yu Han would take interest in someone as plain as her cousin.


    Angrily, Li Mu Chen stomped her feet as she climbed up the stairs. Her hand tightened into a fist. There was a malicious glint in her eyes as she imagined pushing her cousin down the stairs.


    "Hurry up!"


    Her grandfather''s bellowing snapped her out of her thought. Li Mu Chen tore her gaze away and walked over to her grandfather, but soon, her gaze paused on the bespectacled man beside her grandfather.


    It felt as if she had seen this man before.


    Sensing her grandfather''s angry stare, Li Mu Chen hurriedly went after her grandfather.


    Mu Ling Xi had come out from the kitchen with a puzzled look on her face when she heard her husband''s angry voice. She accessed the situation for a while and immediately guessed at what had happened.


    It was not the first time that her husband had raised his voice to their grandchildren. But after being married to her husband for years, Mu Ling Xi knew that her husband would not get angry without reason. Seeing the look on his face, Mu Ling Xi decided not to intervene and instead, turned to their guest, Zhang Yu Han.


    Meanwhile, Liang Sheng immediately excused himself and bid everyone goodbye.


    Mu Ling Xi gave an awkward smile to Zhang Yu Han and apologized for the unexpected event. "Come on, let''s go to the dining room," she said to both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao. "The dishes are almost done. Your grandfather will join us later when he is done."


    "Un, I know," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We''ll be right there shortly."


    Mu Ling Xi cast another glance at the young couple before she returned to the kitchen.


    When her grandmother had left, Li Qin Yao went over to Zhang Yu Han''s side and held both his hand. She tilted her head up to look at his face and asked, "Are you alright?"


    The look on Zhang Yu Han''s face at the moment was as if he was complaining to his wife for leaving him for too long that he had to face someone like Li Mu Chen.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded before he let out a long sigh. Now that he was holding his wife''s hand again, he felt more at ease. It felt as if a heavy burden was lifted his shoulder when he could hold her again.


    Earlier, when he saw Li Mu Chen stepped into the room, Zhang Yu Han was suddenly repulsed by her presence.


    Zhang Yu Han was not someone who would be disgusted with a random woman''s presence without reason. However, it would be a different story towards someone who had a bad intention. Moreover, with Li Mu Chen, she had tried to harm his wife in his presence more than once.


    It was not something that he can forgive.


    If it was not because Li Mu Chen was his wife''s cousin, Zhang Yu Han would not hesitate to throw her out. Unfortunately, he was at Li''s residence. As a husband, he needed to save some for his wife.


    Moreover, he was still trying to curry favor with his wife''s grandparents.


    He had married their granddaughter without telling the elders anything. It would be bad if the elders did not like this union. Though he did not mind much if the elders were not satisfied with him, Zhang Yu Han did not want his wife to be unhappy.


    Fortunately, both Li Ren Xin and Li Qin Yao had appeared before Zhang Yu Han''s patience reached its limit.


    "Are you alright?" Li Qin Yao rubbed her thumb against his palm. It was the only thing she could do to coax her husband at the moment.


    The crease on his face gradually disappeared when she saw the smile on her wife''s face. "Hmm," he nodded.


    Li Qin Yao gave a little squeeze at Zhang Yu Han''s hand before she led him into the dining area where her grandmother was waiting.


    Meanwhile, Li Mu Chen trembled in fear as she entered her grandfather''s office. She shut the door behind her and turned around slowly only to be hit by a hardcover book on her arms.


    "Grandfather!" Li Mu Chen touched her slightly reddened arms and felt her eyes started to sting.


    "Don''t grandfather me! Li Mu Chen, do you know what you have done?" Li Ren Xin took a deep breath to calm his anger, but he could not calm down as he recalled the scene that happened in front of his eyes. "It seemed that I was too lenient when I gave you your punishment the last time. You still have not learned your lesson!"


    Li Mu Chen watched as her grandfather lifted the phone receiver and pressed at the numbers angrily. She did not know who her grandfather was calling, but suddenly, Li Mu Chen had a sense of foreboding.


    "Li Jing, you come here and pick up your daughter," Li Ren Xin spoke as soon as the phone was connected. After he finished that one sentence, Li Ren Xin immediately hung up the call.


    Li Mu Chen had a look of horror at hearing her father''s name. "Grandfather, how could you call my father?"


    "Since you won''t listen to me and I cannot discipline you, then I can only let your father discipline you himself," Li Ren Xin said angrily. "I told you not to mention that those accidents from two years ago, but did you ever listen to me?"


    "I''m sorry. I promise I will never mention that incident again," Li Mu Chen begged.


    "I gave you a chance once, I am not going to give you another chance," Li Ren Xin said. "Li Mu Chen, from tomorrow onwards, you don''t have to come over to the company anymore."


    "What?"


    "You''re fired! Since you refused to learn properly, then you don''t have to come and waste anyone''s time at the office," Li Ren Xin said. "It has been decided. You cannot do anything to change my mind."

 Chapter 226 - They Should Not Bully His Granddaughter

    When Li Ren Xin arrived in the dining area, he was greeted by the cheery chattering and laughter of his wife and his granddaughter. He entered the dining area silently and his wife was the first to notice his presence.


    "Old man, you''re here," Mu Ling Xi called out with a smile. "We have been waiting for you for a long time. Come. Come. Sit down." She stood up to grab the old man''s hand and dragged him to a seat next to her. Then, she turned to Auntie Han and the hot dishes were brought in into the room.


    Li Ren Xin looked at the array of dishes on the table and frowned. He knew that his wife enjoyed cooking. Every time they received a guest in the house, his wife would not forget to feed their guest with a lot of food before she would let them leave.


    A few days ago, when his wife heard that their granddaughter, Li Qin Yao would be coming to visit with her boyfriend, his wife was got excited that she spent hours thinking of what she wanted to cook for this granddaughter.


    "What happened to Mu Chen?" Mu Ling Xi whispered as she leaned to her husband.


    Li Ren Xin''s mood was dampened as he heard Li Mu Chen''s name. His anger rose as he thought of what he had witnessed with his very own eyes earlier. "She went back with her father."


    "Ah? Li Jing came earlier?" Mu Ling Xi''s eyes brightened as she heard that her son had dropped by earlier. "Why didn''t you ask them to have lunch with us?"


    "They have important stuff to deal with," Li Ren Xin spoke in a low tone. "Moreover, Yao Yao and her boyfriend are here. Do you want them to be uncomfortable?"


    Mu Ling Xi narrowed her eyes at her husband. When she looked at her granddaughter again, a smile appeared on her face. "Why do you guys keep staring at the food. Eat. Eat. I cooked them especially for you when I heard that you will be coming to visit. Yao Yao, didn''t you like grandmother''s steamed garlic prawn the most?"


    Seeing that the elders have started to pick up their chopstick, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han followed suit, and soon, the harmonious atmosphere where the old and younger generation shared their meals could be seen.


    As lunch was approaching the end, Li Qin Yao reached to hold Zhang Yu Han''s hand under the table. The two of them exchanged a glance and smiled.


    "Grandfather, grandmother. Actually, I came back this time because I have something to announce." Li Qin Yao paused to study her grandparents'' expression. Her heart sped up as she was suddenly anxious at how her grandparents would react at her announcement.


    Zhang Yu Han gave a squeeze at his wife''s hand to show his encouragement.


    Taking a deep breath. Li Qin Yao continued, "Zhang Yu Han and I had obtained our marriage certificate earlier this week."


    Mu Ling Xi''s mouth parted, while Li Ren Xin had a deep frown on his face as they both heard the unexpected news. There was a brief silence as the two elders were not sure whether their ears were playing tricks on them.


    "You got married?" Mu Ling Xi was the first to broke the silence.


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly.


    "But why so sudden?" Mu Ling Xi asked. It was only a few weeks ago when her granddaughter came and introduce this man as her boyfriend. How come his status changed so quickly to her husband? A thought crossed her mind, but she dare not to say it out loud.


    "Grandfather, grandmother," Zhang Yu Han spoke up. "Although this news might come a little sudden for you, marrying your granddaughter is something that I have been dreaming for a long time. I love Li Qin Yao and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Therefore, I asked her to marry me." He turned to the woman beside her and his gaze turned gentler. "And she had said yes."


    Mu Ling Xi looked at the couple alternately and saw the way they were looking at each other. "You and your cousin Ming Han is the same. Only telling me everything once you''ve took action," she sighed. "Since both of you had already obtained a marriage certificate, what else can we say?"


    Li Ren Xin cleared his throat. The frown on his face deepened. "It''s fine if you wanted to marry my granddaughter. But what about a wedding ceremony? Are you not going to give my granddaughter a wedding?"


    Although Zhang Yu Han came from a powerful family as compared to his, Li Ren Xin thought that they should not bully his granddaughter.


    Getting a marriage certificate was alright. But if he dared to say that they were not going to have a wedding, Li Ren Xin was determined to give Zhang Yu Han a beating.


    Li Qin Yao was someone he had raised since she was a baby. Although he had done her wrong previously after that accident two years ago, it does not mean that he did not care about this granddaughter.


    "You don''t have to worry about a wedding," Zhang Yu Han said. "Currently, my parents are both in C Country for business. Once they returned, I will arrange for a meeting to discuss a wedding."


    Once Li Ren Xin heard his answer, the frown on his face gradually disappeared.


    As the news of her granddaughter''s marriage finally sunk in into her brain, Mu Ling Xi began to fire a series of questions to the couple.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile¡­


    The situation was not so harmonious with Li Mu Chen.


    Li Mu Chen held her left cheek as she endured with the stinging pain. She could taste the blood in her mouth and wonder whether she was going to lose a tooth. Her tears streamed down her cheek. She wanted to raise her head and look at her father, but she did not dare to meet his gaze.


    She was already this big, and her father would still hit her as punishment. If any of her friends heard this, they would be laughing at her.


    "Li Jing! You dare to hit our daughter!" Zhao Wei shouted. She ran over to stop her husband from giving another slap to her daughter.


    Li Jing clenched his hand into a fist has his wife suddenly appeared in front of him. "Our daughter did something wrong. Why wouldn''t I dare to hit her?"


    "If she did something wrong, then you can just reprimand her. Why must you use force? Why beat her?" Zhao Wei turned to look at her daughter''s reddened face and gasped. "She''s a girl! How can you hit her face? Li Jing, did you not know of your strength?"


    "Do you know how embarrassed I was when father called and told me what Mu Chen did?" Li Jing pointed his finger to his wife. "If you educate your daughter well, she would not turn out to be this shameless! Daringly seducing her cousin''s boyfriend in front of everyone!"


    Lu Mu Chen had thought that her grandfather only heard her mention of the incident from two years ago to Zhang Yu Han. She did not realize that her action was being watched from the beginning she appeared in front of that man.


    No wonder her grandfather was furious. But how was that wrong? She was only trying her luck. It was not as if the two of them were married!


    "From now on, you are grounded for a month." He said to his daughter. Then, he turned at his wife and warned, "If you let her out of this house, you will see how I will punish your daughter," Li Jing said before he left angrily.


    Seeing that her husband had walked away, Zhao Wei went to approach her daughter. "I asked you to accompany your grandparents. How did you return home like this?"


    "Mom!" Li Mu Chen wailed as she retold her mother about what happened. Of course, she denied everything on that part about seducing Zhang Yu Han.

 Chapter 227 - Inconsiderate Couple

    Han Yue Xiu was starting to regret her decision to accept her friend''s invitation to have breakfast together.


    Last night, she had received a call from Li Qin Yao, asking her to join her for breakfast at The Orchid, a hotel belonged to Zhang Group Worldwide. Thinking that it would be rare for her to meet with her friend while having a free meal, Han Yue Xiu quickly agreed.


    Who would have thought that instead of enjoying breakfast like she thought she would, Han Yue Xiu would be fed with dog food instead?


    As she looked at the couple who sat across her, Han Yue Xiu was in a state of disbelief.


    Her friend, Li Qin Yao, was enjoying her meal being fed by her boyfriend while displaying their affections.


    It was only a few weeks ago since she last saw them together, but when did they become so sticky?


    Although there was no kissing involved, just looking at the way the two of them exchanged their gaze would give her goosebumps.


    Han Yue Xiu wanted to ask her friend question, she could not do it in front of Zhang Yu Han. She could only send Li Qin Yao a questioning look, but it did not seem as if this friend b?r?ly notice the look on her face. Her attention was fully on her boyfriend.


    This couple was really inconsiderate towards her, a single dog. It was too frustrating!


    At this time, Han Yue Xiu was wondering if she was invited to this luxury hotel to be fed with dog food. She was not able to eat her breakfast from the buffet to her heart contents as she had planned.


    Fortunately, she did not have to endure their PDA the whole day.


    After breakfast, Zhang Yu Han finally looked at Li Qin Yao and said, "I''ll leave the two of you alone as it has been a while since you met and talk." A smile curved on his lips as he continued, "I''ll be in the office to discuss a few things with Xiao Ye. Call me when you''re done. I''ll come and pick you up."


    Zhang Yu Han left after he planted a kiss on his wife''s forehead.


    Once Zhang Yu Han disappeared from her eyesight, Han Yue Xiu quickly stood up and sat beside her friend. "Yao Yao! Did you invite me to breakfast so that you can stuff me with dog food?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes innocently. "What are you talking about?


    Han Yue Xiu narrowed her eyes at her friend and stared at her suspiciously.


    Looking at the expression on Han Yue Xiu''s face, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. Li Qin Yao gathered herself and spoke with a serious expression and tone. "Yue Xiu, I have something to tell you."


    Staring into her friend''s eyes for a few seconds, Li Qin Yao then said, "I''m married."


    Just like everyone else, it took Han Yue Xiu a while before she could react. Her mouth formed a large ''O'' as she stared at her friend with a shock expression.


    "Zhang Yu Han and I obtained our marriage certificate earlier this week."


    Han Yue Xiu let out a cursing word as her brain could properly process what she had heard. The first thing she does was to glance at her friend''s hand.


    Seeing that there was no ring on her finger, Han Yue Xiu shot her friend an accusation gaze. "You''re lying, right?"


    "Why would I lie about this?"


    "There''s no ring on your finger."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her hand and realized that the two of them did not have their wedding rings. A frown appeared on her face as she made a mental note to mention this matter to Zhang Yu Han.


    "I''m not lying," Li Qin Yao said. She took out her phone and showed her friend a few snapshots of their marriage certificate.


    "Yao Yao, congratulation!" Han Yue Xiu pulled her friend into a tight hug. She pulled away and frowned angrily. "But, why do you wait until now to tell me? Am I still your friend?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Everything was done in a hurry, so I didn''t have time to tell you. Anyway, since I''m here to visit my grandparents, I thought it would be better if I tell you this personally."


    "What is this, a shotgun marriage?"


    "Why does everyone thought this is a shotgun marriage?"


    "You admitted it yourself. Everything was done in a hurry. Of course, I would get suspicious," Han Yue Xiu pointed out.


    Now that she recalled the way the couple acted earlier, Han Yue Xiu suddenly realized that they were behaving just like newlyweds! The two of them were still in their honeymoon phase!


    Curious, Han Yue Xiu began to ask her friend a series of questions on how they were suddenly married, and Li Qin Yao answered them patiently. Then the girls'' conversation moved from Han Yue Xiu''s mother to the apartment that Li Qin Yao had introduced to her earlier.


    At this time, the phone in Han Yue Xiu''s bag started to buzz. She took out her phone and stared at the caller ID for a few seconds longer before she decided to accept the call.


    However, after pressing the phone against her ear, Han Yue Xiu did not speak a word. After a minute has passed, Han Yue Xiu spoke only one sentence before she hung out the call.


    "That ex-boss of yours is still disturbing you?" Li Qin Yao asked. Of course, as they were sitting side by side, Li Qin Yao had seen the name on the caller ID.


    "It''s not like that," Han Yue Xiu smiled slightly, but there was a complicated look on her face. "He was planning to start over a company and wanted me to help him. After thinking about it for a long time, I agreed."


    "You agreed?"


    "Hmm," Han Yue Xiu said lazily. "But this time, he is going to make me a partner. This time, he won''t be able to boss me around and after hearing the benefit he was going to give me, I thought that I would be an idiot to reject it. So I accepted."


    Li Qin Yao looked at her friend worriedly, but knowing Han Yue Xiu, she knew that her friend would be able to handle things well. "Since you have thought things through, then, I can only wish you the best. However, Yue Xiu, please don''t suddenly show up at my apartment and say that you quit your job."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed as she recalled pulling those stunts not too long ago. "You''re married to Mister Zhang now. Even if I wanted to show up at your apartment, I will have to think twice. It''s either your husband might throw me out, or I will have to suffer by eating more dog food!"

 Chapter 228 - Youre... Married?

    "Which one did you like the most," Zhang Yu Han asked as he turned to his wife.


    The salesman looked at the couple with a polite smile on his face. Earlier, the young couple had walked into the showroom and he had ?ssisted them and explained every feature of the cars in their showroom.


    Judging from the couple''s brief conversation, the salesman could see that the two of them were in a hurry to get a new car. They did not mind the price but was only interested to know which model would be the fastest to get.


    "I like this one," Li Qin Yao pointed her fingers at the pamphlet. "But this one looks good too."


    As Li Qin Yao has now moved in with her husband to Y City, she now found herself a new problem. That was her husband''s routine to send her off to work and picking her up before they returned to their apartment.


    Everything would be fine if only her workplace and their apartment were in the same city. However, it was not.


    She was happy that Zhang Yu Han was willing to pamper her this much, but Li Qin Yao thought that it was absurd how Zhang Yu Han would insist to do this routine. Although he would say that he enjoyed doing this routine and it was not tiring for him, Li Qin Yao would feel bad about it.


    Her heart would ache thinking of how tiring this new routine was for her husband.


    Actually, Li Qin Yao could always take the train or other public transport. However, Zhang Yu Han did not like it. In the end, Li Qin Yao thought that, even if she did not like driving too much, she needed to get herself a car.


    What would happen if Zhang Yu Han would tire himself from this routine?


    It took her a while before she could convince him that she can drive herself to work. That was how the two of them decided to visit a car showroom.


    Once the salesman went away, Li Qin Yao held her husband''s hand with a sweet smile on her face. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you."


    Seeing the smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han let out out a helpless sigh. "Are you that happy?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "But I feel like you''ve robbed me of my privileges to drive you around to work as your husband," Zhang Yu Han said as he bopped her nose.


    As the two of them were having a small talk while waiting for the salesman to return, a tall woman with short hair approached them with a hesitant smile on her face.


    "Brother Yu Han?"


    The couple turned around simultaneously. Li Qin Yao had a frowned at the familiar face. She had a feeling that she had seen this girl before.


    "You''re¡­ a friend of Yu Ying," Zhang Yu Han said.


    The smile on the woman''s face widened. "Are you looking for a car? You can talk to me. Which model are you looking for?"


    "It''s alright," Zhang Yu Han quickly declined. "We have talked to Salesman Jiang earlier."


    Her smile stiffened at his rejection. She shifted her gaze to Li Qin Yao and said, "Hello. I''m Xiao Ran, a friend of Zhang Yu Ying."


    Li Qin Yao returned the smile. "Li Qin Yao."


    Xiao Ran extended her hand for a handshake and said, "Miss, do we know each other? I feel as if I have seen you before."


    "Sorry, I don''t think we know each other," Li Qin Yao said. Looking at the tall lady in front of her, Li Qin Yao suddenly recalled where she had last seen her.


    Back then, she was not dating Zhang Yu Han yet. But, she had visited a restaurant in Y City along with Zhang Yu Han and Zhang Jing. Coincidentally, the three of them ran into Zhang Yu Ying and her friend, Xiao Ran.


    Li Qin Yao could still recall the judging look on Xiao Ran''s face when she had seen her standing beside Zhang Yu Han. Now that she had seen the way Xiao Ran was looking at her husband again, Li Qin Yao suddenly had a hunch that this girl liked her husband.


    As this thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao tilted her head up to and saw her husband''s indifferent expression. A smile curled on her lips as Li Qin Yao gave a little squeeze at her husband''s hand.


    Of course, this little movement was noticed by Xiao Ran. She looked at the two''s intertwined hand and said, "Brother Yu Han, I did not know that you are seeing someone."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled at his wife and held her hand tighter. "She''s my wife."


    "You''re¡­ married?" Xiao Ran was stunned. "Yu Ying never mentioned it to me."


    "We only received our marriage certificate recently," Zhang Yu Han said. "When we have our wedding, I will surely ask Yu Ying to invite you."


    At this time, Salesman Jiang came out from the office holding a few paperwork in his hand. Taking this chance, Zhang Yu Han excused himself and dragged his wife along with him.


    Salesman Jiang gave them a form to fill in before he walked back into the office.


    "Zhang Yu Han, tell me, how many sisters did you have?" Li Qin Yao asked as she poked at her husband''s waist.


    "You know that I only have Yu Ying as my sister," Zhang Yu Han said. He picked up the pen and started to help his wife to fill in the form.


    "Then, why did that woman casually address you as Brother Yu Han?"


    He turned to his wife again and saw how she was slightly pouting. His lips curled into a smile as he found her expression somewhat adorable. Zhang Yu Han leaned in to give her a peck on the lips and said, "She was a friend of Yu Ying. She probably addressed me as her senior. It''s alright. I''ll tell her not to call me Brother Yu Han again."


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes as she watched him scribbled something on the paper. She always knew that her husband was good looking and probably had a few admirers.


    Her eyes darted on his hand and she began to notice that she had forgotten something important. "Zhang Yu Han, let''s go to the mall next."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "You wanted to buy something?"


    "Un." She nodded enthusiastically. "An important thing."

 Chapter 229 - Wedding Ring

    As it was after office hours, there were a lot of people in the mall. Afraid that someone was going to bump into his petite wife, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arm on her shoulders, pulling her closer to him.


    "What are you looking for?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he bent his head to speak closely to her ears.


    Li Qin Yao let out a soft giggle when she felt his ticklish breath on her ear. She tilted up her head to meet his gaze and smiled mysteriously. "You will know soon."


    Seeing his wife''s teasing gaze, Zhang Yu Han had the urge to kiss her lips. But considering that they were both in public, he could only give a light squeeze on her shoulder and a kiss on her forehead.


    An elderly couple who happened to walk past them smiled at Li Qin Yao.


    She returned the smile and shyly turned her head to bury her face in her husband''s ?h?st. She was suddenly reminded of his words not too long ago. It was true that their difference made it easier for him to hide her away from others.


    As they arrived at the jewelry store, Li Qin Yao stopped and looked at Zhang Yu Han again.


    "You wanted to buy some jewelry?" Zhang Yu Han asked. Although he did not mind accompanying his wife to shop around, Zhang Yu Han could not help but be curious. Perhaps because she worked in her cafe, his wife had this habit of not wearing any jewelry on her hand.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. A blush crept on her face as she said, "Zhang Yu Han, let''s get our wedding ring."


    Zhang Yu Han was stunned at her words. His gaze fell on their intertwined hands and realized for the first time that the two of them was not wearing a wedding ring on their finger.


    Pulling her closer to his embrace, Zhang Yu Han then said, "Sorry. It was my negligence. I should have bought us wedding rings earlier, but it must have skipped my mind."


    The couple then walked into the store holding hands. An attendant immediately greeted them at the door and introduced them to various styles of rings.


    After looking around and a long discussion, the couple chose a set of platinum rings. Although it was slightly expensive, the design was very simple and the style was something that the couple liked.


    Zhang Yu Han finally completed the payment after the couple had argued for a while about paying.


    His wife has requested to let her pay for half of it. But of course, her request was rejected. Zhang Yu Han had then spent a few minutes to convince her why he should be the one who paid for their rings.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao lost their debate and watched with a heavy heart as Zhang Yu Han swiped his card at the counter.


    Cradling her face with one hand, Li Qin Yao looked at her husband and a random thought crossed her mind. "Zhang Yu Han, I have a feeling that if you are an insurance salesman, you would be able to convince me into buying policies from you."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed when he heard her mentioning insurance salesman. He felt as if it has been a long time since he had pretended to be an insurance salesman, but why did his wife still remember this kind of stuff.


    "The way you talk can be so convincing," Li Qin Yao said with a slight pout on her face.


    The shop attendant slid a paper bag to both of them with a polite smile on her face. Li Qin Yao took out the ring from the box and reached for Zhang Yu Han''s hand to slip the ring on his finger. She stared at the ring on his finger and her lips curved into a satisfied smile.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the ring on his finger with a dazed expression before he did the same. He took her hand in his and slid the ring on her finger. His movement was slow as if he was trying to savor this moment. When the ring reached the end of her finger, Zhang Yu Han lifted his gaze to stare at his wife''s eyes.


    Suddenly, the two of them could hear the sounds of clapping. Turning around, the couple saw that the shop attendant had gathered her friends and everyone was clapping their hands while giving them congratulatory words.


    The couple thanked everyone in the store before Li Qin Yao grabbed her husband''s hand and dragged him out of the store with a bashful expression.


    "Why do you suddenly think of getting a wedding ring?" Zhang Yu Han asked as they were walking towards the car park.


    Li Qin Yao turned to him and stared at his face. She suddenly thought that her husband was getting more good looking the more she looked at him. Of course, after he married her, his charm was more apparent.


    "Of course it was to let the others know that you are taken," Li Qin Yao said.


    A wide and contented smile curled on his lips. Zhang Yu Han was suddenly reminded of how his wife has reacted when a friend of Yu Ying appeared, calling him ''Brother Yu Han'' intimately. He had sensed her jealousy but thought that it was not wise for him to pointed it out. After all, his wife was someone who gets shy easily.


    At the thought that QL has arranged a dinner party and invited everyone who is involved in the project, Zhang Yu Han was relieved that the two of them had got themselves their wedding ring. At least, if his wife''s ex came to disturb her again, he would see the ring on her finger and knew that he no longer stand a chance.


    The two of them were almost approaching his Cayenne when Zhang Yu Han noticed that his wife had suddenly stopped. He turned to her saw that she was looking at a direction. He followed her gaze and frowned when he did not see anything strange. Squeezing her hand softly, Zhang Yu Han asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought and shook her head. "Nothing. I just thought that I saw a familiar face. But perhaps I was mistaken."


    When Zhang Yu Han came out of the bathroom, his wife was sitting on the bed, staring at the wedding ring on her finger with a sheepish smile on her face. Seeing her expression, Zhang Yu Han could not help but let out a chuckle. "Are you that happy?"


    Li Qin Yao tore her gaze away from the ring and turned to him. "Un," she nodded enthusiastically. "The feeling is different once I have a ring on my finger."


    "If I know that this will make you very happy, I would have taken you to buy a wedding ring sooner," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Seeing that he was drying his hair, Li Qin Yao got off the bed to help him. Because he was too tall for her, she could only ask him to sit down properly. Once she was done, Li Qin Yao handed the towel back to him and pulled his hand to stare at the ring on his finger.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a laugh as he watched the excitement on her face.


    Recently, he found that his wife was adorable when she was excited about something. The smile on her face reminded him of a kid who got excited after receiving some candies.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?" Hearing her calling out his name with her sweet voice, Zhang Yu Han then leaned forward to kiss her on the forehead. When he lifted his gaze to meet hers, Zhang Yu Han found himself lost in her eyes.


    "From now on, you''re bound to me and I to you."


    His wife was such a temptress...


    Feeling something ignited within him, Zhang Yu Han tossed the towel in his hand aside before he pulled his wife to his ??p and started to rain her with his kisses everywhere.

 Chapter 230 - Chen Hao Has Not Given Up

    When he woke up, Zhang Yu Han found that his wife was snuggled in his arms like an adorable kitten. Her head rested on his arm, as he hugged her closer with another. His gaze fell on her sleeping face and he continued to watch her with a warm gaze.


    A contented smile formed on his lips as he recalled the radiant look on her face whenever she looked at the wedding rings on their intertwined hands. He¡­ did not know that it would be easy to make her smile.


    Slowly, he inched closer to her to nuzzle her smooth tresses and inhaled her scent deeply. Planting a kiss on top of her head, Zhang Yu Han then pulled away to examine her feature. Just looking at her face quietly like this could take his breath away.


    When he had enough, Zhang Yu Han shifted his body and the quilt moved, exposing her b?r? skin underneath it. He adjusted the quilt to cover her body and went into the bathroom to clean up before he head into the kitchen.


    Staring at the phone in his hand, Zhang Yu Han then took out a pot and started to measure the rice. He knew that his wife was someone who would prefer to eat porridge for breakfast and after watching her preparing it for a few times, he was determined to try them.


    Although he was very good at grilling barbecue, Zhang Yu Han was actually a bad cook. Other than barbecuing, the only thing he knew how to do was to make some instant noodles and perhaps to fry some eggs and sausages. Other than that, he was a failure.


    When Li Qin Yao walked out of the bedroom, she was surprised to see Zhang Yu Han standing straight in front of the stove. She did not know what he was doing, but she could see that he was staring into a steaming pot with so much focus.


    Though she wanted to call out his name, Li Qin Yao was afraid that she would surprise him and cause an accident in the kitchen. In the end, Li Qin Yao let out a few dry coughs to attract his attention.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and turned to her direction. A smile appeared on his lips when he saw his wife at the door. "Good morning."


    "Good morning." As he had already noticed her presence, Li Qin Yao walked over to the kitchen with her gaze at the steaming pot on the stove. "What are you doing?" She peeked into the pot and turned to him with a surprised look on her face. "You''re making porridge?"


    "Hmm," he nodded hesitantly. After looking into the pot for a while, Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife again. "How does it look? I tried to cook it the way you would do it. But I''m not sure about the amount of water, so I look up on the internet."


    Li Qin Yao took the wooden spoon from his hand and stirred into the pot. A smile curled on her lips. She leaned in to kiss him on the upper arm and said, "it looks good."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his effort was not going to waste.


    Soon, breakfast was served. Although the porridge was a little bit watery than how Li Qin Yao would prepare, the two of them still finished everything.


    After breakfast, Zhang Yu Han followed the routine and drove over to B City to send his wife to work.


    "You don''t have to come and pick me up today," Li Qin Yao said as he parked in front of her office building. "I only have a short meeting with the engineers on site. Once it''s over, I''ll come over and find you at the hotel, alright?"


    "You''re going to the site with Liang Sheng?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh. "Alright. Text me when the meeting is over. I just wanted to know where you are."


    Li Qin Yao smiled and agreed. The two of them exchanged a few words and Li Qin Yao got off the Cayenne after giving her husband a peck on the lips and reminded him to drive safely.


    As she watched his Cayenne drove away, Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. At least she wouldn''t have to trouble him to send her and pick her up from work next time.


    Looking at how tiring it was for him to drive between the two cities, Li Qin Yao was distressed.


    Once his Cayenne was no longer in her sight, Li Qin Yao turned around and entered the building. Because she had arrived early, there was no one in the office except for the two aunties who always came in the morning to clean up.


    Li Qin Yao greeted them briefly and walked in into her office. The quiet space made it easier for her to concentrate on the paperwork on the table.


    Half an hour later, Liang Sheng came to knock on her door and entered once she gave him her permission.


    "Good morning," Liang Sheng greeted. He adjusted his glass and walked over with the documents in his hand. Then, he carried on with his routine and began to report her with her schedule.


    "Liang Sheng, later you come with me to visit the site and meet with the engineers," Li Qin Yao said.


    The bespectacled man nodded. "Then, I suggest that we go out through the side door."


    "Side door?" Li Qin Yao lifted her head and looked at him in puzzled. "Why?"


    "I ran into Mister Chen from WS Group at the entrance," Liang Sheng explained briefly.


    Li Qin Yao massaged the space between her brow. It seemed that Chen Hao has not given up to meet her. Fortunately, the guards downstairs won''t let him come up without staff or a visitor pass.


    But still, this man was giving her a headache.


    Back when they were seeing each other, she had never seen him this insistent. She wondered if he was too idle to come over and pester her almost every day.


    After thanking Liang Sheng, Li Qin Yao dismissed him and glanced at the clock. She looked at her phone and hesitated before picking it up. Li Qin Yao dialed a number and waited for the phone to connect.


    "Miss Li?" Bei Ruo Xi whispered from the other line.


    "Hmm¡­ it''s me."


    "Hold on for a while."


    Li Qin Yao pressed the phone on her ear and heard Bei Ruo Xi''s high heel clicking on the floor. A few seconds later, her former ?ssistant''s voice came again.


    "Sorry. Manager Zhao Wei was around earlier."


    Li Qin Yao sighed. "Is she still bullying you?"


    "It was not so bad," Bei Ruo Xi smiled. "These days, she was busy pestering the President to beg him to convince Chairman Li into letting Li Mu Chen return to the office."


    "Li Mu Chen?"


    "Hmm¡­ I heard that the Chairman fired her earlier this week,"


    Li Qin Yao was surprised upon hearing the news that she did not know how to respond.


    "Anyway, why are you calling at this time?"


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought as she recalled the reason for this call. She hesitated a few seconds and spoke again, "Ruo Xi, do you remember Manager Guo? Do you know if they have heard anything about him?"


    There was a brief silence before Bei Ruo Xi spoke again. "Manager Guo? From Rising Group?"


    "Un. Have you heard anything about him?"


    "No. After he disappeared two years ago, I haven''t heard anything about him. But I can ask around," Bei Ruo Xi frowned at Li Qin Yao''s sudden questions. "What''s wrong?"


    "I think I saw him in Y City last night."

 Chapter 231 - Manager Guo

    That year, after she had asked a few people to investigate the accident, she found out that her aunt, Zhao Wei has been talking to the manager of Rising Company.


    After talking with the manager, he had admitted to taking bribes to change the materials. Li Qin Yao had threatened to bring the manager to the police and after a while, the manager agreed to testify against her second aunt.


    That manager was the person she had seen in Y City last night. Manager Guo.


    Two years ago, a day before Manager Guo could testify against her second aunt, he disappeared, leaving his wife and daughter just like that.


    Li Qin Yao had tried to find him, but could not find any lead. The investigators had suspected that perhaps Manager Guo was murdered and Li Qin Yao could not shake off this possibility until she had seen him again last night.


    Even though the Manager Guo she saw last night had skinnier silhouette and hunched body, Li Qin Yao could still recognize his eyes. But because of their distance, she was not too sure.


    ¡­


    When Li Qin Yao arrived at the office floor, Secretary Tian was waiting for her at the elevator as usual. This time, secretary Tian was not alone, and instead, Zhang Yu Ying was waiting with her.


    "Sister-in-law!" Zhang Yu Ying greeted cheerily. She leaped into Li Qin Yao to give her a tight hug before she pulled away. "I heard you bought a wedding ring with my brother yesterday. Let me look."


    With a light chuckle, Li Qin Yao raised her hand to show it to Zhang Yu Ying.


    "It''s pretty." Zhang Yu Ying looked at the ring to admire it for a while. "You don''t know this. But this morning, my brother has been walking around back and forth, trying to show off the ring on his finger."She clicked her tongue and continued, "You don''t know how excited he was."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she tried to imagine Zhang Yu Han bragging to his sister. The two of them chatted a bit and Li Qin Yao asked, "We''re going out for dinner later. Will you join us?"


    "I can''t. I was going out to meet a few friends after work," Zhang Yu Ying heaved a heavy sigh as she recalled the phone call she received from her friend, Xiao Ran last night. Zhang Yu Ying had thought that it was strange for Xiao Ran to give her a call. But once she heard that her brother had run into Xiao Ran yesterday, Zhang Yu Ying could guess at why Xiao Ran wanted to meet her.


    A manager called Zhang Yu Ying and the girl excused herself to return to her work.


    Once Zhang Yu Ying went away, Secretary Tian turned to Li Qin Yao with a smile on her face.


    "Is Zhang Yu Han in the office?"


    "Director Zhang was having a meeting with Chairman Zhang and Mister Wei from Lu & Wei in the Chairman''s office," Secretary Tian said. "But, Director Zhang said that you should just come into his office when you arrive."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She walked into Zhang Yu Han''s office and sat on the sofa to rest. Just as she thought that she would fall asleep while waiting for her husband, her phone rang. She saw from the caller ID that it was Bei Ruo Xi and immediately picked up the call.


    "Miss Li?" Bei Ruo Xi greeted as soon as the phone was connected.


    "Have you heard anything?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "I contacted the investigator after your call this morning," Bei Ruo Xi said. "They went to Y City to check. After looking at the surveillance camera from the shopping mall, they thought that the man you saw last night might be Manager Guo."


    Li Qin Yao''s heart thumped with excitement at the news. "Did they find him?"


    There was a brief silence before Bei Ruo Xi answered. "No. He did not show up to work today and once the investigator tried to find him at his place, the apartment was already empty. His neighbor mentioned that he had left last night. I guess Manager Guo might have seen you and ran."


    Clenching her hand tightly into a fist, Li Qin Yao let out a long, disappointed sigh.


    She should guess that the old man would run after he had seen her last night.


    "I have forwarded their investigation report to your e-mail," Bei Ruo Xi said. "Miss Li, do you have any other instruction?"


    Li Qin Yao massaged the space between her eyebrow as she thought about her next step. After a while, she spoke again. "Tell them to continue monitoring Manager Guo''s wife and daughter. He may have contacted them. Tell them not to worry about the fee. I can pay for the price they''re asking.."


    Bei Ruo Xi nodded. "Alright."


    "And Ruo Xi, I need you to continue to monitor my second aunt," Li Qin Yao continued. "It is possible that she had done something to make Manager Guo escape the last time. Perhaps, the two of them were still in contact with each other."


    Once she had ended the phone call with her former ?ssistant, Li Qin Yao went to check on her e-mail to read the report from the investigator. Although they have acted fast, they could not find anything useful for Manager Guo at the moment.


    Li Qin Yao closed her eyes as she lay on the sofa. She was momentarily excited when Bei Ruo Xi confirmed that the man she saw last night was indeed Manager Guo.


    It was good that they finally found a new trail that might lead them to find Manager Guo again, but Li Qin Yao knew that she shouldn''t be too hasty.


    One slight mistake might cause her to lose everything.


    ...


    When Li Qin Yao woke up again, her surrounding was dark. She looked around the room and realized that she had fallen asleep in Zhang Yu Han''s office. As she tried to move, Li Qin Yao caught the blanket wrapped on her body.


    "You''re awake?"


    Li Qin Yao turned to the voice and saw her husband at his desk. He was doing his work with only the light from his computer.


    "What time is it?"


    "Almost ten."


    "What?" Li Qin Yao stood up suddenly. "Why didn''t you wake me up?"


    Zhang Yu Han smiled as he walked over to her. "I tried to. But it seemed that you were too tired to wake up. Are you hungry? Should we have supper?"


    Zhang Yu Han picked up the blanket on the sofa and fold it nicely. "Someone called Bei Ruo Xi was looking for you earlier. I told you that you were asleep. She told me that she will call you tomorrow."


    Li Qin Yao picked up her phone on the table and saw a message from Bei Ruo Xi, telling her that the investigator had agreed to continue working on the case. She let out a sigh and slumped back into the sofa.


    "Qin Yao, is everything alright?"

 Chapter 232 - Lean on Me

    Recently, Zhang Yu Han had noticed a slight change in his wife.


    Though she had always said she was fine, Zhang Yu Han knew that there was something that has been bothering her. It''s just that¡­ the matter that has been bothering her was something that she was not willing to share with him at the moment.


    His first thought was that he had perhaps made a mistake somewhere. After all, they were newlyweds, and it was possible that he did not understand her too well.


    But looking at her expression every time she turned her head at him, Zhang Yu Han knew that she was not mad at him.


    His next guess was that his wife was facing some problems with the development project. Therefore, he decided to ask one of his wife''s staff if there was any problem.


    Anyway, he was closer to them after spending a month with them previously.


    But after asking around, he found that the progress of the project was going on smoothly and that there was nothing interesting other than everyone was a little excited about joining the dinner party which will be held in a few days.


    So, it was concluded that his wife was not worrying about the company''s matter.


    After a few days has passed, Zhang Yu Han still could not find out anything else. In the end, he decided to be patient.


    Since she was not willing to say anything, Zhang Yu Han could only wait for her until she was willing to tell him her worry. If it was a matter that she wanted him to know, she will tell him.


    However, that does not mean that he was happy to see the worried look on her face.


    If he could not share her burden, he would at least want to ease her worry.


    But¡­ what can he do when she won''t share her thoughts with him?


    ¡­


    After having a light dinner with his wife, Zhang Yu Han suggested them to have a walk around in the park before the two of them head back home. The two of them walked around the neighborhood near the restaurant and enjoyed the night view together.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the woman beside him to study her expression. Sighing inwardly, he then stopped abruptly in front of her and hesitated. "Come on, let''s go."


    Li Qin Yao blinked a few times. "Go¡­ where?"


    "You will know soon," he smiled to ease her mind. "Don''t worry, I am not going to kidnap you."


    Hearing his joke, Li Qin Yao let out a laugh. She gave a light squeeze at his hand and said, "Okay, let''s go."


    Relieved that she was willing to follow his lead without question, Zhang Yu Han then led her to walk around the neighborhood, and soon, they arrived at a basketball court.


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she followed her husband to enter the court.


    Surprisingly, there was a ball left at the center of the court. She watched as he picked up the ball, dribbled it a few times, and jumped to shot a three-pointer.


    Zhang Yu Han picked up the ball again and walked over to her. Then, he stopped with the orange ball in his hand. "Let''s play a few rounds," Zhang Yu Han suggested. "It has been a while since we both play together."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the ball in his hand and hesitated. Looking at the anticipation in his face, she then agreed. "Okay. But you should go easy on me. You know that I am not good at this sport."


    Pulling her into the center of the court, Zhang Yu Han gave her a crash course to refresh her memory on the game. Then, he passed the ball to her to let her shoot a ball, while he played as the defender.


    Li Qin Yao dribbled the ball on the court and just as she shot a ball into the hoop, her husband had appeared in front of her to block the ball.


    Even though she knew the ball will not go into the hoop, seeing that Zhang Yu Han had blocked the ball still make her unhappy. She pouted at him and pretended to be angry before she stole the ball from his hand.


    Zhang Yu Han watched her act speechlessly before he started to chase after her.


    Knowing that their difference in height might cause them an accident, Zhang Yu Han was careful not to bump into her.


    Seeing that he had started to chase after her, Li Qin Yao let out a yelp before she ran away with the ball.


    Half an hour later, Li Qin Yao sat at the bench and panted to catch up with her breath. Soon after, a bottle of drinking water appeared beside her. Li Qin Yao tilted her head up and saw her husband''s smiling face. She took the bottle from him and started drinking.


    "Drink slowly," Zhang Yu Han reminded as he sat down beside her.


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes at her husband. "I lost. Zhang Yu Han, you bullied me. You won''t even let me score once." Although she could not score a ball because of her terrible shot, Li Qin Yao still wanted to blame it on her husband.


    "Alright. It was my fault," Zhang Yu Han spoke softly. "I should have let you score once."


    "Hearing that does not make me feel any better," Li Qin Yao frowned.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. He stared at her face for a while and said, "But you had fun, right?"


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh before she nodded. "Un." She turned to Zhang Yu Han with a smile on her face.


    "It''s good that you had fun." he bopped at her nose.


    "But why did you suddenly take me to play basketball?"


    "I hope that this will help you to clear your mind a little bit." He stared at her for a few seconds longer and said, "Qin Yao, recently, I noticed that you have been staring out a lot. Are you in trouble?"


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt her heart ached at his tone of voice. As someone who loved the sound of his voice, Li Qin Yao could hear that there was a tone of sadness in his voice.


    "It''s not that," she tried to smile to ease his worry. "I just have something in my mind. Don''t worry too much."


    "How can I not worry?" Zhang Yu Han sighed at her answer. "I know that you can be very independent. But Qin Yao, as your husband, I also wish that you would tell me anything that has been weighing your mind and learn to lean on me."


    The smile on her face gradually disappeared. She met his gaze and saw the way he was looking back at her tenderly.


    "Even if I cannot do anything to help, I wish to face every hardship and difficulties together with you. If you have anything that has been troubling you, I wish that you can share them with me."

 Chapter 233 - You Silly Girl

    Seeing that his wife did not answer him, Zhang Yu Han was a bit disappointed. In the beginning, Zhang Yu Han had thought that he was willing to wait until Li Qin Yao was comfortable in sharing what was on her mind, but after days has passed, and as he continued to see her constantly lost in her thought, he was worried.


    He did not like to see her like this and therefore, had decided to ask.


    "Was it something that you cannot tell me?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze when she saw the worried look in his face.


    "That''s not it," Li Qin Yao said. "It''s just that¡­ I''m not sure how to tell you about this."


    Zhang Yu Han waited for her to continue, but when Li Qin Yao did not say a thing after a minute has passed, he let out a sigh. "Alright," he forced a smile to conceal his frustration. "I''ll wait until you can talk to me."


    Li Qin Yao saw that he had risen from his seat and suddenly started to panic. Grabbing the hem of his sleeve, she spoke hurriedly, "Where are you going?"


    "It''s getting late," he entangled her hand from his sleeve to hold it properly. "Let''s go home."


    "Wait, no," Li Qin Yao tugged at his hand softly and he sat back next to her.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head to meet his gaze again and saw the expectant look in his eyes. She loved this man and loved the way he loved her. She enjoyed their relationship and did not want this thing between them to change.


    However, regarding this matter¡­ she really did not know how to open up to him. it was impossible for her to explain without mentioning her second aunt. She did not want to airs their dirty laundry in public. Li Qin Yao did not want her husband to think badly about her family.


    But somehow, she got this feeling that whatever she said next would have an impact on their relationship, and if she did not say anything, she might destroy something before it could properly begin.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao felt as if she was about to cry. She found herself at loss about what she wanted to do.


    Holding her husband''s hand tightly, Li Qin Yao pondered at what she wanted to do next. Before she could entangle this matter from her heart and decide on something, she was determined not to let go of his hand.


    Suddenly, her mother''s advice on the day she obtained her marriage certificate resounded in her head.


    They should work as a team and be each other''s supporters. Most of all, she should trust him.


    As if she has found the answer she was looking for, Li Qin Yao gave a little squeeze at his hand. "It''s not that I did not want to tell you," she spoke out softly. Taking a deep breath, Li Qin Yao tried to compose the words in her mind. "Zhang Yu Han, do you remember when I tell you about the accident in Capital City two years ago?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded slowly, unsure at where is this conversation going on.


    "Back then, I did found out some clues regarding the person who tried to frame me."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han''s face darkened. To think that someone dared to frame his wife!


    "I was given a short period to prove that I am innocent," Li Qin Yao continued. "After a few days, we did found out a few clues and the person who had done something to the paperwork and changed the materials. Just as I was about to bring this person to the authorities, he suddenly disappeared. Without evidence and his testimony, I have no choice but to leave QL."


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband''s face and saw his anger. She put her hand on his cheek and he snapped out of his thought to look at her. The anger in his eyes dissipated a little bit.


    Although he had previously asked his friend, Wei Jun Hao to look into the accident, they did not find out anything about this. What Zhang Yu Han knew through his investigation was almost the same as everyone else - that the accident happened because Li Qin Yao had authorized the use of cheap materials.


    "The reason my mind with preoccupied with something else this recently was because the person who disappeared two years ago had suddenly reappeared," Li Qin Yao said. "I saw him the other day in Y City. But before the investigator gets to him, he had disappeared without any trail."


    "It''s fine. You will find him again," Zhang Yu Han said. "I will help you to find him."


    Li Qin Yao smiled a little bit. "The reason I was hesitant to tell you about this matter was that, after the investigation, I found that my second aunt, Zhao Wei was the one who gave her the order to sabotage the project."


    "What?" Zhang Yu Han watched her in disbelief.


    Although he could see that his wife''s relationship with her second aunt was not that good, Zhang Yu Han could not understand why an elder would do something to harm her niece.


    If he had known about this earlier, he would not treat that aunt politely, no matter if she was her elder.


    "My Li''s family was not without fault. I was hesitant to tell you this because I did not want you to think badly about my family," Li Qin Yao said. "I did not want you to have a poor opinion about me."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned before he raised his hand to flick at her forehead.


    "Ouch!" Li Qin Yao stared at him angrily. Although the flick was not painful, she was shocked that he would flick on her forehead. "It hurts! Why would you flick on my forehead suddenly?"


    "You silly girl," Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. He pulled her into his embrace inhaled her scent.


    Although he was angered after hearing how she was framed into something she did not do, Zhang Yu Han was relieved to know the reason why his wife seemed distressed.


    At least he can be at ease knowing that he did not make a mistake.


    "You are yourself. Why would I have a poor opinion about you?" Zhang Yu Han spoke at her ear. "Qin Yao, was your opinion towards me that bad?"


    "No." She wriggled to get out of his embrace and looked at his face. "Zhang Yu Han, I did not mean it like that."


    "Then, you should learn to trust me a little bit more. Or else, you should trust yourself that you did not make a bad choice in marrying someone who would judge you because of what your family has done."

 Chapter 234 - Show Your Sincerity

    Zhang Jing stroked his chin as he was in deep thought. After two minutes have passed, he tilted up his head again to look at his grandson. "So, you wanted to help to find this guy?"


    "Of course," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Grandfather, after hearing the story, don''t you think that we should help to find this guy?"


    Zhang Yu Han had come to meet his grandfather in his office the first thing in the morning to discuss what they should do to help his wife to find that guy who held the evidence of her innocence.


    "Grandfather, Qin Yao is your granddaughter-in-law." Zhang Yu Han pointed out.


    "I didn''t say that I was not going to help." Zhang Jing gave a displeased look at his grandson.


    Li Qin Yao was his granddaughter-in-law that he has personally lured to marry his grandson. How can he not help her when she was in such a predicament?


    Moreover, he still hasn''t seen his great-grandchild yet!


    But at the thought of meeting his late wife''s family, Zhang Jing was a bit reluctant. Although his relationship with the Qi''s family was pretty good, Zhang Jing did not like to meet his late wife''s elder brother, who happened to be the Qi''s current family head.


    Every time he met his late wife''s elder brother, that guy would always find a reason to spar with him. They were already this old, and that old pervert would not stop finding a reason to beat him under the pretense of practice.


    "It''s not difficult to ask them to track after that missing manager," Zhang Jing mused. "With the Qi family''s influence and connection, they would be able to track that manager." Then, Zhang Jing looked at his grandson with a malicious smile. "How about this¡­ This time, you should go and ask that your grand-uncle yourself. Since you are your grandmother''s grandson, that old pervert won''t decline to your request."


    Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes. "Grandfather, you''re just too lazy to meet Grandfather Qi."


    "You''re right. I''m too lazy to meet him. What about it?" Zhang Jing snorted. He was not ashamed to admit it. "Qin Yao is your wife, naturally you have to be the one who made the request. Forget it. I can only help to arrange a meeting for you. You should settle other things yourself. Or else, how can you show your sincerity to your wife?"


    At hearing that his grandfather had agreed to arrange a meeting, Zhang Yu Han was relieved. It was just as his grandfather had said. Because he is his grandmother''s grandson, it would not be hard for him to make a request.


    As he was leaving his grandfather''s office, Zhang Yu Han paused and turned around, "Grandfather, regarding that matter that I told you, you should know not to mention them to my wife."


    Zhang Jing looked at him feigning ignorance. "What matter?"


    He exited the office and sighed. Although his wife can be brave and decisive, she was someone who had a lot of insecurities as well. She would be uncomfortable if his family started to treat her differently.


    A frown appeared on Zhang Yu Han''s place as he thought of how his wife had hid the injustice she felt even from her mother as she did not want to make her mother worry.


    His wife is definitely a silly girl.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao was browsing through the documents on her desk when Xiao Lian Yi knocked at her door and walked in with a box in her hand.


    "Mrs. Zhang, a delivery for you," Xiao Lian Yi said with a big smile on her face. She glanced at the black rectangle box in her hand and could not stop smiling. Just looking at the brand name on the box, Xiao Lian Yi could guess at what was inside.


    Li Qin Yao was paused at the way Xiao Lian Yi addressed her. Her gaze fell at the black box and she stood up from her chair. "What is it?"


    "Looking at the brand on the box, I could guess that it was a dress. I signed to accept the delivery just now. It was Mister Zhang," Xiao Lian Yi said. "Perhaps it was something for you to wear for tonight''s dinner party."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the box and picked up the card attached to the box. Realizing that Xiao Lian Yi was still in the room, Li Qin Yao dismissed her before she checked at what was written inside.


    A soft chuckle escaped her lips when she finished. She walked over to her table to pick her phone and pressed the number on her speed dial. As she waited for the call to connect, Li Qin Yao peeked inside the box and was momentarily stunned.


    Just as what Xiao Lian Yi had guessed, there was a dress inside the box along with a pair of shoes and a set of jewelry to compliment the dress.


    Her hand moved to touch the materials as she marveled at the design.


    "Qin Yao."


    Her husband''s deep and vibrating voice sounded, causing her to shrink her neck a little bit. She removed her hand from the fabric and turned around. "Are you busy?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Not really," Zhang Yu Han looked away from his computer screen and took the chance to take a break.


    "I received your gift."


    A smile appeared on his lips. "Do you like it?"


    "Un." she nodded.


    "It''s good that you like it," he let out a chuckle. "Then, will you be wearing the dress tonight?"


    "It depends on whether I can fit in into the dress," Li Qin Yao said.


    "It should fit. I asked Yu Ying to help me pick up the dress," Zhang Yu Han admitted. "I only gave her the design and color as according to your liking."


    "Why did you suddenly decide to buy me a dress?"


    "Didn''t we have to attend a dinner party tonight?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "I didn''t see you preparing any dress yet. I thought that you might have forgotten."


    "I still have a few dresses left at my mother''s apartment. I was planning to head back to her apartment and get ready from there." Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle. "Mister Zhang, you allowed me to dress this prettily, aren''t you worried that some guy was going to snatch your wife away?" she asked, teasingly.


    "Then, I won''t leave your side. Who would dare to snatch my wife away with me at her side?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed.


    "Then, I''ll come over and pick you up from mom''s place this evening," Zhang Yu Han said.

 Chapter 235 - Red Burgundy Dress

    Li Qin Yao walked out of her room and found her mother in the living room, watching some drama on the television.


    "I''ve never seen this dress before," Xu Yilan said when she saw her daughter at the door. She stood up and walked around her daughter.


    "Hmm¡­ I just got the dress today to attend the dinner party," Li Qin Yao said. "Mom, what do you think?"


    A thought crossed her mind, and Xu Yilan wondered what will be her son-in-law''s reaction when he watched her daughter in the red burgundy dress.


    The two of them were newlyweds, and unless his son-in-law had a problem somewhere, there was no way that he won''t be tempted with the way her daughter was dressed.


    "It looks nice," Xu Yilan chose not to say her thought out loud. "It makes you look taller."


    Li Qin Yao let out a sigh at hearing her mother''s words. She was worried that the dress would not look good on her. However, after looking at the mirror, Li Qin Yao thought that she did look slightly taller.


    "Come on, let me help you with your hair," Xu Yilan said. "Have you decided how to style your hair yet?"


    "I was planning to tie them up into a high ponytail."


    Xu Yilan clicked her tongue disapprovingly. She walked into her room and retrieved a few hair styling tools before she pulled her daughter to sit down. She started to comb her daughter''s hair and let out a soft sigh. "The last time I help to style your hair, you were around ten."


    "Ma, I will always be a ten years old girl in front of you."


    "What ten years old girl?" Xu Yilan snorted at her daughter''s words. "You''re already married. Don''t act like a kid anymore."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched her mother applying some hair styling gel into her hair through the mirror.


    Not long after, her mother wiped her hands on a towel and stepped back to see her final work. A satisfied smile curled on her lips. "Not bad. It seemed that I do have some talent in hair styling."


    Li Qin Yao checked herself in the mirror and was satisfied with the way she looked like. As she was about to fix her makeup, the doorbell rang. Her mother left her in the room to open the door.


    "You''re here," Xu Yilan said when she saw her son-in-law at the door.


    "Mom," Zhang Yu Han greeted. "Where''s Qin Yao?"


    Xu Yilan moved aside to let him enter and smiled, "She''s in the room, getting ready. You should sit down for a bit. Yao Yao will come out soon. I''ll get you something to drink. What do you like?"


    Zhang Yu Han was about to turn down his mother-in-law''s offer but changed his mind. "Plain water would be fine."


    Xu Yilan walked into the kitchen and came out with a glass of drinking water. She handed the glass to her son-in-law and watched him emptied half of its contents.


    This was what Li Qin Yao saw when she stepped out of her room. Leaning on the door frame, Li Qin Yao then spoke, "Mom, you treat your son-in-law so well. You didn''t even offer me a drink even when I have been in this house for hours."


    Zhang Yu Han turned to her voice and felt a lump in his throat.


    He shouldn''t trust his sister''s words when she affirmed that the dress she chose was very modest.


    "You silly girl, if I treat your husband well, wouldn''t he treat you better?" Xu Yilan said.


    Li Qin Yao pouted. Why did she found that recently everyone around her liked to call her a silly girl?


    "This is your house anyway," Xu Yilan said. "If you want a drink, just make one for yourself."


    Her gaze shifted from her mother to her husband. Seeing that Zhang Yu Han was staring back at her in a daze, a wide smile appeared on her lips. "Zhang Yu Han, how is it? Pretty?"


    How can he not think that she was pretty? His wife was always pretty. But with that dress on her, Zhang Yu Han thought that she looked ravishing. Anyway, he had seen the dress in the picture that his sister had sent him. But why does it look so different when it was on his wife''s?


    Unable to utter a word, Zhang Yu Han merely nodded.


    An amused smile curled on Xu Yilan''s lips as she watched this exchange. "Didn''t you say that you were going to a dinner party? If you don''t want to be late, you should get going now."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock and grabbed her purse and a few bags. She kissed her mother on the cheek and excused themselves. "Mom, we''re going now. I''ll leave my car here and come again tomorrow."


    "Oh," Xu Yilan nodded before she turned to her son-in-law. "Yu Han, drive safely."


    Zhang Yu Han helped his wife with her belongings and the two of them walked out from Xu Yilan''s apartment holding hands. Once they entered the elevator, Zhang Yu Han stepped away from his wife to get a clear look at the dress she was wearing.


    Instantly, his eyes darkened with d?s?r?.


    Although the dress could be categorized as modest and not showing too much skin as per his instruction to his sister, the fabric clung to her body, emphasizing her curve and slim figure. Her white skin contrasted against the red fit and flare long dress. Her hair was combed back and styled into a wet hair look. Then, there was that bright red lipstick on her lips.


    Zhang Yu Han wondered if his wife will scold him if he leaned in to mess with her lipstick.


    Facing her husband''s intense gaze, Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze with a reddened face. She could almost guess what he was thinking.


    Taking a deep breath to calm down, Zhang Yu Han inched closer to planted a kiss on her forehead. It was the least he could do right now. "You look beautiful tonight."


    "Thank you."


    "Qin Yao, do you think that it''s a good idea if we went home instead?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a chuckle. "This dinner party is very important for QL."


    Zhang Yu Han sighed at her answer. The elevator reached the ground floor and held her hand as he led her to his Cayenne. He helped her with the door and noticed something very important as her back was facing him.


    "Your back..."


    Apparently, it was an open back dress.


    The feeling that he had suppressed earlier suddenly resurfaced. Zhang Yu Han mentally cursed at his sister.


    It was his fault. He had asked his sister to send a picture but had forgotten to ask for a view from the back.


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways with an innocent look on her face. "What''s wrong with my back?"


    Zhang Yu Han shook his head. He helped to close the door and let out a dangerous laugh as he sent a text to his sister.

 Chapter 236 - The Weather is Getting Colder

    As soon as she got off the Cayenne, Li Qin Yao felt something warm around her shoulder. Turning around, she saw that her husband had taken off his coat and draped them on her shoulders.


    "What are you doing?" She touched the garment that did not match her dress and frowned.


    "The weather is getting colder these days. You should wear them," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "It''s not that cold. Moreover, your coat is too big for me. It doesn''t match my dress and I probably look like a clown wearing your oversized coat." Li Qin Yao tried to remove his coat but was stopped by her husband.


    "Just wear them," Zhang Yu Han spoke with a serious look on his face. "Just let me be at ease."


    A smile curved on her lips as she watched his expression. "Then what about you? Aren''t you cold?"


    "I''ll be fine."


    Li Qin Yao giggled knowing that the reason he gave away his coat was not due to the cold weather.


    She stopped in front of him, pulled at his collar so that he was bending towards her, and kissed him gently on his lips. Her lips curled up at his dazed expression. Li Qin Yao wiped at the red stain on his lips with her thumb and said, "Zhang Yu Han, you are so cute."


    "Cute?"


    Li Qin Yao leaned in for another peck and stepped back. "Stay here for a while."


    Before Zhang Yu Han could react, Li Qin Yao walked around the car and opened the cargo space to retrieve something from one of her bags that she had brought along from her mother''s apartment.


    When she appeared in front of him again, Li Qin Yao had taken off his coat and her shoulder was wrapped with a black lace shawl.


    Zhang Yu Han went to her and was satisfied upon seeing her new look. Although the shawl was a bit transparent to his liking, at least it was covering some part of her body that he did not want others to see. The others had to stand close to her to peek at her beautiful back.


    "Fortunately, I found a shawl in my closet that would match my purse and shoes," Li Qin Yao said. She twirled in front of him and raised a brow. "How do I look?"


    When she first saw the outfit, Li Qin Yao had thought that it would be great to bring a shawl in case the air-conditioner was too cold.


    "Better." He nodded.


    Actually, Zhang Yu Han knew that his wife would look better without the shawl around her. But at this time, Zhang Yu Han preferred for that shawl to stay. Especially when he knew who was going to be presented at this dinner party.


    Laughing, Li Qin Yao entwined her hand with her husband before the two of them walked to the entrance.


    Liang Sheng was already waiting for them at the entrance. When he saw the couple, Liang Sheng greeted them with a polite smile on his face before he quickly gave her a quick report of their guests'' attendance.


    "Xiao Lian Yi and the others are entertaining the others," Liang Sheng said. "Everyone is waiting for your arrival before this dinner can officially begin."


    Li Qin Yao thanked Liang Sheng and linked her hand with Zhang Yu Han''s arms as they entered the banquet hall.


    As the banquet door swung open, the conversation in the hall gradually faltered as everyone turned their eyes towards Li Qin Yao. The guests started to whisper among themselves when they saw that Li Qin Yao had entered the hall with a male companion. Although some of them had seen the couple together, none of them know of their relationship.


    But as they saw the way Li Qin Yao linked her arms with the man''s, they quickly guess that the two might be in a relationship.


    A president of a company approached her and exchanged a few words before Liang Sheng reminded her that she still needed to make a speech.


    Li Qin Yao walked towards the center and grabbed a microphone from Xiao Lian Yi.


    Li Qin Yao gave a brief speech to thank everyone for coming to the dinner party, wished for smooth cooperation between their company and ended the speech with a wish for everyone to enjoy themselves during the party.


    Once the speech ended, everyone in the room gave her a round of applause before they went back to mingle and enjoyed the food prepared.


    A few of their business partners greeted her and started to discuss something on business. After a while, they started to notice the tall man who stood behind Li Qin Yao.


    When Li Qin Yao began to notice their curious gaze, she immediately introduced Zhang Yu Han as her husband.


    The others around Li Qin Yao exchanged their glances.


    "I did not know that you are married," one of them spoke.


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head up to look at her husband and said, "We only obtained our marriage certificate recently."


    The others glanced at the Li Qin Yao''s hand which was linked at the man''s arms and noticed the wedding ring.


    "Then, the two of you are newlyweds," he continued. "Congratulations. I wish you a happy marriage."


    As he glanced at the man who always stood behind her, Li Qin Yao had this feeling that Zhang Yu Han was actually blocking other''s view of her back. As this thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao shook her head, thinking that her thought was absurd. After all, she had already draped a shawl around her body.


    "Are you hungry?" Li Qin Yao asked as she turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Let''s get something light to eat first. After this, we''ll go somewhere to have a proper supper, alright?"


    At the thought that his wife has not eaten anything and was too busy entertaining her guests, Zhang Yu Han quickly agreed.


    The couple walked towards the buffet table and started to choose a few light dishes.


    "Yao Yao!"


    Li Qin Yao turned around as she heard that familiar voice. A frown appeared on her face when he saw Chen Hao walking towards her with a big grin on his face.


    Knowing that they were in the eyes of the public, Li Qin Yao chose to act diplomatically. "Mister Chen, thank you for attending our dinner party."


    The smile on Chen Hao''s face froze. As he stood in front of Li Qin Yao, Chen Hao suddenly realized that there was a third wheel in his reunion with Li Qin Yao.

 Chapter 237 - What Did You Say? Wife?

    Chen Hao had noticed Li Qin Yao''s presence from the beginning she entered the hall. He had wanted to walk over to her and talk to her, but his steps halted as he continued to watch her.


    He was mesmerized by the way Li Qin Yao was dressed.


    When they were still seeing each other, Chen Hao had never seen her dressed up in something like this. He had never seen her so beautiful as she did now, with a constant smile on her face.


    However, as he looked at the man who constantly stood behind his girlfriend, Chen Hao had this unpleasant feeling in his heart.


    Previously, Li Qin Yao had introduced Director Zhang as her boyfriend. In the beginning, Chen Hao was disheartened at the thought that Li Qin Yao had found someone else.


    But after some thought, Chen Hao concluded that Li Qin Yao found Director Zhang and asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend just to provoke his anger.


    During the time he dated Li Qin Yao, Chen Hao had never heard his girlfriend talk about Director Zhang. Li Qin Yao''s circle of friends was too small. If she was an acquaintance with someone like Director Zhang, it would be impossible for her not to mention his name for at least once.


    It was impossible for her to date someone rather quickly.


    Moreover, if Li Qin Yao did not have any feelings towards him, she would not extend the invitation to come to the dinner party. Chen Hao had received a separate personal invitation from QL. How can he not be elated? Even his superior, Mister Huang did not receive a personal invitation like him.


    Chen Hao stepped forward and lifted his gaze to meet with Zhang Yu Han''s. "Director Zhang, you''re here as well." Chen Hao forced a smile.


    Zhang Yu Han merely gave him a look, wondering what was he up to before he turned to pick up a few small cakes for his wife.


    Chen Hao snorted as he was ignored. Anyway, since his purpose today was to meet Li Qin Yao and rekindle their relationship, Chen Hao decided not to mind Zhang Yu Han''s attitude towards him.


    "Didn''t you say that you''re hungry? Have some cake first."


    As if bewitched by his voice, Li Qin Yao turned to follow Zhang Yu Han''s voice. Seeing that a plate of small cakes had appeared before her, Li Qin Yao''s attention shifted away from Chen Hao. She took the plate from Zhang Yu Han and cut the cake into a small size and before she took a bite.


    The smile on her lips returned as the sweet taste lingered in her mouth.


    Chen Hao clenched his fist as the girl no longer paid attention to him. He could only convince himself to be patient if he wanted to win the girl''s heart back. He knew that Li Qin Yao was still angry over what happened with his parents.


    "Yao Yao," Chen Hao moved to stand beside Li Qin Yao to catch her attention. "When I received the invitation card, I know that you have not forgotten about me. But why did you purposely avoid me these past few days? I went to your office and your ?ssistant would tell me that you were not around."


    Because of that, Chen Hao had come to pester her again.


    Zhang Yu Han touched the tip of his nose as he understood his wife''s accusation. Although he wanted to beat Chen Hao for talking nonsense, he couldn''t do that when Chen Hao had not done anything. They were at QL''s dinner party. He did not want others to think of him and his wife as unreasonable people.


    "I''m sorry Mister Chen. I think you are mistaken. You only received the invitation to this party as you are a part of the WS Group. It does not have anything to do with our past relationship," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Yao Yao, I know that you are still angry at me. I know that I have hurt you in the past. I promise you that I won''t do it again. Come back to me, alright?" Chen Hao grabbed Li Qin Yao''s hand to stop her from leaving.


    Suddenly, Chen Hao could feel a surge of pain on his wrist. He ?r??n?d in pain and met Zhang Yu Han''s furious gaze.


    "Mister Chen, I suggest you to let go of my wife''s hand before I exert more strength."


    Chen Hao felt sweat trickling down his back. The pressure that Zhang Yu Han use to hold his hand was already unbearable. He did not know what will happen if he decided to add more strength. Reluctantly, Chen Hao released his grip from Li Qin Yao.


    As he was massaging his painful wrist, Chen Hao suddenly thought that he had misheard something earlier. He looked at Zhang Yu Han and frowned. "What did you say? Wife?"


    Zhang Yu Han pulled at his wife''s shoulder.


    Chen Hao did not have to hear from Zhang Yu Han''s mouth to know what he was trying to say. He turned to Li Qin Yao with both his mouth and eyes wide. Although he wanted to ask the question, Chen Hao found that he was unable to say the words.


    "I''m married." Li Qin Yao held Zhang Yu Han''s hand in hers and said. "Let me introduce you, this is Zhang Yu Han, my husband."


    As he heard the words from Li Qin Yao''s mouth, Chen Hao felt his heart shattered. "You''re lying." But when he saw that sparkle in her ring finger, Chen Hao knew what was the truth.


    Li Qin Yao looked at her ex-boyfriend with an amused expression on her face. "Why would you think that I will be lying about something like this?"


    "Isn''t it because you wanted to get back at me."


    "Chen Hao, you''re so funny. The world does not revolve around you. Do you think that I have so much idle time to lie to you just because I wanted to get back at you? We have known each other for a while. You should know what kind of person I am."


    "Mister Chen, I heard that you always showed up around my wife''s company," Zhang Yu Han said. "Unless if you''re coming to QL to discuss work matters, I hope that you won''t be coming to disturb my wife again. Moreover, I heard that Mister Chen had a fiance and will be married in a few months."


    Chen Hao''s face turned red from a mixture of embarrassment and anger. When he looked up at Li Qin Yao again, there was resentment in his expression.


    Li Qin Yao shifted in Zhang Yu Han''s arms when she saw that expression. She took a deep breath and said, "Mister Chen, I hope that you will enjoy your time at this dinner party. I won''t stay around to entertain you."

 Chapter 238 - You Make Me Sick!

    "We shouldn''t have done that," Li Qin Yao said. She let out a long sigh and massaged her temple.


    "Do you think what I did was wrong?" Zhang Yu Han pulled her hands away and helped to massage her head gently. "Sorry. When I heard that he often come to your office to find you, I thought that by showing that we are married, he won''t be pinning hope to win you back and would just give up. I don''t want him to come over and disturb you at work, or appear in front of you ever again."


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and leaned her forehead on her husband''s ?h?st. "I''m not blaming you. It''s true that we have to do something..."


    But still¡­ Li Qin Yao had a bad feeling as she thought of the way Chen Hao looked at her.


    "Forget it," Li Qin Yao took pulled away and smiled at Zhang Yu Han. "What passed is past. Hopefully, he''ll get the hint and won''t come and disturb me again."


    Zhang Yu Han snaked his hand to the back of her head and kissed her on the forehead. He spent a few minutes to help his wife calm down before the two of them walked into the hall to continue greeting their guests.


    Because Zhang Yu Han was one of the major investors in their project, it was not awkward for him to mingle with the others. Occasionally, he would offer a few inputs during their discussion.


    During this dinner, Li Qin Yao was satisfied that she had found the chance to discuss with various people on the development project and learned of one or two new information.


    After she had bid one of the business partners with goodbye, Liang Sheng came over to inform her that the President of LUX wanted to meet her before he left.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband who was busy talking to one of the big bosses and decided to went over with Liang Sheng. She gave a light squeeze on his arm and signaled that she would be going with Liang Sheng.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned but soon nodded when his wife ?ssured him that it will take her a few minutes. As Liang Sheng will be accompanying her, Zhang Yu Han was not that worried.


    "I''ll be right back," Li Qin Yao whispered before she went with Liang Sheng to have a brief chat with President of LUX. Just as she was about to bid the elderly man goodbye, Zhang Yu Han had appeared beside her.


    Seeing the tall man beside her, Li Qin Yao smiled. "Why are you here?"


    "I don''t feel good when you''re not by my side."


    Li Qin Yao giggled at his answer. "Should we go now? Let''s get something to eat. I''m hungry."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He let his wife spoke a few words to Liang Sheng and soon, the two left the banquet hall. As they reached the entrance, Li Qin Yao felt someone tugging at her right arm and dragged her away from her husband. Her steps staggered backward.


    As Li Qin Yao tried to struggle free, she suddenly felt a hand wrapping at her neck. From where she stood, Li Qin Yao could see the panic and anger in Zhang Yu Han''s expression.


    "Qin Yao!" Zhang Yu Han tried to pull her back into his arms but stopped as he was afraid that the man would hurt his wife.


    "Director Zhang, I suggest you step back or else, I might hurt your wife."


    Li Qin Yao swallowed as she recognized the voice. "Chen Hao, what are you doing?"


    "I just wanted to talk to you," Chen Hao moved his face closer to her ear. "I wanted to apologize to you and I wanted you to come back to me. Why do you have to play hard to get? Why do you have to pretend that you are married?"


    "Chen Hao, let me go before anyone gets hurt!"


    "Unless if you promise that you would return to me, I will not let you go," Chen Hao said. At the same time, he looked at Zhang Yu Han to warn him not to come closer.


    The others inside the hall had heard the commotion and came out. Once they saw the scene in front of them, the others began to panic. Liang Sheng saw the situation and immediately called the police.


    "We''re over. Which part of we will never be together don''t you understand?" Li Qin Yao gritted her teeth in anger. Her brain started to analyze her situation to find a way to escape.


    "Yao Yao, I have always loved you! You have to believe me."


    "I gave you the chance. I''ve waited for you, but you decided to be with Miss Tang, didn''t you?" Li Qin Yao sneered. "Since you choose to be with Miss Tang, don''t you dare say that you still love me."


    Chen Hao gasped at the pain and the hand around her neck dropped to protect his stomach.


    When he realized that Li Qin Yao was about to escape, Chen Hao tried to grab her again but stopped when the girl gave a kick at his shin.


    Before he could recover from the pain, Chen Hao felt someone grabbed him at the collar and soon, a hard punch landed on his face.


    Zhang Yu Han watched as others started to grab Chen Hao and restrain him from moving. With his hand still balled into a tight fist, Zhang Yu Han walked over to his wife to check on her injuries. "Are you alright?"


    But it seemed as if Li Qin Yao had not heard his words.


    Her gaze stayed on Chen Hao and her ?h?st heaved as she tried to suppress her anger. Suddenly, she walked over to Chen Hao and gave a few kicks on his body. "You bastard!"


    She was really scared when Chen Hao had grabbed her away. Now that she had got away from him, the fear had turned to anger.


    Suddenly, the people around them did not know whether they should be restraining Chen Hao or the angry Li Qin Yao.


    "I gave you the chance, but you did not take it. I talked to you nicely to let you leave me alone, but you won''t listen. Now that I have moved on and happy, you wanted to get back? It''s too late!" Li Qin Yao spoke angrily. Then she went forward to give him another kick.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and combed her hair with her fingers. "Don''t talk to me as if you love me when you never listen or consider my feeling. Chen Hao, you make me sick!"


    "Alright. It''s okay. That''s enough," Zhang Yu Han pulled Li Qin Yao into his arms and buried her face in his ?h?st. His hand ??r?ssed her hair softly in an attempt to soothe her anger. "I''m right here."


    Sensing the familiar warmth and scent, Li Qin Yao began to calm down and her anger gradually disappeared.


    Chen Hao looked up when he was no longer rained with his ex-girlfriend''s kicks. He massaged the injured area and wondered when did Li Qin Yao learn to be this violence?


    His gaze fell on the couple who stood not far away from him.


    Li Qin Yao was in Director Zhang''s arms and the two of them were looking into each others'' eyes.


    Seeing this scene, Chen Hao''s expression began to change.


    He knew the look on Li Qin Yao''s face well. It was the look that he often saw when the two of them were dating.


    But the way Li Qin Yao was looking at Zhang Yu Han right now was as if the others around them did not exist. In her eyes right then, there was only Zhang Yu Han and no one else.

 Chapter 239 - Married a Hooligan

    After giving their statements to the police, Chen Hao was taken to the station. As there are many spectators, everyone around had testified that it was Chen Hao who threatened to hurt Li Qin Yao. She only acted to protect herself.


    As her ?ssistant, Liang Sheng then followed the police to the station to ?ssist with the investigation.


    Zhang Yu Han gave a call to Wei Jun Hao to brief him on the situation before he walked over to his Cayenne. When he arrived, his wife, Li Qin Yao was sitting in the passenger seat with Xiao Lian Yi beside her.


    Xiao Lian Yi nodded when she saw him heading towards them and left tacitly.


    "Are you alright?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He uncapped the drinking bottle and handed it over to his wife.


    Li Qin Yao took a few sips and lifted her head to meet Zhang Yu Han''s gaze. "I''m alright." She then lowered her head again as he recalled what she had done earlier to Chen Hao.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao had the urge to dig the ground and bury herself in it. She was embarrassed by how she had acted. How did she have the ability to beat Chen Hao to that extend?


    When the police took Chen Hao to their patrol car, Li Qin Yao could see the black and blue bruises all over his body.


    As the thought came to her mind, Li Qin Yao put the bottle of water aside and covered her face with both hands.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle as he guessed at what was in his wife''s mind. He peeled away her hands from her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. "There''s no need to be embarrassed."


    But hearing his words and voice only made her more embarrassed. Li Qin Yao was worried that Zhang Yu Han would think that he had married a hooligan.


    "I''m proud that you can protect yourself well. I didn''t know that you can fight someone like that," Zhang Yu Han said. His voice softened as he spoke to his wife.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head again. "When I started following my father to the construction site, my father sent me to some self-defense class. He was afraid that someone might bully me as I am a girl."


    "My father-in-law is a wise man," Zhang Yu Han said. He lifted his hand to pat his wife on her head. "Sorry. I should have protected you well."


    "It was not your fault," LI Qin Yao put her hand on Zhang Yu Han''s. "None of us knew that Chen Hao was going to act crazily like that."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a long sigh. He placed another kiss on his wife''s forehead and gazed at her face for a while. He was scared when he saw the way Chen Hao had grabbed his wife and threatened to harm her.


    His heart thumped loudly in his ribcage and Zhang Yu Han felt as if his blood was drained away from his body. Zhang Yu Han was anxious at the thought that something might happen to his wife.


    It was a feeling that he never want to experience ever again.


    "Zhang Yu Han, let''s go back to our home, alright?"


    Initially, she was planning to enjoy supper with her husband somewhere. But after what had happened with Chen Hao, she no longer had any appetite and decided to went home instead.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He helped to close the door for Li Qin Yao before he went over to the driver''s side.


    After half an hour''s drive, the two of them finally arrived around their apartment in Y City.


    However, as she stepped out of the Cayenne, Li Qin Yao noticed that something was not right. She noticed that her right ankle was hurting. When Zhang Yu Han walked over, Li Qin Yao quickly covered her legs with her long skirts. Linking her hands with her husband, Li Qin Yao used his body as support as the two went into the apartment.


    "What happened?"


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head and saw Zhang Yu Han''s angry expression. She tried to cover the injury but he had grabbed her wrist to stop her movement. Li Qin Yao swallowed the words she initially wanted to say and looked at him cautiously. "It was probably sprained when Chen Hao pulled me away."


    Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a few shades darker. Since the sprained happened when Chen Hao had pulled her away, then, doesn''t that mean that his wife has been bearing the pain for too long?


    Kneeling beside her, Zhang Yu Han lifted her feet and put it on his knee to examine the condition. He touched at her swollen ankle and frowned. "Does it hurt?"


    At his touch, Li Qin Yao felt a jolt of pain struck at her ankle. But at the fear that she might get scolded for keeping quiet for too long, Li Qin Yao pouted in her attempt to pull a cute face and hope that her husband will be lenient to her. "It hurts. Zhang Yu Han, please be gentle with me."


    Her cute face did not work to soothe his anger at this time.


    If he knew that she was in pain, he would have brought her over to the hospital instead of heading home.


    "And you still dare to beat Chen Hao with your ankle swollen like this," he scolded.


    Li Qin Yao shrunk her neck when their gaze met.


    Seeing her pitiable look, Zhang Yu Han could only let out a sigh. He put her foot carefully on the sofa and walked into the kitchen to grab a bag of ice and helped to apply the bag of ice to her ankle.


    "Hold this," Zhang Yu Han said. He let Li Qin Yao hold the bag of ice before he pulled out his phone to give a call to Qi Zheng. Once he had listened to Qi Zheng''s instruction well, Zhang Yu Han went to her side and continued to help her to press the ice bag on her swollen ankle.


    Perhaps because he was experienced in treating his injury after sport in the past, Zhang Yu Han knew very well how to help giving treatment to her swollen ankle. But as he looked at the swelling, Zhang Yu Han was very unhappy.


    "Qin Yao, I only hope that you can look after yourself better," Zhang Yu Han said. "Please don''t hide this kind of thing from me, alright?"


    "Un." She could only nod her head meekly. "It wasn''t intentional. I only realized that my ankle was swollen just now."


    Zhang Yu Han let out another sigh. He stood up and hoped at her nose. "Next time, please don''t get hurt."

 Chapter 240 - Don’t Tempt Me

    When Li Qin Yao walked out of the bedroom, she found Zhang Yu Han in the kitchen preparing breakfast for them. As if sensing her presence, Zhang Yu Han turned around and smiled.


    "Good morning," he greeted. Zhang Yu Han put down a bowl on the table and walked over to his wife to help her to the table. "Did you have enough sleep?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded. She looked at the food in the table and instantly, her face brightened.


    "I went out and brought some dumplings and hot soybean for you," Zhang Yu Han said. He kissed her on top of her head and sat down across of her. He handed her the utensils and watched as she ate the dumplings happily.


    After breakfast, Zhang Yu Han cleaned up the table and sent his wife to the living room. Then, he set her ??ptop on the table and put a jug of water and glass near her.


    Because of the injuries on her ankle the other day, Li Qin Yao had decided to stay home to recuperate while delegating most of her work to Liang Sheng and the others. Anyway, Liang Sheng can send her e-mails and she can deal with most of her job from home.


    "Don''t forget what the doctor has said," Zhang Yu Han said when he walked out of their bedroom in his work attire. "You should let your feet rest. Don''t put too much pressure on it or else, it might worsen. I have already put everything you might need near you, so you don''t need to move around too much."


    Li Qin Yao continued to nod her head as she listened to her husband''s nagging. When she turned to look at the coffee table in front of her, Li Qin Yao could see that Zhang Yu Han had prepared a few light foods for her to snack in as well.


    "I will come back later and bring back lunch," Zhang Yu Han continued. "So you don''t need to go into the kitchen."


    "Un. Un," Li Qin Yao nodded again. "I know. Hubby, thank you."


    Hearing her call him hubby instead of his full name like she usually does, Zhang Yu Han paused. He walked over to her side and bent down to kiss her on the lips. But once he got the taste of her lips, Zhang Yu Han found that it was hard for him to stop. Suddenly, their kiss deepened, and Zhang Yu Han pressed her against the sofa.


    When he finally had enough and pulled away. Zhang Yu Han realized that Li Qin Yao was lying down on the sofa and she was staring back at him with a dazed expression.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath before he pecked at her lips. "Qin Yao, don''t tempt me."


    Li Qin Yao bit her lips as she listened to his hoarse voice. "I didn''t do anything," she said as she blinked her eyes innocently. She did not know what she had done other than sitting on the sofa and watched him as he was getting ready to go to work.


    Hearing her answer, Zhang Yu Han leaned in to bite her under her collar bone, causing her to hiss in pain. When he looked up again, Zhang Yu Han had a satisfied smile on his lips as he watched the reddened spot.


    "I should go now," Zhang Yu Han said as he reluctantly stood up. He pulled Li Qin Yao to sit down properly on the sofa and pressed his lips on her forehead.


    "Zhang Yu Han, don''t forget that dress," Li Qin Yao said before he walked to the door. "You said you were going to take them to dry cleaning."


    Zhang Yu Han turned around to pick up the burgundy red dress laid on the sofa. He stared at the dress for a while longer and heaved a long sigh.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing," Zhang Yu Han tore his gaze away from the dress and looked at his wife. "I was lamenting that I did not get to have my way with you while you were still in this red dress."


    Li Qin Yao watched her husband speechlessly before lowered her head shyly.


    After that incident with Chen Hao and her swollen ankle, the two of them were too tired that they went to bed after they had a quick supper and cleaned up themselves.


    Anyway, even if her husband wanted to have his way with her¡­ Li Qin Yao knew that she could not really do anything as she was in period.


    Leaning forward with a teasing look in her eyes, Li Qin Yao then said, "I can always wear them later for you to see."


    A wide smile appeared on his face. "You said it."


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was regretting her decision to tease him.


    ¡­


    Once Zhang Yu Han entered hs Cayenne, he did not drive over to the company, but instead, towards the outskirt of town where a huge mansion stood. A guard stopped him at the post, and let him in when he gave his name.


    After a few minutes of waiting, an elderly man with sturdy build walked out. He gave Zhang Yu Han a look before he walked towards another room. Tacitly, Zhang Yu Han stood up and followed the elderly man to enter the room.


    Zhang Yu Han walked into the spacious look that resembled a dojo and turned to the elderly man. "Granduncle Qi." He greeted.


    "Your grandfather did not come along as well?" the elderly asked. Though his hair has all turned white, his voice was still energetic.


    "He still has to work."


    The elderly let out a chuckle. Then he turned to Zhang Yu Han and motioned his fingers to him.


    Knowing well at what the elderly meant, Zhang Yu Han threw his coat aside before he lurched forward with his punch. His attack was quickly blocked by the elderly man and this attack and defending act lasted for almost five minutes before Zhang Yu Han decided to end it.


    Clenching his fist tightly, Zhang Yu Han lurched with another punch. However, just before his punch could land on the targeted spot, the elderly had caught his hand and pulled him forward.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han felt his body flipped in the air before he landed on the ground. Zhang Yu Han frowned at the sudden pain but quickly stood up again to bow to the elderly man.


    "Granduncle, your strength is just as good as usual," Zhang Yu Han said.


    The elderly chuckled again. "I''m already this old, do you think I did not know my strength? You don''t need to go easy on me next time."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled at his words. "But Granduncle, I''m impressed that you still have the strength to flip my body over."


    The elderly snorted. "I don''t need your sweet words. I heard from your grandfather that you might need our help. What is it? Just speak."

 Chapter 241 - Help to Find Someone

    "Granduncle, I need you to help me to find someone," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Elder Qi paused when he heard his request. He stared at Zhang Yu Han for a few seconds longer and turned around. Knowing well what the elderly were going to do, Zhang Yu Han picked up his coat, and obediently followed the elder man into his office.


    Just as the two sat down around the mahogany table, someone knocked on the door and a young man dressed in smartly in a black suit walked in with a tray of tea. After he had sat the drinks on the table, the young man left quietly.


    Elder Qi took a sip at his tea and looked at the young man before him. "Why do you need me to help you to look for someone?"


    "It''s for my wife," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "That''s right," Elder Qi put the teacup back on the table. "I heard that you''ve got married recently."


    "I have recently obtained a marriage certificate," Zhang Yu Han said. He found that he was never tired of saying these words no matter how many times. "We will hold a wedding once my parents came back to discuss it."


    Elder Qi nodded. A rare smile appeared on his lips and he cleared his throat and lifted his gaze at Zhang Yu Han again. "Alright. Tell me what happened."


    Zhang Yu Han quickly explained his wife''s situation to the elderly man. When he finished, Elder Qi picked up his phone and dialed a number. Not long after, a familiar face showed up at the door. Zhang Yu Han stood up to greet him. "Ming Wei, it has been a long time."


    "I heard from Qi Zheng that you got married. Congratulations," Qi Ming Wei said. He slapped Zhang Yu Han on the shoulder, causing the latter to grimaced in pain.


    This was probably why his grandfather did not like to come over and meet the Qi''s family. Almost everyone in the family can be a little bit rough that every time they met each other, they wanted to spar or compare their strength.


    Every time Zhang Jing came to meet with his brother-in-law, the latter would always ask him to head over to the training room.


    This situation started from the moment his late wife brought him back to the Qi''s house to introduce him to everyone else. Although Zhang Jing''s wife has passed away for years, his brother-in-law would still insist for him to train his strength.


    This was why Zhang Jing did not like going back to the Qi''s residence.


    "Thank you," Zhang Yu Han said to Qi Ming Wei. "Please come to my wedding banquet when the time comes."


    Qi Ming Wei nodded before he turned to his grandfather with a serious look on his face. "Grandfather, why did you call me over?"


    "Yu Han had something he would like you to help. Ming Wei, you help him," Elder Qi said. He then stood up and walked to the door. "Zhang Yu Han, tell your grandfather to come and meet me for a drink."


    "Yes, granduncle."


    Instead of discussing in the room, Qi Ming Wei brought Zhang Yu Han around the house and stopped as they reached the spacious lawn. Qi Ming Wei pulled out his cigarette but stopped when he realized that they were still around the residence.


    Qi Ming Wei let out a loud sigh and turned to Zhang Yu Han. "What happened?"


    Zhang Yu Han repeated the situation and request to Qi Ming Wei waited for the man''s reaction.


    "I can help you to find that man," Qi Ming Wei said after he had listened to Zhang Yu Han''s request. Anyway, it was just finding a man. It was not something hard with the Qi''s family connection. "I''m a little bit busy these days, but give me one week. I will send over the information you need soon."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh of relief. He had heard from his wife that she has been trying to locate for that man for two years and it was until recently that she coincidentally ran into him. "Thank you."


    Qi Ming Wei waved his hand. "Do you need me to look into the case as well?"


    Zhang Yu Han hesitated before he finally nodded.


    Although Li Qin Yao had told him everything about the case, perhaps with the Qi''s connection, they might find something new.


    ¡­


    When Zhang Yu Han returned to their apartment, he found his wife in the living room. Instead of working on her ??ptop, his wife was sound asleep with her head rested on the glass table.


    Looking at her pitiable state, Zhang Yu Han put down his bag on the table and walked over to his wife. Bending down, he kissed her on the cheek and watched as she stirred in her sleep.


    Li Qin Yao rubbed at her eyes and sat up. Her lips curled into a smile when she saw Zhang Yu Han beside her. "You''re back."


    "Hmm¡­ How could you sleep here?" Zhang Yu Han frowned. "If you''re feeling sleepy, you should sleep in the room."


    "Didn''t you tell me that I shouldn''t be moving around?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife who was looking back at him with her big eyes and bopped at her nose. He wanted to punish this woman, but at the same time, he was unwilling to do anything that would hurt her.


    Li Qin Yao wrinkled her nose and smiled shyly. "Besides, it doesn''t feel right when you''re not beside me."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart. It was like something warm, sweet, and pleasurable surrounding his heart and spreading through his body. "Then, do you want to sleep together now? I don''t have to return to the office after this."


    The red tinge on her face turned a shade darker. Seeing that he had inched closer to her, Li Qin Yao put both hands on his ?h?st to stop his advance. "Hubby, I''m hungry. Did you bring back to lunch?"


    Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes dangerously at his wife. He did not know whether this girl was deliberately trying to seduce him or not. Didn''t she know that the word ''hubby'' was enough to tempt him?


    Seeing the way she laughed innocently, Zhang Yu Han could only take a deep breath and suppress whatever feeling that she had ignited. "I bought you dishes that you like." He went forward to lift her in his arms but was stopped by his wife.


    "I can still walk on my own," Li Qin Yao said. She noticed the displeased look on his face and continued, "You don''t have to carry me. Just stay by my side and support me, alright?"


    "I know. But I just wanted to spoil you once in a while." Without waiting for her answer, Zhang Yu Han put his arms around her body and lifted her up.


    Li Qin Yao yelped before she put her arms around his neck. "Am I not heavy?"


    Zhang Yu Han shook his head. "Not heavy at all."

 Chapter 242 - Investigation Report

    When Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne parked around Zhang''s residence, Li Qin Yao could notice that the atmosphere was livelier than usual. She looked at the unfamiliar vehicle parked outside and turned to her husband.


    "Is grandfather expecting some guests today?"


    Zhang Yu Han followed her gaze and nodded when he recognized the vehicle. "Hmm¡­ Granduncle must have decided to come and visit." He saw her puzzled expression and quickly explained that the elder was someone from his grandmother''s family.


    The two of them get off the vehicle and walked in into the house holding hands.


    The moment they entered the house, Zhang Yu Ying lurched to Li Qin Yao with a pitiable look on her face. She glanced at her brother cautiously and turned to Li Qin Yao again. "Sister-in-law, you have to help me."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways before she looked at the siblings alternately. Looking at Zhang Yu Ying''s expression, Li Qin Yao could guess that whatever grievance she had was somehow related to Zhang Yu Han. "What''s wrong."


    "Sister-in-law, please tell my brother to stop bullying me."


    "What did you do to your sister?" Li Qin Yao raised her brows at her husband.


    Zhang Yu Han shot a warning glance to his sister and put shrugged at Li Qin Yao''s question. "You don''t have to mind her. She was probably upset that I let her do a few more tasks at work."


    Her brother''s words only drove her mad. Last week, she had listened to her brother''s request and suggested a dress for her sister-in-law. But instead of being grateful for her help, her brother had asked their grandfather to sent her to L City and deal with the buying of the new property. She was so busy that she did not have the time to complain. It was only that morning that she had arrived in Y City.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched the two siblings exchanged a few words in their childish fight.


    "Zhang Yu Han, don''t bully your sister anymore."


    Zhang Yu Ying''s eyes brightened when Li Qin Yao took her side. She turned to her brother and smiled smugly. Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han rolled his eyes and decided not to mind his sister''s attitude.


    "Where''s grandfather?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Zhang Yu Ying''s expression changed and she looked at her brother as if he was going to face something terrible. "Grandfather is in the backyard with Granduncle and Brother Ming Wei." She patted at her brother''s shoulder and whispered, "Brother, it looks like you are in big trouble today."


    Zhang Yu Han snorted. He turned to Li Qin Yao and put a hand on her shoulder. "I''ll go and see grandfather and granduncle first and see what they are up to. You stay here and catch up with Yu Ying first. Later, I''ll introduce you to our Granduncle."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She watched Zhang Yu Han head out to the backyard and turned to Zhang Yu Ying for some gossip.


    When he walked outside, Zhang Yu Han noticed his grandfather annoyed expression and Elder Qi''s smile. Quickly, he deduced at what had happened between the two old men.


    After a glance at his grandfather, Zhang Yu Han''s worry dissipated knowing that his granduncle did not bully his grandfather too much.


    As if he understood Zhang Yu Han''s glance, Qi Ming Wei slapped at Zhang Yu Han''s shoulder and snickered. "Don''t worry. This time, the two elders only had a few rounds of arm wrestling."


    Zhang Yu Han did not have to ask who won the game. He turned to the two elders and greeted them. "Grandfather, Granduncle."


    "I heard Ming Wei is coming to look for you, so I decided to come over as well," Elder Qi said. He picked up the wine cup on the table and drank.


    "Did you come alone?" Zhang Jing asked.


    "I came along with my wife," Zhang Yu Han said. "Qin Yao is inside with Yu Ying."


    Hearing that his granddaughter-in-law came along as well, Zhang Jing''s mood turned better. Somehow, his irritation after seeing his brother-in-law showed up at his door faded away. "Later, you should bring Qin Yao here and introduced her to your granduncle."


    At the thought that he could brag about his granddaughter-in-law, Zhang Jing was elated!


    "Alright," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He spent a few minutes talking to the two elders and turned to Qi Ming Wei. He excused himself and motioned Qi Ming Wei to follow him so that the two could have a private talk.


    Although the two elders knew the matter they were about to discuss, Zhang Yu Han wanted to listen to the investigation result for himself.


    "What id you find out?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Qi Ming Wei pulled handed over the brown envelope in his hand. "It wasn''t hard to find out this guy''s whereabouts. After he quit his job in Y City, he has moved to H Town. Right now, he is using Sun Cong Rui as his name. My men are still keeping their eyes on him. What do you want to do with him?"


    Zhang Yu Han flicked through the documents in his hands as he read the investigation report. Though this man had only settled into H Town in a few days, he had already secured himself a place to live and a job at a fast-food restaurant.


    A frown appeared on Zhang Yu Han''s face as he wondered how someone who once had a good job and a good salary could settle to live his life on a run.


    "I want to meet him," Zhang Yu Han said. "Can you arrange a meeting between us?"


    Qi Ming Wei let out a chuckle. "It wouldn''t be hard to arrange a meeting. Just tell me when."


    "Thank you."


    Qi Ming Wei waved a hand. "There''s something else I should tell you. While we were investigating Guo Jun Shan and his family, we found that there are a few people who were keeping their eyes on this man''s family. We could tell that one of them was the people that your wife hired to keep their eyes on his family, but the other one¡­ it seemed that someone had hired a few thugs to keep their eyes on Guo family members."


    "Do you know who they are?"


    "We don''t," Qi Ming Wei shook his head. "At least not for now. It will take a while longer to investigate. The people they hired were no ordinary thugs. This gang has been in power around Capital City for years. You know how it is with those people. They keep information about their employer tight secret."


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face deepened as he thought of the possible people who could hire those gangsters to keep their eyes on Guo families. Although his wife had mentioned her second aunt''s possible involvement in the incident two years ago, Zhang Yu Han thought that it would be better if they were more careful.

 Chapter 243 - Her Husbands Big Family

    When Zhang Yu Han returned to the elders'' side, Elder Qi had his arms around his grandfather''s shoulder, speaking something. Zhang Yu Han did not have to listen to know what Elder Qi said to his grandfather. Whenever Elder Qi got a little bit tipsy around his grandfather, he would always speak words of gratitude and thanked his grandfather for looking over his late-grandmother until her death.


    This was a normal occurrence whenever the two old men meet each other.


    Zhang Yu Han exchanged a glance with Qi Ming Wei and walked over to the elders.


    "Grandfather, stop drinking too much. It''s cold outside. Let''s get inside," Qi Ming Wei tried to coax his grandfather. He took the wine cup away and helped the elderly to stand up.


    "Right. Auntie Wu should have done preparing dinner at this time," Zhang Jing said. "Brother-in-law, Ming Wei, the two of you should stay around and have dinner together."


    "We shouldn''t have to trouble you," Elder Qi tried to be polite.


    "Nonsense. I still haven''t introduced you to my granddaughter-in-law," Zhang Jing said. Before his brother-in-law could say another word of rejection, Zhang Jing has already entered the house to see the dinner preparation.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle at his grandfather''s attitude around Elder Qi. Although his grandfather had always said that he did not like Elder Qi, it was obvious that he still cared about the old man.


    Seeing that his grandfather had led his guests into the living room, Zhang Yu Han walked over to the kitchen to find his wife. His steps stopped at the entrance as he continued to watch his wife cutting some honeydew. Once in awhile, Li Qin Yao would laugh at what Auntie Wu and his sister''s words.


    A chuckle escaped his lips when he caught his wife stealing a bite at the honeydew.


    The three women turned when they heard his voice.


    Zhang Yu Han straightened up and sauntered inside. "Grandfather invited others to have dinner together. Auntie Wu, is everything ready?"


    Auntie Wu looked at the dishes on the kitchen counter and spoke, "Yes. Everything is ready. I''ll bring the food outside."


    "Auntie Wu, I''ll help you," Zhang Yu Ying volunteered.


    As the others left the kitchen, Zhang Yu Han walked over to his wife and put his arms around her waist. He watched her steal another bite at the honeydew and chuckled. "Is it delicious?"


    "Un. They''re pretty sweet." Li Qin Yao tilted her head up to meet his gaze and offered a bite from her hand. "Here, try them."


    However, instead of taking a bite from the fruit on her hand, Zhang Yu Han leaned in to press their lips together. After a few seconds, he had stolen the sweet melon in her mouth.


    "Hmm¡­ it is sweet." Zhang Yu Han smiled mischievously at his wife.


    "You¡­" Li Qin Yao''s face turned red when she finally realized what had happened. Quickly, she began to scan for their surroundings. Once she was sure that there was no one else other than the two of them, Li Qin Yao let out a sigh of relief. "What if someone sees us."


    "What happened? What''s wrong with me kissing my wife?" Zhang Yu Han said nonchalantly. Before Li Qin Yao could say another word to reprimand him, Zhang Yu Han leaned in to kiss her again. A low laugh escaped him when he saw his wife''s angry look. His hands moved up and down around her waist as if he was trying to pacify her. "Come outside. Grandfather wanted to introduce you to my granduncle."


    Hearing that she was going to be introduced to the elder, her annoyance quickly disappear. Li Qin Yao finished her job quickly and washed her hand. Then, she walked out from the kitchen carrying a bowl of honeydew. Once she had passed the bowl to Auntie Wu, Li Qin Yao followed her husband to meet the elders.


    "Qin Yao, you''re here," Zhang Jing called with a bright smile on his face. His gaze fell at Li Qin Yao''s ankle and he frowned. "I heard that you injured your ankle. Is it better now?"


    "After resting home for a week, it''s all better now," Li Qin Yao said. "I should be able to return to work next week."


    Zhang Jing waved his hand and motioned her to come closer. "Come here. Let me introduce you," he turned to the man beside him and continued. "This is my brother-in-law, uh¡­ he is Yu Han and Yu Ying''s granduncle. Qin Yao, you can also call him as your granduncle."


    Li Qin Yao nodded politely at the elderly. "Granduncle."


    Elder Qi laughed merrily as he heard her call. "I heard that Yu Han got married recently. So you''re his wife. Come here," Elder Qi pulled out a red envelope from his pocket and handed it to Li Qin Yao. "Don''t reject my gift. Just take it as if it was a gift from Yu Han''s grandmother."


    "Granduncle, thank you."


    Seeing that she did not reject his gift, the smile on Elder Qi''s face widened.


    "This man over here is Qi Ming Wei," Zhang Yu Han introduced. "He''s my second cousin. Qi Zheng, Feng An Yu, and he are cousins."


    Li Qin Yao greeted Qi Ming Wei and nodded as she recalled meeting Qi Zheng and Feng An Yu when Zhang Yu Han took her to be introduced to his friends. Hearing about her husband''s big family, Li Qin Yao was momentarily in a daze.


    "That''s right, when will your parents returned?" Elder Qi asked. "Since you have already obtained a marriage certificate, you should hurry and hold a wedding banquet."


    "My mom and dad said that they might be able to come back around Christmas," Zhang Yu Han said. "Once they returned, we will meet with my wife''s elders and discuss the wedding."


    Elder Qi nodded his head in satisfaction. Then, he turned to his grandson with a reproaching gaze. "You¡­ look at Yu Han. He has already brought home a wife. When will you or the others bring home your girlfriend for me to see?"


    Qi Ming Wei smiled. "Grandfather, how about approving my vacation days so that I can take a break from work? Maybe then I will be able to bring back a girl and introduce her to you."


    ...


    As Zhang Yu Han drove back to their apartment, he caught his wife staring at him for a long time. Once he parked his Cayenne at his usual parking spot, Zhang Yu Han did not hurry to unlock the door and instead, pulled his wife to his arms and kissed at her forehead.


    "What''s wrong? Why do you keep staring at me?"


    "Isn''t it because you''re too good looking?" Li Qin Yao teased.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her words. "Then let''s just stare at each other. I can stare at my beautiful wife for a long time too."


    Li Qin Yao shrunk her neck shyly to hide that sheepish smile on her face. Then, she looked up at him again and asked, "Zhang Yu Han, you didn''t tell me that your parents are returning soon."

 Chapter 244 - I Want to Meet Him

    Zhang Yu Han paused as he heard her question. He thought of the last conversation he had with his mother and nodded. "Hmm¡­ but they haven''t confirmed on the date yet. So I haven''t got the chance to tell you about it." Seeing the uneasy look on her face, Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "What is it?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at her hands as if something was preoccupying her mind. "Zhang Yu Han, do you think your parents will like me?"


    "Why wouldn''t they like you?" Zhang Yu Han tilted his head sideways as he wondered what was on his wife''s mind at the moment. She looked fine a moment ago. How did she suddenly worried whether his parents will like her or not?


    "Well, I married you even before meeting them. Wouldn''t they dislike me for that? What if they think that I have stolen their son away from them?"


    A laugh escape him when he heard her words. "What nonsense are you thinking about?" He stared at her face and resisted the urge to flick his finger on her forehead.


    Li Qin Yao frowned at his words. She did not think that her thoughts were nonsense.


    "Don''t worry too much. My parents will like you. Even if you wanted to kidnap me away, I will gladly follow you around." He let out a chuckle. "Besides, I was the one who was too impatient to marry you. My parents would not blame you. They were glad that someone was willing to marry their son."


    "Sweet talker." She could not help but laugh.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand and ruffled her hair. "Actually, my parents wanted to hurry back to come and meet you the first time they learned that you have agreed to date me. But since Grandfather had handed over the International branch for my father to manage, the two of them were slightly busy."


    "Really?"


    "Why would I lie to you?"


    "Every day, my mom had to listen to both Grandfather and Yu Ying talking about you. Of course, she was curious about her daughter-in-law. But Grandfather told them to be patient and come back once they finished their work. Or else, my mom would ask to video chat with you."


    Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh. At the thought that the first meeting with Zhang Yu Han''s parents would be through a video chat, Li Qin Yao was suddenly nervous. Fortunately, they did not go through with that idea. She wanted to give her parents-in-law a good impression when they met face to face.


    When she heard that her parents-in-law would be returning soon, Li Qin Yao could not help but worry. Although Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying both accepted her, Li Qin Yao could not shake off her worry. After all, previously when she was meeting Chen Hao''s parents, she was rejected due to her background. Of course, this rejection had formed a scar in her heart.


    "Come on. Let''s head upstairs," Zhang Yu Han said as he turned off the engine. "I have some matter to discuss with you."


    The couple went back into their apartment and headed into the office. Zhang Yu Han placed the envelope he received from Qi Ming Wei on his desk.


    "What is it?"


    "Remember that you told me that you were looking for the manager who was involved in that accident two years ago?" Zhang Yu Han slid the envelope across the table and motioned his wife to take it. "Manager Guo Jun Shan is now in H Town."


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes widened when she heard that her husband was able to find out about the manager''s whereabouts in a short period. Even the investigators she had employed were unable to track the manager after he had left Y City.


    "How did you¡ª" Without wasting a moment, Li Qin Yao quickly opened the envelope and pulled out the papers inside.


    "I asked Ming Wei to help find him," Zhang Yu Han confessed. "With the Qi''s connection and influence, it was not hard for them to track him down."


    Li Qin Yao raised her head to look at her husband again. It did not take her too long to guess that Qi Ming Han came to visit Zhang Jing that night to deliver the investigation report.


    Zhang Yu Han watched as his wife browsed through the documents. "Qin Yao, do you want to meet him?"


    Li Qin Yao paused at his question. She has been looking for Manager Guo for two years so that she could clear her name again. But at this time, she suddenly hesitated.


    It felt as if a long time has passed. Currently, she was happy with her life. There was a part of her wanted to forget and let go of things. But there was also another part of her that wanted to know what happened. Why did Manager Guo suddenly changed his mind and disappeared when he was supposed to help her testify against her second aunt.


    "If you want to meet him, I can ask Ming Wei to arrange a meeting," Zhang Yu Han said. He walked around the table and stopped beside his wife. Zhang Yu Han placed both hands on her shoulders and pulled her so that she was facing him. "Whatever decision you make, you should know that I will always be with you."


    It took her a while before she nodded. Raising her head, Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with a determined look. "I want to meet him."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "Then, I will ask Ming Wei to arrange a meeting."


    Li Qin Yao nodded again.


    "But Qin Yao, there is something else you should know," Zhang Yu Han continued. "According to Ming Wei, there is someone else who was keeping their eyes on Guo Jun Shan''s family. These people¡­ they are thugs who have been in power around Capital City for years."


    A frown appeared on her face as she wondered who would want to hire those people to watch Manager Guo''s family. A thought crossed her head. Perhaps Manager Guo got into trouble with those groups of people and that was why he disappeared two years ago?


    "I asked Ming Wei to continue and help to keep his eyes on Guo Jun Shan''s family," Zhang Yu Han said. He reached his hand to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ears. "We don''t know why this group was keeping their eyes on his family. So, Qin Yao, I need you to be more careful. Whatever you decide or plan to do, I hope that you have to come and discuss with me first, alright?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded meekly.


    "You''re not alone you know."


    "I know." Suddenly, she could feel her eyes and nose started to sour. Li Qin Yao tightened her grip on the papers in her hand and leaned in to wrap her arms around his waist. "Zhang Yu Han, sometimes, I wonder what did I do to end up meeting someone as good as you."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her body.

 Chapter 245 - Exposing a Few Secrets

    Once Li Qin Yao was able to return to work, the first thing she did was to look at the stack of documents on her table.


    The development project in B City has only begun, but it seemed that she was always taking a few days off. Although she could still work from home, most of her work was delegated to Liang Sheng. At this thought, Li Qin Yao was uneasy. But she also knows that there was nothing she could do like this time she was forced to stay home due to her injury.


    As Li Qin Yao was going through her documents, someone knocked on the door, and a few seconds later, Liang Sheng walked in.


    After a brief greeting, Liang Sheng quickly gave his report on what was going on during her absence.


    "Regarding the incident during the dinner party last week, WS Group has decided to pull Mister Chen away from our project. Later, we won''t be dealing with him to discuss the supplies for the project in B City," Liang Sheng said.


    Li Qin Yao paused after she heard the news. Although she had expected that the company will punish Chen Hao for his behavior that night, it was still surprising to hear it news about her ex-boyfriend.


    "According to what I heard, one of the directors of WS Group was related to Mister Chen''s fianc¨¦e. Since it was the case, it was impossible for the company to terminate Mister Chen from the company." Liang Sheng paused to observe her expression. "Do we want to continue cooperating with WS Group?"


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao said. "WS Group had apologized for that incident and Mister Chen had received his punishment. I wouldn''t terminate our agreement because of personal matters."


    "Understood." Liang Sheng stayed around for a while longer and was about to leave when Li Qin Yao called him again.


    "Next week, I will be going to H Town for a few days," Li Qin Yao said. "I am not sure how long I will be going, so if I did not return in time, Liang Sheng, you will have to manage a few things for me during my absence."


    Liang Sheng frowned as he thought of the reason why Li Qin Yao would need to go to H Town. "You don''t have to worry. I will look over the project during your absence."


    Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh. "Sorry. It seemed that I have always taken a few days to leave once the construction began. Liang Sheng, sorry for the trouble."


    "It was no trouble at all," Liang Sheng said. "I have promised Chairman Li that I will help you in any way that I can."


    Seeing that it was time for her next appointment, Li Qin Yao grabbed her bag and went with Liang Sheng to visit the site.


    Previously, Li Qin Yao was someone who did not like to drive and preferred to take public transport. But after driving her car for a while, she started to find that it was convenient to drive when she had to visit a site. At least she could store her safety boot and helmet in her vehicle.


    Li Qin Yao walked around the site with Liang Sheng and was accompanied by the site manager and a few engineers. Seeing that the progress was according to schedule, Li Qin Yao was elated.


    After visiting the site, Li Qin Yao decided to have her lunch at one of the restaurants not far away from the site. Initially, Li Qin Yao was planning to treat Liang Sheng for lunch to thank him for his hard work during her absence, but as the bespectacled man had another engagement, Li Qin Yao decided to have her meal alone.


    As the memory crossed her mind, a bitter smile curved on her lips.


    "Mrs. Zhang."


    It took her a while to notice that someone was calling her name. Li Qin Yao tilted her head up and was surprised upon seeing her husband''s best friend, Wei Jun Hao, stood in front of her.


    "I have been calling you for a while," Wei Jun Hao said and chuckled. "Don''t tell me that you are still not used to be addressed as Mrs. Zhang?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his teasing. "You''re right. I guess it will take me a while to get used to it." She stared at Wei Jun Hao for a while and tilted her head. "Why are you here?"


    "I was meeting a client around here," Wei Jun Hao said. "I did not expect to run into you here. Are you going to lunch? If you haven''t eaten yet, why don''t we eat together?"


    Li Qin Yao immediately agreed to his request. The two of them entered a restaurant and pick up a seat near the window. The waiter arrived with a menu and left after taking their orders.


    "The last time I saw you, were at the bureau," Wei Jun Hao said.


    A smile curved on her lips as she recalled the day she obtained her marriage certificate with Zhang Yu Han.


    "I heard that you injured yourself during a dinner party," Wei Jun Hao said. "Is your ankle alright now?"


    "Hmm... It did not hurt that much when I walk now," Li Qin Yao said. "I heard that you went to the station to deal with that incident. Thank you."


    "You don''t have to be this polite. Your husband did pay me for my service," Wei Jun Hao said with a chuckle.


    A thought crossed her mind and the smile on her face widened. "Since there are only the two of us, Mister Wei, could I trouble you to tell me stories about Zhang Yu Han?"


    Hearing the request, Wei Jun Hao''s face lit up with glee. He hesitated for a while at the thought that his captain might torture him for exposing a few of his shameful secrets, but thinking that this could be the only opportunity he has to get back at Zhang Yu Han, Wei Jun Hao gladly told Li Qin Yao stories about Zhang Yu Han during his high school years.


    Of course, Wei Jun Hao still knew his limit and did not disclose anything that he should not tell her.


    "You have to promise that you won''t let the captain know that I told you these things," Wei Jun Hao said.


    "Don''t worry. Your secret is safe with me."


    The two of them separated once they finished their lunch. As Li Qin Yao recalled the conversation with Wei Jun Hao, a smile curled on her lips.


    With the bit of information that Wei Jun Hao had told her, Li Qin Yao suddenly thought that it would be a good idea to give her husband a surprise.

 Chapter 246 - Asking Out For a Date

    Zhang Yu Han was surprised upon seeing that his wife had shown up at his office.


    After taking a break from work for almost a week, Zhang Yu Han had expected that his wife would choose to stay at the office to deal with her work pile. He was expecting that his wife would be back home later than usual.


    "Why are you here?" Zhang Yu Han stood up and walked over to his wife. Swiftly, he put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to kiss her on the lips. "I thought that you would come home later today."


    Li Qin Yao let out a giggle when she felt his voice and breath tickling her ears. "I decided to clock out after visiting the site. I don''t have many things to do. Liang Sheng was pretty efficient. He helped me to handle a lot of things during my absence. I only need to check on the documents and sign."


    "Perhaps I should get something to reward Liang Sheng for making my wife''s life easier."


    "Hmm¡­ I was already thinking about talking to my grandfather to give him a raise or something." She laughed. "I run into Wei Jun Hao during lunch today."


    "I know," Zhang Yu Han scoffed as he recalled how his friend had sent him a string of text to brag. "I heard. Next time, you don''t have to mind him if you run into him."


    A laugh escaped her lips when she saw the annoyed look on his face. She stood on tiptoed and linked her arms around his neck to support herself. "We talked about you during lunch and I suddenly realized that I missed you so much."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh. He did not know whether he should continue to be unhappy that his buddy went out for lunch with his wife. According to his wife''s words, she only decided to come over and surprise him after meeting with Wei Jun Hao, right?


    "What did the two of you talk about?" Zhang Yu Han raised his brows.


    "Nothing much. Just something about you during your high school." Li Qin Yao.


    "Mrs. Zhang, the next time you wanted to know more about me, you should ask me yourself," Zhang Yu Han said. "I will gladly answer your questions. You don''t need to hear about me from someone else."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways. "Mr. Zhang¡­ Are you hiding something from me?"


    Instead of answering her question, Zhang Yu Han chose to bend down to meet her lips. Suddenly, he was pressing her against the wall and the two made out until Li Qin Yao find that it was difficult for her to catch her breath.


    "Are you still busy?" Li Qin Yao asked once she was able to find her voice again. "Let''s have dinner together."


    "Are you asking me out for a date?"


    "Un," she obediently nodded. Seconds later, her expression turned mischievous. "Mr. Zhang, do you want to go on a date with me?"


    Zhang Yu Han leaned in to peck her on the lips. "Wait for me for a while." He released his hand around her waist reluctantly and walked over to his desk to finish his work.


    As his wife was present to motivate him, Zhang Yu Han found that he was able to finish his work earlier than expected. After dropping by to greet their grandfather, the two of them finally left the hotel. The two of them decided to leave Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne at the hotel and head to an Italian restaurant near their apartment in Li Qin Yao''s car.


    Once they arrived, a waiter greeted them at the door and led them to a seat facing the garden. As they waited for their food to arrive, the two of them discussed a little bit about the progress with the development project in B City, to what they plan to do next.


    Zhang Yu Han recalled how his wife had mentioned going to watch a movie together and decided to experience going for a movie once. Anyway, they had never got the chance to see a movie together.


    Although Zhang Yu Han was not interested in spending a few hours watching a movie, at the thought that he will be able to cuddle with his wife in the dark still excite him.


    However, as they were walking on the street, the rain suddenly poured down. Because they were unprepared the two of them could only jog back to the apartment and hide away from the weather.


    As they finally reached their apartment building, Zhang Yu Han quickly helped to neaten her clothes. Li Qin Yao looked at the way Zhang Yu Han''s white shirt clung at his body and laughed. "Do you still want to go out and watch the movie?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked up at the sky and then at himself.


    Fortunately, he had used his coat to cover her from the rain. Therefore, as compared to Li Qin Yao, his clothes were wet.


    Seeing his wet clothes, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh and shook his head. "Let''s just go home."


    Li Qin Yao could not help but notice the disappointed look on Zhang Yu Han''s face when they had to return home earlier than planned.


    Li Qin Yao walked over to Zhang Yu Han with a towel in her hand. Looking at the water dripping down from his hair, Li Qin Yao stood on tiptoe to help him dry his hair. "Sit down. It''s difficult to help you dry your hair like this."


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head and smiled mischievously. "Do you know what this weather reminds me of?"


    "What?"


    "L City. The amusement park."


    Li Qin Yao did not have to think too hard to know what his meaning. Gradually, her face turned red at the thought of how she had bravely taken the initiative to kiss him.


    "Wasn''t that because you were too slow to take the initiative?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh. He put both hands on her waist and pulled her closer. "But I like you to take the initiative."


    Li Qin Yao thought that she would die from embarrassment from his words. Her eyes widened when she saw him suddenly sitting down on the sofa. "What are you doing?"


    "Didn''t you ask me to sit down so that you can help dry my hair?" he blinked his eyes innocently.

 Chapter 247 - He Belonged to Her

    It did not take a long time to dry Zhang Yu Han''s hair. Once she was done with the task, Li Qin Yao rested her hand on his shoulder to gaze into his eyes. The two of them spent a few minutes just looking into each other''s eyes, having an unspoken conversation.


    Li Qin Yao was the first to broke out of their silence. She leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek and spoke, "I should run a hot bath for you." She lifted her hand and rested it on his cheek. "It wouldn''t be good if you caught a fever again."


    Before Zhang Yu Han could say a word, his wife has already walked away leaving him and the towel on his hair in the living room. Seeing her retreating figure heading towards the bathroom, Zhang Yu Han let out a loud sigh.


    He was very close to spring forward to kiss her and perhaps do something more exciting. But then, she had run away even before he could do anything. Zhang Yu Han wondered if the look in his eyes were too apparent that his wife had chosen to run away.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath to calm down. He stood up and suddenly noticed the bags that he had left on the dining table before they went out for dinner. He picked up their ??ptop bags and was about to place them into the office when he saw a plastic bag on the side.


    Curiously, he peeked into the bag. His movement paused when he saw the familiar-looking snacks.


    "I heard from Wei Jun Hao that you often eat those brands during high school."


    Zhang Yu Han turned around to the voice and saw his wife leaning on the door frame.


    A teasing smile curved on her lips when she recalled the conversation with Wei Jun Hao that afternoon. "Mister Zhang, I heard that you once climbed up the school''s fence just to get out and buy these snacks."


    His face darkened at the thought that Wei Jun Hao might speak a few inappropriate words. "What else did Wei Jun Hao tell you?"


    "Hmm¡­" She walked over to him and placed a finger on her lips. "That''s¡­ a secret."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a laugh. "Mrs. Zhang, do you think it''s wise to share a secret with another man other than your husband?"


    Li Qin Yao poked at his ?h?st coquettishly. "Don''t be mad. I just wanted to learn a little something about you. Anyway, it was interesting to hear how others speak about you." She reached out for a packet of potato chips and tore the packet open. She took a piece and took a bite.


    "I haven''t eaten these for a very long time," Zhang Yu Han commented.


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao took another piece and shoved it to her husband''s mouth. Just before he could take a bite at her hand, Li Qin Yao had already pulled her fingers away. Zhang Yu Han''s eyes darkened and his jaw clenched at her continuous teasing.


    "I should go and check on the bath," Li Qin Yao pulled away again. "It will be bad if the water started to spill."


    A low chuckle escaped him as he watched her silhouette once again made her escape. After standing in the living room alone for a while, Zhang Yu Han left the bags on the table and started to go after his wife.


    As soon as he walked into the bedroom, Zhang Yu Han took off his wet shirt and threw it aside. Then, stealthily, he walked into the bathroom and watched his wife checking on the water temperature.


    Just as she stood up and turned, Zhang Yu Han had swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist, preventing her to make another escape.


    "You¡­ what are you trying to do?" Li Qin Yao watched him with her eyes wide. Suddenly, she had a foreboding.


    "Wife, earlier you were also got wet in rains," he tilted his head and smiled mischievously. "Don''t you think you need to soak in a hot bath too? It would be troublesome if you caught a fever, right?"


    "Then, I will soak in a hot bath after you." Li Qin Yao patted her hand on his ?h?st but soon realized that he had taken off his shirt. She then realized that she was gawking at his body.


    "Let''s just soak in together. Anyway, we should try and save water."


    Li Qin Yao opened her mouth to come out with another excuse, but before the words could escape her lips, her mouth was already sealed by his kiss. Sensing the urgency from his kiss, Li Qin Yao decided to go with the flow and reciprocate his kiss.


    Because of their difference in height, Li Qin Yao had to stand on tiptoe, and her hands subconsciously linked to his neck to support herself. Feeling a bit sore around her shoulder and neck area, Li Qin Yao pulled Zhang Yu Han closer to her.


    A gasp escaped her lips when his lips started to leave her lips and ventured somewhere else.


    The bathroom was silent except for the sound of their kisses.


    Li Qin Yao yelped when he lifted her body. Her body shivered when he placed her on top of the marble sink counter.


    Zhang Yu Han broke off from his kisses and tilted his head up to look at his wife. Because she was sitting on top of the counter, it helped to add a bit more height to her. Silently, he watched her and waited for her next move.


    Shyly, Li Qin Yao tilted her gaze down to avoid his piercing gaze. However, her eyes then met his torso and began to move everywhere else.


    Her gaze wandered from his chiseled abdomen and soon move to his strong arms and her gaze continued to go lower and lower.


    Seeing this sight before her, Li Qin Yao felt her face reddened and her body started to feel a bit feverish. But no matter what, she just could not look away.


    There are billions of people out there but this man chose to marry her.


    This man¡­ he belonged to her.


    As this thought went through her mind, Li Qin Yao could feel herself slowly going crazy over him. Her eyes darkened with d?s?r?.


    She then raised her eyes to meet with him again. Her hand rested on his cheek as she leaned in to kiss him.


    When their lips met again, Zhang Yu Han obediently let her take control. The corner of his lips tilted up into a small smile as he enjoyed her domineering kiss.

 Chapter 248 - Mini Honeymoon

    The trip from Y City to H Town took them almost three hours. The couple left their apartment early in the morning, and after dropping by to visit their Zhang Jing, Zhang Yu Han drove his Cayenne and headed over to H Town together with his wife.


    When they arrived, the sun has turned orange. Zhang Yu Han drove over to check-in in one of the hotels in H Town before the couple went out again to grab dinner.


    After asking the receptionist for his suggestion for a good place to have dinner, the couple decided to walk around the night market and enjoyed the street food.


    Anyway, since it was rare for the couple to get the chance to come over and visit H Town, they decided to take a look around and visit a few places as well.


    The street was bustling with people. Since it was the weekend, a lot of tourists decided to come over and visit H Town to enjoy its beautiful scenery and try out the local food.


    Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao walked around the street holding hands. The two of them would stop by every few stalls to sample their delicacies. Knowing that his wife was a foodie, Zhang Yu Han happily accompanied his wife to try various food.


    A smile curved on his lips as he recalled their first date.


    Back then, he had planned for them to have a candlelight dinner, but instead, Li Qin Yao had dragged him around to enjoy street food in the night market.


    The weather in H Town was colder than it was in Y City. As winter was approaching, the wind was colder.


    Zhang Yu Han watched his wife huffed and puffed as she gobbled up the spicy fish cake. The hot steam wafted to her face and Zhang Yu Han noted the pink tinge on her face.


    "Are you cold?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "It''s not that cold anymore." She spoke between her chew. Then, she picked up a piece of the fish cake, blew at it a few times, and brought it over to his mouth. "You should eat it too."


    Zhang Yu Han obediently opened his mouth to eat before he wrapped his arms around her shoulder.


    Soon, a group of drunk men passed by and Li Qin Yao noticed that if he had not pulled her closer, one of those men would hit her. As she realized the little thing he did, Li Qin Yao snuggled closer to his ?h?st and thought that her body felt warmer.


    "Do you know what this made me think?" Li Qin Yao tilted her head to look at her husband.


    "What?"


    A shy smile curled on her lips. "Doesn''t this feel like we''re going on a honeymoon?"


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han let out a laugh. He put his hand on her head and kissed her on the temple. "Hmm¡­ I guess we could take this as our mini honeymoon. Later, after the wedding, let''s go somewhere for our honeymoon. Where do you want to go?"


    "Then, let''s go somewhere with a beach," Li Qin Yao said before she started to suggest a few places with beautiful beach scenery.


    As the two of them were discussing their destination for their honeymoon, the phone in Zhang Yu Han''s pocket started to ring. He looked at the caller ID and immediately picked up the phone.


    After a brief greeting, Zhang Yu Han did not speak a word and continued to listen to the other party. He glanced at his wife who was staring at him with worry and smiled. After two whole minutes of listening to the other party, Zhang Yu Han finally spoke a few words before he hung out the call.


    "Who was it?"


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand to pat his wife''s hair before he answered. "That was Ming Wei. He had just wanted to confirm whether we are going to meet Guo Jun Shan tomorrow. He has arranged a place and one of his men will come over and pick us up in the morning."


    Of course, she had not forgotten the real reason why the two of them came to H Town. It was not to enjoy their mini-honeymoon but to meet the manager who was involved in the case two years ago.


    Li Qin Yao still remembered that she came to H Town to meet Guo Jun Shan and got the answer she was searching for ever since he went missing. If possible, she wanted to convince him once again to come back to the Capital City and help her to clear up her name.


    Although some of them had started to forget about the incident, Li Qin Yao knew that it would be impossible for her to forget. Because of the incident, some people had lost their lives.


    Li Qin Yao knew very well that she did not do something dishonest as approving the use of cheap materials in the construction, but once the others started to blame her for it, her mind started to convince her that perhaps, she had done something wrong.


    Noticing the way his wife was clenching her hand tightly into a fist, Zhang Yu Han stood facing her before he grabbed both her hands. Slowly, he started to entangle her fist.


    "Qin Yao," he called her name softly, and just by the way she had always liked it. "Are you worried?"


    Li Qin Yao pondered upon his question for a while before she nodded. Taking a deep breath to calm down, she then found her voice to speak again. "I was afraid of what he will tell me tomorrow."


    Previously, Manager Guo had confessed that he had received bribes from her second aunt to change the materials they used in the construction. Back then, that information shocked her that she was unable to think straight. After all, Zhao Wei was still her second aunt no matter how much they don''t see eye to eye.


    After Manager Guo had disappeared right before he was about to testify to her grandfather and the rest of the shareholders, Li Qin Yao guessed that his disappearance might be related to her second aunt.


    "You don''t have to think too much right now," Zhang Yu Han tried to coax her. "Whatever Guo Jun Shan tells you tomorrow, you must always remember that I am always by your side."

 Chapter 249 - Do You Still Remember Me?

    A man burly man sent by Qi Ming Wei came to pick up the couple from the hotel after breakfast. The couple entered into the BMW and soon was brought over to a dilapidated residential area.


    When they arrived, Qi Ming Wei stepped out to greet them. Zhang Yu Han exchanged a few words with the man before Qi Ming Wei turned to Li Qin Yao with a polite smile on his face.


    "When we brought him over, Mister Guo had no knowledge who we are and why we took him away," Qi Ming Wei said. "So, he may appear a bit angry when you see him. But don''t worry. He won''t harm you."


    Her eyes widened when she heard his warning. Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and felt a bit more at ease once she saw the way he smiled at her.


    "Come in," Qi Ming Wei said as he led the couple inside. He stopped once in front of a room and glanced once at the couple before he entered the room without warning.


    Just as he swung the door open, Li Qin Yao could hear a muffled scream from the inside.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath before she followed Qi Ming Wei inside the room. The scream that she heard earlier stopped once her gaze met with the person who was tied to a chair.


    It was not hard for her to recognize Manager Guo. Although that man looked a few years older than the last time, Li Qin Yao could still recognize him. After all, it was not long ago that she had seen this man in the shopping mall in Y City.


    Guo Jun Shen tried to stand up from his seat, but because he was tied to a chair, he then fell with his face on the ground. Even so, he did not tear away from his gaze from Li Qin Yao.


    Qi Ming Wei stepped forward and helped the elder man to sit up properly. Then, he untied the clothes around his mouth and cleaned up his hands with an anti-bacterial wet tissue. He looked at both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao and smiled.


    "Then, I will leave give you two some privacy," Qi Ming Wei said. "Take as long as you want. If you need anything, I will be outside."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded and watched as his second cousin stepped out of the room. Then, his gaze went to his wife. He watched both Li Qin Yao and Guo Jun Shan continued to stare at each other without saying anything.


    There was an apparent shock on Guo Jun Shan''s face. He knew that he had made his escape once he saw Li Qin Yao at the shopping mall not too long ago. He was sure that he had hidden his trail very well, but, how did she come and find him again?


    Guo Jun Shan flinched as he watched Li Qin Yao took a step forward to him. He wanted to move and run away, but with his condition, it was an impossible thing to do.


    Li Qin Yao looked around her surroundings and noted that the bedroom was turned into a makeshift interrogation room.


    "Manager Guo, do you still remember me?" Li Qin Yao was the first to break the silence. "The last time we speak to each other, we were in Capital City."


    Guo Jun Shan tilted his head down to avoid her gaze. "I don''t know who you are talking about."


    "I just need you to tell me what happened," Li Qin Yao said. "Why did you suddenly disappear? Manager Guo if you''re facing some difficulties, you can tell me. I will do my best to help you."


    "Miss, I am afraid that perhaps you had got the wrong person. My surname is not Guo, but Sun."


    Seeing the way he continued to act dumb, Li Qin Yao was suddenly furious. "Manager Guo, you have promised me two years ago that you will testify to help me clear my name."


    "Miss, I am telling you that you got the wrong¡ª"


    BANG!


    Manager Guo''s words were left unfinished as there was suddenly a loud sound coming from his side. As he turned towards the noise, Manager Guo was surprised to see that his bed was broken into two. It was then that he realized that Li Qin Yao did not come to meet him alone.


    "Sorry for that," Zhang Yu Han smiled as he turned to Guo Jun Shan. "Mister Guo, if you refuse to cooperate, I''m afraid that I might accidentally break something else,"


    The elder man swallowed as he could not look away from the broken furniture. He wanted to say something but found that his words were stuck in his throat.


    Once he met the tall man''s dangerous gaze, Guo Jun Shan started to tremble. He turned to Li Qin Yao and started to cry from fear and stress from being locked with those burly men for a day. The sobbing sound coming from an ?du?t man like him sounded so ugly.


    "Miss Li, please, just let me go, alright?" Guo Jun Shan tried to plead between his cry. "The incident has passed for years. Let''s just forget everything."


    His request only cause her anger to rise. She stepped forward and put both hands on the table that separated both of them. "Forget everything? Manager Guo, did you know that because of your action, how many people have suffered? Some people have lost their life. There are people who have lost their family members."


    "I know! I know all that! But it has been years. Let''s just forget everything alright? Isn''t everything going on fine the way it is now? Isn''t everyone living well now? Why must you dwell on the past?"


    Li Qin Yao was surprised at Manager Guo''s shameless words.


    "No. I just cannot forget it. Everything and everyone who was involved in the incident might have seen fine. But things could never be the same for us again. Manager Guo, do you know how we had to live our life because of your action?"


    Because of that incident, her relationship with her grandfather had changed. Every time someone was reminded of that case, they would give her an accusing gaze. She had to live with the pressure that at one point it almost drove her insane.


    She remembered meeting the family members of the worker who died in the incident and how they were looking back at her in anger.


    "Didn''t I have received my retribution?" Guo Jun Shan suddenly shouted. "I have to live on the run like this away from my family! I could not even contact my wife or daughter! Why can''t both of you just let me go?"


    Li Qin Yao took a step back when he suddenly screamed at her But once she felt her husband''s warm hand on her back, the fear quickly dissipated. "Manager Guo, I am not asking you to do much. I only need you to explain everything to Chairman Li. That''s all I am asking."

 Chapter 250 - He Was Tempted

    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife when he heard her words. His gaze softened when he noticed the way her body was trembling slightly.


    After everything, the only thing that she wanted the most was for her grandfather to know of her innocence.


    Manager Guo closed his eyes in frustration. "No. Miss Li, ah¡­" His ugly wailing continued. "It''s not that I did not want to testify, but I am telling you that I cannot do that. Don''t you get it? If I showed up in front of Chairman Li, Manager Zhao will do something to my family."


    A glint of light flashed through Zhang Yu Han''s eyes as he thought of what Qi Ming Wei had told him the other day¡ªsomeone was keeping an eye on Guo Jun Shan''s family. And that people had hired someone dangerous.


    Zhang Yu Han held on his wife''s hand and stepped forward, causing the man to flinch at his sudden movement. "Mister Guo. Tell us what happened and what you know. If you cooperate with us, I can promise you that we will look after your family."


    Guo Jun Shan paused as he shifted his gaze at Zhang Yu Han.


    Seeing the hesitant look on Guo Jun Shan''s face, Zhang Yu Han continued. "Don''t you want to meet your family again?"


    Manager Guo hesitated.


    He had not met with his wife and family for two years! A few months ago, he had heard that his mother had passed away. He had wanted to attend to her funeral, but once he saw those men lurking around his family, Guo Jun Shan changed his mind. He knew very well what will happen if he showed up.


    Two years ago, Li Qin Yao had found him and threatened to hand him over to the authorities and faced a heavy punishment for what he had done.


    When she came to meet him, Li Qin Yao was prepared with concrete evidence of his misconduct. Once he saw the evidence laid on the table, Guo Jun Shan knew that he could not escape. Thus, he agreed with Li Qin Yao and told her who had given him the order to frame her.


    Li Qin Yao was surprised upon learning that it was her second aunt, Zhao Wei''s idea.


    Two years ago, Chairman Li had promised that whoever among the cousins that had done their best would be chosen as the president of QL Group. Back then, Li Qin Yao and Li Mu Bai was the top contender for that position.


    It was not hard for Li Qin Yao to figure out her second aunt''s motive when she approached Manager Guo.


    With all evidence against him, Guo Jun Shan had no other choice but to agree to testify against Zhao Wei. After all, Li Qin Yao had promised that she will help to lessen his sentence.


    Who would know that Zhao Wei had hired people to keep their eyes on him? On the day he was supposed to testify before the shareholders, Zhao Wei had found him. That woman had brought along a few thugs with her.


    Zhao Wei had threatened to harm his family if he appeared on the shareholders'' meeting. With the help of those thugs, she was able to temper with the evidence that Li Qin Yao had found.


    Seeing that he was in an unfavorable situation, Guo Jun Shan had chosen his family. He could bear to spend a few more years in prison, but he did not want something to happen to his family. What he did not know was that Zhao Wei had another plan for him.


    Just as he thought that Zhao Wei was going to help to hide away, that woman had hired those thugs to kill him. Before those thugs could silence him forever, Guo Jun Shan was fortunate enough to escape. Because of that, his family members were under Zhao Wei''s surveillance. It was the only way that Zhao Wei could do for Guo Jun Shan to keep his silence.


    In these years, he had to live his life in fear. Guo Jun Shan was afraid that Zhao Wei would find him, or harm his family members. Truthfully, he was tired of his way of living in a run. He was regretting that he had agreed to Zhao Wei''s idea due to his greed. All he wanted to do now was to return home to his family.


    "Mister Guo, if you agree to help my wife to clear her name, I can promise you that I can do something to help you protect your family members," Zhang Yu Han said. "And you won''t have to live your life like this anymore."


    Guo Jun Shan''s eyes widened at his words. He was tempted, but¡­


    "How can I trust you? Those people hired by Zhao Wei was no ordinary people¡ª"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled as he heard his words. "Mister Guo, think about this. We are the one who managed to find you and not Zhao Wei or her men."


    Guo Jun Shan swallowed. His gaze fell on Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han back and forth. He did not know who Zhang Yu Han was, but he could tell that he was telling him the truth.


    It did not take them too long to find him since the last time he had seen Li Qin Yao in the shopping complex. It was no doubt that she could find him with the help of the man beside her.


    Wasn''t that evidence enough of this man''s ability?


    Guo Jun Shan thought of every option he had. When he looked at Zhang Yu Han again, there was a resolute look in his eyes. Slowly, he gave them his agreement.


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han spent almost five minutes to discuss with Qi Ming Wei and making some arrangement after they walked out of the dilapidated house. Because he was worried about his wife''s state of mind, Zhang Yu Han ended the discussion with Qi Ming Wei quickly.


    He approached her slowly from behind and paused when he saw the way her shoulders were shaking.


    His eyes dropped, knowing that she was crying silently.


    Without saying a word, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to her closer. As Li Qin Yao felt the familiar warmth and scent surrounding her, instinctively she turned around and buried her face in her ?h?st.


    Seeing the way she started to sob with a grievance, Zhang Yu Han held her head closer to his ?h?st, allowing her to weep while hiding her face away. He patted her softly on her hair to coax her.


    Although he did not know what was on her mind, Zhang Yu Han could guess that his wife was relieved that she will soon be free of injustice she had to experience for two years.


    At this time, there was nothing else he wanted do but to stay around her silently, coaxing her and giving her all the strength she needed.

 Chapter 251 - Distract Her Mind

    Zhang Jing ??r?ssed his chin as he listened to his grandson''s summarizing at what was happening in H Town.


    "Once Ming Wei and his man had managed to secure Guo Jun Shan''s family, Qin Yao and I will head over to Capital City to meet with her grandfather," Zhang Yu Han said. "Qin Yao wanted to let her grandfather to know the truth from Guo Jun Shan''s mouth and let him decide on what he was going to do next."


    Zhang Jing scoffed as his thought went to Li Qin Yao''s grandfather. If Li Ren Xin did not handle the situation well, Zhang Jing was determined to intervene in the matter.


    As Li Qin Yao had now married his grandson, she was a part of the Zhang family. As the elder of the Zhang family, there was no way that Zhang Jing would be willing to watch someone bully his granddaughter-in-law.


    A frown appeared on Zhang Jing''s forehead at the thought that he will have to visit his brother-in-law frequently and spend his time with him. Since he had asked a favor from the Qi''s family, it would be rude for him not to visit the old man.


    However, Zhang Jing was still worried. "Capital City is not their territory. Will it not be a problem for them to step in and help?"


    "Ming Wei had ?ssured me that it would not be a problem," Zhang Jing said. "The Qi''s family has always wanted to expand their influence to Capital City. They are taking advantage of this situation as their excuse to do so. Of course, once they were able to eradicate gangs, they will be able to take over their power in Capital City."


    Zhang Jing heaved with relief.


    "Grandfather, if you were uneasy about this matter, we can always offer our support to the Qi family using the resources that we have," Zhang Yu Han said.


    The Zhang family has always funded the Qi''s whenever they need a source of money.


    "I know. You don''t have to worry about it. I will deal with this part. You just have to look after Qin Yao well." Zhang Jing paused and looked at his grandson with a frown. "How was Qin Yao?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a soft sigh. "She''s doing well. She was relieved that she will get to clear her name once Gu Jun Shan testifies for her."


    "It''s good that she was doing well," Zhang Jing nodded. "These few days, you don''t have to work too late. Just go home early to accompany your wife. I''m sure that she must be anxious. She won''t be at ease until she was able to clear everything with her grandfather."


    "Grandfather, these things¡­ I don''t need you to remind me."


    Zhang Jing scoffed as he saw the displeased in his grandson''s expression. A thought crossed his mind and Zhang Jing decided to mess around with his grandson. "That''s right. When are you going to give me a great-grandchild for me to hold? Are you not working hard enough?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a few shades darker when his grandfather tried to poke fun at him. "Grandfather, we are newlyweds. I wanted to live with my wife just the two of us for a while longer. Besides, a child won''t just appear when we want it. This kind of thing¡­ it would be best if you don''t say it to Qin Yao."


    "I know. I was only playing around with you," Zhang Jing said. "Do you think I would dare to pressure my granddaughter-in-law at a time like this?"


    Zhang Yu Han spends a few more minutes to chat with his grandfather before he left. Instead of going back to his office, Zhang Yu Han head straight to the elevator and left the building.


    Although his wife had told him that she was well enough to return to work, Zhang Yu Han was still worried.


    His second cousin, Qi Ming Wei had told him that it might take at least a couple of weeks the latest for them to get Guo Jun Shan''s family to a safer place.


    Li Qin Yao would always be anxious waiting until that moment when this matter was resolved and Guo Jun Shan has clear up her name. Until she can be at ease again, Zhang Yu Han wanted to at least do something to distract her mind.


    ¡­


    When Li Qin Yao looked up from her ??ptop, she could see a silhouette, standing at the door while hiding behind a bouquet of gerbera daisies. Seeing that none of her staff had tried to stop this guy, Li Qin Yao knew right away that it was none other than her husband.


    She stood up from her chair and smiled as she walked over to Where he stood. "Why are you here?"


    "I came to check on you." Zhang Yu Han said. He handed over the bouquet and watched as she drew it closer to her nose and inhaled the fragrant smell. "Do you like it?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. A shy smile curved at her lips as she stood up tiptoed and kissed her husband on his cheek.


    Suddenly, the office was booming with the sounds of cheering from her staff. Seeing the little intimacy between the couple, everyone was suddenly excited.


    Li Qin Yao turned towards the source of that noise and laughed. Soon, she pulled her husband into her office and closed the door. "Zhang Yu Han, thank you."


    Of course, she was not only thanking him for the flowers. It was not hard to decipher why her husband had come over to see her. After the weekend in H City, she had noticed the way he tried to cheer her up.


    Zhang Yu Han patted her on her hair and followed her towards her desk. "You should go and finished your job first. I''ll wait here. Then, maybe we can go back and have dinner with mom."


    It was then that Li Qin Yao recalled that her mother had only returned from another outstation a few days ago. But because the two of them were visiting H Town at the weekend, she has not visited her mother yet.


    "I have already given mom a phone call before I came here," Zhang Yu Han said. "She said she was going to cook a few of your favorite dishes."


    A sense of warmth spread from her heart at the thought that her husband had sought her mother to help her divert her from thinking too much on Manager Guo and his family.

 Chapter 252 - Sudden Return

    On the very same day that Zhang Yu Han received a call from Qi Ming Wei with news that they might be able to bring the Guo''s family to a safer place soon, his grandfather brought him another shocking news¡ªhis parents suddenly decided to return from C Country.


    After hearing that their daughter-in-law might be facing deep trouble, his parents were even more motivated to finish the tasks that Zhang Jing had ?ssigned them to do and return to their home country to give their support to their daughter-in-law.


    Zhang Yu Han had mixed emotions with the sudden situation.


    He did not want his wife to be pressured after learning that she was going to see meet her parents-in-law before she could properly prepare herself for it. But Zhang Yu Han was also glad that his parents had come home earlier because they were worried about their daughter-in-law.


    Taking a deep breath as his brain started to process this sudden development, Zhang Yu Han then answered, "Un. I know. I will bring Qin Yao to the residence for dinner later. Grandfather, you¡­ should talk to my parents properly."


    Zhang Jing let out a chuckle as he gave a side glance at his son who was sitting in front of him. "Don''t worry. I have already scolded them for making this sudden decision without consulting me first."


    Hearing his father''s words, Zhang Xi touched his nose with his forefinger and smiled awkwardly. He was someone who was already in his late fifties, but at this age, he was still scolded by his father. As this thought crossed his mind, Zhang Xi was embarrassed.


    However, there was nothing else that they could do.


    Back when he and his wife heard that his son had registered his marriage with the girl that he had a crush on from years ago, both of them were ecstatic. They worked hard to settle with their project and had planned to come back somewhere around Christmas.


    But once they heard that their daughter-in-law was going to face some troublesome problem, as parents, they thought that it was important for them to be around to give her their support.


    Anyway, with everyone gathered around to support her, no one will dare to bully their daughter-in-law, right?


    The husband and wife worked harder to settle the things over in C Country before they decided to make a surprise return.


    Their son, Zhang Yu Han should not blame them. If it was not for Zhang Jing who instructed them not to contact their daughter-in-law until they have finished their task, would they dare to make this surprise move?


    Who told the old man to use the meeting with their daughter-in-law as a way to motivate them to work faster?


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh as the call ended. Suddenly, he sensed an upcoming headache.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao, who has been around his husband''s side for the last two minutes was curious. Although she did not know what he had discussed on the phone, Li Qin Yao knew that he was talking to Zhang Jing.


    A glance at Zhang Yu Han''s expression told her that something was troubling him. She then walked over to his side and grabbed his hands. Her thumbs were massaging the back of his hands.


    Zhang Yu Han offered her a smile. He raised his right hand and planted a kiss on her palm. Then, he stared at her silently, wondering how he should break the news to her.


    "Later, let''s go back to grandfather''s house for dinner," Zhang Yu Han finally said after a whole minute of silence.


    A crease appeared between her eyebrow. At the thought that something bad might happen to Zhang Jing, Li Qin Yao was worried. "Is Grandfather alright?"


    "Grandfather is alright." He reached his hand to pat her hair. "It''s just that¡­ my parents had suddenly returned. So, Grandfather wanted us to go back and see them."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao''s eyes widened. The surprised expression on her face was apparent. "Your parents? Aren''t they supposed to return around Christmas?"


    "Hmm¡­ they finished their project in C Country earlier than expected. So they came back to meet you," Zhang Yu Han said. A helpless smile curled on his lips when he noticed her panic. "You don''t have to worry. My parents won''t make things difficult for you."


    "This is too sudden. I was not prepared for this." Li Qin Yao started to look everywhere except at her husband.


    It was a few hours ago that Zhang Yu Han had announced that she should get ready to visit Capital City to see her grandfather in a few days, and now, he had told her that she was going to meet his parents in a few hours.


    "Zhang Yu Han, I haven''t bought anything appropriate for your parents!" Li Qin Yao said as if she had this sudden realization. "What should I do? What should I buy? Did you think that we can make it if we go out and buy something from the mall? But, what did your parents like?"


    Seeing that his wife had started rambling some unimportant question, Zhang Yu Han pulled her body into his embrace.


    As she felt the warmth from his body envelope her body, Li Qin Yao instinctively shut up. She took a deep breath at his familiar scent and began to calm down.


    "What are you actually worried about?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "Hmm¡­ nothing." She bit at her lips. "This would be the first time I am going to meet your parents. Of course, I should worry."


    "Didn''t I tell you previously? My parents will adore you. Qin Yao, you don''t have to worry too much."


    Li Qin Yao exhaled a long breath. She stayed in his embrace for a while longer and decided to break the silence. "Actually¡­ previously, with Chen Hao¡ª"


    Zhang Yu Han frowned when he heard that annoying name.


    "¡ªI have met up with his parents and we almost decided to get married." Her speech halted when Li Qin Yao suddenly felt the way Zhang Yu Han had tightened his arms around her body. A chuckle escaped her as she continued. "But his parents did not like me. His mother did not like that I am someone who came from a broken family."


    But on second thought, it was probably because Chen Hao''s mother had rejected her that he had his chance to marry his wife. Right now, Zhang Yu Han could not imagine his life if he was not married to Li Qin Yao.


    As those thoughts crossed his mind, Zhang Yu Han wondered if he should actually be thanking Chen Hao''s parents for objecting to their relationship.


    "You don''t have to worry about such things," Zhang Yu Han said after a long silence. "My parents won''t care about your background and such. As long as I like you, they won''t have other opinions."

 Chapter 253 - This is My Wife, Li Qin Yao

    Despite Zhang Yu Han''s ?ssurance that his parents were a bunch of cool people, Li Qin Yao was still worried. It seemed that it was not easy for her to get over the pain that the Chen family had caused her.


    Back then, Mother Chen had told her that she was not suitable for her son and that she was not  going to accept her because she came from a broken family.


    Li Qin Yao did not know what she would do if Zhang Yu Han''s parents would say something similar to that. Right now, she had married Zhang Yu Han and was very much in love with him. At the thought that she was going to be forced to leave his side¡­ Li Qin Yao thought that she would rather let others rip her heart apart.


    Zhang Yu Han parked his Cayenne and glanced at the person beside him. He had noticed the way she was staring at him from the moment they left the shopping complex until they reached Zhang''s residence.


    He did not know what was on her mind, but he could guess that it was not anything good.


    Seeing that his wife was staring at him in a daze, Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand to flick at her forehead once.


    "Ow!" Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance and looked at her husband in aggrieved.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Li Qin Yao rubbed at the spot on her forehead and finally realized that they have arrived at the Zhang''s residence. Although she was familiar with this place and had come over many times, this time, Li Qin Yao was nervous.


    Zhang Yu Han leaned forward to kiss her on the spot where he had flicked his finger at and pulled her over to bury his nose on her neck. "Stop overthinking. Don''t worry whatever happened, I will always be by your side."


    "Hmm¡­" Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh and a small smile curved at her lips. Turning her head slightly, Li Qin Yao kissed him on his ear.


    At least this time, whatever Zhang Yu Han''s parents thought of her, Li Qin Yao knew that this man will stay around with her. Her husband will not leave her alone.


    "Come on, let''s go," Zhang Yu Han said. He pulled away from her embrace and get off the car. After helping his wife to get off the vehicle, Zhang Yu Han opened the cargo space and took out a few items that he had brought for his parents.


    The couple then walked towards the door while holding hands. Just as Li Qin Yao was about to press on the doorbell, someone had opened the door from the inside.


    Zhang Yu Ying''s happy face appeared at the door as she looked at both her brother and sister-in-law back and forth. "You guys are here! What took you so long? Mom and dad have been waiting for you for a long time."


    "Then, what are you doing standing at the door?" Zhang Yu Han spoke to his sister and shoved the bag in his hand to her. "Help me to get these things inside."


    "Oh," Zhang Yu Ying obediently took the shopping bags from her brother before she moved aside to let them in.


    The moment they stepped inside, Zhang Yu Han immediately saw his parents sitting in the living room with his grandfather. Although it may appear that the three of them were chatting amiably, Zhang Yu Han knew that the three of them were watching him and his wife.


    It would not be exaggerating to say that his family has been spying on him and his wife the moment his Cayenne drove in into the compound. It was only after they saw that they were walking towards the door that his parents had rushed to return to their seat.


    As Zhang Yu Han noticed the way his father''s ?h?st was heaving from running around, the corner of his mouth started to twitch. "Mom dad, you''re back." He greeted.


    The couple lifted their head and pretended as if they had just seen their son and his wife walking in into the room. However, the excitement in his mother''s eyes was very hard to contain.


    "Un, you just got here?" Zhang Xi asked.


    "Why did you decided to return suddenly?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "If you told us earlier, I would have come and picked you up from the airport?"


    "Aiya," Liu Hui Lan waved her hands in frustration. "Let''s stop chit-chatting about the unimportant things." She glanced at Li Qin Yao and then turned her gaze to her son. "Yu Han, are you not going to introduce us to your wife?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle when he saw that his mother had decided to stop pretending. He put his arms around Li Qin Yao''s shoulder and pulled her closer to him. "Mom, dad. Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Li Qin Yao."


    The smile on Liu Hui Lan''s face widened. She stood up immediately and walked over to the couple. Without saying anything, she grabbed the girl''s hand and started to watch her daughter-in-law from head to toe.


    Li Qin Yao bit on her lips as her cheek turned slightly red. "Auntie, Uncle, hello." She bowed and smiled awkwardly at the two elders.


    "Why do you still call us auntie and uncle?" Liu Hui Lan laughed. "Just call us mom and dad like Yu Han and Yu Ying. You are married to Yu Han, therefore you are also my daughter."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband before she looked at the two elders again. "Mom, dad."


    Liu Hui Lan nodded with satisfaction on her face. "Good. Good." She shot an unpleasant look at her son and tugged her daughter-in-law to the sofa to sit beside her. "Previously, mom and dad were unable to return sooner to discuss marriage with your mother. I hope that your mother would not mind that."


    "No. Yu Han and I get married abruptly and I did not have the chance to meet and greet you two before we obtained our certificates," Li Qin Yao said. "Mom, Dad, I hope that you would not mind that."


    "En. We don''t mind at all. It''s good that Yu Han was willing to marry someone and you are willing to be married to him," Liu Hui Lan said. "I know my son well, he can be unpleasant sometimes. Or else, why would he stay single for years, right? Qin Yao, as long as you can tolerate his attitude, mom would be glad."


    "Mom," Zhang Yu Han shot a warning gaze at his mother.

 Chapter 254 - Welcome to The Family

    Liu Hui Lan rolled her eyes at her son. She had already known what she can and cannot say, but his son would still insist on giving her a warning.


    Her son was so adorable for the first few years after he came out of her w?mb, how did he become this fierce when he grew up?


    Zhang Jing, who had been silent for a while to observe the situation suddenly coughed dryly. When everyone turned their head on him, Zhang Jing then spoke, "Let''s not start bickering. Zhang Xi, Hui Lan, both of you had just returned. It''s a happy occasion."


    Since her father-in-law has spoken, Liu Hui Lan knew that she shouldn''t try arguing with her son anymore. It would be bad if their daughter-in-law start had a bad impression on them.


    Knowing that it was the first meeting for them, Zhang Jing could understand their excitement. He let out a sigh and stood up from his seat. "Alright, the four of you should stay and talk. I''m going to check on Auntie Wu and see if we will be having our dinner soon. Yu Ying, you come with me."


    Zhang Yu Ying, who had just come out from the kitchen was surprised when her grandfather suddenly mentioned her name. She pointed her forefinger to her nose. "Me? Why me?"


    Before the girl could utter another word, her grandfather had already shot her a look and she had no other choice but to follow her grandfather back into the kitchen with a slight pout on her face.


    Seeing that her father-in-law had left, Liu Hui Lan and her husband were a bit more at ease. The two of them then turned their attention back at Li Qin Yao.


    Anyway, at this time, both of them were more interested in the girl that her son had brought back home.


    Through their previous conversation with their daughter, Yu Ying had once mentioned that Li Qin Yao was the same girl that her son has been looking for a long time ever since he had seen her at a basketball tournament.


    Everyone was skeptical that Zhang Yu Han would ever found the girl he had a crush on for so long. So it was a surprise to hear that not only did their son managed to find her again but had also registered their marriage with the said girl!


    Of course, when Liu Hui Lan heard about how the girl that his son had a crush on was a real person and not a fantasy, she was curious and has been looking forward to meeting her daughter-in-law.


    Liu Hui Lan''s first impression of the Li Qin Yao was that she was so small and adorable. The first time she laid her eyes on the girl, Liu Hui Lan wondered if it would be easy to kidnap her daughter-in-law away because of her petite figure.


    "Sorry," Liu Hui Lan turned to her son and smiled. "You know very well that we have all been waiting for you to bring a girl back home." She turned to her daughter-in-law again and patted her hand with amiably. Then, she began to shoot a few questions to get to know her daughter-in-law well.


    During this time, Liu Hui Lan could not help but notice the warning glance that her son constantly shot at her.


    "Mom, stop interrogating my wife too much," Zhang Yu Han said after his mother''s tenth continuous questions. "You''re going to stress her out."


    "Nonsense," Liu Hui Lan waved her hand as she shot a displeased look at her son. "I haven''t started any interrogation yet."


    Li Qin Yao could feel her sweat trickling on her back as she heard her mother-in-law''s words. The thought that she will be interrogate made her anxious. Subconsciously, Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband to ask for his help.


    Seeing her distress signal, Zhang Yu Han immediately shot a look at his father as if to remind him to look after his wife. Zhang Xi then nudged at his wife to stop her from going overboard with her questions.


    With the way his son was protective towards his wife, Liu Hui Lan heaved a long sigh. Looking at the way they interacted, she was relieved to see that the two had feelings for each other.


    Although Liu Hui Lan had heard on how her son doted on his wife, she was still concerned that the daughter-in-law might not feel the same way to her son. As his mother, of course, she was worried! But now that she had seen for herself at how the two interacted, Liu Hui Lan was pleased.


    She then reached out her hand in her pocket and pulled out a red velvety pouch. Before anyone could react, Liu Hui Lan had already put the pouch in Li Qin Yao''s hand. "Since this is our first meeting, I hope you won''t reject my gift. It isn''t anything much, but this is something that Zhang Yu Han''s grandmother had given me when I first married his father."


    Li Qn Yao looked at the pouch with her eyes wide. Suddenly, she was found that her words were stuck in her throat.


    "Since you are now Zhang''s daughter-in-law, then I will pass this to you."


    Li Qin Yao peeked into the pouch and felt her breath hitched when she saw a jade bracelet inside. At first glance, she could tell that the bracelet was a valuable treasure.


    "Mom gives it to you. Just take it," Zhang Yu Han said as he placed a hand to cover his wife''s.


    Zhang Xi, who has been sitting at the side for a long time as his wife continued to chat with their daughter-in-law, cleared his throat. "Qin Yao, you don''t have to be too wary of us. Your mom and dad don''t have many requirements for our daughter-in-law. Just that... as long as you and Yu Han could live happily together, then, we''ll be at ease."


    Hearing her father-in-law''s words and feeling how the two of them have been very welcoming to her from the very beginning, Li Qin Yao felt her eyes and nose started to go sour.


    Zhang''s family reception towards her was different than Chen''s.


    She has been worried about their thought of her ever since she was married to Zhang Yu Han. Knowing that his parents were in C Country, Li Qin Yao had let her guard momentarily but it was unexpected that they would return earlier.


    She did not think that the couple would be very welcoming to her.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao thought of how she had gained a big family that doted on her after she married to Zhang Yu Han. It was an indescribable good feeling.


    "En. En. Your dad is right," Liu Hui Lan quickly agreed.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head when she felt Zhang Yu Han squeezed at her hand and stared at her husband''s large hand against hers. She did not know when does it begin but she recently noticed how her husband was able to perceive her moods.


    "Qin Yao," Liu Hui Lan held on her other hands. "Welcome to the family."

 Chapter 255 - Youre a Bad Man

    That night, the Zhang family had their dinner merrily. Because it has been a long time since they have all gathered together, Zhang Jing had asked Auntie Wu to make his favorite sweet and sour ribs. Due to the happy occasions, none of them said a word when they saw that the old man was eating at more than he should.


    Of course, Zhang Jing was aware that from tomorrow onwards, he will have to go on his vegetarian diet for a few days after this.


    While having dinner, everyone was focusing on both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao. Before the meal was over, both Zhang Xi and his wife had arranged with Li Qin Yao and planned to have dinner with her mother so that they could begin to discuss their wedding.


    Once Liu Hui Lan had passed her phone back to her after talking to her mother, Li Qin Yao could not help but think of how quickly the Zhang would do things. Back when she had obtained her marriage certificate, everything was done in such a short time. In just a blink of an eye, she had become a married woman.


    Without realizing it, they have chatted for hours. Seeing that it was almost midnight, everyone had asked the couple to stay at the residence instead of letting them go back to their place.


    Since the couple would sometimes stay at the residence to accompany Zhang Jing and had their clothes and toiletries around, they readily agreed to stay. This way, the elders would not worry too much to let them drive back.


    Seeing that his wife was getting comfortable with his parents and could not stop chatting with his mother, Zhang Yu Han went upstairs to take a shower. When he came out a few minutes later, Zhang Yu Han found his wife sitting at the winged chair with her eyes glued to the phone.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her gaze and stood up when she saw her husband.


    "You''ve done with chatting with mom and dad?"


    "Hmm¡­" Li Qin Yao nodded. She fetched the towel from his hand and asked her husband to sit down so that she can help him to dry his hair.


    "It''s good that you are getting along with them," Zhang Yu Han grabbed her hand and planted a kiss on her palm.


    Li Qin Yao paused from whatever she was doing and walked around to stop in front of her husband. "Zhang Yu Han, mom told me earlier that they were coming with us to Capital City."


    "Hmm¡­ Grandfather talked to me about it earlier." He snaked his arms around her waist and continued, "When mom and dad heard your situation from Grandfather, they thought that it was best if they went along with us." Zhang Yu Han watched the hesitant look on her face and tugged at her hand so that she was sitting on his ??ps. "Are you angry that I let others know about your situation?"


    Li Qin Yao instinctively put her hand around his shoulder as she shook her head. She knew that it was because of the family that she was able to find Manager Guo as quickly. Since they were helping her, Li Qin Yao did not have a reason to be angry about it. She was grateful.


    Zhang Yu Han''s lips curved into a smile. "Because you are now their daughter-in-law, mom and dad wanted to be your reinforcement. They were hoping that with them around, you will be more at ease. We won''t allow anyone to bully you."


    Hearing his answer, Li Qin Yao was suddenly shy. "Is that appropriate? Mom and dad have only arrived from Country C. Won''t they get tired?"


    "They won''t." When he saw the uneasiness in her expression did not fade away, Zhang Yu Han chuckled and kissed her on her chin. "You don''t have to think about it too much. Besides coming over to the Capital City to act as our support, Dad still has some business in Capital City."


    On the day that they departed to Capital City, Li Qin Yao could not help but thought how they look as if they were going on a family holiday. Surprisingly, even Grandfather and Yu Ying decided to come over to Capital City.


    At the thought that everyone came along to support her, Li Qin Yao felt a sense of warmth surrounding her.


    When Zhang Yu Han saw the dazed look on his wife''s face, he pinched at his wife''s cheek lightly and smiled. "What are you thinking about?"


    For fear that Zhang Yu Han was going to flick her forehead when she said her thoughts out loud, Li Qin Yao quickly shook her head. "Nothing." She tugged at his sleeve and looked back at him with a pitiable expression.


    Of course, when Zhang Yu Han saw this expression, he could not help but to pinch at her cheek again. He inched closer to her and bent down so that his mouth was closer to her ear. "You''re not telling me?"


    Li Qin Yao chewed at her lips when she heard his deep, vibrating voice. No matter how much she had heard his voice, Li Qin Yao thought that she can never get used to it. Her heart would jump and she would feel giddy.


    "Not telling you." Li Qin Yao smiled mischievously when he pulled back to look at her face.


    Zhang Yu Han raised his brow at her answer. He bent his neck again to get close to her and spoke in a low, dangerous voice. "Qin Yao."


    Her heartbeat accelerated and Li Qin Yao could feel that her toes curled in her sneakers. She gave a slight shove at his ?h?st and looked at her husband with a slight pout. "Stop playing around."


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head slightly. "Didn''t you say that you like it when I call out your name this way?" He smiled and continued to tease her. "Qin Yao, I can call out your name this way no matter how many times you wanted me to."


    "You''re a bad man."


    When Zhang Yu Han saw the adorable, furious look on her face, he could not help but to let out a laugh. A thought crossed his mind and Zhang Yu Han decided to play along. "Let''s see how bad I can be when we get to the hotel."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao could only swallow as she looked at him speechlessly. Feeling the heat started to creep on her face, Li Qin Yao lowered her head like an obedient kitten. She would be embarrassed to death if anyone heard this conversation.


    They were at the airport where there were a lot of people! How can her husband still say those kinds of things at this place?


    Seeing that his wife''s mind was diverted away from worrying about what she was going to deal with once they arrived at Capital City, Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand to mess with her hair and smiled.

 Chapter 256 - Strange Setup

    As soon as their flight arrived in Capital City that afternoon, the Zhang family immediately checked-in into the hotel. As the others went back to their room and rest, Zhang Yu Han was busy running around to meet with some people.


    The first thing he did was to have a short meeting with his ?ssistant, Xiao Ye to give him a few instructions. Then, Zhang Yu Han took his ?ssistant to meet up with Qi Ming Wei to discuss the progress on their plan.


    According to Qi Ming Wei, his team had successfully taken Guo Jun Shan''s family member to a safer place. The family had a brief reunion before Qi Ming Wei took him away again.


    If Guo Jun Shan changed his mind and decided to betray them, Qi Ming Wei and his men will not hesitate to harm his family. Hearing the threat, Guo Jun Shan choose to be obedient.


    Anyway, he was sure that if he chose to side with Li Qin Yao, at least his life will be spared.


    The only reason Zhao Wei has not harmed his family was that she was afraid that he was going to show up with evidence against her dirty deeds. If Zhao Wei was the one who found him instead of Li Qin Yao, Manager Guo was confident that he might never see his family again before he died without a grave.


    Within a week that Qi Ming Wei arrived in Capital City, there was a shift of power in the Capital.


    The group was in a state of chaos after they had created a few troubles here and there. They lost sight of Guo''s family members to deal with some bigger problem and soon a war broke out. Of course, this kind of thing was never reported in any news. Everything that Qi Ming Wei did was discreet.


    Anyway, it was not very hard for the Qi to pull something like this. After all, they have been eyeing the power in Capital City for years.


    It''s just that... they finally find a reason to take control of the power in Capital City.


    ¡­


    When Zhang Yu Han returned to his hotel room, his wife was on the phone as she browsed through the newspaper in her hand. Just a glance at her face, Zhang Yu Han could see that she was looking at the newspaper absentmindedly. Her attention was focused on the phone call.


    Li Qin Yao raised her head when she heard the door swung open. Her lips tilted into a smile when she saw her husband. A few seconds later, Li Qin Yao hung up the phone call and walked over to Zhang Yu Han. She rubbed at his upper arms and tiptoed to kiss his cheek. "It''s been hard on you."


    Zhang Yu Han merely replied to her with a smile as he ruffled his wife''s hair.


    Li Qin Yao did not mind that he was making a mess of her hair. "Is everything alright?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Qi Ming Wei said that everything on his part is all done. Everything shall depend on Guo Jun Shan''s performance tonight."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao was both relieved and anxious. Relieved at knowing that everything was going on smoothly at their part, and anxious at how her grandfather was going to react. "Bei Ruo Xi said that my second aunt has been busy going in and out of the office."


    "She was probably worried now that the people she hired no longer have time to entertain her," Zhang Yu Han said before he proceeded to tell her his conversation with Qi Ming Wei earlier.


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh. When she thought that her second aunt had dared to hire and work along with a group of thugs, she did not know what to think. As her niece, she could not understand how her aunt could be so ruthless to harm her.


    To help her son, Li Mu Bai to win the position as the President?


    Was it worth it? Even without her aunt''s intervention, Li Mu Bai was someone who capable to win that position with his capabilities. Li Qin Yao had to admit that her cousin was a formidable rival. Back then, the two of them would compete to be the best and with that, the QL''s Group made earned a lot.


    When he saw the dazed expression on his wife''s face, Zhang Yu Han lifted his hand and bopped at her nose. "What else are you thinking about?"


    Li Qin Yao forced a smile. "I''m worried about how grandfather was going to react."


    Zhang Yu Han pulled her into his embrace. He kissed her on top of her head and spoke, "It will be alright. These things¡­ the injustice that you had to face for the last two years was something that your grandfather had to know about. It was not a matter that he should be kept in the dark about. And as the Chairman of QL Group, he cannot choose to turn away from this matter."


    "I know."


    Zhang Yu Han finally pulled away after a while. He bent his body to look at his wife on the eye level and smiled. "Get ready. It''s almost time."


    Almost half an hour later, Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han went to a meeting room where Assistant Ye had arranged for their meeting with her grandfather. When they arrived, everyone from Zhang''s family was gathered in front of the entrance as if waiting for them. Seeing that everyone was presented, Li Qin Yao was speechless.


    But, that was not wrong either. After all, they did invite her grandfather alone under the pretense to have dinner.


    After greeting everyone, Li Qin Yao pushed at the door and entered the conference room.


    Her grandfather, Li Ren Xin has arrived a few minutes earlier. At the sight of everyone, Li Ren Xin stood up from his seat and greeted Zhang Jing. Li Qin Yao introduced her parents-in-law and soon, everyone took their seat.


    Dinner was served right away. As if nothing wrong was going on, the group continue to eat merrily.


    However, Li Ren Xin could not help but think that there was something strange about the setup. After all, he was invited to share a meal with Zhang, but it was strange how his wife was not invited. His granddaughter had instructed him to come alone.


    Li Ren Xin sent a few curious glances at his granddaughter, but she did not leak any information to him. In the end, he had no other choice but to go along with the situation.


    Their dinner ended without any mishap. Just as Li Ren Xin that dinner was over, the rest of the Zhang''s family left, leaving him with his granddaughter alone.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Ren Xin asked. He tried to smile even though he was uneasy about the situation. "Yao Yao, why do I feel that you did not invite me to come here merely to have dinner with the Zhang?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at her grandfather''s face for a while before she spoke, "Grandfather, let''s sit down first. There is something that I wanted to talk to you about."


    Li Ren Xin followed as his granddaughter''s instruction and sat down. A few seconds later, the door swung open again and a familiar face walked into the room.


    Guo Jun Shan exchanged a look with Li Qin Yao before he bowed to Li Ren Xin. "Chairman Li. Hello. I''m not sure if you remember me, but let me introduce myself. My name is Guo Jun Shan."


    Li Ren Xin frowned as the man stepped forward and placed a few documents on the table. After putting on his glasses, Li Ren Xin flipped the documents open to study its contents. A few minutes later, his expression changed. He then turned to his granddaughter with a disbelief look on his face.


    Taking that as his cue, Guo Jun Shan started to speak.

 Chapter 257 - Zhao Wei was Arrested

    On the day after tomorrow, there was a huge uproar around QL Group''s headquarters. The shareholders and everyone in the QL group received a notice that Manager Zhao Wei will no longer be a part of the company.


    Of course, once this news broke out, everyone was shocked!


    Most of them had thought that perhaps there was an error with the company''s system, or perhaps, whoever drafted that notice might have accidentally written the wrong name.


    Everyone knew how long Manager Zhao Wei has been working with QL. From the moment she had graduated she had entered QL Group. She had worked with QL for a long time and was among one of the seniors there. But, after years of working with the company, she was suddenly sacked?


    What on earth was happening?


    A few of Zhao Wei''s biggest supporters showed up at the company to get an explanation from Chairman Li Ren Xin, but they were told that the Chairman did not come to the company. Even President Li Mu Bai did not show up at the company.


    The two of them only left their ?ssistants to deal with the shareholders. But, the ?ssistants were not any help. They did not provide any explanation but only told them that the Chairman and the President will be giving their official statement in a few days.


    In the end, the shareholders had no choice but to look for the Chairman at the Li''s residence. However, before they could pass the gates, they were stopped by several guards.


    Just as they thought that they would wait at the gate until Chairman Li was willing to see them, everyone received another shocking news: Manager Zhao Wei was arrested by the police at her residence!


    It was revealed that Zhao Wei was involved in the incident that caused the death of a few construction workers two years ago.


    A man who introduced himself as Guo Jun Shan testified that he was involved in the accident and that everything he did was directed by Zhao Wei.


    Suddenly, everyone started to dig on the old news and found out that the Chairman''s granddaughter, Li Qin Yao was framed for that incident.


    The shareholders were shocked!


    Although they wanted to stay around at the Li''s residence, they had no other choices but to leave as the reporters had started to gather lest they were bombarded with questions they could not answer.


    ¡­


    Two days later, Li Ren Xin had called out everyone to gather back at the residence.


    Even Li Chun and her family flew back from Country to return. Everyone was eager to learn what was going on.


    Inside the living room, Li Mu Chen''s voice could be heard as she pleaded for her grandfather to re-investigate her mother''s matter. But no matter how she had cried and begged, her grandfather remained firm at the seat.


    Li Mu Chen was given her freedom after she was grounded to stay at home for a month. It has been only a week, but what the hell with this sudden news?


    Frustrated that her grandfather was not giving her any response, Li Mu Chen turned to her brother who seemed not bothered that their mother was arrested. "Brother! Shouldn''t you say something?" Her gaze then shifted to her father, but she knew that her father was not going to say a word.


    At the thought that no one would come forward to help her mother, Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth angrily.


    "Father," Li Sheng, the third son of Li Ren Xin finally spoke up after getting tired of hearing Li Mu Chen''s constant screaming. "Since you have gathered everyone here, aren''t you going to say something?"


    "Cousin sister," Li Ming Han cleared his throat once and turned to his father. "Li Qin Yao was not here yet."


    "We will not start until everyone is here," Li Ren Xin announced.


    With that, everyone sat silently as they waited for Li Qin Yao''s arrival. A look of displeased crossed Li Mu Chen''s face at the thought that they have to wait for a long time for her cousin.


    Not more than five minutes later, the doorbell rang. Everyone''s attention was glued to the entrance as Auntie Wu opened the door to let Li Qin Yao into the house.


    As soon as Li Mu Chen saw the person behind Li Qin Yao, her expression changed. "What is he doing here? Li Qin Yao, not only you showed up late and made us wait for you, but you also brought in an outsider with you? Didn''t you hear grandfather''s words? This meeting is only for family members."


    Although the others did not say a word, Li Mu Chen was sure that they were uncomfortable with Zhang Yu Han''s presence at the residence.


    Something big had happened to the Li''s family. Why would anyone invite an outsider to come? Was she trying to air dirty laundry in front of this outsider?


    "What''s wrong with Yu Han''s presence here?" Li Ren Xin spoke. "As Yao Yao husband, he is also a part of the family. There is nothing wrong with his presence here."


    Everyone in the room was surprised to hear Li Ren Xin''s words. They turned their head to both Li Ren Xin and Li Qin Yao back and forth in disbelief.


    Li Ming Han was the first to broke the awkward atmosphere. He walked over to the couple with his wife and smiled. "Cousin sister, I didn''t know that you and cousin-in-law are married! Congratulations."


    "Thank you. We only obtained our marriage certificates not too long ago," Li Qin Yao said as she tightened her grip on Zhang Yu Han''s arms. "When we hold a wedding banquet, we will invite everyone to come."


    "Cousin sister, is it wise to do things discreetly like this?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she looked at Li Ming Han and his wife alternately. "Didn''t I learn this from you? Last time, didn''t you and your wife hid your engagement from everyone else?"


    Li Ming Han scratched at his nose and laughed.


    Seeing the light atmosphere between the two cousins, everyone else stepped forward to congratulate the new couple. Meanwhile, Li Mu Chen stood at her place with her arms crossed on her ?h?st.


    Seeing the scene, Li Mu Chen was seething with anger. Her hands curled into fists as she tried to suppress her feelings.


    "Alright," Li Ren Xin coughed once to grab their attention. "Since everyone is here, then let''s get started. Yao Yao, Yu Han, you two take a seat."

 Chapter 258 - She Had Long Forgiven Him

    Li Mu Chen was still fuming. Her gaze did not leave Li Qin Yao and her husband. She still could not believe that the two of them were married.


    A few uncertainties crossed her mind and suddenly, Li Mu Chen''s gaze on Li Qin Yao turned hostile.


    Her mother was arrested and the matter from two years ago resurfaced. The only person who would benefit from this would be Li Qin Yao. Once Li Mu Chen followed this thought, she was sure that Li Qin Yao had something to do with her mother''s situation.


    As Li Mu Chen began to realize this, her anger intensified.


    "I won''t take your time too long. I will leave once I have said what I wanted to say," Li Ren Xin turned to his wife who has been sitting quietly beside him and took a deep breath. "I''m sure everyone here has heard that Zhao Wei was arrested two days ago. Before I hold a conference to give everyone an official statement, I would like to clarify the matter to everyone first."


    Mu Ling Xi reached for her husband''s hand on his th??h and gave it a light squeeze.


    These past few days, she has been staying by her husband''s side as he made a few difficult decisions for their family. However, no matter how hard the decision her husband has to make, Mu Ling Xi was sure that it was important for the sake of their family.


    "I can confirm that the rumor, the news that the media has reported is true," Li Ren Xin paused. "Zhao Wei indeed has been embezzling QL''s funds for years. Regarding the incident from two years ago, I can verify that it was also accurate."


    Suddenly, everyone turned to the elderly man with a shocked expression on their face. Although they have heard various news from the internet, although everyone had seen the evidence spread by the media, they were still hesitant to believe that the news was accurate.


    They have known Zhao Wei for years. She has been married to Li Jing for years and had two children together. It was hard to believe that she would do something to harm her niece.


    "No! Grandfather, my mother was framed!" Li Mu Chen shouted. "You have to help her to clear her name! You know that my mother would not do anything like that!"


    Hearing her daughter''s piercing voice in the room, Li Jing''s anger suddenly risen. He gave her daughter a piercing gaze and shouted, "Li Mu Chen, you shut up! Your grandfather has not finished talking yet!"


    Li Mu Chen was startled when she heard her father''s angry voice. Her neck shrunk and she chose to sit obediently.


    "I have spent a long time looking at the investigation report and see all the evidence. Although I did not want to believe in the matter, I have to accept that it was the truth. The evidence was concrete. Two years ago, Yao Yao was framed. She had never authorized the materials. It was Zhao Wei who framed her. Regarding why she did that," Li Ren Xin paused. He glanced at his grandson Li Mu Bai and quickly looked away. "I did not wish to explain that matter."


    Li Ren Xin lifted his gaze to look at his granddaughter with a perplexed expression. "Yao Yao, once again, Grandfather would like to apologize to you. Two years ago, I chose to go along with the other''s opinion and did not believe in your words. I hope that you can forgive me."


    Li Qin Yao lifted her gaze and smiled at her grandfather.


    The other day, right after she had presented all evidence, her grandfather had apologized that he did not choose to trust in her words. That night, the two of them had a long chat and Li Qin Yao had told her grandfather that she had long forgiven him.


    Li Ren Xin took another deep breath and suddenly stood up with the help of his wife. "I have finished saying what I wanted to say. Next morning, I will hold a press conference to explain this matter to the public. Regarding Zhao Wei¡­ she might be my daughter-in-law but she will no longer have a place in the company." His expression turned bitter.


    He had always known that Zhao Wei was an ambitious person. It was also because of that that he had admired this daughter-in-law. But he did not expect that her ambition could lead her to do something so ruthless.


    He did not want to do something that would harm QL Group''s reputation.


    Initially, Li Ren Xin did not want to disclose this matter to the public. As the incident would affect the company''s reputation, he had wanted to deal with things discreetly.


    However, Li Ren Xin knew that he has no other choice.


    How can he not understand why the Zhang family was all presented during that dinner.


    They were trying to tell him that they got his granddaughter''s back. If he did not handle things well, the Zhang will not make things easier for him.


    Li Ren Xin let out a loud sigh as he walked upstairs to head to his office. When he heard footsteps coming from behind him, Li Ren Xin paused and turned around.


    "Father," Li Jing stood straight as he faced his father. "I have something to discuss with you."


    Li Ren Xin hesitated, but then nodded before he let Li Jing into his office.


    ...


    Seeing that the matter has ended, Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and told him that she wanted to go back to the hotel.


    At this time, she knew that the others had a lot of questions for her, but Li Qin Yao did not have the mood to talk to anyone. Now that the truth was out, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt very tired. All she wanted to do right now was to curl in her husband''s embrace and sleep.


    Zhang Yu Han quickly agreed to his wife''s request. He helped her up and the two of them excused themselves.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath once she stepped out of the house, feeling that the air inside was very suffocating.


    "How are you feeling?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he hugged her.


    "I''m fine. Relieved that everything is over." Li Qin Yao turned her head to look at her husband. "Zhang Yu Han, let''s go back to the hotel, alright? I''m tired."


    "Alright. I''ll listen to you." Zhang Yu Han nodded.


    As the two of them reached their vehicle, they could hear the door swung open. When they turned around, Li Mu Chen was rushing towards them.


    "Li Qin Yao, you stay there!" Li Mu Chen shouted angrily. "It was all your doing, isn''t it? How can you be so ruthless? My mother is also your aunt!" She raised her hand to slap Li Qin Yao, but before Li Mu Chen''s hand could touch her, Zhang Yu Han had already grabbed her at her wrist to stop her. He looked at her with disgust and threw her hand aside as if discarding some bugs.


    "Miss Li, what are you trying to do?" Zhang Yu Han''s gaze was dangerous.


    Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth as she massaged her painful wrist. She glanced at Zhang Yu Han and suddenly understood something. "Li Qin Yao, are you proud that you have the Zhang''s backing now? Even if you have their backing, you cannot go and bully people!"


    "Miss Li, I think that you have mistaken. My wife does not need to have a backing to deal with someone like you or your mother," Zhang Yu Han said. "Even without me around, I am sure that she can handle things well by herself. However, as her husband, I won''t let others bully my wife."


    Zhang Yu Han took out a wet tissue from his wife''s bag and started to wipe his hands. "I''m warning you, Miss Li. If you dare to approach my wife again, then don''t blame me for being ruthless."

 Chapter 259 - I Just Want to Hug You

    When Li Qin Yao opened her eyes, she was confused as to why her surroundings were very unfamiliar to her. It did not take her a long time to figure out where she was. The white surroundings and the smell of disinfectant around her gave it away.


    Li Qin Yao moved to sit up when a tall silhouette came over and blocked the light above her.


    "You''re awake!"


    Li Qin Yao was startled as she watched Zhang Yu Han''s haggard face staring back at her. He put his hand on her forehead and then, pressed at the bu??on next to the bed.


    "What¡ª" she stopped herself when she heard her hoarse voice. It was then that she realized that her throat felt dry. Li Qin Yao coughed to clear her throat and tried again. "What happened? I was napping in the hotel room¡­ How am I at the hospital?"


    "You caught a high fever last night," Zhang Yu Han said. He turned around to pour her a glass of water and helped her to sit up before he fed her. "You didn''t wake up no matter how many times I tried to call you. We have no other choice but to take you here."


    A deep frown appeared on his face as he recalled the event from yesterday.


    Li Qin Yao had told him that she wanted to take a quick nap after they came back from the Li''s residence. He was supposed to wake her up before they would go for dinner with his family. Imagine his shock when he found how her body was heating up.


    In the end, everyone did not go for dinner and instead showed up at the hospital.


    The doctor checked on her and advised her to be admitted into the hospital so that they will be able to monitor her condition.


    He should have noticed that she was not feeling too well when she told him that she was too tired. He should have noticed that something was amiss when his wife did not say a word when Li Mu Chen came to her.


    Li Qin Yao drank the water obediently and opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly, the door swung open and a man in his lab coat walked in.


    After exchanging brief words with Zhang Yu Han, the doctor then proceeded to check on Li Qin Yao.


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh of relief when the doctor said that she will be able to discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning. The doctor then left after giving Zhang Yu Han a few reminders.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the window and saw that the sky has turned dark outside. "What time is it?"


    There was a brief silence and Li Qin Yao could see the frown on her husband''s face.


    "It was almost midnight,"


    "Oh."


    "Qin Yao, you slept for almost thirty hours."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao sat up abruptly and watched as Zhang Yu Han walked over to her to help her lay down on the bed. Her head hit the soft pillow, but her mouth was still gaped open. She could not believe that she had slept that long.


    No wonder Zhang Yu Han''s face looked so bad.


    Li Qin Yao had a feeling that he has not been sleeping too well once he found out that she had a fever.


    A thought crossed her mind and Li Qin Yao suddenly panicked. They were supposed to catch their flight back to Y City that morning. "Then, we missed the flight back?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. "That''s not something you should be worrying about. Right now, you have to rest properly and get well. The doctor said you caught a fever from too much stress. So, stop worrying too much, alright?"


    "Then, what about everyone else?" Even if Zhang Yu Han said she shouldn''t worry about it, Li Qin Yao felt a bit guilty if her fever would cause a problem for everyone else.


    "They caught the flight back to Y City this morning," Zhang Yu Han answered.


    It was then that he recalled that he should text everyone else that his wife''s fever has gone down and she could leave the hospital the next morning.


    After sending a quick text to his mother, Zhang Yu Han then walked over to his wife and pressed his lips on her forehead. "Are you hungry? I''ll get someone to bring you some porridge," Zhang Yu Han said before she could answer. He grabbed his phone again and put it back on the side table after he pressed the send bu??on.


    "Zhang Yu Han." Li Qin Yao waited for him to turn to look at her and shifted to make some space on the right side of the bed. She patted at the space and said, "Come here." Sensing his hesitation, Li Qin Yao continued. "I just want to hug you, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han took off his shoes and slid into the bed. Once he put his head on the pillow beside her, Li Qin Yao suddenly sat up. He watched her silently as she grabbed his right arms. Before he could ask what she was trying to do, Li Qin Yao laid her head on his arms and snuggled close to him.


    "This is nice," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han answered her with a hum. "You should sleep more if you''re tired. I''ll wake you up when Xiao Ye came to deliver your porridge."


    She lifted her head to meet his gaze. When she saw the black rim under his eyes, Li Qin Yao raised her hand to touch his face. Then, she leaned forward to peck at both his eyes.


    "What are you doing?"


    Li Qin Yao only answered him with a smile.


    That morning, the QL Group had arranged for a press conference to clarify everything about the rumors surrounding them. Because she was unconscious, she had missed everything.


    Although there were a lot of questions she wanted to ask him, Li Qin Yao thought it does not matter at this time. Instead, she buried her face into his ?h?st and stayed in that position silently.


    Soon, she could hear his breathing goes steady and raised her head to look at him again. Seeing that he had fallen asleep, Li Qin Yao raised herself to kiss him on his jaw. Fortunately, he was not awakened.


    Perhaps because Zhang Yu Han was too tired, perhaps because he was breathing in her familiar scent, it did not take him too long to fall asleep.


    However, the peaceful moment was soon broke off.


    Li Qin Yao sat up stealthily and get off the bed when she heard the soft knock on the door. She glanced at her husband and sighed when he did not wake up. She walked over to the door and found Xiao Ye outside.


    "Mrs. Zhang," Xiao Ye''s eyes widened when he saw an unexpected face at the door.


    Li Qin Yao put a finger at her lips and glanced towards the bed. "He sleeping."


    Xiao Ye immediately knew that she was talking about his boss. He raised the bag in his hand and said, "Director Zhang had ordered to bring you some porridge." Once he handed the bag to Li Qin Yao, Xiao Ye lowered his head and said, "Then, I should get going now. Good night, Mrs. Zhang."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the bag before she walked into the room. She placed the bag on the table and paused when she saw Zhang Yu Han''s phone on the side table.


    After a moment of hesitation, Li Qin Yao picked up the phone and started to browse on the news portal to learn of what was happening at the press conference that morning.


    Her eyes widened when she saw the headline.


    Li Mu Bai has announced that he had resigned from his position as the President of QL Group.

 Chapter 260 - Have You Got No Conscience?

    Zhao Wei was finally allowed to be bailout after spending a few days in jail. When she walked out of the police station, both Li Mu Bai and Li Mu Chen were waiting to pick her up.


    When Li Mu Chen saw her mother''s disheveled look, she immediately hugged her mother and cried. Li Mu Bai followed her sister closely and looked at his mother with concern.


    However, Zhao Wei was not concern about her crying daughter. She pulled away from her daughter and held out her hand. "Mu Chen, did you bring my phone? Give it to me."


    Li Mu Chen sniffed before she took out her mother''s phone from her bag. Then, she watched as her mother frantically dialed a number. She pressed the phone to her ears and waited. But it doesn''t seem that the other person on the line was going to pick up her call.


    Zhao Wei repeated the action a few more times before she flung the phone in her hand. The device hit the ground and cracked.


    "Mom, what''s wrong?" Li Mu Chen wiped the streaming tears on her cheek.


    Zhao Wei took a few deep breaths as she tried to calm down. She should have known that those thugs will break off contact once they found out that she was no longer useful to them.


    As she continued to stare at her broken phone, the anger in her eyes gradually dimmed. When she looked up again, Zhao Wei realized then realized that they were still at the police station.


    "Mom, what''s wrong with you?" Li Mu Chen continued to ask.


    "Stop crying," Zhao Wei reprimanded. She grabbed her daughter''s arms and tugged her forward. "Let''s go. I don''t want to stay here for too long."


    "Oh," Li Mu Chen nodded.


    "Wait," Zhao Wei stopped on her tracks and turned to look at her children. "Tell me what has been going on while I was in jail."


    "Mom, let''s talk once we get home," Li Mu Bai spoke. "It is not suitable to talk here. Besides, Dad is still waiting for us at home."


    "Alright," Zhao Wei quickly agreed to her son''s suggestion, and soon, the three of them were sitting in Li Mu Bai''s vehicle as he drove them back home.


    The drive back to their house was filled with nothing but Li Mu Chen''s constant complaints at how their family was treating them.


    Li Mu Bai tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he glanced at his mother through the mirror. His expression changed as various thoughts went through his mind. If anyone looked at his face carefully, they would notice the apparent disappointment in his expression.


    He could not describe the feeling he had towards her mother right now. He was too shocked the first time he heard the rumors and scandal surrounding his mother.


    Although he knew that his mother could be unreasonable sometimes, Li Mu Bai did not believe that the rumors reported was the truth. As her son, how could he not want to take his mother''s side?


    However, the rumors soon proved to be the truth. His grandfather had called him out and talked to him on this matter face-to-face. Even if he did not want to believe it, Li Mu Bai could not look away from the evidence.


    His mother had done a lot of wrongs.


    Li Mu Bai had a lot of words to say and a lot of questions he wanted to ask his mother, but at this time, he could only choose to keep everything to himself.


    Li Mu Bai took a couple of deep breaths before he followed everyone inside. When he stepped in into the house, Li Mu Bai could hear something crashed on the ground followed by his mother''s ear-piercing scream.


    "Li Jing, I''m telling you that I will not agree to this!'' Zhao Wei shouted at her husband.


    Li Mu Bai glanced at the scattered paper on the floor and guessed at what they were. The expression on his face did not change even if he saw the word ''divorce'' written on the paper.


    "Dad," Lu Mu Chen pleaded with her face full of tears. "You and mom have been married for so many years. Why do you want to divorce my mom right now?"


    "You shut up," Li Jing pointed his finger at his daughter. "Go to your room. This is between your mother and me."


    Li Mu Chen opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself as she recalled what her father would do if he was angered. After standing still for a few seconds, Li Mu Chen then turned around and headed upstairs to her room.


    Meanwhile, Li Mu Bai stood still behind the walls as he observed his parents quietly. As their son, Li Mu Bai was worried about what will happen. He decided to stay around and intervene when he needed to.


    "Li Jing, you cannot do this to me," Zhao Wei cried.


    "This is not a discussion. Zhao Wei, you have no say in this matter. I have already filed for divorce. My dad was already informed of this. No matter what you think about it, we will divorce," Li Jing said. "You don''t have to worry too much. Since we have been married for years, I will naturally divide our ?ssets well."


    Zhao Wei took a deep breath and walked over to her husband. "Why?"


    "Do you still need to question that?" Li Jing sneered. "Zhao Wei, Yao Yao is my niece. She is my eldest brother''s only child. How can you be so ruthless to try and harm her? Have you got no conscience? I''m afraid that if I continue to let you do whatever you like, you will bring more harm to my family. Before anything like that could happen, I should divorce you."


    "Li Jing! Don''t you know why I did the things I did?" Zhao Wei tried to reason with her husband. "I was doing everything for our family. I only wanted the best for our children!"


    "Shut up!" Li Jing balled his hands into fists to control his anger before he would land a slap on her face. "Don''t you dare say that you were doing anything for our children. Everything you do, it was for yourself. Zhao Wei, do you think of me as an idiot? Do you think that I did not know of your feelings towards my late elder brother?"


    Zhao Wei stiffened as she heard his words and her eyes started to shift. "I don''t know what you were talking about."


    "Of course you do. I might agree to marry you because my parents like you, but don''t think that I didn''t know that the reason you agreed to marry me was that you wanted revenge. You were mad that my brother chose Yao Yao''s mom instead of you, right?" Li Jing chuckled mockingly when he saw the change of expression on her face. "Who do you think I am? Do you think I wouldn''t able to find out about something like this? What? Now you are unable to say anything?"


    Zhao Wei felt something heavy pressing on her ?h?st as she continued to listen to his words. However, she could not find a word to deny his accusations.


    Seeing that she was unable to come out with another word, Li Jing turned to leave. His steps halted and he turned around. "Before I go, let me remind you. Just don''t go and mess out with Yao Yao again lest you upset both Zhang and Qi''s family. Zhao Wei, it''s fine if you wanted to destroy yourself, but don''t drag us down. Just stay here quietly here until your trial begins."


    Li Jing grimaced at the thought that he might offend the higher-ups if he upset the Qi''s family. They were his superiors! What was Zhao Wei trying to do when she tried to find trouble with them?


    After saying his last words, Li Jing then left.


    Meanwhile, the two siblings who were hiding and eavesdropping at their parents'' conversation had two different expressions on their faces.

 Chapter 261 - QL Group was Facing a Crisis

    There was a long deafening silence after Li Jing left the house. Zhao Wei looked around the mansion that he had lived in with her husband for years with a hollow look in her eyes.


    She could not understand what has gone wrong. Everything seemed just fine a few days ago. How did everything change? How did she suddenly lose everything?


    However, Li Jing was wrong about one thing. She did not do everything due to revenge. Zhao Wei only wanted to prove that Li Xuan was making the wrong mistake by choosing Xu Yilan instead of her.


    She had thought that she had proven that she was right when Li Xuan and Xu Yilan divorced. She was going to forget everything and focus her life on her family with Li Jing. She had thought that since Li Jing and Xu Yilan''s son had died in the accident, the family was going to choose her son, Li Mu Bai as the next heir.


    But years after years, it doesn''t seem like Li Ren Xin was going to do that.


    After her son had grown up, Li Ren Xin announced that the best among the cousins will inherit the QL Group. It was then that Zhao Wei had planned to do everything to help her son.


    He was the eldest male of Li''s family. Why does he have to compete with others? It was his right!


    Zhao Wei finally snapped out of her trance when she saw a pair of slippers in front of her. She lifted her head and was surprised upon seeing her son, Li Mu Bai stood in front of her.


    Suddenly, Zhao Wei was frightened that her son had heard everything that she and Li Jing had argued about. She scrambled to get off the floor and held her son''s hands. "Mu Bai, why are you here?"


    It was then that Li Mu Bai realized that from the moment he had picked her up from the station, this was the first time that her mother was really looking at him.


    "Mom, are you alright?" Li Mu Bai asked.


    "I''m fine." Zhao Wei quickly forced a smile.


    "It''s good that you''re fine," Li Mu Bai carefully pulled his hands away from her mother''s grip. "I have talked to our lawyers. Mom, if you plead guilty, there might be a chance that you might reduce your sentences."


    The smile froze on Zhao Wei''s face when she suddenly recalled that she will have to be tried for various cases in court. Zhao Wei began to panic. "Mu Bai, you have to help me. You cannot allow them to put me behind bars."


    "Mom, I cannot help you with those."


    "Why not?" Zhao Wei was getting anxious. "You are the President of QL Group. Surely you must know a few people. Talk to them. Give them whatever they want. How hard can it be?"


    Li Mu Bai stared at her mother for a long time before he broke the news. "Mom, I have resigned. From now on, I am no longer the President of QL Group."


    "What?" Zhao Wei took a step back. Her eyes widened as she stared at her son in disbelief. When she finally arranged her thoughts seconds later, Zhao Wei leaped forward and banged her fist on Li Mu Bai''s ?h?st. "Why did you quit? Li Mu Bai, you worked hard to get that position! Why did you quit?"


    Li Mu Bai stood still as he let his mother continue to hit him on his ?h?st for as long as she wanted. It was not as painful as what he had overheard earlier.


    His mother''s conversation with his father continued to play on his mind as if it was on a loop. It doesn''t look like he will be able to forget what he had heard.


    ¡­


    A lot of things ha happened to QL Group these few days.


    Because of Zhao Wei''s scandal, their share dropped and QL Group had suffered terribly. When the others heard the news that Li Mu Bai had resigned, the share went further down. QL Group was facing a crisis.


    Although Li Ren Xin wanted to ask his granddaughter and Zhang''s family to help him with the matter, Li Ren Xin was too embarrassed.


    During their next meeting, the shareholders were going to discuss their next move to deal with their problem. They needed to do something to protect the QL Group. If the company went bankrupt, hundreds of their employee might lose their source of income.


    Li Qin Yao knew nothing about any of it until Zhang Yu Han returned her phone back to her.


    When Li Qin Yao switched on her phone again that morning, she was shocked upon seeing hundreds of missed calls and messages. She then spent her time to go through each message and replied to her friends by telling them that she was alright.


    If it was up to Zhang Yu Han, he would want to confiscate her phone and let her rest, however, Li Qin Yao had convinced him that she will only pick up and replied to her close friends. Thus, Zhang Yu Han had reluctantly agreed to let her keep her phone with her.


    It was then that she received a phone call from Li Ming Han who then told her that she has to stay in Capital City to attend the shareholder''s meeting.


    According to Li Ming Han, the shareholders were going to vote and choose someone new to replace Li Mu Bai''s position.


    After thinking and discussing the matter with her husband, the two of them decided to stay for a few days.


    As the couple entered their suite, Li Qin Yao immediately stood on tiptoed and linked her arms around Zhang Yu Han''s neck. Seeing the way his wife was acting, Zhang Yu Han raised a brow.


    "Zhang Yu Han. Is it alright for you to stay here with me?" Li Qin Yao asked as she met her husband''s gaze.


    "Why wouldn''t it be alright? This is also a hotel that belonged to Zhang''s group. I can always work from here. It wouldn''t make much difference. Stop thinking too much," Zhang Yu Han said. He sneaked his arms around her waist to pull her closer and pressed her lips to her forehead. "Don''t forget what you have promised me. Didn''t you say you will continue to rest once we returned to our room?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with a pout.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her expression. "Making that cute face isn''t going to change my mind. Come on. Go and get rest."


    Li Qin Yao let out a sigh in resignation before she released her arms and took a step back from him.


    Just as she was about to get into the bed and continue to rest, her phone suddenly rang. Li Qin Yao turned to her husband with an innocent look on her face before she looked at the caller ID. She lifted her phone and showed the screen to her husband. "I have to take this call. It''s Fan Yun Xi."

 Chapter 262 - It was Only Some Money

    Li Qin Yao glided her fingers on the screen and pressed her phone to her ears. Before she could say a word of greetings, her friend, Fan Yun Xi had already moved into a tirade and did not give Li Qin Yao a chance to say anything. She then raised her head and looked at her husband helplessly.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han mouthed as he walked over to his wife.


    Seeing that Zhang Yu Han was there and she could not deal with this one friend, Li Qin Yao then passed her phone to her husband.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the caller ID and noticed that the phone call was still connected. He raised his phone to his ears and spoke in his deep voice, "Hello?"


    Fan Yun Xi stopped abruptly. She looked at the screen and frowned when she saw that the phone call was still connected with Li Qin Yao. "Isn''t this is Qin Yao''s phone?"


    "It is," Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife and wonder what mischief was she up to.


    "Then¡­ Who are you?" A flash of memory came to her mind and Fan Yun Xi shouted, "Ah! Director Zhang?"


    How can she forget Zhang Yu Han''s voice? After all, that man had the kind of voice that her friend really liked. His voice was almost similar to that lead singer from the TIME band.


    "Yes. It is me."


    "I momentarily forgot that both of you are married," Fan Yun Xi laughed nervously at the other line. At the thought that the man had heard how she had nagged on and on to Zhang Yu Han, Fan Yun Xi was suddenly embarrassed. "Where''s Qin Yao? I need to talk to her."


    "Hold on." He passed the phone back to his wife and watched as she smiled sheepishly at him. Shaking his head helplessly, Zhang Yu Han then turned around to attend to a few matters.


    "Li Qin Yao! Do you know how embarrassed I was when I realized that I was nagging to your Director Zhang?" Fan Yun Xi covered her face with one hand. "Why do you let your husband pick up your phone?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Actually, it was me who picked up the call, but since you won''t stop nagging, I then passed my phone to my husband. Hmph! Who told you not to give me a chance to speak at all?"


    "Don''t you think you deserved that? So many things happened to you, but you did not say a word to me," Fan Yun Xi said. "Do you know how worried I was when I saw the news about you all over the internet?"


    "I''m sorry."


    Hearing that simple word, Fan Yun Xi immediately paused and her heart grew soft. "Yao Yao, how are you?"


    The two of them have been friends from college and because her fiance was someone from the same business industry as her friend, Fan Yun Xi naturally knew about the things that happened to Li Qin Yao two years ago.


    Now that she had found out that the truth had come to light, of course, Fan Yun Xi was relieved but worried about her friend at the same time. After all, the culprit was none other than her second aunt.


    "I''m fine. It''ll be fine," Li Qin Yao said. "I know that Senior Mo''s company had invested a lot in the QL project in B City. Yun Xi, you tell him not to worry. We''ll figure out something and I''ll make sure that he won''t be losing his investment."


    "Don''t mention that," Fan Yun Xi sighed. "Cheng Yi won''t mind. It was only some money."


    Li Qin Yao felt her lips twitched at her friend''s words. However, she was still touched at her friend''s concern and grateful when Fan Yun Xi told her that MH Group will not pull out their investment even after the scandal from two years ago was exposed.


    From her friend, Li Qin Yao then learned that MH Group was willing to offer her any help or ?ssistance if she ever needed any.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt her eyes and nose started to sour. It felt very good to have such good friends as Fan Yun Xi and Mo''s brothers.


    "Previously, you have helped Cheng Yi and his family when their company was facing a crisis. This time, it was our turn to come and support you," Fan Yun Xi said. "Right. Speaking of Cheng Yi¡­ Yao Yao, it has been decided. Cheng Yi and I will hold a wedding banquet next month. You have to come. If you come, I promise that I will invite that lead singer from TIME to perform sing a song or something."


    Li Qin Yao decided to ignore the latter part of her speech. "The wedding banquet is next month? Why is it so sudden? I thought the two of you were going to wait much longer."


    Fan Yun Xi giggled on the other line before she spoke in a very low voice, "Of course¡­ Yao Yao, I''m pregnant."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao''s mouth gaped open at the sudden news. Back then, when she had announced that she had registered her marriage to Zhang Yu Han, Fan Yun Xi was among others who had thought that it was a shotgun marriage.


    Who was the one who had a shotgun marriage now?


    The two friends chatted for a long time about this and that. When Li Qin Yao finally ended the phone call, her husband was looking at her from the office desk with a displeased look on his face.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao realized that she had promised to Zhang Yu Han that she would rest. Instead, she spent more than an hour chatting with her friend.


    Li Qin Yao immediately looked at her husband with a puppy dog eyes and hope that she won''t be scolded later on.


    Seeing the look on her face, how can he not understand what was on her mind?


    With a helpless sigh, he rose from his seat and walked over the small dining table. He opened the container''s lid and the delicious aroma from wafted in the room.


    "Come here," he waved his hand to his wife and pointed towards the chair. "It''s lunchtime. You still need to eat. Later, don''t forget to eat your medicine."


    Li Qin Yao began to eat obediently and once she had her stomach full, Li Qin Yao watched as he went up to grab her bag of medicine.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?" He poured a glass of water for her and looked up. "What''s wrong?"


    "Since we will be staying in Capital City for a few more days, can you accompany me to go to a place?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded readily. "Where do you want to go?"


    She watched him for a few seconds longer and spoke, "To see my father."

 Chapter 263 - Truly a Softie

    When Li Qin Yao woke up late that morning, Zhang Yu Han has long left the hotel room with his ?ssistant for some work matters. Seeing that it was almost lunch hours and her husband won''t be able to return to eat with her, Li Qin Yao decided to find her friend, Han Yue Xiu in her new office and have their lunch together.


    When she arrived in the lobby, the security guard passed her a pass and Li Qin Yao rode the elevator to find her friend. Once she reached her floor, a bespectacled man led her to Han Yue Xiu''s office and Li Qin Yao knocked on the door a few times.


    The moment Li Qin Yao pushed the door open, Han Yue Xiu jumped off from her seat and leaped forward to hug her.


    "You''re here!"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her enthusiasm before she looked around Han Yue Xiu''s room. On her desk, there were a few computer screens and Li Qin Yao was sure that she did not know what are some of the machines around there. Looking at those machines, Li Qin Yao was sure that they are a bunch of expensive equipment.


    "Your office looks much spacious than mine," Li Qin Yao suddenly said with a sigh.


    Han Yue Xiu laughed as she grabbed her purse. "Come on. Let''s go for lunch. Since I just got my first payment last week, it will be my treat this time." She put her arms around Li Qin Yao''s shoulder and continued, "Tell me what you want to eat."


    The two of them headed to the exit and paused when they ran into a tall woman in sunglasses.


    Li Qin Yao raised her brows when she noticed the way that woman was giving both of them a look over. Soon, the woman sneered at Li Qin Yao before she turned to Han Yue Xiu.


    "Miss Han," the woman smiled.


    "Miss Fang, if you''re looking for Song Yi, just walk straight and you will see his office on your left side," Han Yue Xiu said. "I''m sorry. I don''t have any plans to stay around with you and play. Excuse me."


    The smile on Fang Meng Ran''s face stiffened. Though she wanted to say something to Han Yue Xiu, she found that she was unable to say a word. Anyway, this was not the first time that Han Yue Xiu had acted coldly towards her.


    Each time the two of them had an encounter, Han Yue Xiu made it no secret that she did not want to waste her time with Fang Meng Ran, giving her no chance to say something that might annoy her.


    "Who was that?" Li Qin Yao asked when the two of them entered the elevator.


    "Who else? That was Fang Meng Ran," Han Yue Xiu said. "She was Song Yi''s rumored fiancee. After he told his parents that he did not want anything to do with her, that woman has been coming over the office to harass me."


    Li Qin Yao chose not to ask further on the matter as she knew how much Han Yue Xiu did not like talking about her and Song Yi''s personal matter.


    Right now, Han Yue Xiu''s relationship with Song Yi was nothing more than a business partner. According to Han Yue Xiu, these days, Song Yi had stopped trying to force her into a relationship with him.


    The two friends entered a restaurant and soon had their lunch together as they chatted.


    Just like everyone else, Han Yue Xiu was upset at the beginning upon finding out that her best friend was in trouble and she could not do anything to help her.


    But at the thought that Li Qin Yao now had a very reliable husband on her side to protect her, Han Yue Xiu was relieved. Back then, others would always take advantage of Li Qin Yao and she was often bullied because she had a soft heart.


    "Didn''t you see the computers that Song Yi had ?ssembled for me?" Han Yue Xiu said after she heard about how her cousin, Li Mu Chen had acted. "I''m telling you that the next time you want me to hack into Li Mu Chen''s account and cause trouble for her, you have to let me now. I''ll make sure that she can never show herself in the public again."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Isn''t that illegal?"


    Han Yue Xiu waved her hands. "It''s only illegal when you get caught. Anyway, what can someone like Li Mu Chen do to me?"


    "Alright. I''ll listen to you," Li Qin Yao said. "But, I don''t think that she can do anything to me anymore. Her mother was about to be sent into prison after the trial ended. With her mother no longer by her side, I don''t think that Li Mu Chen can do anything."


    "Are you saying that Li Mu Chen is stupid?" Han Yue Xiu whispered.


    A chuckle escaped her. "I''m saying that her mother was mostly the mastermind. Without her mother around, how can she think of anything so complicated?"


    Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. How was that different from calling Li Mu Chen an idiot?


    Previously, Han Yue Xiu had run into Li Mu Chen when she was together with Li Qin Yao. Han Yue Xiu did not have a good impression towards Li Qin Yao''s cousin and this feeling intensified upon learning what Li Mu Chen had done to Yao Yao in the past. At the thought that she can do something to help her friend to get her revenge, Han Yue Xiu was excited.


    However, Li Qin Yao did not want her to do anything to hurt her cousin.


    Truly a softie.


    "Han Yue Xiu, since you''re pretty much your own boss, then you can take a half-day leave and come with me to shop around, right?"


    "Mhmm¡­ I can accompany you," Han Yue Xiu nodded. "What are you going to buy?"


    "I just realized this," Li Qin Yao paused with an awkward smile on her face. "Zhang Yu Han''s birthday is next week."


    Han Yue Xiu raised a brow. "How can you not remember your husband''s birthday?"


    "I was too busy with work and the matter regarding my second aunt that I did not realize his birthday is coming soon," Li Qin Yao said. "Since I am very free today, I thought it would be good to go out and shop around or maybe find some idea on what I should get him." Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. "We have been married for a while but actually, I don''t really know what Zhang Yu Han likes."


    Han Yue Xiu''s lips curled into a smile when she heard her confession. "You don''t have to think too much. I know what your husband likes the most."


    Li Qin Yao watched her friend dubiously. "You know what my husband likes?"


    "Uh," Han Yue Xiu nodded. Seeing the clueless expression on Li Qin Yao''s face, Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes again. "It''s you. The thing that he likes the most is you!"

 Chapter 264 - How Embarrassing!

    Fortunately, Li Qin Yao had thought to wrap up everything she had bought and had it posted to her office in B City. When she returned to the suite, Zhang Yu Han had returned to the hotel and was waiting for her in the room.


    Seeing her husband sitting behind the work desk, Li Qin Yao walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulder from behind and kissed his cheek.


    "Did you have fun going out with Han Yue Xiu?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He turned her around and pulled her on his ??ps.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We spent hours chatting and eating. How about you? Did you finished your work?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nuzzled his nose on her soft hair and spoke, "I met up with a few people and heard their thought on your second aunt''s case. It seemed that there is a chance that she might plead guilty to get her sentenced reduced."


    Li Qin Yao subconsciously tightened her grip around Zhang Yu Han''s clothes.


    Hearing anything about her second aunt was upsetting mostly because she did know how she should feel about it. In one part, she was relieved that others will stop pointing fingers at her and blamed her because of the incident. In another part, Zhao Wei was still her aunt.


    Zhao Wei was going to pay for her crimes.


    And¡­ she had heard that her second uncle intended to divorce Zhao Wei,


    Li Qin Yao still could not think of other reasons as to why her aunt would do something as terrible as that. Just to help Li Mu Bai to win the President''s position? Li Qin Yao found that it was hard to believe.


    Sensing that his wife''s mood was deteriorating, Zhang Yu Han frowned. He wrapped his arms around her small figure and rested his chin on top of her hair.


    "Do you feel like going out tonight?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "Lu Xun is in Capital City this few days. Accompany me to see him tonight?"


    Li Qin Yao pulled away when she recalled that bespectacled man. Back then, when she was still searching for investors for her project in B City, Zhang Yu Han had introduced her to this wealthy friend.


    Until this time, Li Qin Yao still could not believe that Lu Xun had readily agreed to invest his money in her project during their first meeting. The amount that he had invested¡­ was unbelievable.


    At the thought that Lu Xun had helped her before, Li Qin Yao quickly nodded and agreed to accompany her husband to meet this friend.


    Anyway, Li Qin Yao thought that as the two friends will be meeting in a club, her husband might be unable to drive back later.


    While on their way to the meeting place, Zhang Yu Han told her a little bit about his friendship with Lu Xun.


    It seemed that the reason he had come to Capital City this time was that he was looking forward to investing in some entertainment company.


    Once they arrived at the destination, Zhang Yu Han parked in front of an elite club and soon, the couple walked into the building holding hands.


    An employee greeted them at the door and ushered them in after Zhang Yu Han gave his name. Li Qin Yao could not help but noticed the way her husband had pulled her closer to him as they walked along the corridor.


    The staff led them into the second floor and stopped in front of the door of a private room. When they walked into the room, Lu Xun was already waiting for them. He stood up and the two friends exchanged a greeting.


    "We met again," Lu Xun said when he turned to Li Qin Yao. "The last time we met, Yu Han had introduced you to me to let me invest in your project. This time, you have already become Mrs. Zhang. Right. I haven''t congratulated you two for your marriage."


    Li Qin Yao exchanged a glance with her husband before she thanked Lu Xun. "Mr. Lu, the last time you have invested a lot of money into the project in B City. Now that QL Group was in crisis, I can only reassure you that we will do our best not to implicate the project in B City much."


    "You don''t have to worry about it. It was Yu Han who had introduced me to you and I trust his foresight the most." Lu Xun straightened his body and smiled. "We''re here to celebrate your marriage to Yu Han. Let''s not talk anything about business."


    Sitting down on the leather sofa, Lu Xun then called the staff and ordered some food and drinks. Just as the waiter was about to leave with the order, Zhang Yu Han had to stop the waiter to order a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for his wife.


    Sensing the gaze that Lu Xun was giving him, Zhang Yu Han quickly explained, "My wife did not like to drink. Besides, later on, she still needed to drive. Lu Xin, just let me accompany you today."


    The two friends chatted for a long time and Li Qin Yao would peek at her husband when he drank.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was reminded of the drunk Zhang Yu Han and wondered if he was going to turn adorable and cute as he did the last time.


    Sadly, this time, Zhang Yu Han did not drink as much as he did last time. Seeing the way her husband was still sober as their meeting ended, Li Qin Yao could not help but feel a bit disappointed.


    As it was getting late, Lu Xun stood up from his seat and exchanged a few more words with Zhang Yu Han before taking his leave.


    "Are you alright?" Li Qin Yao asked her husband.


    "Still alright," Zhang Yu Han nodded.


    A giggle escaped her and Li Qin Yao stood up. "Come on. Let''s go back to the hotel. You promised that you will accompany me to visit my dad tomorrow, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh as he let his wife pull himself. However, just before Li Qin Yao was able to pull himself up, a mischievous thought crossed his mind and Zhang Yu Han stayed still.


    With himself sitting on the sofa and his wife was tilting down her head to look at him, Zhang Yu Han then pulled that adorable face that screamed for her to kiss him.


    Perhaps it was because of the excitement to kiss him in a place like a club... Li Qin Yao soon found herself deepening her kiss. Her hands were both on his cheek before it moved to behind his neck and his hair. Her breath grew heavy as she started to feel his hand ??r?ssing her waist.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao could hear the door swung open behind her and paused in shock.


    "Hey, I forgot¡ªwhoa! Sorry!"


    Li Qin Yao pulled away when she realized what had happened.


    That voice just now, was that not Lu Xun?


    She stared at Zhang Yu Han in horror before she realized the position she was in. She had climbed up the sofa with both knees beside Zhang Yu Han''s th??h. This position¡­ doesn''t this seem as if she was straddling her husband?


    "Sorry," Lu Xun''s voice returned from behind her. "I''m just here to get my keys."


    Zhang Yu Han exhaled deeply and spoke. "Go ahead."


    Lu Qin Yao buried her face in Zhang Yu Han''s ?h?st when she heard Lu Xun''s footsteps coming into the room.


    "Well, I''ll leave now. You guys should just¡­ continue." Lu Xun coughed dryly. His footsteps left the room and Li Qin Yao heard the door closed behind her.


    Knowing that Lu Xun had seen that scene, Li Qin Yao felt as if she was about to burst into tears. How embarrassing!

 Chapter 265 - Yao Yao, I’m Sorry

    After the couple had their breakfast, Zhang Yu Han drove around to accompany his wife to visit her father''s resting place. While they were on their way to the cemetery, Li Qin Yao told her husband the story about her father and brother.


    It was the first time Zhang Yu Han had heard his wife talk so much about her father. As he glanced at her expression as she was reminiscing her moments with her father, Zhang Yu Han could see how much she was missing her late father. It made him wonder why she had not talked about her father that much previously.


    Though her parents had lived separately, from the way she talked about her childhood, Zhang Yu Han was sure that she had a happy one.


    However, no matter how she had learned to accept that her parents were no longer together, Zhang Yu Han knew that it was still something that was painful for her.


    As the two of them arrived at their destination, Zhang Yu Han helped her to get off the vehicle before he pulled her into a tight hug.


    For a while, Li Qin Yao at his sudden action. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his ?h?st. "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing," Zhang Yu Han kissed at the top of her head and released her. "I just thought that you needed a hug."


    Li Qin Yao let out a giggle. Then, Zhang Yu Han picked up the bouquets in the car before he followed his wife to visit the grave. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao stopped on her tracks.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and raised a brow.


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips tightly as she watched her cousin, Li Mu Bai, stood a few meters in front of her. His hair was messy from the wind, his eyes were fixed on her father''s tomb, and his lips muttered something she couldn''t hear.


    "Let''s wait here for a while," Li Qin Yao suggested.


    Zhang Yu Han followed her gaze and frowned when he saw Li Mu Bai from a distance away.


    Subconsciously, he reached for her hands and held it tight. Although Zhang Yu Han had heard that Li Mu Bai was not involved in any way to hurt his wife, he was still worried. He did not want to let his guard down and give a chance for anyone to harm his wife again.


    Because of Li Qin Yao, Li Mu Bai''s mother was now facing murder charges. Zhang Yu Han was afraid that Li Mu Bai was someone who would seek revenge. Zhao Wei was his mother. Which son would not choose to side with his mother?


    After a whole five minutes have passed, Li Mu Bai turned around and was startled upon meeting Li Qin Yao''s gaze. He lowered his head and hesitated for a while before he finally decided to walk towards the couple.


    "You''re here as well," Li Mu Bai greeted. He glanced at Zhang Yu Han and nodded as his way of greeting him.


    "Yes," Li Qin Yao smiled. She looked at him carefully and noticed how Li Mu Bai has grown thinner in these past few days. His face haggard and it looked like he hasn''t been shaving for days. "Li Mu Bai, are you alright?"


    Li Mu Bai answered her with a faint smile. He looked at the couple in front of him alternately and said, "The last time we saw each other, I did not have the chance to congratulate you both for your marriage. Congratulations. I wish for you both to have a happy marriage."


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao''s gaze softened.


    "Yao Yao actually, I," Li Mu Bai paused to swallow. "I owe you an apology. On half of my mom, I wanted to apologize for what she had done. I know that what she did has caused you a lot of harm. I couldn''t imagine what you might have felt. I¡ª"


    His words were left unfinished. Li Mu Bai thought that he had a lot of things he needed to apologize, but at this moment, he could not find the right words to say.


    From the moment the news broke up and Li Mu Bai had learned of what his mother had done, Li Mu Bai had always wanted to meet with Li Qin Yao and apologize.


    However, he was too embarrassed.


    For the past few days, the two of them had a few encounters. Li Mu Bai had wanted to walk up to her to say the words but found that he was unable to.


    He did not have the courage to apologize. Li Mu Bai was afraid that this cousin of his was going to blame him.


    Back then, he was among the people who had suspected that Li Qin Yao indeed did something as terrible as allowing the use of cheap materials.


    On the day that Li Qin Yao was supposed to present the evidence of her innocence in front of the shareholders, Li Mu Bai could still remember the way she had looked at him accusingly.


    Was that why she would sometimes hint for him not to look into the matters anymore?


    Through his investigation after Li Qin Yao had left the company, Li Mu Bai found out a few things that did not add up. It was then that Li Ming Han had come to him and said something that made him realized that pulling a cheap trick and harming a person''s life was something that Li Qin Yao would not do.


    Li Mu Bai lifted his head and noticed the way Zhang Yu Han was looking at him. That piercing gaze was threatening him not to think of pulling anything that will harm Li Qin Yao.


    "Don''t misunderstand," Li Mu Bai continued. "I am not saying these things so that you will forgive my mother or suggesting you to drop the case. My mother did something wrong and it was only right for her to be punished."


    His father was a soldier. With his teaching, Li Mu Bai still knew how to differentiate what was right and what was wrong.


    His mother said she was doing everything to help him win that position. Since he was the cause of his mother''s wrongdoing, of course, it was only right for him to receive his part of the punishment.


    "Yao Yao," Li Mu Bai took a deep breath and continued, "I''m sorry."

 Chapter 266 - Are You Interested in that Position?

    During their stay in Capital City, Li Qin Yao spent most of her time accompanying her husband. He took her to a tour on the Capital City''s branch and soon, everyone among the staff in the hotel knew of her identity as their Director''s wife.


    Once this information was well known, Li Qin Yao began to notice that some of the employees, or rather, female employees would cast a strange look at her. It was not hard for Li Qin Yao to decipher what does their gaze meant, but she chose not to pay attention to them.


    Zhang Yu Han was a very handsome and attractive man despite the serious look on his face. It was not strange if he acquired a few admirers, but this man was already married to her.


    Of course, when Zhang Yu Han was busy looking at some important documents, Li Qin Yao had chatted with Assistant Ye a few times and learned a few gossips regarding her husband.


    No matter how many others tried to catch his attention, Zhang Yu Han had never spared a glance at his admirers even before she had dated him.


    It was not the first time for Li Qin Yao to hear how she has been the first woman that Zhang Yu Han had shown his interest in. His family and friends had once told her the same thing.


    At the thought that she was the only woman who could grab his attention, Li Qin Yao was excited. What woman would not be happy when they heard that news?


    To tell him how happy she was with his performance, Li Qin Yao decided to show her feelings through action instead of words.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han had recently noticed the way his wife''s domineering and possessive manner whenever they were together.


    Although he did not know what was going on with her recent change, Zhang Yu Han could not deny that he was enjoying whatever was going on.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife as she pulled away from their kisses and rested her forehead against his. His hands were rubbing her arms up and down against her torso.


    He wondered what was on her mind when she had come to his side and tried to seduce him when he was supposed to review some documents that his ?ssistant had sent to him earlier.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao moved to rest her forehead on his shoulder. Seconds later, Zhang Yu Han winced when he felt a jolt of pain around his shoulder.


    A smile of satisfaction curled on her lips when as she stared at the reddened patch on his skin. Then, Li Qin Yao patted at the area before she adjusted his shirt and she got off his ??ps.


    Zhang Yu Han quickly grabbed her wrist when she attempted to leave. "Wife, are you trying to escape after igniting fire?"


    The smile on her face turned mischievous. "Hubby, you still have to look at the documents." She pointed to the papers on his desk and tilted her head sideways. "Besides, I need to go now. I promised Li Ming Han that I will meet him in the coffee house."


    On cue, Li Qin Yao''s phone on the table started to ring. She picked up the device and showed the caller ID to her husband. "You see?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s eyes turned dark as he started to curse Li Ming Han for his timing. However, he shouldn''t be blaming Li Ming Han. The real culprit here was his wife!


    After sending Li Ming Han a quick reply, she leaned forward to kiss Zhang Yu Han on his forehead and quickly shifted away before he could grab her hand again. "Hubby, I''ll come back as soon as the meeting is over, alright?"


    ¡­


    When Li Qin Yao arrived at the coffee house, her cousin, Li Ming Han has already waiting for her. Once she spotted him sitting beside the french window, Li Qin Yao sauntered towards him and sat down at the empty seat across of him.


    A waiter immediately approached their table and Li Qin Yao ordered a cup of hot latte for herself.


    "Why do you want to see me?" Li Qin Yao spoke as the waiter had walked away.


    "Cousin sister, do I need a reason to come and see you?" A playful smile curled on his lips.


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes at his words. "You don''t have to sweet-talk me. My husband had already asked the kitchen to prepare a box of pastries when he heard that you will be coming here today."


    Li Ming Han''s expression brightened as he heard the news. He had the intention to eat Chef Qin''s pastries since he was coming to the hotel, but now that he heard that Zhang Yu Han had prepared a box for him, Li Ming Han could not be happier.


    "My cousin-in-law is the best!"


    "Anyway," Li Ming Han cleared his throat. "Cousin Sister, I''m here to discuss with you about the shareholder''s meeting tomorrow. You¡­ you are going to show up, right?"


    "Of course."


    "Then, Cousin Sister, you do remember that I have told you that they are going to choose someone new as the President, right?" Li Ming Han said. "I have a question I wanted to ask¡­ Cousin Sister, are you interested in that position?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled before she answered, "No. I might be interested in that position in the past, but I have long let that go when I left QL Group two years ago. I don''t plan to return. I''m just happy to manage the branch in B City."


    Li Ming Han observed her expression and spoke again. "You won''t reconsider this decision?"


    "I won''t," She stirred took a sip at her latte and continued. "I am already married. If I choose to accept the position, I will have to move back to Capital City. I don''t wish to live away from my husband and get myself into a long-distance relationship."


    Li Ming Han laughed at her explanation.


    "But, if you''re interested in that position, I can do something to help you."


    His laugh died instantly. "Please don''t joke around. You know that I am mostly too lazy to deal with such a workload. Why do you think I didn''t give my all when we were still competing years ago?"


    Li Qin Yao watched him curiously. "Then, why do you come here to see me?"


    A faint smile curled on his lips. "Cousin Sister, I wonder if you have time to listen to my thoughts?"

 Chapter 267 - Vote Counts

    Li Qin Yao arrived at the QL Group headquarters with her husband. Once she stepped into the building, the shareholders who were attending that meeting surrounded her the moment she stepped in.


    Now that the truth was revealed, everyone wanted to apologize and wanted to get on her good side. It was expected that there was going to be a shift of power in the company.


    If Li Qin Yao ended up as the President of QL Group, then wouldn''t they have to curry their favor with her?


    What if she makes things difficult for them one day? Previously, after Li Qin Yao had resigned from QL Group, didn''t they bullied and make things for her as well? What if she sought revenge?


    As fear crept into them, the shareholders hurriedly went to Li Qin Yao''s side to please her. However, before they say their honey-coated words, someone had given them a threatening gaze, forcing the shareholders to step aside and make way for the couple to pass.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and tightened her grip on his upper arms as the two of them walked into the elevator. Because Zhang Yu Han''s previous threat, none of the shareholders dared to enter the elevator with the couple.


    "Was that necessary?" Li Qin Yao asked as the door closed.


    Zhang Yu Han lowered his head and a playful smile curved on his lips. "I thought you were too tired after last night. Do you still have the energy to deal with unnecessary people?"


    Her cheek blushed as she recalled how Zhang Yu Han had his revenge last night. For a moment, she had promised herself that she will never try to tease her husband again. However, Li Qin Yao knew very well that it was nothing but an empty promise.


    The elevator dinged when it arrived at their floor. When the couple walked out, Li Ming Han has already waiting for them outside.


    "Cousin Sister, Cousin-in-law, you guys are here," Li Ming Han greeted. He looked at Zhang Yu Han with his bright eyes and said, "I haven''t thanked you for that box of pastries. Thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han replied to him with a nod. Meanwhile, he was silently ?ssessing everyone around them.


    According to his investigation, Zhao Wei was someone who had a few loyal followers. Of course, Zhang Yu Han was afraid that someone might come forward to harm his wife. That was the reason why he wanted to come along with Li Qin Yao even though he knew that he will not be allowed to enter the shareholder meeting later.


    "How was your plan?" Li Qin Yao asked her cousin.


    "You don''t have to worry," Li Ming Han smiled. "I have talked to Grandfather. Although he had a few doubts regarding this plan, he did not reject it either. In the end, it will be up to both of us to convince others. I have talked to a few shareholders, and they have given their word that they will support this move."


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Just then, the elevator behind them opened again. As the trio turned around, both Li Mu Bai and his sister stepped out of the elevator followed by their mother''s supporters.


    Li Mu Bai nodded to greet them, while Li Mu Chen threw a dirty look at Li Qin Yao


    Once Zhang Yu Han the look on Li Mu Chen''s face, he immediately shifted, blocking Li Mu Chen''s view on his wife.


    Li Mu Chen could only grit her teeth in anger. She had wanted to throw a few insults at Li Qin Yao, but it wouldn''t be effective without looking at her cousin''s face.


    Moreover, just as Zhang Yu Han moved to block her view, Li Mu Chen could feel her brother''s grip on her arms. She knew that her brother was warning her to be on her best behavior and not to create any ruckus.


    There were a lot of shareholders in attendance and some reporters were waiting downstairs to get the first news on today''s President''s election.


    In the end, Li Mu Chen could only swallow her anger.


    Soon, two ladies in business suits walked over and opened the door to the meeting room. Soon, the shareholders entered the room one by one.


    Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and asked, "Are you alright to wait here alone. The meeting might take a while."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled when he saw her worried face. He bent down to kiss her temple and said, "I''m not a kid. I will be alright."


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes. Seeing that everyone else has entered the meeting room, Li Qin Yao then left her husband to wait for her in the lounge before she walked into the meeting room. She sat beside Li Ming Han and looked up only to see that Li Mu Chen was sitting across her.


    Soon, Chairman Li entered the room. One of the ladies from earlier stepped at the small podium and acted as MC. After a small introduction, Li Ren Xin spoke a few words on QL Group''s recent crisis and the reason why he had gathered everyone in the meeting room.


    The lady stood at the podium again with her friend acted as her ?ssistant. Soon, the vote count began and as the lady began to read the name on the paper, Li Qin Yao exchanged a look with Li Ming Han.


    The first three names on the paper were Li Qin Yao''s name.


    Some of the shareholders began to shift uncomfortably in their seats.


    When Li Mu Chen heard her cousin''s name, she turned to Li Qin Yao and stared angrily at her. Li Mu Chen would not accept the result if Li Qin Yao would win the position. In her opinion, there were a few others who were qualified for the President''s position.


    However, after the tenth names, Li Mu Bai''s face gradually changed along with a few others.


    The MC picked up the last voting paper and showed it to everyone presented before she read it aloud. "The last vote goes to, Li Mu Bai. With the majority of the votes goes to Li Mu Bai, I hereby announce that Li Mu Bai is chosen as the President of QL Group. President Li Mu Bai, congratulations!"

 Chapter 268 - You are Yourself

    The room was suddenly filled with the sounds of claps and the shareholder''s congratulatory.


    Hearing that her brother had won the position, Li Mu Chen had a smug look on her face. However, her brother, Li Mu Bai continued to look around the room with a stupefied look.


    Li Mu Bai could not believe the result and thought that perhaps he had misheard things, but once he saw the look on others'' faces, he knew that this was not his imagination.


    As if he had snapped out of his trance, Li Mu Bai quickly stood up to refuse the election, however, just one look from his grandfather, Li Mu Bai stopped himself.


    Even if he did not like the result, he should decline it once he was alone with his grandfather. Li Mu Bai was bent on refusing this election. After what his mother had done, how can he have the heart to accept this position? What were the shareholders thinking?


    A frown appeared on his face as he wondered if his mother had played a trick to get others to vote for him. His mother was so furious upon learning that he had resigned. She might have talked to her supporters to help him.


    Li Ren Xin stood up from his seat. He congratulated Li Mu Bai for his win and glanced at both Li Qin Yao and Li Ming Han before he walked out of the room.


    Seeing the way their grandfather was looking at them, the two cousins exchanged a look before the two of them stood up to leave. Just as they reached the door, Li Mu Chen stopped them at the door and sneered as she looked at Li Qin Yao.


    "Leaving so soon?" Li Mu Chen tilted her head sideways as she threw a mocking look at Li Qin Yao. "What is it? You''re not satisfied with the result and wanted to beg Grandfather?"


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and tried to walk around Li Mu Chen. At this time, she was too lazy to deal with Li Mu Chen. Her husband was still waiting for her outside and she did not want him to wait for too long.


    However, Li Mu Chen was not going to let her go before she had fun mocking her. After what was happening to her these few days, how can she not take the chance to laugh at Li Qin Yao''s misfortune?


    "Li Qin Yao, I''m telling you that no matter what you''re trying to do, it won''t work."


    "Okay. I get it. Now, can you let us pass? Your brother has already won the position. What else did you want from me?"


    "Don''t act too smug," Li Mu Chen snorted. "One of these days, you are going to get your retribution."


    Li Qin Yao stared at Li Mu Chen with a stupefied look on her face. She couldn''t understand what did she do to Li Mu Chen to make her hated her that much.


    Perhaps Han Yue Xiu was not wrong when she called Li Mu Chen an idiot.


    "I really have no time to play around with you today." Li Qin Yao grabbed at Li Mu Chen''s arms and pulled her aside before she walked out of the meeting room with Li Ming Han.


    "Li Qin Yao, you!" The cursed that Li Mu Chen was about to spew stopped when she noticed that someone was staring at her threateningly. Li Mu Chen looked up and took a step back when her gaze met with Zhang Yu Han''s.


    "Is everything over?" Zhang Yu Han held on his wife''s hand as he led her to the corridor. His gaze softened when he looked at her.


    "I have to go and see Grandfather in his office for a while," Li Qin Yao said. She rubbed her thumb on his hand and said, "Come with us."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at Li Ming Han and shook his head. "It''s fine. I won''t know what you''re going to talk to Grandfather anyway. I''ll wait for you here."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Then you wait here. I''ll be back soon." She lifted their hands and placed her lips at the back of his hand.


    Once his wife disappeared from his eyesight, the tenderness in his eyes instantly disappeared and was replaced with something cold.


    ¡­


    Li Mu Bai finally escaped the shareholders after a while and he went straight to see his Grandfather in his office. When he arrived, his grandfather''s ?ssistant, Assistant Liang quickly rose from his seat.


    "President Li," Assistant Liang greeted. "The Chairman has been waiting for you inside."


    Li Mu Bai nodded. He knocked on the door and walked in. To his surprise, both Li Qin Yao and Li Ming Han was inside the room. Li Mu Bai stood froze at his place and frowned. He had wanted to have a private talk with his grandfather. He did not expect that his two cousins were going to be in the room as well.


    However, this was just perfect. The matter he was going to discuss with his grandfather was somewhat related to both of them anyway.


    "Mu Bai, you''re here," Li Ren Xin called. "Come have a seat."


    Li Mu Bai took a deep breath and spoke, "Grandfather, I am here to tell you that I cannot take this position."


    "Why not?"


    "Grandfather, previously my mother did something wrong. How can I accept this position knowing that my mother had harmed others to let me sit in the office as the President."


    Li Ren Xin sipped at his tea slowly. "Your mother is your mother. You are yourself. What your mother had done previously had nothing to do with you. Why do you have to be punished for something you did not do? Moreover," Li Ren Xin paused as he leaned forward to put the teacup back on the table. "The shareholders have voted. They trust that the company will prosper under your leadership."


    "Grandfather, there are others who are capable to lead this company."


    "Not me," Li Ming Han quickly spoke before Li Mu Bai would pass the ball to him. "I can''t handle the stress. Being a member of the board of directors is stressful enough. My wife often complained whenever I returned home late to attend any social dinner."


    "I can''t do it," Li Qin Yao joined in. "I''m married and my husband is staying in Y City. I didn''t want to start a long-distance relationship when we''re in our honeymoon phase."


    Li Mu Bai felt the corner of his lips twitched. Why does it feel as if the two cousins were showing off their married life in front of him? It felt as if the two of them were shoving this position to him just because he was single and did not have a family commitment.


    However, no matter what his grandfather had said, Li Mu Bai did not think that it was appropriate for him to stay.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her cousin and spoke up. "Li Mu Bai, I know that you were feeling guilty about what your mother had done. But Grandfather is right. You are your own person. Your mother might have done something previously to let you stay as the President, but it was undeniable that you have done a good job during the last two years. After you take the office as the President of QL, the company stock has risen as well as the company''s profit. Judging from your performance alone, we think that you are the perfect person for the position."


    Li Mu Bai stared at Li Qin Yao speechlessly. A thought crossed his mind and Li Mu Bai looked at his two cousins alternately. Could it be...


    "Cousin Sister and I have discussed this over," Li Ming Han spoke, confirming Li Mu Bai''s suspicion. "I have talked to a few shareholders as well. Cousin Brother, we trust you. You don''t have to worry about what outsiders would say. Cousin Sister and I, along with everyone who voted for you today will stand by you. You just have to stay in that office and help QL Group to make a lot of money."


    "Right," Li Qin Yao nodded. "If you''re still feeling guilty about it, then just help the company to make a lot of money and let us reap the benefit."

 Chapter 269 - Planning a Few Surprises

    After the matters in Capital City had all settled, Li Qin Yao and her husband had returned to Y City and she has been busy reviewing a few documents and the site progress for the past few days.


    Fortunately, as her investors mentioned that they have complete trust in her, the project in B City was progressing despite a few hiccups. According to Liang Sheng, the construction workers had hesitated whether they should continue to work.


    After they heard about the crisis, the workers were scared that later on, QL Group will have no money to pay their salary. Because of that, there was a two days delay on the project.


    Liang Sheng had to convince them and coax them to return to work. After agreeing that QL Group will pay in advance half of their salary, the workers then agreed to continue and work.


    When Li Qin Yao visited the site yesterday, she was glad to see that the workers were doing their best to catch up with their progress.


    A knock sounded on her door and soon, Liang Sheng walked in with a few documents in his hand. He placed the document on the table and waited as Li Qin Yao scanned through the documents and signed it.


    "I''m going to clock out earlier today," Li Qin Yao announced as she closed the file and slid it on the table back to Liang Sheng.


    "Something happened?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao smiled, but did not offer any other explanation.


    Once the clock struck twelve, it will be her husband''s birthday. As this will be the first time for her to celebrate his birthday together, Li Qin Yao was planning a few surprises. She wanted to come back earlier and bake a cake. Then, when the time comes, she wished to be the first person who wishes and celebrate his birthday together.


    Seeing that his boss had not offered him any explanation, Liang Sheng knew right away that it might be a personal matter. He picked up the documents on the table and slid an envelope to Li Qin Yao.


    "What is this?" Li Qin Yao took the envelope and peered inside.


    "LUX Group is holding a banquet next week to celebrate their twentieth anniversary," Liang Sheng said. "Would you like to attend?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the invitation card and nodded. "LUX Group has been in the industry for years and they had a good reputation. Since it will be their twentieth anniversary, they should be inviting their clients and business partners to come as well. It will be a waste not to go. I can use this chance to get to know a few people." She looked at Liang Sheng and continued, "Tell them that I will attend the banquet with my husband."


    Liang Sheng nodded before he left the office.


    Once he had left, Li Qin Yao gathered her belongings and pulled out the parcel that Han Yue Xiu had sent over to her office when she had accompanied her to shop for Zhang Yu Han''s birthday gift.


    Li Qin Yao peered into the box to look at the condition of the gift and paused when she noticed a small foreign parcel inside. Curiously, Li Qin Yao picked up the parcel and saw Han Yue Xiu''s handwriting on the card.


    ''For Yao Yao. Additional present. In case you might need it.''


    Li Qin Yao took out the contents and felt her face burned at the sight of the sheer lingerie along with something that resembles cat ears and tail.


    "This crazy woman! I already told her that I won''t be needing such things!" Li Qin Yao mumbled angrily as she shoved the thing back into its bag.


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han was not around when Li Qin Yao arrived at their apartment. Stealthily, she hid the present in the guest''s room and went to change her clothes into something more comfortable. Then, she walked into the kitchen and started to ?ssemble for the ingredients she needed to prepare a cake.


    There have around three hours to bake the cake before Zhang Yu Han would return home.


    Right after she had put the batter into the oven, Li Qin Yao heard her phone rang in the living room. She wiped her hand on clean clothes and went to pick up the phone.


    Seeing the ID on the screen, her lips curled into a smile. "Ma," Li Qin Yao greeted as soon as the call was connected. She clipped her phone between her ears and shoulder and picked up the dirty dishes to the sink.


    "Yao Yao, are you and Yu Han free this weekend?" Xu Yilan asked.


    Li Qin Yao thought over her schedule and answered, "We should be free this weekend. If there''s nothing, we''ll come over to visit you in B City."


    "There''s no need for that," Xu Yilan said quickly. "I was thinking of coming to Y City this weekend. Your in-laws called me just now and they wanted to have dinner together so that we can discuss your wedding."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao froze for a few seconds. Because she was too busy with the matter regarding QL Group, she had forgotten that her mother-in-law had told her that she wanted to arrange a meeting with her mother to discuss their wedding banquet.


    Since both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan had returned, they wanted to hold a wedding for the two of them before they might return to C Country later. Anyway, they were managing Zhang Worldwide Group''s international hotels and traveled here and there a lot.


    "Sure," Li Qin Yao reacted after a few seconds passed. "I will talk to him later."


    Once she put the cupcakes on the cooling rack, Li Qin Yao began to prepare the frosting. She glanced at the clock and panicked a little bit when she realized that it will not be long before her husband returned.


    Swiftly, Li Qin Yao cleaned up the kitchen and opened the window to help with the ventilation. She did not want Zhang Yu Han to notice something once he walked into the apartment and caught the sweet smell of those cupcakes.


    To cover her trail, Li Qin Yao began to prepare for dinner. The smell of fried chicken wafted through the kitchen, masking the earlier smell of the cupcakes earlier.


    When Zhang Yu Han entered their apartment, he immediately walked over to his wife and put a hand on her forehead.


    "What are you doing?" Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes in confusion.


    "You came back early," Zhang Yu Han said. "I was worried that you were feeling unwell."


    "I''m fine," Li Qin Yao gave him an ?ssuring smile. "I got off work early and thought that I haven''t cook for a while. Come on," She tugged at his hands and said. "Wash your hands. Let''s eat before dinner gets cold."

 Chapter 270 - How to Eat a Cupcake

    Once Zhang Yu Han had entered the bathroom to shower, Li Qin Yao hurriedly went into the kitchen and took out the cupcakes from the oven and started to decorate them with the frosting that she had prepared earlier.


    Fortunately, she only needed to frost only one of those cupcakes. Since it did not take a long time, Li Qin Yao quickly hid the cake back in the fridge before he came out of the shower.


    When Zhang Yu Han came out of the room, he found that his wife was sitting on the carpeted floor in the living room with the television on and a ??ptop on the coffee table. It seemed as if she was looking at some documents while watching some fugitive movie. He slid to sit down on the sofa behind her and reached his hand to massage her neck and shoulders.


    Feeling his touch, Li Qin Yao let out a sigh as she leaned back. "Hubby, you''re the best."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her compliment. He peered at her ??ptop and asked, "You''re busy?"


    "Hmm¡­ there are a few documents I need to review first." She leaned her head on the sofa, just between his knees and looked up at him. "Right. Zhang Yu Han, will you accompany me to LUX Group dinner banquet next week? It''s next Wednesday."


    Zhang Yu Han readily agreed. "Sure. Remind me of the date and time later."


    "Mom called today," Li Qin Yao continued. "She said that our parents are going to meet and have dinner this weekend. They''re going to discuss our wedding banquet."


    "Alright," he nodded again. "Speaking of the wedding, we haven''t had our wedding photos yet. Let''s take a day off someday and shoot."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao looked at her ??ptop again and paused when she recalled something. "I still haven''t chosen a wedding dress."


    "Hmm¡­ let''s take a day off to choose one later. We''ll discuss this with them this weekend."


    Suddenly, he wondered how his wife was going to look in her wedding dress. His eyes darkened at the thought that his wife was going to wear an open back dress like the one she had worn previously.


    Zhang Yu Han sighed at the thought that he hasn''t prepared a lot of things. Fortunately, his mother had returned from Country C. Knowing his mother, Zhang Yu Han knew that he can rely on her to help him with the preparation.


    As the thought came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han stood up and headed to the study to organize his timetable.


    Seeing that her husband had walked into the study, Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief. She did not know how she was going to pull that surprise if Zhang Yu Han had chosen to stay in the living room to accompany her.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock and noted that there was around half an hour before the clock struck twelve. Although she was supposed to review some documents, Li Qin Yao could not help glancing at the clock every ten seconds as she did not want to miss her timing.


    Finally, there were two minutes left before twelve. Li Qin Yao glanced at the study and smiled as she noticed that the door was still shut. Stealthily, she walked into the guest room and pulled out the present she bought for him. Then, she walked into the kitchen and took out the cupcake from the fridge.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock again and lit the candle at the center of the cupcake. Then, she walked towards his office and knocked.


    Just as she heard Zhang Yu Han''s voice from the inside, Li Qin Yao pushed the door and started to sing him a happy birthday song. Seeing the surprised look on his face, the smile on Li Qin Yao''s face grew wide.


    Li Qin Yao stopped just in front of Zhang Yu Han as the song ended. She tiptoed to kiss his cheek and said, "Zhang Yu Han, happy birthday. Come. Make a wish and blow the candle."


    Zhang Yu Han bent down to blow the candle. "When did you prepare this?"


    "Hmm¡­ I came back earlier today to prepare this."


    "You baked this?" Zhang Yu Han watched her nodded. "So that was why you were acting suspicious and sneaky today."


    "When did I acted sneakily?"


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer but leaned in to kiss her on her lips. When he pulled away, Zhang Yu Han watched as his wife scurried out of the room and came back with a paper bag in her hand.


    "Your birthday present."


    "What did you get me?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow as he took the paper bag. He took out the gift wrapped in the blue and white wrapping paper and frowned as he tried to guess what was inside. His gaze paused when he saw what was inside¡ªa blue shirt.


    "You don''t like it?" Li Qin Yao asked cautiously when she saw that he did not have many expressions on his face.


    What with that slight disappointment on his face?


    "This is from you. Of course, I liked it. Just that," he paused to meet her gaze. "What happened to you, wearing s?xy lingerie and tying a bow on yourself and giving yourself a gift?"


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her lips started to twitched. That was what Han Yue Xiu had suggested, but back then, she had thought that it would be too crude.


    Who would know that her husband would like something like that?


    However, at the thought of that strange ears and tail, Li Qin Yao decided against it. She did not think that she was brave enough to wear something like that and she did not want Zhang Yu Han to think that she had a strange hobby.


    "Why would I give you something that''s already yours?" Li Qin Yao linked her arms around his neck and kissed his lips in an attempt to coax him.


    Zhang Yu Han thought about her words for a moment and nodded. He held her waist tighter and said, "That''s true." He bent down to rest his forehead against her and pecked at her lips. "Wife, you are mine."


    Hearing his possessive words in his deep and vibrating voice, Li Qin Yao''s face turned red. No matter how many times she had heard this voice, she would always have goosebumps.


    Swiftly, she pulled away from him. She took the cupcake on the table and handed it back to him. "How about taking a bite? I worked hard to bake this for you."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the cupcake on the plate and suddenly his lips curled into a roguish smile. "Qin Yao, do you know how to eat a cupcake?"


    "Ah?"


    He picked up the cupcake on the plate and stared into her eyes, causing Li Qin Yao to be mesmerized at the twinkle in his eyes. "You don''t know? Come on, I''ll show you how to eat a cupcake."


    Li Qin Yao did not why, but she suddenly grew anxious.


    "First, you lick the frosting." Zhang Yu Han brought the cupcake close to his mouth and licked the cupcake. "Then, slowly, you tear the cupcake liner." While maintaining his gaze on her, Zhang Yu Han started to peel off the liner. "Then, you take a bite." Following that, he took a small bite at the cupcake.


    By the end of his demonstration, Li Qin Yao felt her back started to sweat. "Zhang Yu Han, why do I feel like you''re not really talking about eating cupcakes?"


    The smile on his lips grew wider. Zhang Yu Han put the cupcake back on the plate and leaned forward to lick her lips before he plunged into her lips for a kiss.


    Li Qin Yao shuddered when the cold air blew on her skin. It was then that she realized that her pajama has been peeled off.


    Zhang Yu Han''s words about eating cupcakes surfaced in her mind and Li Qin Yao had a hunched that she was about to get eaten.

 Chapter 271 - Are You That Impatient?

    Waking up from his sleep, Zhang Yu Han found that his wife was no longer beside him on the bed. He slid off the bed, put on his bathrobe, and walked out of the room once he had freshened up.


    When he walked out, Zhang Yu Han found his wife in the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Good morning." He spoke close to her ears and planted a kiss on her cheek.


    Li Qin Yao shrunk when she heard his lazy voice beside her ears. Because he had just woken up from his sleep, Li Qin Yao found that his voice was extremely s?xy right now. She turned her head and pecked at his lips. "Good morning."


    "Why are you up so early? Aren''t you tired?" Zhang Yu Han said as he nuzzled at her neck. He peered into the pot and saw that she was preparing some noodles.


    Li Qin Yao giggled at his words. "Isn''t today is your birthday? Of course, I have to cook some noodles for you to eat." She turned off the stove and spoke, "Move over. The water''s boiling."


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han obediently moved aside and watched as she poured some soup on the noodles. Then, Li Qin Yao began to put on some boiled egg and sprinkled some scallion on top before she held the bowl of noddle in front of him.


    "It''s good that you''re awake now. Just in time to eat the noddle while it''s still hot."


    Li Qin Yao carried the bowl into the dining room and set the cutlery beside it. Then, she turned to her husband and tugged at his hand to the table. She picked up the chopstick and handed it to him. "Come on. Eat."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the bowl of noodles before he picked up the chopstick. "You always cooked for me. Aren''t you afraid that I might gain some weight because of you?"


    "If you gained some weight, then, doesn''t that show that I have been treating you well?"


    "Really?" Zhang Yu Han eyed her from her hair to toe. "Then, why are you still so skinny?"


    "I have a good metabolism."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her words. Then, he walked closer to her and whispered. "Or perhaps, you have been exercising regularly."


    Li Qin Yao was about to answer when she saw the glint in his eyes. It was then that she understood his meaning. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt her face grew hot. She tugged at his hand and forced him to sit down. "Stop talking. Just eat before the noodles get cold alright?"


    The corner of Zhang Yu Han''s lips tilted into a lopsided smile. He sat down obediently and started eating his noodles silently. Once the bowl was empty, he pushed the bowl across the table and turned to his wife.


    "How was it?"


    "Of course it''s delicious," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "But I think you tasted as delicious as well."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his words. Under his penetrating gaze, soon, Li Qin Yao began to feel her face burned and she covered her face with both hands. After a while, Li Qin Yao stood up from her seat and walked over to hug him. "Zhang Yu Han. I wish you a long, long life. Let''s live together for a very long time, alright?"


    ¡­


    When Zhang Yu Han arrived at the hotel, Secretary Tian announced that his friend, Su Ming Yuan was waiting for him in the lounge. Zhang Yu Han walked into his office and asked Secretary Tian to escort his friend to his office.


    Shortly after, there was a knock on the door. Zhang Yu Han permitted to enter and soon, Su Ming Yuan walked in with a tired look on his face.


    Seeing the look on his friend''s face, Zhang Yu Han walked over to the side and poured a cup of black coffee for his friend. "Why are you here? Aren''t you supposed to be in T Country?"


    Su Ming Yuan rolled his eyes. "Did you forget why I went there in the first place?" He took out something from his pocket and placed it on the table.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at the table and his eyes narrowed when he saw the royal blue velvet box.


    "You sent me to T Country and entrusted me with this, remember?" Su Ming Yuan complained. "I rushed the jeweler and ask them to finish this earlier so that I can come back on your birthday. But who knew, not long after I went to T Country, you have registered your marriage! Zhang Yu Han, are you that impatient?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded as he reached for the blue velvet box. "I am that impatient."


    "Crap, you''re shameless!" Su Ming Yuan let out a chuckle. He took the mug of coffee that his friend had poured for him and emptied half of its contents.


    Zhang Yu Han opened the blue velvet box slowly and stared at the proposal ring made of white gold. On the center of the ring was a diamond with a faint blue glow.


    When Li Qin Yao had gone over to Capital City to visit Han Yue Xiu''s mother, Zhang Yu Han had this thought that he could not bear to be apart from her for a long time. At that time, he had this thought that he wanted to marry her, and thus, he began to plan to propose.


    After looking for some information, Zhang Yu Han had an interest in two of the diamonds¡ªthe blue and the pink. It was then that he gave Li Qin Yao a call and asked her randomly at which color that she preferred. Back then, Li Qin Yao had chosen blue.


    Therefore, Zhang Yu Han sent his friend to procure that blue diamond and asked him to prepare a proposal ring.


    But who would have thought that he get too impatient after living with her for a night and suddenly proposed to her without a ring?


    "Since you are already married, how about selling the ring for me? You probably won''t be needing this anymore, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han sent his friend a dangerous look. "What are you going to do with this ring? You don''t even have a girlfriend."


    Su Ming Yuan loosened the tie around his neck exasperatedly. "Fortunately, today is your birthday. Or else, I will definitely beat you to death."


    "Can you beat me?"


    "Speaking to you will soon kill me with high blood pressure."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. He stared at the ring for a while longer and closed the velvet box. "Su Ming Yuan, thank you. I will transfer the money to you later."


    Su Ming Yuan waved his hand. "Right. I almost forgot. Happy birthday. Since I have returned, shouldn''t we gather the boys together and celebrate your birthday as usual?"


    Zhang Yu Han thought over the question and said, "I''ll have to check with my wife."

 Chapter 272 - He was in Deep Trouble

    Zhang Yu Han has been busy in his office the whole day. His phone would ring every few minutes with his family members and friends wishing him his birthday.


    His sister and grandfather dropped by during lunch and dragged him to the coffee house and the three of them had a meal together. Since it was decided that his parents were going to meet with Li Qin Yao''s mother on weekend, his family planned to celebrate his birthday together on that day.


    Anyway, Zhang Yu Han had already planned to have a dinner date with his wife and later, joined his friend for a drink.


    Previously, Zhang Yu Han had wanted to gather along with his friend and brag that he was now a married man, but Su Ming Yuan was not around.


    Now that their group was completed, of course, he has to gather them around and show off. Perhaps he would be able to make his friends cough out some red packets for him and his wife as well.


    Shortly after lunch, Zhang Yu Han decided to walk around the hotel and visited a few departments for a spot check. When he came back to the office floor and walked past by his grandfather''s office, Zhang Yu Han heard a familiar voice and decided to stop by.


    Assistant Huo greeted him at the door and Zhang Yu Han knocked at the slightly opened door. As he peered inside, Zhang Yu Han found his wife chatting with his grandfather.


    The conversation in the room paused when he showed up.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his grandfather before he turned to look at his wife. "Why are you here early?"


    "I had a meeting with the manager at the site earlier. Since the meeting ended, I decided to come here to wait for you," Li Qin Yao answered with a smile. "I went to your office earlier, but Secretary Tian said you went out for a spot check."


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He walked over to his wife and pecked at her cheek. His hand started to search for hers. Once he felt her warm hand against his, Zhang Yu Han had a satisfied smile on his face.


    "Qin Yao, you should come over and visit Grandfather even if Yu Han is in his office," Zhang Jing said. "Anyway, you''re going to see his face when you return home. What if you got bored staring at his face for a long time?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed when she saw the sour expression on Zhang Yu Han''s face. "It couldn''t be. How can I get bored staring at your grandson''s handsome face?" Seeing the proud look on her husband''s face, the smile on her face grew wider.


    Through her interaction with the two of them for a long time, Li Qin Yao was aware that Zhang Jing was someone who would love to joke around with his grandson.


    Zhang Jing scoffed when he saw the proud look on his grandson''s expression. "That''s right. When you go on for a walk earlier, did you meet Manager Deng?"


    "I did," Zhang Yu Han walked over to his grandfather and passed over a document. "This is the report he sent. He wanted your opinion on this as well."


    Zhang Jing put on his reading glasses and started looking at the documents.


    Seeing that the two of them started to discuss some work matters, Li Qin Yao decided to take a seat on the sofa and wait for them.


    "The previous report is in my office," Zhang Yu Han said as he stood up hastily. "I''ll go and grab them."


    "You should stay here and continue to discuss with Grandfather," Li Qin Yao said. She stood up and stopped Zhang Yu Han before he walked out the door. "I''ll go and help you get them. Just tell me where did you put the documents."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his grandfather and nodded. "Alright. The file folder should be on the top shelf. You should be able to see it, or else, you can ask Secretary Tian to look for it."


    Li Qin Yao nodded and left once Zhang Yu Han told her what she should look for.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han continued his conversation with his grandfather. After waiting for a while, Zhang Yu Han began to realize that he had put the blue velvet box on top of his drawer. Fearing that his wife was going to find out about the ring, Zhang Yu Han quickly stood up and excused himself.


    However, as he reached the door, Zhang Yu Han found his wife stood at his grandfather''s office with a confused look on her face.


    "What''s wrong?" His gaze moved at the documents on her hand. However, he then began to notice that there was an additional thin pocket folder in her hand. A frown appeared on his face when he thought that the folder looked somewhat familiar, but at this time, he could not figure out what was in that folder.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao held the folder high. "When I pulled out the file folder from your shelf, this pocket folder accidentally fall over as well along with the contents."


    "Oh?" Zhang Yu Han could not help but feel that there was a trace of anger in his wife''s tone. "What was in there?"


    "Why were you running a background check on me?" Li Qin Yao asked. She pulled out the contents and showed him what was written inside.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han immediately recognized the paper. Back then, when he had found her again, Zhang Yu Han had asked his friend, Wei Jun Hao to look for her. And he had kept that information in his office.


    "Previously, you have told me that you have investigated me because you wanted to find out what kind of person I am before you collaborate with QL Group," Li Qin Yao said. "But this one," she pointed at the printed date at the bottom of the paper. "According to this paper, you have been investigating me before we were close. This was even before I decided to take that project in B City."


    Sensing her anger, Zhang Yu Han realized that he was in deep trouble.


    "Why did you run a background check on me?" Li Qin Yao repeated.


    Of course, Zhang Jing, who was also in the room heard the couple''s conversations. He had wanted to intervene, but sensing his granddaughter-in-laws anger, Zhang Jing was frightened.


    It was the first time that he had seen that expression on his adorable granddaughter-in-law.


    It was at this moment that Zhang Jing recalled that he had asked Assistant Huo to run a background check on her as well. He then made a mental note to let his ?ssistant destroy that file before Li Qin Yao accidentally stumble upon that document as well.


    "I can explain," Zhang Yu Han said quickly.


    Li Qin Yao crossed her arms across her ?h?st. "Explain."

 Chapter 273 - The Truth from Ten Years Ago

    Suddenly, the room turned quiet.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath as he tried to figure out the best way to explain. "The reason why I was investigating you was because I have been trying to find you for the past ten years."


    "What?"


    "The High School Basketball Tournament ten years ago. You came to support Han Yue Xiu on her basketball tournament, remember?" Zhang Yu Han began. "Do you remember the last time when I saw the picture of you with Han Yue Xiu back in your room in B City, I have told you that I was at the basketball tournament as well?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. Her anger slowly disappeared. However, the expression on her face remained the same.


    "Back then, you were alone on the empty court, dribbling the ball around the court. That was the first time that I saw you. Although you were unskilled and clumsy, I found myself unable to look away from you. I watched as you shoot a three-pointer into the hoop."


    Her eyes widened. Of course, she remembered that day. That was her first try to shoot into the hoop and the ball went in.


    "I went to find you after that, but I missed. I tried to find you according to the jersey that you were wearing, but I failed," Zhang Yu Han said. "I didn''t even know your name."


    Li Qin Yao recalled how Han Yue Xiu had passed the jersey to her. Since she had come to cheer for Han Yue Xiu''s team, it was only proper for her to wear that jersey.


    "You¡­ saw me?" Her arms dropped to her side. She stared at him and suddenly, her heart skipped a beat.


    Sensing that her anger had dissipated, Zhang Yu Han took the chance to inch closer to her. The two of them stood toes to toes as they stared into each others'' eyes.


    "It might sound weird to you, but the moment I saw you, I just know that I wanted to be with you. I just knew that when I grow up, I wanted to marry you," Zhang Yu Han voice was a whisper.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief.


    "When I saw you again at the coffee shop where we met to exchange our phone, I knew that you were the girl that I was looking for. Then I asked Wei Jun Hao to find information about you."


    Her expression changed again and Li Qin Yao hesitated whether to trust that he was telling her the truth.


    "That was how I got that documents in your hand," Zhang Yu Han said. "But once Wei Jun Hao was able to confirm that you are indeed the girl I was looking for, I found out that you were dating someone else," his voice weakened.


    At the thought that he almost missed his chance with this girl, Zhang Yu Han felt his ?h?st started to hurt. The feeling made it hard for him to breathe. He had to inhale slowly to be able to breathe properly.


    "Even when I found out that you were dating someone, I still thought that I could not let you go," he continued. "I could not forget you. So I tried to get closer to you, even if you will only know me as one of your customers in your cafe."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze as she tried to process everything. She then recalled their interaction soon after. Was that why he kept giving her a mixed message way before they were dating?


    "Even though I only saw you briefly that day, Qin Yao, I liked you from that moment on," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Zhang Jing, who has been eavesdropping to their conversation cleared his throat and both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han turned around to him.


    "I am not trying to defend my grandson, but Qin Yao, Yu Han was telling you the truth." He looked at both of them back and forth and continued. "Who among us did not know that Yu Han has been searching for the girl that he saw at the basketball tournament? If you ask around, to his friends or his mother, everyone else would tell you the same. It was also because of this that Yu Han had never had a girlfriend and had rejected every blind date that his parents arranged for him to attend."


    Zhang Yu Han shot a thankful glance at his grandfather. However, he still thought that his grandfather didn''t have to mention those blind dates. What if his wife misunderstood something again?


    "Ten years ago, even his Granduncle Qi could not help him to find you. Although there are a few CCTV around, none of them helped." Zhang Jing spoke again. "When we asked around to the LH School teachers, they all said that there were no such students at their school. We all thought that Yu Han was making things up."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze as she realized that Zhang Jing, has been listening to their conversation. She raised her head to look at her husband again and suddenly felt something sweet bursting into her heart. "Why didn''t you tell me about this before?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked away for a second. "Because I was worried. I did not want you to think that I''m a freak." He met her gaze again. "If I were to tell you that I have like you from the first time I saw you, would you believe me? If I were to say these before we start to date, would you not think that I am crazy?"


    Li Qin Yao thought over his question and knew that if he had told her earlier, she might think that he was crazy. How old were they ten years ago? How long had she spent time at the basketball court? It was less than half an hour, alright?


    He merely spared a glance at her for a few minutes and said that he had fallen for her? Moreover, to marry her?


    Any girl who would hear that would think that he''s crazy.


    Back then, she did not know about him at all!


    If Grandfather had not said those words, perhaps she would think that Zhang Yu Han was making things up.


    But because he''s her husband, Li Qin Yao suddenly believed in his words. She did not think that he was a freak and instead, thought that his story was cute and a little sweet.


    As the thought came to her mind, she started to feel a bit giddy instead.


    Seeing that she was still quiet, Zhang Yu Han began to worry. "Qin Yao... Are you angry?"


    "I''m not angry," she tilted her head down to rearrange her thoughts.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao lifted her head again. This time, there was a hint of shyness in her expression. "So, you have waited for me for ten years?"

 Chapter 274 - A Cute Side

    Fortunately for Zhang Yu Han, his wife was not angered that he had previously investigated her. He wouldn''t know what to do if she would get angry and decided to broke up with him. Zhang Yu Han thought that he would probably die.


    As the thought went through his mind, Zhang Yu Han glanced at Li Qin Yao and saw that she was supporting her chin with her right hand as she stared at him without blinking.


    Zhang Yu Han turned his attention to the road and glanced at her again only to find that his wife was still staring at him.


    "Why¡­ are you looking at me like that?"


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han was reminded of the first day that they started to date. Back then, she had also stared openly at him just like she did now. She had then told him that she was only examining goods.


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways as she continued to stare at him. "I was thinking. How do you like me after seeing me once at the basketball court?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her question. "I don''t know how to explain. It''s a feeling."


    "Then, doesn''t that mean you have fallen for me at first sight?"


    For a few seconds, Zhang Yu Han was speechless. Though it was true that he had fallen for her at first sight, Zhang Yu Han found that it was embarrassing when she had said it out loud.


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­ surprisingly, you have a cute side on you as well."


    Zhang Yu Han found that it was not unpleasant to hear someone call him cute. However, it was still awkward.


    If he was not driving, Zhang Yu Han would definitely find a way to make her stop talking for a moment. Ever since she had found out the truth, Li Qin Yao has not stopped to tease him.


    "Stop teasing me," Zhang Yu Han said helplessly.


    "I''m not teasing. I''m admiring," Li Qin Yao said. "To like someone after seeing that person once, and stay to like this person for ten years¡­"


    "Please stop saying it as if you''re talking about someone else," Zhang Yu Han sighed. "That person is you."


    Li Qin Yao giggled as she felt her brain turned a bit mushy. "Zhang Yu Han, you are a bit crazy as well. If you''re not my husband I would probably try to find a way to get rid of you."


    "Then, shouldn''t I be glad that you only found out about this secret after we are married?"


    ¡­


    As the two of them continued their conversation, Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne soon reached the club. He stopped at the entrance and soon, the valet took walked around the vehicle. Zhang Yu Han get off the car and helped his wife out.


    The two of them had their dinner at French Restaurant and left for the club to meet up with Zhang Yu Han''s friends. Previously, he had brought Li Qin Yao to meet with the boys and introduced her as his girlfriend. Now that she had turned into his wife, Zhang Yu Han thought that it was proper to gather everyone again.


    The couple entered into the club and the waiter immediately took them to the private room that Wei Jun Hao had booked.


    When they walked in, everyone was gathered in the room. The boys stood up and started to wish Zhang Yu Han happy birthday.


    "You have met each other previously," Zhang Yu Han said as he looked at his friends. "But let me introduce you again. Everyone, this is Li Qin Yao, my wife."


    "Hey, you only wanted to introduce her as your wife, right?" Lin Xiao Feng said. He then turned to Li Qin Yao and greeted her politely. The tone he had used while speaking to Li Qin Yao was totally different than the way he spoke to Zhang Yu Han. Soon, the others started to follow suit.


    Everyone was seated around the table and soon, the waiter began ti served some snacks and drink for the party. Li Qin Yao sat obediently beside her husband as she listened to the boys'' conversation.


    As their conversation began to shift to their memories in high school, Li Qin Yao perked up her ears to listen carefully.


    "Can I ask you guys a question?" Li Qin Yao said after listening to them for a long time.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife and had a hunch at what she was going to ask the boys. Of course, this time he will make no attempt to stop the boys from answering her question.


    "Is it something related to the captain?" Wei Jun Hao chuckled. He took a swig from his drink and smiled. "Just ask away. We''ll try to answer them."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband to check at his reaction. Then she said, "I heard that everyone here was presented during the high school basketball tournament ten years ago.


    Suddenly, the room turned to silence.


    The boys glanced at Zhang Yu Han, and wonder how they should avoid this topic. Although the two of them were married, the boys knew that Zhang Yu Han had wanted to keep that moment from ten years ago a secret.


    "She know about it now," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Hearing his words, the boys turned to watch the couple back and forth.


    "You already know about that thing at the basketball tournament?" Su Ming Yuan blinked his eyes in disbelief.


    "What thing? Just say it as it is." Qi Zheng chuckled. He turned to Li Qin Yao and asked. "You mean, how our captain had seen you at the basketball court and has been chasing after you afterward?"


    "Can that still be considered chasing?" Feng An Yu shook his head. "Back then, our captain did not even know who that girl is."


    "How did she know?" Wei Jun Hao asked. He looked at Zhang Yu Han and raised a brow. "You told her?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded briefly. "She found that investigation report you gave me months ago. I have to explain."


    Wei Jun Hao burst into a fit laugh as he heard that. "How did you react to it? Our captain was always worried that you would think that he''s a strange pervert if you ever find out about this story.


    Zhang Yu Han''s face darkened. "I have never called myself a strange pervert!"


    "Sister-in-law, if you wanted to know, then I will tell you how did you become the legendary Miss Li," Qi Zheng said.


    Soon, the boys started to tell Li Qin Yao stories from ten years ago and how Zhang Yu Han had tried to find her again even when he met a dead end.


    Of course, they did not try to miss any details that would make their captain''s face turned red with discomfort.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband as she listened to the boys'' stories. No matter how many times she had heard about it, Li Qin Yao still thought that it was unbelievable to have someone liking her for the past ten years.

 Chapter 275 - Discussing Wedding

    As the weekend came, Zhang Yu Han took his wife and drove over to City B in the afternoon to his mother-in-law''s apartment. The two of them had lunch at Xu Yilan''s place and spent a few hours lazying around.


    Zhang Yu Han took another look at the picture of Li Qin Yao with Han Yue Xiu on her bookcase and started to tell her how he had watched her on the basketball court ten years ago.


    Unfortunately, she had no recollection that the two of them had a brief eye contact after she had shot that three-pointer ball. Li Qin Yao still thought that it was unfair how he had a glimpse at her ten years ago, but she had no idea what did he looked like in his basketball jersey.


    With that thought, Li Qin Yao made a reminder to herself to ask her mother-in-law to show her pictures of him when she visited Zhang''s residence later.


    "It''s not fair," Li Qin Yao complained.


    Zhang Yu Han was lying on the bed, with his head leaning on the headboard, while Li Qin Yao was lying in his embrace as the two of them were looking at some pictures of hers during her childhood.


    Because it was a single bed, the two of them had no other choice but to stay together closely. Not that anyone of them was complaining.


    "Why is it not fair?" Zhang Yu Han said lazily as he played with a few strands of her hair.


    "Looking at the picture and seeing the person in real life are two different things," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han laughed. "Then, what can I do about it? Who asked you not to pay attention to your surrounding? You even dared to enter the basketball court when the officials were not around."


    Li Qin Yao dismissed his words and turned her head to watch him for a long time, "I still wish that I would notice you back then."


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han could only let out a helpless sigh.


    After resting for a few hours, the couple left Xu Yilan''s place and the three of them headed over to Y City.


    Because they were afraid that the dinner and discussion might last longer, Xu Yilan was prepared with her overnight bag to stay in Y City for a night. Anyway, this way, her daughter and her in-laws'' family would not be worried that she had to travel back at night.


    Zhang Yu Han stopped his car at the entrance before he let the valet take over. He then took his wife''s hand in his and led the two of them to the private room that his mother had booked a few days earlier.


    When the three of them entered the room, Liu Hui Lan immediately stood up fro her seat to greet her in-law.


    "Sister, finally we met," Liu Hui Lan said with a wide smile on her face.


    Now that the matters were settled, they could finally meet and discuss the wedding with ease.


    "Sister, I hope you''re doing well," Xu Yilan said. She greeted Zhang Jing who she had previously met and was introduced to Zhang Xi.


    Following Liu Hui Lan''s lead, Xu Yilan sat down and the two began to chat as if they were long lost, friends.


    As soon as the group was seated, the waiters came in to serve some food and drinks. The group continued to converse amiably and Xu Yilan took her time to get to know her in-laws well.


    Seeing the way the family was treating her daughter well, Xu Yilan was relieved.


    Li Qin Yao was not the only one who had some insecurities after breaking up with Chen Hao. Once Xu Yilan knew that Chen Hao''s parents were looking down at her daughter because of her marital status, of course, Xu Yilan was worried as well.


    Her daughter was already married to Zhang''s family. Xu Yilan did not know what she would do if her in-laws did not like her daughter and treated her badly.


    "The two of them did not even have an engagement ceremony and straightaway skip to register their marriage," Liu Hui Lan said. "For their wedding, of course, we have to make it a grand one. Sister, what do you say?"


    "This," Xu Yilan glanced at her daughter. "Yao Yao is the only child I have. Of course, I would want her to have a big wedding as well. But regarding this matter, it is better to ask for the children''s opinion. It is their wedding after all."


    "Right," Liu Hui Lan followed Xu Yilan''s gaze and turned to her daughter-in-law. "Qin Yao, what do you think?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and raised a brow as if asking for his opinion.


    "I will follow you," Zhang Yu Han patted at his wife''s hand.


    He only wanted his wife to be happy. Who cares if it was a small or a big one?


    "Then, I''ll just follow to your suggestion," Li Qin Yao said to the two women.


    Not long after, Liu Hui Lan took out a calendar and started to discuss the date. She pointed at a date and turned to her in-law. "Sister, what do you think about this date? I''ve checked. It is a very auspicious date for them to have a wedding."


    "Isn''t that too quick?" Xu Yilan watched with surprise on her face. "That is two months away. Will we have enough time to prepare?"


    Li Qin Yao who has been listening to their conversation for a while froze. She too thought that two months were too quick. However, knowing that her parents-in-law might have to leave sooner for their work, Li Qin Yao knew that it was better for them to hold a wedding quickly.


    "Regarding this, I have no opinion as well," Li Qin Yao said. "I will follow your arrangement."


    "Sister, you don''t have to worry too much regarding this," Liu Hui Lan said. "Since I''m pretty much free these days, you can let me handle the preparation." As soon as her words fell, Liu Hui Lan glanced at her daughter-in-law''s stomach.


    Although Zhang Yu Han had once mentioned that he wanted to spend his time with his wife with just the two of them a bit longer, Liu Hui Lan was still worried that a baby might show up soon.


    If they delay the wedding for too long and soon, what are they going to do if Li Qin Yao''s baby bump would start to show and she will no longer fit her wedding dress?


    Of course, if Li Qin Yao had heard her mother-in-law''s worried, she would laugh until she started to cry. After all, she had not chosen a wedding dress yet! Where did the dress she would no longer fit to wear suddenly come from?

 Chapter 276 - Sleeping Arrangement

    After the dinner ended, Zhang Yu Han drove back to their apartment with Xu Yilan tagging along with them.


    It was decided before that Xu Yilan will be staying with the couple for the night, and the two would send her back to B City the next morning.


    Her daughter has been married to Zhang Yu Han for a few months, but this would be the first time for Xu Yilan to visit the newlywed''s house. Although Xu Yilan knew that her son-in-law would treat her daughter well, she was still curious to see their living place.


    Once Xu Yilan walked into the apartment, the couple gave them a short tour to their house before Li Qin Yao showed her mother to the guest room.


    The mother and daughter spent their time chatting for almost an hour. Seeing that her mother was tired and wanted to rest, Li Qin Yao left the room to find her husband.


    When she walked in, Zhang Yu Han had just walked out of the shower and was drying his hair with a towel.


    Her gaze lingered at his ?h?st under the bathrobe for a few seconds longer before she reached for the towel in his hand to help him dry his hair. Seeing the eager smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han could only sit down on the chair as he let her do whatever she liked.


    "How''s mom?"


    "Good. I guess she''s still trying to get used to staying here for the night," Li Qin Yao laughed. Once she had finished helping him to dry his hair, Li Qin Yao put her arms around his shoulder and pecked at his cheek.


    Before he could pull her onto his ??ps, his wife had already escaped him by heading into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. Zhang Yu Han could only watch her disappear and sighed helplessly.


    While his wife was taking a shower, Zhang Yu Han went out to his study to check on a few work matters. When he came back to the room a few minutes later, Zhang Yu Han was surprised upon seeing that his wife was on her way out with a pillow on her arms.


    "Where are you going?"


    Li Qin Yao followed his gaze and saw that he was staring at the pillow in her hand. Being the mischievous girl that she was, Li Qin Yao thought to tease her husband a little bit. "I''m going to sleep with my mom. What''s wrong?"


    "Why are you going to sleep with your mom?"


    "I haven''t spent with my mom for a long time," Li Qin Yao said. "Now that my mom is here, of course, I would want to spend time with her. It has been a long time since I slept with my mom."


    His face darkened. He did not like this sleeping arrangement! Zhang Yu Han could not understand what was it with women and sleeping with their mother? As a grown-up woman, why do they still wanted to sleep with their mother?


    Zhang Yu Han recalled that in the past, his sister, Zhang Yu Ying would often shoo their father away because she wanted to sleep with their mother whenever she was on her semester break.


    This was something that he could not understand.


    Anyway! His wife was already a grown-up woman. Why does she still want to sleep with her mother?


    Then what about him? How can he sleep without his wife around? They have been sleeping together for so long that he was used to having her around. He had forgotten how would it feel not having her by his side as he slept. Zhang Yu Han could not imagine sleeping without her head resting on his ?h?st, and inhaling her scent as he fell asleep.


    No. He could not allow her to leave him and stay a night with her mother.


    Zhang Yu Han saw her inched closer to him with a puppy dog eyes on her face and immediately snapped out of his thoughts.


    "Can I go and sleep with mom?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Seeing the look on her face, Zhang Yu Han''s face began to hesitate. His resolve began to crumble. The words he wanted to say suddenly changed. "Alright," his voice sounded weak.


    In the end, between her husband and her mother, his wife had chosen her mother?


    He could not reject his wife''s request. Anyway, he will only sleep without his wife for a night. Zhang Yu Han thought that he would be fine. Or perhaps, he won''t be sleeping at all. Since his wife will not be by his side, Zhang Yu Han thought of staying in the study to continue on his work.


    Li Qin Yao chuckled as he watched the way his expression keep on changing. She poked at his arm and laughed. It was unbearable to see the slight pout on his face. "I''m joking with you. I was only going to my mom to give her an extra pillow. My mom had this habit to sleep with pillows all around her after she watched a horror movie not too long ago. She was afraid that some ghosts would pull her under the bed or something."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife speechlessly. It took him a few seconds to react. "So, you''re sleeping here, right."


    "Hmm," she nodded. Li Qin Yao lifted her head to meet his gaze and poked at his ?h?st. "I''m afraid that you won''t be sleeping and stayed up late to work instead."


    He quickly avoided his gaze when his wife had guessed at his intention.


    "Zhang Yu Han, looking at your expression just now, don''t tell me that you''re jealous of my mom?"


    Seeing her teasing gaze, Zhang Yu Han was suddenly embarrassed. "No. Why would I be jealous of mom? Your mother is my mother too."


    Li Qin Yao gave him a dubious look. "Then, I''ll go and sleep with my mom, alright?"


    "No," Zhang Yu Han quickly grabbed at her hand. He pulled a pitiful face and said, "Qin Yao, stay with me, alright?"


    Unable to resist the cute expression on his face, Li Qin Yao stood on tiptoed and kissed him on the chin. "Un. I''ll come back to accompany you later. Anyway, even if I planned to sleep with my mom, she would definitely kick me out the door. My mom... she is someone like that."

 Chapter 277 - A Habit of Eavesdropping

    After sending her mother back to B City, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han went out to the mall to get a few things for their house.


    Zhang Yu Han was aware that currently, their apartment was filled with furniture of his liking. Most of the furniture he had chosen was in monotone. In the past, the apartment was a place where he would crash to sleep.


    Since he was now married, Zhang Yu Han would like to redecorate their house, and especially the bedroom where he can see traces of his wife in the apartment as well.


    When they were done picking up some stuff, it was around lunchtime. The couple decided to stop by a restaurant and have their lunch before returning home.


    The cafe they picked up this time had a nice ambiance. There was a decorative fake bamboo partition that would give them privacy. A waiter came to their table and walked away once the two of them had placed their order.


    Li Qin Yao took a few sips at the water and suddenly paused when she heard a familiar voice coming from the bamboo partition on their left. She peeked behind the leaves and saw that it was no other than Zhang Yu Ying. Sitting at the opposite of Zhang Yu Ying was no other than the short-haired girl that she had previously seen at the car dealer.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao had only remembered this girl because she had intimately called her husband, ''Brother Yu Han''.


    "Isn''t that, Yu Ying?" Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and whispered.


    "I know," Zhang Yu Han nodded without looking at the direction where his wife was pointing. "Let''s not mind her."


    "Aren''t you tired after walking around?" Zhang Yu Han squeezed at her hand lightly.


    The couple was sitting side by side instead of across each other. When they have started to date, Li Qin Yao had once said that she would prefer to sit side by side just because his voice would sound deeper whenever she stay close to him. Of course, back then, Zhang Yu Han did not know that his wife liked hearing his voice so much.


    "Xiao Ran, if you''re going to ask me about my brother whenever you ask me out, I swear to god that I will never go out with you again," Zhang Yu Ying said.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the table next to her. As someone who had a habit of eavesdropping to others'' conversation, it was not hard to hear Zhang Yu Ying and her friend''s conversation.


    Noticing the exasperation in Zhang Yu Ying''s voice, Li Qin Yao began to worry.


    "My brother is already a married man, alright?" Zhang Yu Ying continued. "So what if you have liked him for years? Have you ever told him that you like him in the past? No, right? Don''t blame others when you haven''t even tried to tell him you liked him. Not everyone is a mind reader."


    "But Yu Ying, you know that I like him," Xiao Ran spoke.


    Hearing these words, Zhang Yu Ying began to put down the cutlery. Her appetite had long gone. "Then what? You expect me to tattle to my brother? Xiao Ran, we''ve known each other for years. I am not someone who would intervene in other relationships."


    Li Qin Yao was about to concentrate on the drama going on at the table when she felt her husband placed his arms around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.


    "Why do you want to listen to others'' conversation?" Zhang Yu Han had a displeased look on his face. "Don''t you like to listen to my voice?" Seeing the way his wife was looking back at him, Zhang Yu Han moved closer to her ear and spoke, "Qin Yao, I love you."


    Li Qin Yao felt her heart skipped a beat and her body turned mushy. Hearing his voice would always have this effect on her. Now that he knew that she liked hearing his voice, Zhang Yu Han would often tease her this way.


    When she lifted her head with fake anger on her face, Li Qin Yao saw the smug look on his expression. Li Qin Yao had the urge to bite her husband right now. "Zhang Yu Han, that''s not fair."


    "What''s not fair?" He gave her a lopsided smile.


    Suddenly, there was a movement from the next table, and before they know it, Xiao Ran had stopped to stare at the couple with a surprised look on her face.


    "Brother Yu Han."


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch as she heard those words again. She then turned to her husband and narrowed her eyes. If he did not handle this situation right, today might be the night that he will experience sleeping alone for the first time in months.


    Seeing the look on his wife''s face, Zhang Yu Han was worried. He then shot an annoyed look at Xiao Ran.


    Xiao Ran flinched for a while and recovered herself when Zhang Yu Ying appeared behind her.


    "Eh, you guys are here as well?" Zhang Yu Ying said.


    Xiao Ran glanced at her friend and looked back at the couple. The conversation with Zhang Yu Ying earlier resurfaced and Xiao Ran took a step forward. "Brother Yu Han, I like you. I have liked you for years."


    Zhang Yu Ying turned to her friend with a horror look on her face. After everything that she had said, what the hell was this girl trying to pull?


    "I''m sorry, I''m already a married man."


    Xiao Ran turned to Li Qin Yao and said, "But she is not the type of girl that you like! Brother Yu Han, didn''t they say that you like a girl who plays basketball? But look at this girl, she doesn''t look like someone who plays basketball at all."


    "What the hell are you doing?" Zhang Yu Ying pulled at her friend''s arms.


    "I learned how to play basketball for you. I tried to change for you," Xiao Ran prattled. Years ago, when she had heard that Zhang Yu Han was searching for a girl he saw at a basketball court, Xiao Ran had thought that he liked someone who played the sport. It was since then that she decided to learn to play basketball.


    "So what if my wife is not someone who is into basketball? What if you did those things for me?" Zhang Yu Han said. "The person who I like ten years ago is her and will continue to be this girl until the end of time. Yu Ying''s friend, I am very much in love with my wife. I hope that you will not try to create a misunderstanding and cause trouble for me."


    Xiao Ran''s eyes turned wide when she saw the threatening look in his eyes. She was surprised at his sudden confession and saddened to know that he was not bothered to call her name. Every time she had met, Zhang Yu Han would always call her ''Yu Ying''s friend''. It was as if he had not even remembered her name even though she had told him every time they met.


    Suddenly, Xiao Ran began to notice that a few people had started to gather around them and pointed their fingers at her. Unable to deal with the embarrassment, Xiao Ran flee with an embarrassed look on her face.


    A waiter quickly saw this situation and dispersed others from disturbing the couple.


    Zhang Yu Ying pulled a chair and sat down in front of the couple. "Brother, I''m so sorry. I did not know that she would do something like that. I swear, I will never contact her ever again."


    Zhang Yu Han merely glanced at his sister before he spoke. "You will be paying for our lunch."


    Hearing that his brother was not planning to send her to deal with the company''s project in other cities, Zhang Yu Ying was happy. "Alright! It''ll be my treat."

 Chapter 278 - Meow?

    As his wife was in the shower, Zhang Yu Han took the chance to clean up the guest''s room. His mother-in-law had stayed for a night at their apartment last night, and habitually, Zhang Yu Han picked up the vacuum cleaner to tidy up the room.


    While the two of them had gone shopping earlier, they have brought a new bed sheet set and Zhang Yu Han was planning to change it to see how it would look like.


    After smoothing every crease on the bedsheet, Zhang Yu Han stood up straight to admire his work and his wife''s taste at choosing something for their house. It was then that he had noticed that the wardrobe was ajar.


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to the wardrobe and paused when he saw a paper bag inside. He was sure that he had never seen that paper bag before.


    Thinking that his mother-in-law had probably left the parcel in the room, Zhang Yu Han took out the paper bag and decided to peek inside. If it was something important, then, he will have to drive over to B City and send the package to his mother-in-law.


    However, once he saw what was inside, Zhang Yu Han froze. Though he had never come close to the thing before, it was not hard for him to guess that it was a set of s?xy lingerie. Once his gaze met that furry thing inside, Zhang Yu Han felt his mind goes blank.


    This¡­ couldn''t be his mother-in-law''s right?


    However, the last person that had stayed in this room was no one else than his mother-in-law. At the thought that the parcel belonged to his mother-in-law, Zhang Yu Han shivered.


    Subconsciously, he flung away the parcel and once it reached the floor, the contents spilled out from the paper bag.


    Zhang Yu Han found that it was hard to breathe when his gaze met that frilly cat ears and something that resembled p?nt??s, but perhaps not p?nt??s what with that long, furry thing attached to it.


    Zhang Yu Han quickly picked the items on the floor and shoved the thing inside.


    What if, his mother-in-law had a weird hobby? He shouldn''t judge, right?


    At this thought, Zhang Yu Han knew that the next time he saw his mother-in-law, he would not be able to look at her the same way ever again.


    Zhang Yu Han tried to get rid of these strange thoughts of his head. Anyway, if these belonged to his mother-in-law, it was best to let his wife handle this strange thing.


    Closing his eyes, Zhang Yu Han took the package and went back to the bedroom.


    When he walked in, Li Qin Yao was in her bathrobe, with a hairdryer in one hand. She turned at him and paused when she saw that familiar paper bag in her husband''s hand.


    "Why do you have that?" Li Qin Yao paused. She turned off the hairdryer and went over to her husband in an attempt to snatch it away from him.


    Seeing the strange look on his wife''s expression, another thought soon appeared in Zhang Yu Han''s mind. "Is this yours?"


    From his question, Li Qin Yao then guessed that Zhang Yu Han had peeked at what was inside. Her face grew red. "It was Yue Xiu. She gave it to me last time."


    Zhang Yu Han was relieved knowing that the packaging does not belong to his mother-in-law. But, now that he knew that the packaging belonged to his wife, so many questions went through his mind, and naturally, Zhang Yu Han was curious. "Why did she give you that?"


    Li Qin Yao swallowed, wondering if she should tell him the truth. No matter how much she thought about it, Li Qin Yao did not know how else she was going to explain it.


    "When we''re in Capital City, I asked Han Yue Xiu to accompany me to look for your birthday present. After I bought that shirt, I asked Han Yue Xiu to post it to my office. But who would have thought that she would put that thing in my parcel." Her voice grew week, and her gaze lowered. "I already told her that I wouldn''t need it."


    "So, this was supposed to be a part of my birthday present?"


    Li Qin Yao did not respond to his question.


    "Why didn''t you wear them? I would love them as a present."


    Li Qin Yao watched the shameless man speechlessly. "What''s the use of giving this to you? It''s not like you can wear this," she mumbled. However, as her imagination ran wild, Li Qin Yao began to giggle at the thought of her husband wearing such a thing.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han had a hunched that his wife was thinking of something strange again. He walked over to her and pulled a few strands of her hair and started to play with it. "Qin Yao?"


    Hearing the deep vibrating voice that she liked so much speaking her name in a slow, seductive way, Li Qin Yao felt her knee turned weak. "Ah?"


    A roguish smile appeared on his lips. "Don''t you want to try it?"


    Suddenly, she had a sense of foreboding. "Try what?"


    "That outfit that Han Yue Xiu gave you."


    "No." Li Qin Yao quickly answered and stepped back. However, Zhang Yu Han had another hand around her waist, preventing her from taking another step back. She did not realize when did he had put his hand there.


    "Come on," Zhang Yu Han tried to coax. "Let''s try that outfit and let me see. I want to see you in it."


    "No. No. No way."


    "Please? Just once, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao swallowed when she saw his puppy dog eyes. It was not fair. She hated it when he pulled this beauty trap on her. That voice with that look on her face gave critical damage to her resolution. Her gaze moved to the parcel and she slowly nodded, hesitantly.


    "Alright. But you go and wait outside."


    Since his wife had agreed, Zhang Yu Han thought that it would not be wise to have other demands. Therefore, he readily agreed.


    Li Qin Yao went back into the bathroom and took out that ridiculous thing and wonder how she was going to wear it. Especially, that und?rw??r. It was only covering the front part and not the back part and what was with that long furry thing?


    Li Qin Yao could feel her whole body grew hot at his penetrating gaze. This feeling was different than the last time she wore Zhang Yu Ying''s present. Anyway, what was it with the girls and giving her a seductive outfit?


    Zhang Yu Han swallowed as he saw his wife walked out with that lacy cat ears on top of her head. He watched her silently as she began to tug off her bathrobe. When the bathrobe disappeared, Zhang Yu Han felt his breathing grew short and fast.


    "Come here."


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "You said you were going to see. Now that you''ve seen it, I can go back and change right?"


    "Qin Yao, come here." He wanted to go over and pulled her into his arms, but found that something else was standing instead of his legs.


    "No. No."


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath to calm down. But at this moment, his wife balled both her hands into fists, and raised them to her ?h?st level as if they were paws.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao called out his name and tilted her head to a side cutely. "Meow?"


    His eyes turned darker, and a dangerous laugh escaped him.

 Chapter 279 - You Liar (17+)

    [WARNING: 17+ Skip if you''re uncomfortable]


    Li Qin Yao had long noticed her husband''s darkened eyes and being mischievous that she was, of course, she decided to tease him. That was why she had pretended that her hands were paws and meowed.


    Who would guess that it would have such a big impact on him?


    When she heard his laugh that sounded both dangerous and seductive, Li Qin Yao knew that she was in danger. She knew that she should be on guard. She shouldn''t be teasing the tiger, but it was too late to regret.


    Li Qin Yao put on her guard when she saw him shifting his legs. Subconsciously, Li Qin Yao began to step away, to avoid her husband. "What are you doing?"


    "What are you doing?" Zhang Yu Han returned the question. He took another deep breath and beckoned his fingers to her. "Qin Yao, come here."


    "No. No. I''m not coming over there."


    "Come here, I just wanted to get a good look at you. I promise I won''t do anything to you."


    Li Qin Yao let out a nervous laugh. "I don''t believe you."


    "Have I ever lied to you?"


    "There might be a first time of anything."


    "Zhang Yu Han, you sit down." When she saw that he was not going to sit down, Li Qin Yao started to move towards the dining area. With that large table between them, Li Qin Yao was a lot more at ease.


    She no longer cared about how she looked like in that outfit. Instead, she was worried about how she should escape him. At this time, Li Qin Yao began to regret taking the parcel back with her. She should have left it in her office and let it rot there.


    Li Qin Yao let out a loud shriek when she saw that her husband started to chase her. Just like that, the two ?du?ts were playing a game of cat and mouse in the middle of the night. The house that was usually quiet was suddenly filled with the sounds of their laughter coupled with Li Qin Yao''s yelp.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao''s short legs could not be compared to Zhang Yu Han''s long legs. Not long after, Zhang Yu Han managed to catch her and both of them broke into a laugh while catching up their breath.


    Sensing the way her husband was looking at her, Li Qin Yao took a few deep breaths to calm down. She struggled out from his embrace and stepped backward. However, her back was met with the cold wall.


    Li Qin Yao looked up and saw him staring back at her with his eyes full of d?s?r?. Subconsciously, Li Qin Yao swallowed when he started to trace his fingertips from her ears down to her jaw.


    Zhang Yu Han swallowed as his gaze trailed down the garment on her body. The cat ear on her head was adorable and cute. He could not resist touching it. The top was soft and frilly, and the bottom¡­ he did not know how to describe the thing. He could only see the small triangle covering the front part. With a slight tug, he knew that he would be able to tear it off.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han lifted his gaze and the two of them were looking back at each other. He bent down and began to kiss her neck. He bit at a spot, causing her to shudder and sigh at the pain and p???sur?. Her hand reached to hug his head and her fingers ran through his thick hair. She pulled him closer as his kisses trailed down lower on her body.


    With this position, Zhang Yu Han began to lift her off the ground and took her back into their bedroom. He put her on the bed gently and began to capture her lips in a passionate kiss before she could come back to her senses.


    Not able to resist his touch, Li Qin Yao pressed her lips hard against his. He slid his h?ps between her th??h and she began to feel his hardness.


    He broke off from kissing her lips and looked at her feverish face with a smile on his face.


    "You said," Li Qin Yao paused to swallow. "You said that you weren''t going to do anything, you liar."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "When did I lie? I said I wasn''t going to do anything if you come to me. But you didn''t."


    Before she could say another word, Zhang Yu Han had lean down again. Li Qin Yao took a sharp breath when his mouth found her br??st. She closed her eyes and bit at her lips when his mouth surrounded her tip.


    His saliva turned her top wet and the cold air from the air conditioner turned the tips harder. His hand then began to slide lower, and lower her body until he rested at her th??h.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han paused when he touched something soft between her legs. He rose from her body to look at what it was and frowned when he touched the furry thing that supposed to be the tail. Suddenly he was curious. A thought crossed his mind and Zhang Yu Han raised the end of the tail and started to trail the area between her th??h with it.


    Feeling that soft, ticklish thing running on her skin, Li Qin Yao began to tremble. She had wanted to stop him from touching her with that ticklish thing, but he had caught both her hands and pinned it above her head.


    Her breathing grew fast as he began to kiss her lips again. Her mind was unable to think straight with the amount of stimulation going on her body all at once. Li Qin Yao broke off from his kiss and shook her head. "No. No more."


    "Qin Yao¡­" his hoarse voice resonated in her ears, calling her name repeatedly.


    His deep seductive voice sounded close to her ear and the sensation was driving her crazy.


    Li Qin Yao unconsciously lifted her bottom and gasped. However, before she began to find what she was searching for, Zhang Yu Han withdrew his fingers away, causing her to whimper with frustration.


    Before she was able to catch up her breath, Li Qin Yao felt his hand pushing the thin strings of her und?rw??r and he pressed himself inside of her. Her mouth ajar as she let out a cry. Her arms encircled his shoulder as she pulled himself closer to her. Soon, their lips met again.


    Li Qin Yao m??n?d in p???sur? as she lifted her h?ps to meet his gentle thrusting. His mouth left her lips and he began to rain hungry kiss all over her face before he buried his face in her neck.


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­"


    Hearing the urgency in her voice, Zhang Yu Han tightened his grip on her th??h and pulled out, only to fill her up again, causing her to scream at the p???sur?. Her breathing grew shorter and she began to latch her hand to his arms, finding her support.


    Her breath hitched as she felt something building up in her into a wave of ecstasies. Her mind started to go blank as he entered deeply into her and filled her up.


    As he felt her ?h?st heaving to catch her breath, Zhang Yu Han raised himself to kiss her lips again...

 Chapter 280 - Familiar Username

    Back in Capital City¡­


    Han Yue Xiu sat down on the swiveling computer while watching her coworker, no¡ªher employee, Brother Fu showing her something on the dark web forum on his ??ptop. A frown appeared on her face as she looked at the requests posted on the forum. As Brother Fu scrolled down the page, Han Yue Xiu''s eyes picked up a familiar username on the screen.


    "Han Yue Xiu."


    Just before she could ask Brother Fu to pause, someone called out her name. When she turned around, Han Yue Xiu saw Song Yi''s figure standing not at the entrance, carrying a pastel pink box in his hand.


    "Someone sent this to you."


    Han Yue Xiu pointed her forefinger to her ?h?st. "For me?" A look of confusion appeared on her face. She was sure that she was not expecting any parcel¡­ She walked over to Song Yi and saw the displeased look on his face. When she peered at the pastel pink box, Han Yue Xiu was surprised upon seeing that there were various small pastries inside.


    She took the box from Song Yi and picked up the small card attached to the box.


    There were not many things written on the card, except for the name of the sender: Zhang Yu Han. The frown on her face deepened as she started to wonder why on earth would this man send her a box of pastries?


    And it was not just any ordinary pastries. These were Chef Qin''s specialty creations!


    Han Yue Xiu took the box back into her office and picked up her phone to dialed her friend''s number. It did not take too long for the phone call was connected.


    "Han Yue Xiu, what is?" It was rare for her friend to contact her during office hours. Therefore, Li Qin Yao was curious.


    "Yao Yao, why did your husband send me a box of pastries from his hotel?"


    Li Qin Yao was momentarily dumbfounded upon hearing Han Yue Xiu''s question. Her thought went back to what happened last weekend and suddenly her face turned bright red.


    At the thought of what Zhang Yu Han had done to her that night, Li Qin Yao was still angry. To think that he would torment her the whole night just because she was wearing that unusual outfit.


    Fortunately, she had thrown away that outfit into the bin the next morning.


    Previously, she had told Zhang Yu Han that it was a gift from Han Yue Xiu. Now that the outfit had benefited him, of course, Zhang Yu Han would send those pastries to Han Yue Xiu as a return gift.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao was not going to tell Han Yue Xiu about it lest she''ll have to hear her friend''s endless teasing. Whatever happened in that bedroom should only stay in the bedroom.


    "Did you ask him to send this to me?" Han Yue Xiu added when her friend did not answer. "Hey, Yao Yao, if you don''t say anything should I just throw this away? Maybe someone sent this over to poison me, right?"


    "You can eat them," Li Qin Yao spoke after a long silence. "It''s not poisonous. Anyway," she let out a dry cough. "It was really sent by my husband. Chef Qin doesn''t usually let his pastries to be ordered as takeout."


    Hearing her words, Han Yue Xiu opened the box and pick at one of the small cake with mango on top of it. She took a small bite at the cake and sighed. "Okay. But why did you guys sent this box to me?"


    "Just take it that I asked him to send you a box to brightened up your days," Li Qin Yao said. "Don''t ask too much and just enjoy those cakes, alright?"


    "Oh." At this time, Han Yue Xiu was no longer interested to know why the couple had sent her the box of pastries.


    When Han Yue Xiu looked up from her computer again, it was already late. At the thought that almost everyone had clocked out, Han Yue Xiu opened her web browser and tried to get into the forum that Brother Fu had shown her earlier. She could not stop thinking about that familiar username on that forum and was dying to know if she had seen it right.


    Just as she was about to access the forum, her computer screen suddenly black. Han Yue Xiu lifted her head in confusion, then she began to scan at the machine, wondering what was going on.


    A knock came at her door and before long, Song Yi appeared.


    "Han Yue Xiu, are you crazy?"


    "Huh?"


    "Why are you trying to access some website you''re not supposed to?" Song Yi asked. "Some idiot tried to breach our security."


    Han Yue Xiu stood up quickly and realized that she has been careless. "Sorry. I was too careless."


    Song Yi walked over to her desk and waited for her to step aside before he slid into her chair to restart her computer. Han Yue Xiu heaved a sigh as she watched Song Yi tapped his fingers on the computer.


    Fortunately, Song Yi was still around and had noticed that their security was almost breached. At the thought that she has caused trouble for him and the company, Han Yue Xiu felt a bit guilty.


    "Just what is it that you were trying to find?" Song Yi asked. He lifted his head to meet her gaze.


    Han Yue Xiu hesitated. "Nothing. I just remember seeing something from Brother Fu''s computer earlier. I just thought that I wanted to recheck it."


    Song Yi watched her for a while longer before he began to tapped his fingers on the keyboard again. "If you wanted to use that site, come over to my office and use my ??ptop. The security is better."


    "Oh." Han Yue Xiu nodded.


    A slight smile appeared on Song Yi''s lips but disappeared quickly when he saw the pastel pink box on her table. His mind went to that man he had met downstairs in the afternoon. That man had introduced himself as Mister Ye and told him that he had come to deliver that box of pastries for Han Yue Xiu.


    Because he did not want that person to meet Han Yue Xiu, Song Yi had said that he will help him to deliver the pastries to her. However, he could not stop thinking about that man and wonder if Han Yue Xiu was seeing someone.


    He was curious, but Song Yi knew that he had no right to ask. Even so, he still thought that he could not give up. "Have you eaten dinner yet?"


    "Not yet."


    Song Yi went silent for a minute before he spoke again. "Come over to my office. I''ll order some takeaway and I will let you use my ??ptop. Then, I have some work matter to discuss with you."


    Han Yue Xiu thought over his offer before she nodded. "Alright."


    The corner of his lips tilted up. Song Yi stood up abruptly and looked at her. "It will take some time for your computer to work again. Let''s go to my office first."


    At the thought that she was going to borrow Song Yi''s computer to check on the previous site, she immediately agreed.


    "Sit down," he pointed towards the sofa and walked over to his desk. He took his ??ptop and set it up on the coffee table for Han Yue Xiu to use. "Go ahead. I''ll order some food."


    Han Yue Xiu nodded absentmindedly before she switched on the ??ptop and went to the forum again. She sighed when she was able to access the site smoothly. Han Yue Xiu followed her memory and soon found that username again.


    A chuckle escaped her when she found what she was looking for¡ªthat tacky username that she knew that Li Qin Yao''s cousin would use whenever she went online. After checking, Han Yue Xiu was able to verify that the username was indeed Li Mu Chen''s.


    However, once Han Yue Xiu saw what Li Mu Chen has posted on the forum, her expression began to change.

 Chapter 281 - Cannot Afford to Offend

    Li Qin Yao noticed that her husband has been staring at her strangely for the past few days. However, whenever she asked him about it, Zhang Yu Han would only tease her that he wanted to continue to stare at her because she looked good.


    Although that was not the first time that her husband would say such things, Li Qin Yao couldn''t help but think that there was something different in his gaze. It was as if her husband was worrying over something but he did not want her to know about it.


    Seeing that Zhang Yu Han was still staring at her, Li Qin Yao decided to go towards him and tiptoed to link her arms around his neck. She pulled his head closer to her and rested her forehead on his.


    "Zhang Yu Han?"


    He stared into her eyes and smiled. "Hmm?"


    "Why do you keep staring at me? Aren''t you bored yet?"


    His arms circled her waist to support her and chuckled. "You silly girl, how can I get bored looking at you?" Zhang Yu Han leaned to peck at her red lips and sighed. "Qin Yao, you look beautiful tonight."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways and giggled. "Really?"


    Presently, the two of them were dressed up to attend LUX Group anniversary banquet.


    Li Qin Yao was wearing a dark blue knee-length wrap dress with short flutter sleeves. Her black hair was loose with soft curls framing her face. Her face had a light make up, and her lips were painted in bright red shades that Zhang Yu Han knew that she liked so much. While he was wearing a suit from the same color shade to match his wife.


    Although she was wearing a high heel, Li Qin Yao would still need to stand tiptoe to reach him.


    Zhang Yu Han had seen his wife dressed up in many styles and outfits. He thought that he would never get tired of seeing her in different garments. His wife was so beautiful that she would look good in anything that she wore.


    Knowing that she would get mad if he ruined her lipstick, Zhang Yu Han only dared to peck at her lips once.


    She lowered her gaze and pulled away before reaching for his hand. "Come on. We don''t want to be late."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded obediently but paused to tugged at her hand softly. "Qin Yao, when we get home later, I have something to talk to you." He forced a smile when he saw the worried look on her expression. He bopped at her nose and continued. "Stop worrying too much for now. We''ll talk once we get back home, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband for a few seconds before she nodded. Although she was curious to know what he was going to tell her, Li Qin Yao knew that this was not the proper time and place to talk. She could sense that what Zhang Yu Han was going to tell her was something important.


    The two held hands as they entered the hotel and headed to the banquet hall.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the woman beside him and could not help but worry at how she was going to react once he told her what he had heard and found out.


    Two days ago, Zhang Yu Han unexpectedly received a call on his office line. He was surprised when his secretary told him that it was Han Yue Xiu. Zhang Yu Han thought that it was strange for Han Yue Xiu to contact him. Although he had met his wife''s friend a few times, Zhang Yu Han never had any other contact with her.


    Thinking that it might be an important matter, Zhang Yu Han picked up the call and was surprised to hear from Han Yue Xiu that Li Mu Chen was posting on the dark web forum to look for someone to harm his wife.


    It was a surprise to know that someone like Li Mu Chen would know how to go into the site. Unfortunately, Li Mu Chen was too stupid to use her usual username on the web. Therefore, Han Yue Xiu was able to recognize and track down her activities with Song Yi''s help.


    Han Yue Xiu then told him that she will be keeping her eyes on Li Mu Chen''s activity. However, it was still important for Zhang Yu Han to ensure Li Qin Yao''s safety.


    Zhang Yu Han then contacted Qi Ming Wei and told him about this information. With the Qi''s intelligence, they were able to find out the person that Li Mu Chen had contacted.


    Although Qi''s family had helped him to resolve the matter, for now, Zhang Yu Han was still worried about his wife''s safety. Li Mu Chen might not able to find anyone to hire through the site, but it would not be impossible for her to find another way to harm his wife.


    He wanted to have someone to protect his wife when he could not be by her side. He wanted to take action on Li Mu Chen. But to do these things, Zhang Yu Han wanted to discuss it with his wife and ask for her opinion first.


    Zhang Yu Han snapped out of his thought when they approached the door. Li Qin Yao pulled out the invitation card and showed it to the staff. Then, she linked her hand with Zhang Yu Han arms and stepped inside the hall when the hotel staff pulled the door open.


    A staff from LUX Group immediately greeted them both. Once he found out that Li Qin Yao was a representative from QL Group, the man immediately led the couple to the front, where the big bosses were gathering.


    Meanwhile, not far away from them, three pairs of eyes were looking at the couple, each with different emotions on their face.


    Tang Ai Ling glanced at her fiance and frowned when she saw that his eyes were still glued on his ex-girlfriend. It was not a secret that previously, Chen Hao was taken to the police station after he had tried to ?ssault his ex-girlfriend.


    If it was not for Tang Ai Ling who begged her father to help her, Chen Hao would not be able to leave the station easily. But no matter what she had done for him, Chen Hao would still had his eyes on Li Qin Yao.


    At these thoughts, Tang Ai Ling was naturally unhappy. She tugged at Mother Chen''s sleeve and pouted slightly.


    Mother Chen followed Tang Ai Ling''s eyesight and sneered. "How shameless! I did not think that a mere cafe owner would be able to come to this grand banquet like this. Who on earth let her in?"


    "Mom, don''t say it like that," Tang Ai Ling tried to persuade. "That girl probably comes along with her new boyfriend."


    It was then that Mother Chen noticed that Li Qin Yao was not alone. "Look at her. I didn''t think that she would be this wanton to find herself another rich boyfriend." She turned to his son and spoke again. "Hao Hao, it was good that you had left her earlier."


    Chen Hao snickered as he looked at his mother. "Mom, you need to stop. The only reason why Yao Yao was here was that she was invited to attend this banquet because she is the manager of QL Group B City Branch."


    Both Mother Chen and Tang Ai Ling had a confused look on their face.


    "You were surprised as well, right?" Chen Hao laughed. "I found out about this recently. Apparently, Yao Yao is the eldest granddaughter of Li Ren Xin of the QL Group. She only came here because her mother was residing in B City. Remember that Tourism City project in B City that I was supposed to be in charge of? Well, Yao Yao was the one who manages that project."


    "What? QL Group?" Mother Chen looked at her son, and then back to where Li Qin Yao was standing.


    "Therefore, mom, I suggest that you won''t find her and create trouble," Chen Hao let out a low laugh as he recalled what had happened when he tried to harm her not too long ago. "Right now, Yao Yao belonged to the group that we cannot afford to offend."

 Chapter 282 - Auntie, Where Did You Come From?

    Chen Hao might have learned his lesson when he was taken in the police station and warned his mother not to get close to his ex-girlfriend before she embarrassed herself, but it doesn''t mean that his mother would listen to his words.


    Upon hearing of what her son had said, Mother Chen was skeptical and so, she went around the hall to ask around about Li Qin Yao, before she found out that her son was telling her the truth.


    Mother Chen looked at her husband who was mingling among the managers and then back at the front where his son''s ex-girlfriend was chatting with the big bosses. Even with the Tang''s family connection, socializing with the big bosses was something that they could not dream of.


    At this time, Mother Chen began to realize the difference in their social status and suddenly, she was unhappy about it.


    If her son was still with that girl, perhaps, she too would be able to socialize with the big bosses. Then, no one will look down on her and her family.


    Of course, Tang Ai Ling noticed the look on Mother Chen''s face and sneered secretly.


    If it was not for the Tang''s family connection, there was no way that someone as the Chen family would be able to join in the banquet. Apparently, from the look of Mother Chen''s face, it seemed as if she had forgotten the reason why she was able to join in the banquet in the first place.


    At this thought, Tang Ai Ling pulled a pitiful expression as she tugged at Mother Chen''s sleeve. "Mom, are you regretting that you had objected Chen Hao''s relationship with his ex-girlfriend in the past?"


    Mother Chen looked at Tang Ai Ling, feigning a surprise. "How can you say something like that. Of course, I was not regretting it." She pulled a smile and patted Tang Ai Ling on her hands. "Ai Ling, you must not forget that just because someone came from a prestigious family, it does not mean that they have a good upbringing. You''ve met Chen Hao''s ex before and you must know that she had a bad temper."


    Tang Ai Ling forced a smile when she heard Mother Chen''s words.


    "Mom was just looking at that girl and wonder, which escort did she hire to accompany her," Mother Chen continued. "Ai Ling, you tell me, did you recognize that man?"


    Tang Ai Ling followed Mother Chen''s gaze and frowned. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw how that tall, handsome man was smiling to Li Qin Yao. However, no matter how much she looked at him, Tang Ai Ling was sure that she had never seen that man before. Even if he had good looks, then so what? He still has to rely on a woman to attend this banquet.


    "Mom you''re right. Perhaps she did hire some wild man to accompany her to a grand banquet like this," Tang Ai Ling said. "Fortunately Chen Hao broke up with her earlier. An immoral woman like her is unsuitable for him."


    ¡­


    "The weather is getting colder, why are you wearing something so little?" Zhang Yu Han took off his jacket and placed it on her shoulder.


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with resentment. She went closer to him and whispered. "Zhang Yu Han, you did not complain that I was wearing too little last weekend."


    A thought crossed his mind, and Zhang Yu Han had a roguish smile on his face. "That was different."


    "How was that different?"


    "Your body will naturally warm up when you''re exercising. Therefore, you won''t feel cold at all," Zhang Yu Han said. He lowered his head to her ear and continued. "Besides, I can always hug you to help you feel warmer."


    "You rogue." Li Qin Yao pinched him at his waist and turned around to the buffet table. She picked up a clean plate and took some spring rolls.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han continued to stick close to his wife.


    Sensing that her husband was standing behind her, Li Qin Yao turned around and shoved her half bitten spring rolls to his mouth. "How was it? Good?"


    Zhang Yu Han munched on his food and shrugged. "It is good. But my mom made better spring rolls."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Speaking of your mom, she called me earlier and told me to come back to the residence to discuss some wedding plan. She found a few event planners that she liked and she wanted our opinion."


    "Tell me when you can free your schedule. Let''s go and choose a wedding dress for you," Zhang Yu Han spoke. At the thought of how his wife was going to look like in a wedding dress, Zhang Yu Han was suddenly anxious. He held her hand in his and whispered. "Qin Yao, I cannot wait to marry you in front of everyone else."


    A red blush appeared on her cheek. After being married to this man for months, Li Qin Yao knew of his habit to show off that he was now a married man to his family and friends.


    According to Zhang Yu Ying, because her brother has been single all his life, some of his friends would tease him. Now that he was married before them, of course, he wanted to take revenge.


    At first, Li Qin Yao was shy whenever Zhang Yu Han would take initiative to introduce her as his wife even to people that they have just met. However, seeing the smile and that proud look on his face, Li Qin Yao was pleased. Moreover, now that she had found out that he had fallen for her at first sight, the feeling was different.


    The couple continued to tease and flirt with each other when they suddenly noticed a presence behind them.


    "Oh, I thought you look familiar¡­ turns out it was you, Miss Li."


    Li Qin Yao turned around when she heard the voice. The smile on her face disappeared when she saw the woman she wish never to see again. It was then that she realized that she was blocking others from taking the food on the buffet table. Li Qin Yao stepped aside and was about to leave with her husband when Mother Chen stopped them.


    Mother Chen hesitated before she took a deep breath and thicken her skin to speak. "I heard from my son that you are a granddaughter of Chairman Li of QL Group. You¡­ you have never mentioned this to us before."


    Li Qin Yao was amused when she realized what Mother Chen was trying to say. It seemed that both mother and son were similar to each other. "What difference does it makes whether I am Chairman Li''s granddaughter or not?"


    "Of course it will be different," Mother Chen forced a smile.


    Anyway, she has been trying to climb up the social ladder for too long. Of course, she knew that no matter what, she had to be thick skin to get what she wanted.


    "I wouldn''t object to you and my son''s relationship if you only told me these things," Mother Chen said. "Yao Yao, if you wanted to come back to Chen Hao, I would not object to your relationship anymore."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. When did Chen Hao''s mother ever call her ''Yao Yao'' endearingly?


    "No matter what, it would be better than going out with this escort," Mother Chen shot a displeased look at Zhang Yu Han. After she had heard Tang Ai Ling''s words earlier and observed the couple for a while, Mother Chen was sure that this man was an escort.


    "Sorry, Mrs. Chen, I am not interested in your son," Li Qin Yao said firmly. "Perhaps Chen Hao forgot to tell you this, but I am now a married woman." She leaned on her husband''s arms and continued, "And this escort happens to be my husband."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow as he turned to his wife.


    Mother Chen''s face paled. "You''re married?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "That''s right. In a way, I should be thanking you for objecting to my relationship with your son. Or else, I will not be able to meet a great guy like my husband. However, Mrs. Chen, I hope you and the rest of your family will stop harassing me. Did Chen Hao not tell you why he landed himself in jail not too long ago?"


    At this time, a staff of LUX Group jogged towards them. "Manager Li, Director Zhang," the staff bowed. "Chairman Deng was looking for you two."


    Seeing that the two of them had left, Mother Chen pulled at the staff''s sleeves with her eyes wide. "Just now¡­ who did you call Director Zhang?"


    The staff frowned. "Of course, I was calling Manager Li''s husband."


    "You know that man?"


    The staff laughed. "Who in this room did not know that man? He is Director Zhang from Zhang Worldwide Group. Auntie, where did you come from? How come you did not know someone prominent as he?"


    Mother Chen''s face turned pale. It turned out that the girl''s husband was someone from that Zhang family! And to think that she had called him an escort in his presence earlier!

 Chapter 283 - Make a Woman Happy

    After the two of them had returned from the banquet, Zhang Yu Han had called her secretary with an instruction to mess up with Chen''s family business a little bit. He slid his phone back into his pocket and went to find his wife in their bedroom.


    "Mrs. Zhang, shouldn''t you be paying this escort for his service?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he watched her check at something on her phone. He leaned at the wardrobe and smiled. "After all, I did accompany you to a social event just now."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband for a full five seconds before she laughed.


    It turned out that her husband still remembered what Mother Chen had called him earlier.


    She walked over to him and trailed her forefinger across his ?h?st and stopped just as it reached below his navel. Then, she lifted her gaze to look at him coquettishly. "Are you in a hurry to collect your payment? And I was just wondering if you offer other services."


    Zhang Yu Han swallowed. His little kitten was getting mischievous day by day. "What kind of services are we talking about?"


    "For example," she paused. Seeing the way his eyes slowly darkened with d?s?r?, the smile on her lips widened. "That kind of service that would make a woman happy." She watched him leaned into her and pushed him on the ?h?st. "Like maybe, giving me a good foot rub."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her words. He reached his hand to pinch her nose. "You naughty girl."


    Li Qin Yao leaned on his ?h?st and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Hubby, my legs are hurting after wearing high heels for too long." She looked at him with pitiable eyes and continued. "Help me give me a foot rub, alright?"


    Looking at the way she acted, Zhang Yu Han had no way to decline. As long as it was something that he could give to her, Zhang Yu Han would never reject her wishes.


    "Sit down," Zhang Yu Han patted at her head. "I''ll come back shortly."


    She sat down on the winged chair obediently and watched as her husband walked in into the bathroom with a confused look in her face as she was not sure what he was up to.


    But soon, Zhang Yu Han walked out from the bathroom with a basin and a towel hung on his shoulder. He placed the basin of warm water beside her foot. Then, he knelt on one knee and tested the water temperature.


    "Come on, put your feet in here," Zhang Yu Han said. "It''ll feel comfortable."


    Li Qin Yao put both feet in the warm water and sighed with satisfaction. She could feel her fatigue gradually disappeared as Zhang Yu Han washed her foot and dried them with the dry towel. Then, he picked up her right leg and placed it on his knees before he started to massage it.


    "Comfortable?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao supported her chin with both hands to stare at her husband. "Zhang Yu Han, you are so good to me."


    He lifted his head to meet her gaze and suddenly leaned forward to peck at her lips. "And I will continue to be good at you for a long, long time, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a silly laugh as she continued to stare at his face openly. The expression on her face displayed a look of a woman in love. Warmth spread into her heart, and Li Qin Yao had this thought that she had become his love-struck fool.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?"


    "Didn''t you say that you have something you wanted to talk to me about?"


    His hand paused for a few seconds before he continued to massage her feet. After a while, he put down her right feet switched to her left foot. "Hmm¡­ I''ll tell you a bit later after I''m done."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao nodded. Although her husband''s foot rub was so comfortable that she almost fell asleep a few times, Li Qin Yao did her best to fight that drowsiness.


    Soon, Zhang Yu Han walked into the bathroom with that basin and returned to her side. He sat there silently, trying to figure out how he was going to tell her about what Han Yue Xiu had told him and what he had found out.


    "Your friend, Han Yue Xiu called me two days ago," he began before he started to tell her what had happened in the two days, including Han Yue Xiu''s findings and Qi Ming Wei''s investigation.


    Once he finished, Li Qin Yao had a disbelief look on her face.


    "Han Yue Xiu said that she and Song Yi will continue to monitor your cousin''s online activity," Zhang Yu Han continued. "I have asked Qi Ming Wei to help me do the same. Qin Yao, as for now, Qi Ming Wei might be able to stop Li Mu Chen to contact anyone from that site. However, I am worried that she will soon find another way to harm you."


    Li Qin Yao was silent for a long time.


    Seeing that his wife was not so responsive, Zhang Yu Han began to worry. "Qin Yao, are you alright?"


    "I don''t understand," her voice trembled as she lowered her head. "Are we not families? Why does Li Mu Chen hate me so much? Back then, I thought we were very close. I tried to get close to her, but she would then..." Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. "What did I ever do to her?"


    Zhang Yu Han knelt in front of her and brushed his fingers on her cheek when he saw her tears. "Qin Yao¡­" He then pulled her into his embrace and let her head rested on his ?h?st as he comforted her.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao pulled away from her husband and looked at him. "No. Going to the dark web was not something that Li Mu Chen knows to do. I''m sure that these things were what Zhao Wei told her to do."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. He had actually heard the same thing from Han Yue Xiu. According to Han Yue Xiu, Li Mu Chen was an idiot. She would not know to do anything if it was not for her mother.


    He later found out that Zhao Wei''s trial was approaching and they deduced that Zhao Wei was too anxious and wanted to do something to Li Qin Yao and destroy every evidence they have before she will have to go to prison.


    "But it does not mean that Li Mu Chen did not try to hire someone to hire you," Zhang Yu Han said as he looked into her reddened eyes. "This time, we were lucky that Han Yue Xiu noticed those posts. But what if Li Mu Chen managed to hire someone to hurt you? Qin Yao, I worry if something would happen to you. I don''t know what I will do if anything happens to you." He tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ears and spoke again, "Let me handle these things, alright?"

 Chapter 284 - One Last Chance

    Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Chen entered the house with a ghastly face and the first thing she wanted to do was to find her mother. However, before she could take another step, the butler has already stopped her on her track. Without saying anything, the elderly man had already extended his hand to her.


    "You know the rules," the elderly butler said.


    Li Mu Chen gritted her teeth in anger as she took out her phone from her bag, and handed it to the elderly man. Although she wanted to say a few nasty things to the butler, Li Mu Chen knew that she could not say or do anything to this man.


    Although he was recently hired as the family''s butler, Li Mu Chen knew that this man was not an ordinary butler as he was employed by her father to look after her mother. Just by looking at the butler''s physique, one would be able to guess that he had undergone tough military training.


    Li Jing was afraid that his wife would cause chaos before her trial begin and therefore, he had locked her mother in the house and hired a few people to look after her.


    Zhao Wei was living in a luxury house, but her life was without freedom. Her ex-husband had imprisoned her and took away every means for her to contact anyone. She was not allowed to use the computer or her phone. Every time Li Mu Chen came to visit her mother, she would have to leave her phone or any other device she carried at the door before she could enter.


    Stomping her feet in anger, Li Mu Chen went upstairs. She knocked on the door twice and pushed the door open. Her mouth gaped when she saw the condition of the room that looked as if it was raided by thief just a moment ago.


    "How was it? Did you contact them?"


    Li Mu Chen turned to the direction of the voice and frowned at her mother''s disheveled look. Her mother''s usual elegance was long gone.


    "Mu Chen, tell me! Did you contact them? Did they agree with our request?" Zhao Wei continued to ask. "I don''t mind how much money they need as long as they can help me to do some tasks."


    "Mom, I contacted them," Li Mu Chen said. "I don''t know what happened, but suddenly, they changed their mind and none of them are willing to take any task."


    Zhao Wei''s expression changed greatly and her daughter took a step back as she was suddenly scared.


    "What did you do?" Zhao Wei shrieked. "You can''t even do a thing right! All I ask was for you to contact those men. How difficult it is for you?"


    "I did everything to your instruction. At first, some of them had answered and showed their interest, but I don''t know what happened. They suddenly changed their mind. Every one of them."


    Zhao Wei started to pace around back and forth. Her brain started to rake for ideas. She would prefer to do everything herself, but right now, she was imprisoned in her own house without any other way to contact the outside world. No one in the house dared to help her with anything.


    Someone came knocking on the door and both Zhao Wei and Li Mu Chen turned around. Seconds later, the maid who was in charge of tidying up Zhao Wei''s room walked in with a large white envelope in her hand.


    "Madame, Young Miss, someone came and deliver this letter for Madame earlier," the maid said. She passed the documents to Zhao Wei and hastily made her escape.


    Zhao Wei tore at the envelope impatiently. Her expression gradually turned ugly as she read the letter from the court.


    Her trial was brought forward to next Monday!


    ¡­


    Back in Y City¡­


    Zhang Yu Han had a smile on his face as he watched his wife and mother discussed something about the wedding.


    A few days earlier, Zhang Yu Han had noticed that she was under the weather after she had heard about what Li Mu Chen was planning to do to her. Now that she was discussing the tablecloth for their wedding, her good mood returned.


    He was relieved to see that the wedding talk was distracting her from thinking too much about her family matters.


    Zhang Yu Han turned around when he saw his father gestured for him to follow him. He spoke a few words to his wife before he walked upstairs to enter his grandfather''s office.


    "Have you solved everything?" Zhang Jing immediately asked as his grandson shut the door behind him.


    Zhang Yu Han took a seat next to his father and told him his plan and what he had done. After he had finished, Zhang Yu Han could not help but noticed the disappointed look on Zhang Jing''s face.


    "I know what you were thinking, Grandfather," Zhang Yu Han said. "I was unhappy with her decision too, but Qin Yao told me that the only reason she wanted to let her cousin go this time is for her grandfather and her second uncle''s family."


    "That old man had such a good granddaughter, but look at how he had treated her in the past." Zhang Jing snorted. He had heard how Li Ren Xin chose to listen to others instead of his granddaughter and was furious at Li Qin Yao''s grandfather.


    "Qin Yao hoped that once Zhao Wei was imprisoned, Li Mu Chen would stop doing bad things," Zhang Yu Han continued. "My wife thinks that her cousin was too heavily influenced by her mother. Therefore, Qin Yao wanted to give her cousin one last chance."


    Zhang Xi let out a helpless sigh. "Your wife¡­ she''s too soft against those people."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow at his father. "I like her this way."


    "She was only soft because she did not want that old man, Li Ren Xin to worry. We all know that Li Ren Xin''s health was not that good after recently. Qin Yao was only being considerate of her elders. I don''t see anything wrong with that," Zhang Jing said.


    Zhang Xi looked at his father speechlessly. Earlier, that old man was still criticizing Zhang Yu Han about how he had dealt with this matter. But now that his father knew that every decision was as what his granddaughter-in-law wanted, Zhang Jing had suddenly changed his mind.

 Chapter 285 - Her Bodyguard

    Li Qin Yao looked out the window at the night view as the car passed by the tall buildings on the street. A smile curved on her lips as Li Qin Yao thought of how she had moved to Y City to follow her husband.


    "Madam, we have arrived."


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thoughts and turned to the direction of that voice. Her eyes met with the bespectacled man''s gaze through the mirror briefly. Then, she looked out the window again to see that they have arrived at a residential area.


    Soon, the bespectacled man appeared by her side to open the door for her. "Thank you, Mister Shen."


    The bespectacled man nodded. He shut the door and walked with Li Qin Yao until they reached a basketball court.


    Li Qin Yao had heard the sound of the ball thumping on the court from the moment she got off the car. Now that the people on the court were visible to her eyes, Li Qin Yao felt a surge of excitement. She walked over to the court silently and stood there quietly as she watched her husband and a few of his close friends playing a three-on-three match.


    A smile curled on her lips as she watched how the boys were arguing over the ball.


    Suddenly, her heart jumped with excitement when she watched Zhang Yu Han snatched the ball from Wei Jun Hao. Li Qin Yao clutched her hand tightly as she watched him dribbled forward and jumped up high to slam the ball into the hoop.


    Li Qin Yao thought that his husband was very attractive whenever he was playing basketball. She started to clap her hands excitedly and suddenly, the boys turned to her direction.


    Zhang Yu Han had an astonished expression on his face when he saw his wife at the side. He left his friends in the middle of the court and jogged towards his wife. "I thought you were going straight home after shopping with Yu Ying?"


    "I heard from Yu Ying that you and the boys will be here and thought that I haven''t seen you play basketball for a while," Li Qin Yao said. "Zhang Yu Han, you look great just now. Very handsome."


    Hearing his wife''s praise, Zhang Yu Han had a proud smile on his face. "Then, do you want to stay around longer to watch us play for a while?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded excitedly. "I''ll stay around and go back with you later. Anyway, it doesn''t feel too good to stay home alone when you were not around."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled before he turned to the bespectacled man who stood beside his wife. "Mister Shen, thank you. You can go back now. I''ll take it from here."


    The bespectacled man called Mister Shen nodded once at Zhang Yu Han before he turned around and leave.


    "It felt weird to have someone following me around the whole day," Li Qin Yao said as Zhang Yu Han led her to the bench where he had put his water flask and dry towel.


    Earlier that week, Zhang Yu Han had told her that he wanted to hire a bodyguard to protect her. Initially, Li Qin Yao wanted to reject his suggestion as she thought that it was unnecessary. However, her grandfather-in-law had convinced her to go with it.


    Anyway, it wouldn''t hurt for her to be cautious, at least until Zhao Wei officially checked in into prison.


    That was how the quiet Mister Shen has been following her around and acted as her bodyguard and driver. According to Zhang Yu Han, Mister Shen was someone that his Granduncle Qi had to choose. Although he might be timid, his fighting skill was top notch.


    "Bear with it," Zhang Yu Han reached his hand to touch her hair but stopped himself when he realized that his hand was too sweaty. Zhang Yu Han clenched his hand into a fist and sighed. "Just until Zhao Wei''s trial is over, alright? Or else, I wouldn''t be at ease."


    "Alright. I know." Li Qin Yao nodded. The boys lifted their hands and waved to greet her from a distance, and Li Qin Yao waved back. "You should go and continue," she said to her husband. "I''ll sit here and wait for you, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned around and paused. "Wife, will there be a reward if I win?"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled. "What are you saying? I heard from the boys previously that you had never let them win a game. Isn''t that a little unfair to ask a reward from me?"


    Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes as he made a plan to torture the boys in the next round.


    "If you let me see you score another slam dunk after this, I''ll show you the pictures that Yu Ying took for me earlier," Li Qin Yao said when she noticed the unhappy look on her husband''s face.


    Suddenly, his face brightened. At the thought that he was about to see his wife in wedding dresses, Zhang Yu Han was suddenly thrilled. He leaned forward to peck at her lips and said, "For good luck." Then, he jogged towards the center of the court again and resumed their games.


    ¡­


    "Which one of those do you like best?"


    He lifted his head to look at his wife and smiled. "Every one of them looked great on you. I couldn''t choose."


    Li Qin Yao giggled. She sat down beside him and peered at the screen. "And you ask me why I did not want you to come along with me to shop around for a dress."


    "You look good in anything you wear, how can I choose just one?" Zhang Yu Han pondered for a while and continued, "Or perhaps we can just get every dress that you like. You can wear every one of them."


    "Don''t be silly. What am I going to do with that much dress? It''s not like I''m walking for a fashion show."


    Zhang Yu Han bopped at her nose and sighed. "I still wish to accompany you to choose a dress."


    Li Qin Yao wrinkled her nose at his. "Don''t look too sad. I''ll let you accompany me to choose the dress once I have narrow down to a few dresses that I really liked, alright?"

 Chapter 286 - Wedding Invitations

    Following her usual routine, at the end of the month, Li Qin Yao visited her cafe to check on the reports. She occupied the table nearest to the counter to look at the documents as her manager, Qing Kong sat down across the table to briefed her on the sales trending.


    The small bell attached to the door chimed when someone walked in. Coincidentally, Li Qin Yao raised her head at this time and was surprised to see the ''customer'' that she had not seen for a long time.


    Li Qin Yao spoke a few words to Qing Kong before she rose to meet Li Mu Bai who stood awkwardly at the counter. "Why are you here?"


    Li Mu Bai gave her a faint smile before he looked at the cakes displayed at the counter. Then, he turned to Li Qin Yao again and hesitated. "I wanted to speak to you. But¡­ do I need to buy anything first?"


    At the memory of how she had tricked Li Mu Bai into buying a few slices of cakes when he had come to look for her not too long ago, Li Qin Yao burst into a heartily laugh.


    "Fortunately, you found me here," Li Qin Yao said. "If you look for me when I was at the QL Office, I will make you purchase a property in that Tourism City before you can talk to me."


    When he heard her words, the smile on Li Mu Bai widened.


    "Pick a seat and wait for a while. I''ll come back and find you shortly," Li Qin Yao said before she went into the kitchen.


    "That guy seemed familiar," Yin Mei Xuan spoke when Li Qin Yao walked in.


    "Hmm¡­ he came here before," Li Qin Yao paused when he recalled that the last time Li Mu Bai had come over to visit her cafe was almost ten months ago. She turned to her friend and raised a brow. "But that was months ago. How do you still remember him?"


    Yin Mei Xuan laughed. "You know that I have a good memory of good looking guys."


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes. "He''s my cousin."


    "You do have the same eyes," Yin Mei Xuan pointed out. She looked at the plate in her boss''s hands and smiled. "Let me help you."


    Li Qin Yao handed the plate to her friend and instructed her to prepare a sliced chicken sandwich for her cousin. She then turned towards her small office and came out with a big brown envelope in her hand.


    When Li Qin Yao slid into the seat across her cousin, Yin Mei Xuan had already served her cousin a plate of sandwiches and a cup of black coffee.


    "This time, this meal is on the house," Li Qin Yao said. "Of course, if you want to support my business and buy a few slices of cakes for takeaway, I would be happy."


    "You made it sound like I was not supporting your business if I didn''t come out with a few purchases." Li Mu Bai sighed. "Just pack a few slices of your best selling cakes after this. I didn''t want you to say that I am not supporting a family''s business."


    "Every cake on display is our bestselling."


    "Now you''re just trying to rob me."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. Her thought was brought back at the last time Li Mu Bai had come over to find her. Back then, the mood between the two of them was very different. Months ago, Li Qin Yao had thought that Li Mu Bai had conspired with his mother to frame her with something that she did not do. That was why she was wary of him.


    "I came to B City to look at the site. Coincidentally, your ?ssistant, Liang Sheng was at the site as well and he had briefed me with the construction progress." Li Mu Bai stirred at his coffee and hesitated. "And also, I came to tell you that my mother was found guilty and will be imprisoned for twenty years."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze. "I know. I heard about it."


    "I wanted to apologize again for what my mom did," Li Mu Bai said. "I know that no matter what I do, it will not give you back the suffering you faced when everyone else was pointing their fingers at you. I also would like to apologize that I had chosen not to believe in you when you told everyone that you were framed."


    Li Mu Bai recalled that one time when he saw Li Qin Yao walked out of the company''s building only to be surrounded by the reporters and angry citizens. The others pointed fingers at her and threw some nasty words. When she had refused to respond to them, the others started to get aggressive by throwing things at her.


    It was her ?ssistant, Bei Ruo Xi who had protected her and called over the security. It was only then that Li Qin Yao was able to leave. Now that Li Mu Bai thought over it, he realized that those people were hired by his mother.


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao said. "Back then, the evidence was pointing at me. Even though they were inconclusive, they were pointing that I was the person who did those things. Li Mu Bai, you don''t have to worry about this. I told you that if you were feeling guilty about it, you just need to work hard and make a lot of money."


    Li Mu Bai chuckled at her words. He was silent for a long time before he spoke again. "Thank you, for your trust in me." He stared at her face for a while and continued. "I feel as if you have changed a lot."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head with confusion written on her face.


    "I feel as if you have become calmer. You might not realize this, but you every time you see me, you were always a bit¡­ snappier. Yao Yao, you were always a short-tempered girl even before you left QL Group and Capital City."


    Li Qin Yao thought over his words and thought that Li Mu Bai was talking rubbish. Of course, she did not think that she was someone with a short-temper.


    The two of them chatted for a while before Li Qin Yao pushed the brown envelope towards him. "These are my wedding invitations. will have to entrust you to pass the invitation to everyone else."


    Li Mu Bai took out the one with his name on it. His eyes widened when he saw that the wedding will be held in a month.


    "I hope you will attend my wedding," Li Qin Yao said. The smile on her face faded as she continued. "However, I could not write an invitation to Li Mu Chen. I hope you would not mind that I don''t have a plan to invite her to my wedding."


    Li Mu Bai smiled at her words. "It''s your wedding. Of course, you have the right to invite anyone to attend it. Don''t worry about my sister. I will keep my eyes on her."

 Chapter 287 - Regretting

    Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han had arrived in L City two days before Fan Yun Xi and Mo Cheng Feng''s wedding. Since they were going away to attend a wedding, Zhang Yu Han thought that it would be a good idea for them to take a short break as well.


    Anyway, because their wedding will be held next month, his wife was busy with the wedding preparation as well. Whenever she was not in her office, his mother would kidnap her away to discuss wedding matters.


    Although he was happy that he was going to marry his wife in front of everyone soon, Zhang Yu Han thought that the time he got to spend with his wife has become lesser. Of course, he was dissatisfied with this and therefore, planned an escape from everyone else.


    The two of them arrived at the hotel that they previously stayed around midnight.


    When Zhang Yu Han woke up the next morning, he had a satisfied smile on his face when he saw the person in his embrace. Seeing how she was still in her dreamland, Zhang Yu Han decided not to disturb her and instead, continued to watch her sleeping visage.


    He tucked a few strands of hair sprawling on her face behind her ear to get a clear look at her face. His gaze traveled from her long eyelashes to her cute nose and down to her lips. Zhang Yu Han raised his hand to trail his finger on her smooth skins.


    Feeling ticklish at his touch, Li Qin Yao moved around and soon buried her face in his ?h?st. Then, her breathing grew steadily again.


    It seemed that she was still too tired after rushing around to catch their flight to L City last night.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low chuckle. He let out a sigh in resignation and wrapped his arms around her body. He buried his nose in her hair and his hand ??r?ssed her back, giving her comfort.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han was reminded of how his annoying sister had teased him the last time they had come to L City after VP Mo and his fianc¨¦e''s invitation to look at their amusement park. His sister had bragged about sleeping in the same bed with her and mentioned how she slept in his wife''s embrace.


    When he thought about how his sister had taken advantage of his wife previously, Zhang Yu Han was annoyed. Back then, the two of them had just started to date. He only dared to hold her hand and had to suppress everything else as he did not want to frighten her, but his sister dared to mention his wife''s soft body.


    Subconsciously, his hands started to roam around her body, feeling her smooth skins and soft figure under his skin.


    "Zhang Yu Han, what are you trying to do?"


    Her voice was muffled, but Zhang Yu Han was able to hear it clearly.


    He kissed her on top of her head and shifted so that he was able to look at her face. Although she had woken up, Li Qin Yao was still too lazy to open her eyes.


    "It''s unusual for me to sleep in these days, let me sleep a while longer, alright?"


    It was then that he realized that his hand was rested at her backside, and he has been feeling that softness for a while. A soft chuckle escaped him. He leaned in to kiss her forehead and spoke, "Alright. I won''t do anything. Just continue to sleep."


    Once he was sure that his wife was asleep, Zhang Yu Han slowly get off the bed and walked to the bathroom to wash up. Seeing that Li Qin Yao was still in bed, Zhang Yu Han walked out of the bedroom and sat in the living area as he waited for the room service to deliver their breakfast.


    Zhang Yu Han took out his phone and browsed the internet to look for a few places they could visit later. His eyes paused when he saw the famous park in L City because of its view. At this moment, Zhang Yu Han was not attracted to how the blogger describe how beautiful the place was, but instead, he was focused on the blogger next line.


    Zhang Yu Han thought about the ring he had kept in his office. He was too anxious to start his life with Li Qin Yao as husband and wife that he had skipped this important stage.


    As he looked at the photo of a man proposing to his girlfriend, Zhang Yu Han suddenly wondered if his wife was regretting that she never get the chance to experience a romantic proposal.


    Back then, he had proposed with no ring or flowers in his hands. Fortunately, even with that, Li Qin Yao had said yes.


    At this thought, Zhang Yu Han thought that he had owed her a proposal. Suddenly, he was regretting that he did not bring along the ring with him to L City.


    He let out a sigh of regret, but suddenly, his eyes shone bright again. Zhang Yu Han then began to tap his fingers on the phone excitedly as a plan came to his mind.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao woke up as the aroma of something delicious wafted into the bedroom. She stretched her body and noticed that her husband was no longer by her side. Her hand touched at the spot where he had slept last night and noticed that he had left the bed for a while. She got off the bed and heard her stomach started to grumble.


    When she peeked at the door, Li Qin Yao saw that her husband was busy arranging the food on the table.


    Hearing the low creak from the door, Zhang Yu Han turned around and smiled. "You''re awake?" He left the food at the table and walked over to his wife. A helpless sigh escaped him as he combed her hair with his fingers, and tidied up her pajama. Once he was done, Zhang Yu Han pecked at her lips. "Are you hungry? The food has just arrived. I ordered something that you like."


    Seeing the way he reacted, Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Still sleeping?" He opened his mouth to say something and stopped when he heard the low rumble from her stomach.


    Zhang Yu Han patted at her backside twice and said, "Come on, go and wash up and have breakfast. Later, let''s go out and play around. Didn''t you say that there are a few places you would like to visit?"

 Chapter 288 - Work Hard to Woo My Wife

    After Li Qin Yao had washed up and had her breakfast, the couple head out and decided to walk around L City via public transport. This time, they decided to play tourist.


    Although riding on a packed bus was not something enjoyable, Zhang Yu Han found that he liked standing to close to his wife, staring at each other''s gaze while whispering sweet words.


    Following the advice on the blog earlier, the two of them went to an aquarium date. Fortunately, it was weekdays, or else, the place would be crowded with people.


    The two of them played around the aquarium and to look at the fishes, feeding sharks and finally, stopped by to watch the penguin show. As it has been a while since the two of them had a date, the two of them spent their time chatting and cuddling each other as they walked. When they were tired enough, Zhang Yu Han took her to the cafe to rest.


    Once the waiter walked away with their order, Li Qin Yao supported put her hand under her chin and supported her elbow on the table. Then, she started to stare at her husband and smiled.


    Zhang Yu Han was used to find his wife staring at him and thus, he no longer asked why she was looking at him. Anyway, he enjoyed his wife''s attention and adoring gaze.


    "I never thought that you would be someone who would enjoy going to an aquarium," Li Qin Yao said after some time.


    "I saw on the internet that this place is great for a date."


    His answer made her laugh. "You looked around the internet?"


    Zhang Yu Han had a serious face on his face as he answered, "Of course, I need to work hard to woo my wife."


    Li Qin Yao thought that the thing that he liked about marriage life was how she get to continuously learn about him and herself.


    Sometimes, Zhang Yu Han would drive her mad and the two would argue over something small like how he would forget to restock the milk in the fridge when he had finished them. But most of the time, her husband had always been sweet and considerate towards her.


    Li Qin Yao knew that she was falling further in love with him every day. As this feeling grew, Li Qin Yao began to fear that someday, this feeling would change and their relationship would no longer be the same.


    Seeing the slight frown on her face, Zhang Yu Han knew that his wife was thinking of something weird again. He reached his hand and pinched at her nose softly. When he pulled his hand again, Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle when he saw that his wife was protecting her forehead.


    "What strange thing are you thinking about now?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "How do you know that I was thinking of something strange?" Li Qin Yao tilted her head as she looked at him in a puzzled expression.


    His lips curled into a smile. "It was apparent from the expression on your face."


    Li Qin Yao touched both her cheek and wondered what kind of face did she make just now for him to be able to guess at her thought.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han would not tell her that whenever the two of them were together, he always had his eyes on her. After watching her face and studying her expression for some time, he was able to guess a bit at what she was thinking.


    "Are you not going to say what''s on your mind?"


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head as the waiter came over to serve their drink. She turned to thank the waiter and stirred at the juice in front of her. After taking a sip from it, Li Qin Yao then shared her thoughts.


    Initially, Li Qin Yao was worried that her husband would flick at her forehead after he heard her worries. Li Qin Yao was aware that she deserved to be flicked at her forehead when she had those thoughts in her head. However, this time, Zhang Yu Han did not flick at her forehead, and instead had a warm smile on his face.


    Li Qin Yao blinked as she wondered whether her husband was trying to make her lower her guard before he launched his attack.


    "Qin Yao, I am someone who believes that a relationship requires hard work by the parties involved. Be it in a friendship, the relationship between family members or in a husband and wife''s relationship," Zhang Yu Han said. "Some would say that, if it''s real love, then you shouldn''t have to work at it, but I don''t think that it was true at all. As long as both of us are willing to work hard to love each other, then this feeling will only grow."


    Li Qin Yao was momentarily stunned at his words. Sometimes, she had forgotten that marriage would require hard work for it to succeed. If one of them had stopped working to make their relationship better, then, the relationship would only be tiring. But, if both of them were committed to each other, then, they will work hard to make their relationship work.


    She had watched how a couple who were so in love when they were young turned hostile at each other once they thought that they did not have to work so hard after they were married to each other and had kids.


    It was something that she did not want to experience.


    How sad it would be to have something so beautiful turned rotten just because they did not work hard to care for the relationship.


    Marriage was not only worth the effort but required the effort.


    Didn''t they say that people tend to value most of the things that they invested in? Didn''t they say that the result of hard work is always satisfying?


    As these thoughts went through her mind, Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with a smile. Then, she made a silent vow to herself to work hard on their relationship as well.


    At this time, Zhang Yu Han extended his hand and flicked at her forehead.


    Li Qin Yao rubbed at the spot and watched her husband with aggrieved eyes.


    As expected! Her husband would launch his attack when she was the least on guard!


    Seeing the way his wife was looking at him Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "This way, you would remember to stop thinking about some strange stuff." He reached out his hand again and helped to massage her forehead. "Is it painful?"

 Chapter 289 - Fan Yun Xis Wedding

    On Saturday, Li Qin Yao was dressed in a rose gold princess cut dress to attend Fan Yun Xi''s wedding. Li Qin Yao left her husband in the corridor before she entered the room to look for her friend.


    When Li Qin Yao opened the door to the dressing room, she could see that her friend was sitting at the chair silently as the makeup artist brushed some color at her cheek. Seeing the situation, Li Qin Yao stood at the side and waited.


    Once the makeup artist was done with her cheek, Fan Yun Xi suddenly stood up and turned around. "Yao Yao! You''ve arrived!" She stopped in the middle and spun around in the room.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the bride who was wearing a long, glittery white wedding dress with a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hands. The smile on Fan Yun Xi''s face showed how happy she was at the moment.


    "Yao Yao, how do I look?"


    "Like a princess."


    Fan Yun Xi smiled before she walked over to her friend and the two hugged each other for a long time.


    "Yun Xi, congratulations on your wedding!"


    Fan Yun Xi patted her friend at her back. "Hey, you too. Next month, it''s going to be your turn to become a bride."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her words. Once they were parted, Li Qin Yao moved to look at her friend''s stomach.


    Sensing her gaze, Fan Yun Xi put a hand on her stomach and smiled bashfully. "It still felt weird to have something growing up in my body," she suddenly paused and her expression changed. "Yao Yao, do you think I look fat?"


    "Of course not," Li Qin Yao quickly answered. "The baby is still so small. Where do you look fat?"


    "It''s already entering the fourth month," Fan Yun Xi said. "Fortunately, the dress is loose enough and the style is hiding my body. Or else, you might see the little bump."


    The two friends chatted a little bit about the wedding and Fan Yun Xi''s pregnancy before Li Qin Yao excused herself. Anyway, since it was her wedding, Fan Yun Xi was going to be busy with the preparation.


    Li Qin Yao caught the sight of her husband leaning on the wall as he was waiting for her. His phone was in his hand and Li Qin Yao could guess that he was looking at a few emails from work.


    From where she stood, Li Qin Yao could see a few girls checking out her husband, but dare not to approach him due to the air around him. After admiring her husband''s good look for a while, Li Qin Yao walked over to her husband and stopped.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his gaze and a warm smile appeared on his lips. "You''re here?"


    "Un," she nodded. "Yun Xi still has a lot to do to get ready. I don''t feel good to stay around longer and delay everyone else''s work."


    Holding hands, the couple then walked in into the banquet hall. When they entered the hall, a few friends from her university greeted her. Li Qin Yao introduced them to her husband and chatted with them before she walked over to her seat when the reception was about to start.


    Fortunately, Li Qin Yao was seated with those friends that she was comfortable with. Therefore, she was able to enjoy the feast and chatted around freely.


    Because she had not met with them for years, there were a lot of things to talk about. Li Qin Yao was surprised upon learning that Fu Rong, who was quite close to her and Fan Yun Xi during university was now a mother of twin boys.


    Li Qin Yao played with the twin for a while before the kids run around to play with others. Fu Rong''s husband whispered a few words to his wife before turned to watch over the kids.


    As she continued to catch up with her friends, Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han drawing circles in her palm and suddenly turned around. Their gaze met and a smile bloomed on her face.


    At this time, Fu Rong''s husband returned to the table holding the twin boys in each of his hands. He left one of the twins to his wife and brought the other one to the washroom.


    Fu Rong let out a sigh as she watched her husband''s back view. She turned to Li Qin Yao and spoke again, "Let me tell you, having a twin boy can be a headache." Then, she turned to her son and warned him to behave with her eyes.


    Seeing the way his mother looked at him, the little boy ran around the table and stopped at Zhang Yu Han''s side. He then stared at Zhang Yu Han for a long time, with his wide eyes. Suddenly, the boy went closer to Zhang Yu Han and held his hand.


    Zhang Yu Han bent down to the little boy''s level and smiled. "Do you want to sit with me?"


    The little boy nodded a few times before he extended his small arms, asking the ?du?t to lift him.


    "Bai Yong Ze, you come here and don''t disturb others," Fu Rong called.


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han waved his hand. He lifted the little boy with ease and put him on his ??ps.


    "He''s not afraid of strangers," Li Qin Yao commented.


    Fu Rong nodded. "Hmm... Sometimes, my husband and I were worried about this." She watched as her son interacted with Zhang Yu Han and became more at ease when she saw that her son was behaving himself. She then turned to Li Qin Yao and the two of them continued to chat and gossip.


    Surprisingly, the little boy was obedient as he sat on Zhang Yu Han''s ??ps.


    While Li Qin Yao was chatting with her friends, she could not help but listen to her husband''s conversation with that little boy. Li Qin Yao stole a few glances at how her husband was interacting with the boy and smiled.


    Not too long after, Fu Rong''s husband came back and the little boy slid off from Zhang Yu Han''s ??ps and ran to his father.


    Fu Rong turned around when her husband had returned to her side. They took the twin to their side and busied themselves to feed the kids.


    Seeing that her friend was preoccupied with something else, Li Qin Yao leaned on her seat and grabbed her husband''s hand.


    "Zhang Yu Han, I didn''t think that you''re quite good with kids."


    He played with her fingers and spoke, "Your friend''s kid was quite obedient. It was not hard to look after him."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head as she continued to stare at her husband. Then, she leaned closer to him and whispered, "Seeing you with kids suddenly makes me think... of how much I want to carry your child right now."


    Zhang Yu Han froze when he heard her words. He watched her pulled away and his pupils grew darker as their gaze met.

 Chapter 290 - Do You Want to Leave Now?

    Zhang Yu Han saw the bashful look in his wife''s eyes and suddenly felt a lump in his throat. After a moment, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm down.


    Seeing the expression on her husband''s face, Li Qin Yao stifled her smile. How can she not know how her words affected him? However, they were at a wedding reception and there was nothing she can do about it.


    At this thought, Li Qin Yao turned to continue and enjoy the feast.


    Actually, once she was married, Li Qin Yao was ready for the possibility to become a mother. However, she had wanted to let fate decide. After all, a baby would not appear in her stomach just because she wished for it.


    But after spending time with Fan Yun Xi, the talk about her pregnancy suddenly gave a tug at her heart. Then, as she watched how Zhang Yu Han was patiently attending after that little boy, Li Qin Yao had this vision that Zhang Yu Han would be a good father.


    Suddenly, she was looking forward to having a child with him. She was anticipating the little life in her belly that would belong to the two of them.


    If they had a child together, would their baby look more like him or her?


    As Li Qin Yao continued to think of their future child, the MC announced something, and soon, a handsome, familiar man appeared on the stage. It did not take Li Qin Yao for too long to recognize that man once the music started.


    Her eyes widened when the singer started to sing.


    Of course, the man was no other than the lead singer of TIME band that she had liked years ago. To think that Fan Yun Xi would invite him to sing at her wedding!


    Because the man was singing a ballad song, his voice sounded deeper. However, as Li Qin Yao continued to listen to his voice for a while, she suddenly had this thought that the lead singer''s voice was not as attractive as it was in the past. Li Qin Yao thought that her husband''s voice was much more attractive than the singer.


    But perhaps she was just partial towards Zhang Yu Han.


    As everyone''s gaze was on the singer on the stage, Zhang Yu Han took the chance to lean closer to her and whispered, "Qin Yao, do we have to stay here much longer?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her ears tickled at hearing his hoarse voice.


    The music around them was loud, but Li Qin Yao suddenly felt as if she could not hear anything else other than Zhang Yu Han''s voice.


    She turned around quickly and was surprised upon meeting his burning gaze. She had wanted to tell him that they have not yet met with the bride and groom. However, her stomach started to do that somersault and the words she wanted to say stuck in her throat.


    The two of them were so close together as they stared into each other''s eyes. Li Qin Yao was worried that others would see them and her friend would tease her later. However, no matter how much she wanted to look away, Li Qin Yao found that it was impossible to do so.


    "Hmm?" Zhang Yu Han urged. His thumbs were massaging the back of her hand as he waited for her reply.


    Li Qin Yao swallowed and forced herself to tilt her head down to avoid his gaze. She was afraid that if she stared into his eyes any longer, she would start to burn.


    Zhang Yu Han held his breath and swallowed when his wife had looked away. Though he has been expecting that she would want to stay at her friend''s special day, Zhang Yu Han could not help but be a bit disappointed.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao leaned forward and whispered at his ear, "D-do you want to leave now?"


    A flash of joy appeared in his eyes. Zhang Yu Han tightened his grip on her hand and smiled. "Un."


    She could not wait to meet Fan Yun Xi and Mo Cheng Yi, but Li Qin Yao made a mental note to call her friend to apologize later. After telling Fu Rong that they have an emergency, Li Qin Yao grabbed her purse. While everyone else was focusing on the stage, the couple exited the hall.


    The concierge helped to call a cab for them.


    At this moment, Zhang Yu Han was slightly regretting that he had not booked to stay at the same hotel. Wouldn''t it be convenient if they had stayed at the same place?


    The cab appeared less than five minutes. The couple got on the cab and Zhang Yu Han quickly told the driver the destination. Though the driver was driving a little bit over the limit, Zhang Yu Han thought that it was still too slow.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze when she felt her husband''s ??r?ss around her waist. Suddenly, she did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry at his impatience.


    Fortunately, the distance between the hotel they stayed in and the hotel where the wedding was held was not that far. The cab pulled over at the entrance for less than ten minutes and both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao get off the cab.


    Zhang Yu Han dragged her to the elevator and closed his eyes in frustration as he waited for the elevator to arrive.


    The waiting was slowly tormenting him.


    When the elevator arrived, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh with relief upon finding that the elevator was empty. The two of them quickly entered and Zhang Yu Han pushed at the bu??ons impatiently. Once the door was closed, he turned to his wife and pulled her closer to him.


    "There''s CCTV in this elevator," Li Qin Yao pointed out. Her hands rested on his ?h?st as she tried to push him away.


    Zhang Yu Han heaved loudly. Then, he lowered his head and whispered, "Then, you shouldn''t be tempting me."


    Li Qin Yao looked at him with her aggrieved eyes. "What did I do?"


    His lips curled into a lopsided smile. "Qin Yao, how can I control myself when you told me that you wanted to have my child? Wasn''t that the same as tempting me?"


    Li Qin Yao bit at her lips. Suddenly, she had the feeling that she was not going to get any sleep that night.


    The elevator dinged and Li Qin Yao felt her heart raced faster. The couple held their hands tightly as they walked over to their room. She watched Zhang Yu Han waved the key card at the door and her anxiety intensified. Then, Zhang Yu Han yanked the door open and pulled her in. Just as the door closed behind them, Li Qin Yao felt his hands cupping at her cheeks, her back colliding against the door and his lips descended upon hers.

 Chapter 291 - I Want to Have Your Baby (17+)

    [WARNING: 17+ Skip if uncomfortable]


    Once their lips met, Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh in satisfaction. He had been thinking of kissing his wife from the moment she put on her favorite lipstick. Now that he had tasted her lips, Zhang Yu Han became unrestrained. His kisses were wild and possessive. The words she had spoken to him earlier had affected him so much.


    Soon, Zhang Yu Han began to trail his kisses on her jaw, and it kept going lower.


    Li Qin Yao inhaled sharply when she felt him biting and su?k?n? at a spot on her skin. Subconsciously, she put her arms around his neck and her hands started to roam in his hair as she pulled him closer to her.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled away after a while to let her catch her breath. His eyes narrowed as he watched her staring back at him with misty eyes. Seeing the seductive look his wife was giving him, Zhang Yu Han swallowed. "Say those words again," he pleaded.


    "W-what words?" Her mind reeled to think of what she had said to him. Then, a thought crossed her mind, and Li Qin Yao bit at her lips before she spoke with a bashful expression "Hubby, I want to have your baby."


    Then, he dipped down to claim her lips once again.


    A m??n escaped her as she felt him fondling on her ?h?st. Zhang Yu Han took this chance to plunge his tongue further into her mouth and the two of them began to kiss each other as if they were in an intense battle.


    His kisses rained everywhere on her face before he trailed down once again, leaving a string of his marks on her skins.


    Li Qin Yao let out a gasp when she felt his hot mouth enclosing her perk tips. His tongue flicked and swirled around her tips as he su?k?d at the spot. Her breathing became erratic as a familiar heat pooled below her abdomen.


    She did not even realize when did he pulled the zipper and pulled down her top down to reveal her br??sts.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    Her gasps and m??ns almost dove him crazy. Zhang Yu Han pushed her against the door and held her up by her lips. Spontaneously, Li Qin Yao wrapped her legs around his waist. Just like how she had loved to listen to his voice, Zhang Yu Han liked to hear how his wife would m??n because of him.


    Zhang Yu Han paused as his hands found her p?nt??s. He was surprised upon finding that the spot was drenched a bit more than usual. His fingertips gently probed at the spot and Li Qin Yao hugged his neck tightly as she hid her face at the crook of his neck.


    However, once he heard her breathing near his ear, Zhang Yu Han became excited. he continued his ministration, touching and kissing her at the spots that he knew she would enjoy. Soon, her breath hitched and her legs were wrapping his body tightly at the contraction.


    A sob escaped her as the stimulation was too unbearable. Her body rubbed against him seductively and his d?s?r? for her heightened.


    Zhang Yu Han quickly undid his pants, pushed her skirt up to her waist, and fiercely entered her.


    She writhed at the sensation. She clung to his neck desperately and dug her nails into his flesh. Unable to resist any longer, her h?ps started to move along with his. Perhaps it was due to their position, his thrust felt deeper than usual.


    Li Qin Yao inhaled sharply as her h?ps twitched and then, she could feel him filling her to the brim.


    Zhang Yu Han buried his face at her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. Once his breathing steadied, Zhang Yu Han put both hands under her th??h to list her up properly. Then, just like that, he carried her back into the room.


    ¡­


    When she woke up, a streak of bright light peeked through the curtains.


    To think that he would be that excited upon hearing her mentioning their future child¡­


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao subconsciously put her hand on her stomach as she wondered if a child would soon appear in her stomach. Thinking about a child from both of them, a smile curved on her lips.


    Li Qin Yao stiffened when she felt the person behind her move.


    Zhang Yu Han placed his hand on top of hers as he buried his nose at the crock of her neck. He took a deep breath and spoke, "Do you think we should do it again just in case it would heighten the chance for us to have a baby?"


    Li Qin Yao giggled when she heard his words. She then turned around to face him and stared at his face with a serious expression for a long time.


    "What is it?" Zhang Yu Han combed her hair lazily with his fingers and tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear.


    "I know that we have never talked about having a child before," Li Qin Yao bit her lips as she paused. "It''s just a thought... but what if I cannot conceive a child for you?"


    Zhang Yu Han put his arms around her neck to pull her closer to him. Then he kissed her on top of her head. "At this age, there are a lot of other ways we can try to conceive. But even if that doesn''t work, it doesn''t matter. We can spend the rest of our life with just the two of us."


    "Would you not be disappointed?"


    Zhang Yu Han was quiet for a long time. He stared into her eyes and wonder how he should answer her question. "It would be a lie if I say no," he spoke after a while. "But Qin Yao, I only wanted to have a child if it was with you." He cupped a hand at her face and rubbed his thumb against her cheek. "Similarly¡­ would you be disappointed if I cannot give you a child?"


    "No." She quickly answered. "I too¡­ I only wanted to have a child if it was with you. I only wanted a child that would belong to both of us."


    "Un." Zhang Yu Han pinched at her nose and smiled. "Let''s not think too much about ''what if'' and put pressure on us. If it happens, it happens. We can only work hard at it and let fate decide. Besides... we have only been married for a few months. I don''t want to fight for your attention with our future child so soon." His smile widened. "Therefore, before we have a child together, please spoil me more."

 Chapter 292 - Ive Locked the Door

    After the couple came back from their short holiday, the two of them were buried in their work and wedding preparation. Time was running out and there was so much thing to do for the wedding.


    Fortunately, Zhang Yu Han''s mother had volunteered to do most of the things. With their connection and money, almost everything was prepared. The invitation cards were sent out, the hall was booked and the food and drink were chosen.


    The only thing that went missing was the bride and groom''s outfit and their wedding photos.


    After going on from shop to shop with her sister-in-law in any chances they have, Li Qin Yao finally decided on the one that she liked most. Of course, with Zhang Yu Ying''s proposal, Li Qin Yao decided not to let her husband see the final dress that she had chosen. She wanted to walk down the aisle and watch the surprised look on his face.


    Zhang Yu Han was working in his office when someone knocked on the door. He glanced at the time and noted that it was still too early for his wife to come over to fetch him.


    After a few seconds, Wei Jun Hao walked in into his room with documents in his hand.


    "It''s you," Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes and sighed.


    Seeing the expression on his friend''s face, Wei Jun Hao paused on his track. "What''s with that face? Why do you look so disappointed?"


    Zhang Yu Han rolled his eyes and waved his hands, signaling Wei Jun Hao to come closer.


    "I brought along the documents you wanted, would you at least show me a happy expression?"


    "You brought the documents?" Suddenly, there was joy in Zhang Yu Han''s tone.


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue before he walked over and slid the documents on the table. "This is the final draft. Everything is as you have instructed. Please check. If you need me to make any adjustments, you better tell me quickly."


    Zhang Yu Han flicked at the documents and a smile curled on his lips. As their wedding was approaching, Zhang Yu Han instructed Wei Jun Hao to prepare the documents to transfer his properties to his wife as his wedding gift.


    Now that they were married, it was best to let his wife manage his wealth. Regarding the properties he has, Li Qin Yao should know best with what to do with them. After all, it was what she knew best.


    After reading the documents properly, Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Everything looks good."


    Wei Jun Hao let out a breath of relief. After working with Zhang Yu Han for a long time, he knew best that his friend can be very fussy.


    Since he was satisfied with the documents, Wei Jun Hao was happy that he did not have to go through the documents again.


    Wei Jun Hao stood up and picked up the documents again. "Then, I will finalize these documents. Then, we only need yours and your wife''s signature."


    "Just bring the documents on that day."


    Wei Jun Hao nodded. Then, he slid the documents into his briefcase. The two friends chatted a little bit about the wedding preparation before Wei Jun Hao finally left the room.


    However, a minute after Wei Jun Hao left his office, someone knocked on his door again. At the thought that Wei Jun Hao had come back to fetch something that he had forgotten, Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh.


    Just before he could say a word to allow him in, the door swung open from the outside. The person at the door was not Wei Jun Hao as he had expected, but it was his wife.


    The sour face on his face quickly turned bright. "Why are you here?" Zhang Yu Han glanced at the clock again and frowned. "Isn''t it too early for you to come? Was there a change of plan?"


    "Stop worrying too much, everything is fine," Li Qin Yao laughed as she walked in. "I just called the studio earlier and they have confirmed our appointment. There are still two hours before our appointment."


    With Liu Hui Lan''s urging, the couple finally arranged their schedule to book an appointment with a studio to shoot some pictures for their wedding.


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh upon hearing her words.


    "I ran into Wei Jun Hao at the corridor just now."


    "Hmm... he came to meet me to discuss something." Zhang Yu Han lowered his gaze to look at the documents on his table.


    "He said he was going to meet Yu Ying," Li Qin Yao said. "I''ve been meaning to ask... did Wei Jun Hao liked Yu Ying?"


    "You could guess?" Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Jun Hao liked Yu Ying for years. Although, it was not as long as I have liked you."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze as felt a blush crept in on her face. Then, she walked over to her husband and linked her arms around his neck. "Since he''s your friend, aren''t you going to help him?"


    Zhang Yu Han leaned down to peck at her lips. "No. Wei Jun Hao is my friend, and Yu Ying is my sister. If I meddled in and something happened between them, I wouldn''t know which side I should pick."


    "That''s true."


    A frown appeared on Zhang Yu Han''s face as he thought of Wei Jun Hao. His sister has returned for months, and Wei Jun Hao has not made any progress with his wooing.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han wondered what was he thinking when he was asking Wei Jun Hao for dating advice in the past. Wei Jun Hao''s situation was definitely worst than him.


    "Hubby,"


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow at her sudden coquettish act. "Hmm?"


    Li Qin Yao tightened her grip around his neck and a mischievous smile curled on her lips. "Are you busy?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the paperwork on his table. "Not exactly."


    "How about we go home right now?"


    "Huh? But didn''t we have an appointment with the studio later?"


    Li Qin Yao stood on tiptoed and whispered. "I checked on the calendar just now. Today should be a good day if we''re going to try for a baby."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife speechlessly. Then, a matching mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "Do you want to try it here?"


    Hearing his suggestion, Li Qin Yao quickly backed down. Zhang Yu Han watched the change in his wife''s expression and laughed. But that laugh soon faded when he saw her walked over to the door.


    Before he could ask her what was going on, Zhang Yu Han watched as his wife lurched towards him, and tiptoed to kiss his lips fervently.


    "I''ve locked the door," she said between her kisses.


    "Hey, slow¡ª" Zhang Yu Han was unable to finish his words as her hands slipped down to stroke that bulging place under his pants.

 Chapter 293 - Wedding Photos

    Initially, Zhang Yu Han had wanted to tease his wife, but he did not expect that she would be brazen enough to be intimate in his office. Anyway, as it was rare for her to initiate this activity, there was no way that he could say no.


    Because of the place and time, coupled with their fear that someone might come to knock on the door, or someone might hear the commotion inside, everything became too exciting for them.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han did not finish browsing through the documents on his table. Even so, the joy and satisfaction look on his face was apparent. Just that¡­ he may never look at the sofa without thinking of the exciting activity again.


    The couple finally walked out of the office once they cleaned up their mess. When they ran into Secretary Tian outside the door, Li Qin Yao immediately lowered her gaze. Her hand started to adjust her collar. Although she had tried her best to cover some spots on her neck with concealer, Li Qin Yao was still worried that someone might see the reddish mark and guessed at what they were doing just now.


    At those thoughts, Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and narrowed her eyes dangerously.


    Why does he like to bite at her skin so much?


    "Director Zhang, are you going back now?" Secretary Tian asked as she looked at the couple back and forth.


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han rapped his fingers on the table. "If the others came to find me, tell them that my wife and I have an appointment with the wedding studio."


    "No problem, Director." Secretary Tian''s expression brightened up when she heard that the couple was going to take some wedding photos. So, that was why her boss had a blissful look on his face.


    After leaving his secretary with a few tasks, Zhang Yu Han took his wife to the basement where he parked his vehicle. He put the keys in the ignition and paused.


    "What''s wrong?" At the thought that there was something wrong with his vehicle, Li Qin Yao grew anxious.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at his wife with a lazy smile. "Qin Yao, do you want to try it here?"


    It took her seconds to figure out his meaning. When she understood his suggestion, Li Qin Yao felt heat creeping up her face."Stop playing around or we''ll be late for our appointment. It was hard for us to clear our schedule. Mom would be mad if we delayed shooting our wedding photos."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a heavy breath as he looked away. "Then, I guess we should try them next time."


    Li Qin Yao stared back at her husband speechlessly. Suddenly, she had the urge to bite him upon hearing his words.


    Zhang Yu Han parked his vehicle once they reached their destination. He helped his wife to get off the Cayenne and the two of them walked into the studio holding hands.


    A bald, bespectacled man greeted them at the entrance. Once Li Qin Yao gave her name, the man suddenly became excited.


    "Hello, hello, Mr. Zhang, Mrs. Zhang, we have been waiting for you for a long time," the man spoke. "My name is Brian and I will be your photographer for today."


    Zhang Yu Han shook his hand with the man in the introduction.


    "I''ve heard the situation from Madame Zhang last week," Brian continued. "It will be your wedding in a couple of weeks, and you need wedding photos, right? Ooh! Congratulations on your marriage!"


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao smiled as she felt an upcoming headache at the photographer''s enthusiasm.


    "Mr. Zhang, Mrs. Zhang, you don''t have to worry. Our wedding studio is very professional. We will shoot some photos for you and make sure that everything is printed out within a week."


    As Brian keep on talking, a short-haired lady walked over with an album in her hand. She passed the album to Brian and left.


    "You can browse through the album to look at which concept you like most," Brian continued. "These days, with the technology, you don''t have to book a flight to Paris to have your wedding photos with Paris as the background. Whatever location you wanted to be, I can guarantee I can make it work. Even if you want me to edit your photos into space, I can do that. Last week, a couple came and requested to have the Avengers in their wedding photos."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow as Brian continued to mention a few other strange concepts. "We just want to shoot some normal wedding photos."


    "Of course, of course. I can also shoot some normal photos." Brian nodded, but there was a slightly disappointed look on his expression.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and raised a brow. With that gesture, he was asking his wife whether they should stay or leave.


    "We''ll stay," Li Qin Yao leaned closer to her husband and whispered, "Anyway, it was Mom who booked this place. No matter how abnormal the photographer might be, Mom would not book this place to sabotage us, right?"


    After discussing with Brian for a while longer, the short-haired woman returned with another staff. They led the couple inside to let them changed into proper wedding attire.


    When he had changed into a wedding suit, Zhang Yu Han was taken to the garden at the back of the wedding studio. Once he saw the setting, Zhang Yu Han began to feel more at ease. At least he knew that they were going to have normal looking wedding photos, and not something extraordinary that the photographer had envisioned.


    Once he heard a small movement coming from the door, Zhang Yu Han lifted his head. His heart skipped a beat and Zhang Yu Han was stunned upon seeing the sight of his wife in a white dress, and a champagne color rose bouquet in her hand.


    Seeing how he was unable to react, Li Qin Yao walked over to her husband with a smile. She stopped halfway and released the skirt she was holding. "How do I look?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the dress she was wearing. It was a sleeveless dress with a high neck with lace details. It was very modest, but it was hugging her curve at the right place. "Breathtaking." He smiled.


    "Wah¡­ the two of you looked very good together," Brian commented as he walked out with his camera in his hand. "Mr. Zhang, Mrs. Zhang, if you''re ready, we can start shooting."


    The couple was led towards the garden and Brian started to instruct them with a few poses. After pressing the shutter for a while, Brian began to check at the photos in his camera and was suddenly amazed at his photography skills.


    "How are the photos?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Brian gave them two thumbs up before he walked over to show them the photos. "The two of you were great!"


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the photos and his expression grew tender at how beautiful the photos turned out.

 Chapter 294 - Dinner Date

    The wedding photos were ready in less than a week. When his mother brought the photos to him, Zhang Yu Han was scared that the photographer was going to edit their photos with milky way as the background. Fortunately, there was no such photo at all. Now that he had looked at the photos, Zhang Yu Han began to recognize Brian''s talent in photography.


    Among the photos that his mother had shown to him, Zhang Yu Han''s favorite was the one where he and Li Qin Yao was looking at each other lovingly. Their face was only an inch away and there was a blissful smile as they looked at each other.


    "You like this one?" Liu Hui Lan had noticed the way her son was staring at the photo for a long time and knew that it was his most favorite one. "Coincidentally, Qin Yao also pick the same one."


    "She¡­ liked this one?"


    Liu Hui Lan nodded. "I sent a few photos to her WeChat, and she said this one is her favorite. Then¡­ since both of you like this one, then, I''ll use this one for the wedding, alright?"


    "We''ll do as you suggest."


    Liu Hui Lan smiled gleefully as she kept the photos back into the envelope. But after a while, she paused to take out the photo again. She placed the photo on the table and smiled. "You should keep this. Get a frame and put it on the table. Then, you can look at the picture whenever you miss her."


    Seeing the way his son silently put the photo just beside his monitor, Liu Hui Lan let out a snort.


    "Alright. I''ll be going now. Remember to come back home this weekend with Qin Yao, we''ll see if there''s anything else needed for the wedding," Liu Hui Lan reminded.


    "Un. I know," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He stood up and sent his mother to the door. Then, he walked over to his table to continue his work. A smile curled on his lips when he looked up only to see their wedding photo beside the monitor.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han found that he was unable to continue his work. A thought crossed his mind and Zhang Yu Han hesitated before he pulled at the bottom drawer. He took out the blue velvet box and peeked at the diamond ring inside.


    Their wedding date was so close, but he still hasn''t given her the proposal that she deserved. Although he had made a plan to propose, the two of them were busy catching up with their work. Anyway, they were planning to take a few days off for their honeymoon.


    At the thought that there was no time like the present, Zhang Yu Han clenched his hand at the blue velvet box before he walked out of the office. After leaving his secretary with a few instructions, Zhang Yu Han drove over to see his wife in her office in B City.


    When Li Qin Yao saw her husband at the door, she stood up with a confused look on her face. As she approached closer to him, her expression changed and she was smiling at him happily. "Why are you here?" She pulled him inside her office and tiptoed to kiss his lips.


    "I missed you."


    Hearing the voice she liked saying those words made her face blush, and Li Qin Yao giggled happily. Unable to contain the joy bursting throughout her body, Li Qin Yao linked her arms around his neck to give him another peck. "I missed you too." Her voice was a whisper.


    "Mrs. Zhang, why don''t we go on a dinner date?" Zhang Yu Han spontaneously held her waist. "I already booked a restaurant."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the blueprint on her table before she turned back and nodded. "Okay."


    Once Li Qin Yao had tidied up her table, she hopped into Zhang Yu Han''s Cayenne and closed her eyes briefly to rest. When she opened her eyes again, Li Qin Yao was surprised upon realizing that her husband had booked a place at a French fine dining restaurant.


    "You booked a place at Petit Jardin?"


    "Hmm¡­" Zhang Yu Han nodded. He got off the Cayenne and helped his wife.


    Knowing that it was an expensive restaurant that would require them to make a reservation before they could get a table, Li Qin Yao could not help get suspicious. "What''s the special occasion?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her question. He grabbed her hand in his and kissed at the back of her hand. "Do we need a special occasion to come and have a meal here? What''s wrong with spoiling you once in a while? Come on.."


    The two of them walked over to the restaurant and paused at the reception. Zhang Yu Han mentioned his name to the receptionist and waited as the receptionist went through her computer.


    The receptionist had a frown on her face as she continued to tap her fingers on the keyboard. "I''m sorry, sir," the receptionist spoke. "Could you tell me again what your reservation name is?"


    Zhang Yu Han began to feel uneasy at the receptionist''s question. He gave his name again and waited anxiously.


    After a few seconds of looking at the computer, the receptionist turned to the couple with an apologetic look on her face. "I''m sorry, sir. But, there''s no reservation under the name Li Zhang Yu Han."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Are you sure? Because I''m sure that I''ve made a reservation for tonight. Tian Yue was the one who made the reservation for me. Can you please check again?"


    "I''ll give it one last check," The receptionist pursed her lips and turned to her computer again. After a minute, the receptionist looked up to Zhang Yu Han again. "No. I''m sorry sir, but, your name wasn''t on the list. But, I did found your name for tomorrow''s reservation."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he made a mental note to have a serious talk with his secretary after this. Perhaps he should consider cutting her pay for ruining his plan.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to Li Qin Yao and smiled faintly. "I think Secretary Tian might have mixed up my reservation. She booked a reservation for tomorrow."


    Seeing the disappointed look on her husband''s face, Li Qin Yao tightened her grip at his hand and gave him a consoling smile. "That''s alright. We can come here tomorrow night. As for tonight, let''s have our dinner somewhere else."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow, knowing that his wife had made a plan. "What do you have in mind?"

 Chapter 295 - Disaster Date

    Zhang Yu Han did not know whether he should laugh or cry as he stared at the bowl of hot, beef noodles in front of him. Although the aroma from the hot broth was very inviting, Zhang Yu Han found himself losing his appetite.


    They were supposed to have a romantic dinner in a famous fine dining restaurant. Then, someone was going to deliver a bouquet of roses and the, he was going to pop up the question. A romantic dinner, wine, flowers, and a ring. It was the perfect combination and Zhang Yu Han was sure that he would never fail with this plan.


    However, what he did not expect was for his secretary to book the wrong date.


    "Come on," Li Qin Yao giggled. She had long noticed the sullen look on her husband''s face. "This place was not so bad," she coaxed. "The noodle is delicious."


    "I wanted to take you out somewhere special for our date," Zhang Yu Han said with a sigh. "And there was nothing special about having beef noodles for dinner on the street side."


    "Didn''t we say that we would come and have our dinner at Petit Jardin tomorrow?" she persuaded. "Come on. Eat up and let''s go on a walk after this."


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife who was so clueless that he was upset that his plan has gone down the drain. However, as he saw the happy smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han could not help but to get infected. Slowly, a smile began to form on his face. "Alright," he spoke after a while. "I''ll listen to my wife."


    Once they finished their food, the couple went for a walk around the street while discussing their work and their upcoming wedding. After a while, Zhang Yu Han began to notice the small droplets of water spilled on his face. Just as he looked up at the sky, the rain started to fall.


    Zhang Yu Han cursed under his breath, noticing that everything seemed to go wrong for him that night. "Come on. We have to find a place to take shelter."He grabbed her hand in his and ran to find a shelter.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as they both took shelter beside a store. "Wow. I didn''t think that it would rain. But I guess, it should stop raining soon."


    Zhang Yu Han looked at his wife and noticed how her blouse has turned translucent. The moisture from the rain made the dress clung tightly to her body. Her curves and skins were starting to show. Swiftly, Zhang Yu Han took off his jacket and draped it on her shoulder.


    "Thank you," Li Qin Yao said smiled.


    As he looked at the weather, Zhang Yu Han could not help but sigh. It seemed as if the universe was going against him. Everything seemed to go wrong for him. Though he has now accepted that he will have to push his plan to propose tomorrow, he had wanted to enjoy his time with his wife together. But now¡­ everything turned to a mess.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and sighed helplessly. "It would have been perfect if everything went according to plan. You might be enjoying strawberry mille-fuille for dessert right now if only we didn''t get our reservation mixed up. It seemed that this is turning into a disastrous date"


    "When did you start to view things negatively?" Li Qin Yao tiptoed to flick her finger on his forehead.


    Feeling that soft touch, Zhang Yu Han turned to look at his wife with a puzzled look. "What are you doing?"


    "Why are you so bent on having a perfect night or a perfect date? "


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh, but he could not possibly tell her about his plan. He pushed a few strands of hair behind her ears and leaned to kiss her ear. "I just wanted to make you happy."


    "What''s wrong with having beef noodles on the street side? What''s wrong with rainy weather? I like them. As long as we''re together like this, I am happy." Li Qin Yao squeezed at his hand. "As long as you''re by my side, everything became perfect for me."


    His body stiffened at her words. Zhang Yu Han found himself staring into her eyes and was amazed at how she could drive him crazy just by looking into his eyes. "You''re right," he finally smiled. "This is perfect." He dipped down to kiss her lips and sigh. When he looked up again, the rain has suddenly stopped.


    "Come on, let''s go back and change before both of us would get sick from the rain," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. As he turned around, something caught his eyes and Zhang Yu Han suddenly paused. His eyes narrowed at the shop across the street. Then, he gave a light squeeze at her hand and said, "Wait here for a moment."


    "Where are you going?" Li Qin Yao grabbed his hand before he walked away.


    "Just wait here for a moment. I''ll come back shortly."


    Seeing the anxious look on her husband''s face, Li Qin Yao released her grip and frowned as she watched him crossed the street. Less than five minutes later, her husband returned to her side. Li Qin Yao was stunned upon seeing a bouquet red roses and baby breaths in his hand. It was then that Li Qin Yao realized that her husband had gone to the florist.


    Zhang Yu Han paused to catch up with his breath. Then, he handed the bouquet to his wife with a wide smile on his face. "For you. Perhaps I might not able to spoil you with a romantic dinner, but I hope you will like this."


    "Thank you." She inhaled at the roses and laughed. "It''s beautiful."


    Li Qin Yao frowned at his sudden strangeness. "What''s wrong?"


    "I," he paused briefly. "I was planning to do this right after we enjoyed our dessert in the restaurant. But, because this is a perfect moment, maybe it would be better to do it right here, right now. Li Qin Yao," he smiled nervously.


    "Yes?"


    Li Qin Yao gasped when she saw him dropped down to one knee. A blue velvet suddenly materialized in his palm. He lifted the lid slowly, to reveal the diamond ring.


    He looked at her with an anxious smile on his face. "Li Qin Yao, Will you marry me?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her breath stuck in her throat. She brought her hand to cover her mouth and swallowed. Her gaze alternated between her husband and the diamond ring. She had never thought that the white-knight moment would happen to her. She reached her hand to him and laughed. "Why are you proposing to me again? We are already husband and wife."


    "I know that we are married, but I still wanted to do this," Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath and smiled shakily. "Previously, I was in a hurry to marry you that I did not prepare flowers or a ring when I proposed. I wanted to propose to you after our romantic dinner, but a lot of things happened."


    Li Qin Yao smiled when she finally figured out why her husband was acting so strangely that night.


    "Ten years ago, I was too slow to get to know you. Because of that, when it comes to you, suddenly I became impatient. I was going to postpone this proposal to tomorrow when I found that my plan did not go smoothly as I thought tonight. But suddenly, I cannot wait anymore. I feel like if I did not do this right now, something else might pop up and ruin my plan." He paused to look into her eyes and took a deep breath. "Li Qin Yao, I love you and I want to marry you. Will you¡­ marry me?"


    Just as Zhang Yu Han was going to say another word to persuade her, he heard her answer.


    "Yes. Zhang Yu Han, no matter how many times you ask me, the answer will always be yes." With that answer, her lips descended to meet his.

 Chapter 296 - Naughty Thought

    Li Qin Yao stared at the ring in her hand and a shy smile appeared on her lips. Just by one glance at the ring, Li Qin Yao could tell the bluish diamond was something expensive.


    Her mind began to repeat his proposal scene and Li Qin Yao began to laugh. After being married to him, Li Qin Yao always thought that her husband was someone sensible. Each time that she had what Zhang Yu Han would call as ''strange thought'', he was always the one who put some sense into her.


    But tonight, when he was disappointed at their mixed up reservation, and how the rain had suddenly fallen, Li Qin Yao thought that her husband has turned into someone silly.


    She began to recall the way he had acted around her when they began to date and realized that when it comes to her, Zhang Yu Han can be somewhat silly.


    When Zhang Yu Han walked out of the bathroom, he saw that she was still staring at the proposal ring and noticed the sheepish smile on his wife''s face. "Do you like it?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "I like it." She got off the bed and walked over to hug him around his waist. His scent mixed with the shower gel, filled her nose as she breathed in.


    Seeing the way his wife was acting like a spoiled kitten, Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh.


    "Why did you get this ring? Why would you buy a ring when we already have a wedding ring?"


    "Actually, I have asked Su Ming Yuan to help me to prepare this proposal ring when you went to Capital City to attend your cousin''s wedding." Zhang Yu Han kissed the top of her head and spontaneously embraced her to keep her closer. "But before Su Ming Yuan could come back to deliver this ring, I was already married to you. I didn''t get the chance to give you this ring."


    Li Qin Yao looked up to peck her lips at his jaw. "Reward you."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled roguishly at her. "How about rewarding me in another way? How about you go and wear that outfit that Han Yue Xiu gave you previously?"


    Hearing her husband mentioning that embarrassing outfit, Li Qin Yao''s face turned bright red. "I have thrown away that outfit."


    A frown appeared on his face. "Wasn''t that outfit my birthday present? Why did you throw away such a good item?"


    Li Qin Yao gritted her teeth. "Otherwise¡­ Hubby, are you planning to wear them?" A thought crossed her mind and Li Qin Yao tilted her head adoringly as she spoke, "Actually, I think you would look adorable in a cat outfit."


    Knowing that his wife was teasing him, Zhang Yu Han had a smile on his face. He bopped at her nose and spoke in a low, seductive voice. "Wife, I did not know that you have this kind of naughty thought in your head."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband speechlessly. How did he suddenly accuse her as someone dirty?


    "If you''re into something like that, I''ll go and find one of the outfits and wear one on your birthday," Zhang Yu Han said. "I''m sure they have a male version of those outfits on the internet."


    "Zhang Yu Han, why do you want to wear something like that?"


    "Hmm?" He raised a brow. "If it would make you happy, then, I''ll wear them for you. As long as it will make you happy, I''ll wear them. But of course, it was only for your eyes and not anyone else."


    These words should make her feel touch, however, with the way this conversation began, Li Qin Yao was embarrassed to death! The atmosphere between them was very romantic in the beginning, but how did it turn into something dirty?


    She put both hands on his ?h?st and pushed him away. "No. I don''t want something like that as my birthday present." However, because he had his arms around her waist, it was difficult for Li Qin Yao to escape.


    At this time, her phone on the side table suddenly rang loudly. Finding her reason to escape, Li Qin Yao patted at his arms as she struggled away from his embrace.


    "Zhang Yu Han, it might be mom calling us to ask something about the wedding," Li Qin Yao said.


    With a sigh, Zhang Yu Han finally released his wife from his embrace. His lips curled into an amused smile as he watched her scurried away to grab her phone.


    Li Qin Yao grabbed her phone and glanced at her husband warily. When she looked at the caller ID, Li Qin Yao could not help but mutter a silent curse. The person who called her at this time was not her mother-in-law, but it was the culprit who made her suffer under her husband''s torment a few days after his birthday.


    As she stared at the caller ID, Li Qin Yao had this urge to hang up the call, but once she realized that she might run into a hungry wolf''s mouth, Li Qin Yao slid her finger on the screen and pressed the phone to her ear.


    "Yao Yao?" Han Yue Xiu''s voice was heard on the other line. "What took you so long to pick up?"


    "Hmm¡­ I was in the middle of something."


    Han Yue Xiu glanced at the clock and frowned. "I am not interrupting anything, am I? Wait. Yao Yao, I''ll call you tomorrow."


    "No. No," Li Qin Yao spoke quickly. "I''m free now. Just say whatever you called me for. I might be busy tomorrow. I still need to visit the site and see some people¡ª"


    "Alright. I got it," Han Yue Xiu cut her words off. "You can stop your rambling. Yao Yao, you''re acting very suspicious."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes at the other side. "I''ll just go straight to the point, then. Yao Yao, your wedding is in next week. Therefore, I''m planning to come over to Y City two days before the wedding. Anyway, I am your bridesmaid, right? I should stay around and help you with anything."


    "You don''t have to worry about this. My mother-in-law is handling the wedding preparation for us. But if you can come over to Y City earlier, that would be great too. Do you need a place to stay?"


    "No need. I still have an apartment in Y City, right?"


    "That''s true, but it has been emptied for months. Do you think it will still be suitable for you to live there?"


    "I have called for a cleaning service to come over. My apartment should be clean before I arrived in Y City. That reminds me... I have another question to ask. The night before your wedding, will you be staying at your mom''s place or your in-laws''?"


    Li Qin Yao paused when she suddenly recalled that she will have to live apart from her husband on a night before their wedding.

 Chapter 297 - Wedding Preparation

    With her wedding day approaching fast, Li Qin Yao has been working hard to settle her workload before she was going to take two weeks break. Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han have been married for a few months, but they have not gone for their honeymoon yet. Because of that, the two of them decided to go on a trip the next day after their wedding.


    They were going to visit Country H and enjoyed the beach view for a few days and then fly over to Country C.


    Both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan had decided to return to Country C a few days after the wedding ended and had invited the new couple to come over and stay at their place for a few days. Li Qin Yao thought that it would be great to visit a few places where her husband had stayed during his university years.


    She went through her checklist at what she should deal with before she left the office for a long time. Fortunately, Li Mu Bai had agreed to look over the project while she was absent. Besides, with Liang Sheng overseeing the progress, Li Qin Yao was not that worried about leaving. After working with Liang Sheng for months, Li Qin Yao knew that he could be trusted with the project.


    A knock resounded at the door and soon, Liang Sheng entered the office.


    "Liang Sheng, it''s good that you''re here," Li Qin Yao breathed with relief. "Come here and look at this."


    The bespectacled man walked over to the table and the two of them discussed work for almost an hour. Then, Li Qin Yao proceeded to give him a few instructions on what he should do while she was away.


    Just s the two of them were talking, Liang Sheng''s phone began to chime. He glanced at the notification and smiled. "Chairman Li and the others have landed in Y City."


    It was then that Li Qin Yao seemed to recall that her family would arrive in Y City from Capital City. Fortunately, she did not have to worry about picking them up as her father-in-law had decided to greet them at the airport before they will be escorted to stay in the hotel.


    Li Qin Yao glanced one last time at her computer and spoke, "My vacation started tomorrow and I will leave the office for two weeks. Liang Sheng, I''ll leave everything to you. If there is anything important, you should email me immediately," Li Qin Yao said. "Although I might be away, I can still check at my emails."


    "You don''t have to worry. The bespectacled man smiled. "I will not disappoint you."


    Li Qin Yao picked up her backpack and smiled. "Well then, I''ll see you again in two days. You are going to attend my wedding right?"


    "Of course," Liang Sheng chuckled. "Everyone here is planning to attend the wedding. I wouldn''t miss it."


    A few minutes later, Li Qin Yao finally left her office with Mister Shen, her bodyguard, and head over to Zhang''s Hotel. Before she got the chance to find her husband, Li Qin Yao ran into her mother-in-law at the entrance, and thus, she was dragged to the banquet hall to look at the decoration.


    "Mom, isn''t it too early to put on these decorations?" Li Qin Yao asked as she looked at how the tables were arranged. "I thought that they were going to start ?ssembling them tomorrow."


    "There''s nothing wrong with preparing early," Liu Hui Lan said. "The hall is empty anyway. Your Grandfather said that it would be best to set up everything early."


    Li Qin Yao accompanied her mother-in-law to look around the hall and after half an hour later, she was able to escape from the situation.


    Secretary Tian was already waiting for her when she arrived at his floor. "Mrs. Zhang, Director Zhang has been waiting for your arrival for a while."


    "I met my mother-in-law downstairs and she took me to look at the hall," Li Qin Yao said. "Secretary Tian, didn''t I tell you previously to start addressing me as Qin Yao or Yao Yao?"


    "I know," Secretary Tian smiled. "But Director Zhang said he preferred me and everyone else in this company to address you as Mrs. Zhang."


    Li Qin Yao let out a helpless sigh. She walked over to her husband''s office and entered the room after knocking at the door twice.


    "You''re here," Zhang Yu Han quickly stood up when he saw his wife. Once he reached by her side, Zhang Yu Han gave her a peck on the lips. "Are you tired?"


    "I''m still alright," Li Qin Yao smiled. "I''ve handed my work to Liang Sheng and the others. This way, I can enjoy our honeymoon without worrying too much."


    Zhang Yu Han could not hide his anticipation at the thought of going on a vacation with just the two of them, Because of the wedding preparation, their parents would always show up unexpectedly and kidnapped his wife away to discuss the details on their wedding.


    Although he had offered to help, his mother had told him that he was not being helpful at all. Anyway, whenever his mother would turn to him to ask for his opinion, Zhang Yu Han would then turn to his wife and ask for her opinion.


    In the end, Liu Hui Lan thought that it would be better to ask her daughter-in-law directly.


    As Li Qin Yao sat down on the sofa, her husband had appeared by her side with a mug of warm ginger and brown sugar tea. Li Qin Yao giggled as she accepted the mug. "It has been the fourth day. My stomach doesn''t hurt anymore."


    "I asked Secretary Tian to prepare them once I heard that you have arrived," Zhang Yu Han said. "Just drink. I heard that it would be beneficial to your body."


    "Alright. I''ll listen to you," Li Qin Yao drank the tea and handed the mug back to her husband once she emptied its contents.


    Actually, she was quite disappointed once she found out that her period had come. After she had made up her mind to give her husband a big, fat baby, Li Qin Yao was so looking forward that their hard work would finally show the result. However, just because she had set her mind on it, it doesn''t mean that it will happen so soon.


    In the end, her husband had to coax her not to get disappointed. After all, it hasn''t been too long since they decided to try for a baby.


    Just as she was deep in her thought, Zhang Yu Han had appeared behind her to wrap his arms around her shoulder before he leaned in to kiss her cheek.


    "After having dinner with everyone, let''s head home to rest, alright?" Zhang Yu Han suggested. He took a deep breath to inhale her scent and peck at her cheek again. "Qin Yao, I just wanted to spend my time cuddling with you before tomorrow."

 Chapter 298 - The Night Before the Wedding

    Following the tradition, Li Qin Yao was not allowed to meet with her husband on the night before the wedding.


    Li Qin Yao had stayed at hers and Zhang Yu Han apartment with Xu along with her mother, Xu Yilan, and her best friend, Han Yue Xiu accompanying her. Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han had returned to stay at Zhang''s residence.


    Initially, Li Qin Yao had wanted to stay at her mother''s place in B City, but after considering that they could save more time, Li Qin Yao decided to stay at their apartment.


    Because her mother-in-law had prepared everything earlier, Li Qin Yao did not have to think too much about last-minute preparation. In the evening, everything that she will need for her wedding was sent over to their apartment. In the end, Li Qin Yao spent most of her time to listen to her mother regarding the wedding etiquette, and then, gossiped with Han Yue Xiu about her life in Capital City.


    Throughout their conversation, Li Qin Yao learned that Han Yue Xiu''s relationship has gotten a bit better. At least, Han Yue Xiu no longer had this annoyed look on her face whenever they accidentally mentioned Song Yi''s name.


    After the three of them had their dinner together, surprisingly, someone came to ring the doorbell.


    When Li Qin Yao looked through the intercom, she was surprised upon seeing her paternal grandparents at the door. Li Qin Yao swung the door open and stared at the two elders with confusion.


    "Grandfather, grandmother, how are you here?" Li Qin Yao asked as she invited them in.


    Seeing that the elders had walked in, Xu Yilan went into the kitchen to help prepare some drinks and snacks.


    "Grandfather and Grandmother are not going to stay for too long," Mu Ling Xi spoke. "We only came to add some dowry."


    "Yao Yao, you are someone that both Grandfather and Grandmother had looked after ever since you were a baby," Li Ren Xin spoke. He pulled out a brown envelope from the bag and handed it to his granddaughter. "After thinking about it for a while, we thought that it would be best to add a bit more to your dowry."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the contents and was speechless upon seeing some property deeds. She knew the location of those places and was aware of how valuable they are. "Grandfather, Grandmother, isn''t this is a bit too much?"


    Previously, her mother had told her that she too had prepared some dowry for her. Her mother had always lived her life in moderation, however, Li Qin Yao was surprised upon finding out how much money she has. According to her mother, she had been saving for her dowry for a long time. Because she was her only daughter, Xu Yilan had given her everything.


    "Yao Yao, I hope that you will not reject my gift." Li Ren Xin hesitated for a while before he spoke again. "Although the matter regarding that accident has been cleared, Grandfather still felt guilty about it. I know that no amount of money or wealth could compensate for everything that you have gone through. However, this is the only thing that I can give you."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the documents in her hand and nodded after a while. "Then, I will accept this."


    Hearing that their granddaughter had accepted their intention, both Li Ren Xin and Mu Ling Xi had a smile on their face. The two elderly stayed at the apartment long enough until they have finished their tea before they left.


    Because Li Qin Yao had to get up early in the morning the elders left soon. Once her grandparents left, Xu Yilan began to urge her daughter to go to bed early unless if she wanted to show up at her wedding with a dark circle under her eyes.


    Hearing her mother''s scary words, Li Qin Yao decided to stop gossiping with her friend and head over to the bedroom. As she arrived at the door, Li Qin Yao suddenly stop and turned to Han Yue Xiu. "Yue Xiu, why don''t you accompany me to sleep tonight?"


    Han Yue Xiu stared back at her friend with an expression as if she had seen a ghost. "Are you crazy?" She let out a dry cough and continued. "I don''t want to sleep on yours and your husband''s bed¡­ No. No. I''ll accompany your mother to sleep in the guest room."


    As she was unable to sleep, Li Qin Yao closed her eyes and tossed around on the bed. Her arms were hugging at Zhang Yu Han''s pillow as she inhaled at a spot where his scent was the strongest.


    Suddenly, she found herself missing her husband terribly.


    Just then, her phone on the side table started to chime. Li Qin Yao looked at the screen and a huge smile appeared on her lips as she read his messages: "Are you asleep?"


    A giggle escaped her lips, knowing that her husband was missing her right now.


    Shortly after, Li Qin Yao tapped her fingers on the screen. After two dial tone, Zhang Yu Han''s face appeared on the screen. The joy on his face was apparent.


    "Why are you not sleeping?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Zhang Yu Han spread his hand on the bed. "My wife is not on my side right now, how can I sleep?" He let out a chuckle when he saw her bashful expression. "Did you miss me?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded. Subconsciously, she tightened her grip on his pillow as if she was hugging him.


    "I miss you too."


    Hearing his deep vibrating voice, Li Qin Yao felt her toes curled and the smile on her lips spread. Li Qin Yao stared at her husband''s face through the screen and suddenly noticed the familiar shirt in his ?h?st.


    "You... Isn''t that my shirt?"


    Zhang Yu Han lowered his gaze to look at the shirt. "Un."


    "I only wear them last night to sleep and did not get the chance to wash them. Why did you take it away? Isn''t it dirty?"


    "I took them along with me because I know that I won''t be able to sleep without you by my side. At least, with this method, I can still smell your scent and perhaps it would lull me to sleep."


    Li Qin Yao laughed, knowing that she was doing the same with his pillow. "Does it work?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a long, frustrated sigh. "It was not the same as hugging you."

 Chapter 299 - Wedding Day (1)

    Li Qin Yao managed to sleep for five hours before her mother came knocking on her door to tell her that she needed to get ready. When Li Qin Yao get out of the bathroom in her bathrobe, two makeup artists were already waiting for her.


    Soon, she was led to sit down in front of the dressing table and the makeup artists began to work their magic. Three hours later, the makeup artists stepped back to admire their work and Li Qin Yao sat there in a daze, wondering why does it take them hours to do makeup?


    But seeing at the exquisite result, Li Qin Yao thought that sitting on the chair for three hours until her waist was hurting was worth it. It was at a time like this that she was reminded that beauty is pain.


    It was only when she stepped into her wedding dress that Li Qin Yao began to feel anxious knowing that it was her wedding day. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Li Qin Yao began to feel anxious.


    "Yao Yao! So pretty!" Han Yue Xiu exclaimed as she walked around her friend to take a good look at her friend in her wedding dress. Han Yue Xiu lifted her head and frowned when she noticed the abnormality in her friend''s expression. "What''s wrong with you? Low blood sugar? Yao Yao, do you need some sweets? I have some of them stashed somewhere."


    "No need. I''m just nervous at the thought that I will be married today."


    Han Yue Xiu''s expression changed. "You already received your wedding certificates months ago. How are you still anxious?"


    "The feeling is different."


    Li Qin Yao heard some liveliness coming from the outside and soon, her mother announced that the groom had to pick her up. Imagining how Zhang Yu Han was going to react when he saw her in her wedding dress, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt a somersault in her stomach.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao was dressed in red, Chinese style wedding dress with mandarin collar and floral embroidery. Her sleeves were long and her skits were pleated. On top of her head was a silvery gold-plated phoenix crown.


    It was a rare chance for her to wear something like this. Of course, when her mother-in-law discussed the wedding details with her, the two of them finally decided for her to have both a Chinese-style and Western-style wedding dress.


    Li Qin Yao sat on the bed as she tried to listen to the liveliness outside. From the voices outside, Li Qin Yao knew that Zhang Yu Han''s brothers had come along to join the fun.


    A giggle escaped her when she heard Han Yue Xiu''s request for the groom to sing a song before he can enter the room. Of course, since she had never heard her husband sing before, Li Qin Yao was expecting that Zhang Yu Han was going to reject this quest. However, to her surprise, Li Qin Yao could hear him singing the first verse of the famous Can''t Take My Eyes Off You.


    Hearing her favorite person singing in his deep voice, Li Qin Yao felt a flutter in her stomach. It almost drove her crazy.


    She had never expected that Zhang Yu Han''s singing voice would be good. Perhaps she was biased, but Li Qin Yao thought that her husband''s voice was better than the lead singer of the TIME band.


    Li Qin Yao wanted to stand up and walk over to the door but found that she was too stunned to make a move.


    Unfortunately, the singing did not last for too long as Zhang Yu Han stopped just before the first verse was completed.


    Of course, Han Yue Xiu was not going to let him go easily. Zhang Yu Han''s brothers then helped to argue with Han Yue Xiu about the matter.


    It was only after Han Yue Xiu received her bribe in the form of a red packet that she decided to let the groom enter the room pass. Soon, Zhang Yu Han entered the room in high spirits. He stopped halfway into the room as he stared at his wife in a daze.


    Feeling his intense gaze on her, Li Qin Yao was suddenly shy.


    Zhang Yu Han managed to complete the task in less than three minutes. He knelt on one knee and helped to put her shoes. Then, he lifted her easily in his arms without breaking eye contact with her.


    How he wished to dipped down to kiss her lips, but at this time, Zhang Yu Han could only endure the temptation under the others'' watchful eyes.


    As Li Qin Yao linked her arms to his neck and leaned closer to his ear. "Zhang Yu Han¡­ I did not know that you can sing. Later, you have to sing a song for me, alright?"


    A bright smile appeared at his lips. He was fully aware of how much his wife liked his voice, but had never tried to sing in front of her. Anyway, he had always thought that he was really bad at singing, which was why he had stopped halfway through her singing. But, hearing his wife''s praise, Zhang Yu Han could not help but agree. "I''ll make a private concert for you if you wish for it."


    Then, Zhang Yu Han carried his wife out of their apartment and into the car with the groomsmen and their bridesmaid trailing after them. As they walked over the vehicle, Li Qin Yao was surprised upon seeing her bodyguard, Mister Shen, and a few men in black. It was then that she realized that the Qi''s family had sent their people to guard the ceremony to ensure that everything was going smoothly.


    A chuckle escaped her lips as Li Qin Yao wondered whether her husband was being over the top by arranging the guards to stay around. Warmth began to spread in her heart at how meticulous her husband and in-laws had prepared for the wedding.


    When they arrived at the Zhang''s residence, the two of them were greeted with a lively scene and the sound of firecrackers. With Zhang Yu Han''s lead, the two of them got off the vehicle to enter the house.


    Zhang Yu Han led his wife into the living room, and with the guidance of the master of the ceremony, the two of them served tea to their elders. Once they drank their tea, the elders gave them each a thick red packet.


    Before Li Qin Yao was able to rest and catch up her breath, she was informed that she needed to depart to the hotel where the guests would be arriving soon. At the thought that she would need to change her dress into a white dress soon, Li Qin Yao was starting to regret her decision to wear both Chinese and Western-style dresses on her wedding day.

 Chapter 300 - Wedding Day (2)

    Once they arrived at the hotel entrance, Zhang Yu Han helped his wife off the vehicle before he watched her being dragged away by his sister. Li Qin Yao was taken into a room where she could change into a white wedding dress. The two makeup artists from earlier appeared by her side and started to retouch her makeup.


    Anyway, the Zhang family had paid them a large sum of money and of course, the makeup artists wanted to let the bride look the best as she walked down the aisle.


    An hour later, Li Qin Yao stared back into the mirror and was amazed at how different she looked at the moment. Li Qin Yao was amazed at how the makeup artists only removed her lipstick, but after working on her face a little bit, she was given a new look. This time, her makeup was a bit more gentle but still as exquisite.


    At this moment, Li Qin Yao was dressed in a white, A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline. The 3D laces started from the top and gradually scattered once it reached her waist. What she liked the most about the dress was how it made her look a bit taller and it was easy for her to move in around. Her hair was decorated with a flowery hairpiece and a long white veil behind her.


    Xu Yilan appeared soon to inform her that everyone has arrived and she should come out to get ready. Seeing her daughter in a white wedding dress, Xu Yilan cried again.


    "Yao Yao, you are so pretty today," Xu Yilan commented. "If your father sees you, I''m sure that he would be very happy."


    Hearing her mother mentioned her late father, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt her eyes and nose started to sting. Suddenly, she was missing her father terribly Her father doted on her so much ever since she was born. He would be the happiest if he was by her side at this time. He would be so proud of her.


    Li Qin Yao pursed at her lips tightly as she tried to hold her tears from coming out.


    It was Han Yue Xiu who had to coax the mother and daughter to stop crying before they ruined their makeup. Once everyone had calm down, and the makeup artists had come over to retouch the bride''s makeup, Li Qin Yao was then led towards the Grand Hall.


    Seeing the huge door in front of her, Li Qin Yao took a deep breath to calm down. Just then, Li Qin Yao heard some footsteps heading towards her and turned around.


    Her grandfather, Li Ren Xin walked over to her and offered his arms. "I''ll walk you inside," Li Ren Xin said.


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She leaned forward to kiss her grandfather on his cheek, and said, "Thank you, Grandfather."


    The decoration inside the hall was very pretty with fresh flowers on both her left and right. But as she walked along the red carpet, Li Qin Yao was unable to tear her gaze away from the man who stood to wait for her at the stage. She was aware that everyone was looking at her, but her eyes remained glued to her husband. For her, Zhang Yu Han was the brightest, and the most handsome.


    With each step she took, Li Qin Yao could feel her heartbeat increased. She could feel her hand and feet gradually turned cold, but she was unsure if it was from her anxiety or the low air conditioner.


    As she gets closer to the stage, she was able to see the dazed expression on Zhang Yu Han''s face. Seeing the way how he continued to stare at her without blinking his eyes, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry.


    It was only after Wei Jun Hao had nudged him on his waist that Zhang Yu Han was able to react. He walked down the small steps and stopped halfway to meet her. After exchanging a few words, Li Ren Xin handed finally over his granddaughter to Zhang Yu Han.


    He then took her hand in his and led her to the stage. The two of them stood at the center as they gazed into each other''s eyes. Although the minister was saying something just beside them, the couple had acted as if there were no one around.


    It was only as the minister spoke their name that Zhang Yu Han finally snapped out of his trance. The two exchanged their vow to love each other for better or for worst, for richer or poorer and in sickness and in health. They vowed to love and cherish each other forever, till death do they part.


    The two of them exchanged their ring and soon, the minister pronounced them as husband and wife.


    As he heard that he may kiss his bride, Zhang Yu Han did not hesitate to bent down and pulled her into a deep kiss. Soon, the attendees started to cheer.


    As the ceremony has now concluded, the guests were then led into a large banquet hall where the feast was prepared.


    Meanwhile, in Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Chen stared at the wedding photos uploaded by the others who attended Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han''s wedding in Y City. Seeing the blissful smile on her cousin''s face, Li Mu Chen''s face turned ugly with anger.


    Everyone was invited to join Li Qin Yao''s wedding banquet, but at this time, Li Mu Chen was grounded in her house. Even if she wanted to take a step outside, her father''s men would stop her at the door. She was not allowed to take a step outside!


    After her mother, Zhao Wei was sent into prison, Li Mu Chen had no one else besides her. Her father and brother chose to abandon her. None of them cared about her anymore. Li Mu Bai had reduced her money pocket and because of that, none of her friends wanted to get close to her.


    Li Mu Chen tried to contact a few men that her mother knew, but once they heard that Li Mu Chen had no money, they had refused to help her to take revenge against Li Qin Yao.


    Because of Li Qin Yao, her mother was now divorced and had to spend twenty years in prison. She had caused her mother''s downfall.


    These days, Li Mu Chen had to live her life miserably in Capital City, but Li Qin Yao was allowed to be happy? On what ground was she allowed to live happily when she had caused misery upon others?


    Li Mu Chen was, of course, discontented!


    Browsing through the photos only made Li Mu Chen seething in resentment. She was about to slam her phone against the wall when she saw a familiar person in one of the photos.

 Chapter 301 - Her Cute, Drunk Husband Returned!

    The wedding banquet ended around 5.00 p.m. Surprisingly, the guests do not seem as if they were going to leave just yet. Perhaps because the wedding banquet was held in Zhang''s Hotel, everyone thought that it should be alright for them to stay a little bit longer.


    Li Qin Yao returned to the honeymoon suite to change her clothes. After wearing her wedding dress for hours, she was starting to get uncomfortable. Han Yue Xiu stayed with her to help her remove the accessories and makeup.


    Once Li Qin Yao was sure that she was able to manage the rest, she then sent Han Yue Xiu to rest at one of the rooms in the hotel. As Li Qin Yao''s bridesmaid, the Zhang family had allocated one room for her.


    However, once Li Qin Yao had walked out of the bathroom in her bathrobe, her husband still has not returned. She looked at the time and frowned before She reached for her phone and dialed her husband''s number.


    After it rang twice, Zhang Yu Han picked up her call. "Qin Yao."


    The frown on her face deepened when she heard his voice. It was not hard to tell that Zhang Yu Han had a few more drinks with the boys. "Where are you?"


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han massaged his temple. "The boys would not let me go just yet. Are you hungry? I''ll ask someone to send something for you to eat. You eat first. I''ll come back once I can escape."


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief. "As long as you''re safe. Don''t drink too much, alright?"


    "Un." Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Wait for me a while. I''ll be there soon."


    After speaking a few more words to her husband, Li Qin Yao hung up the phone and laid her body on the large bed. Feeling the soft and comfortable mattress under her, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt very tired. Though she had long known that a wedding can be tiring, she had never expected that it would be this tiring.


    Just as she was about to close her eyes, Li Qin Yao heard the doorbell rang. She peeked at the peephole and saw a hotel attendant with a trolley. It was then that she was reminded that her husband had told her that he will send some food to her. With a smile on her face, Li Qin Yao opened the door to let the attendant in. Her stomach grumbled as the aroma of food filled the room.


    Once the attendant exited the room, Li Qin Yao looked at the food on the table and decided to pad her stomach with a meat bun. Anyway, she was planning to have a proper meal once her husband had returned.


    Now that her stomach was filled, Li Qin Yao sat down on the sofa and watched some dramas on the television as she waited for her husband to return. Without knowing when Li Qin Yao fell asleep¡­


    She was suddenly awakened by the continuous sound of the doorbell. She peeked into the peephole and was surprised upon seeing Wei Jun Hao and Qi Zheng who were supporting her husband in their arms. Quickly, Li Qin Yao swung the door open and looked at Zhang Yu Han with worry.


    "Hello," Wei Jun Hao and Qi Zheng greeted.


    "What happened to him?" Li Qin Yao stepped aside to let the men in. Her expression grew anxious at the sight of her unconscious husband.


    There was a hint of guilt on Wei Jun Hao''s face as he helped his friend into the room, and towards the bed. Once he had laid Zhang Yu Han onto the bed, Wei Jun Hao took a deep breath and wiped his forehead with the hem of his shirt.


    "Sorry. I guess, Yu Han drank a little bit too much. The boys would not let him leave until he was drunk. And Yu Han had not rejected the drink every time someone came to toast a drink. He was just too happy whenever someone came to congratulate him. Fortunately, he is an obedient drunk." Wei Jun Hao heaved a long breath once he finished. "Will it be alright if I leave him here? Do you need any help?"


    "It''s fine," Li Qin Yao said. She thanked the two of them for his help and sent them to the door. Once the door shut, Li Qin Yao turned around to look at her husband again. Seeing the way he was sprawling on the bed, Li Qin Yao let out a long sigh.


    Then, she helped to remove his shoes and jacket before she went into the bathroom to get a towel and a basin of water.


    Just as the wet towel touched his face, Zhang Yu Han opened his eyes to look at her. His lips curled into a wide smile. "Wife!"


    "Are you awake now?" Li Qin Yao frowned. She then lifted her hand to flick at his forehead. "Why did you drink so much?"


    Seeing this situation, Li Qin Yao did not know whether she should laugh or cry. It seemed as if Zhang Yu Han was planning to sleep in this position.


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes glinted when she realized that her cute, drunk husband has returned!


    Some mischievous thoughts went through her head and Li Qin Yao decided to take advantage of her drunk husband and tease him. With a giggle, Li Qin Yao brushed his hair with her fingers.


    "Zhang Yu Han?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Wei Jun Hao said you drink too much because you are too happy."


    "Hmm... I finally married my wife. Of course, I have to drink when others were wishing for our happiness."


    Her smile widened when she heard his reply. "You... Who do you love the most?"


    "Of course, it''s my wife, Li. Qin. Yao!" He took a deep breath and smiled.


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­"


    He rubbed his face on her stomach area. "Hmm?"


    "You... Why don''t you try to meow for me once?"


    There was a long silence and Li Qin Yao had thought that her husband had fallen asleep. A disappointed sigh escaped her and Li Qin Yao turned to continue wiping his body again. But at this time, Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh.


    "I am not a cat. I won''t meow for you. Qin Yao, you try to meow for me." Zhang Yu Han let out a giggle and tightened his grip on her waist "My adorable kitten."

 Chapter 302 - Tricking Zhang Yu Han

    The next morning, Zhang Yu Han woke up with a terrible headache.


    It was at this time that yesterday''s event suddenly rushed to his mind. It was his and Li Qin Yao''s wedding and while greeting the guests, he had probably drunk a little bit too much until the boys dragged him to the lounge where the group continued to drink.


    The last thing he remembered was that his wife had called to ask his whereabouts, and he had instructed the hotel to send some food for his wife. He had wanted to escape from the boys and return to his suite where his wife was waiting for him. But then, Qi Zheng appeared and he was pulled back inside and he had drunk more.


    And then what happened?


    Zhang Yu Han tried to move around to get up and finally noticed that there was something wrong with his sleeping pose and the pillow under him. He sat up quickly and saw how his wife was sleeping while sitting on the bed as she leaned on the headboard.


    It was then that Zhang Yu Han realized that he had slept on his wife''s ??ps while hugging her. Because of his sleeping position, Li Qin Yao had no way to move and was forced to sleep in such an uncomfortable position.


    Guilt surrounded him and Zhang Yu Han felt a lump forming in his throat as he watched how Li Qin Yao''s head was tilted sideways as she continued to sleep.


    He then ignored the uncomfortable feeling on his head and stomach to help his wife to sleep properly on the bed. Once he tucked her into bed, Zhang Yu Han searched for his phone and check at the time. A frown appeared on his forehead when he realized that it was almost dawn.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to watch his sleeping wife for a while longer before he walked into the bathroom to take a shower. The smell of alcohol on him was too strong that he was starting to find it nauseating. Once he got out of the shower, Zhang Yu Han dried his hair and picked up the phone to dial the room service.


    Usually, the room service would not entertain their customer at a time like this, but considering Zhang Yu Han''s identity as their Director, the chef who came for mise-en-place for breakfast had to prioritize his order.


    In less than ten minutes, someone rang the doorbell and he let the hotel attendant enter the room and deliver the dishes.


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­ You''re awake?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned around when he heard his wife''s sleepy voice. He walked over to his wife and held her hands "Why did you wake up?"


    "You weren''t there by my side and I was worried," Li Qin Yao said. She glanced at the food on the table and looked at her husband. "How are you feeling? Quickly finish that bowl of congee before your stomach gets more uncomfortable."


    Before he could say a word, his wife had already led him back towards the dining table. She then, picked up the bowl and placed it in front of him. Seeing her intense gaze, Zhang Yu Han then choose to obey and finished the bowl of congee under her watchful eyes. Zhang Yu Han avoided her gaze he placed the bowl back on the table. "Are you hungry? Let''s have breakfast together. I''ve asked the room service to prepare something for you too."


    "It''s fine. I''m not that hungry."


    Zhang Yu Han stared back at the bowl as he wondered if his wife was angry. It was their wedding day and he was supposed to return to their room and accompany her. But what did he do? He had returned to her side, drunk, and made her look after him.


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han spoke softly. "I lost track of time when I was with the boys."


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes at her husband, as her eyes were a bit dry. "Wei Jun Hao said you were too happy to reject others toast."


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han lowered his head. He saw the way she was squinting his eyes at him and knew that he was in deep trouble.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao was amazed as she looked at her husband''s expression. There was remorse in his expression, but Li Qin Yao could not stop thinking how adorable he looked at this time with his lips slightly pouted.


    "Do you remember what happened last night?"


    Zhang Yu Han then told her what he told her his activity last night and stopped to the point where he could remember. "Did I¡­ do something inappropriate?"


    "You slept on my ??ps all night and hugged my waist," Li Qin Yao said.


    She had realized last night that her husband had this habit to hug her tightly and refused to let go no matter how she tried to struggle. The last time he was drunk, he had held on her hand tightly and only let go with others'' help.


    "My waist is hurting after staying in that sitting position for too long." Li Qin Yao massaged at her waist and frowned. The two of them were not involved in bedroom warfare, but her waist hurt all the same.


    "Sorry," He lowered his head guiltily again and looked up again. "I''ll help to give you a massage, alright?"


    Seeing the guilty look on his expression, a glint of mischievous thought flashed through her mind. She might as well use this opportunity to trick Zhang Yu Han into doing something he wouldn''t do last night!


    "You... really did not remember anything after your friend send you back to this room?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "I don''t." He shook his head. When Li Qin Yao did not reply to him for a long time, Zhang Yu Han suddenly grew anxious. "Sorry. Wife, what... did I do?"


    He knew that he did not have a terrible habit when he was drunk, but Zhang Yu Han also knew that last night, he was too drunk. At the thought that he might have done something terrible, Zhang Yu Han''s expression turned pale.


    "Last night, while you were sleeping on my ??ps and hugging my waist..."


    "Hmm..." Zhang Yu Han nodded.


    "You also rubbed your head on my body and told me that you''re a cat before you meowed all night."


    "Huh?" Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife with his mouth wide open. Somehow, he found that her words were hard to believe. But looking at her straight face, Zhang Yu Han did not think that he was telling a lie.


    "If you want me to forgive you, then you try to meow for me again."


    "No. I¡ª" he tried to refuse, but was unable to say anything when he looked at her face. Zhang Yu Han then tightened his hand into a fist to gather his courage. He avoided her gaze and made a low sound, "M-meow?"

 Chapter 303 - Honeymoon

    As the couple has completed their wedding, the two of them packed their luggage and board the plane for their honeymoon. Thinking about spending ten days to play around, Li Qin Yao was excited. Their first destination was of course, to Country H, which was famous for its beautiful beach and islands.


    While on the plane, Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han spent their time planning their activity for the few days they were going to stay in Country H


    After Zhang Yu Han listened to her itinerary packed with activities to visit here and there, a frown appeared on his face. He looked at his wife who was browsing through a list of cafes that she was planning to visit later and leaned closer to her. "Qin Yao, don''t you think that our itinerary is a bit too packed??"


    "Huh? You think so?" Li Qin Yao glanced at him briefly before she turned her attention back at the list. "We''re going to our honeymoon. This is the first time we both had taken a long vacation to play around¡­ I wanted to use this opportunity to go everywhere with you."


    Zhang Yu Han went closer and whispered, "But I just want to stay at our villa and play around with you."


    Her body froze. She turned to look at her husband and stared back at his playful expression. Realizing the meaning under his words, Li Qin Yao hit his arms playfully. "I don''t want to talk to you anymore. I''m going to sleep now."


    A chuckle escaped him as he watched his wife pulled a blanket over her body and closed her eyes. He then lowered his sitting position and pulled her head closer to lean on his shoulder before kissing her on the top of her head.


    Inhaling his scent that had became familiar to her, Li Qin Yao heaved a soft sigh and moved to get into a comfortable position. Later, Li Qin Yao fell asleep on the plane until they reached their destination.


    ¡­


    Once they arrived at their accommodation in Country H, Li Qin Yao ran around excitedly to look around and to check at the scenery around them.


    Zhang Yu Han had brought her to a villa with a private pool with a beautiful sea view. As Li Qin Yao stared at the blue sea and felt the sea wind blowing at her, she was suddenly excited. She took out her photo and uploaded the photos to her circle of friends.


    Han Yue Xiu was the first to comment, "So pretty! I''m jealous! I wanted to go on a holiday too¡­"


    Zhang Yu Ying then commented, "Sister-in-law! You have arrived? How is the place?"


    Seeing Zhang Yu Ying''s comment, Li Qin Yao was suddenly reminded that she had not called her mother and in-laws to report that they have safely arrived. Just as she was about to dial her mother''s number, Li Qin Yao felt her husband hugging her from behind. He kissed at her temple and rested his chin on her shoulder.


    "Don''t worry. I have called everyone to tell them that we have arrived," Zhang Yu Han said. "Basically, everyone said almost the same thing, to stay safe and enjoy our honeymoon."


    Li Qin Yao turned to look at him. "When did you call them?"


    "As soon as we arrived," Zhang Yu Han smiled and nuzzled his nose at her neck. "You were too busy looking around."


    Li Qin Yao giggled as his nose was tickling her neck. "Hubby, thank you!"


    "Do you like this place?"


    "Un. I like it. It''s very beautiful."


    "It''s good that you liked it," Zhang Yu Han let out a breath of relief and tightened his embrace around her body.


    Li Qin Yao attempted to look at him, but it was hard to turn around in his embrace. "Is it expensive?" Looking at the big and spacious villa and the beautiful view, Li Qin Yao suddenly thought that it would be expensive to stay at such a place. Although the two of them did not have to worry about the money, Li Qin Yao was still curious.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "You don''t have to worry about it. This is one of Grandfather''s private villa."


    Li Qin Yao looked around with a surprised look in her expression. She had always known that the Zhang Group had a few hotels all around the world, but at this time, she suddenly wondered, just how much property did Grandfather Zhang had.


    "Grandfather really likes to travel around huh?"


    Previously, through their conversation with Zhang Jing, Li Qin Yao had heard how Zhang Jing had traveled around to various places. At that time, she was under the impression that her grandfather-in-law only traveled for work. But after a while, she found that every time Zhang Jing traveled, it was to have fun and to enjoy good food.


    "Well, to say it correctly, it was my late Grandmother who loved to travel around," Zhang Yu Han said. "Zhang Group started to go international because Grandfather wanted to please my late Grandmother."


    "Huh? Really?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "I heard this story when I was a little kid. According to Grandfather, the two of them were traveling to Country C for the first time, and my late Grandmother complained about the hotel they were staying at and casually told my Grandfather that it would be great for them to have a place of their own wherever they go. It was then that Grandfather started this idea to go international. He said he wanted to let Grandmother have a place to stay and be comfortable wherever she goes."


    Li Qin Yao thought about Zhang Jing and said, "I didn''t know that Grandfather can be a romantic person."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed at hearing her words. "Qin Yao, don''t you think that this trait runs in the family?"


    It was Li Qin Yao''s turn to laugh. She struggled out from his embrace and turned to face him. She cupped both hands on his cheek and smiled. "You think... you''re a romantic person?"


    "You don''t think so?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow and tilted his head sideways. He was looking at her with a teasing smile on his lips.


    Feeling his hands moved around her waist, Li Qin Yao began to worry that he was going to tickle her to death until he heard the answer he was looking for. She then stood on tiptoe to peck at his lips. "Alright. Alright. My husband is a very romantic person."


    He laughed at hearing her answer and bent down to kiss her lips fervently. "Do you want to go out and walk around now?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he pulled away.


    "We have just arrived. Let''s just stay and go out for dinner," Li Qin Yao suggested.


    Just as she finished her words, Li Qin Yao yelped as her feet were lifted the ground. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?"


    "We still have a few more hours before dinner," Zhang Yu Han ???ked his brow. "What do you think we going to do?"

 Chapter 304 - Ill Be Sweet to You

    When Zhang Yu Han woke up the next morning, his wife was still sleeping soundly at the side. He stayed to watch her sleep for a while and got up to wash up before he head over to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast.


    Last night, as the two of them were heading out for dinner, they have made a quick stop to the convenience store to get some light snack they could use for breakfast. Fortunately, the villa was equipped with enough kitchen utensils and cutlery that they can use.


    When he had gathered enough equipment, Zhang Yu Han cracked some eggs to make some scrambled eggs, some toasts, a glass of warm milk for his wife, and a cup of coffee for himself.


    Li Qin Yao was someone who would wake up once the aroma of good food wafted in the air. He had thought that by the end of his preparation, his wife would show up in the kitchen like she usually does. However, once he had placed everything on the table, his wife was nowhere in sight.


    Zhang Yu Han put the food covering he found in the kitchen and returned to the bedroom only to find that his wife was still asleep. He walked over to her and touched her forehead to check on her temperature. A breath of relief escaped him knowing that she was not having a fever. He then leaned towards her to kiss her cheek. "Wake up, sleepyhead."


    Feeling his warm lips on her cheek, Li Qin Yao stirred in her sleep.


    She stretched up her body and opened her eyes into a slit. "What happened?"


    "Aren''t you going to wake up?" Zhang Yu Han sat at the edge of the bed and pinched both her cheek. Somehow, he always thought that her cheek seemed more supple whenever she just woke up from sleep.


    "No." Li Qin Yao rolled at another side. "Let me sleep a bit more, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han watched his wife and let out a low laugh. By now, he was getting used to seeing this scene. His wife was not a morning person. Unless if she had an important arrangement in the morning, she would prefer to sleep in. However, Zhang Yu Han knew of her weakness. His wife was easily coaxed with food.


    "I have made some breakfast," Zhang Yu Han said. "Didn''t you say that you wanted to eat scrambled eggs for breakfast? Come on. Go wash up and then we''ll have breakfast."


    "No," Li Qin Yao pressed her face to the pillow. "I''m too tired."


    Zhang Yu Han watched his wife speechlessly. Last night, he had made sure that he did not tire her too much, knowing that she wanted to walk around the city. Anyway, he had glanced at her itinerary and had remembered the activities she planned by heart.


    "Qin Yao, didn''t you say you wanted to go for island hopping? We should go out early before the sun gets too hot," Zhang Yu Han coaxed.


    Li Qin Yao turned her head to her husband again and looked at him with an aggrieved expression. "Hubby, my body hurts all over. Can we just stay here today? Just let me sleep for a few more hours."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. He watched her shut her eyes again and took off his slippers. Then, he slipped into the quilt, lifted her head, and placed it on his arms. Just like that, the couple went back to sleep in each others'' embrace.


    ¡­


    Noticing the time, Zhang Yu Han suddenly thought of the breakfast he had prepared earlier. He walked out to the kitchen to clean up the table and found that the table was empty and the sink was clean. He looked around and found no trace of food in the kitchen. It was as if a cat had entered the villa and eat everything on the table.


    Just as these thoughts ran through his head, his wife appeared behind him in her bathrobe and she was drying her hair with a towel. She looked at him sheepishly and said, "I got hungry after I woke up and ate everything."


    It turned out there was really a cat in the villa.


    "Are you hungry? I''ll make you something."


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "Let''s go out and have our lunch. I thought that you have a list of cafes you would like to visit in the city."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao''s eyes started to sparkle. After she ate the cold breakfast earlier, her stomach was still hungry.


    The two of them went to one of the popular places among the locals to have lunch.


    Of course, Li Qin Yao took a few photos of their food and posted them to her circle of friends. Surprisingly, it was Zhang Jing who first commented. With his keen eyes, Zhang Jing had noticed the braised ribs among the food displayed.


    After lunch, the two of them decided to walk around in the street of the city and visited the historical monuments and a few attractions.


    Seeing how she was enjoying the rich and creamy custard cake, Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless gaze. He extended his hand to rub some crumbs on her lips and said, "Let''s cut down from eating sweet stuff. You have eaten too many sweets today." A frown appeared on his face as he tried to remember the thing she had eaten previously¡ªtoffee apples and bubble tea.


    Hearing his suggestions, Li Qin Yao made a slight pout.


    "Don''t you have me?" he raised his brow teasingly. "I''ll be sweet to you. Will that be enough?"


    Li Qin Yao almost choked on her custard cake as she heard his words. She then stared at him as she wondered when did her husband know how to say these cheesy words?


    After walking around in the city, the couple returned to the villa and walked around on the beach. Looking at the hot sun, Zhang Yu Han put a wide sun hat that they bought earlier in the city.


    "It''s not that hot," Li Qin Yao said with a giggle. "Anyway, I''m used to be exposed to the sun because of my work."


    "Be obedient and put them on. I''ll be worried if you got a heat stroke," Zhang Yu Han said. He watched the way she peeked at him under the large hat and suddenly bent down to cover her lips.


    When he pulled away, Li Qin Yao quickly pulled the edge of the hat, and shyly covered her face.


    "Qin Yao..."


    "It''s cold outside. Let''s go back inside to get warm, hmm?"

 Chapter 305 - Visiting Country C

    After playing around and enjoying their honeymoon in Country H for a week, the two of them boarded the plane to visit Country C. The flight from Country H to Country C took almost twelve hours. When they arrived, Li Qin Yao was not in a good mood due to jet lag.


    An elderly man was waiting for them at the arrival hall when they arrived. Zhang Yu Han introduced that man as his father''s ?ssistant, Assistant Zhou. Assistant Zhou greeted both Zhang Yu Han and his wife politely before he helped them with their luggage and headed to the vehicle.


    After half an hour of driving, they arrived at a big mansion and Li Qin Yao woke up from and looked around the mansion with awe. The air around them was colder and fresher. There was a beautiful garden of flowers around and Li Qin Yao noticed a basketball hoop at the side of the house.


    Seeing the way his wife was rubbing her arms up and down, Zhang Yu Han wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her to the door.


    Li Qin Yao leaned on his arms and whispered, "Will it snow later?"


    "It might be cold now, but the snow won''t fall until next month," Zhang Yu Han said. "Come on. Let''s go inside."


    As soon as they entered the house, an elderly lady came to greet them at the door and greeted them both respectfully.


    "Auntie," Zhang Yu Han said. "Where''s my mom and dad?"


    "Master and madam are ar work," the elderly woman said. She looked at the couple and smiled amiably. "Two days after they arrived, the two of them had already reported to the office. Should I inform them that you are here?"


    A day after the couple left for Country H, his parents then took the flight to return to Country C. Anyway, they had left their work in for a while to return and meet their daughter-in-law. When they heard that this daughter-in-law was in trouble, they had left Country C in a hurry to show her their support. This was the girl that their son had taken fancy in. Of course, the couple wanted to dote on their new family members as well.


    Now that they have settled with the couple''s wedding ceremony, Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan had to return to the office and dealt with their workload.


    However, since it was difficult for Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao to take a long break from work, they have decided to make a stop to Country C as well. This way, they can visit Zhang Yu Han''s parents while continuing their honeymoon.


    "No. I''ll give them a call," Zhang Yu Han said. He then turned to his wife who was nestling in his embrace. "Auntie, this is my wife, Li Qin Yao. Qin Yao, this is Auntie Hao."


    "Hello, hello" both women greeted each other.


    "Have you eaten? Do you want to eat anything?" the elderly woman said as she glanced at the entrance, where Assistant Zhou and the gardener were helping to bring the newlyweds luggage inside.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and raised a brow as if asking for her opinion. He watched her shook her head and answered, "It''s fine, Auntie Hao. We have eaten in our flight earlier."


    "Then, You must be tired after a long flight," Auntie Hao said. "Young Master go and take Young Madam to rest upstairs. Madam has already instructed me to clean up your room a few days ago. Then, when Master and Madam return, I will call you for dinner."


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Thank you, Auntie Hao."


    As Zhang Yu Han went back downstairs to get their luggage, Li Qin Yao walked around the room to look at the space where her husband spent a lot of time in there after high school and until he graduated from university.


    Li Qin Yao could not help but notice how his room in Country C was slightly different than his room in Zhang''s residence. Zhang Yu Han''s room in here had this slightly more m?tur?d feeling than his room in the Zhang''s residence.


    Here, his room was filled with books in foreign languages. It was clean, simple, and more organized.


    Just as she was looking at some pictures and trophies in the glass cabinet, Li Qin Yao felt her husband embracing her from the back. A smile curved on her lips as she enjoyed his warm embrace.


    She always liked it whenever Zhang Yu Han gave her a back hug. She liked that feeling of how his strong arms enclosed her small frame and how he would rest his head on her shoulder, or sometimes on the top of her head.


    Feeling his warmth on her back made her feel safe. It was as if she did not worry about whatever danger that would come from behind her because her husband would be there to shield her and protect her. It was such a wonderful feeling. But of course, she had never said these words to him.


    "Didn''t you say that you are tired? Why don''t you go and take a nap? It will be a while before mom and dad got off work," Zhang Yu Han said. He then rubbed his nose into her hair and kissed her ear.


    Li Qin Yao leaned her back on his strong ?h?st. "I saw this room and got curious to see the room where you grew up. This house is pretty huge. It''s bigger than Grandfather''s mansion back there."


    "I''ll take you to walk around this house later." Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Back then, Grandfather and my late Grandmother spent a lot of time in Country C. This is like their second home. It was when my Grandfather decided to return to focus the business more locally that he handed this place over to my dad."


    "Later, I will take you to walk around and show you where I studied," Zhang Yu Han said. Once his wife placed down the picture back on the table, Zhang Yu Han quickly lifted her into a princess carry and brought her into bed.


    "What are you doing?" Feeling that soft and comfortable mattress under her, a thought came to her mind, and she eyed her husband cautiously.


    Zhang Yu Han slid at her side and pulled his wife into his embrace. "Stop thinking too much," he smiled and kissed her cheek. "Mom and dad said that they will return before dinner. Let''s just take a few hours nap and wake up before they come back, alright?"

 Chapter 306 - Worried That His Wife Would be Pressured

    Li Qin Yao was awakened by the alarm. She watched as Zhang Yu Han turned around to turn off the alarm and took the chance to looked around. Her eyes widened in surprise upon finding that their surrounding has turned dark. It was then that she recalled reading how day length was shorter around this month in Country C.


    Just as she was about to get off the bed, Zhang Yu Han had placed his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his body. Just like that, her back was stuck on his ?h?st.


    Feeling his breath tickling her neck, Li Qin Yao shrunk her neck. "What are you doing? Didn''t you say we should get up when the alarm rang?"


    "Qin Yao, accompany me to sleep a little while longer."


    "What time is it?"


    "Still early."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at his answer. But that laugh soon turned to a gasp when she felt his lips and nose pressed on her neck and trailed down. Li Qin Yao suddenly froze when she felt something else poking at between her legs.


    Seeing that his wife had stopped from squirming around, Zhang Yu Han''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. He then continued to hug her body tightly while burying his nose in her hair to calm down.


    After a while, Zhang Yu Han kissed her on her cheek and loosened his arms around her waist. "Come on. Mom and dad should be off work by now. They should be waiting for us downstairs."


    When Zhang Yu Han saw his wife descended, he quickly went over to her side and laced his hand with hers. A few seconds later, Liu Hui Lan''s figure came out of the kitchen.


    "Qin Yao, you''re here," Liu Hui Lan said and smiled. "Welcome to our home in Country C. Did you get enough rest earlier?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We have enough nap after that long flight. Right. We bought you a little something from H Country." She turned to her husband and raised a brow.


    "It''s in the room. I''ll bring it to you later," Zhang Yu Han said to his mother.


    Seeing the couple, a smile appeared on Liu Hui Lan''s face. "It was still my daughter-in-law who was more thoughtful. Previously, we planned to return and meet you during this time. Who would have guessed that we would return earlier to meet you and it was you who came to C Country to visit us."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. She looked around and noticed that her father-in-law was not presented. "Where''s dad?"


    "He went back into his study as soon as we arrived." Liu Hui Lan let out a long sigh.


    Li Qin Yao saw the spatula in her mother-in-law''s hand and stepped forward. "Mom, what are you making for dinner? Let me help you."


    "No need. I nearly finished. Besides, Auntie Hao is here to help me," Liu Hui Lan said before she turned to her son. "Go and take Qin Yao to sit down and watch TV or something. I''ll call you when dinner is done."


    "Alright mom," Zhang Yu Han said before he led his wife into a room.


    The first thing that Li Qin Yao noticed was the huge screen on the wall. Her husband then turned on the television and some foreign show were on the screen.


    Seeing that his wife was rubbing her arms up and down, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her shoulder. "Cold? I''ll hug you and help you to warm up, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao felt heat crept up her face upon hearing his words. The last time he said something similar, the two of them ended up going back into their room and he had hugged her in his attempt to help her keep warm. Of course, her mind would wander to think of something else. Fortunately, Zhang Yu Han did not notice her expression, or else, he was going to tease her again.


    Feeling his warmth, Li Qin Yao snuggled into his embrace. When she had settled at a position she liked, Zhang Yu Han then kissed the top of her head.


    "Where are you taking me tomorrow?" Li Qin Yao said.


    "I''ll take around the city. Since you''re probably tired from our flight, let''s just go somewhere close." He paused to look at her "Or, do you have any place you wanted to visit?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "You know this place best. I''ll just let you be my tour guide then. Right. Little Auntie invited us to come over to her place the day after tomorrow for dinner."


    "The day after tomorrow?" Zhang Yu Han frowned as he recalled something. "Isn''t that on Christmas day?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Because of her husband, they are throwing a small party. There should be some officials attending the dinner party. Little Auntie said to ask mom and dad to come over as well."


    "Alright. I''ll ask them."


    The two of them continued to talk about a few places that they wanted to visit. Not long after, Auntie Hao knocked on the door and announced that dinner was served.


    Zhang Yu Han helped to pull a chair for his wife and paused when he looked at the food on the table. He then glanced at his mother and saw her awkward smile.


    Looking at the type of food that his mother had prepared, it was not hard for Zhang Yu Han to find out about his mother''s d?s?r? for a grandchild. He glanced at his wife and was relieved to find that she had not noticed his mother''s subtle hint.


    Anyway, the two of them have decided to try to get pregnant and his wife was disappointed upon finding that her great aunt had come to visit. Zhang Yu Han was worried that his wife would be pressured upon noticing his mother''s intention.


    "Mom, should I be worried about dad tonight?" Zhang Yu Han decided to play ignorant.


    Liu Hui Lan''s expression changed as she heard her son''s teasing voice. "Stop speaking nonsense."


    Li Qin Yao, who was clueless about what the mother and son were talking about turned to her to look at them both back and forth. "What''s wrong with dad? Is he unwell?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled and Liu Hui Lan looked at her daughter-in-law speechlessly. "Nothing. Your dad is fine. He was just busy with his workload."


    Coincidentally, Zhang Xi walked into the room at this time. He greeted his daughter-in-law with a nod and spoke briefly with his son about their flight.


    "Dad, mom prepared your favorite food tonight," Zhang Yu Han said. "Be sure that you eat a lot of them."


    "Oh," Zhang Xi nodded.


    Liu Hui Lan heaved a long sigh when she noticed her son''s warning. Then, she hurriedly asked everyone to dig in.

 Chapter 307 - Past, Present, Future

    The next morning, the couple left the house early in the morning to have their breakfast outside. As Zhang Yu Han had long known that his wife was a foodie, he had taken her around the city and indulged her on for her food hunting experience.


    They visited a cafe that Zhang Yu Han had frequently visit whenever he was in town and then, walked around the city, visiting museums and such. The two of them walked around the port area and Li Qin Yao was excited to look at the expensive boats and yachts up close for the first time.


    "I just noticed something," Li Qin Yao said as they continued to walk. She saw him raised a brow and continued, "Most of Zhang Group''s international hotels are very close to the sea."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Hmm¡­ Grandmother loved the sea. That was why Grandfather bought a few places besides the sea. Grandfather''s hometown was somewhere near the beach. Back then, the first time where they met was near a beach."


    Li Qin Yao ???ked her head sideways as her curiosity about Grandfather Zhang and his late wife''s story was piqued. She then made a mental note to ask and find out about it through Zhang Jing someday.


    As the two of them finally arrived at Zhang Yu Han''s university area, Li Qin Yao began to look around and thought that the university in other countries was definitely different.


    "I wonder how you looked like when you were walking around this place years ago," Li Qin Yao said. She took a few steps back, stared at her husband, and began to picture at how he looked like a few years ago.


    "Didn''t you already saw a few pictures in my room last night?"


    Li Qin Yao giggled. "Un¡­ I think your hair was a bit long years ago."


    "Really?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "I did not notice that." He walked over to her and played with a few strands of her hair. "Ten years ago, when I saw you at that basketball court, your hair was also longer than this. I still remember how you had your hair tied into a ponytail."


    "Ten years ago, huh¡­ My hair probably reached my waist." The smile on her face faded a little bit. "Actually, I cut my hair very short after my dad passed away. It was after a few years that I let it grow this long." Li Qin Yao touched the end of her hair that reached past her shoulder.


    Seeing the change in her expression, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple. "You look nice whether with long hair or short hair."


    It was then that Li Qin Yao began to notice that a few students were staring at them. Suddenly, she felt her face heating up and Li Qin Yao pulled at the ??pel of his coat to bury her face in his ?h?st.


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    She pulled away and stared at him for a long time. "Tell me¡­ back then, you must have a lot of fans, right?" She had seen his picture in his room and knew he had his charms. Though she had found him a bit scary the first time she had seen him at the cafe, Li Qin Yao could not deny that her husband was very attractive.


    "I don''t know. Back then, I spent most of my time in lecture theaters and libraries. I didn''t have time to look around and I didn''t want to look around." A playful smile curled on his lips. He tugged at her hand and put his hands on her waist. "Someone had caught my eyes the moment she shot that three-pointers into the hoops and I can no longer look at other girls."


    Li Qin Yao wrinkled her nose as she hit him lightly on his arms. "You sweet talker."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed at her reaction. He grabbed her hand again and led her around the campus.


    Just as they reached the basketball court area, Zhang Yu Han heard a familiar voice shouting his name. He turned around and frowned when he saw a familiar woman walking towards him.


    "Brother Yu Han. It''s really you!" Her smile widened when she saw him turning around.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the woman in a white coat and high heel boot and turned to look at her husband with a questioning gaze. She inched closer to him and whispered, "Didn''t you say that you did not have another sister other than Yu Ying?"


    Sensing his wife''s gaze, Zhang Yu Han quickly knew that he would be in deep trouble if he did not explain himself. "It wasn''t what you think."


    The woman reached their side and stared at Li Qin Yao in puzzled. Seconds later, her expression changed again and there was a big smile on her face. "Eh? Brother Yu Han¡­ I heard that you are married. So, is this your wife?"


    "Hmm¡­" Zhang Yu Han nodded. He looked at his wife and introduced the two of them. "This is my wife, Li Qin Yao. Wife, this is Lu An Ran, Lu Xun''s younger sister."


    "Hello! Hello!" The woman greeted enthusiastically. "Hey, it was unexpected to see you here. My brother did not tell us that you would be coming back this year."


    "I did not mention anything to him."


    Lu An Ran stared at the couple and smiled. "How long will you stay in Country C this time? How about hanging out together for Christmas? My brother is in the city as well."


    "Sorry, but we already have plans." Zhang Yu Han said. "Are you here to pick up Professor Jia?"


    Lu An Ran snorted. "He was supposed to be on break, but look at him. He still chose to stay on campus to do his research instead of accompanying me and his son at home. Brother Yu Han, you tell me. Do you think I made the wrong decision when I said yes to his marriage proposal years ago?"


    Li Qin Yao blinked as she continued to listen to the two''s conversation. Through Lu An Ran''s ranting, Li Qin Yao guessed that Lu An Ran was married to a Professor in the university and they had a child together.


    After they parted, Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife and smiled. "Lu An Ran only thought of me as a friend of her brother."


    "You don''t need to explain this to me."


    "Are you... angry?"


    "I''m not angry," Li Qin Yao lowered her head and went closer to him so that the two of them were standing toes to toes. "But I won''t deny that maybe I was envious."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow and bit back his smile.


    She stared at him for a long time as if studying something that she could not understand. "Now that I''m married to you, I think I am becoming someone possessive. Suddenly, I have this thought that I wanted to always be around you whether in your past, your present of your future."

 Chapter 308 - His Wifes Enthusiasm (17+)

    Warning: 17+


    Zhang Yu Han did not know whether it was because of the food that his mother had prepared for dinner, or whether it was due to meeting Lu An Ran earlier that evening that got her stimulated, but Zhang Yu Han was excited at his wife''s enthusiasm that night.


    He had just slid into the quilt cover and preparing to sleep after tiring himself walking around the city that morning when his wife suddenly pressed him down.


    The room was dark, but he could still see the outline of her body through that light that entered from the outside. She was wearing a nightgown. Her dark, shoulder-length hair was cascading on her right side. Her eyes were glinting with her mischievous intention as she placed both knees at the side of his th??h, straddling him.


    Suddenly, he was no longer tired.


    Though he knew of her intention, Zhang Yu Han did not make any move to respond. He only stared back at her and wondered what she was going to do next.


    After indulging themselves in a long, staring contest, Li Qin Yao was the first to look away. She tucked her hair behind her ear and dipped down to kiss him along his cheek and jaw, eliciting a deep breath from him.


    His ?h?st rose and fall in strong, consistent motion as his heartbeat escalated. His mouth parched and Zhang Yu Han swallowed. However, that did not help him to quench his thirst.


    Then, she pulled away and sat up straight with her gaze remained on his.


    Zhang Yu Han was a bit disappointed that she had pulled away without kissing his lips. He had thought that the only way he could quench his thirst was by meeting her succulent lips. But still, he made no move and silently wait to see where she was going to take this.


    Suddenly, her lips curled into a smile. Li Qin Yao lowered her body again to bridge the distance between them. Her movement was slow. Perhaps even slower than a sloth that drove him crazy and excited at the same time.


    Then she tilted her head slightly before she met his lips with her kiss.


    A groan escaped him as he finally got what he had wished for.


    Her kisses felt soft as feather. Li Qin Yao was kissing him tenderly but obviously, Zhang Yu Han did not think that it was enough.


    Subconsciously, he brought his hands to her slender waist and he started to move his hands around the area as if encouraging her.


    Feeling his touch, Li Qin Yao began to nibble at his lips to entice him.


    The heat building up between them was tormenting him.


    She licked at his lips before plunging into his parted lips to taste him. Their tongue met and the soft kiss turned deep and maddening.


    Zhang Yu Han felt a fire burning inside of him. This kiss was filled with such wanting and need. It was both sweet and torturing. His mind was unable to think of anything but her. His body shivered as he returned her kiss with the same intensity.


    A groan escaped him when he felt her hand moving up to his ?h?st and that single touch made his body trembled. Zhang Yu Han swallowed as he felt the tips of her finger touching at his b?r? skin.


    Li Qin Yao pulled away again to catch up with her breath and Zhang Yu Han felt like a loss when her mouth left his. She slid his fingers on his ?h?st in slow, torturing movement and spoke, "Take it off."


    It was as if she could read his mind!


    With her help and urging, his shirt was thrown off to a corner of the room. Then she went down to kiss his lips wildly and parted again only to rain her kisses everywhere on his face¡ªforehead, his eyes, his nose and it only went down lower and lower to the protruding on his neck.


    Then it went lower again and her mouth was moving slowly as she was kissing his ?h?st. His breath hitched when her mouth started to tease his tips.


    "Qin Yao¡­"


    The words he wanted to say suddenly disappeared from his mind when she began to suck at the area.


    God! This was driving him crazy!


    Unable to bear with this torture, he tightened his grip around her waist as the thought of flipping over the situation came to his mind. However, before he could reverse the situation, his wife had put her hand in his, to stop him from doing what he wanted to do.


    "No. Don''t move." She looked at him with a warning gaze. Then, her lips curled into a seductive smile.


    He let out a helpless breath. "Are you trying to kill me?" His voice was hoarse.


    She let out a giggle. "Zhang Yu Han. You''re mine."


    As the words fell, she went down to kiss him again. Then, she went lower to bite at a spot on his body and gasped when she felt something poking at her entrance. She jolted up and turned to look at his swollen area. Then, she went back to stare at his face.


    A proud smile curled on her lips as she watched him staring back at her with his hooded eyes and slightly parted lips. Li Qin Yao knew that her husband was aroused and found it pleasing to know that she was the cause of it.


    His ?h?st rose as he began to feel her hands slipped down and into his pants to touch his member, pleasuring him. Unlike the way she had touched him urgently back in his office, this time her stroke was slow and torturous. As she continued to tease him, her eyes would stare at his face, watching his expression.


    The smile on her lips widened every time he let out a gasp.


    As if to encourage her, his right hand began to tease her body, and his left hand was at her waist in his attempt to keep her still just in case she suddenly change her mind and get off after causing this fire on his body.


    Her touch disappeared before he could reach that satisfaction. Before he could protest, her lips met his again for another fervent kiss and she was rubbing herself against his. However, soon, her kiss disappeared as sudden as her touch.


    He stared back at her and saw the mischievous smile was back on her lips. His head tilted sideways as he wondered what was this naughty kitten was going to do next.


    The bedsheet under them rustled as she began to shift. Zhang Yu Han watched as she rose up on both knees before holding his part again and joined their bodies together.

 Chapter 309 - Please Stop Talking

    When Zhang Yu Han came out of the bathroom, his gaze met with his wife''s figure wrapped around in the quilt cover. Just one glance, he could tell that she had awakened from sleep, but was trying to hide and pretending that she was still asleep. Seeing that she had pulled the quilt to cover her up to her head, Zhang Yu Han knew that she was hiding from him.


    The reason why she wanted to hide¡­ of course he knew it well. It was related to what she did last night, where she had pressed him under her and have her way with him.


    Sometimes, Zhang Yu Han was amused at how his wife can be so daring at a time and then, turned timid. He found it interesting how she would always show different sides of her around him.


    He leaned one side at the wall as he continued to watch her. Seeing that she was set on not going out from her cocoon, Zhang Yu Han walked stealthily towards the bed. He then pulled at the quilt cover to peek at the person under it.


    Their gaze met and Zhang Yu Han smiled brightly at her. "Good morning, wife."


    Li Qun Yao stared back at him before she let out a yelp before she buried her head further into the quilt.


    Seeing the way she reacted, Zhang Yu Han could not help to chuckle. "You were very bold last night¡­ how did you turn this shy the moment you wake up?"


    "Please stop talking for a moment." Her voice was muffled under the sheet. Li Qin Yao turned to bury her head on the pillow.


    She did not know what has possessed her last night.


    After the two of them got back from strolling around, Li Qin Yao found herself thinking about her husband. Every time that she thought of how this dazzling man was her husband, a surge of warmth spread through her. She could not help thinking how good it was that she had given them a chance the first time he had asked her out. She could not imagine what would her life be without him beside her.


    Therefore, the moment he walked out of the bathroom, Li Qin Yao had this sudden urge to tease him. Then, the teasing turned into something else.


    Seeing the way he was under her was actually giving her a sense of satisfaction. Her husband was a tall man and every time she wanted to look at him, she would have to look up. Now that she thought of it, perhaps, it was this feeling that would make her lose control whenever she had a higher position when she kissed him.


    Li Qin Yao did not know that she was this kind of person.


    Zhang Yu Han sat at the edge of the bed and ruffled with her hair. "Are you not going to wake up? Didn''t you say that you were going out to shop for something for your aunt''s family? Did you change your mind?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a whimper. She knew that she should get out of bed, but she was still very embarrassed to see him.


    "What are you embarrassed about?" Zhang Yu Han laughed.


    "Don''t laugh at me."


    "Alright. I won''t laugh."Zhang Yu Han pursed his lips to stop himself from laughing. Then, he leaned forward and lifted his feet off the ground. Just like that, the two of them were hugging each other. One was under the sheet and one on top of it.


    Li Qin Yao tried to struggle out of his embrace but soon stopped herself when she felt that he was hugging her and not doing anything else.


    "Qin Yao," Zhang Yu Han paused to kiss the top of her head. "I like it."


    A surge of heat went to her face. "Please stop talking about it." Li Qin Yao had this urge to cover her face with the pillow and scream.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh. "Next time, please take the initiative again."


    Li Qin Yao pulled the sheet away from her head and looked at him with a frown. "Zhang Yu Han!"


    "Alright. Alright. I''ll stop teasing you." He kissed her on her cheek and smiled. "Are you going to wake up or nor? Or¡­ Qin Yao, would you prefer if I help you to shower?"


    Her expression changed. "No. I can do it myself."


    He leaned to kiss her lips for a while and soon get off the bed. "I''ll go down and look at what Auntie Hao had prepared for breakfast. You go and take a shower. Then, we''ll go out and shop, alright?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded obediently.


    ...


    Zhang Yu Han returned to the bedroom only to find that his wife was still in the shower. Seeing the folded quilt and bedsheet at the side, his lips curled into a smile and he gathered the soiled sheets to send them to be washed.


    His steps paused when his phone rang. A frown appeared on his face when he saw the caller ID. It was Lu Xun.


    Knowing that his friend had found out that he was in the city through his sister, Zhang Yu Han knew that he could not avoid him.


    "It took you too long to answer," Lu Xun said with a sigh. "Why didn''t you tell me that you are in the city. If my sister did not run into you, I wouldn''t know anything."


    "I come here to enjoy my honeymoon with my wife," Zhang Yu Han said. "Obviously, I did not want others to disturb us."


    Lu Xun clicked his tongue. "Zhang Yu Han, you were a lot nicer to me when you were asking for my help to woo your wife."


    "I introduced you to a good investment. In a few years, you will be enjoying the profit, no?"


    Lu Xun scoffed at his answer. "Anyway, since you were here, let''s go out and hang out together for a while."


    "I can''t. I''m very busy."


    "Just take your wife to come along with you."


    "I didn''t think that my wife wanted to see you again."


    Lu Xun was suddenly reminded of that scene he saw in the private room of a club in the Capital City not too long ago. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle knowing that his friend was going to pretend to forget that incident. "What do you want?"


    "The last time we met, I did not have the chance to give you a wedding present," Lu Xun said. "And I could not come over to attend your wedding. I feel bad about it. Therefore, I have prepared a generous wedding gift for both of you. Are you sure that you did not want to come out?"

 Chapter 310 - Shouldnt Touch Something That was Not Yours

    By the time the two of them head down for breakfast, both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan had left the house for work. After they had breakfast at home, Zhang Yu Han took his wife out to the city center. Fortunately, his mother''s red Audi was available and he had Country C''s driving license.


    As her Little Auntie, Li Chun had invited them to attend a Christmas party at their house, Li Qin Yao did not think that it was proper for them to appear without bringing anything. Therefore, the two of them decided to go out and shop.


    Seeing the crowded place, Zhang Yu Han pulled his wife into his arms and shielded her. His wife was too petite that he was afraid that the moment he let her go, people will push her away and they will lose each other. Fortunately, she was just the right size to fit in his embrace.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to the woman in his embrace and smiled. At this time, he thought that her height was very compatible with him.


    The two of them walked around in the shopping complex for almost two hours until they finally decide on what to buy.


    Once they left the shopping complex, Li Qin Yao was already exhausted. Not from walking around and shop, but from avoiding the crowd.


    "Are you still alright to come and meet with my friend?" he asked.


    Earlier that morning, Lu Xun had called and asked to meet. After checking with his wife, Zhang Yu Han finally agreed and they decided to meet after lunch at one of Lu Xun''s favorite restaurants.


    "Un. I''m still alright" Li Qin Yao nodded as she hugged the coat tightly on her body. Seeing that he was watching her with a worried expression, she smiled. "Don''t worry. I will tell you when I get tired, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh. He wrapped his arms around her shoulder and led her to their car. Once he had placed the stuff they bought into the cargo space, he then drove to the meeting point with Lu Xun.


    Once he found a parking space, Zhang Yu Han helped his wife get off the car and the two of them head towards the restaurant holding their hands. An employee greeted them and led them to a table.


    When they arrived, Lu Xun was already waiting for them along with his sister, Lu An Ran, and her one years old son.


    "So glad that you''re finally here," Lu Xun greeted. He then glanced at his sister and rolled his eyes. "Sorry, but my nephew insisted to come over, and then, the extra one has to tagged along."


    Zhang Yu Han greeted them and helped his wife to pull a chair and the two of them sat side by side. "I told you that I am very busy today. Come on, let''s get this thing over quickly."


    Lu Xun looked at his friend speechlessly before he turned to Li Qin Yao. "Mrs. Zhang, your husband has a bad temper. How do you survive to marry such a man?" He then laughed when he saw his friend''s piercing gaze.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao smiled as she glanced at her husband. She had never thought of him as someone with a bad temper. After all, Zhang Yu Han was always so patient when he was with her.


    At this time, the waiter came to their table and stopped Zhang Yu Han from saying something nasty towards his friend''s remarks.


    "Sorry that I was not able to come and attend your wedding last week," Lu Xun said as the waiter had left with their order. "I was a bit busy resolving some matters here."


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression changed and there was a hint of concern on his face. "Your matter is finally settled?"


    "Hmm," Lu Xun flashed a smile. "Anyway, I gained a bit of wealth from this separation. So, let me treat you to this lunch."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the two men, wondering about Lu Xun''s words. When the two started to talk about a business matter, Li Qin Yao then concluded that Lu Xun had perhaps separated from his business partner.


    As she was staring in a daze at her husband, Li Qin Yao noticed that someone was staring at her. Turning around, Li Qin Yao then saw that it was Lu An Ran''s son. For a few seconds, the ?du?t and child were staring at each other before the boy, who was sitting in his high chair, extended his hands towards Li Qin Yao.


    Lu An Ran turned to his son and said. "Jia Xian, say hello to auntie."


    The little boy bowed his head. "Hello." He looked at his mother before he turned around to extend his hand towards Li Qin Yao again, extending his hand.


    Lu An Ran patted her son on his head and turned towards Li Qin Yao with a smile. "My son seemed to like you."


    Li Qin Yao touched the little boy''s cheek. "He''s adorable. How old is he?"


    "One. He had his birthday last month," Lu An Ran said. "He''s a little slow with his words and won''t say more than a few words."


    Just as she finished her words, Jia Xian looked at Li Qin Yao again with a pitiable look on his face. "Hug!"


    Lu An Ran stared at her son speechlessly, then she turned to Li Qin Yao again. "Do you... want to try and hold him?"


    "Can I?"


    Lu An Ran nodded. "Of course."


    Li Qin Yao released the hand that was holding her tightly under the table and turned to extend her hand towards the little boy.


    Jia Xian squealed in excitement feeling someone was lifting him and he was now in the pretty lady''s ??p. His hands slapped at the table excitedly before his mother warned him to make less noise.


    Hearing his mother''s scolding him, the little boy shrunk and turned into Li Qin Yao''s embrace.


    Zhang Yu Han, who was chatting with his friend regarding his business matter, was watching his wife all the time through his peripheral gaze. Seeing the way the little boy was nestled in his wife''s embrace, Zhang Yu Han''s expression turned soft.


    However, as he continued to watch them, Zhang Yu Han began to notice that something was wrong.


    The boy had his hand on his wife''s ?h?st and from the look at it, it did not seem as if he had touched it by accident.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to hold the boy''s hand, which was still resting on his wife''s ?h?st. Then, he looked at the little boy with a frown. "That one belongs to me. You shouldn''t touch something that was not yours, understand?"


    Looking at Zhang Yu Han''s fierce look, the little boy then turned to his mother with aggrieved eyes.


    Lu An Ran laughed as she heard Zhang Yu Han''s words, while Li Qin Yao can only stare at her husband speechlessly. Why was he too fierce with that little boy?

 Chapter 311 - Whats Yours is also Mine

    Once they walked out of the restaurant, Li Qin Yao turned to her husband with a frown. "Why are you so fierce towards a child?"


    When Li Qin Yao recalled how Zhang Yu Han had reacted upon seeing the little boy had touched her ?h?st, she was very embarrassed, especially as Lu Xun and his sister were still present.


    Fortunately, Lu Xun''s sister did not mind his words towards the one-year-old. Fortunately, that child did not start to cry upon seeing her husband''s fierce look.


    However, Li Qin Yao was also amused. The last time she had seen her husband''s interaction with a kid of her friend, she had thought that he could be very caring towards a child. But this time, she had unexpectedly seen him reprimanding a child just because he had touched her ?h?st.


    "What''s wrong with it?" Zhang Yu Han paused to look at his wife and sighed. "When a kid did something wrong, of course, I should say something about it. To dismiss his wrongdoing just because he''s a child is wrong. Of course, when a child did something good, he deserved praise and when he did something wrong, you have to tell him. Or else, how was he going to learn about what is right and what is wrong?"


    Li Qin Yao thought that there was truth in his words. But she thought it was hilarious.


    "Besides," Zhang Yu Han paused and lowered his gaze to look at her ?h?st. Because she was shorter than him, naturally, he was able to enjoy a great view when he peeked at what''s under her neckline. "What''s wrong with protecting what is mine?"


    Seeing the grin on his face, Li Qin Yao quickly pulled at her collar. Then she looked at her husband with her eyes narrowed dangerously.


    They were still out in the public. Can he not act so lecherous?


    "How are these yours?" Li Qin Yao asked. She hugged her body tightly. "They are obviously mine."


    A thought suddenly came to her mind and Li Qin Yao suddenly wondered how he was going to react if they had a child someday. Will he scold his son or daughter because of the same reason?


    A chuckle escaped him. Zhang Yu Han extended his hand to pinch at her nose lightly. "Qin Yao, we are already married. Of course, what''s yours is also mine. And what''s mine¡­ is also yours."


    Li Qin Yao watched him speechlessly. Seeing the way he was staring at her suggestively, Li Qin Yao felt her face heat up and decided to ignore him.


    The two of them reached their car and Zhang Yu Han helped her into the passenger seat before he slid into the driver''s seat. He turned on the ignition and started to drive back home.


    As they reached an intersection and stopped at the red light, Li Qin Yao was suddenly reminded of something that Lu Xun had given her husband. "What did your friend gave you earlier?"


    When Li Qin Yao was chatting with Lu An Ran as they had their lunch, she had seen that Lu Xun had handed a brown A4 envelope to him. Though she was curious, Li Qin Yao did not want to ask in Lu Xun''s presence.


    Zhang Yu Han twisted his body to take the brown envelope from the backseat and handed it to his wife. "It''s a wedding gift from Lu Xun. You should help me to keep them."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow. She took out the documents in the brown envelope and her eyes widened at the sight of a property deed in her hand. Though she did not know much about the property in Country C, based on the location and the area, Li Qin Yao could tell that it was an expensive gift.


    "This¡­ is a wedding gift?" Li Qin Yao turned to her husband with a surprised expression. She saw him nodded and a gasp escaped her. "Isn''t this is too generous? Is it alright to accept this?"


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han said. The light turned green and Zhang Yu Han continued to drive. "Since he was generous enough to give us this land, of course, we should not reject his kind intention."


    Li Qin Yao continued to stare at the documents and thought that a property deed was a bit too much to accept.


    "If you don''t feel good about it, later when Lu Xun gets married, I''ll give him a generous gift as well." Zhang Yu Han chuckled. Of course, they will have to wait until Lu Xun had found someone he wanted to marry first.


    For as long as he had known Lu Xun, Zhang Yu Han had seen him going out with a few ladies, but none of them was someone he wanted to marry.


    Seeing that her husband''s relationship with his friend was good enough for them to give to such expensive things, of course she was not going to say anything. Anyway, she had suddenly become a wealthier person after marrying Zhang Yu Han.


    "Qin Yao," Liu Hui Lan greeted. "Did you have fun going out with Yu Han?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "It was crowded outside, but it was pretty interesting to look at the lively decoration in town."


    "You took a few days of break to come over and visit us in Country C, but mom and dad did not spend enough time with you," Liu Hui Lan let out a sigh in regret. "Time flies and the two of you will be catching your flight tomorrow."


    Previously, Zhang Xi and his wife had returned to their home country earlier than planned to see their daughter-in-law. Now that they have returned to Country C, the two of them had to return to the office and catch up with their work.


    "It''s fine. Anyway, Yu Han has been a great tour guide these past few days," Li Qin Yao said. "Later, when we come back to visit you again, we can spend a lot of time together. I will ask Yu Han to pick a date when mom and dad are not too busy."


    Hearing that her daughter-in-law was planning to come over and visit them again, Liu Hui Lan had a wide smile on her face. "Of course. Qin Yao, you have to come over and visit us again."


    Liu Hui Lan''s gaze went towards her son who was busy carrying a few bags from the car. "Are you going to your aunt''s place tonight?" She had suddenly recalled that the couple had planned to visit Li Qin Yao''s aunt who was also living in Country C that night.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded again. "My aunt also invited both you and dad to come. Why don''t we go together?"


    "Mom and dad are too tired after staying at the office," Liu Hui Lan said. "You two should go and join the party and have fun."

 Chapter 312 - Wanting My Wife to Spoil Me

    The couple arrived at Lin''s residence and found that the place was lively with people.


    Seeing a familiar face walked into the house, Li Chun''s face brightened up. She walked over to her niece and pulled her into a tight hug. "Yao Yao, you made it." She then turned to the tall man beside her niece and smiled. "Hello! Merry Christmas!" she then peeked at behind the couple''s and retreated her gaze. "Your parents did not come over with you as well?


    "My parents couldn''t make it. At this time of the year, the hotel is a bit busy."Zhang Yu Han said as he handed the paper bags in his hand.


    "You brought something for us?" Li Chun was surprised upon receiving the gifts. She thanked the couple for their gift and ushered them in.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We bought some souvenir from Country H as well."


    It was then that Li Chun recalled that the two of them were visiting Country H for their honeymoon. "How was your vacation in Country H?"


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she glanced at her husband. "It was fun. The beach was very pretty."


    Seeing the way the newlywed couple was looking at each other, Li Chun felt a lot more at ease. Li Qin Yao was the niece that she had looked after when she was still a baby. Of course, Li Chun cared for and loved Li Qin Yao a bit more.


    "Though we say that this is a Christmas party, it was more of your uncle wanting to treat students from our homeland for a meal," Li Chun said as she glanced at her husband who was in the middle of a conversation with a student who studied around the university in the city.


    Li Qin Yao looked around. The decoration was colorful and the atmosphere was lively. There were a lot of young men and women around the place mingling with each other. Some of the students came to the party to enjoy free, delicious food and some were using this chance to find themselves a boyfriend or girlfriend.


    Among the students, there were also a few elderly who Li Qin Yao guessed that they should be her uncle''s guests. She had wanted to go over and greeted her uncle, but once she saw that her uncle was in a deep conversation, Li Qin Yao hesitated.


    "Don''t mind your uncle," Li Chun said when she saw the expression on her niece''s face. "It would not be easy to stop him once he was engrossed in a discussion. I''ll tell him later that you come over if you did not have the chance to greet him later."


    Hearing her auntie''s words, Li Qin Yao was relieved.


    Li Chun then turned her head to a direction and frowned when she caught the sight of her son. "Lin Nan Feng you come over here for a while."


    The teenage boy looked up from his phone and grunted when he saw a few familiar faces around his mother.


    "Come. Say hello to your cousin."


    Lin Nan Feng exhaled loudly before he obediently greeted Li Qin Yao and her husband.


    "Help mom to take this into my room," Li Chun said as she passed the paper bags in her hand to her son. "Your cousin bought you a present too. What do you say to her?"


    The teenage boy looked at his mother with a dissatisfied look on his face as he was being treated like a little boy. He then turned to the newlywed couple again and nodded. "Thank you, cousin."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. From Lin Nan Feng''s expression, she could detect that the teenage boy just wanted to be left alone with his mobile phone. He was probably forced by his parents to come down and enjoy the lively party.


    Seeing that his son had turned around with the paper bags, Li Chun then led the couple towards the buffet table. "You two go and make yourself comfortable. I have to go and check with the cook to top up some food."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She grabbed a plate and turned to her husband. "What do you want to eat?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the food on the table. "Anything is fine. Let''s just share."


    "You''re not hungry?" Li Qin Yao raised a brow.


    His lips curled into a smile as he leaned forward to whisper, "I just want my wife to spoil me. Qin Yao, you feed me."


    As she was feeding Zhang Yu Han a sliced chicken, Li Chun suddenly came to approach them.


    "Yao Yao!" Li Chun paused momentarily before a wide smile curled on her lips. "It''s good to see that you two had a good relationship." She let out a soft sighed and continued, "Ah... Young love. Now I''m envious."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head when she felt the heat crept up to her face. She glanced at her husband and saw the smug look on his expression.


    Li Chun laughed before she turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Yu Han, do you mind if I steal your wife for a while?" She then turned to her niece. "I have something to give you."


    "Sure." Zhang Yu Han nodded before he turned to his wife to take the plate of food from her. "You go ahead. I''ll wait for you here."


    "Oh." Li Qin Yao stood up and paused when she felt her husband tugging at her hand.


    "Please keep your phone close to you," Zhang Yu Han reminded.


    Knowing that her husband was worried, Li Qin Yao gave him an ?ssuring smile. "I know. You wait for me here."


    Li Qin Yao glanced one more time at her husband before she followed after her auntie to her room. Once she entered, Li Chun waved her hand, motioning her to come closer before her aunt handed her an envelope.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao thought that she had seen too many A4 sized envelope in one day. "Little Auntie, what is this?"


    "Share transfer agreement," Li Chun smiled upon seeing her niece''s confused expression. "This is for you."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the documents inside and quickly shoved them back to her auntie.


    "Just take it," Li Chun said. "I gave it a long thought. You know that I planned to follow your uncle to stay here. Since I don''t have a plan to return to QL Group, I''m giving you my shares."


    "No. Little Auntie, you still have your son. What about Nan Feng?"


    "Nan Feng had his portion," Li Chun chuckled. "Besides, he had no intention to work with QL Group. Giving him such a large share would be a waste. Therefore, we decided to give this to you. Yao Yao... just think of this as your wedding gift."

 Chapter 313 - Good Luck Charm

    When Li Qin Yao returned to the hall, she could not help to stare at the envelope in her hand. Although she had tried to decline this gift, her auntie was bent on giving it to her. In the end, Li Qin Yao could only accept.


    Her thought from that early morning came to her mind again. Surely, after marrying her husband, and coming with him to Country C, Li Qin Yao really thought that she was becoming wealthier.


    A smile curled on her lips as she thought about her husband. Li Qin Yao shook her head to clear her mind and stopped herself from smiling like a love-struck teenager.


    However, when she looked up again, her vision caught the person she was thinking of, standing at the center of the hall and he was looking back at her.


    Her step suddenly came to a halt.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao had suddenly thought that everything around her had disappeared and the light in the hall was shining to her husband, giving him a spotlight.


    Her heart skipped a beat. Staring back at him at this time, Li Qin Yao suddenly thought of how dazzling this person she had married. He was so dazzling that she had thought that the person in front of her was unreal.


    Something in her body ignited and Li Qin Yao felt a warmth spread through her body and enveloping her. Her heart was beating quicker and a sudden thought came to her mind¡ªshe was really in love with him.


    Seeing that his wife had suddenly stopped, Zhang Yu Han frowned before he took the initiative to walk over to his wife. The frown on his face deepened when he found that she was staring at him with a dazed look on her expression.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" he whispered.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance at hearing the voice that she liked so much. It was then that she realized that her husband was standing too close to her. She extended her hand and placed them on his ?h?st. Her eyes glinted with joy upon finding that the person in front of him was real.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Seeing that she did not react to him, Zhang Yu Han placed a hand on her forehead to check on her temperature. A sigh of relief escaped him upon finding that she was alright. "What did your auntie tell you?"


    A smile escaped her when she saw his expression. "I''m fine. Just that," she paused to hold his hand. Her cheek grew rosy as she was suddenly shy. "I saw you standing there and thought... Zhang Yu Han, I love you."


    His eyebrow rose at her sudden confession, but there was an apparent joy in his expression. Zhang Yu Han then raised her hand to his lips. Then, he inched closer to her and whispered, "Qin Yao, I love you too."


    His deep voice just next to her ear made her heart swelled with happiness. Her toes curled.


    At the sight of his wife''s sheepish expression, Zhang Yu Han bopped at her nose.


    "Why did your auntie call you over?" Zhang Yu Han asked as she recalled that she had gone away with her auntie a while ago. It was then that he noticed the envelope in her hand. "She... gave you something?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Little Auntie wanted to transfer her share in QL Group to me. She said that she had no intention to return to the company and therefore, it would be better if I take over her share."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the documents again and decided not to say anything. Anyway, it was a gift from her auntie.


    "Do you want to stay for a little longer? Or do you want to go back?"


    "Up to you," Zhang Yu Han patted at her head.


    "Let''s just head back," Li Qin Yao said. "Anyway, we still need to pack our bags."


    At the thought that their honeymoon had ended and they will need to return tomorrow, Li Qin Yao was suddenly saddened. Her mood went down at the thought that she will need to return to the office soon.


    "We can come over and play again soon," Zhang Yu Han said. "Let''s plan another vacation and go somewhere."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. The two of them went to find her Little Auntie and Uncle before they left the residence.


    As they were walking towards the vehicle, Li Qin Yao glanced at the documents in her hand again. "Zhang Yu Han, I feel as if you''re my good luck charm. After marrying you, I suddenly gain a large amount of money and property." Her head tilted sideways as she tried to find the right words. "Hmm... perhaps a good luck charm that attracts wealth and prosperity?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled, but his expression suddenly changed. "Qin Yao, I only meowed to you once when I was drunk and you think of me of that lucky cat, Maneki Neko?"


    Li Qin Yao burst into a laugh as she recalled how she had tricked him into meowing for her once after he woke up the next day.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han had no idea that he was tricked. He was so worried that his wife would be upset with him as he had returned to their honeymoon suite on their wedding night, totally drunk. He was supposed to accompany her on their wedding night, but his friends had dragged him around to drink and he could not escape them.


    Zhang Yu Han was so worried that his wife would kick him off their bed and won''t allow him to keep close to her due to anger that he decided to swallow her pride and tried to meow for her once. After that, he was embarrassed that he wished to bury his head under the ground. Zhang Yu Han then pledged that he will never drink too much. He will learn to know his limit!


    Seeing how her husband''s face turned dark, the smile on her face only grew wider. "Zhang Yu Han! Raise your paw and try to entice more wealth and prosperity to come at me!" She then helped him to raise his right arms and started to wave it back and forth. Then she laughed again. "Un! I can feel my luck is changing. I will definitely make more money after this."


    "Qin Yao, you''re making fun of me? Are you not afraid that I will punish you?" Zhang Yu Han gritted his teeth.


    Although he was happy that his wife was happy, at this time, Zhang Yu Han had this thought to bite her and make her cry instead.


    As this thought came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han inched closer to bite at her lips. However, just before he could reach her lips, his wife had suddenly crouched to the ground.


    When she stood up again, Li Qin Yao lifted her hand and showed something at him. "Hubby! I found a coin!"

 Chapter 314 - Return to Offices

    As their honeymoon vacation has ended, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han had to return to their offices and facing the pile of documents on their table. When Li Qin Yao walked into the office, she was glad upon knowing that the first phase of the construction was back to their schedule. However, seeing the documents that she had to read and sign, Li Qin Yao suddenly had the urge to cry.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao could not help but think of how leisure managing the small cafe instead of looking after a big project as this construction site. However, Li Qin Yao loved the sense of accomplishment upon seeing the once abandoned site has changed and the buildings were getting taller.


    Liang Sheng stayed by her side as they attended a meeting with the staff and ?ssisted her to understand what was going on when she was away. The meeting just before lunch and Li Qin Yao turned to Liang Sheng as he helped her to review a few documents.


    "Did you just come back from Capital City?" Li Qin Yao asked upon seeing the slight black rim under her ?ssistant''s eyes.


    Liang Sheng nodded. "Yes. I went to see Chairman Li and gave my report on the construction."


    Because Liang Sheng was the ?ssistant that her grandfather had chosen to help her, once every week, Liang Sheng would travel to Capital City and reported on the progress.


    Although Chairman Li live far away from B City, he cared so much about this project. After all, it was the first project for QL Group which was outside of Capital City. With Liang Sheng, his ?ssistant''s son by his granddaughter''s side, Li Ren Xin was more at ease to let his granddaughter manage the development project.


    "How was my grandfather?"


    Liang Sheng smile. "Chairman Li and his wife were doing well. They heard that you and Director Zhang had come back from your honeymoon last Friday and was relieved that you have returned safely."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She turned her attention back at the documents on the table and made a reminder to herself to give her grandparents a call later. When she looked up again, she did not miss the hesitant look on Liang Sheng''s face. "What is it?"


    "No," Liang Sheng shook his head. "Just that¡­ when I went to Li''s residence, I found out that Miss Li Mu Chen is now living with your grandparents. I heard from Auntie Han that Miss Li wanted to spend more time to accompany elder madam," Liang Sheng said.


    A frown appeared on his face as he recalled the encounter with Li Mu Chen. Previously, he had run into Li Mu Chen a few times and would always leave after nodding politely at her. However, this time, Liang Sheng could not help but feel a bit uneasy with the way Li Mu Chen would act around him.


    He might be a bit paranoid, but he did not like the way Li Mu Chen seemed to be keeping her eyes on him when he was around the Li''s residence.


    As Li Qin Yao''s ?ssistant, Liang Sheng knew that Li Mu Chen had previously tried to do to harm his boss and he was wary of Li Mu Chen.


    "How did my grandparents react?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "I heard that President Li was against this decision," Liang Sheng said. "However, Chairman Li had thought that it would be best to let Miss Li Mu Chen live with them. Chairman Li intended to keep his eyes on her lest she''ll make trouble."


    Li Qin Yao tapped the pen in her hand against the table and heaved a long sigh. "If Chairman Li thinks it would be best, then just let it be."


    The truth was that Li Qin Yao did not care much about what her cousin, Li Mu Chen wanted to do. As long as she stayed away from her and no longer cause trouble for her, Li Qin Yao would be happy. She had never understood Li Mu Chen''s animosity towards her from the very beginning. Li Qin Yao could only think that Zhao Wei had probably said something just because she wanted her son to achieve the top position in QL Group.


    "Yes," Liang Sheng nodded."Liang Sheng?" Li Qin Yao called.


    "Hmm?"


    "Accompany me to the site after lunch. I wanted to look at the progress."


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao dropped by at her cafe to have her lunch and distribute some souvenirs she bought for everyone during her honeymoon. While waiting for Liang Sheng to pick her up, Li Qin Yao spent a while to look at the sales report that Qing Kong had brought to her.


    The phone on the table chimed and Li Qin Yao quickly swiped her finger on the screen upon seeing the caller ID. A smile curled on her lips.


    "Qin Yao, what are you doing? Why are you not saying anything?" Zhang Yu Han''s voice came from the speaker.


    "I''m at the cafe, browsing through some documents," Li Qin Yao answered.


    A soft sigh escaped him as Zhang Yu Han thought of how busy his wife would be at this time. The two of them had just returned from their honeymoon and Zhang Yu Han knew that Li Qin Yao would immediately busy herself with looking at the construction site progress. He had momentarily forgotten that she owned a cafe and would have to stop by to look at the reports as well.


    "If it is too much, you should take a break and rest," Zhang Yu Han said. "Don''t push yourself too hard. You can rely more on Liang Sheng and Qing Kong to look after your businesses."


    Zhang Yu Han was aware of how important the two businesses were for his wife. One was a baby that she had started up from scratch and another one was something she enjoyed doing. Both were important to her.


    "Un, I know. The two of them had done their best to ?ssist me. I''m just here to have my lunch while reviewing some reports," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Did Mister Shen come along with you?"


    Li Qin Yao looked up to see a tall man sat at a seat near the entrance. "Un. Don''t worry. I''ll be safe. Have you had your lunch?"


    "Hmm... I accompanied Grandfather to lunch earlier," Zhang Yu Han said. "Qin Yao, I miss you."


    The two of them were inseparable for the last two weeks. Zhang Yu Han thought that it was strange to suddenly return to his office without his wife by his side.


    His words coupled with his deep voice made her heart skipped a beat. Li Qin Yao bit at her lips shyly as her eyes swept around the cafe before she lowered her gaze to avoid anyone from noticing her expression.


    Pressing the phone tightly against her ear and face, she then whispered, "I miss you too." Her heart thumped louder as she looked around again. It was as if she had done something exciting and was afraid of getting caught. "I''ll come back after visiting the site, alright?"

 Chapter 315 - Zhang Jings Strict Diet Began Again

    When Zhang Yu Ying saw her sister-in-law stepped out of the elevator, her eyes grew wide with excitement. The last time she had seen Li Qin Yao was when the newlywed couple was departing to the airport. Once they have returned to Y City, Li Qin Yao had to focus on her work and they were too busy to see each other.


    "Sister-in-law!" Zhang Yu Ying leaped forward to give her a tight hug. She had not seen this sister-in-law for a month and was missing her terribly, especially because her brother has been bullying her at work and she had no one to complain to.


    Li Qin Yao let out a giggle when she saw Zhang Yu Ying''s expression. "I haven''t seen you in a while. Are you well?"


    Zhang Yu Ying nodded. "I heard from Grandfather that you will be joining us for dinner today."


    "Grandfather said that there''s a new restaurant that he wanted to try," Li Qin Yao said.


    Of course, knowing that his granddaughter-in-law was a foodie just like him, Zhang Jing would invite her whenever he heard about a good spot to eat.


    After the couple had returned from their honeymoon, Zhang Yu Han had always accompanied his grandfather for lunch and monitored his diet. Of course, as his grandson, Zhang Yu Han knew that his grandfather would forget to follow his diet once he was not around. Upon checking with Zhang Yu Ying and Auntie Wu, Zhang Yu Han was able to confirm his suspicion, and thus, Zhang Jing''s strict diet began again.


    This is one of the reasons why he had invited his granddaughter-in-law to have dinner together. At least, with Li Qin Yao''s presence, his grandson would not nag him too much into eating vegetables. His attention would be focusing on his wife and Zhang Jing could use this opportunity to eat a few bit more.


    Li Qin Yao looked up and noticed that Zhang Yu Ying had come from the direction of Zhang Yu Han''s office. "Did you just come out of your brother''s office?"


    Upon hearing the question, Zhang Yu Ying stared at her sister-in-law with aggrieved eyes. "Sister-in-law, please tell my brother to go easy on me. Ever since he returned from vacation, he has turned himself into a demon, ?ssigning me into a lot of workloads and pointing out mistakes."


    At the thought of how fierce her brother had been towards her these past few weeks, Zhang Yu Ying wanted to cry.


    Li Qin Yao could only smile. Although she did not pay much attention to the Zhang Group''s business, she had heard a few things regarding their business. According to her husband, Grandfather wanted to let Zhang Yu Ying manage their international hotel once she was ready for it. This was why Zhang Yu Han has been strict towards his sister. Grandfather had wanted her husband to train his sister.


    "I will talk to him and let him be a bit lenient to you," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Ying stared at her sister-in-law as if she was her savior. "Sister-in-law, you''re the best! Let me accompany you to my brother''s office."


    The two of them walked towards Zhang Yu Han''s office and Li Qin Yao stopped by Secretary Tian''s table to exchange a brief greeting. Then, she turned around, knocked on the door, and pushed the door to enter.


    Just as she stepped one foot into the office, Li Qin Yao felt someone tugging at her wrist, and the door slammed shut.


    Zhang Yu Ying, who was about to enter after Li Qin Yao could only stare back at the door with a puzzled look on her face. Fortunately, she was a little bit slower. She could almost imagine that the door would hit her nose, and she was yelping in pain after her legs stuck at the door.


    A cough sounded from her back, and Zhang Yu Ying turned to look at Secretary Tian.


    "I think, now is probably not the right time to enter," Secretary Tian said. She had seen how the Director''s wife was pulled inside and heard the subtle sound of the door locked and knew what was going on inside. "You should probably come back later or else, you were going to face your brother''s wrath, Miss Zhang."


    Zhang Yu Ying had a blank look on her face before she finally understood what Secretary Tian was trying to tell her.


    To think that her brother almost injured her just because he wanted to spend some time alone with his wife! Can he not act like a hooligan? They were still in the office!


    As these thoughts ran through her head, Zhang Yu Ying was speechless. After sending a resentful glance towards the door again, Zhang Yu Ying finally left.


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao who was suddenly pulled inside had a shocked look at her expression. Before she could figure out what was going on, her back met the cold and hard wall, and wet, hot lips were ?ssaulting hers.


    Li Qin Yao raised a hand to push that person away but suddenly relaxed upon inhaling her husband''s familiar scent.


    Feeling the figure in his embrace was starting to ease up, Zhang Yu Han pulled her body closer to him and a hand ran through her hair, trying to keep her in place as he continued to kiss her lips. His lips curved into a smile as he felt her hands crept up slowly from his ?h?st to his shoulder blade and neck before she started to reciprocate his kisses.


    Once he detected his wife was gasping for air, Zhang Yu Han finally let her go. He rested his forehead on hers and watched her as she panted to catch her breath with her eyes closed. Her cheek turned red and her eyelashes trembled. Seeing this beautiful view in front of him, Zhang Yu Han could not resist the urge to give a few pecks at her lips.


    "What took you so long to get here?" Zhang Yu Han asked between his pauses. "I heard from Secretary Tian that you have arrived on this floor for a while."


    Li Qin Yao felt that her legs were becoming tired after tiptoeing to kiss him for too long. Therefore, rested her head on his ?h?st, to listen to his heartbeat while letting him support her weight. "I ran into your sister when I stepped out of the elevator."


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    "Don''t bully your sister too much."


    Hearing his wife''s words, Zhang Yu Han could only let out a helpless sigh. "What did she tell you this time?"

 Chapter 316 - His Grandsons Threat

    After she was married to Zhang Yu Han, it has become a habit for them to gather with Grandfather once a month and had dinner together. Ever since the two had returned from their honeymoon, this would be the first time that the four of them would have dinner together.


    Once Zhang Yu Han parked his Cayenne at the parking lot, he helped his wife to get off the vehicle and the two walked together to meet Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying at the restaurant entrance.


    When Li Qin Yao saw Zhang Jing, she immediately released her hand around her husband''s arms and went towards the elderly man. "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao greeted her with a sweet voice as she held on the elder man''s upper arms. "I haven''t seen you in a while. Did you miss me?"


    Seeing this situation, Zhang Yu Han''s expression turned darker.


    As if noticing that something was not right, Zhang Jing turned around and saw the expression on his grandson''s face. A pride smile curled on his lips as he patted on Li Qin Yao''s hand as if to add oil into his grandson''s fire.


    "Qin Yao, you are too busy recently that you did not have enough time to accompany Grandfather," Zhang Jing said with a sigh. "Don''t always keep yourself busy. You need to take care of yourself more."


    Li Qin Yao giggled. "Grandfather, you did not forget that you have invested in my project, right? Of course, I have to keep busy and help you to make more money."


    Zhang Jing smiled. "It''s fine. That was only Yu Han''s money. Even if you don''t work so hard, Grandfather can always support and raise you."


    It was then that Zhang Yu Han noticed that his sister''s focus was on the phone and that his wife was ?ssisting his grandfather as they climbed up the small steps at the entrance to the restaurant.


    Li Qin Yao had noticed this problem and quickly went beside him to ?ssist him.


    Zhang Yu Han''s let out a helpless sigh. His gaze turned warmer and his irritation quickly disappeared. Turning to his sister, Zhang Yu Han then tugged on her sleeve before he walked closely behind his grandfather to guard the two of them if they accidentally misstep.


    A waiter greeted them at the entrance and led them to the private room that they had booked earlier.


    As they sit down around the table, Zhang Yu Ying began to notice the set of keys that Li Qin Yao placed on the table as she was searching for something in her bag.


    "Sister-in-law, what is that?" Zhang Yu Ying reached across the table and lift the keys. A smile curved on her lips as she stared at the keychain attached with the keys. "I did not know that you like something like this."


    Seeing that her sister-in-law was staring at the lucky cat charm, Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and watch as his expression turned dark. "Don''t you think it''s cute?" she asked Zhang Yu Ying while observing her husband.


    He then looked back at her with a warning gaze not to mention anything about that night''s incident.


    Zhang Yu Ying nodded. "It is cute!" She then shook the keychain, and the small bell attached to it produced a soft, ringing sound.


    "It''s my good luck charm," Li Qin Yao said when Zhang Yu Ying returned the keys to her.


    Although Li Qin Yao knew that her husband was embarrassed that she had made him meowed once, and looking at the charm would remind him of that night, she had insisted to keep it with her. Zhang Yu Han had no other choice but to let her do what she liked.


    Who told him to dote on his wife so much?


    "Why do I feel like there is some secret going on between you two?" Zhang Yu Ying asked upon noticing the way her brother and sister-in-law were looking at each other as if they were having a telepathy conversation.


    Her brother''s expression was so dark, and her sister-in-law was so bright. Li Qin Yao was staring at Zhang Yu Han until he heaved a sigh as if he was relenting at something, It was an interesting sight and Zhang Yu Ying was curious to know about this exchange.


    "What do you know," Zhang Jing scoffed at his granddaughter. "That is a matter between a couple. How about you go and find yourself a boyfriend. Then, maybe you would understand."


    "Grandfather, don''t you think I am still too young to have a boyfriend?" Zhang Yu Ying asked. "What if I no longer have time to accompany you later?"


    "Do you think you always spent your free time with me? You would always disappear to meet up with your friends." Zhang Jing started to complain. "Are you that unpopular among your friends and your social circle? Should I help you to find someone?"


    "Who said I was not popular? I am very popular, alright? Or else, why would my friends always asked me out?"


    Zhang Jing scoffed at his granddaughter''s answer.


    "Grandfather, don''t be angry," Zhang Yu Ying latched her hand around Zhang Jing''s upper arms and acting coquettish with her grandfather. "I still want to live and be filial to you for a few more years."


    Towards his granddaughter''s coquettish act, Zhang Jing could only sigh helplessly.


    Soon, the food was brought in and Zhang Jing''s eyes began to glint with happiness upon seeing the meat dishes that he had not tasted for the past two weeks. Following his plan, Zhang Jing sneaked to take a few more bites at his favorite dishes while his grandson was paying attention to his wife.


    Of course, when Zhang Yu Ying saw this, she had wanted to say something but stopped after her grandfather sent him a warning gaze.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han began to notice that his wife has been eating more vegetable dishes instead of the meat dishes that he had picked for her.


    "Are you not going to eat that?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he pointed to the marinated ribs.


    Li Qin Yao paused as she stared at the glistering, succulent ribs. Then she looked at her husband and shook her head. "It''s fine. I''ll just accompany Grandfather to eat more vegetables."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Jing''s hand that was about to pick up another piece of meat suddenly stopped.


    "Right, grandfather, you should eat more vegetables," Zhang Yu Han reminded him. "Let''s not forget that you have an appointment with the doctor this week. If your result is not satisfying, your diet will continue for another month."


    His grandson''s threat was making him depressed. Zhang Jing could only stare back at the meat dishes with longing.


    "Grandfather, you have a checkup this week?" Li Qin Yao asked. "Do you want me to accompany you?"

 Chapter 317 - Accompany Zhang Jing for Check-Up

    Because Li Qin Yao had offered to accompany Zhang Jing for his check-up, she had told Liang Sheng that she will be taking a half-day off.


    Seeing that she did not have to get up early, Li Qin Yao decided to sleep in for a while. After all, she has been quite busy with her work recently. But who would know that the person who was hugging her would not let her rest peacefully and his hand continued to explore on her body?


    After trying to ignore him for a few minutes, Li Qin Yao finally surrendered. She turned around to look at him with her aggrieved eyes and just before she could say a word, Zhang Yu Han took advantaged of her slightly opened mouth and her lips were sealed.


    "Zhang Yu Han." After a while later, Li Qin Yao managed to say between his kisses.


    "Hmm?"


    "I''m sleepy. Let me sleep a while longer."


    Zhang Yu Han stopped to look at the person underneath him. As their gaze met, Li Qin Yao was not surprised to see the way he was staring back at her. His eyes were darkened with wanting for her.


    Just as Li Qin Yao avoided his gaze, her eyes then saw the way his throat was moving as he swallowed.


    "Qin Yao," his voice was a little bit husky. He kissed her softly around her ear and spoke, "Just once, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao let out a whimpering sound. It was not fair! He knew that she was weak against his voice and he dared to ask her such questions like this.


    Seeing that his wife did not answer, Zhang Yu Han planted a few more kisses on her face before he retreated to look at her. "Alright?"


    His voice coupled with the way he looked at her was making her resolve to crumble. Li Qin Yao looked at him hesitantly and said, "Just once."


    With her permission, a faint, but glowing smile curled on his lips before he lowered to kiss her again.


    By the time she woke up again, her husband was already gone. Li Qin Yao turned off the alarm and rubbed at her eyes before she looked at the time.


    Although she wanted to go back to sleep, at the reminder that she had promised to accompany Zhang Jing for his check-up, Li Qin Yao then forced herself to wake up and dragged herself to the bathroom, feeling sore all over her body.


    A hint of disappointment hit her when she saw the spotting on her und?rw??r. Although it has not been too long since they decided to have a baby, Li Qin Yao was looking forward to it. Therefore, at the thought that her period has come again, she could not help but be disheartened.


    Grabbing a pad on the shelf, Li Qin Yao then continued to wash up her body while cursing at her husband at the aching on her body.


    ¡­


    When Li Qin Yao arrived at the hospital, Zhang Jing and Assistant Huo were already waiting in the waiting area. From afar, Li Qin Yao could see that the two men were arguing on something. At this sight, Li Qin Yao was suddenly reminded of the time she ran into the two of them at some restaurant.


    Looking back, it has not been a year since the last time she encountered Zhang''s family. As this thought went through her mind, Li Qin Yao could not help to think of how fast time flies.


    At the sight of Li Qin Yao approaching, Assistant Huo''s face brightened up and he greeted her enthusiastically.


    Li Qin Yao blushed at the way Assistant Huo''s enthusiasm and turned to Zhang Jing. "Grandfather, sorry, I came a bit late. Have you waited for too long?"


    Zhang Jing quickly waved his hand away. "Not at all. We have just arrived as well." He then patted at the seat beside him and motioned her to sit down.


    At this time, Assistant Huo stepped forward. "I have already helped Chairman Li to fill in the forms. Since you''re here, I will inform Doctor Xia that Chairman Li is ready for his consultation." Once he saw the elderly man nodded, Assistant Huo quickly made his move and disappeared before he was going to get another round of scolding.


    "Grandfather, how are you feeling?" Li Qin Yao asked as she placed her bag beside her.


    "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me too much. This is just a regular checkup," Zhang Jing said. "You see how fierce your husband is when he was monitoring my diet. Of course, the result will come out well. I have never got a bad result ever since Yu Han lives around me."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she was reminded of how Zhang Yu Han was always strict on monitoring Zhang Jing''s diet. When he was around, Zhang Jing would suddenly cower and listened to him. Therefore, whenever they eat together, Zhang Jing would often send a distressed signal at his granddaughter-in-law to persuade her husband into letting him eat more.


    Anyway, at this time, the only person who can coax Zhang Yu Han into changing his mind was no other than Li Qin Yao.


    "Really?" A thought suddenly resurfaced and Li Qin Yao was starting to doubt the elderly man''s words. "Grandfather, I seemed to recall that the last time I ran into you at this hospital, you were warded for a night because your result was not that good, right?"


    Zhang Jing stiffened at her words. He had indeed stayed a night at the hospital at that time, but it was not for the reason she thinks. "Of course not," he chuckled. "At that time, I willingly let Doctor Xia admitted me into the hospital because I happen to meet you."


    Zhang Jing laughed happily as he looked at her expression. "You know that Yu Han had set his eyes on you ten years ago."


    Hearing Zhang Jing mentioning this matter, her face grew red with embarrassment. "Hmm¡­"


    "At that time, I did not know that you are the person he was looking for. But when I see the way he was looking at you back then, I could guess that he liked you," Zhang Jing said. "Therefore, I wanted to stay around and hope that I will run into you because I was curious. Fortunately, I ran into you at the cafe."


    Li Qin Yao stared at Zhang Jing speechlessly at this new information. Why does it feel like the grandson and grandfather had their eyes set on her the moment they first saw her?


    "Speaking of that," Zhang Jing looked at his granddaughter-in-law with a bright smile on his face. "Qin Yao, before you return to your office, how about accompany me for lunch? It has been a while since the two of us eat together. But of course, let''s keep this matter a secret from your husband."


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao nodded, knowing Zhang Jing''s intention. "But first, we shall see your result and listen to what Doctor Xia was going to tell you."

 Chapter 318 - Assistant Huo has Become Their Accomplice

    After accompanying Zhang Jing to meet with Doctor Xia, and found out that his result came out alright, Li Qin Yao sent a quick text to her husband to brief him on the situation.


    Ten minutes after she had sent the messages, her phone started to vibrate. Looking at the caller ID, it was Zhang Yu Han. Li Qin Yao slid her finger on the screen and pressed the phone on her ear.


    "Is it done?" Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice could be heard from the other line.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. She turned to look at both Zhang Jing and Assistant Huo who was standing not too far from her. "Did you see my messages? I have attached Grandfather''s report."


    "I know. I''ve seen them."


    Something came to her mind and Li Qin Yao frowned. "Wait a minute, didn''t you say that you have a meeting? Is it done?"


    The reason why Zhang Yu Han could not accompany Zhang Jing to the hospital this time was because he needed to chair an important meeting for his grandfather.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the close door behind him and chuckled. "Well, we are on a break."


    Meanwhile, the managers in the meeting room were sweating anxiously as they waited for the Director to return. Just a while ago, Zhang Yu Han had suddenly looked at his phone and stood up. After announcing that they were going to take a two minutes break, he then left the room.


    There were some of the managers who wanted to use this opportunity to take a toilet break, however, upon noticing that their Director was leaning on the glass wall, they immediately sat still at their place.


    Hearing that the meeting was on break, Li Qin Yao let out a breath of relief. "I''m going to have lunch with Grandfather. Then, I''ll go back to the company."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a soft sigh at his wife''s plan. "Thank you for your hard work, my wife."


    Li Qin Yao giggled at his words and stopped herself once she realized that she was still in the hospital.


    "Grandfather''s result might look good, but remember to keep your eyes on him when you had lunch with him," Zhang Yu Han said. "I worry that he would be too excited and eat more than he should when I wasn''t around."


    Li Qin Yao suppressed her laugh as she recalled how Zhang Jing had just told her how strict Zhang Yu Han was when he was monitoring his diet. "Alright. Don''t worry. I''ll look after him."


    "Don''t just give in to him."


    After exchanging a few more words with her husband, Li Qin Yao went over to Zhang Jing and Assistant Huo who was arguing about Zhang Jing''s medicine.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao called.


    Hearing her sweet voice, the frown on Zhang Jing''s face quickly disappeared. He turned around and smiled. "Are you done with your call?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Yu Han reminded me to monitor your diet."


    Zhang Jing heaved a sigh at her word. Then, he looked up at his granddaughter-in-law with aggrieved expression.


    A chuckle left her when she saw the look. "Of course, we have both agreed that today will be our little secret, right?"


    The elderly man''s expression brightened up with joy. Then, the two of them turned to look at Assistant Huo, as if threatening him. Facing the two of them, Assistant Huo had no other choice but to agree to keep this lunch a secret. Since he was together with them, Assistant Huo has become their accomplice.


    The three of them then went to a restaurant not far away from the restaurant and picked a table. A waiter walked over to their table and the three of them placed their order. Fortunately, Zhang Jing still had his conscience and ordered only one serving of meat dishes for himself.


    When the waiter left, Zhang Jing turned to look at his granddaughter-in-law with a puzzled look.


    "You ordered so little, will that be enough?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "It''s enough. Yu Han made some porridge for me for breakfast. I''m still full."


    Zhang Jing laughed at the thought that his grandson can now cook after he was married. Zhang Jing was very sure that in the past, his grandson only knew how to boil water and nothing else.


    "You don''t have to worry about paying. It will be my treat today," Zhang Jing said.


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Yu Han gave me his card. Grandfather, how about we let him treat us to this lunch?"


    Hearing her suggestion, Zhang Jing laughed happily. It was rare for him to take advantage of his grandson. Since his grandson''s wife had offered, of course, Zhang Jing was not going to decline.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao stared at her empty bowl in a daze, wondering when did she finish her rice and her side dishes when both Zhang Jing and Assistant Huo was still enjoying their meal slowly.


    Li Qin Yao looked up and her gaze stopped at the sweet and sour chicken that Assistant Huo was eating. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao thought that the golden-colored chicken in the glistering sweet and sour sauce looked especially delicious.


    Assistant Huo who noticed that someone was watching him immediately paused. He looked up and stopped himself when he saw that the Chairman''s granddaughter-in-law was staring at the chicken clipped on his chopstick intently.


    "M-miss, no. Young Madam, is there something wrong?" Assistant Huo asked.


    "Huh?" Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance.


    "Why are you staring at me?" Assistant Huo licked his lips anxiously. "Would you like to try these dishes?"


    "Qin Yao, if you''re still hungry, you can order more," Zhang Jing said.


    "No." Li Qin Yao quickly shook her head. Heat crept on her face as she was embarrassed with her action. "I was just thinking how did the chef make that sauce look so glistering."


    Assistant Huo stared back at the chicken and frowned.


    After their lunch ended, Li Qin Yao walked out of the restaurant only to see that Mister Shen, the bodyguard that the Qi''s family had sent to her was waiting outside.


    Li Qin Yao sent both Zhang Jing and Assistant Huo to their car, and passed her car keys to the bodyguard and let him drive her to QL Group in B City.


    Unfortunately, the traffic was bad and Li Qin Yao was stuck in jammed for almost an hour. When she arrived at the office, Li Qin Yao rushed over to the toilet as she could no longer hold her bladder.


    Just as she sat down on the toilet seat, Li Qin Yao began to notice something strange. She knew that she would always have a heavy period on the first two days. However, looking at her pad, it doesn''t seem as if she was on period...


    Li Qin Yao walked out of the toilet in a daze. Before she could ponder longer on this matter, Xiao Lian Yi approached her to announce that she had a guest.

 Chapter 319 - Relationship Consultant

    When Li Qin Yao stepped into the showroom, she was surprised upon seeing that her guest was no other than Han Yue Xiu''s boss, no, business partner, Song Yi. The quiet man was standing in front of the miniature model of Tourism City and he was reading a pamphlet.


    Li Qin Yao walked over to that man and raised her brow, wondering if she had seen it wrongly. Just before she could say a word, Song Yi had turned around to look at her. There was a startled look on his expression before he eased up and an awkward smile appeared on his face.


    "Mister Song? Are you considering to buy a property lot?" Li Qin Yao greeted. She glanced at the model and then, back at him. "I heard that you are looking for me?"


    Song Yi coughed dryly. "I need to talk to you if that is alright?"


    Li Qin Yao could not think of anything that the two of them could talk about other than Han Yue Xiu. At the thought of how Song Yi used to treat Han Yue Xiu in the past, Li Qin Yao was reluctant to talk to him.


    However, Han Yue Xiu had also told her that Song Yi had changed. Not too long ago, her husband had also mentioned that Han Yue Xiu was able to find to stop some mercenaries from contacting her cousin, Li Mu Chen due to Song Yi''s help. Thinking that Song Yi had played a role to help her, Li Qin Yao decided that it would not hurt to spend a few minutes with him.


    "How about walking a few blocks away? There is a cafe and we can talk there," Li Qin Yao said. She might as well let Song Yi pay for a cup of coffee and make a small profit from it.


    Song Yi nodded. "Sure."


    Li Qin Yao grabbed her purse and led Song Yi to her cafe which was a few blocks away. Mister Shen, the bodyguard followed them silently.


    Once she stepped inside the cafe, Li Qin Yao signaled the others to pretend that they did not know her, before she took a seat.


    Yin Mei Xuan raised a brow at the sight of a handsome man sitting with her friend. She glanced at Li Qin Yao, with and left once she put down a cup of coffee for Song Yi and hot lemon tea for Li Qin Yao.


    Li Qin Yao took a sip from her drink and looked at the man sitting across her. "Can you say what you came here for?"


    Song Yi hesitated. "I''m sorry that I have almost injured you in the past."


    Her eyes widened, thinking that it was surprising that Song Yi would still remember that incident. "Apology accepted. But you did not come here to apologize, right? Is this about Han Yue Xiu?"


    Song Yi''s expression brightened up a little bit. "Yes. I know that you are Han Yue Xiu''s best friend. I¡ªI like her."


    Li Qin Yao almost spluttered the tea in her mouth. She had long known that Song Yi liked her friend, but why was he telling this to her?


    "Mister Song, these words, shouldn''t you tell them to Han Yue Xiu? Why did you tell me this?"


    Song Yi closed his eyes briefly. "It''s only because I don''t know what else I can do. You should know that Han Yue Xiu had rejected me a few times."


    Recently, his relationship with Han Yue Xiu had turned better, but he no longer dared to make another confession. He was not afraid of her rejection but was afraid that Han Yue Xiu would start treating him coldly again. What if she decided to ghost on him?


    "As Han Yue Xiu''s friend, you should know what your friend likes," Song Yi continued. "I need your help."


    So he came to see her as his relationship consultant?


    "I''m sorry that I cannot interfere in this matter," Li Qin Yao said. "If you like her, then you should tell her. Whether she will accept or reject you is up to her. Even if I say a few good words about you, you should know that Han Yue Xiu is a stubborn person."


    "The only thing I can tell you was that Han Yue Xiu did not like it if she was forced to do something," Li Qin Yao said. "From what I heard, Mister Song, it was your attitude towards her in the past that makes her dislike you so much."


    After giving some pointers to Song Yi, Li Qin Yao decided to return to her office and deal with her piling work. Of course, she was going to let Song Yi pay for their drinks.


    Just as Li Qin Yao stepped out of the cafe and felt the sun shining on her face, Li Qin Yao suddenly felt a little bit dizzy. Turning around, Li Qin Yao suddenly saw a car, speeding towards her. She took a step back and wrapped her head with her hand to cover herself from the impact.


    The impact she was waiting for did not arrive. When Li Qin Yao opened her eyes again, Song Yi was looking at her with an anxious look on his face.


    "Miss Li, are you alright?" Song Yi asked. As he recalled what had almost happened before his eyes, Song Yi was frightened. Fortunately, he was quick enough to pull her aside. Or else, he wouldn''t know what will happen. Song Yi turned towards the direction where the car had disappeared and scolded. "What reckless driver!"


    Due to shock, almost everyone in the cafe stepped out to look at the situation.


    At this time, Mister Shen suddenly appeared by their side. "Mrs. Zhang! Thank God you''re alright!" He lowered his head and spoke again, "Forgive me. I was too negligent and failed to protect you!" His face paled, knowing of the punishment that he will have to face after this.


    "Yao Yao!" Yin Mei Xuan stepped up upon seeing her friend''s pale face. It was not hard to know that her friend almost got herself into an accident. "Yao Yao, are you alright?"


    "Mister Song, I''m fine now," Li Qin Yao said as she patted him on his arms. "You can let me go."


    Just as Song Yi removed his hand, Li Qin Yao felt her legs trembled.


    Before she fell on the sidewalk, Yin Mei Xuan who was the closest to Li Qin Yao had caught her body and supported her up. "Yao Yao, are you alright?" Yin Mei Xuan looked at the two men in front of her and commanded, "We need to take her to the hospital."


    "No. I''m fine," Li Qin Yao said. "I will be fine after a brief rest."


    "Mrs. Zhang, I need to take you to the hospital," Mister Shen said. "If anything happened to you, I¡ª"


    Looking at the man''s guilty expression, Li Qin Yao finally nodded. "Alright."

 Chapter 320 - What Baby?

    Mister Shen could feel the temperature suddenly drop when Zhang Yu Han ran out of the elevator. He lowered his gaze and braced himself to get some scolding or a few punches knowing that he had not done his job well. He knew very well that Zhang Yu Han was someone close to the Qi''s family and had trained with the Eldest Master previously.


    Suddenly, Mister Shen could imagine that Zhang Yu Han and his master, Qi Ming Wei would be raising hell because of this incident.


    But it was his fault. When he had accepted this task, he was told that he had to protect Mrs. Zhang and had taken lightly of the job. After being around Li Qin Yao for a while, he could not understand why his boss would send him to protect her. It''s not as if she was living a dangerous life. Thus, Mister Shen did not notice that speeding car heading towards them.


    Fortunately, that other guy was around to pull the Missus. If anything happened to her, Mister Shen was sure that he would not be alive.


    Sensing that the man had stopped in front of him, Mister Shen began to shiver.


    "Where is my wife?" Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice sounded especially frightening at this moment.


    Mister Shen swallowed to calm down. He looked up and pointed to a room. "That room."


    Zhang Yu Han did not spare another glance at the bodyguard and quickly walked towards the room. Without hesitating, Zhang Yu Han pushed the door open and entered. As soon as he walked in, Zhang Yu Han saw that his wife was with companies. He could understand why Yin Mei Xuan would be by his wife''s side, however, Zhang Yu Han could not understand why Han Yue Xiu''s boss would be in the same room.


    Instead of asking that question, Zhang Yu Han walked over to the bed. He saw his wife''s smiling face and gave her a look over. Once he was sure that there was no injury on her body, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh in relief. "Qin Yao, are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao extended her hand to her husband, asking him to hug her. When she could feel his temperature against her body and inhaled the familiar scent on his body, Li Qin Yao sighed in relief. She did not know how scared she was when she was almost hit by that car. Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han''s hand petting her hair softly and suddenly, her eyes and nose turned sour.


    "It''s alright," Zhang Yu Han said. "I''m right here with you."


    "Un," Li Qin Yao buried her face in his ?h?st. At the thought that both Yin Mei Xuan and Song Yi was still in the room, Li Qin Yao slowly pulled away. However, when she looked up, the two-person was no longer around. Sensing that she was alone with her husband, Li Qin Yao then rested her head on his shoulder.


    Zhang Yu Han planted a kiss on her face repeatedly before he pulled her body closer to him. "Qin Yao, you scared me."


    Mister Shen had taken her to the hospital where Qi Zheng was working at and he had seen Li Qin Yao walked into the building. Using his authority, Qi Zheng then helped her with the procedure and booked the VIP room. Then, Qi Zheng informed both Zhang Yu Han and Qi Ming Wei for this incident.


    It was only when he had stepped into the hospital building that he heard about the accident from Qi Ming Wei. Zhang Yu Han could feel his body turned cold at the possibility of what could happen to his wife.


    "Sorry," Li Qin Yao said.


    "What are you sorry for? It was not your fault," Zhang Yu Han said with a sigh.


    "If Mister Song was not around to pull me in time, I might get hit by that car," Li Qin Yao said as she told her husband what had happened.


    Hearing that Song Yi had helped to save his wife, Zhang Yu Han''s anger towards him lessened. He can still remember the way Song Yi had grabbed his wife''s hand previously and had kept his grudge.


    The couple spent their time comforting each other until a knock came from the door.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled away and turned towards the door to see that Qi Ming Wei had appeared.


    Qi Ming Wei glanced at the two''s expression calmly and walked in. "How are you?"


    "I''m alright," Li Qin Yao said.


    Qi Ming Wei then turned to Zhang Yu Han. "I will give you a proper explanation of this incident."


    Zhang Yu Han replied to him with a nod. Right now, he was mostly concerned about his wife''s condition. He could sense that she was still frightened of that incident and wanted to stay by her side to comfort her.


    At this time, another knock resounded from the door. Seconds later, an elderly male doctor walked in with a clipboard in his hand. He looked up at everyone and raised a brow. "One of you needs to get out. The patient is still in shock. She needed to rest."


    Qi Ming Wei nodded at Zhang Yu Han and left the room.


    The doctor then walked over to Li Qin Yao to check on her pulse. "How are you feeling?"


    "Good," Li Qin Yao answered briefly.


    "How is she, doctor?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he watched the doctor jotted something on his file.


    "Well," the doctor paused as he studied the file. " You requested a full body checkup, and the result came out. The report said that everything seems alright. Your head''s fine. No broken bones found and oh," he paused and smiled. "Your baby''s fine. It seems that there''s nothing wrong with your baby. But, I''m afraid that we have to hold you in the hospital for one night for observation. We wanted to make sure that there won''t be any complication after that accident."


    Li Qin Yao blinked. "What? Excuse me, doctor. What did you just say?"


    The doctor looked up. "You have to stay in the hospital for a night for observation. We are worried that there might be any complication afterward," he repeated.


    "No, not that one" Zhang Yu Han frowned. "You mentioned something about a baby?"


    "Oh, right," the doctor nodded. "Your baby is fine. We were worried that there might be some complications with your baby after that accident. But," he paused to look at her file again. "Everything seemed normal at the moment."


    "Excuse me, doctor," Li Qin Yao swallowed. "But, what baby?"


    "Uh," the doctor turned to Zhang Yu Han and found that the man was staring at him in the same dazed expression. He then looked at Li Qin Yao and said, "That baby in your belly?"


    "But," Li Qin Yao laughed nervously. "Doctor, I think you''re mistaken. I''m not pregnant. I just got my period this morning."


    "Huh, did someone made a mistake?" The doctor mumbled before he consulted his files and raised a brow. This patient was a VIP. They were really careful with the examination. "You''re Li Qin Yao, am I correct?" The doctor asked.


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly to affirm.


    "Then there''s no mistake about it," the doctor said. "The blood test showed that you''re pregnant. The scans showed that the baby is alright."


    "I''m," she paused and squinted towards the doctor. "I''m pregnant?"


    "You''re pregnant," the doctor verified. "Are you saying that you didn''t know that you''re expecting?"


    "No," Li Qin Yao said, almost whispering. She shook her head slowly and stared on her stomach in disbelief.


    "Well, if that''s the case, then I''ll refer you to OB-GYN and have my colleagues to look at you and have you a full check up on your pregnancy," the doctor told her. "They will be able to tell you everything you needed to know." He jotted something on her file and smiled at Li Qin Yao before she walked away.

 Chapter 321 - This News was Too Sudden

    Once the doctor left the room, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han turned to look at each other with disbelief look on their faces. For a while, none of them were able to react or say anything.


    This news was too sudden, especially to Li Qin Yao as she was still thinking that she had her period this morning. If those were not period, then, what was that?


    Suddenly, various thoughts came to her mind all at once. She tried to think of her menstrual cycle and recalled that she was a week late. Because she was busy as soon as they returned from their honeymoon, Li Qin Yao did not think that she paid any attention to her period.


    A realization came to her mind and a glint of light appeared in her eyes.


    No. It''s still too early for her to be happy. Until she met the doctor and was able to confirm that she was indeed expecting, Li Qin Yao did not want to rejoice over this news. She did not want to get disappointed when the doctor came and told them that they have made a mistake.


    Zhang Yu Han shifted his gaze towards the area of her stomach. He wanted to touch her, but suddenly, he was afraid that his touch would hurt her. "Qin Yao, you''re pregnant?" There was a mixture of disbelief and happiness in his expression.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I don''t know."


    As he continued to look at his wife, Zhang Yu Han had an indescribable feeling in his heart. Then, he took a deep breath and pulled her body close to him. Once he inhaled her scent, Zhang Yu Han was able to discern that he was not dreaming.


    "Zhang Yu Han?"


    "Hmm?"


    Li Qin Yao pulled away from his embrace. She held his hands and looked at him in the eyes. "Let''s not think about this until I got a proper check-up. I¡ªI did not want to get disappointed afterward when the news isn''t confirmed yet."


    He studied her expression and knew what his wife was afraid of. Zhang Yu Han knew how much his wife was looking forward to having a baby between them and knew how crestfallen she would be if the news was not true. He did not want to see her disappointed¡­


    Taking a deep breath, Zhang Yu Han tried to calm down. "You''re right. Let''s get you a proper check-up first." Though he had tried to keep his calm, he could not stop smiling at her. "I''ll get someone to arrange for a proper check-up."


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han leaned forward to kiss her forehead and helped her to lie down on the pillow. "You should rest first. I''ll go and call someone."


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath as she watched him walked over to the door and left. As soon as the door closed, Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze to look at her flat stomach. Though she had told herself and Zhang Yu Han not to get excited too early, Li Qin Yao could not stop that happy feeling that spread through her heart.


    Her hand rested on her stomach, and Li Qin Yao closed her eyes as a slight smile appeared on her face.


    Meanwhile, just as Zhang Yu Han stepped out of the room, he found both Qi Ming Wei and Mister Shen stood outside the door. From the look at their expression, Zhang Yu Han could see that whatever the two were discussing was not something pleasant.


    "How is your wife?" Qi Ming Wei asked as he stepped forward. "What did the doctor said?"


    "She''s¡­ alright," Zhang Yu Han said. "We need to do another check-up before we can be sure."


    Qi Ming Wei''s expression changed. "Was it serious?"


    "No," Zhang Yu Han paused. Suddenly, the corner of his lips tilted up into a slight smile. "But, the doctor said we should refer to OB-GYN."


    Qi Ming Wei''s eyes flashed. Hearing the department, he was able to guess what was going on. He pulled out his phone, pressed a number on the speed dial, and placed the phone to his ear. "I''ll get Qi Zheng and tell him to send someone to hasten the check-up."


    "Thank you." Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh. He was about to go and find the doctor in charge, but with Qi Zheng''s help, he would be able to get the checkup result quicker. Zhang Yu Han stood there as he watched Qi Ming Wei gave Qi Zheng a brief instruction.


    "It''s done," Qi Ming Wei said. "Qi Zheng will come over and handle things for you. You don''t need to worry. This is our territory. We will push your check-up forward and let you get your result as soon as possible."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Please, I hope that you will keep this matter a secret from Grandfather Qi or to my grandfather."


    "I got it," Qi Ming Wei nodded. "This is your personal matter. I won''t interfere with it. When you''re ready, you can tell my Grandfather yourself."


    "Thank you." Zhang Yu Han turned to Mister Shen and was suddenly reminded of that his wife has almost met an accident. He could not imagine what will happen if Li Qin Yao was indeed pregnant and was not able to evade that car. Then perhaps¡­


    Zhang Yu Han simply did not want to imagine what will happen.


    "Regarding that driver," Qi Ming Wei spoke. "Fortunately, Mister Shen reacted quick enough to jot down the plate number. I have sent the others to find him, and the man behind the wheels was caught."


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression turned dark. "Who is it? Was it an accident or premeditated?"


    Qi Ming Wei glanced at Mister Shen. Then, he tapped his finger on his phone. "Deng Lei, forty-five years old, a security guard at TEN Mall. According to him, he had finished his shift and was driving back from work. He was drowsy driving when he almost ran into your wife. When he realized what had almost happened, he chose not to stop because he did not want to lose his job."


    "Are you sure? Did you check him?"


    "Yes," Qi Ming Wei nodded. He knew what Zhang Yu Han was suspicious and worried about. "He had no connection with your wife''s cousin or anyone around her."


    "How do you want me to handle Deng Lei?"


    "Just deal with him as according to law," Zhang Yu Han said. "It was a mistake for him to drive under his condition, but he knew that he had almost hit someone and still chose not to stop. We don''t need to go easy with someone like him."

 Chapter 322 - Honeymoon Baby

    With Qi Zheng''s help, soon, Li Qin Yao was taken to OB-GYN, and as a VIP, of course, she was given a priority and the check-up result came faster. Once everything was done, the couple held hands as they stared anxiously at the female doctor, who was browsing through the paper.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife as he felt her grip on his hand tightened, and her palm was starting to sweat. Looking at his wife''s pale face, suddenly, Zhang Yu Han was as nervous as that time he had gathered his courage to ask his wife out.


    The rustling of the papers stopped and the doctor, who was in her mid forty looked up with a smile. "Mrs. Zhang? I understand that you came here to get a check-up after an accident?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    The doctor laughed. "Don''t be too nervous. There''s nothing to be afraid about."


    Li Qin Yao tried to smile but found that her smile was too stiff.


    Seeing her reaction, Doctor Qiao looked at the paper again. "According to this report, Mrs. Zhang, you are around thirty-nine days long."


    Li Qin Yao let out a breath that she did not notice she was holding. She leaned back on the chair and looked at the exam result that Doctor Qiao had slid on the table.


    She was pregnant!


    Her stomach might be flat at the moment, but inside, there was a child belong to her and Zhang Yu Han. She was carrying Zhang Yu Han''s child and it felt very surreal.


    Subconsciously, her hand rested on her stomach. Her heart was beating furiously against her ribcage and Li Qin Yao found that it was hard to calm down. She was both nervous and excited. She was looking forward to hearing this news and now that the doctor had confirmed that she was indeed expecting, she was at the state of disbelief.


    Seeing that his wife did not say anything, Zhang Yu Han turned to the doctor. "Doctor Qiao, you mean to say that my wife is pregnant, right?"


    The woman looked at the couple with an amused look on her face. "Yes. That means your wife is pregnant."


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at his wife and then at her flat stomach. Gradually, his gaze softened.


    Li Qin Yao suddenly thought about the thing that has been bothering her. "Doctor Qiao, early this morning, I thought that I was having a period."


    "Hmm," the doctor looked at the paper again before she checked with Li Qin Yao regarding the bleeding.


    "No. It was that one time. When I looked at it again in the afternoon, I did not see any blood again," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Spotting is common, especially in the first trimester. There are a few reasons why it happened. Sometimes, it happened after ?nt?r??urs? or excessive exercise," Doctor Qiao said.


    Li Qin Yao was not able to hear the doctor''s following words. Her head turned to her husband as she recalled their rigorous exercise in the morning.


    Sensing her gaze, Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife with a guilty look on his face.


    "As for now, you don''t need to worry too much. Because you are still in the first trimester, I would suggest you avoid ?nt?r??urs? or any other heavy activities," Doctor Qiao continued to speak and gave them a few reminders about what they should or should not do during this pregnancy.


    Once they returned to the room, the couple spent their time in each other''s embrace. Sitting on the bed in the VIP room, Zhang Yu Han hugged his wife while she rested her head on his ?h?st. Their hands clasped and rested on top of her stomach.


    "Qin Yao," he spoke after a long silence between them.


    "Hmm?"


    He moved to kiss her temple and asked, "What are you thinking about?"


    "I don''t know. There are so many things going through my mind right now."


    "And? How are you feeling?"


    "Surprised. Excited." She sighed. "But, worried if I''m going to be good with this." She frowned.


    Zhang Yu Han touched her chin and lifted her face. "Don''t worry. We will be alright as long as we have each other." He carefully placed his hands on her stomach again. Right now, he couldn''t feel anything, but the thought of his child growing in her stomach made him feel as if his heart was going to burst with happiness.


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh in relief upon hearing his words. That was right. As long as they have each other, wouldn''t they be able to overcome everything?


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Do you want to know what I think about?"


    "What?"


    "Since the doctor mentioned that you are thirty-nine days long, do you know what does it means?"


    She sat up to look at his face. "What?"


    A playful smile curled on his lips and he moved to whisper at her ear, "Qin Yao, it''s our honeymoon baby."


    Seeing her reddened face, Zhang Yu Han laughed before he wrapped his arms and pulled her back into his embrace. "Alright, stop moving too much. The doctor already reminded me that I cannot bully you too much."


    "So, you do realize that you were bullying me."


    Zhang Yu Han buried his nose in her hair and inhaled as he enjoyed the silence between them.


    Li Qin Yao was playing with his finger when a thought crossed her mind. "Zhang Yu Han," she turned around to look at him again.


    Looking at the way she was staring at him with that little sparkle in his wife''s eyes, he could not help to lean in and pecked at her lips. "What is it?"


    "Which one would you like? A son or a daughter?"


    "I don''t have a preference. As long as it''s a child that belongs to us, of course, I will like him or her."


    "You''re no fun." Li Qin Yao pouted and turned around. Seconds later, she turned to look at him again, but this time, there was a serious look in her eyes. "Zhang Yu Han¡­ Even when we have a child, you have to promise me something ."


    His expression grew alert. "What?"


    The serious look in her eyes gradually disappeared and was replaced with her mischievous smile. "That I will always be your priority."


    A chuckled escape him. Zhang Yu Han pinched at her nose and said, "What is it, Mrs. Zhang can I take it that you are jealous of your child?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. She was not embarrassed to admit it.


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head as he looked at her lovingly, "Isn''t that supposed to be my role? Then, what happened if I get jealous when you prioritize our child?"


    Li Qin Yao only answered him with a giggle.


    "You are my wife and soon you will be the mother of my child, of course, you will always be my first. Qin Yao, don''t you realized it? You have always been my first in many things."

 Chapter 323 - Special Treatment

    After staying in the hospital for one night, Li Qin Yao was finally allowed to leave the hospital. Because Zhang Yu Han was worried about her condition, Li Qin Yao was forced to take a day off to rest. At the thought that it was already Friday and it was going to be the weekend, Li Qin Yao quickly agreed.


    However, as they arrived at the apartment, Li Qin Yao was surprised upon seeing that she was forced to take a rest while Zhang Yu Han entered the kitchen to do everything for her. She was not even allowed to walk over to enter the kitchen!


    "Zhang Yu Han, I am only pregnant, not disable," Li Qin Yao looked at her husband speechlessly.


    Although it was flattering to be treated like a queen, Li Qin Yao was not someone who was used to sit still for hours.


    "You almost get into an accident. I wanted you to sit down and rest after going through too much excitement yesterday," Zhang Yu Han said. He messed with her hair and said. "Just take a rest for today."


    Lii Qin Yao took a sip at the water and looked at him again. "Are you saying that this special treatment is only for today?"


    A chuckle escaped him. "Of course not. As long as you don''t hate it, I will give you this special treatment every day."


    Li Qin Yao giggled at his answer. Then, she leaned back on the sofa and continued to look at her husband who went back into the kitchen to cook. As Zhang Yu Han was in the kitchen, his phone on the table suddenly rang. Li Qin Yao glanced at the screen and saw that it was Zhang Yu Ying.


    Turning her head to the kitchen, Li Qin Yao then called him, "Zhang Yu Han! It''s your sister."


    "Help me to pick up the phone."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao slid her finger to the phone and pressed it to her ear.


    "Brother, why are you not at work today," Zhang Yu Ying spoke as soon as the call was connected. "What happened? Are you sick?"


    Her lips tilted into a smile when she heard Zhang Yu Ying''s questions. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao admired the two sibling''s relationships. Although they would often argue with each other over trivial things, it was clear of how much they cared for each other. "Yu Ying, it''s me."


    "Eh? Sister-in-law? You''re with my brother?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "We''re at home. Your brother is in the kitchen, making some porridge. Do you want to talk to him?"


    Hearing that the two workaholics were staying at home, Zhang Yu Ying found that it was very peculiar. "Sister-in-law, why are you guys at home?"


    "I wasn''t feeling too well, so your brother decided to stay home and look after me." Li Qin Yao said. The two of them had not discussed whether they wanted to inform their family yet and so, Li Qin Yao did not say a thing about her pregnancy.


    "Ah? Sister-in-law, is it serious?"


    "It''s not serious. I''m all recovered after a night rest," Li Qin Yao said. Then, she lowered her voice. "But, you know your brother. He gets overly worried."


    Zhang Yu Ying laughed at the other line. She had seen the two of them acted around each other and knew how much his brother doted on her sister-in-law. Sometimes, watching the two of them made her feel as if she should quickly find her other half, but then again, her brother was so committed to finding her sister-in-law after the first time he had seen her. At the thought that she probably won''t be able to find someone who treated her as nice as that, Zhang Yu Ying thought that perhaps, she should enjoy her single life while it lasts.


    "Is that why my brother ran out of the meeting room yesterday?" Zhang Yu Ying spoke her thought aloud.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao recalled that her husband was supposed to spend his whole day chairing a meeting in Zhang Jing''s place. He had appeared by her side once he heard that she almost met an accident¡­ So it turned out that he had run out of the meeting?


    Li Qin Yao spent a few minutes talking to her sister-in-law and ?ssure her that she was fine. When she hung out the phone, Zhang Yu Han walked out of the kitchen to set the table with their lunch.


    "Did Yu Ying asked why I did not show up at the office today?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Zhang Yu Han, I heard that you ran out of the meeting yesterday. Didn''t Grandfather said that it was an important meeting?"


    "How can I concentrate on the meeting after I heard that you were in the hospital," Zhang Yu Han said. "You don''t have to worry about it. When I received the call from Qi Zheng, the meeting was nearly over." He then pulled out a chair for her and said, "Come on, let''s have lunch."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled as he helped her to pick up her cutlery. "Did you tell Yu Ying about your pregnancy?"


    "Not yet," Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I thought it would be best to let the elders know first."


    At this time, only both Qi Zheng and Qi Ming Wei knew of her pregnancy and they have promised to keep the matter a secret for them.


    "Let''s not say a word until you have passed the first trimester," Zhang Yu Han said. He had heard that it was a taboo to announce a pregnancy until it has passed the first trimester and was determined to follow that.


    Although he was not someone superstitious, he wanted to be safe. It was their first pregnancy and naturally, he wanted to do whatever he can to ensure that everything went well.


    Li Qin Yao drank her porridge and turned to her husband. "Hmm¡­ I agree. It was better to announce the news once the pregnancy is more stable."


    "Let''s just tell everyone during New Year," Zhang Yu Han said. "Mom and dad said that they will be coming home from Country C."


    Li Qin Yao continued to nod as she devoured the food in front of her. Although her husband was not the best cook she knew, Li Qin Yao had thought that the food he cooked for her was especially delicious.


    Staring at the dishes in front of him, Zhang Yu Han suddenly thought that he no knowledge about a pregnant woman''s diet. He watched his wife drank the porridge and asked, "Should we hire someone to look after your diet?"


    "Huh?" Li Qin Yao paused to look at him.


    "I did not know much about what you should eat and what you should not," Zhang Yu Han said. "Isn''t it better to hire someone to look after your diet? This way, we don''t have to worry about cooking."


    Li Qin Yao thought over his suggestion for a while and agreed.

 Chapter 324 - You are Someone Important to Me

    After resting for the weekend, Li Qin Yao finally returned to her office as usual. Although Zhang Yu Han was worried about his wife''s condition he knew that he could not stop his wife doing something she enjoyed.


    When they left the apartment, Li Qin Yao was surprised to see that Mister Shen was no longer around and instead, found that Qi Ming Wei stood with a tall woman in a ponytail beside her car.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and raised a brow. The two of them walked over and Qi Ming Wei greeted the couple with a smile on his face.


    "Let me introduce you," Qi Ming Wei said. He turned to the girl beside him and said. "This is Miss Nian Ting."


    The tall girl nodded and smiled professionally. "Hello."


    Qi Ming Wei shifted his gaze to Li Qin Yao and said. "Mrs. Zhang, Miss Nian will be replacing Mister Shen to look over you from today onwards."


    Li Qin Yao blinked as she looked at the two of them. "What happened to Mister Shen?"


    "I asked Qi Ming Wei to find a female bodyguard for you. There are some places that Mister Shen could not go with you because of his gender. Taking Miss Nian with you would be safer," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han would not say that he decided to stop using Mister Shen''s service after he had failed to protect his wife. Previously, Qi Ming Wei had sent a CCTV recording of that event and knew that if it was not for Song Yi''s fast act, his wife would probably lying on the hospital bed right now with her body linked to the machine and various tube inserted to her body.


    As he imagined this thing to happen, Zhang Yu Han''s gaze turned dark. Of course, he will not let someone negligent of his job to continue to be around his wife.


    Li Qin Yao heard his words and looked at her husband with a helpless gaze. She tugged at his shirt and whispered, "Actually, I would be alright without a bodyguard. Having someone around me felt so weird. I am not someone important."


    Zhang Yu Han lowered his body to meet her gaze. He then spoke in a low voice to match her tone, "Qin Yao, you are my wife. You are someone important to me."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao felt something sweet bubbling in her heart.


    "Besides," Zhang Yu Han continued. "After what almost happened the other day, I will worry about you when I am not by your side. At least, with someone around you, I would be more at ease. Especially now."


    Li Qin Yao thought over his words and nodded. "Alright. I''ll listen to you."


    A smile curled at his lips upon hearing her answer.


    "Mrs. Zhang, you don''t have to worry. Miss Nian might be young, but I can ?ssure you that she has been receiving the best training," Qi Ming Wei said. "Her skill will not lose to Mister Shen."


    "Thank you." Li Qin Yao nodded again. Then, she turned to Nian Ting and smiled. "Since this will be the first day for us, let me introduce myself. I''m Li Qin Yao."


    The two women shook their hands and chatted briefly before Li Qin Yao handed her car keys to Nian Ting. After speaking a few words to her husband, Li Qin Yao then entered the car and the two head over to B City.


    With the bodyguard ?ssigned by her husband, Li Qin Yao could not help but think that Zhang Yu Han had hired a driver for her instead. Other than the last time, Li Qin Yao did not think that her life would be in danger. However, at the thought that she did not like to drive anyway, Li Qin Yao decided that it was pretty good to have someone like Nian Ting.


    When Li Qin Yao arrived at the office, her staff could not help but cast a few glances towards Miss Nian and Li Qin Yao had to explain her situation. Hearing that her husband decided to let Nian Ting guard her, the staff began to tease Li Qin Yao for her good luck in meeting someone who treated her very well.


    Liang Sheng walked into the office around lunch hour and went straight to Li Qin Yao''s room. He glanced at the ponytail haired woman inside her employer''s room and raised a brow.


    "Liang Sheng, this is Miss Nian Ting," Li Qin Yao introduced. "She will be replacing Mister Shen due to some reason."


    The bespectacled man nodded to the female bodyguard and walked over to Li Qin Yao''s desk.


    "Did you just arrive from Capital City?" Li Qin Yao asked as she rearranged the scattered papers on her desk.


    "Yes," Liang Sheng nodded. He then placed a white A4 envelope on the desk. "This is something from Chairman Li."


    Li Qin Yao peeked into the envelope and saw that it was some documents that were probably related to her auntie, Li Chun''s wedding gift the other day. She slid the papers back into the envelope and put it aside.


    Once he was done, Li Qin Yao then said, "Liang Sheng, due to some personal reason, I have to ask you and Xiao Lian Yi to attend any social dinner for my stead, is that alright with you?"


    Liang Sheng stared at her for a while and nodded. "Alright. Are you okay?" After working under Li Qin Yao for a while, Liang Sheng knew her habit that she will try to attend to any business gathering she was invited to. QL Group was still a baby in B City. They will need to build a strong relationship with other big companies if they wanted to stay longer.


    "Don''t worry. I''m fine."


    Seeing that Li Qin Yao was not going to explain, Liang Sheng did not think that it was appropriate for him to ask. The two of them spoke briefly before Liang Sheng left the room.


    Once Liang Sheng left the room, Li Qin Yao brought out the thermos she had brought with her earlier in the morning.


    With a friend''s recommendation, Zhang Yu Han had hired an Auntie to come over their apartment to cook food for his wife in the morning and at night.


    When the elder lady called Auntie Su came over to their apartment, Li Qin Yao could only stare at her in disbelief. Although she had agreed to Zhang Yu Han''s idea to have someone to cook for her, she did not think that he will work that fast!


    Li Qin Yao unclasped the thermos and inhaled the delicious aroma of the food. Her stomach started to grumble. She poured some into a small bowl and started to drink the porridge. However, as the food touched her tongue, a frown appeared on her face.


    She had momentarily forgotten how tasteless the food that the Auntie had prepared for her!

 Chapter 325 - Morning Sickness

    After eating what Auntie Su had cooked for her for a few weeks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Li Qin Yao wanted to cry. She was a foodie who always had her chance to eat good food but now, she had to eat bland food. Of course, Li Qin Yao would be sad. However, Auntie Su then explained that it would help her with her morning sickness.


    Now that she had known that she was pregnant, Li Qin Yao began to show more symptoms of her pregnancy such as morning sickness. She would wake up early morning and would run to the toilet after a nausea attack.


    Then, Zhang Yu Han would follow her to hold her hair and patted her on her back until she had stopped retching. Seeing her pale face and her misty eyes, Zhang Yu Han was distressed.


    It was a happy thing that his wife was pregnant, but he really did not like this morning sickness that came along with this pregnancy.


    Thankfully, her morning sickness ended after two weeks. However, the couple soon found that this morning sickness had suddenly transferred to Zhang Yu Han.


    That morning, they were having breakfast together as usual. Auntie Su was in the kitchen to prepare food Li Qin Yao''s lunch and the couple picked up their utensil to eat. It was then that Zhang Yu Han stood up abruptly and ran towards the bathroom direction. Seconds later, the retching sounds began.


    Li Qin Yao who was feeling nauseous after inhaling the smell of hot milk beside her, suddenly found that her nausea had disappeared. She then went after her husband to check on him. Seeing him in front of the toilet bowl and still retching, Li Qin Yao then patted his back to help him feel more at ease.


    Once his nausea stopped, Zhang Yu Han began to feel more at ease and stood up.


    "Are you alright?" Li Qin Yao asked with worry. Seeing the way he was constantly going back and forth to the toilet to vomit made her distressed.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He rinsed his mouth and Li Qin Yao tiptoed to help him wipe his mouth with a clean towel. His stomach felt a bit uncomfortable and his face paled slightly. However, he smiled at his wife to ease her worry and led her back to the dining area.


    "Zhang Yu Han, should we go to the hospital to get you a check-up? Is it a stomach bug? Virus?" Li Qin Yao said. Her expression was full of worry. "This isn''t the first day that something like this happened."


    "I''m fine," Zhang Yu Han tried to ?ssure her. "Stop worrying too much."


    However, his words only made the frown on her face deepened. "If something happens to you I would worry to the point that I cannot do anything else other than worry. We''ll go to the hospital, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked at his wife with a helpless gaze. In the end, he had to give in and agree to her suggestion. "Alright. I will schedule an appointment and see a doctor in the afternoon."


    Auntie Su, who was walking over to the dining area to serve their food had heard the couple''s conversation. A small smile curled on her lips as she watched the couple good relationship.


    "Mr. Zhang, Mrs. Zhang," Auntie Su called out politely. "I''m sorry. I overheard your conversation and something came to my mind." She turned to look at Zhang Yu Han and said, "Mr. Zhang, could it be that you are experiencing morning sickness?"


    For a second, the couple stared back at Auntie Su with a dazed look on their face.


    Li Qin Yao chuckled at the elder woman''s words. "Auntie Su, I''m the one who is pregnant. How did my husband end up with morning sickness?"


    "There is something that we called sympathetic pregnancy where it was the father who would experience morning sickness instead of the mother," Auntie Su said. "Seeing that the two had a good relationship, I thought that perhaps, Mr. Zhang, you couldn''t bear it when you watch your wife experienced her morning sickness, and thus, it was shifted to you instead."


    The couple looked at each other in disbelief. Li Qin Yao then reached for her phone to start searching for this phenomenon while Zhang Yu Han grabbed his phone to call Qi Zheng to check with him.


    After a few minutes, Li Qin Yao went into the study to find her husband. When she walked in, Zhang Yu Han was still on the phone as he massaged the space between his eyebrow. She then sat down on the winged chair as she waited for his conversation to end.


    When Zhang Yu Han ended the phone call a while later, the couple looked at each other with a smile on their face. After their quick research, they did find out that there was such thing as what Auntie Su had said.


    "What did Qi Zheng said?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Well, he did confirm that there was such thing called Couvade Syndrome," Zhang Yu Han then told her what Qi Zheng had said to him regarding this matter.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she heard how her morning sickness had transferred to her husband. She stood up and walked over to him. Then, she tiptoed to clasp her arms around his neck before she kissed him on his jaw. "Hubby, it has been hard on you."


    Zhang Yu Han sighed helplessly. "Well, Auntie Su might be right. I could not bear to watch how you would experience nausea whenever you woke up or smell certain food. It was better that these symptoms are transferred to me. At least I wouldn''t worry too much at watching you experience morning sickness. It was hard enough for you to bear our child."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao tiptoed again to peck him on the lips. Then, she laid her head on his ?h?st and hug him tighter. "Zhang Yu Han, you are so good to me."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. He patted her on her hair and kissed on top of her head. As he recalled his conversation with Qi Zheng, Zhang Yu Han began to feel an upcoming headache.


    Qi Zheng had told him that these symptoms might disappear by the end of her first trimester. But what worried Zhang Yu Han was that he might also have to experience this for the whole pregnancy. Just at the thought of facing the symptoms for months would drive him crazy.


    He then started to wonder how most women had to face this during their pregnancy and thought that perhaps it would be best for them to only have only one child.

 Chapter 326 - A Tricky Question

    In the ninth week of her pregnancy, Li Qin Yao began to notice a slight bump on her stomach that resembled something that would only happen when she overeats.


    At the sight of this, Li Qin Yao began to feel excited and worry at the same time. Fortunately, they were scheduled to see a doctor at the hospital where Qi Zheng was working and Li Qin Yao was dying to ask a few questions about her pregnancy.


    Earlier that morning, when she noticed that her husband was walking out of the bathroom in his bathrobe and a towel on his head, Li Qin Yao turned around to look at Zhang Yu Han. "Hubby, do you think I look fat?"


    Zhang Yu Han paused abruptly. His gaze laid on his wife''s body and thought that she was still too thin for someone who loves to go cafe hopping whenever she had a chance to.


    Although he knew the answer in his head, Zhang Yu Han did not dare to answer this question. Once he found out that his wife was pregnant, Zhang Yu Han had done a lot of reading on the internet and once stumbled into a post in a forum.


    According to the poster, his wife was asking the same question and soon was upset when he had said no. His wife than accused him of lying and soon locked herself in the bathroom and cried. After checking at the replies, Zhang Yu Han later found out that this was a tricky question with no correct answer.


    Seeing that her husband did not answer her, Li Qin Yao walked over to her husband and poked at his ?h?st. "What are you thinking about? Why are you standing here in a daze?" She tilted her head as she looked at him. "Are you listening?"


    "Of course I''m listening," Zhang Yu Han stretched his hands and held her hands. He then looked at her stomach and sighed helplessly. "Your stomach is b?r?ly showing yet. Why would you ask me if you look fat?" He then pulled her into his embrace at his fear that she would suddenly throw a tantrum and accuse him of lying. His mind whirled as he tried to think of something that he can do to change the topic. "Speaking of this baby, Qin Yao, I have something I wanted to consult you."


    Li Qin Yao raised her head to look at him. "What is it?"


    "I bought this apartment when I was still single," Zhang Yu Han said. "Although this place is quite alright to live in with just the two of us, it will be too small to live in once the baby arrived. How about we find a new place? At least it should be big enough so that we can have a nursery room or a place for the child to run around."


    Li Qin Yao looked around the apartment and found that it was indeed unsuitable for them to live in once the baby had arrived. Once the baby arrived, they will need more space to put the baby''s stuff. It was indeed convenient to have a larger place.


    "That''s true," Li Qin Yao said. "Since this is my line of business, let me ask around to find a suitable place."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled knowing that his wife would not mention her initial question. "Alright, then, I will leave this to you." He then kissed her on the temple and said, "Come on. Let''s get ready and have breakfast. Later, I''ll accompany you for your check-up."


    ¡­


    When the two of them arrived at the hospital, Qi Zheng was already waiting for them at the entrance. He greeted them both and led them to the VIP room where they were going to meet the ?ssigned doctor for his wife.


    Walking into the room, Li Qin Yao smiled upon seeing that it was Doctor Qiao, who they had previously seen. Li Qin Yao found that the gentle way that Doctor Qiao spoke was very comforting.


    Qi Zheng exchanged a few words with Doctor Qiao briefly before the doctor called a nurse to help Li Qin Yao measure her weight and take a few samples.


    While his wife was in another room, Zhang Yu Han was forced to wait at the outer side of the room with Qi Zheng accompanying him.


    "How was it? Have your symptoms worsen?"


    Hearing the question coming from his friend, Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a few shades darker. Previously, he had consulted Qi Zheng regarding his symptoms, and naturally, Qi Zheng was the only one who knew that he was experiencing morning sickness.


    "You¡­ did not tell anyone about this, right?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Qi Zheng raised both hands in surrender. "Hey, don''t worry. We have patient-doctor confidentiality. I did not want to get sue. We both know that you will end up using Wei Jun Hao''s service. That man can be a devil in court."


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face gradually disappeared. "Fortunately, the morning sickness had reduced a bit. The auntie that you recommended gave me a few pointers to help me go through it. However, sometimes, I do have cravings to eat a certain food that I don''t usually eat."


    "That''s normal," Qi Zheng nodded.


    Zhang Yu Han lowered his head to look at his stomach. Recently, he had been munching too many chips that he started to feel like he had gained a bit of weight. He was someone who enjoyed exercising and played basketball. But after breaking his diet for the past few weeks, Zhang Yu Han no longer felt that his body was as fit as it used to be.


    "Qi Zheng¡­"


    "What?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at his friend. "Do you think I look fat?"


    Qi Zheng stared at his friend with his mouth agape. "Why are you asking me this? Shit. Don''t scare me like this. If you think you''re gaining some weight, just walk-in into a gym or asked Wei Jun Hao to play a few rounds of basketball with you."


    Zhang Yu Han snickered at his friend''s reaction. He wanted to joke around and had not expected that Qi Zheng''s reaction would be this big. However, at the thought of his morning sickness, Zhang Yu Han he can only pray that these symptoms would end once they passed the first trimester.


    "I brought something good for you," Qi Zheng said, with an unusual smile on his face. He fished into the pocket of his white lab coat and took out a small round casing. "This is for you."


    Zhang Yu Han took the casing and raised a brow. "What is it?"


    "Nipple cream. Just in case that area might feel swollen and dry."


    Zhang Yu Han suddenly had this urge to throw the thing in his hand to Qi Zheng''s head. "Do you think I wouldn''t dare to hit you?"


    Seeing that Zhang Yu Han''s face grew dark, Qi Zheng was suddenly frightened that he then muttered a few cursing words. "I forgot that right now you cannot be agitated and your emotions are probably unstable. Captain, don''t get mad!"

 Chapter 327 - Baby Scan

    "Qi Zheng don''t bully my husband too much," Li Qin Yao spoke as she came out from the attached room. She was coming out of the room when she happened to hear Qi Zhen teasing her husband with that cream.


    When Zhang Yu Han looked at his wife, he could see how her smile had reached her eyes and knew that she found it entertaining at how he was teased by Qi Zheng. He let out a helpless sigh and walked over to his wife. "How was it?"


    "It was alright," Li Qin Yao spoke in a low voice that only the two of them can hear. "I just gave them a few samples. It will be a while before the result come out. Doctor Qiao asked me to stay and wait for a while."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded and led his wife towards the sofa.


    Looking at the couple sitting side by side, Qi Zheng began to sit up straight and stopped teasing his friend. His seating pose was suddenly proper and professional looking.


    After a few minutes of waiting, Doctor Qiao and a nurse came out from the room and waved her hand to Li Qin Yao to come closer. Li Qin Yao was asked to lay down on the bed and Doctor Qiao then pulled up the curtains.


    Zhang Yu Han stood at the side as he watched how her blouse was lifted to show her stomach and the nurse began to spread some gel. Soon, the doctor took operated a machine and explained to them what she was going to do.


    The room was quiet for a few seconds as the couple was getting anxious at what they were going to see. Earlier, Doctor Qiao had mentioned that if they were lucky, they might be able to see something from the baby scan.


    A black and white image began to show on the screen. Although Zhang Yu Han did not know what he was looking at, he was suddenly excited. Subconsciously, the hand that was holding his wife tightened.


    "Oh," Doctor Qiao suddenly exclaimed, causing the couple to be more anxious. "Look at that," she then raised her hand to point at something on the screen and explained that the strange-looking thing was their baby.


    As Doctor Qiao continued to explain to them the baby''s development, Zhang Yu Han was unable to hear anything that the doctor was saying. His gaze focused on the screen and suddenly, he was overwhelmed with happiness. It was an incredible feeling to know that the strange thing that kept appearing and disappearing on the screen was his and Li Qin Yao''s baby.


    After the procedure ended, Zhang Yu Han walked out with a slightly dazed look on his face.


    Qi Zheng, who was waiting for them on the sofa, stood up and walked over to his friend. "What''s the matter? Are you feeling faint?"


    Hearing his words, Zhang Yu Han sent Qi Zheng a warning gaze.


    "Was it exciting?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression changed again. The sharp look on his face was replaced with something more tender at the thought of the image he had seen earlier.


    At this time, both Li Qin Yao and Doctor Qiao walked out of the room. Zhang Yu Han went over to his wife and they both sit around the doctor''s table to wait for what the doctor was going to announce.


    Doctor Qiao picked up the papers that the nurse had left on her table and began to analyze the data. She then looked back at the couple and smiled. "You two can relax. Everything is normal with the mother and the baby."


    "Doctor, is there anything that we should be paying attention to?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Doctor Qiao then began to list what kind of food and supplement that Li Qin Yao should be taking and advised her to do some light exercise such as walking. "I will give you a list later."


    ¡­


    Once they left the hospital, Li Qin Yao decided to accompany Zhang Yu Han at his office instead of going back to stay at home. Anyway, she thought that staying at home alone was too boring. At least, if she went over to the hotel, she can still disturb her husband and ask him to chat with her.


    Seeing that the husband and wife walked into the hotel building together, the staff started to whisper among themselves. They have been observing the couple from earlier on and somehow noticed that the air around the couple was slightly different this time. However, none of them could pinpoint exactly what was the difference.


    Secretary Tian stood up abruptly when the couple appeared. She briefed Zhang Yu Han at his schedule and the documents that he needed to look at by today and turned to Li Qin Yao with a smile.


    As Zhang Yu Han made a turn to enter his office, Secretary Tian then called out Li Qin Yao.


    Knowing that Secretary Tian had something to say to his wife, Zhang Yu Han glanced at his secretary and nodded to his wife before he entered his room.


    "Mrs. Zhang, why do I feel as if you look much prettier these days? Did you start using new products on your skin?"


    Li Qin Yao touched her face and smiled. "I did not do anything. Perhaps it was just your imagination."


    Secretary Tian gave a look over and thought that she was not imagining things. She looked at the Director''s room and noticed that the door was now closed. "I have something to ask you."


    Seeing the secretive look on Secretary Tian''s face, Li Qin Yao went closer. "What is it?"


    Secretary Tian hesitated before she asked, "I''m not sure if it was appropriate to ask this, but is Director Zhang is facing any difficulties recently?"


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways. "Huh? I don''t think so." At the thought of something was wrong with her husband, Li Qin Yao began to worry. "What''s wrong? What happened?"


    "Mrs. Zhang, don''t worry too much. It was probably nothing, but recently, I have been hearing from others that Director''s Zhang was having mood swings," Secretary Tian spoke in a whispering voice. "One time he was talking happily with Manager Chu, and suddenly he was scolding him about some unrelated stuff. I was around to witness this, and thought that this was not something that Director Zhang would usually do."


    Li Qin Yao pondered for a while as she continued to listen to what Secretary Tian listing out the strange thing that her husband did. A thought crossed her mind and suddenly, her lips curled into a wide smile.


    "Secretary Tian, you don''t have to worry too much. I''ll talk to him," Li Qin Yao said. She then stared at the secretary for a while longer and continued, "Perhaps, you will have to bear with his strange temper for a few more weeks. He will stop acting so strange after a while," she paused. "Hopefully."

 Chapter 328 - Sleeping Face

    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head when someone pushed the door from the outside. Once his wife''s face appeared at the door, his lips instinctively broke into a smile. He put down the pen in his hand and leaned on his swiveling chair. "What did you two talk about?"


    Li Qin Yao replied to him with a giggle. She walked over to his table and hugged him from behind. "Nothing much. Just catching up with a few things."


    Of course, she was not going to ask her husband whether he was having mood swings. She knew that he had his pride and would not admit to it anyway. At the thought that Zhang Yu Han had to undergo some morning sickness symptoms for her, Li Qin Yao was suddenly distressed.


    She leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek and spoke, "Mr. Zhang, are you very busy right now?"


    "What do you want to do?" He raised a brow.


    Li Qin Yao turned his chair until he was facing her. "I''m hungry," she said, with a slight pout. "Let''s have lunch now, alright?"


    A chuckle escaped him. Zhang Yu Han stood up and walked over to the coffee table where he had placed the thermos and a few food containers that Auntie Su had prepared for them early that morning.


    The couple sat side by side as they ate. A frown appeared on Li Qin Yao''s face as she tasted the tasteless chicken soup. She was getting used to eating food with less oil, salt, and sugar, but right now, Li Qin Yao suddenly had this craving to eat something sour.


    She then turned at her husband and batted her eyelashes at him. "Hubby, I wanted to eat something sour."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her with a playful gaze. "You want to eat my vinegar?"


    Instantly, Li Qin Yao''s expression changed. "You dare?"


    Seeing the frightening look on his wife''s face, Zhang Yu Han knew that he should not joke with her regarding this matter. Quickly, he extended his hand to hug her. "Alright. I''m joking. Wife, please don''t get angry."


    Li Qin Yao turned her head when he tried to kiss her. "I don''t like this kind of joke."


    Zhang Yu Han''s panic intensified and his embrace around her body tightened. "Alright. I will never make this kind of joke again. I''m sorry."


    After staying in his embrace for a while, her anger gradually disappeared. Li Qin Yao leaned on her husband''s ?h?st for a while, before she lifted her head again. "I want to eat yogurt and mango."


    Anyway, at this time, her craving for those foods overshadowed her anger at her husband''s joke. Li Qin Yao thought that if Zhang Yu Han did not entertain her craving at this time, she was going to cry.


    "Alright. I''ll ask Secretary Tian to get some for you," Zhang Yu Han spoke quickly. He then reached for his phone and sent a few instructions to his secretary. At this time, Zhang Yu Han knew that he needed to act quickly before his wife got upset again.


    Secretary Tian, who had worked under Zhang Yu Han for years immediately sensed that something was not right in his tone when he gave her the instruction to get some yogurt and mango. Afraid that she was going to face his mood swings, Secretary Tian quickly get off her chair and went to find what her boss had requested.


    Fortunately, there was a convenient store at the Ground Floor where Secretary Tian got the yogurt, and she then went to the kitchen to request some mango from the pastry kitchen. Less than ten minutes later, two cups of yogurt and a bowl of cubed mango.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the item that he had requested and sent Secretary Tian out. He then raised the yogurt and handed it over to his wife. "Didn''t you say you wanted to eat yogurt?"


    Cautiously, Zhang Yu Han took off the lid and began to feed his wife. A sigh of relief escaped him as he watched that she was consuming the yogurt happily. When he saw the smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han wondered if the child would share the mother''s love for eating good food.


    After a while, Zhang Yu Han lifted his head to check on his wife and found that she was sleeping on the sofa in a fetal position. He turned up the temperature in the room and grabbed a blanket to cover her body.


    Instead of going back to his table to continue his work, Zhang Yu Han stood silently at the side to watch his wife''s sleeping face. Thinking that he was not close enough, Zhang Yu Han crouched beside the sofa and continued to watch her. Seeing the way she was breathing steadily, Zhang Yu Han then started to trail his finger along her face.


    Suddenly, he stood up and lay down beside her. The sofa was wide, but not wide enough for them to lay beside each other. Therefore, Zhang Yu Han raised her head and placed it on top of his right arm. He then pulled her body close to him and kissed her lips. It was only when she was protesting in her sleep that he finally let her go.


    Thinking that she might stir up from her sleep, Zhang Yu Han began to pat her gently as if coaxing her back to sleep.


    When Secretary Tian knocked softly on the door and entered the Director''s room, she was surprised upon seeing the couple sleeping side by side on the sofa. Quickly, she shut the door silently and stayed at her desk to guard the couple outside.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao woke up from her nap and was surprised to see her husband''s face so close to her. It took her a minute to figure out that they were in his office and she had fallen asleep after reading some emails from the constructor.


    The corner of her lips tilted into a smile as she continued to watch him. Because he was hugging her body tightly, Li Qin Yao find that it was hard for her to move around. However, she had recently noticed that her husband was too busy with his work and worried about her pregnancy that he has not been getting enough sleep.


    Seeing the slight dark ring below his eyes, Li Qin Yao thought that it was better to let him sleep longer. Having nothing else to do, Li Qin Yao could only watch his face as he slept.


    "Did you have fun looking at me?"


    Li Qin Yao gasped when she heard his deep voice.


    Seconds later, his eyes shot open and the two of them stared at each other silently.


    "When did you wake up?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "For a while. Your gaze was so intense that it woke me up."


    A giggle escaped her and Li Qin Yao gave a playful pinch at his waist. After staring at him for a long time, Li Qin Yao shifted her body closer to kiss his lips. The kiss that began as a soft peck suddenly turned intense as Zhang Yu Han laced his hand into her hair to keep her in place.


    After a while, the two of them pulled away, trying their best to catch up with their breath.


    Li Qin Yao began to notice that something does not feel right when her husband tightened his embrace around her body. Every time she tried to struggle out, his embrace will only get tighter.


    "Qin Yao, stop moving around," Zhang Yu Han said and kissed her forehead.


    Li Qin Yao immediately understood his meaning and stayed quietly in his embrace.


    "Three more weeks," he spoke with a sigh. He stared at her face and rained his kisses on her face again. "Qin Yao, I really miss you."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao leaned on his ?h?st to hear his heartbeat. The truth was that she too was missing him and their intimacy.

 Chapter 329 - Handsome Man, Pretty Lady

    Perhaps, it was due to her small frame, but Li Qin Yao thought that her stomach was getting bigger as days past. Fortunately, due to the cold weather, she was always dressed in thick clothing and so, none of her staff had noticed the slight change in her appearance.


    New Year was approaching and both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han were busy with their works before the long holiday.


    That morning, Li Qin Yao received a phone call from her mother-in-law and the two of them catch up for a little bit before Liu Hui Lan announced their flight next week and Zhang Yu Han will be picking them up at the airport.


    At the thought that the family will gather and she and Zhang Yu Han planned to tell everyone about her pregnancy, Li Qin Yao was suddenly excited. She couldn''t stop and wonder what will be everyone''s reaction upon hearing the news.


    Although her in-laws had never said or asked anything regarding their plan on having a child, Li Qin Yao was fully aware that everyone, and especially Zhang Jing, was looking forward to the news. At this time, Li Qin Yao suddenly recalled that this will be the first time that she will be celebrating New Year with Zhang Yu Han.


    Half an hour after the long-distance call ended, Liang Sheng came to her office and knocked on her door.


    Li Qin Yao raised her head and looked at the wristwatch. "Is it time?"


    Liang Sheng nodded. "Everything is ready. We can go anytime you want."


    "Let me pack up first," Li Qin Yao said. She watched her ?ssistant nodded and began to organized the documents on her table. Then, she grabbed her coat on the rack and headed out.


    Surprisingly at this time, her bodyguard, Nian Ting was not around to wait outside as she usually would. Li Qin Yao craned her neck to look for that girl and frowned when she could not find her.


    "Did you see Miss Nian?" Li Qin Yao asked Xiao Lian Yi who sat the nearest.


    "She went out after she received a call," Xiao Lian Yi said. "She did not say anything before she left."


    "What are you doing here?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Of course I came here for you," Zhang Yu Han said. He helped to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ears and adjusted her clothing. "Were you surprised?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "So, that was why I couldn''t find Nian Ting anywhere."


    Because her husband had appeared by her side, naturally, Nian Ting would go away to leave the couple. According to Zhang Yu Han, when he was around her, he would be the one who will guard and protect her. With his skill and how he had previously sent to train with the Qi''s, of course, having him around was better than Nian Ting.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "It''s good to know that you were not trying to get away from Miss Nian."


    Li Qin Yao wrinkled her nose. "It''s pretty good to have Miss Nian around. At least, I would not have to drive."


    Zhang Yu Han patted at her head. He lifted his head and nodded when he saw that Liang Sheng stood a distance away, waiting for them. "Didn''t you say that you were going to visit the site today? I came to accompany you."


    A light smile curled up. Li Qin Yao was fully aware that her husband was worried that she had mentioned visiting the construction site the other day. It was not that she had forgotten her body condition, however, this project was important to her and before the bump on her stomach started to appear more obvious, Li Qin Yao wanted to have a look at the site.


    Li Qin Yao was aware that later, she can only let Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi be her eyes and ears and trust that the two of them will help her to keep their eyes on the project.


    Because Zhang Yu Han had grabbed a taxi to come to B City, the two of them then took Li Qin Yao''s car and headed to the construction site and Liang Sheng brought his car.


    It was not difficult to guess that her husband had wanted to spend his time accompanying her once she was done with her site visit.


    When they arrived at the project site, Zhang Yu Han helped his wife off the car and before he helped her to put on some protective gear for her. Once his wife was dressed properly, Zhang Yu Han wore the safety helmet and the two of them went with Liang Sheng to the site. Zhang Yu Han was introduced to the site manager and a few other people at the site before they started their tour.


    It has been a while since the last time Zhang Yu Han came over to the site. Previously, he had only heard the site progress through his wife. Now that he was walking around the site, Zhang Yu Han watched as his hotel tower had risen tall.


    Soon, when the construction was done, he will then have to meet a few people to discuss more on the interior of the hotel. As he continued to listen to the site manager''s explanation, Zhang Yu Han then glanced at his wife and saw the unmistakable pride in her face. Seeing her expression, Zhang Yu Han had the urge to kiss her, but can only restrain himself considering the inappropriate place and time.


    After walking around the site for a while, Li Qin Yao went to a safer place. The group was looking at the blueprints and looked at the scene before them and exchanged their opinions. Then, Li Qin Yao spoke briefly with Liang Sheng and the site manager and left them with a few instructions.


    When Li Qin Yao turned around, she caught her husband staring at her and quickly went over to his side.


    Zhang Yu Han quickly took off the safety gear on her body before he led her into the vehicle. "Are you tired?"


    "I''m still alright?" Li Qin Yao smiled when she saw the worried expression on his face. "Today will be the last time. Later, I will not be able to come over to the site until I give birth. Once we announced that we are expecting, I will delegate more tasks to Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a helpless sigh as he listened to her. "Alright. I know. I might not know much about the construction site, but if you need my help, you can just ask."


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "I know. My husband is the best." Seeing the slight frown on his face, Li Qin Yao began to laugh. "Hubby, where are you taking me now?"


    "You don''t need to return to the office?"


    "Since I already come out, I won''t return to the office," Li Qin Yao said. A thought crossed her mind and there was a glint of light in her eyes. She put a hand at the back of her head and looked at her husband with a playful, lazy expression. "Handsome man, if you''re free, how about going on a date with me?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle upon hearing her words. He then turned to look at her with the same playful expression. "Are you sure you wanted to go on a date with me? Pretty lady, I usually charged per hour and it''s not cheap."


    Li Qin Yao stifled her laugh at his answer. "Don''t worry. I''m quite rich. Recently, I came across a lucky charm that brought me good luck and wealth."


    His face turned slightly dark at her answer. Since he could not do anything due to his wife''s condition right now, Zhang Yu Han could only extend his hand and pinched her cheek to vent.

 Chapter 330 - Lets Have a Girl!

    After driving around, the couple decided to visit a mall in Y City and had their meal at a Cantonese restaurant as per what his wife had requested to eat. Seeing that there was still time, the two of them decided to walk around and shop for a while.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?"


    "I just thought of something," Li Qin Yao said. "It has been a while since the two of us went out to enjoy a meal like this, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han thought over her words and realized that after they had returned from their honeymoon, every time they went out together for a meal, his grandfather and sister would be joining them as well. It has been a while since they had gone out on a date like this just the two of them.


    "You''re right. We have been busy with work after we came back from our honeymoon that we haven''t go out like this for a while," Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her shoulder and planted a kiss on her hair. "I will make sure to invite you on more dates after this.


    Li Qin Yao giggled at his words. "Then, I will be waiting."


    Though they were both were pretty busy with work after they came back, it should not be the reason for them to stop spending their time together like this. Moreover, once the child came out, it would be hard for them to spend time just the two of them.


    "Mom called me this morning and said that she will be arriving in Y City next week," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Hmm¡­ I talked to them earlier and they wanted me to pick them up at the airport," Zhang Yu Han said. "Because of the holiday season, it would be hard to get a cab. I will send you over to Grandfather''s place before I went to the airport."


    "You''re not taking me along to pick them up?"


    "The place would be too crowded. I''m worried that you might get lost."


    She clicked her tongue and narrowed her eyes as she looked at him. "Do you think I''m a kid? Why would I get lost?"


    "Listen to me and wait for us at Grandfather''s place. I am worried that some accident might happen to you with your condition right now." He tightened his embrace around her body and laughed.


    His wife''s height only reached his ?h?st area and he could easily hide her small frame on with his body when he wrapped his arms around her shoulder. Zhang Yu Han was worried that his wife might get lost in the crowd and he might not be able to find her due to her small frame.


    "What about your mom?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "Is she still on outstation? When will she returned to the city?"


    "Mom should return to the city the day after tomorrow."


    "We should invite her to celebrate New Year with us," Zhang Yu Han said. "This year would be the first time you celebrated New Year with me and my family." His lips tilted into a smile. "However, this year might also be the first year your mom was going to welcome New Year alone. It''s too lonely to celebrate the holiday alone."


    "I already asked my mom about her plan," Li Qin Yao said. "She told me not to worry about her. My mom¡­ she was going to spend New Year with a few of her friends." A sad smile curled on her lips. "After my parents were divorced, my mom spent a lot of time with her friends traveling around and such."


    His gaze softened as he heard his wife spoke about her mother. Just as he was about to say something to comfort her, his wife had suddenly runoff from his embrace. Zhang Yu Han panicked as he watched her jogged towards a shop.


    "Li Qin Yao," His deep voice sounded a bit harsh at the moment. Seconds later, his body froze knowing that his tone of voice had probably scared her. Taking a deep breath, he then pulled her back into his embrace. "Don''t run around. What if you slip and an accident happen?"


    It was then that she realized that she was at fault. However, as she looked at his worried expression and how her husband had consoled her once he realized that he had risen his voice, Li Qin Yao felt sweet all over. Subconsciously, she began to wrap her arms around his waist.


    "Sorry," Li Qin Yao nestled against his ?h?st. "I saw something in that shop display and got a bit excited."


    Why did women get excited when they walk around a shopping complex?


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head to look at what made his wife excited and his pupil dilated upon seeing the product displayed behind the glass.


    It turned out that his wife got excited upon seeing the baby products¡­


    "Hubby, let''s go in and look around, alright?" Li Qin Yao said as she batted her eyelashes and looked at him adoringly.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Alright, let''s go in."


    Li Qin Yao let out a squeal before she grabbed his hand to look around the shop. There were too many items to look at and she did not know where to start.


    Seeing the clueless couple, a shop attendant walked over and offered her ?ssistance. After learning that they were both looking around, the shop ?ssistant then handed the couple a few brochures on baby products and explained to them what they might need if they were expecting a first child.


    After spending almost an hour in the shop, the couple then realized that there were a lot of things that they did not know. It turns out that there were too many different kinds of bottles, strollers, and such.


    As they left the shop, Zhang Yu Han made a mental note to study more before their baby arrived.


    "Are you sure it''s alright not to get anything?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He noticed that his wife had walked out of the shop with an empty hand and was curious.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "It''s alright. Let''s go home and study what we might actually need. It would be a waste id we buy things without knowing whether it will be useful."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded.


    "Zhang Yu Han, I have decided," Li Qin Yao suddenly said.


    "What?"


    "Let''s have a girl!" She looked at him hesitantly and said, "You''re not the kind of person who would favor a boy over a girl, right?"


    He raised his hand and flicked at her forehead. "What are you thinking about? Didn''t I tell you previously that I did not mind the gender?" He tilted his head sideways and asked, "But, why did you suddenly want a girl?"


    Li Qin Yao giggled. "I looked around and found that the girls'' products are cuter than the boys''. Have you looked at the cute pink dress that I showed to you earlier? Zhang Yu Han, I wanted to play dress-up with our daughter!"

 Chapter 331 - Sulking

    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han could almost imagine a mini version of his wife running around him in a cute, frilly pink dress. The thought brought a smile on his lips and he too began expecting to have a daughter.


    However, if they had a son then he could train their son to love his mother and the two of them will protect Li Qin Yao together. As this thought came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han suddenly could not figure out which one he would like best. Having a pair of son and daughter would be the best, but at the thought of experiencing a few months more of morning sickness, Zhang Yu Han started to shiver.


    In the end, it was best to let nature decide. Whether they will be having a daughter or a son, he would love the child all the same. What was important was that this child would belong to them.


    After going to the market and brought a few groceries, Zhang Yu Han raised his head and look up at the sky that started to grow darker. He held a bag of their groceries in one hand, and his wife''s hand on the other. "Let''s head home."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. As they strolled along the sidewalk, Li Qin Yao began to notice a young man in a white shirt and black jeans holding a guitar. As the man strummed a few chords, a few passersby stopped to watch.


    Looking at the scene, Li Qin Yao tugged at her husband''s hand and led him to join the fun. As the man sang his first line, Li Qin Yao recognized that it was a recent popular love song. She stood still to hear the lyrics and began to lean her head on her husband''s arms.


    Once the song ended, everyone started to clap their hands and went forward to throw some money into the young man''s guitar case. Li Qin Yao followed the crowd and returned to her husband with a smile on her face.


    As they walked towards the car park, Zhang Yu Han began to notice that his wife was staring at him with the same smile on her face. He turned to her and raised a brow. "You have been staring at me for a long time. What is it? Am I good looking?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "My husband is really good looking."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled, knowing that his wife was not staring at him for that reason.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?"


    "I seem to remember that previously, you have said that you will sing a song for me," Li Qin Yao said. The smile on her lips widened. "When are you going to sing something for me?"


    Zhang Yu Han froze as he heard her words. It was then that he recalled how he had said something similar. Back then, he was too happy to finally hold their wedding ceremony. Upon hearing his wife''s praise, he had quickly agreed to sing a song for her. He simply did not expect that she would still remember his words.


    "You want me to sing you a song?"


    "Un," she nodded enthusiastically.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. "Do you like my voice that much?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Un. I really like your voice. The other day, I did not get to listen clearly or see anything. It was not fair. I wanted to listen to your singing voice again. Hubby," she started to shake his hand in a coquettish manner. "Sing a song for me alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at his wife and did not say anything for a long time.


    Though he was not someone tone-deaf, Zhang Yu Han had always known that he was not very good at singing. Due to his deep voice, he had never tried to sing out loud as he was worried that his voice would not sound that pleasing.


    Surprisingly, he was now married to a woman who loved his voice. Although he loved that his wife found his voice pleasing to listen to, Zhang Yu Han was still worried. At this time, he suddenly thought that perhaps, it was not that good that his wife had loved his voice that much.


    ¡­


    As the car stopped at the car park at their apartment, there was a slight pout on Li Qin Yao''s face.


    She had requested her husband to sing a song for her, and he had not said a word to agree. Previously, he had given his word to hold a private concert for her, and now, it seemed as if he was not going to fulfill what he had promised.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han had noticed the change in his wife''s mood and knew what was the cause of it.


    As they entered their apartment, Zhang Yu Han watched how his wife had quickly walked inside and guessed that she was sulking. Looking at the way she reacted, Zhang Yu Han did not know whether he wanted to laugh or cry.


    He pretended that he had not noticed the look on her face and walked over to the kitchen to put their groceries away. When he walked into the living room, his wife was staring at the television with a sour expression on her face.


    "Qin Yao?"


    "Hmm," she did not even lift her head to look at him.


    "Are you angry?"


    "I don''t have anything to be angry about."


    Zhang Yu Han sighed, knowing that she was not being honest. A smile appeared on his lips as he continued to watch her. After a while, he pulled her hand and helped her to stand up. Swiftly, he brought her into his embrace and started to pat her back in his attempt to console her. He rocked their body side to side as he hugged her tightly.


    "Don''t be angry, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao did not say anything and only lowered her head. At this time, she did not want to meet his gaze. Her expression changed when he rested his chin on her shoulder and began to sing. It was his version of the popular song, The Way You Look Tonight.


    The song ended after a while, but the two of them stayed in each other embrace for a long time.


    "Qin Yao, don''t be angry, alright?" Zhang Yu Han said after a while. "I will sing to you whenever you want it, but only when we are alone like this, alright?"


    Hearing her voice, Li Qin Yao could almost imagine her husband''s embarrassed look. She could guess that singing was not something he good at and that was why he was very reluctant to do it. Though he was embarrassed, he would still sing to coax her. Suddenly Li Qin Yao felt her heart burst with happiness.


    "Un." She nodded

 Chapter 332 - Sister-in-Law, I Need Your Help

    The festive season was approaching soon and both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Han were busy finishing their piling works before a long break. After a brief meeting with the staff at QL Group, Li Qin Yao went over to her cafe to check on her business as well as the staff.


    Because of the holiday, the cafe will be closed for almost two weeks to allow the staff to spent time with their family members. Anyway, even if the cafe was open for business after a few days, Li Qin Yao was worried that they were not going to make much profit. These days, the streets were not as crowded as it used to be as most people had taken a few days early vacation to return to their hometown.


    Li Qin Yao was sitting at one of the empty seats in her cafe to check at the account when the small bell attached to the door chimed. She looked up and was surprised to see Wei Jun Hao.


    "Ah, Mrs. Zhang, I was looking for you," Wei Jun Hao said. He pulled at the empty chair across Li Qin Yao and sit down.


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch as she watched this man took a seat uninvited. She then waved at one of the waitresses to come over. "Mr. Wei, what would you like to have?" she asked Wei Jun Hao.


    "The usual," Wei Jun Hao smiled. He turned to the approaching waitress and said, "Americano and Chicken Sandwich, please."


    Li Qin Yao nodded to the waitress and watched as she walked away. Then, she turned to Wei Jun Hao and asked, "Why are you looking for me?"


    "Right!" Wei Jun Hao slapped his th??h and turned to search for something in his bag pack. He then took out an A4 size envelope and slid it across the table. "Mrs. Zhang, please tell me that you are satisfied with this. I want to finish this job before the holiday start."


    Li Qin Yao took out the documents and a frown appeared on her face when she read the title of the documents. It was the property transfer agreement.


    Previously, after the wedding, Wei Jun Hao had come over to her and presented the documents to her. It was then that Li Qin Yao heard her husband''s intention to transfer his property to her hand as her wedding gift. After browsing through a few documents, Li Qin Yao thought that what Zhang Yu Han planned to give her was too much.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao had asked Wei Jun Hao to make some amendments and took out some of them.


    Although she was Zhang Yu Han''s legal wife, she did not want the others to think that she was a gold-digger and was after her husband''s wealth. Anyway, even without her husband''s gift, Li Qin Yao had suddenly turned to a rich lady after her mother and paternal grandparents had given her some dowry.


    A cup of Americano soon arrived, but Li Qin Yao had not said anything.


    Wei Jun Hao took a sip at his coffee and frowned. "Mrs. Zhang, please don''t tell me that you plan to let me make another adjustment?" Wei Jun Hao could not help but think of how tiring it was to work for this husband and wife.


    Seconds later, Li Qin Yao looked up and smiled. "I looked through the documents, and it is fine."


    Wei Jun Hao''s eyes sparkled at her words. He leaned forward with the pen in his hand and pointed towards a blank space. "Then Mrs. Zhang, you only need to sign here."


    Li Qin Yao then jotted down her signature and watched as Wei Jun Hao''s expression grew brighter.


    Once Li Qin Yao had jotted down the last signature, Wei Jun Hao quickly retrieved the files and kept them in his bag. He then put the bag pack on his ??ps and hugged it tightly as if he was going to protect it with his life.


    The two of them looked up as the waitress came back with Wei Jun Hao''s portion of Chicken Sandwich. Wei Jun Hao then picked a fries and put it in his mouth.


    Li Qin Yao took a swig at her drink and saw the strange way Wei Jun Hao was looking at her, Li Qin Yao then raised a brow. "Is there something else?"


    "I''m glad you ask," Wei Jun Hao smiled. "Mrs. Zhang! Sister-in-law, I need your help."


    Li Qin Yao almost spilled her drinks after hearing Wei Jun Hao addressed her as sister-in-law. "Why did you suddenly call me as sister-in-law?" Her eyes widened as she stared back at Wei Jun Hao.


    "Don''t be like this. Sooner or later, we will be a family," Wei Jun Hao spoke shamelessly. "You should know that I am now trying to court Yu Ying, right?"


    Li Qin Yao thought of her sister-in-law and shrugged noncommittally. "I may have heard something."


    Previously, she had asked her husband regarding this matter, and Zhang Yu Han had said that he did not want to interfere in this matter as the two parties involved were the people she was closed with.


    "Let me tell you something," Wei Jun Hao said. "Previously, Yu Ying had agreed to date me."


    Li Qin Yao was surprised upon hearing this news. After all, both Zhang Yu Han and Zhang Yu Ying had not said anything regarding this matter. "Good for you. Should I congratulate you then?"


    The corner of Wei Jun Hao''s lips twitched slightly. "Here''s where you can help me, sister-in-law. Although Yu Ying had agreed to date me, she had also put some condition."


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao had a premonition. "What condition?"


    "She said that she will go out with me if I win a basketball match against her brother. The thing is, I have never won a match against Zhang Yu Han."


    Li Qin Yao raised her glass of water. "Well then, good luck to you."


    "I have decided to challenge him for a match later. And this is where your role comes in," Wei Jun Hao leaned forward and smiled. "Sister-in-law, be on my team during the match and you should help me to distract your husband from scoring a shoot."


    Li Qin Yao stared at his face for a long time and answered, "I can''t."


    "Why not?"


    "Do you believe that Zhang Yu Han will kill you if he found out that you asked me to play basketball and join your team?" Li Qin Yao said. "Anyway, I am in no condition to help you."


    Wei Jun Hao took a deep breath. "Sister-in-law, do you know when is my birthday?"


    Li Qin Yao was reminded of the last time her cafe had provided some food for Wei Jun Hao''s birthday party. "Somewhere in May?"


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue. "Wrong. It''s in March. The last time I asked your cafe to cater food for that party, it was not my birthday party. You know that your husband had his eyes on you for years, right?"


    Li Qin Yao felt her face heating up at hearing his words. Then, she nodded.


    "That day, I hosted a party to let the two of you meet," Wei Jun Hao confessed. "In a way, you can say that I am the person who helped you and your husband to get together."


    A thought crossed her mind, and Li Qin Yao suddenly recalled the way Wei Jun Hao''s staff were acting when she had tried to explain the menu to them. It was until Zhang Yu Han had appeared that everyone suddenly excelled at their menu knowledge.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was wondering what else did her husband and the people around him had done to help him win her...

 Chapter 333 - Her Mother was at Home

    From her husband, Li Qin Yao had heard how Wei Jun Hao had tried to pursue her sister-in-law for years. As she was reminded of how Zhang Yu Han had waited ten years to meet her again, Li Qin Yao took pity on Wei Jun Hao and agreed to lend a hand.


    Anyway, although she was not able to join Wei Jun Hao and pair with him in his match with Zhang Yu Han, Li Qin Yao knew that she could at least do something else.


    All she needed to do was to mess with her husband''s concentration, right? That should be easy.


    In the end, Wei Jun Hao finally left the cafe after Li Qin Yao gave her word to help him.


    These days, Li Qin Yao began to get more sleepy due to her pregnancy. After thinking about this matter for a while, Li Qin Yao decided to return to her mother''s place to take a nap.


    Because her workplace was much closer to her mother''s house, Li Qin Yao would occasionally return to visit her mother and took her rest there. Li Qin Yao still had her keys to her mother''s place and would be free to come and go even when her mother was not home.


    When Li Qin Yao stepped into the house, she was surprised upon seeing that her mother was at home.


    "Ma, you''re back?" Li Qin Yao blinked when she saw her mother sitting on the sofa, watching television. "When did you arrive? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "I came back an hour ago," Xu Yilan said. "I planned to tell you about it once I had enough rest. But then, the drama was getting intense and I forgot,"


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch. She turned her head to the television and saw that her mother was watching a palace drama with harem intrigue. She then walked in and sat beside her mother.


    "You''re here to take a quick break?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "I got back from the cafe and was feeling a bit tired after looking at all the accounts and reports."


    "Have you had your lunch yet?"


    Yesterday, Auntie Su had taken a two weeks vacation to prepare for the New Year celebration. Some of her child who was staying in another city had come back to Y City to celebrate New Year together. At the thought that they were going to spend time with their family anyway, Zhang Yu Han had agreed to let Auntie Su take an early vacation.


    "I haven''t," Li Qin Yao said. Earlier she did not have any appetite to eat anything at her cafe.


    "Let me cook something for us after this episode end," Xu Yilan said. "What do you want to eat?"


    Hearing that her mother had volunteered to cook, Li Qin Yao latched at her mother''s arm and leaned her head on her shoulder. "Ma, you''re the best! I haven''t eaten your dishes for a long time. Can you make me your signature fried chicken?"


    Xu Yilan scoffed as she watched how her daughter was behaving. "How old are you? Why are you still acting like a child?"


    Li Qin Yao stuck out her tongue and continued to act coquettishly with her mother.


    After a while, the drama ended and Xu Yilan quickly walked into the kitchen to prepare lunch. Fortunately, she had stopped by the market to grab some groceries before she came back home. Therefore, the ingredients she had were all fresh.


    Li Qin Yao then entered the kitchen to help her mother to prepare lunch but was soon sent out when Xu Yilan found that she had cut the vegetables too small to her liking. Anyway, Xu Yilan thought that the kitchen was too small and it was troublesome whenever they bumped into each other.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao returned to the living room with a cup of yogurt and she sat on the sofa while watching some entertainment news.


    Almost ten minutes later, Li Qin Yao opened her eyes when her mother patted at her legs lightly to wake her up.


    "How did you fell asleep here?" Xu Yilan asked with worry.


    Li Qin Yao rubbed at her eyes and stared back at her mother. "I did not even realize when did I fell asleep." She stretched up her body and yawned. "Mom, you finished already?"


    "Hmm," Xu Yilan said. "The food is ready. Go and wash your hand first."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao nodded. As soon as she stood up, Li Qin Yao felt the urge to pee and quickly made a run to the bathroom. When she walked out, her mother was sitting at the dining table, waiting for her.


    Soon, the mother and daughter sat down and enjoyed their lunch together and chatted. It has been a while that Li Qin Yao had eaten her mother''s cooking and therefore, she ate more than usual.


    However, because she was eating happily, tasting her mother''s craft, Li Qin Yao failed to notice the strange look on her mother''s face.


    The chopstick in Xu Yilan''s hand stopped as she watched her daughter took another piece of stir-fry eggplant that she previously would avoid.


    "Ma, why are you not eating?"


    Xu Yilan snapped out of her thought and dismissed her thought when she watched her daughter took another portion of her favorite fried chicken.


    "When did your in-laws will return to Y City?" Xu Yilan asked as she picked the bowl of soup.


    "Zhang Yu Han said their flight should arrive in this weekend."


    Xu Yilan nodded. "Send my regards to them. Later, when I''m free, I will come over and visit them." A sigh escaped her at the thought that her daughter will not be welcoming New Year with her this time.


    After Xu Yilan was divorced with Li Qin Yao''s father, the Li family would occasionally send her daughter to her side to accompany her. However, her daughter was now a married woman, and naturally, she would have to follow her husband.


    Once they finished their lunch, Li Qin Yao helped her mother to clean up the table before she went back to the living room with a packet of ginger cookies that she got from her purse.


    Xu Yilan walked into the living room and saw that her daughter was nibbling at the cookies. The suspicion she had earlier resurfaced and she sat down next to her daughter.


    "Yao Yao," Xu Yilan stared at her daughter.


    "Hmm?" she looked up and saw the strange look on her mother''s expression. "Ma, what''s wrong?"


    Xu Yilan glanced at the packet of ginger cookies in her daughter''s hand. "Are you... pregnant?"


    The hand that was holding that piece of cookies suddenly halted and Li Qin Yao stared back at her mother with her eyes wide.


    How... did her mother found out?

 Chapter 334 - I am Going to be a Grandmother?

    Li Qin Yao shifted her eyes away from her mother and faked a laugh. "Ma, what are you talking about?"


    Initially, after observing her daughter for a while, Xu Yilan had this suspicion that perhaps, her daughter was pregnant and she had not taken the test and knew anything about it.


    But now that she had seen how her daughter reacted, Xu Yilan knew that her daughter was pregnant and had not told her the news yet.


    "It was just a wild guess on my part, but looking at how you reacted¡­" Xu Yilan paused and crossed her arms on her ?h?st. "Yao Yao, you don''t plan to tell your mother about this good news?"


    Li Qin Yao suddenly felt guilty after looking at her mother''s expression. "Ma¡­" she bit her lips hesitantly and decided to tell her the truth. "It wasn''t that I did not want to share this news with you. Just that, Yu Han and I had decided to announce the news after I passed the first trimester."


    Xu Yilan''s eyes widened upon hearing her daughter''s confession. She sat next to her daughter and her gaze glued at her daughter''s flat stomach for a few seconds before she looked up again. Suddenly did not know what to think. "I¡ªI am going to be a grandmother?"


    Li Qin Yao gave her mother a shy smile and nodded. "Ma, how did you guess?"


    "Isn''t it because you''re a glutton?" Xu Yilan let out a chuckle and pinched at her daughter''s cheek. "Previously, I thought it was strange that you were eating a lot of the stir-fried eggplant when you would avoid that the most. But then, I began to notice your appetite and the food you choose to eat. And then," she glanced at the packet of the ginger cookies. "The last time I was pregnant with you, this is what I usually snack on."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the packet of cookies that gave her away.


    "Moreover, the two of you have been married for months. It wouldn''t be so weird if the two of you start to have a child now," Xu Yilan said. She then patted at her daughter''s hair. "How is it? Have you seen the doctor? What did the doctor say? How long is the child?"


    Hearing her mother''s questions, Li Qin Yao was suddenly speechless. She could see in her mother''s eyes that she was excited about this news of pregnancy. "Un, we''ve seen a doctor a few weeks ago, and she said that the baby is growing healthily. Next week will be the last week for my last trimester."


    Xu Yilan had a smile on her face as she listened to her daughter''s words. It was then that she noticed the small bump on her daughter''s stomach. A thought crossed her mind, and Xu Yilan''s expression changed. "What about your morning sickness? Is it bad? I will prepare something to help you ease your morning sickness."


    Li Qin Yao tugged at her mother''s arms before she could stand up and leave. "You don''t need to worry about this. My morning sickness was not so bad." A giggle escaped her when she thought of her husband. "Actually, Ma, have you heard about Couvade Syndrome?"


    "What syndrome?"


    "Hmm¡­" Li Qin Yao tried to recall what Auntie Su had told them the other day. "I think it was also called a sympathetic pregnancy."


    Xu Yilan''s eyes widened at hearing these familiar words.


    "So right now, it was your son-in-law who was going through morning sickness instead of me."


    "Ahh???" For a while, Xu Yilan was at a loss of words. "You mean¡­ Yu Han?"


    Although she had heard of these words before, this was the first time that Xu Yilan knew someone who was going through this strange syndrome. At the thought that it was his son-in-law who was going through morning sickness, Xu Yilan suddenly grew anxious.


    "Then, how is my son-in-law? Is he alright?"


    Li Qin Yao patted at her mother''s arms. "Don''t worry. Other than throwing up occasionally and some mood swings, your son-in-law is fine."


    However, at this time, it did not seem as if Xu Yilan was listening. "Yao Yao, you go and call Yu Han to come here."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao looked at her mother in a daze. "Why?"


    "Of course it''s because I''m worried," Xu Yilan said. "Wait. Will he be able to drive over here? Should I come with you to Y City and visit him instead?"


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han was in the middle of a discussion with his grandfather when the phone in his pocket started to buzz. He took it out, glanced at the caller ID, and paused when he saw that it was his wife.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Jing asked when he saw the change in his grandson''s expression.


    "It''s Qin Yao," Zhang Yu Han answered.


    Hearing that it was his granddaughter-in-law, Zhang Jing leaned back on his seat and waved his hand. "Go and answer the phone call. It might be important."


    Zhang Yu Han gave a quick nod to her grandfather and went out to answer the phone call. He slid his finger on the screen and pressed the phone to his ear. "Hello?"


    "Zhang Yu Han, am I disturbing you?"


    "No, you''re not," he then walked over to a quiet corner and leaned his body on the wall. Instantly, his gaze softened. "What''s wrong? Didn''t you tell me earlier that you were going to mom''s place? Are you resting well?"


    "Hmm¡­ mom was at home when I came in. She arrived home this morning. Then, we had lunch together," Li Qin Yao said. Then she hesitated. "Hubby, are you busy?"


    A chuckle escaped him when she asked the question again.


    "Mom wanted you to come home and have dinner together," Li Qin Yao said before Zhang Yu Han could say anything. "My mom¡­ she found out that we were expecting and therefore she wanted you to come over and have a meal together."


    Zhang Yu Han felt his body stiffened at her words. His mother-in-law found out that her daughter was pregnant and now, she was inviting him to have dinner at her place? Why does this situation sound frightening?


    Various thoughts came to his mind and everything he imagined was gory scenes.


    Now that he had got her daughter pregnant, could it be that his mother-in-law was planning to castrate him?


    A shiver ran through his body. Zhang Yu Han then took a deep breath and answered, "Alright. I will be there on time."

 Chapter 335 - My Mom Treats You Better

    As Zhang Yu Han arrived in front of her mother-in-law''s door in the evening, he quickly took a deep breath to calm down. However, before he got the chance to press the bell, someone had pulled the door open and Zhang Yu Han''s anxiety gradually disappeared upon seeing his wife''s smiling face.


    "I haven''t pressed the doorbell yet," Zhang Yu Han said as he watched his wife unlocked the door to let him in.


    "I know."


    "How did you know that I''m out here?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with a giggle. "Would you believe that it was an instinct?"


    "Oh?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow.


    "Just kidding with you," Li Qin Yao tiptoed to kiss him on the corner of his lips and grabbed his hand to pull him inside. "I have been checking at the door every five minutes and waited for you." She then leaned forward and continued, "I miss you."


    His lips tilted into a smile upon hearing her words. The hands that were holding hers tightened and his eyes were staring back at her dotingly.


    At this time, Xu Yilan came out of the kitchen. Her eyes widened in surprise. She quickly recovered and a wide smile appeared on her lips. "Yu Han, you''re here? When did you arrive?"


    Zhang Yu Han nodded at her mother-in-law. "Mom, I just arrived."


    Xu Yilan wiped her hand on a clean cloth before she went forward to pull her son-in-law''s hands to the sofa. "Come in, come in. Don''t just stand at the entrance. You must be tired. Sit down."


    Upon seeing his mother-in-law''s enthusiasm for him, Zhang Yu Han was dumbfounded. He then turned to his wife with a puzzled look. For a few seconds, he could not understand what was going on.


    Didn''t his wife tell him that her mother had found out about her pregnancy? Why was his mother-in-law treating hi warmly?


    Zhang Yu Han soon got his answer with Xu Yilan''s questions at him.


    "Yu Han, I heard that you were having morning sickness? How was it? Bad?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife again before he answered, "Mom, you don''t have to worry. It was bad for the first few weeks, but was slowly getting better."


    Xu Yilan put a hand on her ?h?st and sighed. "That''s good. That''s good." She then lifted her head as a thought crossed her mind. "Yu Han, you sit here and watch television. Mom made you some soup to nourish your body. It should be ready soon."


    For a few seconds, Zhang Yu Han found that his brain was not functioning properly at how his mother-in-law was treating him. However, he nodded obediently and told her that he would be alright. "Mom, did you need me to change a light bulb for you?"


    "No need." Xu Yilan waved her hand. "Why bother about light bulb when you''re in this condition. Just sit down and rest."


    "Oh," Zhang Yu Han nodded. Once his mother-in-law disappeared to the kitchen, he then turned to his wife again and saw the laughter in her eyes. "Qin Yao," he whispered. "What''s wrong with mom?"


    Li Qin Yao giggled as she sat beside her husband. Seeing the strange expression on his face, Li Qin Yao suddenly wondered what was in his mind. Lifting her hand, she then flicked at his forehead and found it satisfying. Perhaps this was the reason her husband love to flick at her forehead.


    "What nonsense were you thinking about?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the kitchen direction and whispered to his wife, "I always found your mother a bit frightening."


    "My mom? Frightening?" For a second Li Qin Yao did not think that they were talking about the same person. Years of living as her mother''s daughter, Li Qin Yao had never thought of her mother as a frightening person. Sure, she might be a bit strict than her late father, but she was never a frightening person.


    "Zhang Yu Han, I am the one who is pregnant, but you''re the one with a baby''s brain?" Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with a helpless gaze.


    "The first time I saw your mother, she gave me a threatening look," Zhang Yu Han complained. "You don''t know how frightening your mother was when she invited me to have a chat with her the moment she found out that we were dating."


    "You''re being ridiculous. My mom adored you." Li Qin Yao poked at his ?h?st. "Haven''t you noticed? After you married me, my mom treats you better than the way she treats me. Just now, you did not see how she was anxious upon hearing that you were going through morning sickness. She wanted you to come for dinner so that she can feed you with nutritious food."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at his wife''s words.


    "The way I see it, it was as if you''re the one who got pregnant, and not me."


    His eyes glinted and his lips tilted into an amused smile. It was then that he noticed the concerned look on his mother-in-law''s face earlier. He secretly let out a sigh in relief upon knowing that his mother-in-law was not after his life, or have any intention to cut any part of his body.


    The couple chatted for a while and Xu Yilan then walked out carrying a big bowl of soup. "Yu Han, Qin Yao, come. Dinner''s ready. Let''s eat before the food gets cold."


    Li Qin Yao stood up and held her husband''s hand as she led him to the dining table. At this time, she could not help but to look at Zhang Yu Han''s expression and laughed when she noticed the apprehension on his face.


    As the three of them sat around the table, Li Qin Yao noticed the way her mother was treating her husband. Looking at how her mother would scoop some dishes and made him drink more soup, Li Qin Yao stared at her mother in dissatisfaction.


    "Ma, look at you. So eager to feed your son-in-law. I''m the one who was carrying your grandchild in my stomach," Li Qin Yao joked. "Shouldn''t you let me drink that soup more?"


    "This soup will help Yu Han to alleviate the morning sickness. Of course, he has to drink more. Anyway, going through morning sickness is not an easy thing," Xu Yilan said before she turned to her son-in-law. "Yu Han, drink more."


    Seeing the way the mother and daughter talked, Zhang Yu Han quickly clipped at one of his wife''s favorite dishes and put it on her bowl. "Qin Yao, you should eat too."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and raised a brow as if telling him that her words earlier were the truth. Her mother did treat him better.

 Chapter 336 - Wife, Congratulation

    Over the weekend, Zhang Yu Han drove over to his grandfather''s place earlier in the morning to sent his wife over. After sending their luggage to their room, Zhang Yu Han spun around and placed both hands on Li Qin Yao''s waist.


    "What''s wrong? Didn''t you say you need to hurry to the airport due to the traffic?" Li Qin Yao asked. Though she was asking those questions, her hand moved to rest on his ?h?st before it moved up to hold him tightly.


    "Qin Yao, do you know what day is today?" Zhang Yu Han buried his nose on the crook of her neck and smiled.


    Li Qin Yao tried to think over his question and could not figure out the answer. She already knows that her parents-in-law will be arriving today and they will be celebrating New Year in the day after tomorrow. But surely, he was not expecting to hear these answers.


    "You didn''t know?" Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle.


    "No," Li Qin Yao pulled away to look at his face properly. Looking at the playful on his face, Li Qin Yao suddenly had a foreboding.


    "Of course, it was the beginning of your second trimester," Zhang Yu Han said, pinching both her cheek as his wife continued to stare at him in dumbfounded.


    It took her a while to react and soon, Li Qin Yao''s face turned a shade redder and she slapped at his ?h?st. How can she not guess at what was on his mind when she saw the look on his face?


    Zhang Yu Han laughed happily at her reaction before he pulled her back into his embrace. "Wife, congratulation on completing your first trimester." Then, he turned to kiss her on the cheek.


    He looked at her with the same smile on his face and said, "Alright. I''ll go and pick up mom and dad at the airport." He took a step back and paused. His gaze lingered on her face for a few more seconds before he leaned in for a kiss.


    What was supposed to be a light kiss had turned into a long deep kiss.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled away and stared at his wife''s closed eyes and gapped lips. Suddenly, he had the feeling that he had shot himself in the foot.


    With a sigh, he then turned around to leave.


    Li Qin Yao puffed her cheek as she looked at his retreating back. She then followed him downstairs and watched as his Cayenne left the house.


    When she turned around, the house was empty. Earlier, Auntie Wu had told her that Grandfather was in the middle of a conference in his office. Meanwhile, her sister-in-law had gone out with a few friends.


    After some thoughts, Li Qin Yao decided to stay around downstairs to wait for her parents-in-law to arrive and choose to walk around the small garden for fresh air. Anyway, the doctor did recommend her to walk around as her exercise.


    However, she was surprised upon finding her sister-in-law sitting at the garden rattan chaise.


    "Yu Ying?" Li Qin Yao called and the girl turned around to face her. "Auntie Wu said that you went out with a few friends."


    Zhang Yu Ying''s eyes sparkled upon seeing her sister-in-law. "Sister-in-law, you''re here! I came back some times ago and decided to stay around here for some fresh air." She craned her neck to find her brother and raised a brow when she could not see him. "Where''s my brother?"


    "Your brother went to the airport to fetch mom and dad," Li Qin Yao said.


    "Oh¡­ So that''s why. Usually, my brother would not stop sticking around with you whenever he can. It was strange to see you here alone." She then patted at the space on the chaise. "Sister-in-law, come here. Sit down. Let''s have a chat."


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao decided to sit a distance away lest Zhang Yu Ying would suddenly hug her and felt her protruding stomach. How was she going to keep the secret of her pregnancy for a few more days, then?


    Zhang Yu Ying leaned back on the chaise and let out a long, heavy sigh as she looked at the blue sky. "Sister-in-law, you must have been confessed to a few times, right?"


    Li Qin Yao was suddenly reminded of Wei Jun Hao''s request the other day. A slight smile appeared on her lips and Li Qin Yao raised her eyebrow suggestively at her sister-in-law. "What is it? Someone confessed to you?"


    Zhang Yu Ying let out another sigh. "Well, it was not the first time someone had done this." She then turned to her sister-in-law. "But this person is very persistent."


    "You don''t like this person?"


    There was a long silence on Zhang Yu Ying''s part. "It''s not about liking or disliking. But I have known this person for years and I thought of him more of a¡­ friend." She chose the word as she was afraid that her sister-in-law would be able to guess the subject of their conversation.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao was pitying Wei Jun Hao for being friend-zoned.


    "If you don''t like this person the same way, you should tell him clearly," Li Qin Yao said. "It''s not nice to give this person a vague answer and give him hope. At least, he can move on and start thinking of a new relationship."


    Zhang Yu Ying thought over her action towards Wei Jun Hao recently and knew that she had never rejected him properly. In the past, she always took his confession as a joke. Until he came to meet her last week and told her to give him a chance.


    Was it possible that she was leading him on?


    Zhang Yu Ying knew that his sister-in-law was right. If she did not like Wei Jun Hao, she should give him a proper rejection. However, even she could not understand why she was never able to give him a proper rejection.


    Wei Jun Hao always treated her well and she enjoyed his company. At the thought that Wei Jun Hao would be seeing someone else, Zhang Yu Ying suddenly felt a tug in her heart.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Ying could not understand what she felt. Could it be that she actually like Wei Jun Hao even a little bit?


    Though she would always say that her brother was an idiot in a relationship, Zhang Yu Ying had a sudden realization that perhaps, she was even more of an idiot.


    Zhang Yu Ying continued to stay in silence for a long time before she suddenly sat up, let out a shout, and messed up with her hair until it turned to something that resembled a bird''s nest.


    When she looked up again, her sister-in-law was staring at her with a hand on her ?h?st.


    "Sister-in-law. What should I do? Maybe I like this person just a little bit?"

 Chapter 337 - Leave Everything to Fate

    When Zhang Yu Han arrived home with his parents, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Ying were still having a heart to heart talk in the garden. As they heard Auntie Wu''s lively voice, Zhang Yu Ying put a finger on her lips, signaling Li Qin Yao not to say a word regarding the topic they had discussed.


    Zhang Yu Ying saw the smile on her sister-in-law''s face and knew that she had agreed to keep their conversation a secret.


    After chatting with Li Qin Yao for a bit, Zhang Yu Ying thought that her head and heart felt lighter.


    Regarding Wei Jun Hao''s situation, Zhang Yu Ying had made her decision to leave everything to fate.


    Although she now found that she had liked Wei Jun Hao a little bit, Zhang Yu Ying was not very confident in her feeling. Previously, she had told Wei Jun Hao that she will agree to date him if he won the basketball match against her brother. Zhang Yu Ying had little confidence that Wei Jun Hao was going to win and was a little regretful that she had proposed that condition. However, if he wins, then, wouldn''t that mean that they are fated to be together?


    Of course, Zhang Yu Ying had no idea that Wei Jun Hao had sought her sister-in-law to help him win that match.


    The two of them went to the door to greet both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan. Because of the two arrived, the house has now turned a bit livelier.


    As Auntie Wu helped both Zhang Xi and Lui Hui Lan with their luggage, Zhang Yu Ying went to her mother and gave her a tight hug and acted coquettishly with her mother. It was until her mother had told her that she had brought home the things that she had requested that Zhang Yu Ying was willing to stop pestering her mother.


    Looking at the paper bag that her mother had passed to her, Zhang Yu Ying then took out her favorite chocolate bar and started to eat with a gleeful expression. Previously, when she was staying in Country C, this was her favorite.


    Li Qin Yao was watching her sister-in-law speechlessly. It was not long ago that Zhang Yu Ying was acting crazy and miserable once she had sorted out her feelings. Now that she had a bar of chocolate on her hand, it seemed as if she had forgotten whatever was on her mind.


    Sensing her sister-in-law''s intense gaze, Zhang Yu Ying paused after taking a bite at the chocolate. Somehow, she had a feeling as if she was committing a crime if she continued to eat the chocolate in her hand.


    "Sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying hesitated. "Would you like some?" she offered the half bitten chocolate in her hand.


    Liu Hui Lan who overheard her daughter''s question suddenly recalled that she had brought some gift for her daughter-in-law as well. "Qin Yao, I bought some chocolate for you too," Lui Hui Lan said as she passed her another paper bag.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze before she took the paper bag and thanked her mother-in-law. After staring at how Zhang Yu Ying was enjoying the chocolate bar, Li Qin Yao suddenly realized that she was a little bit hungry.


    "Are you hungry?" Zhang Yu Han went over to his wife and whispered. Knowing that his wife was now eating for two, he was unwilling to let her go hungry. Eating a bar of chocolate will not help her to satisfy her hunger. "I''ll find something for you to eat."


    Her eyes sparkled and Li Qin Yao quickly nodded. Soon, Zhang Yu Han snuck into the kitchen and brought out a plate of fruits that Auntie Wu had cut earlier. As his parents were busy sorting out their luggage with Auntie Wu''s help, Zhang Yu Han pulled his wife to the sofa and started to feed her.


    Zhang Yu Ying, who was watching her brother, sneered. It was as she had said earlier, her brother was someone who would not stop sticking to his wife. Zhang Yu Ying initially did not mind watching this situation as the two were a newly married couple. However, her brother would often force everyone around him with dog food and this was what made her furious. They were truly an eyesore for a single dog like her.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao whispered when everyone was not looking at them. "When are we going to make this announcement?"


    "Let''s just keep this news for a while longer and tell them in the morning of New Year. This way, wouldn''t it be more exciting?" Zhang Yu Han said. He stabbed at a honeydew with a fruit fork and feed his wife. "Anyway, I want to keep you to myself a while longer. Once we tell everyone this news, do you believe that mom and grandfather won''t let me close to you?"


    Li Qin Yao frowned at his words. "What are you talking about?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. He knew that once he announced the news, his family would be happy for them. They would then push him aside to surround his wife as she was now carrying a descendant for the Zhang family.


    "Later, if you are too tired, don''t have to force yourself to join everyone in the activity. Just tell me and I''ll know what to do," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "Will that be alright? This is the first time I''m celebrating New Year as your family''s daughter-in-law."


    "Why is it not alright?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Although you have just passed the first trimester, we should not be careless."


    ¡­


    As the night came, the family had dinner together. The usually quiet residence was suddenly bursting with liveliness and everyone could see the joyous look in Zhang Jing''s face.


    This year, it seemed that the Zhang family will be celebrating the New Year with one more person. Seeing that his family members were all around him, Zhang Jing suddenly thought of his late wife and knew that she would be as happy if she was still alive.


    Sensing Zhang Jing''s mood, both Zhang Yu Han and his father decided to accompany him for a game of chess before he kicked them out to rest.


    When Zhang Yu Han returned to their room, he was surprised upon seeing that his wife was not asleep, and instead, she was standing in front of the full-length mirror as she studied her stomach.


    "Hubby!" Li Qin Yao''s eyes sparkled upon seeing him. She then walked over to him with her phone in her hand. "Come here. Didn''t you say that today is the beginning of the second trimester? Come and help me take a photo of my baby bump."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han exhaled a breath he did not know he was holding.

 Chapter 338 - Decorating

    When Zhang Yu Han walked down the stairs, the house was quiet. It was until he walked into the kitchen that he found his wife, sauteing some cherry tomato in olive oil and oregano. He stood at the entrance and leaned his body on the wall as he continued to watch her.


    Once Li Qin Yao had turned off the stove and transferred the dishes into a plate, Zhang Yu Han went coughed dryly to announce his presence and went forward to hug her from behind.


    Li Qin Yao shrunk her neck when she felt his chin resting on her shoulder. She turned her head and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. "Good morning." she lifted the dishes in her hand and asked. "Would you like some breakfast?"


    Zhang Yu Han stayed at his place with a lazy expression. "Why are you up so early?"


    "I''m hungry. I suddenly craved to eat some tomatoes."


    "Then you should have to wake me up. I can help you to whip something up." Zhang Yu Han tightened his embrace and sighed. As his wife''s pregnancy had reached the end of the first trimester, his morning sickness was getting better and he no longer had the craving to eat certain food as he did previously. But Li Qin Yao continued to have those cravings.


    Li Qin Yao smiled at him before she wriggled out of his embrace. "Come on. Let''s have some breakfast. Mom made some of your favorite earlier."


    Zhang Yu Han followed her lead and sat down at the kitchen counter and the two shared their breakfast. After drinking his coffee, Zhang Yu Han was more awake and it was then that he realized that the house was too quiet. "Where is everyone else?"


    "Mom and dad went out with Yu Ying earlier for last-minute shopping. Grandfather is in the garden, exercising," Li Qin Yao said. She turned to look towards the door and went closer to her husband. "Why do I feel as if Grandfather''s mood was not that right these days?"


    "At a time like this, Grandfather would always think of Grandmother." He reached to pat his wife on her head and smiled. "You don''t have to worry so much. He''s always like this. As long as we spend our time with Grandfather, he will be alright."


    As the two continued to eat and chatted, Zhang Jing appeared at the kitchen entrance and smiled when he saw his grandson. "Yu Han, it''s good that you''re awake. Come and help me to put up some decoration later."


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and saw a few couplets in his hands. "Grandfather, didn''t we have enough decoration?"


    Earlier that morning, after she had woke up early, Li Qin Yao had helped his mother-in-law decorating the house with the help of Auntie Wu. Therefore, there were not many things that they need to do.


    "This is the first time that I''m welcoming New Year with my granddaughter-in-law. Of course, we have to make the house livelier than usual. Have your breakfast quick and come and help me." Zhang Jing said before he went to a corner.


    "You see how excited Grandfather is now?" Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and whispered. "Imagine how he will react once he found out that next year, he will be welcoming New Year with his great-grandchild."


    Zhang Jing then came back with a few more decorations in his hand and turned to Li Qin Yao with a gentle expression. "Qin Yao, what do you think? We definitely put more red decorations for good luck, right?"


    As a good granddaughter-in-law, Li Qin Yao nodded and agreed to whatever Zhang Jing had said.


    Once Zhang Yu Han gave him his words, Zhang Jing retreated while shouting Auntie Wu''s name.


    Li Qin Yao turned to her husband with a mischievous look and tugged at his arm, "As long as I have my lucky cat beside me, I think I will always be blessed with good luck."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han could only pinch her cheek.


    ¡­


    Although Zhang Yu Han had told his wife not to force herself to help, Li Qin Yao could not stop herself from joining the lively atmosphere and the women chatted about various things as they prepare for the feast.


    When Li Qin Yao went back to the room to clean up before the reunion dinner, her husband was already waiting for her in the room. Zhang Yu Han quickly pulled his wife to the sofa and forced her to lay down.


    "What are you trying to do?" Li Qin Yao panicked at his sudden action and tried to stand up.


    "Just lay down for a bit," Zhang Yu Han coaxed. He then lifted her legs and placed it on his th??h before he started to massage her foot. "I told you not to force yourself too much. Didn''t Doctor Qiao tell you that you shouldn''t stand for too long?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with a pitiful expression. "I wasn''t standing around. There were chairs in the kitchen, you know." She immediately pursed her lips tightly and lowered her gaze upon seeing her husband''s piercing gaze. She then shifted closer to him to hug his arm.


    Seeing the look on her face that resembled an obedient kitten, Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. He continued to massage her foot and stopped when he noticed that something was not right. Turning around, Zhang Yu Han soon found that Li Qin Yao was asleep with her head leaning on his arms.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her speechlessly. His wife was too tired but had still told him that she was alright. He took a deep breath and lifted her to bed. Then, he looked at the clock and decided to give her a few minutes to nap before he was going to wake her up.


    When he came out of the bathroom, Zhang Yu Han then went over to the bed and stared at his wife''s sleeping figure. He leaned in to kiss her face and softly woke her up. "Wake up, sleepyhead."


    Li Qin Yao stirred in her sleep and was surprised upon seeing Zhang Yu Han''s smiling face. It was then that she recalled that he was giving her a foot rub before she had fallen asleep.


    "How long have I been sleeping?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Not too long. Half an hour," Zhang Yu Han answered. "Are you feeling alright? Do you want to continue to sleep?"


    Li Qin Yao gave her husband a look over and said, "I''m fine." She chuckled. "We were going to have a family dinner, why are you asking me if I want to continue sleeping?"


    Zhang Yu Han patted at her head. "Alright then. You should go and get ready. I''ll wait for you and we''ll go downstairs together."

 Chapter 339 - Good News

    When the couple went downstairs, everyone except for Zhang Jing had gathered around. The atmosphere was lively with the sounds of everyone chatting and laughing.


    At this time, Zhang Jing appeared with a joyous expression on his face. "Qin Yao, you''re here. Come, let''s have our meal together" he tugged at Li Qin Yao''s hand and led her to the table.


    Soon, the family sat down around the table and had their dinner. Because Auntie Wu had served their family for a long time, the family had asked her to sit and have a meal together. Anyway, eating together was livelier and fun.


    The atmosphere was very boisterous. Seeing his family all gathered around him, Zhang Jing did not complain when his son placed more vegetarian dishes to his bowl.


    As the family continued to chat and eat, Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife and raised a brow.


    Li Qin Yao saw the look on his face and knew that he was asking her opinion, whether she was ready for him to make an announcement. After sharing a silent conversation with him for a while, Li Qin Yao gave a gentle squeeze at his hand. By the end of their conversation, Zhang Yu Han had a wide smile on his face.


    Zhang Xi, who happened to see the couple''s silent exchanged scoffed. It was not difficult to see that his son was living a happy life after he had met the girl he has been looking for for years and had now married her. Anyone would be able to notice the smile that reached his eyes whenever he was looking at his wife, Li Qin Yao.


    As he saw this scene, Zhang Xi was suddenly reminded of his late mother. When she was still alive, his father, his father would often have the same look on his face when he looked at her.


    "Yu Han," Zhang Xi coughed dryly to get his attention. "What are you two whispering about? Looking at that big smile on your face. Surely you must have something good to share."


    Hearing his father''s words, the smile on Zhang Yu Han''s face was getting wider, causing his family to glance at each other with a curious gaze. Somehow, everyone was starting to feel that there was something strange.


    Although Zhang Yu Han was not an ice block, he was not someone who would often wear a wide smile as he had now.


    The last time they had seen Zhang Yu Han smiled this much was at his wedding.


    "I do have some good news to share," Zhang Yu Han spoke after a brief silence.


    Seeing that he had paused and did not continue his words, Zhang Yu Ying was annoyed. She turned to her sister-in-law and asked, "Sister-in-law... Do you know anything about this?"


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head. Although she was ready to tell everyone, at this time, she was suddenly embarrassed as everyone was staring at her.


    "If you wanted to say it, then say it," Zhang Jing said. After looking at the smile on his grandson''s face, he too was starting to get annoyed. Everyone around the table was curious to death, but his grandson won''t speak a word.


    Sensing everyone''s impatience, Zhang Yu Han opened his mouth and spoke, "Qin Yao is pregnant."


    Suddenly, the room turned silent. It was until Zhang Yu Ying accidentally kicked the empty chair beside her that everyone suddenly was able to function again.


    "My son, you try and repeat what you said," Liu Hui Lan was the first who spoke.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and wrapped his arms around her shoulder. Then, he repeated the words he had just said. "The good news is... Qin Yao is pregnant. She is now in her second trimester."


    Loud gasps were coming from everyone. Then, the congratulatory words echoed. Zhang Jing began to laugh happily upon hearing the news. He turned to his granddaughter-in-law and his eyes turned gentle.


    Liu Hui Lan, the person who had experienced pregnancy twice had a worried look on her face. She turned to Auntie Wu and quickly told her to prepare some healthy soup to nourish her daughter-in-law''s body.


    Suddenly, Zhang Jing looked at his grandson and frowned. "You brat, how long did you two find out? Why didn''t you share this news earlier?"


    Hearing her father-in-law''s question, Liu Hui Lan grew anxious. "Yes, why didn''t you tell us earlier? And you still let your wife stayed in the kitchen for a long time to help me. You know that she shouldn''t be standing around for too long. What if something happens to my grandchild?"


    Facing his mother''s scold, Zhang Yu Han could only turn to his wife with a helpless gaze. However, he knew earlier that he will have to face his family''s anger for keeping this matter a secret.


    Now that everyone knew that the couple was expecting a child, Liu Hui Lan began to ask Li Qin Yao a few questions regarding her pregnancy. After she looked at her daughter-in-law properly, Liu Hui Lan began to notice the small bump on her stomach.


    When Liu Hui Lan brought the subject of her morning sickness, Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and laughed.


    "Mom, you don''t have to worry," Li Qin Yao said to Liu Hui Lan. "My morning sickness was not so bad. Actually, after two weeks, my morning sickness disappeared."


    "Ah?" Liu Hui Lan stared at her daughter-in-law with her eyes wide. "Disappeared?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. She glanced at Zhang Yu Han and spoke. "Actually... it was Yu Han who goes through the morning sickness for me. The doctor said it was something called Couvade Syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy."


    Li Qin Yao always thought that it was amusing that her husband was the one who had to undergo the morning sickness and therefore, she was happy to talk about this matter. It felt as if her husband was willing to share the difficulties of being pregnant. Although she found it funny the first time she learned about it, Li Qin Yao thought that her husband was an amazing person. How many women can say that their partner has gone through morning sickness in their stead?


    Zhang Yu Ying saw that the others understood what was going on, but no one explained to her what was it about her brother and morning sickness. She then turned to Auntie Wu and asked about this strange syndrome. After she finally understood what was going on, Zhang Yu Ying''s mouth widened as she stared at her brother.


    "Who would know that a man can experience morning sickness too? Brother, you''re awesome. My respect to you has increased," Zhang Yu Ying said. She gave two thumbs up and looked at her brother with admiration. "If you can experience labor pain and give birth, that would be even better."


    Hearing his sister''s words, Zhang Yu Han''s face turned dark.

 Chapter 340 - Happy New Year

    Now that everyone had known the news, Li Qin Yao was no longer allowed to move around. Her mother-in-law sat at one side to ask her questions as well as giving her pointers and reminders of what she should look after during her pregnancy. Grandfather sat at another side, as he stared at her stomach with a happy expression.


    Looking at the way her family was treating her, Li Qin Yao was suddenly speechless.


    She did not expect that everyone would be this excited.


    Li Qin Yao turned to look at her husband who sat across her and saw his darkened expression.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was no longer jealous that her mother had treated her husband better. In Zhang''s house, everyone was siding with her and was warning Zhang Yu Han to treat her well. The aggrieved look on her husband''s face immediately brought a smile to her face.


    It was only after Liu Hui Lan was reminded of the dumplings in the kitchen that she left her daughter-in-law''s side reluctantly.


    Zhang Yu Han quickly reclaimed his place beside his wife and wrapped his arms around her shoulder. When he saw the smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han immediately knew what was on her mind. When no one was looking, he pinched at her cheek and whispered, "Are you happy?"


    Recently, Zhang Yu Han found that her cheek was getting tender and he had become addicted to pinch it.


    Li Qin Yao nodded before she laid her head on his arms. "I suddenly found out that, I will have a lot of backers if you dare to bully me."


    Zhang Yu Han scoffed at her words, but his embrace around her tightened. He kissed her head and said, "Are you tired? Will you be able to stay up late?"


    "It''ll be fine," Li Qin Yao said. "Didn''t I took a nap earlier?"


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow but did not say anything. Although the television was on, and the family was gathered in front of it, most of everyone did not really watch the program.


    At the side, Grandfather and Zhang Xi was discussing something about work, while Zhang''s siblings were listening to their conversation and spoke opinion when necessary.


    After a while, Zhang Yu Ying walked over to the kitchen to drink some water and soon came back with a plate of dumplings. She walked over to Li Qin Yao and smiled. "Sister-in-law, would you like one? Mom said there are a few more in the kitchen."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the plate and picked one at random. After thanking Zhang Yu Ying, Li Qin Yao stuffed the dumpling in her mouth and paused after she chewed the food in her mouth a few times.


    Zhang Yu Han heard the strange sound and quickly turned to his wife. "What''s wrong?" When he saw the frown in her face, Zhang Yu Han began to panic.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head before she grabbed a napkin on the table. As she was regretting to stuff the whole thing into her mouth, Li Qin Yao took out the hard thing that she had accidentally bitten, a wide smile curled on her lips as she turned to Zhang Yu Han.


    Seeing the coin on the napkin, Zhang Yu Han''s shot a look at his wife. How can he not know what was on her mind? Seeing the face that seemed as if she was holding her laugh, Zhang Yu Han thought that if there was no one around, he would really go on and bit her.


    Zhang Yu Ying noticed that little commotion and gasped when she saw the coin. "Sister-in-law! You''re lucky! Hey, I have been eating these for a while and haven''t got a single coin."


    Once Zhang Jing and Zhang Xi heard her words, their attention shifted to Li Qin Yao.


    "Qin Yao, it seemed that you will be having a good fortune this year," Zhang Jing said.


    Zhang Xi turned to his daughter and was excited to join in the fun. He asked for one of the dumplings, took a bite, and was disappointed upon finding that he was not lucky enough.


    Suddenly, everyone wanted to join the fun and soon, Liu Hui Lan came out from the kitchen with another plate of cooked dumplings. Once she heard that Li Qin Yao was lucky enough to find a coin, she too started to join in the fun.


    "Mom, how many dumplings with coin did you prepare?" Zhang Yu Ying asked with excitement.


    "I''m not sure," Liu Hui Lan said. "Just then, we were too busy chatting and I stopped taking notice."


    Zhang Yu Ying looked at the dumplings with determination in her eyes. However, once she took a bite at a dumpling, her expression quickly changed to disappointment. She glanced at Li Qin Yao and offered the plate. "Sister-in-law, go ahead and take another one. Let''s see if you''re going to be lucky again."


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband and took one of the dumplings. This time, she did not dare to shove the whole dumpling into her mouth and instead, bite half of it. As she was chewing half of the dumpling, Li Qin Yao peeked into the other half and suddenly burst into a laugh.


    Everyone was dumbfounded by her sudden reaction, but Zhang Yu Han knew very well why she was laughing. He then took the other half of the dumpling and pulled out the coin.


    Suddenly, everyone was looking at Li Qin Yao with admiration in their eyes.


    To find a coin in two dumplings in a row¡­ that was amazing!


    As everyone else began to hunt for their lucky dumpling, Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and tugged at her hand. "Zhang Yu Han, are you angry?" she whispered.


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Why would I be angry? It''s fine. I''ll be your lucky charm. This way, you will always stay by my side." He then shifted his body to stare at her. "Actually, now that I think about it, you are pretty bad with basketball."


    "What are you trying to say?" Li Qin Yao frowned. Why did he suddenly mention her terrible skill in this sport?


    A chuckle escaped him. "You said that the first time I saw you in that court was the first time you''re trying to shoot a ball, right?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "What if the only reason can you score that three-pointer was because this lucky charm was around?" Zhang Yu Han smiled.


    Li Qin Yao suddenly thought of the time when Han Yue Xiu tried to teach her the game and she had failed miserably. It was only when Zhang Yu Han was around that she was able to shoot the ball into the hoop.


    As the realization hit her, Li Qin Yao was suddenly amazed. Then, doesn''t that mean that Zhang Yu Han was really her lucky charm?


    Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "If that was true, then, I am a very lucky person to meet you."


    The family stayed around together to wait for the new year. Due to Zhang Jing''s age, he went to bed earlier and left the others for the countdown.


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the TV screen and saw that they have started the countdown. He glanced at the person in his embrace and chuckled upon finding her sleeping soundly.


    His sister started to count along with the TV presenter and soon, a loud boom was heard outside. There was a loud cheer coming from the television and Zhang Yu Han heard his phone in his pocket started to vibrate. He had no doubt that his phone was now flooded with New Year''s wishes.


    Zhang Yu Han turned again when Li Qin Yao stirred in her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and blinked as she watched him.


    It took Li Qin Yao a few seconds to adjust and figure out what was going on. She smiled at him and touched his cheek. "Zhang Yu Han, Happy New Year."


    A chuckle escaped him. He was planning to say those words first, but she had beat him to it. Seeing that she was in a half-asleep state, Zhang Yu Han leaned to kiss her lips and turned to speak against her ear. "Happy New Year."

 Chapter 341 - Wheres My Red Packet?

    Li Qin Yao browsed through her phone the next morning and saw tons of messages and e-mails pouring in.


    Last night, after she had wished Zhang Yu Han with New Year''s wishes, her eyelid grew heavy again and she started to fall asleep in his arms. She did not even know when did she had walked upstairs into the room and changed into her pajama¡­


    She could only guess that Zhang Yu Han had carried her upstairs and helped her, but she was too tired to notice anything. Recently, Li Qin Yao began to notice that she would have long, deep sleep due to her pregnancy. If anyone did not wake her up, she can sleep for hours even when her surrounding was not as quiet.


    Li Qin Yao called her mother and the two of them chatted briefly before her mother told her that a few of their neighbors are coming to visit. She then gave a call to her grandparents in Capital City and the call did not last for too long.


    Once she was done with her phone calls, Li Qin Yao go through the messages and replied to her friends and business partners. Her hand stopped at Han Yue Xiu''s name. She decided to compose a short message and waited for a while.


    It hasn''t been a minute when her phone started to ring. A smile curled on her lips when she saw that it was Han Yue Xiu. Li Qin Yao slid her finger on the screen and put the phone a distance away to avoid an incoming loud voice.


    Just as Li Qin Yao had thought, as the phone call was connected, Li Qin Yao could hear Han Yue Xiu''s loud, excited scream, followed by some incoherent words.


    It was only when the loud voice was reduced that Li Qin Yao brought the phone to her ear. "Alright. Stop shouting. Han Yue Xiu, Happy New Year."


    Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath to calm down. "Yao Yao, Happy New Year. Oh my god, Yao Yao! You''re pregnant! And you''re already in the fourth month before you decided to tell me? Am I still your best friend?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she continued to listen to Han Yue Xiu''s complaints. "Alright. Don''t be mad. My husband and I decided to wait until we passed the first trimester before we start to tell anyone this news."


    "Have you check whether it''s a boy or a girl?"


    "It''s too early to see that," Li Qin Yao said. "The last time I went for a scan, the baby was in the size of a lime."


    "Ah?" Han Yue Xiu stared at the mandarine orange on the table as she began to wonder how was it possible for the baby to be a smaller size than the orange. Suddenly, Han Yue Xiu''s found that her mind was not working properly. "Then, have your stomach started showing? Yao Yao! Send me pictures!"


    The two friends chatted for a while until Han Yue Xiu announced that she will be coming to Y City next week.


    "Yue Xiu, now that I''m pregnant, you''re going to come and see me? Should I be touched?"


    Han Yue Xiu chuckled. "You know that I have an apartment in Y City. Since the house has been empty for a while, I was thinking of renting it out. A few days ago, someone called and said that they wanted to look around. Since I will be visiting, Yao Yao, let''s hang out together, alright?"


    After her phone call with Han Yue Xiu ended, Zhang Yu Han walked into the room and smiled upon seeing that his wife was awake.


    "Did you have a nice sleep?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He glanced at the phone in her hand and asked, "Did you call mom?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Mom said she was going out with a few of her friends after lunch. It seemed that she was having fun without me around."


    Initially, Li Qin Yao was worried that her mother would be alone without her celebrating New Year by her side. However, during her phone call earlier, Li Qin Yao could hear her mother''s best friend, Auntie Ning''s voice, and the lively atmosphere in the background. It was as if her mother was having a sleepover with a few of her friends.


    Zhang Yu Han went over to her side and placed his hands on both sides of her waist. This was her first time celebrating New Year with him and his family and Zhang Yu Han was worried that she would be sad.


    Li Qin Yao saw the look on his face and knew what he was worried about. She had the thought to give his forehead a flick but found that she was too short to reach his height.


    "I''m fine," Li Qin Yao said. "I''m just worried that my mom would be alone without me around, but it looked like she was doing great."


    Li Qin Yao always knew that her mother was a strong woman.


    Li Qin Yao linked her arms around his shoulder and tiptoed to kiss his jaw. Then, she looked at him with a coquettish look and asked, "Hubby, where''s my red packet?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. Then, he took out a red packet magically and handed it to his wife. "For you."


    Li Qin Yao stared at the red packet in disbelief. She was merely teasing him and he had pulled out the red packet from thin air¡­


    "For me?" Li Qin Yao pointed her finger to her nose. Seeing her husband nodded, Li Qin Yao reached for the red packet and peeked inside. Her eyes widened upon noticing Zhang Yu Han''s generosity. She stood on tiptoe again and gave him a peck on the lips. "Thank you, hubby."


    How can a peck be enough?


    Zhang Yu Han pulled her closer to him and kissed her again. He only released her when he found that she was having difficulties breathing. His lips curled into a smile and he rubbed his thumb on her reddened lips.


    Li Qin Yao quickly regained her thoughts and looked at him. "What are we doing today?"


    Zhang Yu Han helped to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear. "Earlier, Wei Jun Hao called to tell that he was going to come and visit."


    It was then that Li Qin Yao recalled her last conversation with Wei Jun Hao. He had told her that he come over to Zhang''s residence in New Year. Then, he will try to challenge Zhang Yu Han in a basketball match.

 Chapter 342 - His Intention was Too Obvious!

    Wei Jun Hao showed up later in the evening. He walked into the house, with a mix of anxiety and happiness in his face. Wei Jun Hao greeted the elders and spoke some auspicious words before he glanced at Zhang Yu Ying with a smile.


    Because Wei Jun Hao has been friends with Zhang Yu Han for a long time, the elders were familiar with him and therefore they were able to converse well.


    It was then that Li Qin Yao noticed that Wei Jun Hao had brought some gifts for the elders. Looking at the bags, she could tell that they were mostly health supplement products.


    Li Qin Yao was speechless. Wei Jun Hao''s attitude at this time was as if he was coming to meet his future in-laws.


    Although this was not wrong, can he tone down his action a little bit? His intention was too obvious!


    Li Qin Yao glanced at Zhang Yu Han and wondered if he knew Wei Jun Hao''s intentions for coming over.


    Her gaze then shifted to Zhang Yu Ying who has been hiding behind her for a while.


    Previously, Zhang Yu Ying would always stick closely to Wei Jun Hao, but at this time, she was keeping her distance. Her face flustered slightly and Li Qin Yao found that her expression at this moment was rather cute.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was worried about her sister-in-law.


    Li Qin Yao had heard of Wei Jun Hao''s reputation as a lawyer and knew that he can be shrewd. Zhang Yu Ying was a carefree girl and a little bit silly sometimes. Will the two be alright if they got together?


    As Wei Jun Hao continued to chat with Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan, Zhang Yu Ying then pulled her aside and whispered, "Sister-in-law, what if Wei Jun Hao lost the match against my brother?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at the girl and smiled. "So you want him to win?"


    Zhang Yu Ying lowered her gaze and her cheek turned red a little bit. "Sister-in-law, don''t talk nonsense."


    After a while, both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan left the room to let the young continue their conversation.


    Zhang Yu Han spent his time chatting with his friend and at this time, Wei Jun Hao suddenly proposed to have a match with Zhang Yu Han.


    Hearing his invitation, Zhang Yu Han raised a brow and stared at his friend suspiciously. "Why do you suddenly ask me to play?"


    The smile on Wei Jun Hao''s face froze, but he quickly recovered. "What''s wrong with me asking you to play for a few rounds? Is there any problem?"


    "Of course there is." The corned of Zhang Yu Han''s lips moved into a sneer. "Wei Jun Hao, you would often complain whenever I ask you to gather everyone around to play a few rounds. Since you have suddenly asked me to play¡­ I was wondering if you are up to something."


    Wei Jun Hao coughed. "You''re thinking too much."


    "What is it?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Did your aunt invited a girl to her place and forced you to go to another blind date? Is that the reason why you''re here? To escape?"


    Zhang Yu Ying scoffed as she heard her brother mentioning a girl waiting for Wei Jun Hao at his aunt''s place. She turned her head away and spoke, "I hope my brother will beat him later."


    Li Qin Yao who stood beside her sister-in-law could only look at her speechlessly.


    In the end, did she want Wei Jun Hao to win or not?


    Wei Jun Hao held back the curse on the tip of his tongue as he glanced at Zhang Yu Ying. Seeing the annoyed look on her face, Wei Jun Hao had the urge to beat his friend. Previously, he had been a good wingman to Zhang Yu Han when he was still wooing his wife. Now that he got rid of his single status, he dared to push him off the cliff.


    Suddenly, Wei Jun Hao was worried about what would happen if Zhang Yu Ying changed her mind. "Stop talking about those blind dates. Do you want to play or not?"


    Zhang Yu Han shrugged. He stood up and spoke, "Alright, since I am in a good mood, I will entertain you. Come over to the backyard."


    Soon, the four of them gathered in the backyard.


    While Zhang Yu Ying helped to find the ball in the garden shed, Wei Jun Hao walked over to Li Qin Yao with an expression full of expectation.


    "Sister-in-law," Wei Jun Hao called shamelessly.


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch. "Addressing me as your sister-in-law when the game hasn''t started yet. Wei Jun Hao, are you that confident that you''re going to win?"


    The smile on his face widened. "With your help, of course, I''m going to win."


    "How are you sure that I am going to help you?" Li Qin Yao raised her brow provokingly. "Perhaps I changed my mind? I am Zhang Yu Han''s wife. I should be on his side."


    "Sister-in-law, don''t be like this. Look at me. I have been chasing after Yu Ying for years and this was the only time that she agreed to date me. Don''t you pity me? I am already at this age and I still haven''t got a girlfriend."


    "I heard that your aunt frequently introduced you to a girl."


    "Right," Wei Jun Hao smiled happily. "Isn''t it because of me that you met your husband? Do you see it? I did help you and Yu Han to be together. Sister-in-law, please. Help me."


    "What are you two whispering about?" At this time, Zhang Yu Han came out of the house and headed over to both of them.


    Wei Jun Hao was startled upon his sudden appearance and there was slight guilt on his expression. "We were just chatting casually." He let out a cough. "I was asking if your wife is interested to join and play basketball."


    Zhang Yu Han''s gaze turned cold as he looked at his friend. "Don''t be ridiculous. My wife is pregnant. She cannot run around the court."


    Hearing his words, Wei Jun Hao looked at the couple back and forth with his mouth forming into a big ''O''.


    A curse escaped his lips. His friend was about to be upgraded to a father?


    It was then that Wei Jun Hao recalled that Li Qin Yao had warned him that Zhang Yu Han will kill him if he asked her to play basketball.


    His expression changed again when he realized that Li Qin Yao could not help in this match.


    "Well, since I have previously agreed to lend a hand, I will do something to help you," Li Qin Yao whispered as Zhang Yu Han walked over to the center of the court.


    Wei Jun Hao looked at her with his eyes wide. "How are you going to help me?"


    A mischievous smile curled on her lips. "You say... I only need to distract him, right?" She watched him nodded and continued. "Don''t worry. I have my way."

 Chapter 343 - The Most Intense One-on-One Match

    The two men stood at the center of the court with the ball in Zhang Yu Han''s hand. He bounced the ball a few times on the floor and passed it to Wei Jun Hao. "Alright, what are the rules?"


    Wei Jun Hao raised a brow at his question. "What rules?"


    "You come here and suddenly asked me for a match¡­ don''t tell me that you did not have any other intention," Zhang Yu Han said. "Come on. What do you want?"


    Wei Jun Hao hesitated as he heard his friend''s words. After a while, he then spoke, "I''ll tell you if I win."


    "What are you being so secretive about?" Zhang Yu Han scoffed. "Alright, then, if I win, Wei Jun Hao, you will go to L City in my stead and handle the agreement with MH."


    Wei Jun Hao threw the ball with force to Zhang Yu Han, but he caught it with perfection. "You know that I cannot defeat you in basketball and you still make this kind of request."


    Zhang Yu Han shrugged as he bounced the ball a few times. "It wouldn''t be fair if you''re the only one who can make a request. So? Are we playing or not?"


    Wei Jun Hao glanced at both Zhang Yu Ying who stood at the side to watch and clenched his fist. "Of course we are. Come on."


    A smile curved on his lips and Zhang Yu Han bounced the ball as he ran around the court, while Wei Jun Hao ran was in his defensive position.


    Wei Jun Hao was determined not to let Zhang Yu Han score the first point!


    The first thing he needed to do if he wanted to win was to grab the ball from Zhang Yu Han.


    After playing basketball with him for years, Wei Jun Hao understood Zhang Yu Han well and knew that he will run around the court to tire him out before he shot the ball.


    "The first person who scored fifteen points will win this match, alright?" Zhang Yu Han said.


    Wei Jun Hao had the urge to cry. He knew that Zhang Yu Han will be able to score those points in a short time. However, if he scored first, it will be easier for him to win. Anyway, if he had to compete with this former captain for a long duration, Wei Jun Hao knew for sure that he will not be able to catch up.


    "Alright," Wei Jun Hao hissed through his teeth.


    Just as he finished the word, Zhang Yu Han jumped up and shot the ball into the hoop. As the ball entered the hoop, Wei Jun Hao felt a stab of pain in his heart.


    It was a three-pointer shot! Can he not be so ruthless right from the start?


    At the side, both Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Ying stood to watch the match anxiously. A gasp escaped their mouth as Zhang Yu Han scored. Li Qin Yao turned to her sister-in-law and tugged at her sleeve. "Yu Ying. What''s the score?"


    "It was a three-pointer!" Zhang Yu Ying said with disbelief. "Sister-in-law, will Brother Jun Hao lose this match like this? How can my brother be so heartless to score a three-pointer one minute into the game?"


    Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Yu Ying and the corner of her lips tilted up.


    In the end, this girl was hoping for Wei Jun Hao to win?


    However, when she turned her attention back to the court, Li Qin Yao stared at her husband in disbelief. Although she could not help but think of how handsome he looked as he jumped and shot the ball into the hoop, she too found that it was too much for him to bully Wei Jun Hao right from the start.


    Li Qin Yao watched the match again. Her eyes were glued to her husband who was now in a defensive position.


    This time, Wei Jun Hao was dribbling the ball left and right as he searched for an opportunity to break into Zhang Yu Han''s defense and shoot the ball. He needed to shoot the ball before he lost the chance to date the woman he had been trying to pursue for years.


    Zhang Yu Han saw the expression on his friend''s face and thought that it was a bit strange. He had been playing with and against Wei Jun Hao for years and this was the first time that he had seen such determination in his eyes.


    Zhang Yu Han thought about the request that Wei Jun Hao was going to make and wondered what will it be.


    Seeing the slight distraction in Zhang Yu Han''s part, Wei Jun Hao finally found his opportunity. He ran with the ball and jumped. This time, Wei Jun Hao made a slam dunk!


    The two girls on the side gasped again. Zhang Yu Ying thought that the slam dunk was beautiful. She subconsciously shook Li Qin Yao''s arms and spoke with a wavering voice. "S-sister-in-law. He scored!"


    Li Qin Yao watched the excitement in Zhang Yu Ying''s expression and patted at her hand, trying to ease her emotion.


    "Yu Ying!"


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice could be heard.


    Li Qin Yao turned to her husband and saw his disapproving frown.


    "Be careful." Zhang Yu Han pointed towards his wife and the girls immediately knew that he saw the way Zhang Yu Ying shook his wife''s arms frantically and was worried.


    Zhang Yu Ying quickly composed herself and apologized.


    After ten minutes, both men were panting to catch their breath. Of course, Zhang Yu Han was in a better condition than Wei Jun Hao.


    Wei Jun Hao stared at the ball in Zhang Yu Han''s hand and gritted his teeth. Zhang Yu Han needed one more two-point shot to win the game, while Wei Jun Hao needed six points to win.


    It was unfair.


    Although Li Qin Yao had tried to distract her husband a few times, it has only worked twice. It seemed that Zhang Yu Han''s concentration was just too good.


    Or perhaps, she did not try enough?


    As Li Qin Yao was deep in her thought, Wei Jun Hao had tricked Zhang Yu Han and jumped to shot a three-pointer.


    Wei Jun Hao exhaled loudly as he watched the ball entered the hoop.


    Now, he needed to score three more points and he can start dating the person he liked for years!


    Even if he was not as good as Zhang Yu Han at scoring a three-pointer, Wei Jun Hao was determined to make this one shot and end the game between them.

 Chapter 344 - You Cannot Change Your Mind

    The men looked at each other and tensed.


    Zhang Yu Han did not know why Wei Jun Hao was too determined to win the game. Although a part of him wanted to let him win for once, Zhang Yu Han had a feeling that he should not be lenient to him.


    He couldn''t let Wei Jun Hao win easily!


    "Sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying called. "What do you think? Will Brother Jun Hao win?"


    If her brother won, then will Wei Jun Hao returned to his aunt''s place and meet up with the girl that his aunt had wanted to introduce him to?


    At this time, Zhang Yu Ying was silently regretting that she had made this condition.


    Sensing Zhang Yu Ying''s worry, Li Qin Yao patted at her hand softly. "Alright. Don''t stress. The game hasn''t ended yet. We did not know who will win for sure. At this time, there are so many things that can happen."


    Zhang Yu Ying took a deep breath and felt more at ease upon hearing her words. She turned to look at Wei Jun Hao who was trying to break through her brother''s defense and frowned.


    Suddenly, Zhang Yu Ying made her decision that even if Wei Jun Hao lost this match to her brother, she was not going to be disappointed. If he lost this time, she can always come to him and ask him to date her instead, right?


    Li Qin Yao clenched her hand into a fist as she felt the tension of the match.


    Looking at Wei Jun Hao''s determination and Zhang Yu Ying''s anxiety, Li Qin Yao did not want to disappoint those two.


    A frown appeared on her face as she tried to think of something to distract Zhang Yu Han any further. Previously, she had used the excuse that their child was kicking and learned that it was not a wise move. The worried expression on Zhang Yu Han''s face was just too much.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao began to pray for a miracle.


    Suddenly, at the distance away, Li Qin Yao saw a greyish kitten strolling around the garden and her face brightened up.


    Zhang Yu Han was trying to break through Wei Jun Hao''s defense when he suddenly heard his wife''s soft voice, meowing as if calling a cat . Suddenly, the ball in his hand slipped. Zhang Yu Han turned to look at his wife and saw that she was petting a kitten that came from nowhere.


    Wei Jun Hao took his chance to grab the ball and shot the ball from his position. It was a three-pointer shot and it had entered the hoop!


    It was Zhang Yu Ying''s hand-clapping that brought everyone back to the game and they realized that Wei Jun Hao had won.


    Sensing a gaze on her, Li Qin Yao turned around and saw that Zhang Yu Han was staring at her."Hubby! There''s a kitten. Isn''t he cute?" Li Qin Yao rubbed her hands on the kitten''s head and the small thing meowed cutely.


    "Don''t touch the cat. It''s dirty." Zhang Yu Han said. "Remember that you are a pregnant woman."


    "Oh." Li Qin Yao stood up quickly. She looked at the kitten with a pout and waved her hand. "Kitty, bye-bye. My hubby does not let me touch you."


    The gray cat replied to her with a meow before he rubbed his head on Li Qin Yao''s legs. Looking at the kitten''s adorable appearance, Li Qin Yao turned to look at her husband again.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. "If you want to play with the kitten, he will need to take a bath first."


    Meanwhile, Wei Jun Hao, who had tasted his first victory against Zhang Yu Han was staring at the hoop with disbelief. He had won a one-on-one match against Zhang Yu Han and it felt surreal.


    A realization came to his mind and Wei Jun Hao turned around to look for Zhang Yu Ying. Their gaze met and they both stared at each other for a long time.


    Zhang Yu Ying was the first one who looked away. Facing Wei Jun Hao''s intense gaze, she was suddenly shy.


    "Zhang Yu Ying, you cannot change your mind," Wei Jun Hao spoke as he walked over to her side and smiled. "You promised. So, you cannot change your mind."


    "I-I." Suddenly, Zhang Yu Ying stuttered. Taking a deep breath to calm down, Zhang Yu Ying then stood up straight. "Who said anything about changing my mind? I''m a person of my words."


    His smile widened upon hearing her words. Just as he was about to pull her into his embrace and celebrate, Zhang Yu Han had appeared by their side with a slight frown on his face.


    "What are you talking about?" Zhang Yu Han looked at the two of them back and forth. In the end, his gaze stopped at his sister. "What promise?"


    Wei Jun Hao turned to Zhang Yu Han and frowned when he saw a gray kitten nestled in his arms. "Since I have won this match, your sister had promised to date me."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his sister and suddenly understood why the three of them had been acting strangely from the very beginning¡ªWei Jun Hao''s determination to win this match, his sister anxiety every time he scored and his wife attempts to distract him in the game.


    "If my sister had agreed to date you, then, I won''t say anything about it," Zhang Yu Han said. "This is the matter between the two of you. But of course, if I ever found out that you were bullying my sister, Wei Jun Hao, you''re dead."


    Wei Jun Hao began to shiver at his friend''s threat. He knew that Zhang Yu Han was a part of Qi''s family and had learned a thing or two from his Granduncle. He did not want to die under Zhang Yu Han or the Qi family''s hand.


    "Of course not," Wei Jun Hao said. "I have waited for this moment for years. Why would I bully your sister?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked at the two of them back and forth before he pulled his wife back to the house with the gray kitten in his arms.


    As soon as the two disappeared into the house, Wei Jun Hao held Zhang Yu Ying''s hand and spoke, "Yu Ying, come with me and meet with my aunt."


    "Why do I have to come with you and meet your aunt?" She tried to wriggle her hand away from his and failed.


    "Of course it''s to announce to my aunt that I now have a girlfriend," Wei Jun Hao said. "Yu Ying, don''t tell me that you want to see your boyfriend forced to attend some blind dates?"


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han crossed his hand across his ?h?st as he stared at his wife. He had handed the kitten to Auntie Wu and asked her to find someone to help bath the kitten. Then, he took his wife to wash her hand and change their clothes.


    "Why do I feel like you have been helping Wei Jun Hao today?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    Li Qin Yao tugged at the front of his shirt and told him how Wei Jun Hao had come over to meet her.


    "I was reminded of how you had to search for me for ten years and thought of how we have wasted ten years," Li Qin Yao said. "When I heard that Wei Jun Hao had been pursuing Yu Ying for years, I wanted to help him. Anyway, it seemed that Yu Ying liked him too."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "How do you know?"


    "It was Yu Ying who told me this. But you don''t say a word to anyone about this or else, your sister will be embarrassed." Li Qin Yao smiled. "Zhang Yu Han, are you against their relationship?"


    "Of course not." Zhang Yu Han finally eased up and stretched his hands to pinch at both of her cheeks. "Didn''t I tell you previously? I won''t meddle in their relationship unless it was necessary."

 Chapter 345 - Why are You Two Together?

    Once the festivity ended and Li Qin Yao had returned to her office, she immediately gathered her staff around to announced her pregnancy news. The moment Liang Sheng heard the news, he immediately understood why his boss has ?ssigned him and Xiao Lian Yi to attend any social event in her stead.


    The meeting ended and Liang Sheng followed Li Qin Yao into her office.


    "Congratulation," Liang Sheng wished and smiled. "I ?ssume this must be the reason why Chairman Li and his wife were over the moon when I came and visited them during the festivity season. I heard that your cousin, Director Li Ming Han, and his wife were also expecting. It turns out that there was happy news in the family."


    Li Qin Yao smiled upon hearing his words. Among the cousin, Li Qin Yao and Li Ming Han were the only two who were married. Of course, Li Qin Yao had heard the news that her cousin and his wife were expecting from her grandmother during their last conversation.


    "You went over to Li''s residence?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    There was a slight change in Liang Sheng''s expression before he nodded. "Yes."


    "How were my grandparents?"


    "Both the Chairman and his wife are very well," Liang Sheng answered. The uneasy expression on his face disappeared and the professional smile on his face returned.


    The phone on the table rang as Li Qin Yao was browsing through a few documents. A smile curled on her lips upon seeing the caller ID. Li Qin Yao slid her finger on the screen and quickly pressed it to her ear.


    "Qin Yao, are you busy?" Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice can be heard on the other side of the phone.


    "Not really," Li Qin Yao leaned back on her chair. "I have delegated most of the things to both Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi. Other than looking at the documents and reports, I don''t have many things to do."


    Unless if there was something major going on at the site, Li Qin Yao expected that her task would be much easier. Other than supervising the progress once in a while, there were not many things for her to do. Anyway, her grandfather had sent Liang Sheng, a very capable ?ssistant to her side. After working alongside each other for a few months, the two of them were able to work together better.


    "Why did you call?" Li Qin Yao asked. She glanced at the door and was relieved to see that it was shut. "Did you miss me?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her coquettish voice. "Of course I miss you." He heard her giggle on the line and his smile widened. The smile disappeared as he remembered the reason he called. "Qin Yao, I might be home late today. Granduncle Qi called me and I need to head over the residence soon."


    "Something happened?" Li Qin Yao frowned.


    On the second day of New Year, as according to their family tradition, Zhang Jing had dragged everyone to Qi''s residence. The Qi family was his late wife''s family and Zhang Jing was close to his brother-in-law. As the head of the Qi''s, Qi Xi Feng would often look after the Zhang and had asked his successor, Qi Ming Wei, to do the same.


    Previously during their visit, Li Qin Yao happened to overheard that Qi Ming Wei had run into some trouble and she was worried that something might happen to him.


    "I''m not sure," Zhang Yu Han said. "But it shouldn''t be anything serious. Don''t worry about it. Qin Yao, should I ask Yu Ying to accompany you at home tonight?" He quickly changed the topic to avoid her worry.


    "Yu Ying had just started dating. I ?ssume that she will have plans. Don''t disturb her. I will be fine," Li Qin Yao ?ssured him. "Auntie Su will be around to prepare dinner. She can accompany me for a while. Besides, Nian Ting will be at my side as well."


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face eased upon recalling that his wife will be accompanied by her guard until he came home. "Alright. Don''t overwork yourself. Remember to come home early. You still have your check-up tomorrow."


    At the mention of her check-up, Li Qin Yao was excited. This time, Doctor Qiao will give her another scan and she could not wait to see the development of her baby in the stomach.


    "Un. I know," Li Qin Yao answered. "Han Yue Xiu will be coming to see me later. I will head home after having a meal with her."


    The couple chatted briefly and hung up as Zhang Yu Han still need to drive over to the Qi''s residence.


    A frown appeared on her face and Li Qin Yao could not help but worry. Qi Ming Wei had helped her previously and Granduncle Qi had treated her well. Li Qin Yao could only hope that everything would be fine.


    As Li Qin Yao was deep in her thought, a knock came to her door and staff announced that someone had come over to see her. Li Qin Yao walked out of her office and her early thought dispersed and a wide smile appeared on her face upon seeing Han Yue Xiu waiting for her.


    "Yao Yao!" Han Yue Xiu''s mouth gaped open upon seeing the slight bulge on her friend''s stomach. "You are really pregnant?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed upon seeing her reaction. "What? You think I lied?" Her gaze shifted and Li Qin Yao soon noticed that Song Yi was standing not far away from them. She turned to him and smiled. "Mr. Song. I still haven''t got the chance to thank you properly the last time."


    Song Yi stared at her and nodded. "There''s no need to thank me. I just did what anyone in my situation would do."


    "Yao Yao, what happened? Why did you suddenly thank him?" Han Yue Xiu looked at the two people back and forth.


    Li Qin Yao saw the flinch in Song Yi''s expression and knew that he did not want the contents of their discussion to be known to Han Yue Xiu. "I ran into Mr. Song the other day and he saved me from being hit by a car."


    "Ah?" Han Yue Xiu stared at Li Qin Yao with surprise. "Such serious thing happened to you before and you didn''t tell me?"


    "Isn''t it because I did not want you to worry?"


    Song Yi watched the two friends exchange and was suddenly jealous of how well Han Yue Xiu was treating her friend. Why was it that she was never that gentle when she talked to him?


    However, even if he was jealous, there was nothing he can do. He had promised himself to change and no longer force Han Yue Xiu. Moreover, Li Qin Yao was also his benefactor. Previously, he had listened to her words and found that Han Yue Xiu''s attitude towards him had slowly changed.


    The girls halted their conversation when they heard Song Yi cleared his throat.


    "Han Yue Xiu, I will go now and come and pick you up later in the evening," Song Yi said. He nodded to Li Qin Yao and turned around to leave.


    Once Song Yi had left the place, Li Qin Yao raised her brow to look at Han Yue Xiu. "Why are you two together?"


    "He heard that I am coming to Y City to look after my apartment and told me that he too was heading here to meet a friend," Han Yue Xiu shrugged. "Anyway, someone from his family picked him up at the airport and he gave me a ride here."


    Li Qin Yao quickly guessed that it was Song Yi''s way of trying to get closer to her friend and therefore decided not to comment on it much.


    "Right, Yao Yao," Han Yue Xiu raised the paper bags in her hand. "These are from my mom. She said to send some to your mother later."

 Chapter 346 - Difficult to Fall Asleep

    Li Qin Yao clocked out early after she had finished working on the important documents. Then, she took Han Yue Xiu to drive around to the site and showed her the progress before the two girls stopped by a restaurant to eat.


    The two of them spent their time catching up and eating until Song Yi gave Han Yue Xiu a call to pick her up as they needed to catch up on their flight.


    Han Yue Xiu could not stay away from Capital City for too long as she was worried about her parents and Li Qin Yao suspected that Song Yi only came over to follow Han Yue Xiu. Or else, why would he stay by Han Yue Xiu''s side when she went to see the agent who was interested in her house?


    Though she did not like Song Yi with how he had treated her friend at the beginning, Li Qin Yao could see that Song Yi had changed. Perhaps, he liked Han Yue Xiu but did not know how he should treat her, and thus, their relationship went from bad to worse.


    Once the two went on their way, Li Qin Yao returned to the apartment with Nian Ting following her. As she entered the house, Li Qin Yao could smell something delicious coming from the kitchen and soon, Auntie Su came out.


    "Mrs. Zhang, you have returned," Auntie Su greeted. "Are you hungry? The food will be ready soon."


    "No need to rush. I will go and change first," Li Qin Yao glanced at Nian Ting who stood right silently behind her and continued, "Auntie Su, Nian Ting will be staying here to accompany me until my husband return. Just cook a little bit more."


    Auntie Su nodded before she went back into the kitchen to cook.


    When Li Qin Yao done washing up, Auntie Su had finished cooking and the food was served on the table.


    Feeling her stomach started to grumble, Li Qin Yao patted at her stomach lightly and wonder why does the child in her belly like eating so much. These past few days, Li Qin Yao had noticed her increase in appetite and was worried that her weight would increase tremendously.


    "Mrs. Zhang, I have boiled some soup for you," Auntie Su called out. "Come. Drink before the soup gets cold."


    Li Qin Yao looked at the food on the table and turned to Nian Ting who was standing not too far from them.


    "Miss Nian, come over and eat. Auntie Su cooked a lot and I will not be able to finish everything." She saw Nian Ting''s hesitation and continued, "Anyway, my husband is not here and I don''t think that I will have much appetite if I have to eat alone." She then turned to Auntie Su and asked the elder lady to join her as well.


    Li Qin Yao had her dinner with Auntie Su and Nian Ting accompanying her. Although she had tried to make some conversation with Nian Ting, the girl would only gave her a short answer. In the end, Li Qin Yao can only chat with Auntie Su while she ate.


    Once she had finished her meal, Li Qin Yao watched the television for a while and decided that there was not anything interesting to watch. After saying a few words to Nian Ting, she then returned to her room.


    As she laid back on the bed, Li Qin Yao suddenly thought that the room was too quiet without her husband''s presence. She took her phone on the side table and texted him.


    Zhang Yu Han''s reply came back a few seconds later. He did not write long, only to inform her that he still has something going on and asked her to go to bed first.


    Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh as she placed her phone back on the table. She tried to close her eyes and find it difficult to fall asleep.


    After tossing and turning on the bed for almost half an hour, Li Qin Yao stood up and walked towards the wardrobe. She pulled out the shirt that he had worn previously and brought it closer to her nose.


    Once she found that his scent still lingered on the shirt, Li Qin Yao then took the shirt to bed and hugged it. After a few minutes, her eyelids turned heavy as the scent lulled her to sleep.


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han returned to the apartment shortly after midnight. Once he walked into the apartment, his gaze met with Nian Ting who sat silently in the corner of the room. His gaze paused at the shining item in Nian Ting''s hand.


    As he had just returned from the Qi''s residence and had a long discussion with the family members, Zhang Yu Han found that his sense was sharper on that night.


    Nian Ting recognized the person who entered the house, she immediately slid her weapon back into its hiding place. Then, she stood up straight and bowed. "Sir."


    "My wife?"


    "Mrs. Zhang went to bed two hours ago."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "You can leave now."


    Once the door shut behind him, Zhang Yu Han immediately eased up his body. He took out his jacket and hung it at its place. Then, he went into the bedroom and his eyes immediately adjusted at the darkness.


    Seeing the sleeping figure on the bed, his eyes gradually turned soft.


    He walked over to the bed and stared at her face. His gaze paused upon seeing his cloth in her clutch. Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh and bent down to kiss her hair. The person on the bed moved a little bit before she continued to sleep soundly.


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to the bathroom and took a quick shower. Once he had washed up, he slid over to the other side of the bed pulled the shirt in her embrace away. Then, he lifted her head and put it on his arms. His hand rested on her bulging stomach and his heart swelled with an indescribable joy when he noticed the slight growth.


    He lowered his gaze to his hand on her stomach and hoped that the child will make a slight move. Although Qi Zheng had mentioned that it was too early for him to feel the baby kicking, Zhang Yu Han was still impatient.


    Zhang Yu Han studied at his wife''s sleeping face for a while and kissed the corner of her lips. He pulled her body close to him and she moved to find a comfortable spot in his embrace.

 Chapter 347 - Behavioral Changes

    The moment Li Qin Yao opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was her husband''s sleeping face. She rubbed at her eyes a few times and blinked as if in disbelief upon seeing his face.


    Last night, her husband had returned late after he went over to Qi''s residence to discuss something. She had fallen asleep and had not realized when did he came back.


    Her hand reached out to touch his face and after a while, Li Qin Yao leaned in to kiss his face. Just as she was about to retreat, Li Qin Yao felt his hand pulling her closer to him, stopping her from retreating. Then, his kisses rained on her face.


    Li Qin Yao giggled as she felt his breath tickled her skin. "When did you come back?"


    "Just after midnight," Zhang Yu Han said. Because he had just woken up, his deep voice sounded a bit hoarse, adding a little bit of s?xiness to it. He hugged her tightly and buried his face on the crook of her neck. "I found you hugging on my cloth last night." A smile curved on his lips. "Qin Yao, did you miss me?"


    "Un. I cannot fall asleep without you." Li Qin Yao bit her lips. "Then I remember you did something like this the night before our wedding."


    A chuckle escaped him. Zhang Yu Han then planted a few kisses on her neck and shoulder.


    Li Qin Yao put a hand on his ?h?st to pull him away. When Zhang Yu Han lifted his head to look at her face, he could see the slight worry of her expression.


    "What happened last night? Why did you suddenly have to go over Qi''s residence?" Li Qin Yao asked. "Is everything alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han smiled, trying to ease her worry. "It''s fine. Previously, Qi Ming Wei ran into some trouble and this time Granduncle gathered everyone around to ask our opinion regarding his matter. Don''t worry too much. Qi Ming Wei''s problem should be settled soon."


    "Are you hungry?" Zhang Yu Han shifted to get off the bed. "You go and wash up first. I''ll go and ask Auntie Su to prepare something for our breakfast. Later, I''ll accompany you for your check-up, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She closed her eyes as he kissed her on the eye and watched as he walked out of the room.


    A while later, Li Qin Yao walked out of the room and saw that her husband was waiting for her at the table. Looking at his handsome appearance, Li Qin Yao guessed that he had taken a shower in the guest''s bathroom.


    Auntie Su greeted her and Zhang Yu Han quickly pulled a chair for her. The couple had their breakfast together and Zhang Yu Han then drove his Cayenne to the hospital.


    This time, Qi Zheng did not wait for them at the entrance as usual, and instead, he had sent someone else to greet the couple at the entrance before they were led to Doctor Qiao''s office for their appointment.


    Seeing that Qi Zheng was absent and Zhang Yu Han did not inquire about him, Li Qin Yao guessed that perhaps his absence was related to the gathering that Zhang Yu Han had attended last night.


    Li Qin Yao''s thought and worry soon dispersed as a nurse took her to do her check-up routine and took a few samples from her body. Once she was done, Li Qin Yao went over to Zhang Yu Han who was waiting for her outside.


    "How was it?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he took her hand in his.


    "We need to wait for the lab''s result," Li Qin Yao said. Then, her expression changed and there was a slight pout on her lips. "Hubby, I have gained some weight."


    At the thought that his wife was actually showing their child''s behavior, Zhang Yu Han was worried.


    "Isn''t it normal to gain some weight?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "I would worry if you start to lose weight instead. Qin Yao, you are too thin."


    Soon, Doctor Qiao came out of the room. She called Li Qin Yao over to the other side of the room and asked her to lay down on the bed. The gel was spread on her stomach and Doctor Qiao began to move the instrument back and forth as she explained the baby''s development to the couple.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the screen for a while and thought that the baby''s size had increased since the last time he saw it. At the thought that the child in his wife''s belly was changing every day, Zhang Yu Han could not stop but felt amazed.


    Doctor Qiao helped to wipe the gel off Li Qin Yao''s stomach and smiled. "In our appointment next month, we might be able to see the baby''s gender if we''re lucky."


    Hearing Doctor Qiao''s words, Li Qin Yao got a bit excited. These days, while shopping for some suitable clothes for her pregnancy, Li Qin Yao had spent most of her time looking at the baby''s section.


    After looking at the catalogs, Li Qin Yao found that there are some cute baby boy''s clothes as well and suddenly, she could not decide whether she wanted to play dress-up with her daughter or son.


    Although she wanted to shop for the baby''s clothes, Li Qin Yao decided to wait until they know about the child''s gender. Once she had learned of her baby''s gender, Li Qin Yao decided to go on a shopping spree and buy a few of those cute clothes!


    A nurse walked into the room and placed a report on Doctor Qiao''s table. The doctor studied the report for a while and frown slightly. Then, she looked at the couple and smiled.


    "According to the test, the pregnancy is going well," Doctor Qiao said. "Both the mother and child are healthy." She looked at the report again and circled something on the paper. Then, she glanced at the other file and made another circle. "However, I saw some increase in your glucose level and worry that you might develop diabetes."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife with worry. "Will this be dangerous?"


    "Hmm¡­ it might cause a few complications in the pregnancy if it was not controlled well," Doctor Qiao then explained a few things regarding this matter. "I suggest you control your sugar intake. Then, on your next visit, We will check on your sugar level again and monitor your condition. If there was nothing wrong with it, then, there will be nothing to worry about."

 Chapter 348 - Zhang Yu Han Can Be a Tyrant!

    Ever since Doctor Qiao mentioned that she might be diabetic if she did not look after her diet well, Li Qin Yao began to experience what Grandfather had experienced under his grandson¡ªa strict diet.


    Although she was getting used to eating bland food that Auntie Su would cook for her, Li Qin Yao found that it was hard to be apart from her favorite treats.


    Zhang Yu Han had consulted a dietitian and had planned a one-month meal plan for her to help control her sugar level.


    According to her husband, until she had checked her sugar level on the next appointment with Doctor Qiao, she was not allowed to eat her favorite cakes and chocolate. As someone with a sweet tooth, Li Qin Yao found that this was simply torturing her.


    These days, she was not even allowed to take a sip of her favorite bubble tea!


    Because of Zhang Yu Han''s close relationship with her staff at QL Group, everyone was determined to help him to keep their eyes on her. Moreover, Nian Ting, her bodyguard was always around. Whenever Li Qin Yao try to sneakily eat something sweet, the female bodyguard would suddenly appear out of nowhere and stared at her until she was consumed with guilt.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao began to understand why Grandfather would some times snuck out to eat his favorite dishes.


    Zhang Yu Han can be a tyrant!


    This time, no matter how much she tried to act coquettishly, Zhang Yu Han still will not let her eat those things.


    It was not as if she was not concerned about her health. However, whenever she glimpsed at those sweet treats, she could not stop thinking about it. Then, it was hard for her to concentrate on her job.


    Since she was not allowed to eat those sweet treats, Li Qin Yao has not visited her cafe as she was afraid that she was not able to fight the temptation. Even staying to look over those reports and accounts was torture. Just by smelling those sweet pastries and cakes baked in the oven would be hard for her.


    Upon looking at the menu on their hands, the three of them quickly looked at Zhang Yu Han with disbelief.


    In the end, Zhang Yu Ying heaved a sigh and accepted her fate to accompany the two people who needed to go on their diet and ordered something that her palate can accept. Anyway, she can always ask her boyfriend to send over some food to her later.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the picture of the chocolate cake for a few seconds and turned to look at her husband. Then, she tugged at his shirt until he turned to look at her.


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh. He inched closer and whispered, "Didn''t you already have a bar of chocolate this afternoon?"


    "How did you know?"


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Do you need to ask?"


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips as she recalled how she had bribed Liang Sheng to sneak a bar of chocolate for her, but after taking a bite, Nian Ting had caught her.


    Li Qin Yao sighed, ready to accept her fate. However, her gaze caught the sight of the chocolate cake again and she was craving for it. Knowing that she was unable to convince her husband, Li Qin Yao turned to Zhang Jing with pleading eyes, hoping that her adorable Grandfather would be able to help her convince her husband into letting her eat that chocolate cake, even if it was only one bite.


    "Qin Yao, don''t look at me like that. You know that I will not be able to persuade Yu Han regarding this matter," Zhang Jing said. "If I can persuade him to be lenient on my diet, I would have succeeded a long time. Anyway, you will need to go through this diet for one more week. Once your doctor said that your sugar level is good, then you don''t need to suffer like this anymore."


    Zhang Yu Ying paused upon meeting Li Qin Yao''s gaze. "Sister-in-law, sorry. I cannot help you. Among the three of us, I am at the bottom of the chain. My brother will not listen to me. Sister-in-law, you can do this!"


    Zhang Yu Han who was watching these exchanges did not know whether he wanted to laugh or cry. Although his resolute has started to crumble, Zhang Yu Han knew that he needed to be firm.


    His wife was pregnant and Doctor Qiao had mentioned that diabetic might cause complications that would be dangerous to both the mother and child. He did not want something bad to happen to both his wife and child and therefore, Zhang Yu Han can only take the role of the bad guy.


    "Alright. Stop looking at the menu," Zhang Yu Han said. "I will order something for you, alright?"


    Knowing that she had no chance to persuade her husband and the others were not able to help her, Li Qin Yao can only resign to her fate.


    Their food arrived at the table and the four of them ate their meal as usual.


    However, Zhang Yu Han could not help but notice his wife''s mood. Usually, she was someone who would chat nonstop, but Zhang Yu Han noticed that she was quiet that night.


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh, thinking that his wife was in a bad mood.


    Once the couple returned to the apartment, Zhang Yu Han noticed that his wife''s mood has not gotten better. She had not spoken to him ever since they left the restaurant and had gone over to the bathroom to wash up the moment they returned. It was as if she was trying to avoid him.


    Zhang Yu Han went over to his side and slid into bed. Then, he put his arms around her body and pulled her closer so that they were spooning each other. Since she has refused to face at him, Zhang Yu Han can only coax his wife and kissing her shoulder to comfort her.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao began to shift and turned to face him. She snuggled into his embrace and put her face on his ?h?st. Her arms wrapped over his waist to hug him tightly.


    Zhang Yu Han was able to tell that she has not fallen asleep. Seeing that she had faced him and returned to her favorite spot in his embrace, Zhang Yu Han let out a breath of relief, thinking that she had stopped being upset with him.

 Chapter 349 - Your Granddaughter-in-Law Ran Away

    Zhang Yu Han had thought that his wife had stopped being upset with him and therefore had forgotten the incident.


    It was not until he received a call from a certain someone that he learned that his wife had not forgotten the chocolate cake from last night.


    Zhang Yu Han was in Zhang Jing''s office, discussing something when his phone in the pocket vibrated. He took out his phone and was startled upon seeing the name on the caller ID.


    It was his mother-in-law!


    "Grandfather, excuse me. I have to take this call," Zhang Yu Han said. "It''s my mother-in-law."


    Zhang Yu Han turned around to the door after his grandfather had given him a nod to answer the phone call.


    His mother-in-law, Xu Yilan was not someone who would give him a call during office hours,s and naturally, he figured that there was something important for her to call him at a time like this.


    He slid his finger on the screen and quickly pressed the phone to his ear. "Hello, mom?"


    "Yu Han."


    "En. It''s me. What is it, mom?"


    "Mom had a question for you," Xu Yilan asked. "Did you and Yao Yao had a fight?"


    Xu Yilan''s question immediately turned Zhang Yu Han froze on the spot.


    "No mom. We''re fine," Zhang Yu Han answered. He was suddenly anxious as he had a foreboding. "What''s wrong? Why do you suddenly ask me this?"


    Xu Yilan hesitated for a while. "Well, Yao Yao came and stopped by my place for lunch and she said she was going to stay here for a few days. Mom tried to ask her what was wrong, but she did not want to say anything. Her expression does not seem right and mom can only guess that the two of you fought."


    Zhang Yu Han was momentarily speechless. His hand started to rub at the space between his brow.


    His wife ran back to her mother''s house?


    His thought went back to what happened last night and Zhang Yu Han did not know whether to laugh or cry.


    "The two of you are a married couple and was expecting a child," Xu Yilan said. "If there is any problem, you should sit down together and discuss things."


    "Mom, we did not fight," Zhang Yu Han said. He then tried to explain the situation to his mother-in-law. At the end of the conversation, Zhang Yu Han only asked his mother-in-law not to say anything to his wife and let her stayed the night at her place.


    Once Zhang Yu Han ended the call with Xu Yilan, he immediately made another phone call before he returned to his grandfather''s office.


    Zhang Jing saw the expression on his grandson''s face and guessed that it was related to his mother-in-law''s phone call. "What''s wrong? Why did your mother-in-law call?"


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and let out a long sigh. "Grandfather, your granddaughter-in-law ran away."


    ¡­


    The sky had turned dark and back at her mother''s place,


    Li Qin Yao spent her time with her mother to accompany her to watch some drama, but Li Qin Yao found that she was not able to focus. Her gaze would subconsciously turn to look at her phone and each time she glanced at the screen, Li Qin Yao would get more upset!


    Her husband had not given her a call or text to coax her. Various thoughts went through her mind all at once and it only made her more upset.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao was slowly regretting her decision to come over and stay with her mother. It seemed that her mind was not able to think straight as she was pregnant.


    However, running away without saying anything was not something that she would use to do. She was not that inconsiderate and unreasonable to get upset just because he would not allow her to eat sweet treats.


    However, after Zhang Yu Han had rejected her request to order those chocolate cake, Li Qin Yao was not able to suppress the sadness in her heart. It was a feeling that she could not control.


    It wasn''t as if she was going to eat the whole cake. She just wanted to take a bite¡­ but her husband was so strict and fierce.


    This unhappy feeling came to her and last night, while Zhang Yu Han was in the bathroom for a quick shower, she had shed a few tears thinking about the treats that she was not able to eat.


    Xu Yilan, who sat beside her daughter, was silently watching her daughter. Although she knew that her daughter was being silly and she could not wait to say a few words to straighten her up, Xu Yilan decided not to say anything.


    Anyway, she had promised her son-in-law that she was not going to scold her daughter and let the couple settle their matter on their own.


    Seeing that her daughter was not focusing on the show, Xu Yilan stood up from the sofa.


    "Mom, where are you going?"


    "I''m going to sleep," Xu Yilan said. She pointed to the clock and said. "It''s getting late and I still have to go to work tomorrow." She handed her daughter the remote control and continued, "You can stay here and watch TV. Just don''t stay up for too long. Remember that you are now pregnant and you should be getting enough sleep."


    "Un. I know," Li Qin Yao nodded. She watched as her mother went into the room and closed the door. Then, she took her phone and stared at the name on the screen for a long time.


    Seeing that her husband had not contacted her still, another wave of sadness came over. Li Qin Yao lowered her head and tears started to fall over. She wiped the tears with the back of her hand and stayed in the living room until she calmed down.


    She then turned off the television and turned to her room. Her gaze stopped at the big bunny plush that her husband had won for her at the Arcade Hoops months ago.


    Li Qin Yao walked over to the bunny and gave it a light punch. "Zhang Yu Han, you hateful man!"


    Soon, Li Qin Yao fell asleep with the plush bunny in her embrace.


    Half an hour after midnight, the door swung open and Zhang Yu Han stepped into the room. A helpless sigh escaped him as he watched his wife''s sleeping figure...

 Chapter 350 - A Token of My Apology

    Zhang Yu Han arrived at the door and paused before he turned to the side.


    A figure walked out from the dark and stopped once her figure came to light. Nian Ting nodded to Zhang Yu Han stood there silently, waiting for his order.


    "You can go back now," he spoke.


    Nian Ting nodded again before she disappeared into the shadow.


    Once the woman disappeared, Zhang Yu Han eased up his guard and paused at the door to take a deep breath. His hand moved to touch the bell but then he stopped himself. After weighing his options, Zhang Yu Han took out his phone and dialed a number.


    Xu Yilan was suddenly awake when her phone on the side chimed. She glanced at the screen with her eyes narrowed and answered the call. "You''re outside? Hold on. Mom will open the door for you."


    She then hung up the phone, tidied up herself, and wore a cardigan over her body before she walked towards the door. Seeing her tall son-in-law stood at the door, Xu Yilan smiled. "You''re here."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded his head. "Mom, sorry for the trouble."


    Xu Yilan moved aside to let him enter. Her gaze fell on the pastel pink box in his hand and a smile curved on her lips. "Is that for Yao Yao?" She watched him nodded and let out a helpless sigh. "You don''t have to spoil Yao Yao too much."


    Zhang Yu Han replied to her with a smile.


    "This time it was Yao Yao''s fault. Don''t blame her too much. Knowing Yao Yao, running away and sulking is not what she would do," she said and sigh. "Yao Yao is pregnant and at this time, her mood and emotion were not too good. Just be patient with her."


    "En. I know," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Mom, you should go back to bed. I will check on Qin Yao first."


    Xu Yilan hesitated as she recalled what she had gone through during her pregnancy with her daughter. Back then, she had lost her son and was in depression. Seeing the way her daughter acted, Xu Yilan was afraid that her daughter was going through something similar.


    However, the words she wanted to say did not leave her lips. Looking at Zhang Yu Han''s face, Xu Yilan had a feeling that he was going to figure out what to do.


    After a while, Xu Yilan nodded. "You go and look at her. Just talk to her nicely. I will go back to my room first."


    Zhang Yu Han watched as his mother-in-law entered her bedroom before he walked into his wife''s room. A helpless sigh escaped him as he watched his wife''s sleeping figure with a bunny plushy in her embrace. Zhang Yu Han put the pastel pink box on the table and walked over to her bed. He leaned forward and kissed her face. Then he combed her hair away from her face and froze.


    His finger touched the corner of her eyes and Zhang Yu Han was surprised upon finding that it was wet.


    He wondered if his wife really wanted to eat that chocolate cake that she started to cry. Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han was at loss at what he should do. Was he too strict with her?


    Zhang Yu Han wiped the corner of her eyes with his thumb and kissed her on both eyes.


    At first, he had wanted to wake her up to coax her. However, seeing her slow breathing, Zhang Yu Han found that he did not have the heart to disturb her.


    After a while, Zhang Yu Han took off his coat and slid into bed. He hugged her from behind, letting her head rest on his ?h?st. His hand moved to rest on her stomach and he began to ??r?ss it.


    He leaned over to peek at her bulging stomach and whispered, "Baby, please don''t make your mother upset and make things difficult for me, alright?"


    ¡­


    A thought crossed on her head and Li Qin Yao quickly turned around.


    "You''re awake?"


    Zhang Yu Han deep and slightly hoarse voice surrounded her.


    Li Qin Yao looked up and her gaze met with Zhang Yu Han. A look of surprise appeared on her face. She stared into his eyes and noticed that it was slightly reddened.


    Seeing his face, and hearing his voice, an indescribable joy surged through her.


    "Why are you crying?" Zhang Yu Han was surprised upon seeing the tears streaming down her face. He did not know what he should do. "Alright. It was my fault. I shouldn''t be too strict with you. Qin Yao, please don''t cry, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao did not reply to him. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face on his ?h?st.


    Hearing her snuffle, Zhang Yu Han then ??r?ssed her hair and back softly, coaxing her.


    When she was done venting her feelings, Li Qin Yao pulled away and saw how his shirt had turned wet from her tears and snots. Li Qin Yao bit her lips and stretched her arm to wipe at his shirt with her hand. But it does not look like the stain will go away. Instead, she began to notice that she had helped to spread the stains...


    "Just leave them," Zhang Yu Han grabbed at her hand to stop her. "We can wash them later, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head to meet his gaze again. "Sorry."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. "Alright. Stop crying." He wiped at her tears with his thumb. "Qin Yao, were you that upset that I did not let you eat that chocolate cake?"


    "Sorry," Li Qin Yao repeated again. "I know that I was being unreasonable right now. It''s not that I did not understand why I should cut off some sweets from my diet. But, I did not know why I am feeling this way. It was just a chocolate cake. Zhang Yu Han, do you think I am being an idiot?"


    "Of course not." He leaned to kiss her forehead. "It was probably just hormone."


    Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao buried her head on his ?h?st again. Because she knew that his shirt was wet with her tears and snots, Li Qin Yao only let the top of her head to touch his ?h?st.


    "I thought that you were not going to come and coax me." Her embrace tightened and her lips quivered. "I thought you were not going to care about me anymore."


    "You fool, how can I not care about you?" Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh before he rained her face with his kisses. "Qin Yao, I love you."


    "Un." She nodded. She stayed in his embrace for a long time and let him ??r?ssed her hair to coax her. "I know. I was being silly."


    Zhang Yu Han stood up suddenly and walked over to the table. Then, he walked over to her side and put the box on her hand.


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes were on the pastel pink box for a long time. She did not have to peek inside to know that there were Chef Qin''s handcrafted desserts. She could smell the sweet treats coming from the box.


    "A token of my apology." Zhang Yu Han touched his nose as he watched her expression. "I asked Xiao Ye to come and deliver this last night. That was why I was not able to come here earlier."


    Li Qin Yao pursed her lips and she continued to look at him for a long time, wondering if he was testing her.


    "I consulted the dietitian and she gave a green light. Then, I asked Chef Qin to reduce the sugar, so it won''t be as sweet," Zhang Yu Han explained. "You can have a bite at one each. Then, I will finish the rest for you, alright?"


    Her eyes glittered with joy upon hearing his words. Just before she could open the box and see what was inside, Zhang Yu Han had placed his hand upon hers, stopping her.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "But first, go and wash up."

 Chapter 351 - Damn Pregnancy Hormones!

    When both of them left the room, Xu Yilan was no longer in the house. She had left some breakfast on the table, and a note saying that she had gone to her office.


    As Li Qin Yao stared at the note, she was suddenly embarrassed.


    When she had come over to her mother''s place yesterday, she was too upset with her husband that her brain was not able to think straight. She knew that her pregnancy hormones were turning her silly and were embarrassed as she recalled telling her mother that her husband had bullied her. However, she did not tell her mother that she was upset that Zhang Yu Han did not allow her to eat some cake.


    "What are you thinking about?" Zhang Yu Han asked when he reappeared from the kitchen with a glass of milk. Because his shirt was wet with her tears and snot, Zhang Yu Han had changed his shirt. Fortunately, he had left a few shirts in her room previously.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband. "Did my mom call you?"


    With a bodyguard following her around, Li Qin Yao was sure that Zhang Yu Han will be able to find her through Nian Ting when he realized that she had not returned to their apartment. However, at this time, Li Qin Yao was sure that it was her mother who had called her husband.


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He pulled a chair and took a seat beside her. "Mom called and asked whether we fought." A smile curled on his lips when he saw her lowering her head. "I was scared that mom was going to scold me."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head to meet his gaze. "Hubby, I have wronged you."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle and pushed the glass of milk in front of her.


    Li Qin Yao took a sip from her drink and stared at her husband''s face. A frown appeared on her face upon noticing his reddened eyes and the black shades under his eyes. Her hand stretched to touch his face. "You did not sleep last night?"


    "I was waiting for you to wake up." He tilted his head sideways and continued. "What if my wife ran away somewhere again when I was not looking? I did not want you to be upset with me for too long."


    His answer made her heart consumed with guilt and she started to scold herself for her unreasonable behavior. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt a sting in her eyes and nose.


    Damn pregnancy hormones!


    Why does she always feel like crying these days?


    But at least it was not as laughable as the last time she had cried because she could not bend down to reach her feet to wear a sock. It was too silly that she had not mentioned this incident to anyone.


    Li Qin Yao grabbed a spoon and started to eat her breakfast lest she started to cry again.


    "Let''s not go to the office today," Zhang Yu Han spoke after a while. "Anyway, you are not in the state to show up in the office like this." His finger touched the spot under her eyes. It was slightly swollen because she had cried too much.


    Li Qin Yao flinched as she recalled seeing her face earlier. Her eyes and face were swollen and she was surprised how much her face had turned ugly. As she stared back into the mirror, Li Qin Yao had the urge to cry again, but she can only convince herself not to or else, her face might swell even more. Various thoughts went through her mind and one of them was asking why her husband was willing to marry someone as ugly as her.


    Fortunately, Zhang Yu Han had appeared in the bathroom and she had stopped thinking about some weird stuff. He had thought that she was taking too long in the bathroom and was worried.


    "En," Li Qin Yao nodded. "I will talk to Liang Sheng to send any important documents here. But what about you?"


    "It''s fine. I have taken a few days off to accompany you." He tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ears when she looked at him with surprise.


    "Why would you take a few days off?"


    "Of course it was because I was worried about you." The smile on his face disappeared and his expression turned serious. He recalled that Doctor Qiao had voiced her worry that his wife''s condition might develop into a pregnancy depression.


    "Anyway, Grandfather told me that I should not return to the office until I can convince my wife to come back with me."


    Her face turned red with embarrassment at the thought that Grandfather knew that she was upset with Zhang Yu Han because of a silly reason. Both Grandfather and her sister-in-law were around during the meal and they had seen how she was upset with her husband.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a small chuckle upon seeing her expression. "Yesterday, Grandfather gave me a scolding."


    "Ah? Grandfather scolded you?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "He said I was too strict with you. Anyway, he said I was not allowed to bully his favorite granddaughter-in-law. Or else, he will send me to look after our hotel branch."


    Li Qin Yao let laughed. She then latched at his arms like a Koala as if afraid that he was going to be sent away from her.


    The two of them continued to have their breakfast together before Li Qin Yao pushed Zhang Yu Han back into her room and forced him to sleep.


    Looking at his tired face, Li Qin Yao was distressed. Because of her, Zhang Yu Han did not get to sleep properly. He was worried over her and had stayed up to watch her sleeping figure.


    Li Qin Yao rested her body on the headboard and played with his hair in her attempt to coax him to sleep. However, the person beside her had his eyes wide open and he was staring at her instead of sleeping.


    "Why are you not asleep?" Li Qin Yao asked with a hint of laughter in her voice. "Are you not tired?"


    "I am looking at my wife. How can I be tired?"


    His words brought a smile to her face and her heart swelled with happiness. "Then, I will also look at you."


    The two of them stared into each other''s eyes for a long time before Li Qin Yao rested her hand on his cheek. Then, she leaned forward to kiss his lips.


    The soft kiss soon turned deep and heavy. The couple then rolled on the sheet and soon fell asleep in each other''s embrace.

 Chapter 352 - What Happened to Their Brotherhood?

    When the couple arrived at the hospital this time, Qi Zheng had returned to greet them at the entrance. The man in the white lab coat gave them a professional smile as he looked at Li Qin Yao and his gaze stopped at her stomach.


    "It seemed that your stomach has grown so much since the last time I saw you," Qi Zheng said.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he heard his friend''s words. His embrace on her shoulder tightened and he pulled his wife closer to his body. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Qi Zheng.


    Qi Zheng raised both hands and heaved a sigh. "Alright. I won''t say too much. Come on. I''ll lead you to Doctor Qiao''s room."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched the two''s exchange and soon, the couple followed Qi Zheng into the elevator.


    Once they arrived in the office, a nurse came to serve them some drinks before she called Li Qin Yao into the smaller room at the side.


    While Li Qin Yao went over with a nurse to do some a routine check up, Zhang Yu Han sat at the lounge with Qi Zheng accompanying him. As his wife entered the room, Zhang Yu Han turned to his friend and raised a brow.


    Qi Zheng did not have to hear the question to know that Zhang Yu Han was curious to know the progress about Qi Ming Wei''s matters.


    Previously, to help Li Qin Yao and pull out the person who had helped Zhao Wei, Qi Ming Wei had done something that caused a power shift in Capital City. Since Qi Ming Wei''s people had taken over the power in Capital City, there were others who suddenly show their interest in Capital City as well. Since then, Qi Ming Wei had met a few troubles.


    "You don''t have to worry about it," Qi Zheng said. His tone lowered as he spoke. "He said the matters are resolved. There should be no problem."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh of relief.


    Although Qi family had helped his wife to gain power over Capital City, it was also because of his wife''s matter that dragged them into this new problem. As both Li Qin Yao''s husband and a grandson to his grandmother, Zhang Yu Han naturally wanted to do whatever he can to help them.


    Qi Zheng then leaned closer before he whispered some details to Zhang Yu Han.


    When Li Qin Yao stepped out of the room, she was greeted by the sight of the two men, sitting closer and whispering to each other.


    Zhang Yu Han immediately noticed that someone was looking at him. He turned around and stood up abruptly even when Qi Zheng did not finish what he was saying. He walked over to his wife and placed a hand on her stomach. "Is everything alright?"


    What happened to their brotherhood?


    "Let''s wait for the doctor''s result," Li Qin Yao said. Anyway, this time, she was too worried about her sugar level. Although Zhang Yu Han had helped to monitor her diet, there are times when she caved in to her cravings.


    Zhang Yu Han held her hands tightly in his and he led her to sit down at the sofa.


    "I wasn''t disturbing your conversation with Qi Zheng, am I?" Li Qin Yao asked as she saw the look on Qi Zheng''s face.


    "Of course not," Zhang Yu Han replied quickly. He turned to Qi Zheng with a warning gaze and continued, "We were just chatting about some stuff."


    Knowing that his friend did not want his wife to know about the details of their conversation, Qi Zheng can only nod and smile.


    Soon, Doctor Qiao walked into the room and greeted the three of them. She browsed through a few documents and called Li Qin Yao to lay down so that she can begin the procedure.


    As usual, Doctor Qiao began to explain what she was going to do and chatted casually with Li Qin Yao. The scanning procedure soon started and Doctor Qiao moved the instrument in her hand around Li Qin Yao''s stomach area.


    After a while, Doctor Qiao paused and the corner of her lips tilted up into a smile. She looked at the couple and raised a brow. "Do you want to know the gender of your baby?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the monitor, but was not able to understand much about what he was seeing, except for which part was the child''s head, and which part was the legs. He then shifted his gaze to look at his wife and felt her gentle squeeze on his hand.


    Previously, the two of them had discussed and Li Qin Yao had mentioned that she wanted to know the baby''s gender as it will be easier for them to shop for their baby''s stuff.


    "We would like to know," Zhang Yu Han said.


    The smile on Doctor Qiao''s face widened. She began to move the instruments again and pointed her finger to the screen, explaining to the couple of what they were watching on the screen.


    "Looking at the scan, it''s a girl," Doctor Qiao said.


    Li Qin Yao turned to her husband with an excited look on her face. Her hand squeezed her husband''s tightly. Previously, she had casually mentioned to Zhang Yu Han that she wanted to have a girl after she had seen how the girl''s outfit and stuff.


    And now, Doctor Qiao had mentioned that they will be having a girl, of course Li Qin Yao was elated. Now that they have learned of the baby''s gender, Li Qin Yao was planning on going for a shopping spree.


    Because she was too excited, Li Qin Yao was starting to forget that she was going to wait for an important result¡­


    A nurse walked in again after the scanning procedure was done. She left a documents on the table and retreated immediately.


    It was only while watching how Doctor Qiao was browsing through the report that Li Qin Yao recalled that she was waiting for her blood test result. Suddenly, her hand started to sweat.


    Doctor Qiao began with explaining to the couple on the mother''s condition and then to the baby''s developments.


    "Doctor Qiao," Zhang Yu Han called when the doctor was done. "What about my wife''s glucose level. The last time, you did mention that it was slightly high."


    "Hmm," Doctor Qiao began to consult the report again. After a while, she looked at the couple with a smile on her face. "The reports here showed that everything is normal. If your wife can maintain her glucose level like this, there won''t be problem with your wife and your baby."

 Chapter 353 - What if its a Boy?

    Once they left the hospital, Zhang Yu Han took his wife to a mall where the two of them began to shop for a few items for their baby. After figuring out that the baby''s gender, Li Qin Yao was too excited that she decided to go and look at some stuff.


    Looking at the cute outfit and items, Li Qin Yao was suddenly at loss. She did not know which one to choose and in the end, Zhang Yu Han had to decide for her.


    Seeing the smile on his wife''s face as she browsed through a few clothes, Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. "Alright, let''s stop buying too much stuff," Zhang Yu Han said. "We won''t have a place to keep them before the new house was ready."


    Previously, Li Qin Yao had surveyed for their new places and the two decided on a two-story house not far away from Grandfather''s place, so that it would be easier for them to come over.


    After they had made their decision to purchase a new place, Zhang Yu Han had arranged for someone to renovate and decorate the place before their baby arrived, and now, the house was still in construction progress.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the princess pink baby cot and bit her lips. Although she liked the cot, she had to agree that they won''t have space to place it until the new house''s renovation was completed.


    "Anyway, let''s not forget what Doctor Qiao had told us earlier. The scan might not be a hundred percent accurate," Zhang Yu Han raised his eyebrow. "What if it is a boy?"


    Li Qin Yao froze momentarily. Her gaze then shifted towards the other cots in the shop. Although they were very practical, they were not as cute as the princess''s cot.


    She turned to her husband and tilted her head. "Then, should we buy something appropriate for both?"


    In the end, the couple only brought a few stuff and decided to wait until the house''s construction was finished before they get everything else. Anyway, Li Qin Yao had taken some pictures and made some notes. It would not be difficult to get those items later.


    After walking around the mall for a while, Zhang Yu Han decided to pull his wife to a cafe to rest. He chose a spot hidden from the others and the two sat across each other.


    Once the waiter walked away with their order, Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife. "Are you tired? Come on. Lay your feet on my th??h and let me rub your legs for you."


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband shyly.


    "It''s fine. This seat is slightly hidden from the others. They won''t see a thing." Zhang Yu Han said, as is knowing her worry.


    Li Qin Yao bit at her lips and hesitated. After a while, she raised one leg and placed it on his th??h. Although she was worried that others'' whisper, Li Qin Yao found that she could not resist her husband''s offer. After all, Zhang Yu Han gave the best foot massage!


    ¡­


    Liang Sheng stood at the sofa as he waited for Auntie Han to announce his arrival to Chairman Li. He looked around the house anxiously and then pulled out his phone to check on a few messages.


    Because he was sent by Chairman Li Ren Xin to ?ssist his granddaughter in the Tourism City project in B City, Liang Sheng has been traveling from B City and Capital City weekly. Anyway, his parents were still in Capital City and Liang Sheng would take the opportunity to visit them during the weekend while coming over to meet the chairman with his report.


    However¡­ these days, Liang Sheng found that he was not looking forward to coming over to visiting Li''s residence at all due to some reasons.


    Just as he was deep in his thought, Liang Sheng heard familiar footsteps coming from behind him. He immediately stood up from his seat and took a few steps back as he stared back at the woman who suddenly appeared.


    Li Mu Chen smiled as their gazes met. "Mr. Liang, are you here to visit my Grandfather?"


    "What do you want?"


    Liang Sheng had encountered Li Mu Chen a few times in the house before. Previously, Li Mu Chen would send him a curious gaze, but would not pay much attention to him. However, recently, Liang Sheng found that Li Mu Chen would often come to him and tried to strike a conversation with him whenever he came to meet Chairman Li.


    At first, Liang Sheng did not mind her presence at all. It was until Li Mu Chen would ask questions regarding Li Qin Yao that he sensed that something was not right.


    After all, it was well known that Li Mu Chen and Li Qin Yao were not very friendly to each other. Li Mu Chen''s purpose to get close to him was surely for his boss''s sake.


    Now that the bespectacled man was aware of her purpose trying to get close to him, Li Mu Chen no longer tried to hide her intention when she came to approach Liang Sheng in her grandparent''s house.


    Li Mu Chen twirled her hair with her finger and smiled. "I told you previously. I want you to help me."


    Liang Sheng''s face darkened. "And I have replied to you. I am not interested. I work for Chairman Li and Mrs. Zhang. I will not betray them and help you with whatever you have in mind, Miss Li."


    Li Mu Chen kept the smile on her face even though she was annoyed. "Who said anything about betraying anyone? All I''m asking is something small. I can ?ssure you that it will not affect you in any way, Mr. Liang. You just need to report to me Li Qin Yao''s movement. That is all. I will reward you afterward."


    "Not interested."


    Her face turned black at his constant rejection. Li Mu Chen had thought of using someone close to her cousin to get back to her. She had thought with her charm and identity as the Chairman''s granddaughter, Liang Sheng will go along and listened to her. Who would have known that this man could be so stubborn?


    At this time, Auntie Han came over and paused briefly upon seeing the two of them. Looking at their expression, Auntie Han could detect that something was not right with them.


    Auntie Han coughed to gain their attention and put on a polite smile as she turned to Liang Sheng. "The master is waiting for you in his study."


    Liang Sheng let out a breath of relief upon hearing that he had a chance to escape from Li Mu Chen. Swiftly, he turned around without looking at Li Mu Chen again.


    Looking at the man who had ignored her and rejected her request a few times, Li Mu Chen was boiling in anger!

 Chapter 354 - Are You in Trouble?

    Li Qin Yao woke up early in the morning and with her stomach grumbling. Her hand touched the space beside her and found that it was empty. The side where Zhang Yu Han slept had turned cold, telling her that he had woken up for quite some time.


    After stretching up a bit, her nose picked up the delicious smell of food. Thinking that Auntie Su had come over to prepare breakfast for them, Li Qin Yao quickly went to the bathroom to clean up.


    Once she headed over to the kitchen and was surprised that Auntie Su was not around, instead, Li Qin Yao found her husband in the kitchen, busying himself in front of the stove.


    Li Qin Yao pulled at the chair in the dining area and sat down as she watched him preparing something in the kitchen.


    As if he could sense someone was watching him, Zhang Yu Han turned around towards the table and his expression froze before it softened. Zhang Yu Han put down the wooden spoon on the side and turned off the stove.


    Li Qin Yao propped her head with her right hand and rested her elbow on the table. Her eyes were staring back at Zhang Yu Han lazily. "What are you making? Auntie Su did not come today?"


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to her side and bent down to kiss her lips. "Happy birthday."


    Her eyes widened upon hearing his words. Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways and continued to stare at him.


    "What?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Don''t tell me that you did not remember today is your birthday?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I don''t remember."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle at the thought that his wife had become slightly muddle-headed since she was pregnant. Last night, when the clock struck twelve, Zhang Yu Han had wanted to be the first to wish her birthday. However, upon seeing how she was sleeping soundly, he did not have the heart to disturb her. Moreover, his wife was having difficulties recently.


    "I asked Auntie Su to take a break today," Zhang Yu Han said. "Therefore, this morning, I''m in charge of breakfast. Later, let''s go and have a meal with Grandfather and Yu Ying for dinner."


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his ?h?st.


    Zhang Yu Han bent down to kiss the top of her head. "Are you hungry? Wait for a while. I''ll bring you breakfast."


    Li Qin Yao released her arms and watched as Zhang Yu Han entered the kitchen. A while later, he came back with two bowls of noodles.


    "I followed the recipe that I found on the internet," Zhang Yu Han said. He looked at her with a sheepishly and smiled. "I don''t know if it''s going to taste good." He passed her the chopsticks and watched as his wife took a mouthful of noodles. "How was it?"


    Li Qin Yao glanced at him and did not answer. Her hands moved as she continued to eat the noodles until her bowl was empty.


    "Good?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed upon seeing his anxious look. "Un, it''s good. One of the best noodles I''ve tasted so far."


    ¡­


    Recently, Li Qin Yao began to notice a few changes in Liang Sheng.


    The change in Liang Sheng was subtle, but it was still noticeable, especially since Li Qin Yao spent most of her time with him.


    The bespectacled man was someone who always had a smile on his face from the first day she had met him. But recently, Li Qin Yao often found him in a daze, especially right after he returned from Capital City to visit her grandfather.


    Because Liang Sheng often had this expression after he came back from Capital City, Li Qin Yao had a suspicion that something was happening to him during his visit to the city. Of course, she would first suspect that something was going on with his family.


    However, during her last phone call with her grandfather, Li Qin Yao found out that he was not having trouble with his work or his family.


    After the meeting ended, Li Qin Yao sat on the chair as she watched her staff walked out to return to their job. Her gaze shifted to Liang Sheng who was staring at the documents on the table in a daze.


    Li Qin Yao tapped her fingers on the table softly as she continued to watch her ?ssistant. Ten seconds have passed, and the bespectacled man did not look up as if he did not notice her gaze. A frown appeared on her face as she wondered what was on the man''s mind. She rapped her knuckles on the table and Liang Sheng turned to her, startled.


    "What''s wrong?" Liang Sheng spoke with a hint of panic in his voice. He turned to look around the room and was relieved upon finding that he was in the office. Seconds later, his gaze changed again, and Liang Sheng turned to Li Qin Yao with a hint of guilt on his expression.


    "Liang Sheng, tell me, are you in trouble?"


    Liang Sheng shook his head. "No. Why do you ask me this?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at the man for a few seconds longer. "Liang Sheng, you haven''t been yourself. Although it did not affect your work, I still find it uneasy that you often stare into space."


    Liang Sheng seemed flustered upon hearing her words, but he recovered quickly. "I''m sorry. I will pay attention while I am in the office."


    "That is not what I meant," Li Qin Yao said. "Liang Sheng, you are my right-hand man. When you are not yourself, of course, I will worry about you. If you encountered any problem that you cannot solve, you can come and talk to me."


    Liang Sheng stared back at his boss and took a deep breath. "Thank you for your concern. But at this time, I think I can manage."


    Li Qin Yao let out a sigh upon hearing his answer.


    "Of course, if I cannot find a suitable solution to this problem, I will come and talk to you."


    Her lips tilted into a smile. Li Qin Yao nodded and watched as Liang Sheng gathered his stuff and walked out of the room. She then leaned on her chair and rested a hand on her stomach, ??r?ssing it slowly.


    Li Qin Yao touched her face and pouted when she recalled that Zhang Yu Han had this habit to pinch her cheeks recently.


    At this time, someone knocked at the door. Li Qin Yao turned around to see that it was Xiao Lian Yi.


    "Boss, someone is here to look for you," Xiao Lian Yi said.


    "Who is it?"


    Xiao Lian Yi gave a mysterious smile and spoke, "You will know when you come out."

 Chapter 355 - Hubby, Did You Feel That?

    Xiao Lian Yi escaped as quickly as she had appeared before Li Qin Yao was able to ask her more about this mysterious guest.


    With no other choice, Li Qin Yao supported her weight with the table and stood up. When she walked out of the room, she found that the office was empty. Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock and saw that it was not lunch hour yet.


    But¡­ where did everyone disappear to?


    Finding the situation a bit strange, she then walked over to the direction where Xiao Lian Yi had disappeared to. Her eyes widened as she reached the lounge.


    In front of her, Zhang Yu Han stood with a bouquet of Casablanca lilies. Everyone else stood at the side and there was a cake at the center. Li Qin Yao connected the puzzle and quickly figured out that her husband made a plan with everyone and had prepared everything for her birthday.


    As soon as she had appeared, everyone else started to sing a birthday song. Once the song ended, Zhang Yu Han walked over with the bouquet in his hand. He bent to kiss his wife on her lips and everyone started to cheer.


    "Happy birthday," Zhang Yu Han handed the bouquet to her. "I seem to remember that you like this flower."


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Thank you. When did you plan this?"


    "A week ago. Everyone agreed to join in and we planned this together."


    Li Qin Yao shifted her gaze to her staff who were motioning her to come over and blow the candles.


    "You can only eat one slice," Zhang Yu Han reminded her.


    Li Qin Yao passed the bouquet to Xiao Lian Yi and cut the cake. After passing a slice of cakes to everyone, Li Qin Yao took a slightly bigger slice and walked over to her husband. Seeing the way he was looking at her, Li Qin Yao gave an innocent smile to him. "You said one slice."


    He let out a chuckle and pinched at her cheek. He watched as she cut the cake with a fork and just before his wife could take a bite, Zhang Yu Han had stolen the cake from her.


    Li Qin Yao stared back at him in disbelief.


    He then took the fork from her and cut a small bite-size before he fed his wife. "Don''t eat too much. I''m here to take you out on a lunch date. What if you''re too full to eat later?"


    Her movement paused before she turned to look at Zhang Yu Han with sparkling eyes.


    Zhang Yu Han bopped at her nose and whispered, "Since we are going to have dinner with grandfather and Yu Ying later, I can only kidnap my wife at this time to spent alone time together."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. She quickly ate the cake while feeding her husband a large portion and went over to her office to pack up. Since everyone else seem to know that Zhang Yu Han was planning to take her on a date, Li Qin Yao did not have to make too much arrangement before she left.


    "Where are we going?" Li Qin Yao asked as her husband slid into the driver''s seat.


    Zhang Yu Han replied to her with a smile and shifted the gear to drive. "Since I''m kidnapping you, of course, I cannot tell you where we are going."


    Li Qin Yao frowned but did not say anything. She looked out of the window and noticed that they were back in Y City. Seeing the familiar scenery outside the window, Li Qin Yao then turned to look at him again with an inquiring gaze.


    The car stopped once they reached the destination. Li Qin Yao stared at the two-story mansion in front of her and turned to look at her smiling husband. "The renovation is completed?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han slid off the car and helped his wife to get off. Since she was pregnant, he was worried that his wife might not step on the ground properly and fall.


    The couple held hands as they entered the house. Once they''re inside, Auntie Su appeared from the kitchen and greeted the couple.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the elderly woman in surprise. "Auntie Su, you''re here."


    "Yes," Auntie Su nodded. "Mr. Zhang invited me to come over and cook. Mrs. Zhang, happy birthday."


    "Thank you."


    "Would you like to eat now? The dishes are almost done," Auntie Su said.


    "Let''s have something to eat first," Zhang Yu Han said. "Then, I''ll take you to walk around the house, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded obediently. Then the two of them sat at the dining area and ate happily while chatting and playing around. Once they had finished their meal, Zhang Yu Han then took her on a tour and explained to her about the changes they made. They soon arrived at the baby''s room and Li Qin Yao let out a gasp. The wall was painted in soft gray and one side of the wall was pasted with a cute animal print wallpaper.


    "This way, we can always match the furniture whether we will be having a boy or a girl," Zhang Yu Han said. He turned to his wife and raised a brow. "Do you like it?"


    Li Qin Yao walked over to take a good look at the wallpaper and nodded. "Un. I like it."


    Zhang Yu Han walked over to his wife and gave her a back hug. He rested his chin on her shoulder and spoke, "Later, let''s go and shop for the staff we need, alright?"


    Hearing that she can start to buy stuff for their baby, Li Qin Yao was excited.


    Zhang Yu Han shifted his hand on her stomach and rested his palm on it.


    "Baby, how is it? Do you like your room?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    Just as the question escaped her lips, Li Qin Yao felt a light tap coming from the inside of her stomach.


    "Hubby, did you feel that?"


    Zhang Yu Han shifted his gaze to her stomach and slowly nodded.


    "The baby moved." Li Qin Yao ??r?ssed her stomach and spoke, "Baby, try to move again!"


    However, at this time, the baby refused to listen to the mother and stay still.


    "Is this the first time something like this happened?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "Is it uncomfortable? Should I call Doctor Qiao and check with her?"


    Before her husband could take out his phone, Li Qin Yao had already stopped him. "No need. Isn''t this is normal? Doctor Qiao did mention that we might feel the baby movement at this stage." Seeing the worry on his face, Li Qin Yao laughed before she tiptoed to kiss his jaw. "It''s fine. Stop worrying so much, alright?"

 Chapter 356 - Zhang Jing Voiced His Complaint

    After walking around the house for a while, Zhang Yu Han finally took his wife to the master bedroom to rest. There was not much furniture in the room as Zhang Yu Han wanted them to decorate the house together r. Other than a King size bed and lounge chair, there was nothing else.


    Li Qin Yao woke up from her nap and found her back sticking closely to Zhang Yu Han''s ?h?st. His hand rested on her stomach and his nose buried in the crook of her neck as he slept.


    Seeing that he was sleeping soundly, Li Qin Yao tried not to move around. Just as she lifted her left arm, Li Qin Yao noticed that something strange. She lifted her arm and stared at the bracelet on her hand. It was a gold bracelet with intertwined heart design.


    But... When did she have this bracelet?


    "Do you like it?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s voice resounded in her ear, as she was inspecting the bracelet on her hand. His deep voice made her a bit ticklish and her neck shrunk involuntarily. Li Qin Yao shifted in his embrace and turned to face him. "When did you put this bracelet on?"


    "When you were sleeping." Zhang Yu Han raised her hand and kissed her palm.


    A smile curled on her lips. "Is this my birthday gift?"


    "En," he nodded.


    Seeing his hooded eyes and lazy voice, Li Qin Yao cupped her hand on his cheek before she leaned forward to kiss him. "I like it. It''s a gift from you. Of course, I like it."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. "Just because it''s a gift from me?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Un. I like the giver, naturally, I will like the gift too."


    Zhang Yu Han took a bite at her lips and chuckled. "Un. Your mouth is very sweet." He then continued to kiss her and the two played around until the room was filled with their laughter.


    "Let''s start moving into this house this weekend," Zhang Yu Han said between their kisses. "The renovation has completed. We just need to bring some of our things from the apartment." A smile curled on his lips as he watched her nodded. He then patted her lightly on her back and said. "Come on. Let''s get ready for dinner."


    The two of them got up and get tidied up before they drove to the city where they were supposed to meet with Grandfather and Zhang Yu Ying.


    When they arrived, Li Qin Yao was surprised upon seeing Wei Jun Hao''s presence. The man stood beside Zhang Yu Ying with a huge smile on his face as he was holding on his girlfriend''s hand tightly.


    Once he saw the couple, Wei Jun Hao''s eyes brightened up. He looked at Li Qin Yao and called, "Sister-in-law, happy birthday!"


    Both Zhang Yu Han and Zhang Yu Ying''s expression changed instantly. "Who is your sister-in-law," the sibling chorused.


    "You were not married to me yet, who are you calling your sister-in-law?" Zhang Yu Ying gave a pinch on his waist. Though her tone sounded as if she was annoyed, there was a tinge of embarrassment on her expression.


    Zhang Yu Han heard his sister''s question and nodded in agreement. He had not said anything since the two of them decided to date, but he had not agreed to Wei Jun Hao marrying his sister.


    "Ah?" Wei Jun Hao turned to Zhang Yu Ying with a dumbfounded expression. "Your brother and I are considered brothers. How is it wrong if I called her sister-in-law?"


    Zhang Yu Han stared back at his friend and thought that his words do make sense and therefore, he stopped himself before got into an argument with Wei Jun Hao.


    "Alright, stop arguing here," Zhang Jing spoke as he looked at Zhang Yu Ying with a reprimanding gaze. "Your sister-in-law is pregnant. Let''s not make her stand for too long."


    Zhang Yu Ying snapped out of her thoughts and turned to her sister-in-law. As if regaining her senses, she then took them over to a private room.


    As they entered the room and saw the grilling equipment on the table, everyone had a hunched that Zhang Jing rushed everyone over because he was hungry.


    "You booked the restaurant?" Zhang Yu Han turned to his sister.


    "It wasn''t me," Zhang Yu Ying quickly shook her head. "Assistant Huo gave me the address and said that you were the one who booked this place."


    Anyway, Zhang Yu Ying knew that her brother did not allow their grandfather to eat too much meat. Where would she find the guts to book a table at a barbecue restaurant?


    The siblings turned to their grandfather with a frown, but Zhang Jing only pretended that he had not seen anything.


    "Since we already here, let''s just order and have our meal," Zhang Jing said. He waved his hand to Li Qin Yao and spoke, "Qin Yao, come over and sit with me."


    Zhang Yu Han immediately pulled a chair for his wife so that he was seated in the middle of his wife and his grandfather. Zhang Jing gave his grandson an unhappy gaze upon seeing him beside him. Initially, he did not want to be seated beside his grandson, knowing that he would try to control his diet again.


    However, at this time, Zhang Jing found that he could not utter a word to object.


    Li Qin Yao looked at their exchange and laughed. She tugged at Zhang Yu Han''s arms and spoke, "Alright. Don''t get mad at Grandfather. It''s my birthday. Let him eat a bit more. He can go back on his diet tomorrow."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Jing looked at his granddaughter-in-law happily. At the thought that he was the one who had helped to lure this girl to marry his grandson, Zhang Jing had a proud look on his face. He was truly confident that he had such great eyesight. The first time he saw this girl, Zhang Jing had always known that she will be the best supporters.


    Soon, the waiter walked into the room and placed various ingredients on the table. Just before the waiter left, Zhang Yu Han ordered a few vegetable dishes for his grandfather.


    While Zhang Jing began to show off his grilling skill in excitement, the two couple on both his left and right were busy distributing candies. Fortunately, his focus was solely on the grill, or else, Zhang Jing might have diabetes as well.


    After a while, Zhang Jing looked up and saw that the people beside him were not eating. Taking this chance, he shoved a few more pieces of meat into his mouth and sighed.


    "Alright. Stop acting intimately in front of me and start eating," Zhang Jing finally voiced his complaint.


    Li Qin Yao looked at Zhang Jing sheepishly. "Grandfather, previously I heard from Yu Han that your relationship with Grandmother was very good."


    "Of course it was very good. When we were young, your grandmother and I were very famous." Zhang Jing snorted before he started to tell the story of how he met his late wife.

 Chapter 357 - Play a few Pranks

    In Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Chen hopped off her car and tossed her keys to the valet before she entered the club. The music started to blast the moment she stepped into the club.


    Heads turned when the people on the dance floor saw a pretty lady at the door. The boys were looking at her with wide, ?ustful eyes. However, none of them dared to approach her knowing her identity.


    She turned her head when she heard the sound of high heels clicking beside her. Li Mu Chen frowned the moment she saw the woman in a red dress with a plunging neckline before her.


    "Li Mu Chen, I heard that you were grounded, how can you still be here?" the woman called Su Ruo Qing spoke. Behind her, two other girls stood with the same arrogant attitude.


    Li Mu Chen sneered before she turned to head upstairs.


    Seeing that the woman had ignored her, Su Ruo Qing was angered. Her hand clenched into a tight fist. "Don''t act so arrogant, Li Mu Chen. Don''t forget that you are still a criminal''s daughter." Seeing that the woman in front of her had stopped, a wide smile appeared on her face. "As a criminal''s daughter, you still dare to come to a place like this. Li Mu Chen, you should look yourself in the mirror."


    Li Mu Chen turned around and her lips curled into a smile that did not reach her eyes. "So what if I''m a criminal''s daughter? I am still the granddaughter of Chairman Li Ren Xin." She tilted her head and raised her brow to provoke the woman. "What about you? Su Ruo Qing, you are still beneath me."


    "You!" Su Ruo Qing had wanted to give a slap on Li Mu Chen''s face, but her movement was stopped by the two girls who were with him. In the end, she can only watch as Li Mu Chen headed upstairs, a place where she was not qualified to enter.


    Li Mu Chen took a deep breath as she reached upstairs. She glanced at the direction where Su Ruo Qing stood and sneered. Then, she put on the best smile on her face and fluffed her hair before she entered a room.


    "Mu Chen! Hey, baby," a few guys quickly surrounded her the moment she stepped into the room, The smile on her face widened as she heard the guys spoke some sweet words, trying to win her heart.


    This is how it should be. With her look, money, and personality, the men should gather around her the moment she appeared. Those who had rejected her advance must have been blind!


    At the thought of her cousin''s husband, Zhang Yu Han, who had refused to glance at her, Li Mu Chen was angered. Her thought shifted to Liang Sheng and she was infuriated! A son of an ?ssistant dared to reject her advances!


    Li Mu Chen flirted and played around with a few of those rich boys before she walked further into the room. Seeing the person she was looking for sitting on the sofa, Li Mu Chen smiled before she walked over.


    "Shan Zi, I have been looking all over for you," Li Mu Chen spoke. As soon as she sat down beside him, the man had put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.


    Li Mu Chen let out a yelp before she nestled in the man''s arms coquettishly. "Shan Zi, about the thing I asked you to do¡­"


    "It''s not that I did not want to help you." A small smile curled on the handsome man''s face. He gripped at Li Mu Chen''s chin and ran his thumb on her lips. "But I was unable to. Li Mu Chen, that cousin of yours were always tightly guarded. She was never alone. How are we supposed to make a move?"


    Li Mu Chen frowned. Then, she ran a finger on the man''s ?h?st as she looked at him. "I heard that she had only one guard with her. Don''t tell me that the guard had never left her side even for a moment? Weren''t your men very capable?"


    "Even if that guard left for a few minutes, your cousin was always surrounded by another team. Some of my men were caught by them."


    Hearing his words, Li Mu Chen started to panic.


    "Don''t worry," a chuckle escaped him as if he understood her worry. "They won''t be able to find me through those men. But still, that was very dangerous for me." Shan Zi tilted his head. "My dear, why are you trying to mess with someone from the Qi''s family."


    Li Mu Chen rolled her eyes. "What Qi family? I just wanted to play a few pranks with my cousin."


    Shan Zi laughed. "Why do you hate her so much? Your cousin... she seemed like a very nice person."


    "My cousin likes to pretend that she''s a nice girl. Don''t fall into her trick."


    "Since your cousin had married into Zhang''s family, naturally she is now related to Qi''s family," Shan Zi said. "Don''t you know the relationship between the two families? You almost ruin me when you make me involved in your matter."


    Li Mu Chen lowered her gaze. Previously, when her mother was caught and the man her mother was in contact with were caught, Li Mu Chen had heard a few things about the Qi family. Surprisingly, they were someone with a lot of power and influence.


    "Li Mu Chen, as an old friend, let me just advise you to forget this prank. They were people who I dare not to offend. If you touch a hair of your cousin and were caught, even I would not dare to help you." Just as he finished his words, Shan Zi lunged at Li Mu Chen to kiss her lips.


    "What are you doing?" Li Mu Chen put her hand on the man''s ?h?st and pushed him away.


    "My men were caught after trying to help you," Shan Zi said. "Don''t you think you need to give me some compensation?"


    She wanted to push him away again, but seeing the dangerous look on his face, Li Mu Chen knew that she should not reject the man''s touch.


    Back then, when she had lost her hope after her mother was thrown into jail, Shan Zi was the only one who approached her. However, after knowing this man, Li Mu Chen learned how dangerous this man could be. If she was not the granddaughter of Li Ren Xin, Shan Zi would not treat her as nicely as he did now.


    However, as Shan Zi was not able to help her to deal with her cousin, Li Mu Chen had to think of another way to get back on her cousin.


    Right now, her only way to get close to Li Qin Yao was through Liang Sheng.


    A thought crossed her mind and a beautiful smile bloomed on her face. Li Mu Chen stopped Shan Zi''s move and whispered a few words to the man.

 Chapter 358 - Counting Days

    With less than two months until she gave birth, Li Qin Yao has taken her maternity leave and decided to rest at home. Her grandfather, Li Ren Xin knew that she had almost given birth and had advised her to work from home.


    Anyway, it would not be hard for Li Qin Yao to deal with a few of her work through her computer. Besides, Liang Sheng or Xiao Lian Yi could come over to her place to deliver some documents if they needed her signature. Therefore, Li Qin Yao did not have to show up at the office to get her job done.


    The couple had moved in into a more spacious house with strict safety a few months ago. Because the area was a little bit quiet than the apartment they used to live in, Li Qin Yao found that it was a bit lonely whenever Zhang Yu Han had left for work.


    Fortunately, with the spacious house, the couple had adopted the gray kitten that she had found in Grandfather''s backyard months ago. Auntie Su would come over to cook her in the morning and leave after her husband came back. With Auntie Wu from Grandfather''s house to come over and check on her, at least Li Qin Yao got someone to talk to whenever she was bored.


    That afternoon, Li Qin Yao was waiting for Liang Sheng to come over with a few documents when her phone started to ring. Once she saw the name in the caller ID, Li Qin Yao quickly slid her finger on the screen to answer.


    "Yao Yao, are you busy now?" Han Yue Xiu''s spoke as soon as the call was connected.


    "What busy? I''ve got nothing to do these days except for counting days and waiting to give birth to my baby." Li Qin Yao ??r?ssed her bulging stomach and waddled over to the sofa to sit down.


    "Right. You still have two months before delivery, right?"


    "Six weeks."


    Han Yue Xiu muttered some curse. "Isn''t that too soon? Yao Yao, I feel that your life is moving too fast. It was not long ago when you started to date Mr. Zhang and now you are going to give birth."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. Her lips subconsciously curled into a blissful smile as she recalled that next week, it will be a year since they had registered their marriage.


    At this time, the gray kitten jumped on the table and started to rub his head on her hands. Li Qin Yao lifted her hand and started to scratch the kitten on his head. "Stop talking nonsense. Everyone has their own pace. Didn''t you say something like that previously? Anyway, I know that Zhang Yu Han is the one. Therefore, I did not want to wait too long to marry him and have a child."


    Han Yue Xiu was suddenly reminded of the things she said to her friend back when she was still dating that scumbag, Chen Hao. Fortunately, Yao Yao has subconsciously had some doubt about their relationship and had hesitated to introduce him to her paternal grandparents.


    After knowing that person''s true nature, Han Yue Xiu was glad that the two had broken up before they had taken their relationship to another step. She could not imagine Yao Yao''s life if she had to stay with Chen Hao.


    Seeing how Zhang Yu Han and his family treated her nicely, Han Yue Xiu was glad that her friend had chosen to give their relationship a chance. Li Qin Yao was so in love with her husband and as a friend, Han Yue Xiu was happy to see that they were happy together.


    "Alright, stop stuffing me with dog food," Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. "How was it? Are you ready to give birth?"


    "I cannot deny that I''m a bit scared that I will give birth to this child soon," Li Qin Yao said. "But I cannot wait to meet this child. Right now, my stomach is so big that I probably look like I have swallowed a watermelon. I constantly have backache and the baby won''t stop kicking me. I''m starting to think that I am probably carrying a boy with how active the baby is."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed as the picture popped up in her head. She asked a few questions regarding her pregnancy and announced, "Yao Yao, I''m coming to Y City next week. Let''s hang out together."


    Hearing her friend''s words, Li Qin Yao''s eyes brightened. "Un. Good. I think I might die from boredom after staying at home for too long. Let''s go out somewhere."


    "Didn''t you say you''re as big as a watermelon? You still wanted to go out somewhere?"


    "The doctor said I should exercise and walk around."


    "Would your husband allow you to go out with your condition?"


    "Why wouldn''t he? As long as Nian Ting comes along with me, it should be fine."


    Han Yue Xiu had met with Nian Ting the last time and knew that Zhang Yu Han had ?ssigned a guard to protect her friend. Now that Li Qin Yao was carrying a child, of course, he would not let his wife go out without protection.


    "Why are you coming over to Y City? Is there something wrong with your apartment?"


    "No. I have some other matter to settle with." A thought crossed her mind and Han Yue Xiu was suddenly in a daze. She patted at her cheeks and spoke again, "Anyway, I will tell you when I meet you."


    The two friends chatted for a while until someone came to ring the doorbell.


    Auntie Su helped to open the door and soon, Liang Sheng walked in. The bespectacled man greeted Li Qin Yao before he took out a few documents from his backpack. Liang Sheng showed her a few pictures of the construction progress and the two discussed a bit about work.


    "Are you heading to the Capital City this week?"


    Liang Sheng froze upon hearing her question. It took him a few seconds to respond. "Yes. I already booked my flight tonight."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow. "Don''t you usually had a meeting with my grandfather at the weekend?"


    "I was going to the headquarters to deal with some matters," Liang Sheng said. Recently, to avoid meeting with Li Mu Chen and deal with her constant harassing, Liang Sheng had rescheduled his meeting with Chairman Li earlier and they would often meet at the headquarters.


    "That''s good too." Li Qin Yao stood up and walked over to the side and pulled out a paper bag. She passed the bag to Liang Sheng and spoke, "I heard that Li Ming Han''s wife gave birth to a baby boy last week. Since you''re going to the headquarters, can you help me to pass this to him?"

 Chapter 359 - Someone Started a Bet

    As Han Yue Xiu was going to come over to Y City to hang out with her, Li Qin Yao decided to go out early in the morning and followed Zhang Yu Han to the hotel. She then arranged to meet Han Yue Xiu in the hotel''s coffee shop.


    Although previously she had mentioned that she wanted to go out and walked around, Li Qin Yao suddenly changed her mind and decided to hang out with her friend in the hotel.


    Hearing her idea, naturally, Zhang Yu Han was happier. Knowing that his wife was closer to him, he would be a lot at ease.


    The couple arrived in the hotel early in the morning and entered the elevator holding hands. It has been a while since the Director''s wife had come over to the hotel and as a few of the hotel staff ran into the couple, news of the Director''s wife was heavily pregnant spread among the staff. Suddenly, everyone was excited to see the next Zhang Group Worldwide''s heir.


    Soon, someone started a bet where the staff was guessing on the baby''s gender. Some were expecting a boy and some were saying that it was a girl. A few of the were speculating that the Director''s wife was carrying twins. In just an hour, the people who were betting that the Director''s wife was carrying a boy were leading.


    Of course, the couple had no idea that everyone was betting on the gender of their child. However, once Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Ying learned about this bet through Assistant Huo, the two of them did not hesitate to join in the fun!


    When Li Qin Yao arrived at the office floor, she was surprised upon meeting Zhang Yu Han''s ?ssistant, Xiao Ye.


    "Director Zhang, Mrs. Zhang," Xiao Ye greeted them both with a polite smile on his face.


    "Starting this week, Xiao Ye will return to Y City to ?ssist me," Zhang Yu Han said when he noticed his wife''s inquiring gaze. "I was planning to take a few weeks vacation after you give birth and Xiao Ye will help me to look over a few things."


    Xiao Ye nodded as he heard the Director''s explanation.


    "Since Xiao Ye is transferring here, doesn''t that mean that I will not get to eat Chef Qin''s special dessert?" Li Qin Yao joked.


    Xiao Ye laughed as he heard it. "Mrs. Zhang, if you want it, I can always ask someone else to deliver Chef Qin''s dessert to you."


    Zhang Yu Han felt the corner of his lips twitched. Of all things, his wife was concerned about her favorite desserts. "Once you give birth, you are not allowed to eat those things," he whispered.


    "I wasn''t allowed to eat them even now," Li Qin Yao pouted.


    Doctor Qiao had reminded her to look after her diet and she was still restricting herself in consuming food with high sugar. Fortunately, her temper was not as bad as a few months ago. She no longer sulked whenever she was not allowed to eat certain things.


    Zhang Yu Han led his wife into his room and Xiao Ye came along to discuss a few things with him.


    A while later, Secretary Tian walked in with a glass of milk. She looked at Li Qin Yao''s stomach and smiled. "Mrs. Zhang, it seemed as if you are about to give birth anytime soon."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "The baby is due in a few weeks. But since this is my first time, the doctor had warned that the baby might come sooner or later than we expect."


    As it has been a while since she got the chance to go out and talk to others, Li Qin Yao decided to chat with Secretary Tian for a while. After coming over the hotel a few times, her relationship with Secretary Tian was pretty good. However, as it was still working hours, Li Qin Yao did not plan to disturb Secretary Tian for too long and had let her continue to her work after five minutes.


    Soon, Xiao Ye too walked out of the room and left the couple alone in the room.


    Seeing his wife sitting lazily on the sofa, Zhang Yu Han took out a blanket and walked over to his wife. "Are you tired?"


    "I only walked for a while. I''m not tired," Li Qin Yao smiled. "But, it was nice to come out of the house once in a while."


    "Sorry. It has been hard on you." Zhang Yu Han leaned to kiss her forehead. "Just take a rest and sleep if you''re tired. When Han Yue Xiu arrived, I will take you downstairs, alright?"


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao nodded before she nudged at him. "You should go back to work. Don''t let me disturb you." She saw her husband''s worried gaze and laughed. "I will stay in your eyesight. If anything happens, I can still call you."


    Zhang Yu Han stood silently before he walked over to his table. However, instead of sitting on the chair and continue to look over his documents, Zhang Yu Han grabbed those documents that Secretary Tian had left on the table and brought them over to the sofa.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband as he placed the documents on the coffee table and sat down next to her. "What are you doing?"


    Zhang Yu Han let her lean her body on his before he grabbed the paperwork. "Didn''t you say that I should go back to work?"


    "How can you work like this?"


    "Why not?"


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow. "Can you concentrate?"


    Zhang Yu Han looked back at the woman in his arms and answered truthfully, "Maybe not. But since you''re in the same room as me, I don''t think I would be able to concentrate anyway."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. She ran a finger on his ?h?st and smiled teasingly. "Then, maybe I shouldn''t have come."


    "Nonsense. I like it like this," Zhang Yu Han said. He grabbed the finger on his ?h?st and tightened his arms around her shoulder. Then, he leaned to kiss her head and smiled. "I like that I can see and kiss you whenever I lift my head."


    A wide smile curled on her lips upon hearing his words. After laughing and moving for a while, Li Qin Yao felt a soft kick on her stomach. She inhaled sharply, causing Zhang Yu Han to panic for a while.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han stared at her stomach. Since Qi Zheng had reminded him that there was a chance that the baby might be born prematurely, Zhang Yu Han has been worrying about his wife.


    "Your daughter is kicking me," Li Qin Yao smiled. She rested a hand on her stomach and started to ??r?ss it.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a breath in relief. However, there were still traces of worry in his expression. Now that the due date was approaching, Zhang Yu Han was constantly anxious. Until his wife had safely given birth, Zhang Yu Han did not think that he can relax for a second.

 Chapter 360 - Meet His Parents

    When Han Yue Xiu arrived at the hotel''s coffee house, Zhang Yu Han accompanied his wife and the two went downstairs together.


    Han Yue Xiu smiled as she watched the couple walked over. She stood up and waved her hand to her friend.


    "Yue Xiu, you''re here." Li Qin Yao greeted.


    Han Yue Xiu''s inhaled sharply and her eyes went wide as her friend was closer. Her gaze was glued to Li Qin Yao''s stomach. "Yao Yao, the last time I saw you, it wasn''t this big!"


    "The last time we saw each other was months ago. Of course, my child would grow."


    Han Yue Xiu cursed inwardly. "You really look like you have swallowed a watermelon. The child is growing too fast!" She looked at the couple alternately and smiled.


    "Miss Han," Zhang Yu Han nodded to her. "I heard that you have rented out your apartment. If you don''t have a place to stay, how about staying at our hotel? Of course, because you''re a friend of Yao Yao, I will give you a special discount."


    Han Yue Xiu''s eyes brightened up at his words. "I haven''t decided whether I wanted to stay a night or catch a midnight flight. But thank you."


    Zhang Yu Han smiled. "Then, I''ll inform the front office. If you decided to stay, just give your ID and mentioned Yao Yao''s name. They will know what to do." He then turned to his wife and whispered a few things before he excused himself and headed back to his office.


    Once Zhang Yu Han''s figure entered the elevator, Han Yue Xiu turned to her friend and held her arms tightly. "Yao Yao, you married well."


    Li Qin Yao chuckled at her friend''s words. "Why? Because you can stay at the hotel with a special discount?"


    Han Yue Xiu nodded. "Un, un. As your friend, I was able to enjoy this privilege."


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes before she led Han Yue Xiu to enter the coffee house. As they walked in, a waiter immediately recognized Li Qin Yao and ushered the two to a slightly private space. They ordered some food and drinks and watched as the waiter left.


    Hearing a sigh escaped her friend, Han Yue Xiu was slightly worried. "Are you alright?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Walking around with a big stomach like this isn''t exactly easy. Sorry. Previously, I had planned to walk around with you. But suddenly, I don''t feel like moving too much. We won''t be having too much fun with my current condition."


    Han Yue Xiu waved her hand. "It''s fine. I only come over to hang out with you."


    At this time, the waiter came back with their drinks. After he had placed the drinks, the waiter then left.


    "Don''t tell me you came to Y City just to hang out with me," Li Qin Yao said.


    Han Yue Xiu raised a brow. "Why do you find it hard to believe?"


    "Knowing you, if you wanted to come over to see me, you would come over once I have given birth." Li Qin Yao watched as her friend laughed. "Come on. Tell me. What is it?"


    Han Yue Xiu stirred at her fruit juice with her straw but did not speak a word for a long time.


    Seeing that something was occupying her friend''s mind, Li Qin Yao did hot hurry her to speak.


    "This time, I came to Y City with Song Yi," Han Yue Xiu spoke after a while. Then, she hesitated again. Though there are many things that she wanted to tell her friend, Han Yue Xiu found that she was unable to sort her mind and say what she was going to say.


    Han Yue Xiu raised a brow upon finding that there was a lack of reaction from her friend. "You¡­ don''t seem surprised."


    "I was not expecting this, but I am not surprised," Li Qin Yao took a sip at her drink. "Yue Xiu, perhaps you did not notice this, but ever since you came back from Country S, the way you treated him had changed. Something happened between the two of you?"


    Han Yue Xiu thought of her friend''s words and realized that it was indeed true. She had stopped trying to avoid Song Yi after he had helped her back in Country S. Moreover, Song Yi was no longer so forceful and annoying as he was. It was after she had noticed the change in him that Han Yue Xiu had agreed to work together with him to start a new company and became his business partner.


    Now that they were working together again, Song Yi had never bothered her unless if it was for work matters. Han Yue Xiu was relieved with this change and found that she did not detest him as much as she did.


    The two of them continued to live their way, doing their own thing until she had brought her mother to the hospital for a check-up a few weeks ago. Han Yue Xiu had gone away briefly to buy some drinking water and when she came back, she was surprised upon seeing Song Yi and her mother together and they were chatting amiably.


    Song Yi had stayed to accompany her and her mother for her check-up. Then, he had sent them back to their place. It was then that Song Yi had suddenly suggested to give him a chance to start over.


    It was a speech that Han Yue Xiu had previously heard. But this time, there was a different feeling to it. It was the way that he had asked.


    As if something had possessed her, Han Yue Xiu had agreed to give him a chance. Even Han Yue Xiu was surprised by her decision.


    "What is it?" Li Qin Yao spoke after a long silence. "Are you going to tell me that you are dating now?"


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her friend with a serious expression before she slowly nodded. "Somewhat." She then lowered her eyes and stared at her fruit juice. "I came to Y City this time to meet his parents."


    Li Qin Yao was glad that she was not drinking her water when she heard her friend''s words. Or else, she might have spewed it on Han Yue Xiu''s face. She was aware that Song Yi had liked Han Yue Xiu and her friend no longer dislike the man as much, but what with the sudden development?


    "It was not what you think," Han Yue Xiu spoke quickly. "Yao Yao, you remember Song Yi''s rumored fiance, right?"


    Li Qin Yao had previously run into the woman at Han Yue Xiu''s office and had remembered the pretty lady.


    "Well, Song Yi had previously mentioned to his elders that he did not want to be with Miss Fang, but his elders keep pushing him because he did not have a girlfriend. They had even suspected him as gay. Now that I have agreed to give him a chance, Song Yi wanted to introduce me to his parents and help him to dispel any rumors or unwanted attention."


    Li Qin Yao heard how Han Yue Xiu''s voice gradually turned into a whisper as she goes on and knew that her friend was suspecting that perhaps, she had been tricked.


    Even as a bystander, Li Qin Yao found that Song Yi''s excuses were weak.


    She looked at her friend with a teasing smile and spoke, "Yue Xiu, you keep saying that I''m moving on too fast, but look at you. He had met your parents and now you''re meeting his parents!"


    Han Yue Xiu looked at her friend in horror. "Yao Yao, don''t scare me!"


    "What''s there to be scared about? Isn''t it just meeting the parents?" Li Qin Yao smiled. "If you''re scared that his parents will reject you, you can always try my method."


    "What method?"


    "Get a certificate first, and meet his parents later."


    Han Yue Xiu rolled her eyes. "Stop joking with me. I didn''t like him that much to marry him after a few weeks, alright?"

 Chapter 361 - Your Daughter is Angry

    Han Yue Xiu thought that she was perhaps too impulse when she had agreed to come over to Y City and meet with Song Yi''s parents. She had just agreed to try and date him and to suddenly meeting his parents was too stressful.


    Moreover, Han Yue Xiu was perfectly aware that her family and Song Yi''s family were very different. She was not born with a silver spoon, but her parents had raised her with enough food on the table and clothes to wear. Song Yi on the other hand came from a wealthy, influential family, and knowing that their families were different, Han Yue Xiu was naturally worried.


    Though she had decided to give Song Yi a chance, Han Yue Xiu did not harbor too much hope that their relationship would last for too long due to their differences.


    After spending her time watching dramas, Han Yue Xiu was suddenly worried that Song Yi''s parents were going to hand over a check to her before they asked her to break up with him. Moreover, after being around Song Yi for years, Han Yue Xiu was aware that Song Yi''s parents favored Miss Fang. Or else, they will not try to match him with Miss Fang, right?


    Therefore, Han Yue Xiu was sure that his parents would find an excuse to reject her. However, what she had expected did not happen at all.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as soon as she heard Han Yue Xiu''s retelling her at what happened during the dinner with Song Yi''s elders. "Why are anxious that his parents did not reject you? Shouldn''t you be relieved?"


    Han Yue Xiu muttered a few cursing words. "I would be relieved if his parents offered me some money to leave. Surprisingly, they were very nice¡­ His mother especially treated me nicely. They weren''t following the script at all."


    "What script?" Li Qin Yao scoffed. "Han Yue Xiu, I thought you only enjoyed watching horror movies. Turns out that you watched a lot of this kind of drama as well."


    "Yao Yao, tell me, do you think they were trying to pull a trick on me?" Han Yue Xiu asked. "What if they only treat me well because they wanted me to lower my guard?"


    Hearing her friend rambling on the other line, Li Qin Yao knew that her friend''s thought was running wild again. "What did Song Yi said about this?"


    "What else he can say¡­ he said his parents liked me." Han Yue Xiu felt her face paled. Suddenly, she had a feeling that she had fallen into a sticky situation and it would be hard for her to get off.


    Li Qin Yao rolled her eyes. After a few failed relationships, it seemed that Han Yue Xiu had become paranoid¡­


    The two friends chatted for a while until Han Yue Xiu announced that she had a flight to catch. Once she placed her phone on the table, Li Qin Yao then turned to her husband who was sitting beside her and told him of what Han Yue Xiu had told her earlier.


    Zhang Yu Han smiled as he continued to massage her legs. He could still remember how she was worried she was when his parents suddenly showed up. "Fortunately, my wife charm was too hard to resist that everyone in my family adored you."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "Right. Han Yue Xiu tells me to thank you for letting her stay at the hotel. She''s leaving for Capital City with Song Yi this afternoon." She stared at his side profile and tilted her head. "Are you sure it''s fine if you don''t go to work today?"


    Earlier this morning, Zhang Yu Han saw the deep frown on her face and was worried when she had a terrible leg cramp. In the end, he spent his time to massage her legs and suddenly decided to work from home. Anyway, with his ?ssistant, Xiao Ye around, he did not have to worry about too much thing.


    Li Qin Yao put her legs down from his th??h. Then she scooted close to him and stayed in his embrace.


    "Not painful anymore?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Not painful. You always gave the best massage."


    "It''s going to be our anniversary soon," Zhang Yu Han said. "Since we cannot celebrate it with your current condition, let''s go on a trip after you have given birth."


    "Then what about your daughter?"


    "Of course, we''ll let someone look after her."


    At this time, Li Qin Yao felt a movement on her stomach. "You see, your daughter is angry you did not plan to bring her along." She then started to ??r?ss her stomach as if to soothe the child inside. When she looked up again, her husband was staring back at her in worry. Seeing the crease on the space between his eyebrow, Li Qin Yao raised her hand to flatten the crease. "Stop worrying too much."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh. "How can I not worry?" Because her stomach was big and stretched up, Zhang Yu Han was able to see the child''s movement through her stomach. The little child''s tiny feet would sometimes show up on his wife''s stomach and it was making him anxious.


    ¡­


    Back in Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Chen walked into his brother''s office after knocking on the door once. As soon as she walked in, Li Mu Chen could sense his dissatisfaction that she had shown up suddenly. Li Mu Chen was about to open her mouth when she noticed that her brother was not alone. His new ?ssistant was in the room as they were discussing something.


    However, once Li Mu Chen recognized the new ?ssistant, her expression changed and Li Mu Chen''s anger surged. She had come to find some news regarding Liang Sheng since that man no longer showed up at her grandparents'' residence. Without Liang Sheng, how was she going to play her prank on her cousin?


    But who would have thought that the moment she entered his brother''s office, she would meet her cousin''s former ?ssistant, Bei Ruo Xi? Seeing the woman made her anger boiled!


    Before she could vent her anger, Li Mu Bai had already asked the woman to leave.


    "Brother, she''s your new ?ssistant?" Li Mu Chen asked. She watched him nodded and continued, "Don''t you know that she and Yao Yao are close? She was her previous ?ssistant before mom took her!"


    Li Mu Bai sat down calmly. "Then what? Since mom had taken her under her wing previously, then that must mean that Miss Bei is a good staff."


    "Good staff?"


    "Why are you here exactly?" Li Mu Bai spoke with a tired voice.


    "Brother! Don''t try to change the subject. Are you stupid? That woman must have helped Yao Yao to frame mom and cause her to spend her days in jail!"


    "Mom did something wrong, that was why she''s in jail."


    Li Mu Chen stiffened for a few seconds. "You are mom''s only son. She gave birth to you. How can you be ruthless to your mother?"


    "It was because she''s my mother that I wanted her to spend her time in jail and repent," Li Mu Bai said. "Li Mu Chen, just because you love someone, it doesn''t mean that you have to let it go when they did something wrong. I''m warning you, Mu Chen, if you did something unforgiven, I will not hesitate to hand you over to the authorities."


    Li Mu Chen shivered at her brother''s words. She was suddenly reminded of her plan and was worried that her brother would find out about her plan.


    Afraid that her brother would be able to see through her. Li Mu Chen turned around to leave. As she reached the entrance, her anger intensified. She did not find what she came to find and instead, she had gotten into another argument with her brother.


    Just as Li Mu Chen was about to vent her frustration at the trash can, her gaze caught a familiar silhouette. It was the person she has been looking for, Liang Sheng!

 Chapter 362 - Were Going to the Hospital

    As her due date approaching, Li Qin Yao has been staying at home with her husband accompanying her. These days, she was too lazy to move around, and standing for too long would hurt her back and legs.


    On that evening, Li Qin Yao was sitting in the living room with her phone in her hand as she was video calling her friend, Fan Yun Xi. Almost five months ago, her friend had given birth to a cute daughter called Mo Qing Huan.


    The little girl''s skin was white and there was a tinge of pink and the cheek resembled an apple. Truly adorable. Looking at the little girl''s cute and tender face, Li Qin Yao had the urge to bite at her cheek.


    "Huan Huan," Li Qin Yao waved at her through her camera, and the little girl flailed her hands and feet in excitement while bubbling some words. Her eyes were staring back at the camera and then her small hand tried to reach for her.


    Suddenly, Huan Huan''s image went farther and Fan Yun Xi''s face showed up.


    "Huan Huan, you cannot touch this," Fan Yun Xi said. She then lifted the little girl into her arms and the mother and child appeared on the screen together.


    "Yun Xi, your daughter is too cute," Li Qin Yao said.


    "She is, isn''t she?" Fan Yun Xi said before she bent to kiss her daughter''s cheek.


    "I want to take a bite at her cheek too," Li Qin Yao commented.


    Hearing her friend''s words, Fan Yun Xi playfully blocked her daughter''s cheek with her hands. Then, her hands moved in a circular motion as if she was giving her daughter a face massage.


    Feeling her mother''s touch, little Huan Huan let out a sharp yelp before she tried to stop her mother from squeezing her cheek. Her face turned redder as she was frustrated with the way her mother would always squeeze and pinch at her cheek.


    "Looking at Huan Huan, she began to resembled Senior Mo. Especially with that eyes and lips," Li Qin Yao commented.


    Fan Yun Xi laughed. "My pretty daughter is going to grow up looking like her father. I''m not sure if this is a good or a bad thing."


    "Why would it be a bad thing?"


    "It''s good if my daughter resembled his father. I''m worried that she had her uncle''s personality." Fan Yun Xi spoke in a hushed voice.


    "Impossible," Li Qin Yao said. "Huan Huan looked so cheery and playful like his father."


    "You think so?" Fan Yun Xi turned to look at her daughter and her gaze softened. She then turned to the camera again. "Yao Yao, when will you give birth? Next time, let''s meet up and bring our child along. Our daughters could be friends."


    "If everything goes well, I should give birth next week," Li Qin Yao said lowered her gaze to her stomach.


    The two friends talked for half an hour until Huan Huan cried to ask for milk. Once the call ended, Li Qin Yao walked over to the guest room where Zhang Yu Han was sitting behind his computer.


    Worried that his wife might slip while climbing up and down the stairs with her big stomach, Zhang Yu Han had suggested they temporarily moved to the guest room downstairs. This way, it would be easier for his wife to move around.


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and smiled upon seeing his wife. "Finished with your call?" He immediately stood up and walked over to support her.


    Once she was seated on the sofa, Li Qin Yao looked at the man beside him with an adorable expression on her face. "I''m hungry."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle and was about to head out to look for Auntie Su when his wife tugged at her sleeve.


    "I want to eat something that you cook." She thought for a while and continued, "Zhang Yu Han, I want to eat tomato and egg rice."


    "Just that?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. He watched her nod and patted at her head. "Alright. Wait here for a while. I''ll go and prepare them now."


    A smile bloomed on her face as she heard his words. She then followed him out and headed to the kitchen together. Auntie Su stared at them in surprise and retreated to busy herself with something else once she heard that Zhang Yu Han wanted to cook for his wife.


    Li Qin Yao immediately took a seat in the kitchen counter bar and propped her chin with her hands as she watched her husband started to crack some eggs into the bowl.


    A few minutes later, a serving of rice and tomato egg dishes appeared in front of her. Since Auntie Su had cooked some rice earlier on, Zhang Yu Han only had to prepare the tomato egg dishes.


    Seeing the piping hot dishes in front of her, Li Qin Yao felt her stomach started to grumble. The red tomato with the golden yellow egg looked very appetizing at the moment. She picked up her spoon and scooped a mouthful of the dishes.


    "How was it?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He saw the way her face crinkled and was worried that he had sprinkled too much salt into the dishes. "Too salty?"


    Li Qin Yao scooped another spoonful and blew at it to cool it down. Then, she turned to Zhang Yu Han. "Here. Taste it."


    Zhang Yu Han leaned forward to take a bite from her spoon. The frown on his face immediately disappeared when he saw the mischievous smile on her face. He then went to her side and pinched at his wife''s cheek before making her feed him some of the food.


    Just as she was taking another mouthful of her food, Zhang Yu Han noticed the frown on her face. This frown was different than her usual frown. This time, it looked as if she was trying to bear something painful.


    "What''s wrong? Qin Yao?" Zhang Yu Han shifted his gaze to her stomach. "The baby is kicking again?"


    Li Qin Yao reached her hand to hold her husband''s arms and gripped it tightly until her nails dug in his skin. Seconds later, the pain subsided and she turned to her husband with a slightly paled face. "I think I''m having contractions."


    Hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife nervously.


    "Don''t worry. Didn''t Doctor Qiao said that I can have contractions earlier before the date?"


    Seeing the sweat on her forehead, Zhang Yu Han knew that he would not stop worrying until the doctor ?ssured him that his wife was alright. "We''re going to the hospital," he decided. Then he turned around and shouted for Auntie Su to grab the bag that they have prepared previously before he called Qi Zheng and tell him to get ready.

 Chapter 363 - Your Wife has Safely Delivered a Baby

    Zhang Yu Han helped his wife into the Cayenne while Aunty Su placed the bag into the car. Unfortunately, because it was during the peak hour, the traffic was slightly congested. Usually, they would arrive at the hospital after a fifteen minutes drive, but on that day, they were expected to arrive in another ten minutes. The usual fifteen minutes drive has become almost half an hour.


    Seeing the frown on his face and how he was slowly tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, Li Qin Yao patted at his arms to ?ssure him. "Don''t be anxious. There were five more days before my due date."


    Just as the words dropped, Li Qin Yao let out a soft hum as she bore with another wave of pain.


    "Qin Yao, what''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han asked anxiously. He shifted his eyes between his wife and the road. His hand reached to hold hers and he could feel the muscle around her hand tightening. He gave a light squeeze at her hand to comfort her.


    The pain soon stopped and Li Qin Yao leaned on the seat as she caught up her breath. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, but she turned to her husband and mustered a weak smile. "Hubby, maybe the baby was anxious to come out."


    Seeing the smile on her face, Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh. At this time, he did not know how she can still smile. Just then, her expression while holding on to her pain was very terrible.


    He then focused on his driving and soon they arrived at the hospital. As soon as the car stopped in front of the entrance, Qi Zheng was already waiting for them along with a few nurses. Zhang Yu Han carried his wife out of the vehicle and placed her in the wheelchair.


    "Give me your keys," Qi Zheng said. "I''ll help to park your car. You go and follow your wife. I will come over shortly."


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his car which was blocking the road and passed the keys to his friend. "Thank you." Then he jogged to follow his wife and nurse to the delivery room.


    Once they arrived, Doctor Qiao was already waiting for them. She gave a few comforting words to Li Qin Yao as she went to check on her cervix. Then, she told her to conserve her energy and reminded her of what she had learned in childbirth class.


    Seeing her husband appearing beside her, Li Qin Yao let out a whimper.


    "How was it?"


    Doctor Qiao turned to look at Zhang Yu Han with a calm expression. "It''s still early before it begins. We will have to wait for a while before the dilation is wide enough. Don''t worry. It looks like your wife and child are in good condition. We will make sure that everything is safe."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a breath as he heard Doctor Qiao''s words.


    At this time, Qi Zheng appeared beside him and he immediately asked the doctor about Li Qin Yao''s condition. Then, he patted at his friend''s shoulder and said, "She''ll be alright. Do you need me to inform anyone that your wife is here?"


    Zhang Yu Han checked at his watch and hesitated. "Let''s wait for a while longer. I don''t want them to worry."


    Before Zhang Yu Han was able to follow her, Qi Zheng had already held him from entering the room.


    "You should wait here," Qi Zheng said. He saw that his friend opened his mouth to protest and continued, "Our hospital doesn''t usually let the husband into the delivery room. Sometimes the husband would get irrational and prevented the Doctor''s job. Just let Doctor Qiao and the others do their job peacefully, alright?"


    "Just listen to him," Li Qin Yao said. "Zhang Yu Han, you should wait outside, and don''t forget to inform everyone, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han finally nodded and he watched as the nurses pushed the bed into the delivery room. Then, he took a seat and took a deep breath to calm down. He covered his face with both hands and prayed that everything will be safe.


    When he looked up again, a bottle of drinking water materialized beside him.


    "Drink," Qi Zheng said. "It will take hours before the baby come out. You need to conserve your energy as well. Later, you need to look after your wife and child, right?"


    Zhang Yu Han forced a smile before he unscrewed the cap and took a few mouthfuls of drinks. Once he was able to calm down, Zhang Yu Han gave a call to his Grandfather and his mother-in-law. Then, he gave a call to his parents in Country C.


    Xu Yilan decided to grab a cab and come over to Y City once she heard the news, while the Zhang couple in Country C immediately booked the earliest flight.


    Grandfather, Zhang Yu Ying, and Wei Jun Hao were the first to arrive.


    "How is it?" Grandfather asked the moment he saw his grandson.


    "Qin Yao is still in the delivery room. She has been in there for more than an hour," Zhang Yu Han said anxiously.


    Seeing the worry on his face, Grandfather patted at his grandson''s shoulder to comfort him. Then, he turned his gaze towards the delivery room and the worry on his face started to show.


    "The last time your mother gave birth to you, you came out after almost a day." Zhang Jing commented.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his grandfather and wonder whether he was trying to comfort him or torment him.


    Seeing his friend''s pale face, Qi Zheng took his turn to comfort his friend. "It usually took a while with the first child. This is normal. Don''t worry."


    Zhang Yu Han let out another long sigh as he glanced at his watch again.


    An hour later, Xu Yilan showed up at the hospital. Zhang Yu Han greeted his mother-in-law and explained to her about the situation before he went back to sit down silently. Knowing that he was worried about his wife and child, the others decided not to disturb him.


    The sky was still bright when Li Qin Yao entered the delivery room, but after the sky turned dark, she still had not come out yet.


    Time passed by and Zhang Yu Han continued to stare at the delivery room anxiously.


    "Grandfather, mom, the two of you should go back first," Zhang Yu Han said once he saw that it was almost midnight. He turned to his sister and spoke again, "Yu Ying, please look after them."


    Zhang Yu Ying nodded before she turned to Wei Jun Hao and pulled his arms.


    "Then, we''ll go back first. You should immediately tell us any news," Grandfather said as he stood up. He then turned to Qi Zheng. "Look after Yu Han, alright?"


    "I will stay here," Xu Yilan said. "I won''t be at ease if I leave now."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He sent his Grandfather to the elevator and went back to the delivery room to wait.


    Around two in the morning, the door finally opened and a nurse walked out with a tiny baby in her arms. "Congratulation. Your wife has safely delivered a baby girl. The mother and baby are both safe and healthy."


    Xu Yilan heaved a sigh in relief upon hearing the nurse report on the baby''s weight and such.


    Meanwhile, Qi Zheng congratulated his friend as he had gained a new status.


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at the baby and asked, "My wife?"


    "She will be out in a few minutes," the nurse said. "Mr. Zhang, would you like to hold your daughter?"


    With the nurse and his mother-in-law''s guidance, he finally held the tiny baby in his hand. Just as his daughter had nestled safely in his arms, the baby''s lips tilted up into a smile. Suddenly, Zhang Yu Han felt as if the time around him had stopped.

 Chapter 364 - Qin Yao, Youre Amazing

    The toothless smile lasted for five seconds before it disappeared and the baby continued to sleep. Once he had snapped out of his trance, Zhang Yu Han then bent his head to kiss his daughter''s forehead. The smell of a newborn baby entered his nose and he found that he might get addicted to it.


    Xu Yilan who happened to see this rare moment smiled along. At the thought that she was now a grandmother to that small baby, Xu Yilan suddenly felt a sting in her eyes.


    After a while, the nurse took the baby from Zhang Yu Han''s embrace and took her to another room where she will be placed for observation.


    "I will go with the nurse to look at the baby," Xu Yilan said as she patted at her son-in-law''s shoulder. "You wait here and look after Yao Yao." Anyway, her daughter had just given birth and Xu Yilan was sure that the couple would want to spend their time alone for a while.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Hmm, I know. Thanks, mom." He watched as his mother-in-law trailed after the nurse and shifted his attention back to the delivery room to wait for his wife.


    Once Li Qin Yao was pushed out from the delivery room, Zhang Yu Han immediately went to her side. Looking at her pale and tired face, Zhang Yu Han frowned as he began to worry. He held her hand and asked, "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao replied to him with a weak smile. "I''m alright. I''m just tired."


    The nurse helped to push her into a room and she was transferred to the hospital bed. Once the nurse and everyone else had left, Zhang Yu Han went to the bed and ??r?ssed his wife''s face gently before he leaned to kiss her forehead. "You worked hard. Qin Yao, you''re amazing."


    However, the words did not reach her ear. Because she was too tired, Li Qin Yao quickly fell into a deep sleep.


    ¡­


    When Li Qin Yao woke up again, she looked around and saw Zhang Yu Han sitting on the sofa just beside her bed. He had his arms crossed on his ?h?st as he laid there. Even though she could not see his face, Li Qin Yao knew that he was trying to get a quick nap.


    Li Qin Yao tried to move her body a little bit and a soft m??n escaped her as she felt the pain in the lower part of her body.


    Once he heard her voice, Zhang Yu Han stood up and approached her bed. "Qin Yao! You''re awake. How are you feeling?"


    Seeing the anxious look on his face, Li Qin Yao gave him a smile. "I''m hungry."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled at her words. He walked over to the side table and took the soup thermos. "Yu Ying came over with Wei Jun Hao earlier to deliver this. Auntie Wu cooked this soup once she heard that you''re in labor." He poured the hot soup into a bowl and helped to feed his wife. "Careful. It''s hot."


    Because she had used too much energy to give birth, Li Qin Yao finished the soup quickly even though it was slightly hot. Once the soup filled her stomach, Li Qin Yao felt that she had regained her energy. "Where is the baby?"


    "She''s in the baby''s room. Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao are looking over her," Zhang Yu Han said. "Should I call the nurse to bring her here?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded. "I miss her."


    Zhang Yu Han walked out of the room and called the nurse to bring their daughter inside. Then, he went back to his wife''s side.


    "How long have I been sleeping?"


    He planted a kiss on the top of her head and buried his nose into her hair for a few seconds longer. "Almost five hours. If you''re tired you should sleep more."


    "Not tired," Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I just wanted to see our daughter first." She had looked at her daughter and held her briefly after the baby had come out. Now, she was missing her daughter.


    Li Qin Yao cupped his face with her hands and stared at his face. Her thumb ran through the black rim under his eyes. "It looks like you haven''t been sleeping much yourself."


    Zhang Yu Han answered to her with a smile. "Your mom came over once she heard that you were in labor, but I sent her back to rest after she had stayed here for a night. She said she will come back again in the afternoon." He tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. "My mom and dad should be on the flight back."


    Li Qin Yao looked at her husband with her eyes widened. "Wasn''t they supposed to fly back the day after tomorrow?"


    "Once they heard that you have given birth, the two got too excited to meet their granddaughter," Zhang Yu Han said. "They ditched their work and booked the earliest flight back."


    Five minutes later, a nurse walked in, pushing the hospital baby cart. Knowing that the nurse was going to let Li Qin Yao feed the baby, Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao who tagged along choose to wait outside.


    "Have you decided on the baby''s name yet?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "I was planning to let Grandfather name her," Zhang Yu Han said. "What do you think?"


    Li Qin Yao quickly agreed. "I''m alright with that."


    Zhang Yu Han went over to his wife and sat on the edge of the bed. His arms moved to embrace her shoulder and the couple watched at their daughter together.


    Seeing the way the baby was su?k?n? the milk greedily, Zhang Yu Han poked at her chubby cheek and looked at his wife. "Our daughter is just like you."


    Li Qin Yao raised a brow at his comment and waited for him to continue.


    "Just look at how greedy she is," Zhang Yu Han pointed out. "I''m guessing that our daughter will grow up to be a foodies just like you."


    Li Qin Yao chuckled at his comment.


    Just as she had finished feeding her daughter and was properly dressed, Zhang Yu Han went out to call his sister in. Surprisingly, Qi Zheng and Doctor Qiao were waiting outside as well.


    "Is the mother done with feeding?" Doctor Qiao asked.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded before he let both Doctor Qiao and Qi Zheng in. The two then studied Li Qin Yao''s report together before Doctor Qiao pulled at the curtains to check on her wound.


    Seeing that there was no problem with her wound, Doctor Qiao announced that Li Qin Yao should be able to leave the hospital if there was no other problem or complication.

 Chapter 365 - How Do You Fell for His Trap?

    Once Doctor Qiao left, both Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao walked in.


    Wei Jun Hao glanced at the baby and shifted his gaze to Zhang Yu Han with envy before he turned to Li Qin Yao who was holding the baby in her hand. "Sister-in-law, congratulations!"


    Qi Zheng who happened to hear his words turned to his friend with a disapproving look. "Look at you, Wei Jun Hao, so shameless. You haven''t even married Yu Ying yet. Who are you calling sister-in-law?"


    Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue. "You''re just jealous that you don''t have a girlfriend yet."


    Qi Zheng raised a brow when he heard his friend''s provocation. "I dare you to address our captain as a brother-in-law."


    Wei Jun Hao turned slowly to Zhang Yu Han and saw his friend''s face darkened. Suddenly, Wei Jun Hao felt a chill around his body and he dared not to shout out the name.


    "I only let you date my sister, who said anything about marriage?" Zhang Yu Han said. "How about you try to win another match with me first?"


    Wei Jun Hao tried to send a distressed look to Li Qin Yao, but Zhang Yu Han had already blocked his view. Without Li Qin Yao''s help previously, how could he win the match against Zhang Yu Han?


    "What do you know?" Wei Jun Hao snickered. "Captain and I are considered brothers. Since he is my brother, of course, I am allowed to call his wife as my sister-in-law?" He then turned to Zhang Yu Han and smiled. "Isn''t that right?"


    "Then shouldn''t I call Captain''s wife as sister-in-law as well?" Qi Zheng said.


    Zhang Yu Ying rolled her eyes as she looked at the three men. She then shifted her gaze to look at the baby in Li Qin Yao''s hand. "Sister-in-law, just ignore them. They turned to boys the moment they got together."


    Li Qin Yao chuckled as she looked at Wei Jun Hao and Qi Zheng who continued to argue.


    "Little baby, when will you open your eyes and look at your aunt?" Zhang Yu Ying said as he touched her small hand. "Wake up soon and play with me, alright?"


    "We have to wait until she grows up a bit before we can play with her," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Ying sighed upon hearing her words.


    "Yu Ying, you like small kids?" Li Qin Yao asked in almost a whispering voice.


    "Un," Zhang Yu Ying nodded. "They smell so good and they look so obedient when they sleep. I heard the nurse said that little baby is very obedient. She doesn''t cry as much as the others."


    "If you like them, how about getting married and have your baby?"


    Zhang Yu Ying lifted her gaze and saw her sister-in-law''s teasing gaze. Instantly, her face reddened. "Sister-in-law, stop teasing me. It was not long ago since I started to date. It''s too early to get married and have a baby." She then lowered her gaze to look at the baby again.


    The baby in her eyes had her eyes shut, but her little mouth moved as she yawned.


    Unable to bear with the baby''s cuteness, Zhang Yu Ying took out her phone and snapped a few pictures. She then posted a picture of the baby''s small hand to her circle of friends.


    A thought crossed her mind, and Li Qin Yao called her husband. "Zhang Yu Han, remember to inform my grandparents as well."


    "Un, I know." Zhang Yu Han nodded before he took out his phone. He was too worried about his wife earlier that he had forgotten to inform a few people. Soon, Zhang Yu Han took a picture of his daughter and send it to a few people.


    Qi Zheng saw that his friend was taking pictures and a thought crossed his mind. He walked over to Zhang Yu Han and showed the picture he had taken earlier that morning¡ªthe moment Zhang Yu Han had carried his daughter in his arms and his daughter had smiled.


    Zhang Yu Han''s eyes brightened upon seeing the picture. The angle showed only a part of his face, but the smile on his daughter''s face was captured perfectly. "Send them to me."


    "You want them?" Qi Zheng raised a brow. "You should know that they did not come for free."


    "What do you want?" Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a shade darker at the thought that his friend was trying to sell him a picture of his princess.


    Qi Zheng''s lips curled into a smile. He typed a number on his phone and showed it to Zhang Yu Han. Once he saw the displeased look on his face, Qi Zheng was elated. "Make that in USD. You should be able to afford this much, right?"


    "You have to delete that photo after you send it to me," Zhang Yu Han said. He took out his phone and tapped his finger on the screen. After a couple of minutes, he turned to Qi Zheng again. "Done."


    Qi Zheng stared at his phone when a notification came. His eyes and mouth widened in surprise upon finding that he was richer. He had wanted to let Zhang Yu Han begged for the picture before he sent it to him, but who would have thought that Zhang Yu Han would be willing to give him money just like that without even bargaining!


    "Are you crazy?" Wei Jun Hao stared at the two in disbelief. "You''re willing to give that amount of money just like that? You are aware that Qi Zheng is tricking you, right? How do you fell for his trap?" He then muttered a few curses and regretted that he did not have such luck to get money from his friend.


    "Why wouldn''t I willing to spend that much money?" Zhang Yu Han spoke with pride as the picture he was waiting for arrived on his phone. "This is the first picture of my precious daughter. Of course, it should be expensive." He glanced at Qi Zheng with a dangerous look and said. "Remember to delete that."


    Now that he had a copy of his daughter''s first photo, of course, he was not going to let others have another copy.


    "Oh." Qi Zheng quickly deleted that picture from his phone. Seeing that much money in his account had suddenly made his head unable to function well.


    Meanwhile, Wei Jun Hao only watched his two friends in disbelief.


    A tender smile crossed on Zhang Yu Han''s face as he continued to gaze on the picture. He then walked over to his wife with a proud look on his face to brag about the picture on his phone.

 Chapter 366 - Youre Already Someones Father

    Xu Yilan arrived at the hospital with Zhang Jing and Auntie Wu sometimes around the afternoon.


    Because her daughter had given birth early that morning, Xu Yilan had accepted Zhang Jing''s invitation to crash over their place for a night. That way, Xu Yilan did not have to go back and forth to B City to rest.


    When the three elders entered the room, they immediately went to huddle around the little princess. Zhang Jing sat down on the sofa, and his grandson passed the baby into his embrace. Looking at the baby''s face, Zhang Jing''s expression became softer and he could not stop smiling.


    He now had a great-granddaughter and he was so happy and proud of it. How many people around his age could brag about carrying a great-grandchild in their arms? At the thought that he can brag about this to his brother-in-law, Qi Xi Feng, Zhang Jing was happy. That man was two years older than him, but his grandsons had not brought home a granddaughter-in-law for him to see. Meanwhile, he was now someone with a great-granddaughter.


    Xu Yilan watched her granddaughter for a while before she walked over to her daughter.


    "Ma, when did you arrive?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "I came the moment Yu Han told me you''re in labor," Xu Yilan said. She turned her head to her look at her son-in-law who was sitting beside his grandfather and smiled. "Yu Han sent someone to fetch me from B City."


    Li Qin Yao followed her mother''s gaze and sighed. Perhaps, this was why her mother treated her husband very well. It was because Zhang Yu Han treated her mother good as well.


    "How are you feeling?" Xu Yilan asked as she gave her daughter a lookover. Seeing that her daughter look well, Xu Yilan heaved a sigh in relief.


    "It feels strange that I have given birth to a child," Li Qin Yao said.


    Xu Yilan laughed at her daughter''s words. "You did a great job giving birth to a daughter. Yao Yao, I am so proud of you." She squeezed at her daughter''s shoulder and leaned to kiss her head.


    Hearing her mother''s words, Li Qin Yao felt her eyes and nose started to sting. As she felt her tears threatened to drop, her mother had leaned towards her and messed up with her hair. She was touched at her mother''s words, but her mother had ruined the moment.


    "Are you hungry?" Xu Yilan asked. "I made some soup for you."


    Auntie Wu, who was at the side brought the soup thermos forward and placed it on the table. "Your mother went into the kitchen the moment she woke up to cook the soup for you."


    Li Qin Yao watched as her mother poured the soup on the bowl and listened to the two women telling her that this soup would help to nourish her health as well as to help with br??st milk production. She drank the soup slowly and finished it even though it tasted a bit bland.


    After a while, the little princess who was in her great-grandfather''s arms started to cry.


    Hearing the baby''s cry for the first time, Zhang Jing tried to coax the baby before he passed her to his grandson. Zhang Yu Han then handed the baby to his wife and he pulled the curtains to let his wife fed their daughter peacefully.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao was allowed to leave the hospital the next morning and the couple went back to their house.


    Auntie Su was going to stay with them during his wife''s confinement period. Therefore, Zhang Yu Han was not to worry too much. Moreover, Xu Yilan had decided to take a week off to look after her daughter and granddaughter.


    Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan arrived at the couple house in the evening along with Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao. They went back to the residence to change their clothes and went straight to their son''s house to look at their grandchild. Fortunately, the house was not that far. They brought along a few things from Country C for their granddaughter and just like that, more baby stuff filled their house.


    The moment the couple arrived, they immediately went to look at their granddaughter who was sleeping. Hearing that little commotion in the house, the little princess opened her eyes to look at her grandparents. There was a little crease between her eyebrow as she stared at them in silence.


    Liu Hui Lan heaved a long sigh upon seeing how their granddaughter acted. "Why do I feel like you have your father''s personality?" She carried the baby to her husband and spoke. "You look at the way she stared at people. Isn''t it the same as Yu Han?"


    "Don''t speak nonsense," Zhang Xi clicked his tongue. "Isn''t it too sad for her to have a personality like her father?"


    Zhang Yu Han, who happen to hear his parents'' conversation had his face turned darker. "What''s wrong with my personality?"


    "It''s not that there is something wrong with your personality," Liu Hui Lan said. "I''m just saying a girl should have a bubbly personality like Qin Yao or Yu Ying."


    "Having a bright and bubbly personality like Qin Yao is alright, but I don''t wish my daughter to be like Yu Ying," Zhang Yu Han said.


    Zhang Yu Ying stood up to look at her brother. "What''s wrong with my personality?"


    "You can be an airhead sometimes."


    "What''s wrong with being an airhead?"


    "Alright, you two," Zhang Xi stood between his children when he sensed that the siblings were about to start their quarrel. He turned to his son and frowned. "You''re already someone''s father. Why do you want to quarrel with your sister?"


    Zhang Yu Ying clicked her tongue and turned her head away from her brother while muttering a few cursing words towards her brother.


    Seeing that his girlfriend was upset, Wei Jun Hao went over and put his arms around her shoulder. "Don''t mind your brother." He leaned closer and whispered. "I like that you can be a little ditzy. This is what makes you adorable."


    Zhang Yu Ying stared back at Wei Jun Hao with her eyes wide. Although she was getting used to Wei Jun Hao''s flirting, she still found it awkward to act like this around her parents.


    However, their little exchanged did not escape both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan''s gaze.


    "The two of you have known each other for years, when do you plan to get married?" Liu Hui Lan teased.


    Wei Jun Hao''s eyes sparkled at hearing this question. He had seen his friend''s blissful married life and now, he had a cute little daughter. Of course, Wei Jun Hao was jealous!


    "Auntie, I would marry Yu Ying the moment she agreed."


    Zhang Yu Ying''s face turned red. She pinched at Wei Jun Hao''s waist and said, "Who said I was going to marry you?"


    "Then, are you planning to marry someone else?" Wei Jun Hao grabbed at Zhang Yu Ying''s arms before the girl tried to escape. "Yu Ying, let''s discuss this, alright?

 Chapter 367 - Truly Her Fathers Daughter

    In Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Chen tossed her hair as she walked up the stairs and entered the private room. Ignoring the men who gathered around her the moment she entered, Li Mu Chen then walked further inside and sat down once she found the person she was looking for.


    Shan Zi glanced at the female companion beside him and waved his hands the moment he saw Li Mu Chen. He called the waiter to come and bring more drinks for him before he scooted closer to Li Mu Chen.


    "I haven''t seen you for so long," Shan Zi spoke as he flashed her a flirtatious smile. He passed her a glass of drinks and spoke again. "Where have you been?"


    Li Mu Chen took a sip from the drink and huffed.


    "Didn''t you say you were going to play a prank with your cousin? What is it?" Shan Zi tilted his head sideways. "You changed your mind?"


    "Of course not," Li Mu Chen scoffed. She turned to Shan Zi and spoke, "I went out to accompany my grandmother to travel around. Why? You missed me?"


    Shan Zi laughed and played with a few strands with Li Mu Chen''s hair. "Of course I missed you. You should have called."


    The truth was that Li Mu Chen was unable to leave her grandparents'' residence after she argued with her brother. Being as annoying as he was, Li Mu Bai was suspecting that his sister was up to no good and he had always been around her as if to guard her. Li Mu Chen did not dare to take out her phone and contact anyone with her brother''s presence.


    It was only today that she dared to go out again. Her brother and grandparents had gone out to Y City to attend Li Qin Yao''s daughter''s full moon party and Li Mu Chen had taken this chance to come out and meet Shan Zi and discuss their plan.


    When she thought of everyone''s expression after they heard that her cousin, Yao Yao had given birth to a daughter, Li Mu Chen was seething with anger.


    Yao Yao had only given birth to a daughter. So, what was the big deal about it? Why does everyone have to be happy about it? Why wasn''t anyone concern with her pitiful life? Her cousin, Yao Yao was surrounded by people who loved her.


    But what about Li Mu Chen? Her mother was no longer by her side and she was abandoned by her father and brother.


    "Sorry. You''re right. I should have called." Li Mu Chen ran her finger on the man''s ?h?st. She looked at Shan Zi and batted her eyes. "Will you still help me?"


    Shan Zi leaned to kiss her lips as he ran his hand on her th??h. Their kiss broke after a while and Shan Zi had a joyous smile on his face. "You know that I would do anything for you."


    Li Mu Chen had a smile on her face, but her heart with screaming with annoyance at this man. If it was not for the money and other benefits she offered, would he still dare to say these words?


    "So, what are you planning to do?" Shan Zi asked as he looked at her lazily.


    Li Mu Chen thought about the last time she saw Liang Sheng at the headquarters. It was then that she knew why Liang Sheng had stopped showing up at her grandparents'' place. Now that Liang Sheng had no longer visit Li''s residence, of course, Li Mu Chen will have to devise her plan.


    ¡­


    On the day of the little princess'' one-month celebration, she was swaddled in pink clothes as she was carried in her grandmother, Xu Yilan embrace. The little girl had her eyes opened as she looked around curiously without making a sound. The space between her brow creased. No matter how much the others had tried to stop this habit, they were unable to do anything about it.


    Not too long ago, Li Qin Yao had taken a picture of the father and daughter frowning face and had laughed at the similarities. The little princess was truly her father''s daughter.


    As the little princess grew up, her feature began to show and it could be said that she inherited her parent''s good look. Her eyes, brows, and lips resembled her father while her face shape was definitely inherited from her mother.


    On that day, their family and friends had come over to the couple''s house to look at the child.


    Li Ren Xin and Mu Ling Xi gathered around their great-granddaughter and their happy expression was obvious. The elders gave her a big red packet and an expensive gold bangle.


    Li Qin Yao came out from her room and walked over to greet their guests.


    Li Mu Bai walked over to his cousin and smiled. "Congratulations."


    "You''re here," Li Qin Yao spoke. "President Li, is it alright with you and Chairman to leave the company to attend my daughter''s full moon celebration?"


    "Don''t worry. Li Ming Han is still around to look at the company with our absence."


    Li Qin Yao chuckled. Previously, Li Ming Han had called to say that he was not able to attend her daughter''s full moon celebration as his wife was unwell. Therefore, Li Mu Bai then left the company to him for a couple of days as he accompanied his grandparents to Y City.


    Li Mu Bai glanced at the direction where the baby is and asked, "What is her name?"


    "Zhang Li Xue."


    The little princess had sensed her mother''s presence long ago when she walked down the stairs. The frown on her face quickly disappeared and she started to kick her feet around in excitement. After moving around and seeing that her mother did not come towards her, the little Princess began to pout and cry.


    Hearing her cry, Li Qin Yao did not continue to talk to her cousin and immediately go to check on her daughter. It was only when the baby was in her mother''s embrace that she stopped. Seeing the serene look on her granddaughter''s face, Xu Yilan heaved a sigh.


    Xu Yilan had taken a long break to look after her daughter and granddaughter. After a while, she had begun to notice that her granddaughter would always wear that frown on her face when she looked around, unless if she was in her mother''s embrace.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Xu Yilan glanced at her son-in-law who was entertaining his friends and caught the way he had a frown on his face.


    Seeing that his daughter had cried, Zhang Yu Han left his friends and walked over to his wife and daughter. The moment he stood beside Li Qin Yao, that slight frown on his face too disappeared.


    Looking at this situation, Xu Yilan did not know whether to laugh or cry.


    Both father and daughter would only relax around Li Qin Yao''s presence.


    Suddenly, Xu Yilan could see that the father and daughter fighting for the mother''s attention in the future and thought that it would be an interesting scene to see.

 Chapter 368 - He Would be a Valuable Asset

    The head of Qi family, Qi Xi Feng arrived at the residence along with his grandson, Qi Ming Wei. The moment he stepped into the house, Zhang Jing went over to greet him politely. However, Qi Xi Feng could not miss his brother-in-law''s proud smile.


    "Are you that happy?" Qi Xi Feng''s face darkened upon seeing Zhang Jing''s happy one.


    "I have a great-granddaughter. How can I not be happy?" Zhang Jing laughed.


    Qi Xi Feng clicked his tongue before he glanced ad his two grandsons, Qi Ming Wei and Qi Zheng. Qi Ming Wei was a few years older than Zhang Yu Han, while Qi Zheng was the same age. However, the two of them had not brought back a girl to introduce to him.


    "Brother-in-law, you need to ask your grandson to work hard into luring a girl to become your granddaughter-in-law," Zhang Jing said.


    Upon hearing Zhang Jing''s words, Qi Xi Feng turned to Qi Ming Wei again and shook his head disapprovingly. "You look at Zhang Yu Han. He is now a father. When are you planning to bring home a girl?"


    Qi Ming Wei could only sigh. He was busy with work. When did he have time to date or meet any girl?


    Zhang Jing''s smile widened upon seeing his brother-in-law''s sullen face. Satisfied that he had his chance to brag, Zhang Jing then called his granddaughter-in-law over and Li Qin Yao brought her daughter over to show to Qi Xi Feng.


    Upon seeing the little girl''s face, Qi Xi Feng''s anger towards his grandson disappeared. Looking at the adorable girl, he was suddenly reminded of his late little sister. If she was still alive, she would be happy to look at this adorable princess as well.


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her old man without an expression on her face even though she could not see a thing at her age.


    Qi Xi Feng nodded as he stared at Zhang''s little princess. "Adorable. Looking at her face, she really resembled her father. Little girl, what is your name?"


    "I named her Li Xue. Zhang Li Xue," Zhang Jing said proudly.


    Qi Xi Feng had a smile on his face. Although he was still upset that his brother-in-law had now become a great-grandfather, Qi Xi Feng could not get angry at the sight of the little princess. After playing with the little girl for a while, Qi Xi Feng then took out his red packet and signaled Qi Ming Wei to hand the gifts for the newborn.


    "Are you tired?" Zhang Yu Han asked his wife as he watched his grandfather and granduncle walked into the house.


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "I''m not tired. But your daughter should want to sleep anytime soon."


    "Let me take her. Your hands would get tired if you carry her for too long," Zhang Yu Han said.


    "En," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Then, I''ll go and drink something first."


    Zhang Yu Han took his daughter from his wife and kissed the little girl on her cheek. After drinking her mother''s milk for a month, his little princess had gained some weight, and her chubby cheek was prominent.


    Sensing that she was no longer in her mother''s embrace, the little princess started to gurgle and moved both her hands and feet as if complaining that she was now in her father''s arms.


    Hearing her cute baby talk, everyone started to gather around her again and Li Qin Yao used this chance to enter the kitchen and drink to moisten her throat.


    While leaning on the wall to support herself, Li Qin Yao looked around the room where her family and friends had gathered. Even Han Yue Xiu had shown up with Song Yi.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao smiled.


    Li Ren Xin held on her granddaughter''s hand and patted it slowly. Seeing that the head of Qi family had come over to his great-granddaughter''s full moon celebration, Li Ren Xin could figure out how much Zhang Yu Han and his family valued both Li Qin Yao and her daughter.


    "The Tourism Project in B City has now entered its third phase," Li Ren Xin spoke. "Earlier today, both your cousin Mu Bai and I had visited the site. Liang Sheng had taken us on a short tour. It seemed that the city will be completed as scheduled. Yao Yao, you have done a great job this time."


    "I did not do anything much," Li Qin Yao said. "Grandfather, without you ?ssigning Liang Sheng to ?ssist me this time, the project in B City would not go as smooth. He had helped me to oversee the project for months."


    Li Ren Xin laughed. "Assistant Liang had really taught his son well."


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Truthfully, she did not know how she was able to do well in this project without Liang Sheng''s ?ssistance. Liang Sheng was a fast learner and very capable. While she was on maternity leave, Liang Sheng was the one who helped to oversee the project.


    "Grandfather, when this project is finished, you should consider giving Liang Sheng more chance," Li Qin Yao said. "I believe that he will be a good help for QL Group."


    Li Ren Xin turned his gaze at where Liang Sheng and a few staff from QL Group''s B City''s branch had gathered. He had seen how the bespectacled man did his job and hearing his granddaughter''s praise, Li Ren Xin knew that Liang Sheng would be a valuable ?sset for QL Group after a few more years of training.


    "Since you have praised Liang Sheng that much, then you should rest more," Li Ren Xin said. "Recuperate well at home and let Liang Sheng handle the project."


    "What are you planning to do after the project in B City is completed?" Li Mu Bai asked.


    "I haven''t decided. But I won''t be returning to Capital City," she said. "I have told you before. I planned to follow my husband. Wherever he goes to, that is where I''m going to be."


    Li Mu Bai''s expression changed upon hearing her words. "Yao Yao, are you¡­ planning on quitting after the project in B City is completed?"


    Previously, Zhang Jing had asked her the same question. Anyway, since she now had a child, Zhang Jing had thought that perhaps she would want to focus on raising her child.


    Although she had told him that she had not made any decision, Zhang Jing then offered to come and work for Zhang Group if she wanted to continue to work after the project was completed.


    Li Qin Yao looked at her cousin and smiled. "I haven''t think about what I wanted to do next. At this time, I am planning to focus on the project in B City first. You know how it is. My husband and his friends invested a lot of money on this project. Since I am now married to Zhang Yu Han, his money is also my money. I cannot let this project fail," she joked.

 Chapter 369 - His Skill at Changing Diapers had Improved

    Zhang Yu Han was changing his daughter''s diaper when he suddenly felt a pair of arms wrapped around his waist. His movement paused a second before he continued his task. "You finished bathing?"


    "Un," she nodded. "Hubby, you seemed a lot more skillful than I am," Li Qin Yao said. She rubbed her head on his back and inhaled his scent before she peeked at the little girl.


    The little princess heard her mother''s voice and started to flail her hands and feet around excitedly. Her eyes widened as she was trying to locate her mother. She could hear her voice and sensed her presence, but her mother did not come to pick her up and this was making her agitated.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned upon seeing his daughter''s action. He was trying to clean her and put on the diaper, but the little girl had moved around, making it hard for him to complete his task. After a while, Zhang Yu Han caught her little feet and spoke, "Zhang Li Xue. Stay still."


    Hearing her father''s deep voice, the little princess started to frown a little bit before she opened her mouth and started ranting in her baby''s speech. Though her legs were unable to move, her hands were still moving around.


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her daughter''s action. She walked over and bent to kiss her daughter''s forehead. "Li Xue, don''t be angry at your father. The last time, he had to go through morning sickness for you. When you grow up, you have to be good to your father, you know?"


    "Ah!" Zhang Li Xue shouted sharply before she finally stopped to let her father put on the diaper on her peacefully. She finally located her mother and stared at her direction with her eyes wide.


    "Why do I feel like your daughter nagged a lot," Li Qin Yao tilted her head as she looked at the little girl. "Who do you think she took after?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife as he helped his daughter to wear her onesie. "How do you know she nagged a lot?"


    "I can understand your daughter''s speech. Just now, she was complaining that you''re too slow at changing her diaper."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled but did not say anything.


    How can he be too slow? Recently, he could change his daughter''s diaper faster than his mother-in-law could. His skill at changing diapers had improved a lot after almost two months of training, alright?


    After a while, the little princess was neatly dressed in her pink Hello Kitty''s onesie. Zhang Yu Han carried the baby and kissed her cheek. "All done."


    The little girl yelped upon feeling her father''s rough kiss on her tender skin. She opened her mouth to smear her saliva all over her father''s face in return but was unable to reach him. Dissatisfied with her helplessness, Zhang Li Xue started another short rant before she finally put her hands in her mouth.


    "Just a kiss for the little princess?" Li Qin Yao peered at her husband. "What about her mother?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh as he stared at his wife''s slightly pouting face. With one hand carrying his daughter, he then leaned closer to his wife and wrapped her waist with his arms to pull her closer. He bent slightly and their lips met.


    The little girl did not know what was going on, but could only sense that both her mother and father were very close to her for a long time. As long as her mother was close to her, Zhang Li Xue did not have any other complaints.


    When the couple parted a moment later, there was a giddy smile on Li Qin Yao''s lips. Seeing the look on her face, Zhang Yu Han was unable to stop himself from leaning for a quick peck.


    It seemed that it has been a long time that he had not kissed his wife like this. With the little girl between them, Zhang Yu Han did not think that the kiss was satisfying for him. A frown appeared on his face as he thought of kissing his wife properly after they had put the little princess to sleep.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband and noticed that his gaze had turned darker as he looked at her. Unable to face his intense gaze, she lowered her gaze and looked at the little girl who had her hand in her mouth. "Let me feed her and put her to sleep," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he watched his wife walked away with their daughter in her arms.


    Li Qin Yao walked over to the wing chair and sat down. She rained her kisses on her daughter''s face and inhaled her sweet scent. "My little princess is all clean and smell good now."


    Hearing her mother''s praise, Zhang Li Xue''s lips tilted into a toothless grin.


    She looked at her daughter''s onesie and the smile on her face widened. "My baby is so cute in her onesie. Fortunately, mom bought you a lot of cute outfits. Li Xue, grow up quickly so that we can play dress-up together, alright? Then, mom will buy you a lot of cute dresses. You will look like a princess."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife speechlessly as he heard her words. When she found out that she was pregnant, Li Qin Yao had mentioned that she wanted a daughter so that she can play dress-up with her. He did not expect that now they had a daughter, she had remembered what she had wanted to do with their daughter.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her daughter''s Hello Kitty onesie and a thought suddenly came to her mind. "Oh my, Li Xue, look at you. Mom has given birth to a cute kitten. It would be better if this onesie had a hoodie with cat ears attached to it. My baby, you''re going to look adorable."


    The baby waved her hands around in excitement.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han''s face turned dark at her words. His gaze fell on the little princess'' onesie printed with Hello Kitty''s face and suddenly, he did not know whether he wanted to laugh or cry.


    "Later, let''s get a matching onesie," Li Qin Yao muttered to her daughter softly. She looked at her daughter and asked, "Li Xue, how about wearing a matching onesie with your mom and dad?"


    The little girl did not know what her mother was talking about, but the smile on her lips remained.


    Zhang Yu Han''s face paled upon hearing his wife''s idea. He knew that he needed to retreat from the room slowly and make his escaped before Li Qin Yao could utter the idea to him. "I should go and take my shower," Zhang Yu Han said before he safely made his escape.

 Chapter 370 - How is My Daughter Mischievous?

    During her long maternity leave, Li Qin Yao continued to monitor the project development in B City through reports from both Liang Sheng and Xiao Lian Yi.


    Fortunately, the little princess was so well behaved whenever Liang Sheng dropped by the house to send his report. As long as she could sense that her mother was near to her, Zhang Li Xue did not mind playing by herself with all the toys that everyone had bought for her.


    In her third month, the little princess can now roll over and lay on her stomach for a while and laugh while playing around with the others. Now that she can now laugh and spit bubbles, her frown had become a rare sight, unless if she was in a presence of some strangers, or whenever her father took her away from her mother.


    Li Qin Yao left her daughter to play in the cot while she was browsing through the documents that Liang Sheng had brought to her. Now that she was planning to return to work, there were a few things that she needed to check.


    The Tourism City had entered its third phase two months ago. The hotel building that Zhang Yu Han had invested in had almost finished and soon, the people from Zhang Group were going to work on the interior. Meanwhile, the amusement park project that QL Group had collaborated to build with MH Group was halfway completed. It was expected that the Tourism City project will be completed by the end of next summer.


    Once she was done looking at the paperwork, Li Qin Yao jotted down her signature and reread the documents one last time before she gathered everything and passed it to Liang Sheng.


    "You should hand it over to President Li and have him inspected everything," Li Qin Yao said to Liang Sheng. "Once the President had approved of everything, we will proceed with the supplier, and the construction may continue."


    Liang Sheng nodded.


    A small smile curled on her lips. "You haven''t go back to Capital City and visited your family for months because of me. This time, you should stay in Capital City for a few more days and spent your time with your family."


    "Please don''t say that, Mrs. Zhang," Liang Sheng lowered his head. "I don''t mind staying in B City and work for you. This way, I can escape my mother''s nagging about finding a girlfriend."


    Li Qin Yao laughed upon hearing his words.


    It was true that Liang Sheng had not gone back to Capital City ever since Li Qin Yao had given birth to her daughter. But mostly, it was because he was trying to avoid meeting Li Mu Chen. Liang Sheng did not know why, but he always had a bad feeling whenever he ran into Li Mu Chen.


    "I am planning to return to the office in two weeks," Li Qin Yao spoke. "Later, you and Xiao Lian Yi won''t be too busy."


    The little girl was kicking at waving around the soft teddy bear in her hand when his father arrived. Sensing a familiar scent, Zhang Li Xue stopped moving before she stared at her father. Then, she started to coo and spewing bubbles at him.


    Zhang Yu Han bent down to kiss her forehead and the little girl yelped to protest. Her hands were flailing and her legs were kicking as she continued to speak in something that only she can understand.


    Seeing how active she was, Zhang Yu Han then carried her in his embrace before he rained his kisses on her face. The little princess frowned and pouted before she started to make more noise to complain.


    Zhang Yu Han pressed his finger at the crease between his princess''s brow. "Zhang Li Xue, you were smiling the first time I carried you in my arms. Why do you put on a frown on your face now? What happened to my beautiful smiling princess?"


    Zhang Li Xue put her hand in her mouth before she wiped her hand on her father''s shirt, smearing him with her saliva. Satisfied with her work, the little princess lips curled into a smile.


    Looking at how she acted, Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh and pinched at her chubby cheek softly. "You are clearly like your mother. Look at your mischievous smile. Just like your mother."


    "How is my daughter mischievous? She''s very well behaved." Li Qin Yao smiled as she peeked at her daughter. "Isn''t that right, my little princess?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned around to find that his wife was standing right behind him. His gaze softened as he laid his eyes on her.


    After three months, her body had almost gone back to the way it was before she was pregnant. Zhang Yu Han thought that he preferred her like this. Anyway, hugging her was more comfortable when she had a bit more meat on her.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled his wife closer and bent down to kiss her on the lips. "Have you finished your discussion with Liang Sheng?"


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded. She looked at her daughter who was flailing her arms and sighed. "I''m going to return to work soon. How am I going to be apart from you?"


    After staying by her daughter''s side for months, Li Qin Yao was finding it difficult to


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife and did not say anything. Previously, he had told her that whatever decision she was going to make, he will give her his support. It doesn''t matter if she wanted to continue and work or quit her job and spend her time with their child. Anyway, it was not as if he could not afford to raise them both.


    "Are you reluctant to leave Li Xue?" his tone softened. He watched her nodded and kissed her on her head. "You can always change your mind, you know."


    Li Qin Yao leaned her head on her husband''s arms. "But the project in B City is almost completed. I don''t want to leave it halfway."


    She had agreed to manage this project from the very beginning to prove herself. Now that it was almost completed, of course, she did not have the heart to leave it to someone else. This project was her blood and sweat.


    "Come on, let''s go to Grandfather''s place and send Li Xue."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her daughter and nodded.


    Earlier, it was planned that they were going to leave Li Xue to Zhang Yu Ying and Auntie Wu while they went out for a few hours. Since she had planned to go back to work, Li Qin Yao needed to start distancing herself from her daughter.


    ...


    Zhang Yu Han parked her vehicle at the porch and his sister immediately came out from the house.


    It was planned earlier that they were going to send Zhang Li Xue and let Zhang Yu Ying babysit her for a couple of hours to get herself and her daughter used to being apart from each other.


    Zhang Yu Ying had a smile on her face as she looked at her niece. She was about to greet the little girl when she noticed that she had fallen asleep.


    "Will you be alright to look after her for a few hours?" Li Qin Yao asked as she passed Li Xue''s stuff to her sister-in-law.


    "Sister-in-law, you don''t have to worry. Auntie Wu is here with me. There won''t be any problem," Zhang Yu Ying said. "You should go out with my brother. If there is anything, I will call you."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her sleeping daughter and nodded slowly.

 Chapter 371 - Babysitting

    Once her brother''s vehicle left the house, Zhang Yu Ying ran inside to check on her niece. Upon seeing the peaceful sleeping face, Zhang Yu Ying took out her phone and took a picture of them together.


    After adding a few cute filters and a cute sticker to cover her niece''s face, Zhang Yu Ying posted it to her moments. In just a few seconds, her friends'' comments flooded in. As she was reading at how her friends were praising at how cute the baby looked like despite the sticker covering her face, a call came in.


    Afraid that her ringtone was going to wake up the girl, Zhang Yu Ying quickly answered the call.


    "Yu Ying, you''re babysitting?" Wei Jun Hao''s voice could be heard on the other line.


    "Hmm. My brother went out for a while," Zhang Yu Ying whispered as she peeked at her sleeping niece. "Therefore, I''m on babysitting duty."


    Wei Jun Hao chuckled as he recalled that his girlfriend had rejected his invitation to go out on a date with him earlier. So it was because she was going to babysit her niece?


    "Can you do it?" Wei Jun Hao asked.


    "Why can''t I do it? It''s just looking after the baby for a few hours, right? Anyway, Auntie Wu is here with me."


    Wei Jun Hao thought about it for a moment and spoke again. "I''m coming over."


    "Why are you coming over? Hey, Wei Jun Hao!" Before she could say more, Wei Jun Hao had hung up the phone and the little girl in the baby cot had stirred from her sleep.


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han peeked at his wife who kept on staring at her phone. The space between her brow creased and her expression showed her worry. With a chuckle, Zhang Yu Han pressed at the space. "Why are you frowning like your daughter?"


    "When did I frown?"


    Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around his wife''s shoulder and pulled her closer. "You were never this reluctant when you have to be apart from me for a few minutes."


    Li Qin Yao froze for a while before she looked up at her husband and laughed. "Mr. Zhang, did you just drink vinegar instead of juice?"


    "En," Zhang Yu Han nodded as he glanced at the cup of juice in his hand. "I want my wife to pay attention to me too. It was hard to steal her away from my daughter."


    The worried expression on her face gradually disappeared and Li Qin Yao tiptoed to kiss him on his jaw. "Alright. I''ll put away my phone for a while and just look at you today."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. He gave a light squeeze at her shoulder and kissed her head.


    Since his wife had decided to go back to work, Zhang Yu Han decided to help his wife to be apart from their child for a while. He had suggested for them to go on a short date and asked his sister to babysit his daughter. Anyway, his sister was very happy to do it.


    Li Qin Yao rested her head on her husband''s ?h?st and a small smile appeared on her face. "Zhang Yu Han, don''t you think it''s funny? We have never gone out to see a movie when we were dating. Now that we have become parents, we''re about to watch a movie at the movie theatre together for the first time."


    ¡­


    Zhang Li Xue yawned and stretched up her body. Her eyes blinked once and twice before she finally sensed that something was not right. Although she could not see clearly, she can feel that this place was not her home. Even the mattress under her was not as comfortable as the one she used to lay on.


    Instead of panicking, Zhang Li Xue stayed calmly to observe her surroundings and trying to sense her mother''s presence. After a while, the frown on her face started to show and Zhang Li Xue began to whimper.


    "My little princess, you''re awake!" Zhang Yu Ying appeared by her side.


    "Are you hungry?" Zhang Yu Ying asked. "Your mom left some milk for you. I will have to warm them up first if you''re hungry."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her aunt and started to flail around her hand when she was carried into Zhang Yu Ying''s embrace. A yelp escaped her as her aunt rained her kisses on her face.


    What was it with the ?du?ts and kissing her face? She only liked kisses if it came from her mother!


    "Yu Ying, stop that. Li Xue did not like that you''re kissing her too much."


    Zhang Li Xue paused when she heard another familiar voice. Her hands and legs moved as she recalled that this was the person who often showed up and played with her.


    "How did you know that she did not like me kissing her?" Zhang Yu Ying sent a displeased look to her boyfriend.


    "Look at the face," Wei Jun Hao pointed at the little girl. "Isn''t that the same face that your brother would make when he''s unhappy? But I''m not the same." A cheeky smile appeared on his face. "I like your kisses. Come. How about raining kisses on my face instead?"


    Zhang Yu Ying looked at her boyfriend with her eyes wide. "Shameless! Li Xue, let''s not get close to this shameless uncle."


    Zhang Li Xue frowned when she heard this person had said that she resembled her father. Then she started to nag, saying that she resembled her mother more.


    Suddenly, the frown on her face disappeared and Zhang Li Xue looked at the two ?du?ts with her toothless grin.


    Seeing that the little girl had smiled, Wei Jun Hao looked at his girlfriend smugly. "Li Xue, you like me more, right? Come on. Let me carry you."


    Zhang Li Xue moved her hands excitedly as Wei Jun Hao carried her. Her hands moved to smear her saliva on the man''s face as punishment for saying that she looked like her father. However, she only got to wipe her hands on the man''s shirt. Dissatisfied with how it had turned out, Zhang Li Xue opened her mouth and tried to bite Wei Jun Hao''s ?h?st and smear more saliva while she was at it.


    "Look. She''s hungry," Wei Jun Hao said. "Yu Ying, quick, go, and prepare her milk."


    "Oh!" Zhang Yu Ying then ran into the kitchen to find Auntie Wu and asked about reheating the milk for her niece.


    Seeing that his girlfriend had gone, Wei Jun Hao turned to the little girl in his embrace and laughed. "Sorry, Li Xue. I am not your mother. I''m a man. I don''t have br??st milk."


    Zhang Li Xue froze. She was not trying to find her favorite food on him, alright! She can still tell that this person was not her mother!

 Chapter 372 - Theres a Child Here!

    The little princess huffed as she looked at the two people in front of her. Her tiny lips were spitting bubbles as her aunt shook the rattling toy at her. Zhang Li Xue turned her head towards where the noise was coming from and tried to reach for her toy. Just as she thought that she was going to grab it, the toy was taken away.


    Frustrated, Zhang Li Xue slapped the mattress with her tiny hands.


    "Alright, stop teasing her. Let her have that toy," Wei Jun Hao spoke. Seeing his friend''s identical frown on the little girl''s face, Wei Jun Hao was worried that the little girl would have her father''s temper. He had a hunch that this little girl would be someone hard to deal with when she grew up.


    As the thought crossed his mind, he began to shudder.


    His gaze shifted to his girlfriend who continued to tease the little princess. Seeing the happy expression on Zhang Yu Ying''s face, Wei Jun Hao''s eyes softened.


    At this time, Wei Jun Hao was thinking that it was not so bad that they did not go out for a date. Spending their time with Li Xue like this can be fun too. At least, he could practice looking after a child. Maybe when they were married and have a cute daughter like Li Xue, he would already be a pro at coaxing a baby.


    Just thinking about the future made him happy.


    He had worked so hard to convince this girl to date him.


    From the moment he realized that he liked Zhang Yu Ying, Wei Jun Hao was unable to look at other girls. He had met a lot of girls when his aunt had sent him to blind dates. However, none of the girls was Zhang Yu Ying.


    Zhang Yu Ying had inherited her mother''s beauty. Although she can be fierce at times, Wei Jun Hao knew that this girl was timid. She was smart but can be an airhead at a time.


    Back then, when Zhang Yu Han bullied him, it was Zhang Yu Ying who would help to defend him. He did not know when he had liked her until the siblings decided to follow their parents and moved to Country C.


    Since then, he had tried to keep in contact with Zhang Yu Ying. Although he had often hinted that he liked her, Zhang Yu Ying had often ignored him until she returned to Y City a year ago. Now that he had made her his girlfriend, the next step was to convince her to marry him.


    As he was deep in his thought, Wei Jun Hao leaned forward and planted a kiss on Zhang Yu Ying''s cheek.


    Seconds later, the girl turned to look at him with her eyes wide. Her hand covered the spot where he had kissed earlier.


    "Why did you suddenly kiss me?" Zhang Yu Ying asked.


    "What''s wrong with kissing my girlfriend?"


    "There''s a child here!"


    "Li Xue won''t mind," Wei Jun Hao turned to the little child. "Right, Li Xue?"


    "Ah!" Zhang Li Xue shouted before she smiled. The little princess did not know what the ?du?t was whispering about. She heard that someone had called her name and thought that they wanted to play with her.


    "Li Xue, let''s not play with this shameless uncle," Zhang Yu Ying said. "Don''t get close to him and learn something bad from him."


    Wei Jun Hao narrowed his eyes. He grabbed the rattle from his girlfriend and handed it over to the little princess. Then he turned to Zhang Yu Ying with a pitiful expression. "Zhang Yu Ying, how about giving me a kiss? Come on. Just give me one kiss."


    "Are you crazy?" Zhang Yu Ying spoke in a hushed voice. "Even if Li Xue could not see a thing, Auntie Wu is still around!"


    "Just one!"


    Her unwillingness started to waver as Wei Jun Hao continued to stare at her. After giving it a thought, Zhang Yu Ying leaned in to give him a peck on the lips. "Alright. Just one. Happy?"


    Wei Jun Hao''s lips curled into a victorious smile. He wrapped his arms around Zhang Yu Ying''s waist and leaned his head on her shoulder.


    "Hey, what are you trying to do?" Zhang Yu Ying tried to struggle out of his embrace.


    "Zhang Yu Ying, do you like Li Xue? Do you think she''s adorable?"


    Zhang Yu Ying stopped moving around. She looked at the little girl who was waving the rattle and smiled. "En. Of course, I like her. She''s my niece. How can she not be adorable?"


    "Then how about we get married and have our own child?"


    Hearing his question, Zhang Yu Ying looked at him with her eyes wide. "No. I still want you to continue courting me. Wei Jun Hao, you are still on probation."


    "How long will I have to be on probation?" Wei Jun Hao looked at her with a dissatisfied look.


    Zhang Yu Ying moved away as she finally escaped his embrace. "Until I tell you that you have passed."


    As Wei Jun Hao continued to coax his girlfriend with his sweet words, Zhang Li Xue waved around the rattle until she was tired.


    A long time had passed, but her favorite mother was still nowhere around her. Instead, she was forced to play with the two people who keep bickering about something unimportant.


    Even though she was a baby, she found that entertaining ?du?ts can be tiring. After resting on the mattress for a while, Zhang Li Xue began to look for her mother again. However, no matter how long she waited, her mother was nowhere around her.


    "Li Xue, what''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Ying went forward to coax the little girl, but the little girl won''t stop crying.


    After trying to feed her with milk, waving around the rattles, and pointing at the pretty chandelier light, Zhang Li Xue continued to cry. A few minutes have passed and the little princess did not look as if she was going to stop crying anytime soon.


    "Li Xue, stop crying, alright," Zhang Li Xue said as she continued to coax her. "If you don''t stop crying, then aunt will cry too."


    Seeing that the two girls in front of him were crying, Wei Jun Hao was suddenly speechless. "Alright, let me coax Li Xue." He took the little girl in his embrace and tried to coax her.


    After a while, the front door swung open and Zhang Li Xue''s parents stepped in.


    Zhang Yu Han whispered something to his wife before he walked over to his friend and took his daughter from him. "Li Xue, what''s wrong?" He shot a sharp gaze at Wei Jun Hao and frowned. "Did this uncle bully you?"


    "Hey, when did I bully your daughter?" Wei Jun Hao clicked his tongue.


    Zhang Li Xue mumbled something to her father with an aggrieved look on her face.


    "Let''s wait for a while," Zhang Yu Han said as he patted at the child''s th??h. "Your mother went to the restroom first. She''ll come back soon, alright?"


    Her cry gradually stopped and the little princess started to rub her face on her father''s shirt. Anyway, other than her mother, this was the person who would spend most of his time with her. She has to make do with him now while her mother was away.


    "My little princess!"


    Hearing that familiar voice, Zhang Li Xue stopped muttering her grievance to her father and looked around to find her mother.


    Once she was in her mother''s embrace, Zhang Li Xue started to pout and cry again. Her tiny mouth continued to mutter her dissatisfaction that her mother had left her for too long. Her head rubbed on her mother''s ?h?st as she wept. It was as if the ?du?ts had bullied her without her mother''s presence.


    "Alright, mom is here," Li Qin Yao patted at her daughter to coax her. Seeing the look on her daughter''s face, she let out a laugh. "I went out for a while and you''re already like this. How am I supposed to go back to work soon?"


    Zhang Li Xue sniffled and touched her mother''s ?h?st.


    "You''re hungry? Alright. I''ll feed you. Stop crying, alright?"

 Chapter 373 - Our Li Xue is a Brave Girl

    Li Qin Yao walked out of the nursery room and sighed as she recalled how her daughter had acted earlier. When she had shown up, Zhang Li Xue had cried as if she was wronged. Even when she was drinking her milk, her tears keep pouring out. But still, the little girl continued to drink her milk greedily.


    Zhang Li Xue had soon fallen asleep with tears at the rim of her eyes and her lips slightly pouting. The little princess had gripped on her mother''s shirt tightly as if she was afraid that once she let go, her mother will leave her again.


    In the end, Li Qin Yao had to stay with the little girl for a long time until she had fallen into a deep sleep before she can leave the room.


    "Is she asleep?"


    Li Qin Yao looked up from and saw her husband walked over to her with a glass of water for her. "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. She took a sip from the water and looked at her husband again.


    "If you find it hard to part with Li Xue, you can always continue to work from home," Zhang Yu Han said. "Or we can try something else."


    Li Qin Yao sighed again.


    Although she too was anxious to leave her daughter, she knew that this was something that she had to do. Even if she was not planning to return to work, a short separation with her daughter was something that she had to practice while her baby was still young. Separating from her baby when she was older would be much difficult.


    Li Qin Yao lay her head on her husband''s ?h?st. "I can do this." She has to be brave and do this for both of them.


    Zhang Yu Han took the glass from her and put it on the table beside them. Then, he wrapped his arms around her body into a tight hug. Although he did not show much of what he was feeling in his expression, Zhang Yu Han too was worrying over the mother and daughter.


    He had seen how his wife had often checked at her phone to see if Zhang Yu Ying would send her an urgent message. He saw how his daughter had cried her heart out upon seeing her mother again. Looking at the two girls that he loved dearly acting like this, how can he not have a heartache?


    "That was only our first try. Li Xue will be alright after a few more times," Li Qin Yao said. "Anyway, she is our daughter. Of course, our Li Xue is a brave girl."


    Zhang Yu Han patted at his wife''s back to coax her. He knew that the words she said were to persuade herself that their daughter will be alright. He then planted a kiss on her head and spoke, "Alright. You should go and rest. When Li Xue wakes up later, she will look for you again."


    Li Qin Yao nodded weakly. It seemed that tomorrow, she will have to spend her time with the little princess and make up for leaving her briefly.


    ¡­


    In Capital City¡­


    Liang Sheng arrived at the airport around the afternoon and grabbed a cab to QL Headquarters. As he sat in the passenger''s seat, Liang Sheng kept on looking at the side mirror to check whether he was being followed. However, he did not find anything unusual.


    He did not know why, but after he had arrived at the airport, Liang Sheng had a feeling as if he was being watched.


    Liang Sheng looked at her wristwatch and told the cab driver to drive faster.


    Once he arrived at the QL Group Headquarter, Liang Sheng heaved a sigh of relief. After leaving his name to the receptionist, he then took the elevator and went to the top floor to find President Li.


    ¡­


    Li Mu Chen was doing her nails when her phone rang. Initially, she had wanted to ignore the call. However, once she saw the name on the screen, Li Mu Chen changed her mind. She put the small bottle aside and sandwiched her phone between her ears and shoulder to answer the call.


    "The person you were waiting for had shown up."


    Li Mu Chen froze as she heard Shan Zi''s voice on the other line. "Who?"


    Shan Zi laughed. "Who else? The bespectacled man, Liang Sheng. Didn''t you say that you wanted to know when he arrived in Capital City? My man reported that he had landed a few minutes ago and had gone straight to QL Group Headquarters."


    Her eyes widened upon hearing this good news. Li Mu Chen had been waiting for this news for months, but after her last encounter with Liang Sheng at the headquarter, she had thought that the bespectacled man had decided to stop coming to Capital City. It seemed that he had not visited Capital City for months.


    As the thought came to her mind, a wicked smile curled on her lips.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Shan Zi spoked after a long silence between them. " Li Mu Chen, don''t tell me that you have changed your mind?"


    "Of course not," Li Mu Chen snapped. "Since the person I was waiting for had shown up, of course, I have to go through with my plan. Shan Zi," her tone grew soft and flirtatious. "Are you willing to help me?"


    Shan Zi laughed happily. "Of course. Aren''t we''re friends? What kind of friend would I be if I did not offer my help? Just tell me what do you need me to do."


    A flicker of light appeared in Li Mu Chen''s eyes as she heard his words. After hanging around with Shan Zi for a while, Li Mu Chen knew that he was not someone who would offer his help if he knew that he won''t be getting anything.


    However, when she had mentioned her plan to him, Shan Zi had offered his help willingly. Li Mu Chen did not know what was Shan Zi thinking or dared to ask him what was on his mind, but she knew that the man had his own agenda. Li Mu Chen knew that by helping her, Shan Zi was going to get something in return.


    Anyway, as long as his agenda did not stop her from getting her revenge, Li Mu Chen decided not to care about it.


    "Then, just continue as what we had planned before," Li Mu Chen said. "Keep your eyes on Liang Sheng. I will meet up with you later."

 Chapter 374 - Attacked

    After meeting with both President Li and Chairman Li for almost two hours, Liang Sheng finally left the headquarter. He planned to visit his parents briefly and then, catch the last flight back to Y City.


    Although he was sure that his mother would nag him for not staying over, Liang Sheng would not be at ease until he left Capital City. He can only tell his parents that he needed to return to Y City soon as he was busy with the project. His parents were aware that he had to take over the project as his boss was on her maternity leave and therefore, they won''t say much about it. Liang Sheng can only promise that he will accompany them once the project was completed.


    Remembering that his mother liked a pastry from a shop around the headquarter, Liang Sheng made a stop to buy something for his mother. Just as he was queuing to made his payment, Liang Sheng could not shake off the feeling as if being watched. Turning around, he then scanned for his surroundings only to find that there was nothing amiss.


    Liang Sheng took a deep breath at the thought that perhaps, he was being too s?ns?t?v? because he did not like to stay in Capital City for too long.


    Once he made his payment, Liang Sheng took the paper bag and grabbed a cab, and head back home.


    He spent time with his mother, chatting and catching up for hours. Once he had dinner with his parents, Liang Sheng left for the airport. With only one backpack that he brought earlier, Liang Sheng checked in and waited for his flight. He took out a book and started to read it to kill some time.


    Just then, there was an announcement, paging him and mentioning that his father was looking for him. At the thought that his father had come for something important, Liang Sheng quickly stood up and walked over to the meeting place.


    However, once he arrived at the place, Liang Sheng could not find anyone. The place was dark and there was no one around.


    Sensing that something was amiss, Liang Sheng turned around to leave. Just as he turned around, someone had hit him around his neck area and he fell unconscious.


    ¡­


    Li Mu Chen entered the hotel room and glanced at the two men that Shan Zi had lent for her. She tilted her head sideways and asked, "Where is your boss?"


    With Shan Zi''s men help, they had knocked Liang Sheng unconscious and had brought him to the nearest hotel around the airport.


    "Miss Li," one of the burly man smiled. "Mr. Shan could not come over and accompany you tonight. However, he did leave his message for you. He said that you should enjoy your prey. He had instructed us to help you with anything you need. Miss Li, if there is anything that you need us to do, just say the word." Once his words fell, the man glanced at his friend and smiled.


    Previously, their boss, Shan Zi had briefed them of Li Mu Chen''s plan and once they heard what the woman was about to do, they were excited. They were instructed to stay to record what was going on in the room and the men were happy that they were about to enjoy an interesting scene.


    Li Mu Chen nodded. Then, he walked over to the queen size bed and frowned when he saw the unconscious man on the bed. Her lips curled into a smile as he watched him with his eyes close and he was breathing steadily. Li Mu Chen''s gaze fell on the man''s face and a snicker escaped her.


    Under the dimmed hotel light, Liang Sheng was very good looking. If she can ignore the man''s identity as an ?ssistant''s son, Li Mu Chen thought that Liang Sheng could be a good catch.


    As the thought ran through her head, Li Mu Chen sat at the edge of the bed and ran her finger on his face.


    "Such pretty face, and you dared to reject me countless times," Li Mu Chen patted on Liang Sheng''s face a few times and frowned when he did not wake up. Turning to the men that Shan Zi sent, Li Mu Chen then asked, "What happened to him?"


    "Miss Li, you did not have to worry," the man spoke again. "Our boss had instructed us to feed him with some sleeping pills. This way, this man would not be able to fight you no matter what you wanted to do to him."


    Li Mu Chen let out a laugh. "Well, your boss is very considerate. Later, you have to help me to convey my thank."


    The men nodded. "Yes, Miss Li."


    Li Mu Chen continued to watch the unconscious man and her hand ran over his upper body, feeling his muscle underneath. A chuckle escaped her. Surprisingly, the bespectacled man can be muscular as well.


    Suddenly, Li Mu Chen stood up. Just as she was about to give her instruction to Shan Zi''s man to leave her alone, Li Mu Chen caught the sight of Liang Sheng''s backpack on the table. She walked over and unzipped the bag.


    "Miss Li, this backpack was the only thing that this man had with him," one of the men spoke.


    "Hmm," Li Mu Chen nodded. She rummaged through the bag and saw that there were a few A4 envelopes, books, a power bank, and some snacks. Just as she was stuffing those things back into the bag, Li Mu Chen''s hand stopped. She then took out the envelopes and the documents in it.


    Looking at the familiar QL Group logo, Li Mu Chen then leaned on the table as she studied its contents.


    Although she did not stay to work with QL Group for too long, Li Mu Chen was still familiar with a few terms and understood very well what was those documents about.


    Her cousin''s project had entered its third phase and it will not take too long for her to enter the final phase. Li Mu Chen could already see her cousin''s triumph smile once the project was completed. Their grandfather will undoubtedly praise her and her brother will tell her to follow Yao Yao''s example.


    These thoughts alone made Li Mu Chen unhappy.


    "Miss Li?" one of the men called upon noticing that Li Mu Chen had taken a seat to read the documents. Her face turned dark as she read the progress report of the Tourism City.


    "Shut up," Li Mu Chen snapped. "Let me read this first." She slapped the documents on the table, hard and took out other documents.


    Just as she continued to read its contents, a malicious smile curled on her lips. Suddenly, Li Mu Chen was reminded of her mother and knew that this was a perfect chance and way to get back to her cousin.


    Li Mu Chen looked up at the men and smiled. "Well, there is a change of plan."


    ¡­


    Liang Sheng woke up with a jolt when he felt someone slapped his face softly. He looked around in panic and was surprised upon seeing an elderly staring back at him.


    "Young man, are you alright?" the elderly asked.


    Liang Sheng shook his head and frowned when the pain ?ssaulted him. He tried to recall what happened to him and instantly panicked. His first reaction was to check on his body and surroundings. Once he found out that he was still at the airport, Liang Sheng heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Young man, what are you doing sleeping here?" the elderly asked.


    Liang Sheng thought of the attack last night and started to check for his belongings. Fortunately, his backpack and those important documents were still with him. The only thing that was missing was a few cash from his wallet.


    Thinking that someone had attacked him to steal some cash from him, Liang Sheng frowned.

 Chapter 375 - An Accident

    After training to separate Zhang Li Xue from her mother a few more times, the little princess did not cry as much as she did the first time.


    These days, once her mother left, Zhang Li Xue would cry briefly and once someone coaxed her for a while, she would stop crying. Seeing this scene a few times, Zhang Yu Ying thought that her niece was such a drama queen. The way the little princess would cry whenever her mother left would make anyone pity her.


    However, the cry would stop and Zhang Li Xue would start to play as if she had forgotten about her mother.


    When Zhang Yu Ying mentioned this to her sister-in-law, Li Qin Yao had laughed before she would praise her daughter as a clever girl. Zhang Yu Ying could not understand what was so clever about this.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Ying did not know that her niece had figured out that once she stopped crying after being coaxed for a while, people will like her, praise her as a well-behaved girl, and will play with her for a long time.


    The little girl knew that once her mother returned to her side, she will be doted on by her parents and her mother will accompany her to play for a long time.


    On the first day that Li Qin Yao will return to work, Zhang Yu Han accompanied her to her office. Li Qin Yao was going to visit the site later, her husband decided to tag along as the biggest shareholders for the Tourism City project.


    In the morning, the couple decided to have their breakfast at the Lilium Cafe as Li Qin Yao was going to check on the place as well.


    Once they arrived, the staff greeted the couple before Li Qin Yao walked over to her manager to ask for an update. During her absence, Li Qin Yao was unable to look over her cafe and had to ask her mother to visit the place whenever she was free. Fortunately, the cafe was doing well under Qing Kong''s management.


    As Li Qin Yao began to eat her breakfast, she could not help but sensed her husband''s gaze on her. She took a small bite at the pastry and raised a brow. "What''s wrong?"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Nothing. I just thought that this reminded me of the time when I was courting you."


    Li Qin Yao froze and a second later, a smile appeared on her lips as she was reminded of the time when Zhang Yu Han had spent a month with her under the disguise to learn more about property and development business. It was only later that she heard that he had stayed around to court her.


    "Mr. Zhang, back then, you keep sending me mixed messages that I don''t know whether you are interested in me or not," Li Qin Yao said and chuckled. "At one time, I thought you were trying to woo me, and another time, you would keep your distance."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed upon hearing her words.


    "Fortunately, you had gathered your courage and asked me to date you," Li Qin Yao put her cutlery on the side and smiled as she looked at him. "Or else, I might miss this chance to marry a great guy."


    Zhang Yu Han raised his head and was startled upon meeting her gaze. At this time, his wife''s eyes were sparkling with adoration towards him. As their gaze met, Zhang Yu Han felt his heart swelled and he had the urge to lean forward and kiss the girl.


    Just as the couple was chatting as if they were back at their dating days, two men walked into the cafe and chatted in a loud voice. From their tone of voice, anyone could guess that they were talking about something major.


    Hearing the men''s loud voice, Li Qin Yao turned towards their direction and frowned. She was about to ignore them and continued to eat her breakfast, but the men''s discussion had caught her attention.


    Her body grew cold when she heard the men mentioned an accident at the Tourism City''s construction site.


    "Qin Yao, calm down."


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance as she felt a warm hand upon hers. She looked up and saw her husband''s frowning gaze. "Zhang Yu Han. Did you hear that?" The men¡ª"


    "I know," Zhang Yu Han spoke calmly. "First, call Liang Sheng or Xiao Lian Yi to check on the situation."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao nodded. She grabbed her bag on the side to look for her phone and her hands trembled. Just as she found her phone, the phone started to ring. Li Qin Yao froze as she saw the caller ID. It was Liang Sheng!


    With shaky hands, Li Qin Yao pressed the phone to her ear. Immediately, she heard Liang Sheng''s voice, reporting of an accident in the construction site.


    One of the commercial building suddenly collapsed and it was reported that a few people were trapped under the building. The incident happened ten minutes ago and the rescue team had arrived to rescue those who are injured.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao did not know what to think. Suddenly, she was brought back to the past where the reporters and everyone had surrounded her to ask for her explanation of the incident.


    A hot embrace brought her back. Li Qin Yao blinked and found that she was in Zhang Yu Han''s embrace. Her face stuck in his ?h?st and Li Qin Yao felt Zhang Yu Han''s hand patting her back.


    "Take a deep breath. Calm down," Zhang Yu Han continued to whisper in her ear. "Qin Yao, I''m right here with you."


    She bit her lips. Once she was able to calm down, Li Qin Yao lifted her head to look at him and spoke, "Take me to the site."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her for a while and nodded. "Alright. I''ll drive you there."


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao looked around with her eyes wide. There were people everywhere and everyone was in a panic. Just then, Liang Sheng and the site manager approached her and Zhang Yu Han to give their report on the incident. However, at this time, she was not able to hear a thing.


    A paramedic passed by with an injured worker. Looking at the amount of blood on the man''s head, Li Qin Yao froze. The incident from years ago came back to her mind and the voices of accusation echoed in her head.


    Although Zhang Yu Han had stayed by her side and tried to calm her, Li Qin Yao was not able to snap out of her thought.


    She continued to stare at the rubble and felt something choking her and breathing became difficult.


    The last thing she heard before everything around her turned black was her husband''s voice, calling her name in a panicked voice.

 Chapter 376 - The Matter is Under Investigation

    Capital City¡­


    Li Mu Chen''s eyes flashed upon hearing what the other person on the line had said. She quickly hung up the phone and quickly surfed the internet.


    Once she found the news she was looking for, Li Mu Chen read the report with focus. Slowly, a smile curled on her lips. As she reached the end of the report, she began to laugh.


    The news of the collapsing building in B City was the best news she had read! She had been waiting to read the news for weeks and finally, it was happening!


    Li Mu Chen wanted to see the look on her cousin''s face very badly. As she imagined the despairing look on Yao Yao''s face, Li Mu Chen''s laugh reverberated in her bedroom.


    Initially, Li Mu Chen had wanted to take a few photos with Liang Sheng and blackmailed that man to hurt her cousin. Who would have thought that she would found some important documents while kidnapping the bespectacled man? Once she saw the documents, Li Mu Chen immediately thought of her mother and knew that this was the best way to strike.


    The project in B City was very important to Li Qin Yao. Since it was important to her, Li Mu Chen was very happy to destroy it. She wanted to see whether her cousin could still stand up proudly when she saw that the project under her had a massive accident like this for the second time.


    Once the shareholders and everyone see this news and knew that Li Qin Yao was responsible, there was no way that they would trust her again. No matter if she managed to clear up her name or not.


    Clear her name?


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Mu Chen began to laugh until her tears came out. Soon, Li Mu Chen heard a commotion from the outside. She composed herself and immediately went outside. As she looked down from the second floor, Li Mu Chen could see her grandfather and brother was discussing something with her grandmother.


    Judging from the anxious look on their face, it was not hard for her to know that they were discussing the accident in B City. Because of the accident, both her grandfather and brother will have to travel to B City to look at the site.


    A smile curled on her lips. How she wished that she could come along and watch the look on Yao Yao''s face for herself!


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao opened her eyes, saw the white ceiling, and immediately knew that she was in the hospital. Instead of moving, Li Qin Yao continued to stare at the ceiling. Her mind whirled and she could not stop thinking about the scene she had seen just before she passed out.


    The deafening sounds of sirens were everywhere. People were shouting as they tried to remove the rubble to look for survivors and there was blood everywhere.


    As she recalled the scene, Li Qin Yao felt something heavy weighting on her ?h?st and soon, a whimper escaped her. Li Qin Yao brought a hand to cover her mouth and hoped that no one would notice that she had regained her consciousness.


    However, at this time, a warm embrace surrounded her body. She did not have to look up to know that she was in her husband''s embrace. She could recognize his scent and strong arms anytime. At this time, Zhang Yu Han continued to whisper some words and kissing her face to calm her down.


    It took her a long time before she could pull herself together. Her sobs gradually stopped as her husband''s shirt was wet with her tears. She raised her head slowly and saw the tired look on Zhang Yu Han''s face. It was not hard to know that after she had fainted from anxiety, he had stayed beside her while commanding the situation to keep things in control.


    "Are you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao gave him a quiet nod. Seconds later, a glass of water materialized just beside her lips.


    "Drink," Zhang Yu Han said. "You must be thirsty."


    Li Qin Yao took a few sips to moistened her throat and looked out the window to see that the sky had turned dark. "What time is it."


    "Nine. You have been sleeping for a long time," Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    A frown appeared on his face as Zhang Yu Han recalled how his wife had fainted in his arms. His heart almost stopped beating with worry. He knew that something similar had happened to his wife in the past. It took her a long time to forget the incident and recover.


    Now that she had taken another project, another accident happened. Zhang Yu Han could imagine what was in his wife''s mind right now and worried that she would be suffering from it.


    Li Qin Yao sat up straight as she recalled something important. "Li Xue?"


    "Don''t worry. Your mom and Yu Ying are looking after her. Li Xue has been very obedient."


    Hearing that her mother was looking after her daughter, Li Qin Yao heaved a sigh of relief. Previously, when she was still in confinement, it was her mother who had spent most of her time looking after the little princess and Li Xue liked her grandmother very much.


    Li Qin Yao leaned her head on Zhang Yu Han''s ?h?st and wrapped her arms around his waist. Feeling his warm body and listening to his heartbeat gradually made her relaxed.


    "Zhang Yu Han, what happened? How did¡ª"


    "Don''t think about this matter first," Zhang Yu Han spoke. "The matter is under investigation. I have asked Qi Ming Wei to look into the accident as well. The result will come out after a while. We will know the cause of this accident soon."


    "Did anyone... died?" Li Qin Yao was reminded of the casualties during the last accident in Capital City and was worried.


    "No." Zhang Yu Han ??r?ssed her face softly. "There are a few injuries but no fatalities. Fortunately, the accident happened before they started to work. Therefore, there were not a lot of people involved. Qin Yao, you don''t have to worry. I have instructed others to look after the injured and they will be given the best treatment and compensation."


    Li Qin Yao nodded. Fortunately, there were no fatalities this time. Li Qin Yao would not know what she would do if she had caused people to lose their life again.


    "For now, all you have to do is rest and brace yourself for whatever will come. Don''t worry. This time, I will be with you," Zhang Yu Han pressed his lips on her temple. "I will not let anything happened to you."


    "I know." Li Qin Yao shut her eyes tightly as she tried to gather her courage. She took a deep breath to inhale his scent and spoke again, "Zhang Yu Han, I want to return home."


    There was a brief silence before Zhang Yu Han replied, "Alright."

 Chapter 377 - Everyone Gathered

    As the investigation on the accident began, Li Qin Yao decided to spent her days at home. These days, she had not touched her phone and would allow Zhang Yu Han to look at the messages and answered the calls for her.


    Afraid that she was going to be affected badly, Zhang Yu Han did not encourage her to go online. Everything Li Qin Yao knew about the accident was through her husband as she had agreed to let him filter the news and what people were saying about the accident.


    Of course, Zhang Li Xue was the happiest. The little princess had noticed that these days, her mother would often accompany her to play.


    However, Zhang Li Xue noticed that there was something wrong with her mother. Although her most beloved mother would often have a smile on her face, the baby could still notice her strange mood. Therefore, Zhang Li Xue would often put a smile on her face and laughed whenever her mother played with her to cheer her mother up.


    Even when her father would pick her up, Zhang Li Xue did not make much fuss. She spent a few minutes complaining that her father''s body was too hard as compared to her mother before she would obediently stay put her head on his shoulder and let him coax her to sleep. Of course, she did not forget to smear her saliva on her father''s shoulder, leaving her milky scent on him.


    Zhang Yu Han had only managed to put his daughter to sleep when he felt arms around his waist. It took him a second to recognize the person behind him.


    Anyway, there was only one person who would dare to give him a back hug and was at the height. It was his wife.


    Zhang Yu Han pulled her right hand and kissed her at the back of her hand.


    "Did you put Li Xue to sleep?" Li Qin Yao asked.


    "Hmm, she just fell asleep."


    "You should go to bed too," Zhang Yu Han said. He lifted her arms from his waist and turned around to look at her face. "Tomorrow, the investigation report would come out. You need to be on your best when we listen to the report. I don''t want you to stress."


    Li Qin Yao did not answer him and instead, placed her head on his ?h?st.


    Seeing the way his wife was acting clingy to him, Zhang Yu Han let out a low laugh. "Or¡­ do you want me to coax you to sleep too?"


    A chuckle escaped her. Li Qin Yao lifted her face and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Hubby, coax me to sleep."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at her for a few seconds before he put his arms around her th??h to carry her up.


    Li Qin Yao let out a yelp before she covered her mouth with her hand. She glanced at the baby cot and heaved in relief upon seeing that her baby was still sleeping. "What are you doing?" she asked in a hushed voice


    "Coaxing my big baby to sleep," Zhang Yu Han said as he patted her on her back.


    "Put me down," she slapped him lightly on his shoulder. "I''m very heavy."


    "It''s still alright. I can still carry you like this for a few minutes," Zhang Yu Han said. "Let me carry you back to the room, alright?"


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­" Li Qin Yao called out his name as he walked out of the nursery.


    "Hmm?"


    "You smell like Li Xue," Li Qin Yao said. After placing her head on his shoulder, Li Qin Yao realized that her daughter had smeared her saliva on his shoulder and now, her husband had a baby milky scent.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled as he recalled her daughter''s habit to smear her saliva on him. "Li Xue loved to chew on my shoulder. Maybe she has started teething."


    As they reached their bedroom, Zhang Yu Han put his wife down and tucked her to bed. His hands patted on her body in his attempt to coax her to sleep.


    "Zhang Yu Han¡­"


    "Hmm?" he paused to kiss her forehead.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the man in the dark and her heart skipped a beat. There were too many things that she wanted to say to him, but at this moment, Li Qin Yao found out that there was no word that she can use to convey her thankfulness and feelings for him. She snuggled into his arms and hugged him tightly on his waist. "I love you."


    A sigh escaped him. Zhang Yu Han leaned to kiss her on the lips and continued to coax her to sleep.


    Zhang Yu Han was no longer by her side when she woke up. Li Qin Yao looked up the window and saw that the sun has risen. She looked at her phone on the side table and froze. For a second, Li Qin Yao had this urge to surf the internet for any news and report on the accident. However, just before she reached her phone, Li Qin Yao closed her mind and get off the bed to head over the bathroom.


    After freshening up and changing her clothes, Li Qin Yao went over to her daughter''s room. However, the little girl was no longer sleeping in her cot.


    Li Qin Yao headed downstairs to find her husband and paused as she was half the stairs. A puzzled look appeared on her face when she heard voices coming from the garden. She walked stealthily to the door and stopped upon seeing a group of people having a meal in the garden.


    "Yao Yao, you''re here!"


    Han Yue Xiu was the first to notice her presence. As she called out her friend''s name, everyone turned around to look at the person standing beside the door with her eyes wide.


    "Why are you guys here?" Li Qin Yao asked. As she looked at everyone in the garden, Li Qin Yao felt her eyes and nose started to sting.


    Her mother was carrying her daughter, her paternal grandfather, Li Ren Xin, and everyone from Zhang''s family was present. At the side, Han Yue Xiu sat with Song Yi and President Mo Cheng Feng, from MH Group, sat silently with the others.


    "They heard that the investigation report will be out today."


    A familiar deep voice came behind her. Li Qin Yao turned around and watched as her husband carrying a tray of drink for everyone. He placed the tray on the table and walked over to his wife.


    "Everyone gathered today to offer you their support," Zhang Yu Han spoke. "Yao Yao, whatever happened after this, we will be here with you."

 Chapter 378 - QL Group Would be Facing a Great Crisis!

    Later, Liang Sheng, Xiao Lian Yi, and Zhang Yu Han brothers came over to wait for the investigation report. Looking at the lively atmosphere, no one would have guessed that they were facing trouble.


    Li Qin Yao went over to chatted with Mo Cheng Feng and was grateful that their company had no intention to pull out their investment in the amusement park.


    "You are Cheng Yi and Yun Xi''s good friend. Of course, we will stay by your side and help with whatever we can. Previously, you have helped MH Group when we were facing our trouble," Mo Cheng Feng said. "This time, it is our turn to help you."


    With the major investors voiced out that they were going to stay and had no intention to pull out their investment, the news then reported the investors'' confidence in the project, and the netizen''s criticism was suppressed for the moment.


    Around noon, someone from the police station came over to give them an early report on the accident before the authorities will give their statement.


    Once Li Qin Yao saw the report, her face immediately turned white.


    The reason for this incident was no other than the use of cheap materials in the construction. Li Qin Yao''s head went blank upon seeing the reason for the accident appearing for the second time.


    With this report, the others would soon believe that she was someone who would disregard others'' safety by using the materials. Even when she had cleared her name with the previous incident, the others will believe that she was guilty of the two incidents. Even if she managed to clear her name again, Li Qin Yao was sure that no one would trust her or wanted to work with her again.


    Seeing her wife''s expression, Zhang Yu Han wrapped his arms around her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.


    "This is only the investigation report from the authorities," Zhang Yu Han spoke. "Soon, Qi Ming Wei will come over with their report as well."


    Li Qin Yao closed her eyes and nodded. Then she lifted her head to look at everyone and her gaze finally stopped at her grandfather. Li Qin Yao saw the angry look on his face and walked over to him.


    "Yao Yao, who was the company that provided the problematic materials?" Li Ren Xin asked. "We have to let someone investigate them. This matter is definitely their fault! There was no way that we would order some cheap materials, but they had the gall to sent such materials to us! Which one was the company that was responsible to provide the materials?" Li Ren Xin asked angrily.


    Liang Sheng lowered his gaze as he thought over the question. He went over to read the report and looked up. "Chairman Li, the company that provided the materials is WS Group."


    "Then call them over and demand an explanation!" Li Ren Xin spoke.


    "Yes, Chairman Li," Liang Sheng nodded.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han''s expression changed upon hearing the name of the company. WS Group, was that not the company where his wife''s ex worked?


    Wei Jun Hao opened the live stream of the authorities'' official statement. With the statement, the netizen started to criticize QL Group for using cheap materials and demanded that the person responsible to be investigated for bribery surfaced.


    Seeing the negative comments, Wei Jun Hao immediately turned off the live stream and went over to call his subordinates. Anyone who threw malicious comments before a proper investigation ended will be prosecuted without warning.


    At this time, Qi Ming Wei arrived at the house with a few of his subordinates. He paused as he looked at the number of people inside and went over to Zhang Yu Han.


    "We have conducted an internal investigation," Qi Ming Wei spoke. He glanced at Li Qin Yao as took out a few paperwork from his file. "According to these documents, Mrs. Zhang, you are the one who gave the authorization to use the materials."


    Li Qin Yao felt as if blood rushed up to her brain upon hearing what Qi Ming Wei had said. Suddenly, she was feeling dizzy and Zhang Yu Han caught her in time.


    "Qin Yao would not do something like that," Zhang Yu Han narrowed his eyes as he looked at Qi Ming Wei. His tone was grave as he spoke.


    "We have our utmost trust in Qin Yao," Zhang Jing spoke.


    "You asked me to investigate, and I''m telling you what my guys have found."


    "Then, what was with your accusation gaze?" Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    "Hey, hey! Let''s not get into a fight now," Qi Zheng stepped forward. "I''m sure that cousin Ming Wei did not do it on purpose."


    Qi Ming Wei sighed as he rubbed the space between his eyebrow. "I''m sorry. It was my fault."


    "Let me take a look," Li Qin Yao spoke as she grabbed the paper from Qi Ming Wei''s hand. She studied the paper twice and looked up. This is not the documents that I signed. I have never approved of these materials." She then walked over to her grandfather and said, "Grandfather, look at this. Is this the documents that you have approved?"


    Li Ren Xin took the document and put on his reading glasses. After a few seconds, his expression darkened. "This is not the document that I have signed! Your cousin, Li Mu Bai was there as well when I signed. He can be my witness."


    The others exchanged their glances upon hearing what Chairman Li had spoken.


    Because of the previous incident, Li Qin Yao had suggested to her grandfather before she took the project. That is, the order form would be invalid without the approval of either the Chairman or President. Before they submitted the last paperwork, it was Li Ren Xin who had checked and approved of the order.


    Therefore, now that Li Qin Yao was accused of using cheap materials, both Li Ren Xin and Li Mu Bai will have to be implicated as well. This time, it was no longer Li Qin Yao''s problem alone, but QL Group would be facing a great crisis!


    "Then, the problem lies with WS Group," Zhang Yu Han concluded. He looked at Liang Sheng and spoke, "Call the person in charge."


    Almost half an hour later, the President of WS Group arrived with Mr. Huang, the person who was in charged of their project. Upon seeing the documents again, Mr. Huang immediately denied that he was the one who had changed the order.


    Soon, a fight between the two companies started as none of them would admit that they were responsible for the incident.


    Liang Sheng, who has been observing everything for a long time suddenly felt uneasy. The last time he went back to Capital City to meet Chairman Li, he was carrying these documents with him. He had seen that the Chairman had put down his signature and stamp to approve of the order. On that day, something happened to him. He was unconscious the whole night until the elderly janitor found him.


    A thought crossed his mind and his face began to pale.

 Chapter 379 - Liang Sheng Finally Decided to Speak

    Once the thought appeared in his mind, it was hard for him to dismiss it. After thinking about it for a long time, Liang Sheng finally decided to speak out about it.


    "Chairman Li," Liang Sheng stood up straight as he walked over to the old man. "I have something to report."


    Li Ren Xin waved his hand to allow him to speak. As he continued to listen to what Liang Sheng had said, everyone''s expression began to change. Though they did not know what happened, everyone had the same thought in their head¡ªsomeone did something to Liang Sheng and had changed the details of the documents.


    "When did this happen?" Qi Ming Wei asked. Once he got an answer from Liang Sheng, Qi Ming Wei then turned to his subordinate and signaled them to begin their investigation.


    At this time, Song Yi suddenly stood up and told Han Yue Xiu that they should leave to catch a flight to Capital City.


    "If you wanted to leave, then you should go by yourself," Han Yue Xiu spoke. "My friend is in trouble. I won''t leave her side now."


    "Don''t you want to do something to help your friend?" Song Yi asked. "Come with me to Capital City and help me to look at the airport''s surveillance camera. Instead of staying around, it would be better to do something."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the man for a while before something registered in her head. She turned to her friend and spoke, "Yao Yao! I''m leaving with Song Yi."


    "Alright. Thank you for coming, Yue Xiu." Li Qin Yao nodded. At this time, she did not have much time to think of anything else. There were too many things in her head that she did not ask why Han Yue Xiu had suddenly decided to leave.


    Han Yue Xiu pulled her friend into a hug and patted her shoulder. "We''ll help you to look into matters in Capital City. You just wait here for our news, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at Han Yue Xiu with her eyes wide. "What are you going to do?"


    "Don''t worry about it," Han Yue Xiu waved her hand. "Just wait for our news."


    Li Qin Yao watched as her friend left. As soon as Han Yue Xiu left, the doorbell rang again. Zhang Yu Han went to the door and soon, the police showed up. The inspector showed his badge to Zhang Yu Han and spoke. "Is Li Qin Yao here? We need her to visit the station to give her statement."


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao was allowed to walk out of the police station after she had given her statement. Just as she stepped out of the station, a group of journalists immediately surrounded her.


    The camera flashed everywhere and questions kept on coming that she did not know which one to hear first. Li Qin Yao lifted a hand to cover her face and frowned as the light was blinding her.


    The voices of accusations echoed. At this time, I Qin Yao felt as if she had returned to three years ago. Everything was almost the same. The others did not care about whether she was guilty or not, they just wanted someone they can blame for the incident.


    Not far away from her, someone began to throw curses and rotten food. Just before an egg was about to hit her face, a shadow loomed over her and blocked her from the egg.


    A familiar scent filled her nostril and Li Qin Yao did not have to look up to see that it was her husband.


    "Why did you come out? You should have wait for me," Zhang Yu Han''s deep voice could be heard.


    "Sorry. It was too stuffy inside." Li Qin Yao closed her eyes and breathed in. Hearing his deep voice made her feel more at ease.


    Earlier, she had wanted to wait for him inside the station, but as she was facing the accusation gaze from the officers, Li Qin Yao began to feel uneasy. She found it hard to breathe and knew that if she did not get out, her condition would only get worst.


    Zhang Yu Han noticed her pale complexion and hugged her tightly. "Hey, calm down. Don''t think of anything and just listen to my voice, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. She gripped at his trench coat tightly as he continued to block her from everyone else.


    Fortunately, Li Qin Yao was small enough to hide in his husband''s embrace. As he wrapped his arms around her body, the voices all around her began to fade away as well. All she could hear right now was Zhang Yu Han''s words, convincing her that everything will be alright.


    "Can you walk?" Zhang Yu Han asked a few seconds later.


    "Yes."


    "Then, let''s go home. Don''t worry. I will protect you." Zhang Yu Han said. He wrapped his arms around her shoulder and protected her from the others.


    Li Qin Yao peeked from his arms and saw that Wei Jun Hao and a few others were at the scene as well. Wei Jun Hao spoke something towards the reporters and they finally stopped taking pictures and asking questions. At the side, the police had apprehended a few people who had thrown those rotten vegetables at her earlier.


    It was not hard to know that Wei Jun Hao had threatened to bring them to court if they continue to harass her.


    Looking at everyone who continued to be on her side and protected her, Li Qin Yao felt something warm enveloping her heart and spreading throughout her body.


    ¡­


    Li Mu Chen could not stop smiling upon reading the news and what the netizen was saying about her cousin. Looking at the way the others were cursing at Li Qin Yao brought joy to her. Li Mu Chen had not been this happy for a long time!


    A laugh escaped her as she scrolled her phone and saw her cousin''s pathetic expression as someone threw a tomato at her. Unfortunately, the tomato only hit her on her arms. If it had hit Li Qin Yao on her face, Li Mu Chen would be happier.


    Taking a deep breath to calm down, Li Mu Chen threw her phone into her handbag before she applied her lipstick. Satisfied with how she looked, Li Mu Chen went out of her room and planned to visit Shan Zi and celebrate.


    She walked downstairs and froze when she saw her brother sitting on the sofa.


    "What are you doing here?" Li Mu Chen asked. "I thought you went to Y City with Grandfather."


    "I changed my mind and stayed. Someone needs to look after the company," Li Mu Bai said. He gave his sister a look over and raised a brow. "Where are you going? It''s late."


    "I''m going to meet a few friends."


    Li Mu Bai stood up. "Then let''s go together. We haven''t hung out together for a long time."


    Her expression changed. "Why do you want to hang out with me? Don''t joke around. My circle of friends and yours are different." Li Mu Chen then hurriedly walked over to the door and escape as soon as she finished her words.


    A few days ago, Li Mu Bai had planned to go to Y City with his grandfather once they both heard the news of the accident.


    However, just before they left, Li Mu Bai had looked up and had saw his sister on the second floor. Noticing the strange smile on his sister''s face., Li Mu Bai could not shake off the feeling that Li Mu Chen was involved in the accident in Y City. Thus, he had made his decision to stay and monitor her movement.


    Li Mu Bai took a deep breath and took out her phone. He called a number and spoke, "Li Mu Chen went out. Don''t lose her. I want to know who she meets up with."

 Chapter 380 - Li Mu Chen was Involved

    With the Qi Family''s connection, they were able to go enter the airport''s security room and go through the footage from a few weeks ago. Fortunately, the footage from the day that Liang Sheng visited Capital City was still in the security''s storage.


    Through Qi Ming Wei''s investigation, they soon found out that Liang Sheng was indeed kidnapped. He was seen entering a quiet corridor and did not come out for a long time until after the elder janitor came to wake him up.


    After rewinding the footage for a few hours, they soon found out that Liang Sheng was taken away from the corridor by a man in a hoodie with a wheelchair. His body was covered with a blanket and his face was covered with a baseball cap. Qi Ming Wei spotted the bag that Liang Sheng was carrying with him and decided to follow where the man went to.


    All these while, Liang Sheng did not make a slight move and they can only ?ssume that Liang Sheng was drugged.


    However, the footage stopped until the man met his friend at the airport''s entrance and they soon left with Liang Sheng in a black van. They managed to get the van''s plate number and found out that the vehicle was stolen.


    Song Yi and Han Yue Xiu who went back to Capital City with Qi Ming Wei had stayed throughout the investigation.


    Once they heard that Qi Ming Wei had lost track of Liang Sheng after they entered a black vehicle, Song Yi pulled out his computer. With Han Yue Xiu and a friend''s ?ssistance, Song Yi entered into some system and found the footage from hundreds of cameras taken from the traffic CCTV and some private footage from other buildings.


    Fortunately, most of the footage from that day can be found and they were able to track down the black van.


    "I''m going to pretend that I did not see any of this," Qi Ming Wei said as he narrowed his eyes towards Song Yi.


    Song Yi tilted his lips into a smile and nodded. "Thank you."


    Qi Ming Wei had always known about the Song''s family and their status. However, this was the first time that he knew that the youngest son of Song Tao was capable of doing something like this. It was then that he recalled how Zhang Yu Han had asked his help to resolve something that they found on the dark web forum. Qi Ming Wei had a hunch that Song Yi had something to do with the discovery.


    Knowing that they were in a rush, Qi Ming Wei decided not to pursue this matter. He waved his hand and let his men help. The group sat together to observe the screen and trailed after the black van.


    With more manpower, it did not take Song Yi a long time to find that the vehicle had entered the hotel just beside the airport. Then, Liang Sheng was seen entering a room in a wheelchair with the two men.


    Before their thoughts went wild, a woman, in short, black dress was seen walking along the hallway. Surprisingly, the woman stopped at the room where Liang Sheng had entered and pressed the doorbell.


    "Who was that?" Qi Ming Wei asked. "Get a close up of that woman."


    "Li Mu Chen!" Han Yue Xiu was the first one to recognize her. She had seen Li Mu Chen''s hateful face and could recognize this woman from afar. "That bi¡ª" Her cursing words were left unfinished. Han Yue Xiu realized that she was among good looking guys and knew that she had a reputation to protect.


    Taking a deep breath, Han Yue Xiu spoke again. "I knew that Li Mu Chen will not let Yao Yao off! The last time, she had tried to hire some gangsters to get Yao Yao and failed. I did not think that she will be able to find someone to harm Yao Yao this way."


    Qi Ming Wei narrowed his eyes dangerously as he looked at the screen. He then pulled out his phone and started giving out his orders.


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han was the first to learn that Li Mu Chen was involved in the incident. He pulled his wife aside and told her everything that Qi Ming Wei had told him.


    Once he finished, Li Qin Yao went silent for a long time. Her face paled and she was staring at the floor with vacant eyes.


    Looking at how his wife reacted, Zhang Yu Han pulled her into his embrace. "Qin Yao, are you alright? Talk to me."


    His voice snapped her out of her thought. Li Qin Yao closed her eyes and hot tears streamed down her face. "Why? Why would she do something like this? Why does Li Mu Chen want to continue and harm me? Aren''t we cousin? Aren''t we family? What did I ever do to her?"


    Zhang Yu Han tightened his embrace around his wife''s body. His hand patted at her hair as he let her cry. At this time, he did not know what he should say to coax his wife.


    These questions, he had listened to them the last time, but still, Zhang Yu Han had no answer to them.


    The last time Li Mu Chen had tried to hire some thug to harm her, it was due to Zhao Wei''s instruction. Therefore, Li Qin Yao did not think that Li Mu Chen would be daring enough to pull some scheme like this.


    To harm her was one thing, but did she not realized that she had pulled QL Group down with her scheme? Was she planning to bring down the whole family?


    Once Li Qin Yao was able to calm down, she went out to find her grandfather, Li Ren Xin, and discussed what they should do next.


    Li Ren Xin was shocked upon hearing that it was Li Mu Chen who had tried to harm Li Qin Yao and the company. Suddenly, Li Ren Xin was feeling dizzy and he almost fainted from his blood pressure. Fortunately, Zhang Yu Han was quick enough and found his medicine in his bag and his condition stabilized with Qi Zheng''s aid.


    Liang Sheng who was at the scene watched everything with a paled face. A curse left his mouth as he began to think of what Li Mu Chen had tried to do every time he came to Li''s residence. He did not think that after he had successfully avoided Li Mu Chen, that woman would find a way to harm his boss through him.


    After resting for a bit, Li Ren Xin pulled out his phone and dialed his son''s number. Then, he turned to everyone and announced, "I''m going back to Capital City and settle this matter."


    "Grandpa, I''m going with you," Li Qin Yao said.

 Chapter 381 - Youre Under Arrest

    Li Mu Chen did not know what was happening.


    She had returned from the club early in the morning and found that her father stood at the entrance in his uniform. She was immediately sober as her father dragged her inside her room and had asked a few of his subordinates to look after her.


    Immediately, her face paled. Li Mu Chen was always afraid of her father and could not understand why was he treating her this way. Li Mu Chen tried to open the door and found that she was locked from the outside. She banged her fist on the door a few times and stopped once her father appeared at the door.


    Li Mu Chen took a step back when her father entered. "D-dad?" Her voice trembled. "What''s going on? Why do you want to lock me in?"


    Li Jing walked over the study and pulled a chair. He sat down and stared at his daughter with a piercing gaze. "Mu Chen, do you have something you wanted to tell me?"


    "What are you talking about? Dad?" Li Mu Chen shivered under her father''s stare.


    "Are you not going to tell me what you have done this recently?"


    A thought flashed in her mind and Li Mu Chen wondered if her father had found out that she had swapped the original documents for the project in B City to frame her cousin.


    How did he know? Who told him?


    However, even if she had done it, there was no way that she would confess. Li Mu Chen was aware of how fierce her father can be when he was angered. Now that her mother was not by her side, she will have no one to protect her.


    Li Jing tapped his finger on the table. The silence in the room lasted for two minutes and Li Mu Chen could feel the sweat on her back as the silence goes on.


    "Alright," Li Jing suddenly stood up. "I gave you a chance and you did not take it. Then you stay in this room and we will talk again in the morning."


    Seeing that her father had left the room without saying more, Li Mu Chen started to panic. Just before she could say a word, the door was slammed on her face.


    Li Mu Chen frowned at the thought that her misdeed was exposed. She went to find her phone to check on the news online and realized that her phone was outside. Earlier, her father had pulled her into the house and her bag had fallen in the living room. Li Mu Chen then rummaged into her wardrobe and found her ??ptop. However, it seemed that the internet connection in the house was pulled out and she could not connect to the wifi.


    It was only after her Auntie Han had unlocked her door that Li Mu Chen was awake. Her head was throbbing and she was irritated at the sudden interruption. Just as she was about to lash on the Auntie, two policemen stood at the door, waving their badge.


    "Li Mu Chen," the policeman took out his handcuff. "You are under arrest."


    Li Mu Chen stared back at the policemen with a confused look on her face as he continued to read her rights.


    ¡­


    After spending her time in the station for more than five hours, Li Mu Chen was starting to get irritated. She was sweaty and uncomfortable. Her makeup was messy and her hair had turned into a bird''s nest. She was hauled behind bars the moment she arrived and had tried to talk to the police to let them call her brother. However, none of the police gave her any attention.


    There was nothing she can do but to sit down at the corner of the room.


    Suddenly, a familiar face appeared at the door. Li Mu Chen stood up and walked over to the man who she recognized as the one who had helped her to kidnap Liang Sheng a few weeks ago. However, this thug who she knew was one of Shan Zi''s man was now dressed in a police uniform. At the thought that Shan Zi had sent someone to help her, Li Mu Chen was ecstatic.


    "You¡ª"


    Li Mu Chen was unable to finish what she was going to say, the man placed a finger on his lips, signaling her not to say anything.


    "Miss Li, our boss sent me here to deliver a message for you," the man said.


    "What is it?" Li Mu Chen lowered her voice. "Did Shan Zi said he was going to help me?"


    The man chuckled. "Miss Li, your situation right now¡­ was beyond any help. The authorities have found out footage and evidence that will convict you to your crime."


    Li Mu Chen''s face turned white at his words. "They what? How?"


    "Of course, you did not receive any help when you forged those documents. Everything was done by yourself." The man smiled. "Our boss send me here to warn you not to say anything inappropriate or else, you and your mother would suffer in prison."


    "What do you mean?"


    "You''re a smart girl. You should know what to say and what not to say when they come to interrogate you." Just as he finished his words, the man turned around and left to the exit.


    Li Mu Chen was about to shout and call him back, however, once she saw his malicious gaze, Li Mu Chen knew that she should shut up.


    Devastated that no one had come to help her, Li Mu Chen took a few steps back until her back touched the cold wall. At this time, she did not know what else she could think of.


    "Mu Chen."


    "Brother! Help me. I don''t know why they arrested me," Li Mu Chen spoke. "I didn''t do anything wrong. But why did dad sent me here? Brother! You have to help find a lawyer and take me out of here!"


    Li Mu Bai narrowed his eyes as he listened to his sister''s words. "Li Mu Chen, do you really think that you have done nothing wrong?"


    "You know me! You''re my brother. Do you think I am someone who would dare to do a crime?"


    "Do you know that your action almost got people killed? Li Mu Chen, previously, I always knew that it was our mom who had instilled bad ideas into your head. Therefore, I did not think that you would have this courage to do something like this," Li Mu Bai said. "To forge some documents to frame your cousin and almost ruin QL Group, me and Grandpa! What were you thinking?"

 Chapter 382 - Li Mu Chen was Determined Not to Confess

    "Brother, what are you talking about? How can I do anything to harm you and Grandpa? You know very well that I love Grandpa the most!" Li Mu Chen shouted and the policemen gave her the warning to keep her voice low.


    "So you admitted that you forged the paperwork to frame Yao Yao?"


    Hearing her name, Li Mu Chen''s blood started to boil. "Don''t twist my words! I did not do anything!"


    "When Yao Yao accepted Grandfather''s proposal to work on the project in B City, the three of us made an agreement so that an incident like the past would not happen," Li Mu Bai said. "Only a few people knew about this arrangement. Without approval from me and Grandfather, any important paperwork for the project in B City would be invalid. It would need at least mine or Grandfather''s signature for the paperwork to pass."


    Li Mu Chen felt something stuck on her throat. She knew nothing about this!


    "The documents that they had sent to WS Group, I''ve seen it and I can tell that they are not the one that I have verified previously," Li Mu Bai continued. "But my signature was found on the new paperwork. This pointed out that I had approved the use of cheap materials. Don''t you realize it? When you tried to frame Yao Yao, you were framing me and QL Group too. Do you want to see this company went down?"


    "Why are you accusing me?" Li Mu Chen spat angrily. "Maybe it was Yao Yao who forged the documents!"


    "Li Mu Chen, you are still trying to deny what you''ve done!" Li Mu Bai was seething. He stared at his sister for a long time and soon his gaze softened. "They already found the evidence that pointed to you. Those guys who were helping you to forge the documents were caught and had confessed everything. Mu Chen, why do you still want to deny this thing?"


    Her eyes went wide as she thought of Shan Zi''s men who had helped her to. They had promised her that they won''t get caught.


    "I know that you were not someone who would be able to do this thing. You weren''t someone who would have the resource to do this," Li Mu Bai spoke. "Tell me, who was helping you? Then I can probably help and ask the lawyer to reduce your sentence."


    Li Mu Chen opened her mouth to speak but suddenly realized that there were a few people who were watching her with an intense gaze. She had seen those men at Shan Zi''s club before and knew that Shan Zi had sent those men to monitor her.


    She had thought that since she was in the police station, those men would not dare to do anything to her. However, on second thought, Li Mu Chen realized that Shan Zi would be capable to do such a thing. If he can let those people monitor her here, what else he was not capable to do?


    Just at the thought that she was going to suffer under Shan Zi''s hand made her shiver.


    Previously, she had accidentally seen how Shan Zi had torture a man who had betrayed him. She can still see the blood all over the man''s body every time she closed her eyes. She had nightmares for a few weeks after she witnessed the incident!


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." Li Mu Chen lowered her gaze.


    Li Mu Bai''s stared at his sister with a disappointed gaze. Seeing that she had refused to talk or look at him, he then left the police station quietly.


    ¡­


    Once Li Ren Xin returned to the Capital City, he immediately called out the shareholders for an urgent meeting to discuss the situation on QL Group.


    Initially, the shareholders wanted to demand the Chairman to take Li Qin Yao off the project. They wanted the girl to receive a harsh punishment by sending her behind bars and never work for any project again. There are some of the shareholders who were previously Zhao Wei''s supporters and had wanted to get back to Li Qin Yao now that they did not have much power after Zhao Wei was taken down.


    However, no one had expected that they had made a new condition before Li Qin Yao agreed to be involved in the project.


    The shareholders were not stupid. Realizing what this situation would do to the company and their pocket, the shareholders decided to discard Li Mu Chen and agreed to whatever arrangement that Chairman Li had in mind.


    As the meeting ended, Li Qin Yao walked over to her grandfather and supported the old man back to his office.


    Looking at her grandfather right now, Li Qin Yao thought that her grandfather had turned a few years older. His back hunched and he looked very tired.


    Li Qin Yao helped her grandfather to the sofa and helped to pour a glass of water for him.


    After taking a few gulps to moisten his throat, Li Ren Xin put the glass on the side table and watched his granddaughter with a complicated gaze. "Yao Yao, I don''t hope that you can forgive me, but I still wanted to say I''m sorry for what happened."


    Li Qin Yao flashed a smile that did not reach her eyes. "Grandpa, the thing you said in the board room earlier¡­ have you really decided?"


    Li Ren Xin closed his eyes and looked up again with a painful expression. "It was the only thing that I can do. From now on, I don''t have a granddaughter named Li Mu Chen. Yao Yao, you don''t have to worry about this. Your second uncle had agreed to this."


    Hearing what her grandfather had said, Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze.


    The scandal this time had caused too much trouble than the previous one. No matter what, the company was something that Li Ren Xin had painstakingly build from his younger day. From nothing, QL Group was now one of the giant development company in Capital City.


    Of course, to protect the company, Li Ren Xin was willing to do anything.


    Li Mu Chen might be his granddaughter, but he had other grandchildren as well. He could not protect Li Mu Chen and let this incident harm others. He had to think of the younger generation as well. This company was something that he wanted to leave for his future generation.


    Therefore, Li Ren Xin decided to disown Li Mu Chen. From now on, the company will have nothing to do with Li Mu Chen and she was not allowed to receive anything from them.


    After a brief chat with her grandfather, Li Qin Yao left the room to let him rest. Once she walked out, Li Qin Yao found Zhang Yu Han waiting for her.


    "I just talked to Qi Ming Wei," he said. "It seemed that Li Mu Chen was determined not to confess despite the evidence."


    A long sigh escaped her. Li Qin Yao held her husband''s hand and soon spoke, "Zhang Yu Han, I wanted to talk to her."

 Chapter 383 - I Just Wanted to Protect You

    Upon hearing his wife''s words, a light flashed in Zhang Yu Han''s eyes before he looked away. He gave a gentle squeeze at her hand and spoke, "Can you not meet her?"


    The two of them looked into each other''s eyes for a long time as if having a silent conversation.


    "Despite what she was going to tell me, I am not planning to be soft-hearted again," Li Qin Yao said. "This time, Li Mu Chen has gone overboard. She followed her mother''s footsteps and dared to harm others. I won''t let her go unpunished. I just wanted to know why¡­"


    "I know. But I still did not want you to talk to her. I don''t like her. I don''t think I can sit still watching my wife facing such a vicious woman. I don''t care whatever reason she had to go this far and try to hurt you. But I know that whatever she will tell you later will only hurt you," he heaved a sigh and pulled her into his embrace. "I don''t want to watch her continuously hurting you. She had done enough. Qin Yao, I just wanted to protect you."


    Li Qin Yao let him hug her for a long time. Her ears pressed to his heart and she listened to his heartbeat.


    She was curious to know what was the reason that Li Mu Chen seemed to hate her for years, but at the same time, she did not want Zhang Yu Han to continuously worry about her.


    "It will be alright," Li Qin Yao spoke after a long time. She then lifted her head. "If I did not hear from her the answer, I won''t be able to reach closure and I will continue to wonder about it," A smile curled on her lips as she continued to look at him. "Zhang Yu Han, I will be fine. You need to trust me."


    Another long sigh escaped him before he nodded. His wife was the person that he loved and cherish. He did not want her to get hurt by some irrelevant person''s words. However, hearing her words, Zhang Yu Han decided to respect his wish. "Alright. But not today. You need to rest first."


    ¡­


    After spending hours in the lock-up, Li Mu Chen was finally taken into the interrogation room. However, instead of being questioned, she was let to wait alone in the room for hours. There was nothing but two chairs, a table, and a bright light in the room.


    Li Mu Chen was not able to tell the time. She did not know how long has it been since she was brought to the police station. What she knew was that her body was sticky and smelly.


    Right now, Li Mu Chen was very uncomfortable. She would not dare to lift her face and look at the observation mirrored wall. She had seen herself a while ago and was shocked at how she looked at the moment. She had never seen herself looking so ugly!


    She was tired and hungry.


    Earlier an officer had come to deliver her a takeaway, but she had refused to eat it as it does not look appetizing. At this time, Li Mu Chen was slowly regretting her decision.


    After yelling, shouting, and crying for hours, Li Mu Chen finally resigned to her fate that they will not come over to her. Her father would not come to help her. Her brother had abandoned her.


    Li Mu Chen could only hope that her grandfather would come to rescue her. However, after what she had done, will her grandfather still come and see her?


    Li Mu Chen stood up and her eyes brightened with happiness upon seeing her grandfather walked in. "Grandpa! You''re here!" She had wanted to walk over and hug him. However, once Li Mu Chen noticed the look in his grandfather''s eyes, her steps halted. "Grand¡­ pa? Why are you looking at me like that?"


    "You don''t have to call me grandpa. I don''t have a granddaughter like you," Li Ren Xin spoke. His voice contained a hint of disappointment.


    "Grandpa, what do you mean?" Li Mu Chen laughed nervously. "Grandpa, you have to save me. I don''t know why they took me here. My brother¡­ He did not want to help me. I already called for the lawyer to come. But I don''t know what''s wrong with the police. They won''t let me call the¡ª"


    Her words were left unfinished. Li Mu Chen finally realized the person who stood behind her grandfather. It was their family''s lawyer!


    "Grandpa, I know that you were the one who cared about me the most!" Li Mu Chen stepped forward to hug her grandpa but stopped again when her grandpa raised his hand to stop her.


    Without saying anything, Li Ren Xin waved his hand at the lawyer and the man stepped forward to the table. He put his briefcase on the table and pulled out a few documents.


    As the lawyer read what Chairman Li had written, Li Mu Chen''s face turned pale.


    "Miss Li, if you have no question, you can sign here," the lawyer said.


    Li Mu Chen glanced at the paper and gritted her teeth. "I won''t sign it!"


    "It''s fine if you did not want to sign it," Li Ren Xin said. "Even without these documents and your signature, everything written on the will be valid. I am just here to let you know that from now on, you will have nothing with me or QL Group."


    "Grandpa, you cannot do this!"


    "This is my company. Before I die, I can do whatever I want with it," Li Ren Xin spoke. "You should have known that this will happen the moment you tried to frame Yao Yao. Have you not learned from your mother?"


    Hearing the name that she hated so much, Li Mu Chen was boiling with anger. "Yao Yao! It''s Yao Yao again! What is so good about her?"


    "What did she ever did to you?" Li Ren Xin asked. "Mu Chen, I don''t understand this. You are cousins. Why do you hate her so much? Just what did your mother tell you?"


    "This has nothing to do with my mother. Grandpa, isn''t it because of you? You always wanted to take her side!" Li Mu Chen shouted. After spending her time alone, the tiredness and hunger were driving her crazy.


    Li Ren Xin was taken aback upon hearing what Li Mu Chen had said. "Li Mu Chen! What are you talking about!? How is it because of me?"


    Li Mu Chen laughed as she recalled their childhood...

 Chapter 384 - Absurd and Unforgivable

    Ever since she was a little girl, Li Mu Chen was very well-liked by everyone around her. Because her father was always in the army, her grandfather especially adored her. He would spend most of his time with her and often praised and spoiled her. Even when Li Qin Yao and her family were living with their grandparents, her grandfather would always pamper her the most.


    Everything seemed to change when they turned fourteen.


    Her first uncle and aunt were divorced and suddenly, her grandfather had pampered her less. Every time Li Qin Yao was around, her grandfather seemed to forget her existence and would focus on her cousin.


    The only thing she can do was to talk to the group of girls their age to ignore Yao Yao.


    Whenever she recalled the desolate look on her cousin''s face, Li Mu Chen was delighted.


    But then, their grandfather had to make her unhappy when he told her to share all the good things with her cousin. Everything that belongs to her, why should she share it? What makes matters worst was when her grandfather had given Yao Yao her a bag that she had wanted. Her grandpa knew that she wanted it. She had told him a few times and yet, he bought them and gave it to her cousin!


    Their grandpa would often compare their studies. Li Qin Yao was always praised. She was the most obedient and smartest. Just because Li Qin Yao had decided to study something that was related to the company business just like her brother, their grandpa was biased towards her.


    So what if Yao Yao''s parents were divorced? Does that give her the right to snatch everything that belonged to her?


    Since her cousin snatched everything from her, Li Mu Chen vowed to take everything back. No matter if it was their grandpa''s affection or any men who had liked her!


    No one knew how happy she was when their grandpa had lost his trust in her cousin after the accident in the construction site years ago. The disappointed look on their grandfather''s face Since then, her grandpa had returned to her and would pamper her the most.


    Li Mu Chen did not expect that this happiness would end so soon. She did not know what makes her grandfather changed his mind when he decided to forgive her cousin and brought her back to the company. Li Mu Chen was furious when she heard that Li Qin Yao was going to handle an important project in B City. She knew what will happen when Yao Yao succeed. Their grandpa would soon forget her again!


    Her cousin now has everything. Their grandpa''s trust, a good position in the company, and a good man.


    Just because Yao Yao''s parents were divorced, she had harmed her family and caused her parents to divorce. Her mother, Zhao Wei was put behind bars and her father had abandoned them. Everyone was pitying Li Qin Yao for what she had gone through all those years, but what about her? No one had pitied her at all.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao stood at the slightly opened door and her hand that was about to push the door open dropped to her sides.


    She had come to meet Li Mu Chen and ask the questions that have been haunting her for years. Surprisingly, her grandfather had arrived earlier and she happened to hear everything.


    In the end, Li Mu Chen did everything because she was jealous? Just because of something so small, she was willing to harm others?


    Perhaps Li Mu Chen had turned out like this because of her parents. Her father was always absent and would always be so fierce at her whenever he was around. Although her mother would always pamper her, Zhao Wei''s top priority has always been her work and the company.


    No matter what was Li Mu Chen''s reason, and how she turned to be the way she was, Li Qin Yao could not sympathize with it.


    Although it was hard to believe that Li Mu Chen would want to hurt her just because of these reasons, Li Qin Yao knew that sometimes, feelings and emotions were very complicated things.


    Anger and jealousy would drive people to do the craziest things.


    She had heard of how a jealous wife had splashed acid to her husband, and a mother-in-law who pushed her pregnant daughter-in-law off the stairs due to jealousy. It shouldn''t be too surprising that Li Mu Chen would do these things.


    However, since she had dared to harm people, Li Mu Chen deserved to accept her punishment.


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her trance when she felt a gentle squeeze on her shoulder. She raised her head and saw the saddened look on her grandfather''s face. Then, she turned around and whispered to Zhang Yu Han, "Let''s go."


    Zhang Yu Han had thought that she was going to enter the room, however, Li Qin Yao turned around and headed towards the exit after telling the officers not to mention her presence to her grandfather.


    The couple returned to their vehicle and Zhang Yu Han helped his wife into the car. He slid into the driver''s seat and turned to his wife. "You''re not going to meet her anymore?"


    "I have already found the answer I was looking for," Li Qin Yao gave him a weak smile. "Besides, grandpa would be embarrassed if he found out that we had stayed and listened to their conversation."


    A long sighed escaped her as she recalled the look on her grandfather''s face.


    Li Qin Yao could guess that her grandfather was going to blame himself for what had happened to Li Mu Chen. Although her grandfather had announced that he was going to disown Li Mu Chen, Li Qin Yao was not worried if her grandfather was going to change his mind.


    After all, Li Mu Chen was his favorite granddaughter.


    Even if her grandfather would change his mind, Li Qin Yao was not going to care about it.


    Anyway, she had a bunch of people who cared and loved her. Even if she was not as close to her paternal grandfather, she would still have another grandfather.


    After marrying Zhang Yu Han, Li Qin Yao had gained herself a new family.


    Zhang Jing might be her grandfather-in-law, but he had treated her just like the way he treated his granddaughter. The two of them could have a long chat about everything and share their love for food.


    Her in-laws had treated her warmly and everything was more than she could ask for. She had a complete family. A husband that loved her dearly and a cute daughter.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao leaned her head on Zhang Yu Han''s shoulder as he continued to drive back towards the hotel.

 Chapter 385 - Face the Consequences

    Li Qin Yao did not know what happened between their grandfather and Li Mu Chen when she left the station.


    But later, she had heard from Li Ming Han that her grandfather was determined not to bail her out of her problem. Li Mu Chen had to face the consequences of her wrongdoings.


    She was already a big girl. No matter what, she should have known what was right and what was wrong. Li Ren Xin did not think that he would be able to change this granddaughter''s mindset and could only let her receive her punishment and hope that she will repent. Perhaps, after a while, she would come out with her new self.


    Li Mu Bai had come to visit his sister a few times.


    No matter how much he had tried to find out who was helping Li Mu Chen with her scheme, his sister refused to say a word. From the people that he had sent to follow after his sister, Li Mu Bai found out that his sister would frequently visit a club.


    Later, some people came forward and testified that Li Mu Chen would always hang out with those guys at the club. However, no one had mentioned Shan Zi.


    Due to the scandal, Li Qin Yao had to stay in Capital City for a few days to resolve a few matters. Since it has been a while that they have met, Li Ming Han had invited the family of three for a meal.


    When Li Ming Han''s wife gave birth to their son, Li Zi Chen, Li Qin Yao was heavily pregnant and was unable to attend their son''s full moon celebration. Similarly, Li Ming Han was unable to attend Li Xue''s full moon celebration.


    Therefore, this would be the first time that they will see each other''s babies.


    Li Qin Yao stared at her daughter who was lying on her stomach. The little girl raised their head to look at Li Zi Chen who was sitting in her mother''s ??ps and the two tried to communicate with each other in a language that the ?du?t could not understand.


    At this time, Li Ming Han walked into the room with a small bowl of pureed pear. He helped to support his son into a sitting position and feed him in a small portion. As the boy was more than six months, he had started to eat some solid food.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Li Xue was watching the elder brother munching on something delicious and she started to droll. She waved her hands and make some noise as she looked at her mother. Then, she turned to look at the bowl in Li Ming Han''s hand and her mouth gaped open.


    Zhang Yu Han felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch as he watched how his daughter behaved. This little girl had truly turned into a foodie like her mother.


    Seeing that the ?du?ts continued to chat and had no plan to let her taste whatever it was that the elder brother was eating, Zhang Li Xue started to cry to protest.


    Why was everyone around her allowed to eat delicious food, but she can only drink milk? This was not fair!


    In the end, Li Qin Yao had to leave the room to coax her daughter and fed her. Although Zhang Li Xue wanted to taste the delicious food that the elder brother had eaten, she had no choice but to drink her mother''s milk at the moment. As her stomach was filled with milk, Zhang Li Xue gradually forgotten about her grievance and soon fell asleep in her mother''s arms.


    Li Qin Yao placed Zhang Li Xue on the mattress and walked over to her husband and Li Ming Han. The two of them were discussing the current political change in Capital City. Once they saw that Li Qin Yao had returned, the two men stopped discussing the matter and Li Ming Han''s wife invited their guests to the dining area.


    The food was served and the four of them ate happily while chatting about various things.


    Looking at the concerned look on Li Ming Han''s face, Li Qin Yao felt something warm in her heart.


    "Grandpa had called for a meeting tomorrow morning with the shareholders. Cousin sister, what are you planning to do now?" Li Ming Han asked.


    Once news that Li Mu Chen was responsible for the incident, the public''s anger began to shift from Li Qin Yao to Li Mu Chen. Whichever it was, QL Group could not escape the public backlash.


    The mayor of B City had contacted Li Qin Yao and had expressed his unhappiness and concern on the matter.


    The Tourism City project was an important project for the city as it was planning to promote historical sites. They had put a lot of hope and money that this investment in the project would soon bring more tourists to the city.


    Now that QL Group was facing this scandal, of course, the mayor would be worried. If this project failed, then, wouldn''t he failed too? After all, it was his decision to approve the project.


    Back then, he had chosen the QL Group due to their proposal and reputation. Now, he was reluctant to continue their cooperation due to QL Group''s reputation. This was the second time that QL Group was involved in a scandal after the Tourism City project began. No one could predict that something like this would happen again.


    Li Ming Han did not dare to guess at his cousin''s decision although he had a hunch at what she was going to do.


    Li Qin Yao exchanged her gaze with her husband and smiled as she looked at Li Ming Han. "It''s exactly as what you guess."


    His eyes widened, before the flicker of light in his eyes dimmed. "You¡­ planned to resign?"


    "Isn''t that the only thing I can do in my situation?"


    Li Ming Han heaved a long sigh. "Grandpa would not be happy about this decision."


    Li Qin Yao smiled.


    Even if her grandfather would be unhappy, there was nothing she can do about it. Because of Li Mu Chen, she was no longer qualified to manage the project in B City. It would be hard for her to continue working on the project. They would have no choice but to hand over the project to someone else.


    Previously, Li Qin Yao had mentioned that she had wanted to stay close to wherever her husband would be. Therefore, she had no intention to return to Capital City. Since she could not work in Capital City nor B City, it would be best if she handed over her resignation letter.


    Li Ming Han heaved a long sigh at the thought that the company would lose someone very capable just because of Li Mu Chen''s jealousy and foolishness.

 Chapter 386 - Petitions to Remove QL Group

    The moment Li Qin Yao arrived at the QL Group headquarters, she immediately went into her grandfather''s office. As she waited for the elevator to arrive, Li Mu Bai came over and stood beside her. The two exchanged a look and smiled before they stepped into the elevator.


    Once the door shut, Li Mu Bai turned around and spoke, "Li Mu Chen will be on trial next month. At this moment, my father is looking after her and she will not be allowed to leave the house."


    "Un. I''ve heard."


    "Yao Yao," Li Mu Bai hesitated. "I''m sorry. My family¡­ I don''t know why they continuously tried to hurt you. I know that whatever I say will not ease the pain you have gone through. I know that you won''t be able to forgive Mu Chen for what she did but I still wanted to say I''m sorry."


    Li Qin Yao''s gaze softened as she heard his words.


    Previously, Li Mu Bai had given almost the same speech when his mother''s scheme was brought up and now he had come to see her again to apologize for what his sister had done.


    Li Qin Yao knew that Li Mu Bai was embarrassed to see her after what had happened. However, he could not avoid meeting her.


    "Li Mu Bai, you don''t have to apologize on your mother or your sister''s behalf," she smiled at him and lowered her gaze. "They are ?du?ts who should know what they did was wrong. You are not responsible for their wrongdoings, but they are. I won''t say that I will forgive Mu Chen or say that I understand why she did those things. I just hope that she can change and when she came out from prison, she will turn over a new leaf and stop bothering me. I won''t care about whatever she wanted to do as long as she leaves me and my family alone."


    Li Mu Bai listened to her words and found that he could not come up with anything to say.


    But as a brother and a son, Li Mu Bai thought that he was partly responsible. If it was not for him, perhaps his mother would not choose that path. If he paid more attention to his sister and found out earlier of what she was trying to do, then perhaps Li Mu Chen would be where she was.


    The elevator door slid open and the two of them walked side by side as they head over to the Chairman''s office.


    Li Mu Bai knocked on the door and the cousins entered the room only to find that their grandfather was on the phone with a deep frown on his face.


    Whoever was on the other line and whatever it was that they were discussing, the cousins could guess that it was not something pleasant.


    After a while, Li Ren Xin ended the call with a long sigh and looked up at his grandchildren. A guilty expression appeared on his face as he turned to his granddaughter, however, Li Qin Yao chose to pretend that she did not understand the look on his face.


    She could guess what was on her grandfather''s mind at the moment. However, she had no intention to let him know that she had overheard his conversation with Li Mu Chen the other day.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao smiled. "What''s wrong?


    Li Ren Xin coughed dryly and looked away.


    Li Qin Yao thought about the letter in her bag and hesitated for a few seconds. Then, she walked over to her grandfather and placed the white envelope on his table.


    "Yao Yao, what is this?" Li Ren Xin knew exactly what was in the letter, but could not help but ask.


    "You''re¡­ resigning?" Li Mu Bai asked.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded slowly. "Although most of the investors had their trust in me and wanted me to continue until the end, I don''t think that I can work on it. If I stayed as the person in charge, we might lose potential buyers. I don''t want to let the shareholders lose their money because of me."


    "Yao Yao, you worked on the project from the beginning," Li Mu Bai said. "Won''t you regret it?"


    A small smile appeared on her lips at the thought of how she had worked on the proposal from the very beginning. She started with only a few staff and they had to work from her cafe. She was allocated with a small budget and had to find the investors. Working on this project allowed her to be close to Zhang Yu Han and they were finally married. How can she not regret it?


    "The project was in its third phase and would require little supervision before it would be completed," Li Qin Yao said. "My husband''s hotel building would soon be completed. As long as the project can continue, I will be satisfied. I can only request that whoever took the project later will follow the plan and did not make too much change."


    Li Ren Xin heaved a sigh as he listened to the cousin''s conversation.


    Seeing the solemn look on his grandfather''s face, Li Mu Bai exchanged a glance with his cousin and raised a brow.


    "Even if you resigned from this project, QL Group probably won''t be able to continue on the project," Li Ren spoke.


    "Grandfather, what do you mean?" Li Mu Bai asked.


    "B City mayor called me a few times to express his concern about the project," Li Ren Xin spoke. "Although our major investors had their trust in QL Group, the public did not share the same opinion. The mayor had received petitions to remove QL Group from the project."


    "How can they do that? We have an agreement" Li Mu Bai''s expression changed.


    "The mayor was worried about the upcoming election," Li Ren Xin said. "If he did not follow the public''s opinion, there is a chance that he will lose his position. You know that the people were looking forward to this project and what it will bring to their city. You tell me, would the mayor disregard the public''s opinion and step down from his position to let us work on the project?"


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao returned to the hotel room and found her husband in the middle of a phone call. The stern look on his face disappeared quickly the moment he saw his wife. Li Qin Yao walked over to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. Then, she went over to check on their sleeping princess.


    A few seconds later, Zhang Yu Han appeared by her side and wrapped his arms around her waist.


    Li Qin Yao leaned her body on his ?h?st, tilted her head up and his lips descended on hers for a peck. "You''re done with your call?"


    "Hmm¡­" he nodded.


    "Who is it? You had a very serious look on your face just now."


    "Qi Ming Wei called for a few things," Zhang Yu Han smiled to ease her mind and decided to change the topic. "How was the shareholders meeting?"


    "They are considering to sell the project to another company," Li Qin Yao said. She saw the frown on her husband''s face and told him about the situation with QL Group. "The shareholders haven''t made their decision yet, but there is a chance that we will have to let the project go."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he thought about the project that his wife had poured her heart and soul to develop.


    Li Qin Yao peeled his arms around her waist and turned around to face him. She raised her arms and linked them on his neck. "Zhang Yu Han, whatever happened later, I hope that you will not pull out your money in the project."


    "The hotel building is almost completed. It is something that you and I both worked on. I won''t give it away to anyone else."


    Li Qin Yao stared at her husband with a dazed look on her face before a laugh escaped. She tiptoed and kiss his jaw.


    "What are you up to?" Zhang Yu Han saw the smile on his wife''s lips and raised a brow.

 Chapter 387 - Take Over the Project

    There were many issues to be looked at before they can decide what they wanted to do with the Tourism City project. Even if the mayor wanted to oust them, their shareholders would not necessarily agree.


    As the shareholders were still discussing their project in B City, Chairman Li continued to negotiate with the mayor in hope that they will be able to continue the project and cooperation. Meanwhile, both Li Mu Bai and Li Ming Han was working to restore the company''s reputation.


    However, to restore their reputation in such a short time would be impossible.


    Currently, a few of the companies around B City had tried to reach the QL Group and expressed their interest to purchase the project. However, both Li Mu Bai and Li Ming Han was reluctant to let the company sell this project.


    They wanted to be able to continue working on the Tourism City, knowing that their cousin, Li Qin Yao had work hard on the project. If the project stayed in QL Group''s, their cousin could still work on the project indirectly as an adviser.


    After a few days, someone came to meet Li Qin Yao at the hotel.


    Li Qin Yao went over to the coffee house and walked over to a table when she saw the person who was waiting for her. The man stood up and the two shook hands before they took a seat.


    "President Mo, thank you for coming," Li Qin Yao said and smiled. "I should be the one who comes over to visit you, but you''re here instead."


    "Don''t worry. I have a few places to visit as well."


    Li Qin Yao watched as a waiter walked over with a menu and spoke again, "President Mo, if there''s anything you''d like to order, then go ahead. If you don''t mind sweets, I can recommend Chef Qin''s sweet treats."


    "It''s fine. Just a cup of coffee will be enough," Mo Cheng Feng smiled. "I had my meal on the flight earlier."


    Since the man had declined, Li Qin Yao did not push him. "President Mo, you should know that QL Group was unable to continue with the construction project after the scandal," Li Qin Yao said. Then she told him about the situation that their company was facing.


    Mo Cheng Feng stared at the coffee cup and looked up. "How can I help you?"


    "President Mo, would you be interested to take over the project?" Li Qin Yao suggested. "Anyway, MH Group is one of the major investors for Tourism City. There shouldn''t be a lot of problems if you take over. This way, I won''t have to worry too much about the project."


    Mo Cheng Feng stared at the girl in front of him for a while and the corner of his lips tilted up into a smile. "With MH Group''s current financial, it would not be difficult to convince our shareholders to take over the Tourism City." He stayed in silence for a while and continued, "What are your conditions?"


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. "I won''t ask for too much. Just that, I hope you can keep the QL''s staff that has been working on the project since the very beginning. Then, I have to ask you not to make a lot of changes to Zhang''s hotel building."


    His eyebrow rose. "Even if I wanted to make a change, your husband wouldn''t necessarily agree. I understand that he is the major investor in the Tourism City project, correct?"


    A chuckle escaped her. "You''re right."


    Mo Cheng Feng sat there deep in his thought. After a minute has passed, he looked up again. "Alright. I will discuss this matter with our team first and get back to you later."


    ¡­


    Mo Cheng Feng simply wanted the project to be completed within time. They have invested in the project and had no intention to let the money go to waste. Since everything had been arranged by Li Qin Yao''s team previously, he intended to follow her plan without making too much change.


    Although Li Qin Yao wanted to pull out from the project, Mo Cheng Feng would occasionally look for her and discuss the project development with her. In this way, it doesn''t look as if she had left the project at all.


    A month had passed and Li Mu Chen was brought to court. She faced a few charges and she had immediately pleaded guilty to all charges. Li Mu Chen was fined a big sum of money and sentenced to ten years in prison.


    Li Qin Yao read the news about the court case on the internet and frowned. Knowing Li Mu Chen for years, Li Qin Yao was fully aware that her cousin was not someone who would admit her wrongdoing like this. Li Qin Yao could only guess that the lawyer had advised her to plead guilty to get her sentences to reduce for a few years.


    At the same time, the news was reporting that QL Group too were facing lawsuits due to the incident. Although the trial had not reached the end, Li Qin Yao knew that there was no way that they could escape the lawsuit easily.


    Li Mu Bai and Li Ming Han will have to work hard to restore the company''s reputation.


    As for her, Li Qin Yao had been staying home. Since she no longer needed to return to the company, Li Qin Yao would spend most of her time with her daughter. When she was too bored, Li Qin Yao would take the little princess to the hotel to look for her husband.


    When the staff saw their young madame with the little princess at the hotel, they could not stop talking about the adorable girl.


    Once they arrived at the hotel, Li Qin Yao had a brief chat with Secretary Tian before she knocked on the door and peeked into her husband''s office. Seeing that Zhang Yu Han was on the phone, Li Qin Yao waved her hand and walked in quietly as she pushed the baby stroller in.


    Zhang Yu Han''s gaze softened upon seeing his two favorite girls. He ended the call quickly and walked over to his wife.


    "Mrs. Zhang, are you here to invite me to lunch?" Zhang Yu Han asked before he leaned in to give his wife a peck on her lips.


    "Hmm¡­ Are you busy?" She smiled. "You don''t have to end your call quickly just because we showed up."


    "It wasn''t an important matter." He pushed a few strands of hair behind her ears and took his chance to ??r?ss her cheek.


    "Really?" Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways and raised a brow. She seemed to overhear that Zhang Yu Han had told the person on the other line to do matters discreetly.


    "Of course," Zhang Yu Han smiled and bent to kiss her lips again. "What can be more important than you?"


    At this time, Zhang Li Xue made a sound and continued to chatter. It was as if she was dissatisfied that her parents seemed to forget her existence.


    Seeing the way that the little princess was complaining, Zhang Yu Han lifted her from the stroller and kissed her on both cheeks.


    Zhang Li Xue shrunk her neck, feeling a bit ticklish at her father''s kisses. Then, she retaliated by gnawing at her father''s shoulder as he hugged her.


    Zhang Yu Han ignored his daughter and turned to his wife again. "Have you looked at the news?"


    "Hmm..." Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Looking at her face, Zhang Yu Han knew that his wife was in low spirits after reading the news about her cousin. "Are you pitying her?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. "Of course not. Mu Chen is my cousin. But if I continue to be soft-hearted towards her, I am afraid that someday, she would do something that would harm Li Xue. I cannot let that happen."


    Hearing his wife''s answer, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh in relief. He pulled her into his embrace and frowned as he thought of what he planned to do to Li Mu Chen.

 Chapter 388 - Offended Too Many People

    Li Mu Chen had thought that she would be able to be reunited with her mother when she walked into prison. However, she had not thought that she would be separated from the rest of the other prisoners. Don''t mention about meeting her mother, she was not allowed to meet anyone else other than the staff.


    After staying in prison for a few weeks, Li Mu Chen was not as beautiful or glamorous as she was. Her face paled, her hair was messy and she looked so dirty that she started to resemble a crazy woman.


    Shan Zi had wanted her to shut up about his involvement in the incident and she had agreed as long as that man did not make things hard for her. But she did not think that he would change his mind.


    Staying alone in a separate room was making her agitated. It was driving her crazy! As someone who would often be surrounded by people all around her, this was abusing her mental. She could not think straight and was often in fear.


    Realizing that Shan Zi had changed his mind, Li Mu Chen would often yell out Shan Zi''s name and how he was involved in the incident in B City.


    However, whenever she was shouting around like a madwoman, the guards would enter her room and abused her. Her body hurt all over, but she was denied medication. The guards were smart. They would beat her to at a spot that would leave no mark. No matter how much Li Mu Chen wanted to complain, she did not have her proof.


    The only thing she can hope for was to wait for her brother or grandfather to come over and visit. Li Mu Chen was determined to inform them of Shan Zi''s involvement and perhaps, she would be free from this mental torture.


    However, a few weeks have passed since she was locked in the room. No one had come to visit her.


    Of course, Li Mu Chen did not know that because of what she had done, both her brother and grandfather were too busy to deal with the damage to the company. They could not be negligent or else, their competitors would find a way to bring them down.


    Thinking that she was abandoned by her brother and grandfather, Li Mu Chen started to harbor a deep resentment towards them.


    Li Mu Chen snapped out of her trance and she was startled as the door swung open. She lifted her head and her body trembled upon seeing the guard at the door.


    "You," the guard pointed at her. "Come out."


    "W-what do you want?"


    The guard sneered upon sensing her fear. "Someone is here to see you."


    Her eyes brightened up at the thought that her brother or grandfather had come over to visit her. Li Mu Chen stood up and immediately followed after the guard. However, her expression started to change upon seeing that she was not taken towards the visitation room. Instead, she was taken to a quiet, empty field.


    "Where are you taking me?" Li Mu Chen asked. "Didn''t you say that someone is here to see me? Why did you take me here?"


    The guard shot her a look and ignored her question. Li Mu Chen had no choice but to follow the guard.


    Soon, the guard stopped abruptly as they reached a secluded corner and raised her hand into a salute. "Sir!"


    The male officer waved his hand. "You can leave us now."


    Li Mu Chen started to tremble as she recognized the voice. She tilted her head up to look at the man and her gaze stuck on him.


    The guard gave another glance at Li Mu Chen and leave her to that male officer.


    "Wow, Li Mu Chen, you looked like shit. I haven''t seen you like this before," the man spoke. He gave her a look over and was suddenly disgusted at how she looked like.


    Li Mu Chen snapped out of her trance as she heard his voice. She had wanted to stop the guard from leaving but had no way that to escape. The man behind her had grabbed her waist with one hand and placed another hand around her neck. Li Mu Chen was having difficulties breathing. She knew that one wrong move, the man would not hesitate to snap her neck.


    "What''s the matter?" The man whispered into her ears. "I heard that you have been shouting my name every day. Now that I have come to see you, you wanted to run away?"


    "S-Shan Zi," Li Mu Chen tried to breathe. "Release me. Let''s talk slowly, alright?"


    The man let out a chuckle before his grip around her neck started to loosen. "That''s more like it. "


    Li Mu Chen took a deep breath and coughed a few times until her face turned red. "Why are you here?"


    Shan Zi raised a brow. "Isn''t it because you keep shouting my name every day? Li Mu Chen, you should know what would happen if you make me unhappy. We have an agreement. You keep your mouth shut, and I won''t lay a hand on you."


    Hearing his words, Li Mu Chen suddenly felt a surge of anger. "What do you mean? I did as you told. I have never mentioned you to my brother no matter how much he asked. Shan Zi, you were the one who goes against your word first. You told me that you will let me live peacefully here with my mother. If I behaved, you promised to let me out sooner. But, you had someone to keep me in an isolated room! I had never seen my mother once ever since I stepped in here. I was beaten! I was not treated like a human! I was forced to deal with mental and physical abuse!" Tears trailed down on her face as she began to recall her days in prison.


    "Li Mu Chen, what do you mean? I am a gentleman and I don''t go back to my words."


    Li Mu Chen muttered some nasty curse. "You lie to me. You¡ª"


    Shan Zi gripped her chin tightly. "It wasn''t me. It was not my fault that you have offended too many people. The things that were happening to you know was not something that I do."


    Her eyes widened. "Who is it?"


    "Think carefully."


    No matter how much Li Mu Chen tried to think, she could not figure out anyone that she had offended. In that case, Shan Zi must be lying to her!


    Of course, Li Mu Chen would not think that she had offended too many people in the past. Or else, how would some of them come out and testify that she often met with some thugs at Shan Zi''s club.


    "Li Mu Chen, let me remind you again to keep your mouth shut. Or else, you would be facing something worst than what you experienced now," Shan Zi spoke. His lips curled into a smile and Shan Zi patted at her cheek. "You have helped me to achieve what I want. Of course, I will treat you well as long as you keep your mouth shut."


    Of course, Li Mu Chen was too consumed with anger and hatred that she was not able to hear his words. Her eyes darted around as she looked for a chance to escape and her eyes stopped at the baton on Shan Zi''s waist. Li Mu Chen took the chance to grab the weapon and failed when Shan Zi had noticed her movement.


    Li Mu Chen ?r??n?d in pain as she felt Shan Zi gripped her hair tightly.


    "It seems like you''re looking for death?" Shan Zi spoke in a harsh voice. He lowered his gaze towards the baton on his waist and smiled. "You like this thing? How about I let you taste how it feels to be beaten by this?"

 Chapter 389 - Something Happened to Li Mu Chen

    Zhang Yu Han was browsing through a few documents when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in."


    There was a brief pause before his ?ssistant, Xiao Ye walked in with a few ring folders with him. "Director Zhang, these are the accounts that you requested." He stopped at the table and placed the folders on the table.


    "Just leave them there. I''ll take a look at them later."


    Xiao Ye nodded and left the room silently.


    Once his ?ssistant had left, Zhang Yu Han pushed aside the documents in front of him and took the accounting book. As he continued to read the accounting report, the frown on his face deepened.


    Because of the incident in B City, Zhang Yu Han had spent a lot of money to help with the investigation to help clear up his wife''s name. Qi Ming Wei had helped him to investigate and had used his power to hasten some process, and Zhang Yu Han had to spend a lot of money to pay for the resource.


    His hand reached for another accounting files and read the account statement. As he looked at the numbers, a thought crossed his mind and Zhang Yu Han was starting to get a bit uneasy.


    At this time, his phone beside him chimed. Zhang Yu Han stared at the caller ID and slid his finger on the screen.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Qi Ming Wei''s voice could be heard from the other line. "Something happened to your wife''s cousin, Li Mu Chen, in prison. Right now, she was badly injured and was in a coma."


    "I told you to look after her, but not like this."


    "It wasn''t me," Qi Ming Wei spoke quickly. "Someone else did that. According to official report, Li Mu Chen had an argument with her in-mates. A fight broke up and she was badly trashed."


    Knowing Li Mu Chen, it was not impossible for her to offend her in-mates and was beaten badly because of her attitude. However, Zhang Yu Han quickly found out that something was not right.


    "Didn''t you tell me that she was kept isolated?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "Exactly. There was never a fight. I received another report. Earlier, Li Mu Chen was brought out from her cell to meet a visitor. Unfortunately, she tried to run away and was beaten by the correction officer. The fight with an in-mates was just something they used to cover up the situation."


    "What?"


    "We haven''t got into the interesting part," Qi Ming Wei chuckled angrily. "The officer who beat Li Mu Chen seemed to vanish out of thin air. Although he was at the scene when they found Li Mu Chen in the field, this officer seemed to disappear when the others came. They could not find this man."


    A thought came to his mind and Zhang Yu Han spoke, "Before Li Mu Chen''s trial started, I remember that her brother mentioned that there was someone else who was helping his sister. Could it be that her helper came to threaten her to keep her mouth shut?"


    Qi Ming Wei thought over his words and spoke, "It will be hard to find out the truth with Li Mu Chen''s condition right now. We didn''t know who was the person who helped to take her out. The surveillance system was not helping and no one ran into this mysterious guard or officer."


    "I have a thought," Zhang Yu Han spoke. "I was looking into the accounting book before you called. Qi Ming Wei, what if the person who harmed you the last time was in touch with Li Mu Chen."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Listen to me first and tell me what you think," Zhang Yu Han said. "I happened to be the major investor to Tourism Project in B City. What if this person was aware that Zhang Group contributed a lot of money to Qi Family every year. To take you down, naturally, this person will need to cripple your financial backer."


    "But this person did not expect that MH Group was willing to cooperate with your wife and take over the project. Your investment in Tourism City should be alright."


    "It''s alright." Zhang Yu Han''s lips curled into a smile that did not reach his eyes. "But to uncover the truth, we do spend a lot of money."


    He had to sell some of their ?ssets at a low cost to get quick cash and pay those men who had helped him.


    "You haven''t found out about the man who tried to hurt you the last time?" Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    "I only know that he goes by the name Z," Qi Ming Wei said. "No one had ever seen this man before. We caught his subordinates but according to them, they have never seen their boss''s face."


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han spoke after another long silence between them. "These things would not happen if I did not ask for your help to clear up my wife''s name."


    More than a year ago, Zhang Yu Han had asked Qi''s family to help him find a man who would be able to clear Li Qin Yao''s name from a site accident in Capital City. While finding evidence and weaken the power behind Zhao Wei, Qi Ming Wei had wiped out the major power that had been controlling Capital City for years.


    Now that the person was no longer around, Qi Ming Wei had wanted to expand his influence and power by taking control over Capital City. However, it was not easy.


    Seeing that the last group was wiped out, a lot of other groups had wanted to try their luck.


    Having control over Capital City would be very beneficial to Qi''s family. However, it was not easy to strengthen his position.


    There were always threats to harm Qi Ming Wei. The others wanted to take the chance to bring Qi Ming Wei down before his power and influence in Capital City solidified.


    If this person had harmed the Zhang Group, the Qi family would lose their financial backup and it would be hard to take control of Capital City.


    "You don''t have to be sorry," Qi Ming Wei spoke. "We were looking into expanding into Capital City and your wife''s situation helped us to be in power. Zhang Yu Han, you don''t have to think too much about this. I will find this person soon. In the meantime, I will ask my men to continue and protect you and everyone else."

 Chapter 390 - Good at Making Her Mother Happy

    Zhang Yu Han was deep in his thought after the call with Qi Ming Wei ended.


    After discussing for a long time, both of them were convinced that the person who might be helping Li Mu Chen might be the same person who was going against Qi Ming Wei.


    Most people were aware that Qi Ming Wei had expanded his influence and power in Capital City, thus, making him standing under the bright light. While others and people like Z were plotting to bring Qi Ming Wei down from the dark.


    Fighting against a hidden enemy was definitely not easy.


    However, even though they had a hunch that their guesses were correct, they still needed to investigate and verify the truth. Before Qi Ming Wei ended his call, he had told him that he will start his investigation from Li Mu Chen.


    Zhang Yu Han continued to be deep in thought as he was thinking of his family. Because of this situation, it seemed that his family would be in danger. Until Qi Ming Wei successfully wiped out this dangerous person, they could not lower their guard even for a moment.


    It seemed that he will need to discuss this matter with his grandfather and ask for his opinion.


    Zhang Yu Han finally snapped out of his thought when a series of knock was heard on his door.


    The door swung open even when he did not say a thing. His expression grew dark at the thought that his ?ssistant had entered the room without his permission.


    However, his stern expression softened as he saw his wife walked in with his daughter in her arms. He gathered the accounting book on his table and put it away in the drawer. Then he stood up and walked over to them.


    His lips touched his wife''s forehead before he asked, "Why are you here?" He lowered his gaze to the little princess and took her from her mother''s arms. "Li Xue is getting heavier these days. Let me carry her."


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched how her daughter kicked her legs around as she was being lifted by her father. Zhang Yu Han started to kiss the princess''s chubby cheek, causing a frown to appear on her face.


    "Aren''t we going for dinner with everyone later?" Li Qin Yao glanced at his table and saw a few documents on his table. "You were too busy that you have forgotten?"


    "Hmm." Zhang Yu Han looked out the window and noticed that the sky will turn dark soon. "I didn''t realize that it was this late."


    He did not think that he would spend too much time discussing with Qi Ming Wei and thinking about it. As his conversation with Qi Ming Wei came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han turned his head to look at his wife again. Noticing her expression, Zhang Yu Han guessed that his wife had heard about what happened to her cousin.


    "What''s wrong?" He pretended that he did not know a thing.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her head and leaned on his ?h?st. Unfortunately, it was not easy to get a space as the little princess was also in his arms.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt his arms wrapping around her shoulder and pulling her closer to him. Looking at her daughter''s bu?? of diapers next to her face, Li Qin Yao did not know whether to laugh or cry. At this time, she thought that her short height was definitely a disadvantage!


    "Let''s put Li Xue in her stroller first," Li Qin Yao suggested. She pushed the stroller and watched as Zhang Yu Han placed their daughter on it.


    The little girl started to kick around and her mouth won''t stop chattering as if to complain as she did not like sitting in the stroller.


    Li Qin Yao took out her favorite toy from her bag and handed it over to her daughter. "Li Xue, just let me have a moment with your daddy, alright?"


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her mother and grabbed her toy. She started to wave it around and played with it silently. Anyway, she had sensed that something was wrong with her mother''s mood and knew that her father was really good at making her mother happy again.


    Once her mother''s mood was better, then, she can accompany her to play for hours. At this thought, Zhang Li Xue sat in her stroller silently with her favorite toy.


    Zhang Yu Han was startled for a few seconds as his wife lunged into his embrace. "What''s wrong?" his deep voice softened as he patted her softly on her back.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?"


    "I got a phone call from Li Ming Han today."


    Zhang Yu Han knew right away that his wife was upset upon hearing the news about her cousin. Someone from the prison might have called the family and informed them of what had happened to Li Mu Chen.


    "Li Ming Han said that Li Mu Chen provoked her in-mates and later she was beaten badly by them."


    A frown appeared on Zhang Yu Han''s face as he thought of his conversation with Qi Ming Wei.


    "Li Mu Chen... she is now in a coma. It seemed that her condition was quite bad," she continued. Li Qin Yao could not describe her feeling as he listened to the news. Although Li Mu Chen had done a lot of bad things to her, Li Qin Yao never wanted something like this to happen to her cousin.


    Zhang Yu Han did not say anything and continued to hug his wife, comforting her. "Do you want to go to Capital City? I''ll take a few days off and accompany you."


    Li Qin Yao pulled away slightly and stared at her husband''s handsome face.


    "You''re worried about your grandparents right?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded.


    Her paternal grandparents were old and they had to face more shocking news at their age. She was worried about her grandparents'' health upon hearing what had happened to Li Mu Chen. Moreover, Li Qin Yao was also worried about Li Mu Bai.


    Although his sister had done a lot of bad things, Li Mu Bai cared about his sister a lot. Li Mu Chen was the only one who would think that her brother had abandoned her.


    "I''ll ask Secretary Tian to book ticket flights for us tomorrow."


    Li Qin Yao hesitated. "Will it be alright? Zhang Yu Han, you take a lot of days off to accompany me."


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han patted her on the head. "Anyway, I have a few matters to settle in Capital City and look at the hotel there." His lips curled into a smile. "If you feel bad about it, how about giving me a kiss?"

 Chapter 391 - Caught Doing Something Bad

    Following their weekly tradition, Li Qin Yao went out with dinner with Zhang Jing and the rest. Wei Jun Hao has been joining their weekly dinner ever since he has been dating Zhang Yu Ying.


    Looking at the couple on his right and left, Zhang Jing turned his attention to the little princess in the stroller. He played around with Zhang Li Xue for a while until the waiter came back with their dishes.


    Zhang Jing''s eyes caught his favorite spare ribs in front of him, and his eyes glistered. As the people on his right and left were busy with each other, Zhang Jing clipped on a piece of the ribs with his chopstick and ate nonchalantly. When he looked up again, his great-granddaughter was in her mother''s ??ps and she was staring at him with her eyes wide.


    For a few seconds, Zhang Jing was stunned. It felt as if he was caught doing something bad.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao took out the small container from her bag along with a small pink spoon. Then, Zhang Yu Han took the container from his wife and dug a small portion of pureed broccoli for her daughter.


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the green mushy things and frowned. Before she could push it away from her, Zhang Yu Han had quickly retracted his hand to avoid her in time.


    "Zhang Li Xue," her father gave her a reprimanding tone.


    The little princess was startled upon hearing her father''s voice. She started to frown and her little mouth pouted.


    Her gaze went back towards the puree on the spoon. She had tried the mushy green things before and found that it doesn''t taste very good as compared to the other food. Her eyes moved to look at her great-grandfather and saw that he was clipping another piece of spare ribs.


    Suddenly, Zhang Li Xue made a chattering noise, attracting everyone''s attention. Everyone followed the little girl''s gaze and found that she was staring at her great-grandfather who was in the middle of biting at the spare ribs.


    "Grandfather, how many pieces have you eaten?" Zhang Yu Han asked. His face darkened upon counting the bones on the plate.


    Zhang Jing took a bite on that spare ribs first before his grandson would snatch the one in his hand. Then, he looked at the little princess who had betrayed him.


    Before he could say a word, the rotating table turned and a plate of gai lan in oyster sauce appeared before him.


    "You''re setting a bad example to your great-granddaughter," Zhang Yu Han said. He raised the container in his hand and spoke again, "You see, Li Xue had refused to eat her vegetables because of your influence."


    Upon hearing his grandson''s words, Zhang Jing peered into the small container and saw that that mushy green food was not eaten yet. Just looking at the food makes him lose his appetite.


    However, why was he blamed? The little princess was slightly over six months, how could he influence her with food?


    At the thought that his great-granddaughter was still small and could not eat anything other than mushy things, Zhang Jing shot a pitiful look at Zhang Li Xue. Then, he made a vow to himself to take the little girl to eat a lot of delicious things when she was old enough to eat.


    With a sigh, Zhang Jing clipped on the gai lan and lifted it as if to show to Li Xue that he was eating his vegetables.


    "You see, great-grandfather eats his greens. Li Xue, you should eat yours too," Li Qin Yao spoke.


    Zhang Li Xue looked at her mother''s expecting gaze. Hearing her mother''s soothing voice coaxing her to eat, Zhang Li Xue opened her mouth to eat her food.


    Seeing the happy smile on her mother''s face, Zhang Li Xue started to move her arms and legs and let out a happy laugh.


    It turned out that she can make her mother happy when she was obedient. Perhaps when she grew up, she wouldn''t need her father''s help to coax her mother.


    The family had their dinner happily in peace. As they were waiting for dessert, Li Qin Yao and Zhang Yu Ying went to the restroom with Wei Jun Hao accompanying them.


    Seeing that he was left with his grandfather and daughter, Zhang Yu Han took the opportunity to consult his grandfather regarding what he had discussed with Qi Ming Wei previously.


    Zhang Jing''s expression darkened. Though he was briefed of the situation, Zhang Jing could see that the situation would be troublesome if Qi Ming Wei did not work fast.


    "I will go and talk to your granduncle and discuss this matter," Zhang Jing said.


    "Alright," Zhang Yu Han nodded.


    There was a long silence before Zhang Jing spoke again. "Yu Han, regarding this matter, I think you should tell your wife. She is a part of our family and she should know a little bit about the Qi family business. Although she would worry, at least she would be better prepared for the upcoming trouble. If what you and Ming Wei thought was the truth, then it would not impossible for that man to start targeting our family."


    Zhang Yu Han thought over the matter and wonder how he was supposed to talk to Li Qin Yao regarding this matter.


    Once the trio returned into the room, both Zhang Jing and Zhang Yu Han''s expression went back to normal.


    The two men exchanged a glance and knew that they should continue their discussion later.


    ¡­


    After coaxing his daughter to sleep, Zhang Yu Han went over to the bedroom and found that his wife was packing up luggage as they were heading to Capital City.


    As he peered into the luggage, Zhang Yu Han noticed that most of the items belonged to their daughter. They were staying in Capital City for a couple of days, but it seemed that the luggage was mostly filled with her clothes.


    As he thought over his grandfather''s words, Zhang Yu Han hesitated for a moment. He knew that his wife would worry once he told her what was going on with the Qi''s family. However, what worried him the most was that his wife would blame herself for all the trouble.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao lifted her head. As their gaze met, a bright smile appeared on her face.


    Zhang Yu Han went over to her side and helped to grab her daughter''s clothes on the bed. He sat down on the carpeted floor beside her and stared on her face for a long time.


    Noticing that her husband had been staring at her face for a long time, Li Qin Yao put her palm on her cheek and her mischievous smile appeared. "What is it? Is your wife very pretty?"


    A chuckled escaped him. "Un. Very pretty." He watched her giggling shyly and stretched his hand to pat her head.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao pressed her finger on the space between his brow.


    Why was it that the father and daughter love frowning too much?


    "You don''t look too good since I came over to your office." Seeing that his frown had disappeared, Li Qin Yao traced her finger down to his nose placed her hand on his cheek. Her eyes were looking into his as if searching for something. "What happened? Work trouble?"


    "No." He smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. "Qin Yao, I have something to discuss with you."


    Her expression grew serious upon hearing his words. "You say."


    "You should know a bit about my grandmother''s family, right?"


    "I don''t understand much but¡­" She nodded. "Un."


    Zhang Yu Han was silent for a long time as he thought of the way he should tell her about the Qi and Zhang''s relationship.


    As he explained Qi Ming Wei''s situation, his wife''s expression began to change a few times.

 Chapter 392 - Received Her Retribution

    As they arrived at the airport, Li Qin Yao glanced at the guards who were trailing them from a distance that Qi Ming Wei had arranged for them.


    Last night, her husband had explained to her about the Qi and Zhang''s family connection. Although she had seen how powerful the Qi''s can be, Li Qin Yao did not know that the Zhang family was their financial backer.


    When Zhang Jing married his wife, the Qi family had helped him until he got to where they were. Now that their family was better, Zhang Jing had wanted to return the help. For his wife, he was willing to support the Qi financially.


    The Qi family would offer them their protection and help them whenever they were in trouble while the Zhang family would continue to help them financially. This was what the arrangement that Zhang Jing made and it has been going on for years.


    Li Qin Yao felt as if she was to be blamed when she heard that the Qi''s were facing troubles to help her. However, her worry about the safety of their family overrode everything.


    Her husband convinced her that the Qi would sooner expand their influence into Capital City even without her trouble and he then showed her a few important documents related to Zhang and Qi''s family''s cooperation. The couple spent a few hours talking about this matter and slept only for a while.


    Fortunately, Auntie Su came along with them to this trip to look after Li Xue and the couple managed to get more time to sleep once they reached their hotel.


    Once they had enough rest, Li Qin Yao went over to check on her daughter. She spent a while playing around with Li Xue and coax her to sleep before she goes to the hospital to look after her grandparents.


    Ever since Li Mu Chen was hospitalized, her grandparents had spent most of their time accompanying their granddaughter.


    Just as the two stepped out of the hotel, Li Qin Yao heard her phone started to ring. She stared at the caller ID for a while and answered the call.


    "Cousin sister, I heard that you were in Capital City," Li Ming Han''s voice could be heard over the phone. "Are you going to the hospital?"


    "Un. I''m heading over there with my husband right now. I heard that both grandfather and grandmother were there as well?"


    "Yes," Li Ming Han spoke. "Cousin sister, tell me when you''re approaching soon. I will wait for you downstairs."


    Li Qin Yao ended the call and was surprised to see that there would be two cars with guards escorting them to the hospital. Although she thought that this was a bit too much, in the end, the safety of her family came first.


    She glanced at the hotel and frowned as she thought of her daughter. Although she did not want to leave her daughter, Li Qin Yao knew that it would not be appropriate to bring along their daughter.


    "Don''t worry," Zhang Yu Han patted her on the back. "I have ?ssigned a few guards to look after Li Xue. Moreover, Nian Ting would be with them too. Li Xue and Auntie Su were familiar with her. There should not be a problem."


    "Hmm." She nodded. Hearing his words, Li Qin Yao was ?ssured. The two entered the vehicle and the driver took them to the hospital.


    When they arrived, Li Ming Han was already waiting for them in the lobby. He greeted the couple and brought them to the ward where Li Mu Chen was staying.


    A police officer was guarding outside the room where Li Mu Chen was staying. Her grandparents were waiting outside the room with a tired and dispirited look on their faces.


    "Grandfather, grandmother," Li Qin Yao went over to her grandparents and hugged them. Earlier, she had listened to Li Ming Han about their cousin''s condition and understood why the two elders were too worried.


    Li Mu Chen had broken four ribs and her ankle. There were stitches all over her body and because of the impact on her head, it was unsure whether she would be able to wake up again. Even if she woke up, Li Mu Chen would probably not be able to live her life as usual.


    "Yao Yao, why are you here?" Mu Ling Xi asked.


    "Cousin Ming Han called and tell me what happened," Li Qin Yao said. "I came to look after you two."


    Mu Ling Xi buried herself in her granddaughter''s embrace and broke into a sob.


    Although she was furious with Li Mu Chen when she heard that she had tried to hurt her cousin, Mu Ling Xi had never wished for something like this to happen to her granddaughter.


    Previously, they had tried to find out about the in-mates who had beaten their granddaughter to this state and had wanted this person to be brought up to justice. But no matter what, the prison could not give out a name. However, the prison did promise that the inmates would be facing harsh punishment.


    Li Qin Yao patted on her grandmother''s back as she tried to console her. She turned her head to look through the glass room and saw that her uncle, Li Jing was by his daughter''s side.


    At this time, Li Qin Yao did not know what was on her uncle''s mind. Looking at his slightly hunched back, she wondered if he was regretting that he spent most of his time in the army and had not been with his daughter to watch as she grew up.


    "Yao Yao."


    Hearing her name, Li Qin Yao turned around and saw her cousin, Li Mu Bai walking over to them.


    "When did you arrived?" Li Mu Bai asked.


    "This morning," Li Qin Yao said.


    Zhang Yu Han watched his wife exchange a brief conversation with her cousin before she went back to console her grandmother. He retracted his gaze and watched Li Mu Bai leaning on the wall with his gaze were on his sister who was lying on the other side of the glass wall. He recalled his conversation with Qi Ming Wei and decided to talk to Li Mu Bai.


    "Are you alright?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "Yes." He looked at him with a weak and tired smile curled on his lips. "Thank you for coming."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded before he started to ask about Li Mu Chen''s condition casually.


    "I know that what my sister did was wrong," Li Mu Bai spoke after a long hesitation. "But she had received her retribution now. I hope... you won''t hold a grudge with my sister."


    "I seem to remember you once had mentioned that your sister won''t be able to do those things by herself," Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    Li Mu Bai froze at his question. "Yes. You might think I am biased towards my sister, but¡­"


    "If you don''t mind, can you tell me about it?"

 Chapter 393 - A Good Place to Start Investigation

    Once the couple went back to the hotel, Zhang Yu Han sent his wife back to their suite before he went to his office giving her an excuse that he had some work matter to look at.


    Once he was alone in his office, Zhang Yu Han slumped into his chair and took out his phone to dialed Qi Ming Wei''s number.


    It did not take too long before the phone call was connected.


    "I heard that Li Mu Chen frequently visited a club in Gold Street," Zhang Yu Han said. "According to his brother, his sister visited that club ever since her mother was put into prison. If it was true that Li Mu Chen had contacted someone to help her, she might have met someone at this club. This would be a good place to start your investigation."


    "Gold street?" Qi Ming Wei repeated the name. There was a click-clacking sound in the background before he spoke again. "There are several clubs and bars in the street. "Garnet, Upstairs, Helena, Night Falls¡­"


    "Upstairs," Zhang Yu Han chimed in. "That''s the one that Li Mu Bai had mentioned. A few days before Li Mu Chen was caught, her brother had sent some people to follow after her. He couldn''t find anything unusual from his sister''s visit to the club. But you might find something different."


    "Got it," Qi Ming Wei spoke. "I will send my men to look into the place."


    "Just to be safe, perhaps you should look into every club around the street."


    "I know. I will, Qi Ming Wei said. "You''re in Capital City, right? When are you planning to return?"


    "We should return to Y City the next morning. What''s the matter?"


    "I don''t advise you to stay in Capital City for too long. If what you suspected was true, then, staying in Capital City for too long would be dangerous for you."


    A frown appeared on his face as he heard Qi Ming Wei''s warning. "I know."


    "Until the situation in Capital City is stabilized, don''t come over too often."


    The two had a brief chat before Zhang Yu Han ended the call. He leaned on his chair and sat there for a long time to compose himself.


    He had deliberately avoided his wife and come up to talk with Qi Ming Wei as he did not want his wife to worry too much. Zhang Yu Han knew that his wife''s worried gaze would make his heartache. If he can, he wanted to let his wife and daughter live with him without worry.


    Once he had sorted out his mind, Zhang Yu Han looked over the documents that the general manager had sent him before he went back to their suite.


    As he walked into the room, Zhang Yu Han could hear Li Xue''s laughter. He followed the sound and found that the mother and daughter were in the bathroom. The little girl was taking her bath in the bathtub with her bath time toys all around her. Zhang Li Xue raised her hand and splashed the water. Then, she looked at her mother and laughed.


    "Zhang Li Xue, you naughty girl," Li Qin Yao chuckled. She supported her daughter with one hand and wiped the water on her face with another. "Now you made me wet all over."


    The little girl laughed at her mother''s words. Her gaze then shifted to the door and her eyes widened when she saw her father. Then, Zhang Li Xue started to chatter and splashed more water around.


    Seeing that her daughter''s eyesight was somewhere else, Li Qin Yao turned around and paused. A smile gradually appeared on her face once she saw her husband. "You''re back. Did you finish looking at the documents?"


    "En," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He then turned to his daughter who was staring back at the pink starfish floating on the water and asked, "Are you having fun?"


    Zhang Li Xue squeezed at the toy and looked at her parents. Her lips curled into a playful smile.


    "She seemed to like playing in the water very much," Li Qin Yao commented.


    "Maybe we should send her to a swimming class later. It''s good to know how to swim," Zhang Yu Han spoke. He looked at his wife and smiled. "Are you hungry? Do you want to go downstairs or order room service?"


    "Let''s just order room service," Li Qin Yao said. "I''m too lazy to go out."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. Once his wife had decided on what she wanted to eat, Zhang Yu Han went to speak with Auntie Su. When he returned to their room, Zhang Li Xue had finished bathing and his wife was trying to put on her clothes.


    Unfortunately, because their daughter kept moving around, putting on her cloth can be hard work. As he approached the two of them, Zhang Yu Han''s eyes turned darker.


    His wife''s blouse was wet and the cloth stuck closer to her skin after bathing their daughter earlier.


    Zhang Yu Han took a towel and wrapped it around his wife''s shoulder. "Let me help you with Li Xue," He spoke as he took the clothes from her. "You should go and dry yourself before you get sick.."


    "Oh," Li Qin Yao nodded before she walked away to grab a towel to dry herself. She walked out of the bathroom in new clothes and was suddenly pushed over the wall. Before she could figure out what was going on, her lips were pressed into a searing kiss.


    Feeling the familiar embrace and scent, Li Qin Yao started gradually loosened up to reciprocate his kiss. It was only when she found that it was difficult for her to breathe that he finally released her.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze and rested her head on his ?h?st to catch up with her breath. Her neck was sore after tilting her head for a long time. Li Qin Yao could hear his heartbeat thumping loudly as s she pressed her ear close to his ?h?st. The couple stayed in each other''s embrace for a long time.


    "How are you feeling?" Zhang Yu Han asked. He patted her back softly and twirled with the end of her hair.


    After a while, Li Qin Yao''s hair had grown longer, and soon, it would reach the same length as it was during the first time he saw her on that basketball court.


    "I''m fine." She looked at his face and smiled knowing that he was worried about what was on her mind after she had come back from the hospital. "Just a little bit sad when I think about what happened to Mu Chen. We grew up together. Although I knew that she did not like me, I never expected that she would do something that would harm people and ended up the way she is now."


    His embrace tightened. Zhang Yu Han kissed her on her forehead and called her name, "Qin Yao?"


    "Hmm?"


    "When Qi Ming Wei''s business ended, let''s go on a vacation."

 Chapter 394 - Too Late to Escape

    Once Zhang Yu Han and his family had left Capital City, Qi Ming Wei began his investigations. His men patronized the clubs on Gold Street to look for clues and soon found out that the VIP room on the second floor of the Upstairs Club was a bit suspicious. Unless they knew someone of those VIPs, it would be impossible to enter the place.


    The club belonged to Shan Zi. With that information, Qi Ming Wei began his investigation from that person. With his connection, it was not hard to find out more about Shan Zi no matter how much he wanted to hide.


    Now that their enemy was in the light, it was not hard for Qi Ming Wei to take him down. After meticulous planning, Qi Ming Wei and his men began to take action.


    Shan Zi was not expecting that Qi Ming Wei would be able to find out about him that fast considering Li Mu Chen''s condition. By the time he sensed that something was amiss, it was too late for him to escape. Shan Zi''s and his gang were badly lost. Once the power behind him was uncovered, it was hard for him to retaliate.


    The work that had taken him months to prepare finally ended when Shan Zi and his men were captured.


    On the news, it reported that the authority had raided Shan Zi''s club and mentioned the discovery of drugs and weapons. Most of the civilians in Capital City had not noticed the war between Qi Ming Wei and Shan Zi at all.


    Zhang Yu Han was reading the news on the tablet when the person in his ??p started to slap the screen a few times. He frowned and lowered his gaze to his daughter and watched as she gave him a bright smile. Her small teeth could be seen peeking out from her gum. These days, his wife would often complain about how it was slightly painful when she fed their daughter.


    "Zhang Li Xue," he gave her a reprimanding tone. His gaze went to the book that was lying beside him.


    Earlier, the little girl was busy looking at the pictures of animals in her cloth book. Now that she had accidentally tossed it aside and it was away from her reach, the little princess was determined to disturb her father.


    Looking at her father''s scowling face, the smile on her face went wide. She then tried to imitate her mother by lying her head on her father''s ?h?st but Zhang Li Xue''s version was: a mouth full of saliva.


    Before the little girl succeed to do her naughty deed, her father had lifted her high, distancing them. Zhang Li Xue let out a happy squeal and laughed. Although she would prefer to be carried by her mother, Zhang Li Xue especially enjoyed it when her father would lift her higher past her father''s head. However, before she could enjoy the scene around her, her father had lowered her and started to kiss her on both cheeks multiple times.


    Zhang Li Xue let out another squeal, but this time, it was full of complaint.


    When Li Qin Yao entered the room, the father and daughter were looking at each other with a frown on their face. She silently took out her phone and snapped a picture of the two together.


    "What are you two playing together?" Li Qin Yao asked as she walked out of her hiding place.


    The father and daughter turned around towards her voice with their frown no longer visible.


    "Ma!" Zhang Li Xue kicked her legs excitedly upon seeing her mother.


    "Yes, yes, mummy is here," Li Qin Yao giggled at her daughter''s act.


    Now that she was in her nine-month, Zhang Li Xue had started trying to talk, and right now, the only word she liked to say was ''ma'', knowing that it was the word she can use to call her mother.


    Of course, her father was jealous. However, no matter how much he had tried to teach the little girl to call him, Zhang Li Xue would only blinked her eyes as she looked back at him. Looking at her face with her mother''s mischievous smile, Zhang Yu Han began to suspect that his daughter deliberately did not want to call his name.


    Zhang Li Xue reached her hand as she tried to get into her mother''s embrace. However, as she turned her head to look at her mother, another kiss landed on her chubby cheek. She let out a yelp and turned to her father with a warning gaze.


    When they found out that they will be having a girl, Qi Zheng often mentioned to him how a daughter would be closer to the father and sometimes igniting the mother''s jealousy. However, why was his daughter different? She would often send him a look as if he was going to rob her mother away from her.


    "Are you done with shower?" Zhang Yu Han ignored his daughter and looked at his wife.


    "Un," Li Qin Yao nodded as she took their daughter from him. Her gaze fell on the tablet on the sofa and a smile curled on her face. "Did Li Xue disturbed you with work?"


    "No. I was reading some news," Zhang Yu Han said. He bent down to kiss her forehead. As her sweet scent filled his nostril, he then pulled her for another kiss.


    The little girl who was forced to watch this exchange let out a shout.


    "It seemed that the things at Qi Ming Wei''s end are now over," Zhang Yu Han spoke. He turned to his daughter and narrowed his eyes. Then he turned to his wife again and explained what Qi Ming Wei had told him about the investigation and outcome.


    Once they found out about Shan Zi''s backing, Qi Ming Wei then learned of how Shan Zi managed to enter the prison and got away without being seen by others.


    With Shan Zi''s power was cut off before it could grow, the politician who was backing him too was caught and suddenly, there was news that this politician was involved in bribery. Since the evidence was clear, the politician had no other choice but to resign from his position.


    Li Qin Yao listened to her husband''s report as they head over to Grandfather''s place.


    Nowadays, Zhang Yu Han would often tell her about the Qi family business. Although she was not interested in them, as his wife, Zhang Yu Han thought that she should know about these things as they have a lot of dealings with the Qi.


    When they arrived at Zhang Jing''s place, Li Qin Yao looked at her husband and smiled. "Are you not giving Wei Jun Hao a chance this time?"


    Wei Jun Hao had wanted to marry his sister and Zhang Yu Han set the condition that he will only allow Wei Jun Hao to propose if he could win against him a basketball match.


    Zhang Yu Han turned to his wife and chuckled as he heard the question. "Now is not the time yet."


    Li Qin Yao clicked her tongue. "You''re such a bully."

 Chapter 395 - Her Father was Very Suave

    "Wife, you are not allowed to distract me again," Zhang Yu Han spoke as he bopped at his wife''s nose.


    Li Qin Yao giggled as she recalled the last time she had helped Wei Jun Hao to distract her husband in his basketball game. Though her attempt to distract him did not always work, Wei Jun Hao finally won the match against her husband, and thus, Zhang Yu Ying had agreed to date him.


    Zhang Li Xue, who was in her mother''s embrace watched the orange-colored ball in her father''s hand with interest.


    "Just go easy on him," Li Qin Yao said. She leaned in and kissed her husband on his jaw. "Li Xue, give your father''s a kiss for good luck."


    Zhang Yu Han watched his daughter with an expectant gaze.


    However, the little girl turned around and kissed her mother''s cheek instead.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she felt her daughter''s wet lips against her cheek. "Not me." She pointed at Zhang Yu Han''s cheek and said, "Kiss daddy here."


    The little girl watched as her father bent down and leaned forward. She stared at him for a few seconds longer and finally kissed her father''s cheek reluctantly.


    Wei Jun Hao watched the family of three''s interaction and let out a dry cough. He was staking his future in this game, but the family of three continued to display their family interaction in front of him. They were really good at igniting his jealousy.


    If he won the game again this time, sooner or later, he too will experience the same feeling of having a beautiful wife and a cute child on beside him.


    "Li Xue, your father did not need any luck," Wei Jun Hao said. "I''m the one who needs luck the most. Come on. How about giving your uncle a kiss?" He pointed towards his cheek. "Come on."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at Wei Jun Hao and turned her head away. She linked her small arms around her mother''s neck and laid on her mother''s shoulder, totally ignoring the shameless uncle.


    "Zhang Li Xue, how dare you ignore me!" Wei Jun Hao watched the little girl in disbelief. "Did you forget the last time I babysit you? Did you forget the last time we were so close that you had wanted to find milk on me?" He patted at his ?h?st.


    The little girl continued to hug her mother. If she ignored this person, perhaps he would stop blabbering nonsense.


    "Don''t be ridiculous." Zhang Yu Han looked at his friend with a judging look. "My daughter is very intelligent. She won''t think that you have milk on you."


    Li Qin Yao smiled and turned to Wei Jun Hao. "Anyway, if you want a good luck kiss, you''re asking from the wrong person. You need to ask them from Yu Ying."


    Wei Jun Hao''s expression paled. He had not mentioned that he will be playing against his friend today because his friend had put on a condition that he needed to win another match before he can ask Zhang Yu Ying to marry him.


    "You haven''t mentioned anything to her, right?" Wei Jun Hao looked at the husband and wife a worried face.


    "Why would I mention anything to my sister? She will only make things difficult for me." Zhang Yu Han gave his friend a sideways glance. Then, he bounced the ball on the court and raised a brow. "Are we playing or not?"


    "Play! Of course, we''re playing." Wei Jun Hao quickly went to the center of the court. "Same rules as last time, right?"


    Soon, the match between the two men began.


    Li Qin Yao sat at the bench as she watched them compete and placed her daughter on her ??ps.


    Zhang Li Xue''s eyes were wide as she watched her father on the basketball court. The bouncing noise caught her attention and her eyes would not stop following the movement of the ball.


    Suddenly, the little girl watched as her father jumped up high with the ball in his hand and dunked. She did not know what was happening, but Zhang Li Xue thought that her father was very suave when he jumped up high.


    Zhang Li Xue shouted out a squeal and clapped her hands.


    "Li Xue, your father is really good at basketball, right?" Li Qin Yao spoke as she watched her excited daughter. "Don''t you think he''s very cool when he is playing basketball?"


    The two men who were on the basketball court had a different expression on their faces as they listened to her words.


    Looking at how her daughter was cheering on him, Zhang Yu Han was determined not to let his friend win this time. Anyway, it was a rare occasion that his daughter would look up at him. Why would he give Wei Jun Hao a chance?


    The match continued and at this time, Zhang Yu Ying walked out of the house with a bowl of apple. She took a bite at the apple and sat down next to her sister-in-law. She watched the match for a few minutes and turned to Li Qin Yao. "Sister-in-law, why are the two of them competing in the match this intense?"


    Li Qin Yao chuckled at her question but did not say a word.


    Previously, she had promised Wei Jun Hao that she would not say anything about Zhang Yu Han''s condition. Anyway, Wei Jun Hao had wanted to make a surprise proposal to his girlfriend if he won against Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao did not want to mess up with his surprise.


    At the end of the match, of course, Zhang Yu Han won the match with a difference of seven points between them.


    Zhang Yu Han patted at her friend''s shoulder after the match. "Wei Jun Hao, work hard!"


    "You ruthless man! You should at least give me a chance to win this match. Anyway, this match determined mine and your sister''s happiness!" Wei Jun Hao spoke in a hushed voice as he watched his friend with an expression full of dissatisfaction.


    "More reason why I should not make it too easy for you," Zhang Yu Han smiled. "Yu Ying is my sister. Of course, I have to look at your sincerity before I can let you win and marry my sister."


    Wei Jun Hao rolled his eyes. "In my opinion, your wife should not agree to quick when you asked her to marry you. She should torment you and let you wait for years. Then, you will feel what I feel."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Fortunately, my wife did not have anyone who would make things difficult for me." He then shifted his gaze towards his wife and his gaze gradually softened.

 Chapter 396 - Roses, a Ring, and Everything

    Zhang Li Xue was three years old the first time her parents took her on a vacation overseas and visited the beach.


    At this time, the little girl was staring at her father who was in the middle of the swimming pool. Beckoning at her. The little princess turned her gaze towards the water and jumped in before she started to swim towards her father.


    Once she reached towards her father, Zhang Li Xue lifted her head from the water and clung to his arm. "Daddy, how was it?" She wiped the water off her face.


    "Very good," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Like a dolphin."


    The girl scowled as she looked at her father. "No. Mummy said I swim like a mermaid."


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh. Who cares whether it was a dolphin or a mermaid? The point was, she was a good swimmer, alright?


    Although that was what on his mind, Zhang Yu Han could only speak helplessly, "Alright. You swim like a mermaid."


    Hearing her father complimented that she could swim like her favorite princess, her lips tilted up into a smile.


    "Let''s get out and see what your mummy is doing?"


    "Daddy, you help me." She tightened her grip on her father''s arm and turned her body heavy as a log. "I''m too tired to move."


    Zhang Yu Han patted at her daughter''s head and swum out of the pool. It was a rare occasion that her daughter would act coquettishly towards him. Of course, he was not going to say anything.


    The little girl was someone who would prefer her mother. It was only when her mother was not around that she would act spoiled towards him. It seemed that the little girl''s survival skill was quite high.


    "Li Xue, walk slowly. Don''t run," Zhang Yu Han warned as they had taken a quick shower at the side of the pool. He watched her daughter grabbed a towel and walked into the villa with her short feet.


    When he walked inside, his daughter had already found her mother in the kitchen and bragging at how well she had swum just now. Li Qin Yao praised her daughter''s skill before she instructed her to dry herself and changed into a new cloth before she can have her snack.


    It was only when his daughter had disappeared into the room that Zhang Yu Han walked over to his wife. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her closer until her back touched his ?h?st, and tilted her head sideways to kiss her lips.


    "Stop that," Li Qin Yao giggled as they were apart. "You need to get change too. Don''t give a bad influence on your daughter."


    "Hmm¡­" He bent down to kiss her lips again instead of releasing her. Since their daughter was not around, of course, he had to take this chance to be intimate with his wife. Or else, the little girl would conquer his wife most of the time and he did not want to compete with the little girl lest his wife would think of her as petty.


    The two of them were supposed to be on a trip just the two of them to celebrate their anniversary. But the little princess had pleaded to him to bring her along.


    Since Zhang Li Xue had pleaded to him, and not to his wife, of course, he was unable to refuse her. It was not every day that their daughter would come over to him and ask for things.


    However, from the beginning of their trip, Zhang Li Xue had occupied most of his wife''s time and he was forced to stay on the side.


    Fortunately, he was prepared. He had asked the little girl to swim around with him and hope that the little girl would be too tired to pester her mother later. Only then will he be able to enjoy their alone time. Thinking about what he was going to do once their daughter fell asleep, Zhang Yu Han was suddenly excited.


    The kiss lasted long enough and Zhang Yu Han finally released his wife, knowing that their daughter would come out of the room soon.


    Li Qin Yao bit at her lips and looked at her husband with a hint of a smile on her face. She walked over to the table and picked up a bowl of cut watermelon. She took a piece and shoved it into Zhang Yu Han''s mouth.


    "How is it? Sweet?"


    His lips turned into a smile and there was a sparkle in his eyes. "Your lips are sweeter."


    Li Qin Yao slapped at his arms softly, but then, he pulled her hand and descend another kiss on her lips.


    "Un. Very sweet." Seeing the dazed look on his wife''s face, the smile on his face went wide.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at the door, expecting their daughter to come out soon. Then, she walked around the table and poured a glass of water for him.


    Suddenly, the phone on the table started to ring. Li Qin Yao stared at the caller ID and frowned when she saw her sister-in-law''s name. Thinking that Zhang Yu Ying had an urgent matter to make an international call, Li Qin Yao quickly answered the call.


    "Sister-in-law!" Zhang Yu Ying''s cheery voice could be heard on the other line.


    "Yu Ying, what''s wrong?"


    "Sister-in-law, guess what? Wei Jun Hao asked me to marry him."


    She raised a brow upon hearing the news. "He had been asking you to marry him on the first month the two of you started to date."


    "No! This time it''s different. He proposed me with roses, a ring, and everything. It was a very grand proposal and I said yes. Sister-in-law, I''m getting married!"


    Li Qin Yao for a few seconds before he raised her head to look at her husband who was munching on the watermelon. At this time, Zhang Li Xue had returned to the kitchen. She watched as Zhang Yu Han placed a small bowl of watermelon for his daughter before the small girl run to the living area to watch TV while eating her snacks.


    "Yu Ying said she''s getting married," Li Qin Yao said as soon as the phone call ended. She leaned towards the table and continued to watch her husband.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Looking at his reaction, Li Qin Yao knew that Zhang Yu Han was aware that his friend was planning to propose. "Didn''t you say that you won''t let Wei Jun Hao propose unless he beat you at a one-on-one match?"


    "Well, I let him win last week," he smiled. "Mom called and nagged to stop bullying her future son-in-law. I suspected that Wei Jun Hao had asked for my mom''s help."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. "When did you have a one-on-one match? Why didn''t you call and let me watch?"


    "I cannot let Li Xue watch the game. The little girl liked me because I''m good at basketball. If she watches Wei Jun Hao defeating me, then what will happen if she stops liking me as well? No. I won''t take the chance and ruin my reputation in front of my daughter."

 Chapter 397 - Are You… Sulking?

    Zhang Yu Han went into the side room to check on the little princess and saw that the little girl was sleeping with her little bu?? up in the air.


    A chuckle escaped him as he saw her daughter''s sleeping pose. He walked inside and watched as she sleeps. Her mouth was slightly ajar and the pillow under her was slightly wet with drools.


    Zhang Yu Han found that her daughter was lovelier when she was asleep. He could not resist kissing her chubby cheek a few times and soon, a frown appeared on her face. Zhang Li Xue rubbed at the place where her father had kissed her and turned her head to another side before she continued to sleep.


    After playing in the water for a long time, Zhang Li Xue was too tired and it would be impossible to wake her up until the next morning.


    Once he was satisfied with watching her sleeping figure, Zhang Yu Han tucked her in and went back to his room. When he walked in, Li Qin Yao was in the middle of a phone call.


    From the way she talked, he was able to guess that his wife was chatting with his mother.


    Earlier today, they had found out that Wei Jun Hao had proposed to Zhang Yu Ying and she had agreed. Now that his mother knew of the happy news, she had wanted to prepare for a wedding right away. It has been a while since his mother had planned a wedding. Now that his wife was mostly at home, of course, she was going to help with the preparation as well.


    He glanced at his wristwatch and cursed at the time difference. Sensing that the conversation between his mother and his wife would take a long time, Zhang Yu Han let out a helpless sigh.


    He had accompanied his daughter and play until she was tired. Zhang Yu Han had hope that he was able to accompany his wife at night, but his mother had unknowingly robbed his wife away from him.


    With nothing else that he could do, Zhang Yu Han slid the door open and stepped outside. The cold wind blew at him as he took a walk outside. The night view at the villa was breathtaking as the light illuminated the swimming pool area. Zhang Yu Han took off his slipper and stepped into the Jacuzzi. The water pressure massaged his body and he closed his eyes to relax.


    "What are you doing here alone?"


    Zhang Yu Han lifted his head and looked at his wife''s smiling face. Then quickly, he turned his head away. "You''re done with phone calls?"


    She crouched down beside the Jacuzzi and nodded. "Un. Mom was too excited upon hearing that Yu Ying said yes to Wei Jun Hao. She could not wait to come back and start organizing the wedding."


    Li Qin Yao paused upon noticing that something was not right with her husband. A thought crossed her mind and her lips curled into a helpless smile. Looking at Zhang Yu Han''s closed eyes, she then took off her shirt and stepped into the water.


    Hearing the sound of water, his eyes snapped open. Seeing that she was now in her two-pieces swimsuit, Zhang Yu Han found that he could not look away. His gaze then followed her as she stepped closer to him and stopped just an inch away from him.


    "Zhang Yu Han, are you¡­ sulking?"


    Zhang Yu Han blinked his eyes. He was surprised by her sudden question that it took him a few seconds to respond. "No."


    Of course, he was.


    A chuckle escaped her. Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways as she continued to look into his eyes. "Really?"


    "Why would I be sulking?"


    Li Qin Yao looked at the frown on his face and had to suppress her laugh before her husband would be further upset. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his ?h?st. "Alright, stop being upset. Tonight is the last night of our family vacation. Let''s not leave with a bad mood."


    "Are you suggesting that we should extend this vacation?"


    "Xiao Ye and Secretary Tian would cry if you extend your vacation, President Zhang." Li Qin Yao poked at his hard stomach and smiled.


    A year ago, Zhang Jing had decided to retire and let his son and grandchildren manage the hotel. According to him, he had work in the hospitality industry for too long, and now he wanted to stay home and start a new hobby. These days, Zhang Jing would spend his day in the backyard along with his vegetables and flowers. Though he was not a fan of eating greens, Zhang Jing thought that watching as the plants grew gave him satisfaction.


    Looking at his wife''s smiling face, and the finger that kept poking at his body here and there, Zhang Yu Han could no longer stay in a bad mood for too long.


    He placed his arms her shoulder and bent down to look at her. The couple spent their time staring at each other for a long time in silence.


    A smile curled on his lips as Zhang Yu Han watched his wife looked away. Although they have been married for a few years, his wife was still shy around him. He could not understand why she would still be shy around him after four years, but Zhang Yu Han could not deny that he loved seeing the tinge of red on her face.


    Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked up at him. She tightened her embrace and tilted her head up to kiss his lips. There was a playful smile on her lips as she pulled away.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "En?"


    Her finger moved down from his ?h?st and stopped just as it reached his bellybutton.


    Of course, he was unable to fight the temptation, and soon, Zhang Yu Han leaned in to kiss her again. "What is it?"


    She went closer to him and whispered, "What do you think about giving Li Xue a sibling?"


    A light flashed across his eyes. "Why do you suddenly think about this?"


    "It''s not suddenly. I have been thinking about this for a long time. I think it''s lonely to grow up as an only child. With a sibling, Li Xue will have someone who can play with her. When they grew up, they can look after each other. Just like you and Yu Ying. Li Xue will start going to kindergarten soon. I think it''s a good time to have a second child, don''t you think?" Li Qin Yao stared at the man in front of her for a long time and continued. "You don''t want to have another child?"


    "It''s not that I don''t want to have another child. But I worry about you. Wasn''t childbirth¡­ painful?"


    "Un, it''s painful. But still, I wanted to do it again. I want to give birth to your child again."

 Chapter 398 - Wife, We Have to Work Hard

    Once the family of three arrived at the residence, Li Qin Yao helped her daughter off her chair and put her down on the ground.


    At the thought that she had not met her great-grandfather for a week, Zhang Li Xue let go of her mother''s hand and ran towards the house with her short legs.


    Surprised that her daughter was suddenly let go of her hand and run over, Li Qin Yao called out her name urgently. "Li Xue! Be careful."


    The little girl turned around and stopped abruptly. However, because of that, she tripped on the small rock on the road.


    She squeezed her eyes shut as she braced for the impact. However, the pain she was anticipating did not come. Zhang Li Xue felt a big hand around her stomach, lifting her off the ground.


    Looking at her father who had caught her before she fell, Zhang Li Xue''s face scrunched up. She wrapped her little arms around her father''s neck and started to burst into tears.


    Zhang Yu Han initially wanted to scold her for running around suddenly when she had promised her mother that she will not run around. However, once he heard her cry, his gaze began to soften and Zhang Yu Han patted at her back and let her calm down.


    "Li Xue, are you alright?" Li Qin Yao asked. She inspected the girl and heaved a relieved sigh upon finding that she was unhurt.


    Fortunately, Zhang Yu Han was quick enough to catch up with their daughter. Although Zhang Li Xue had a pair of short legs, she can run faster and Li Qin Yao would often worry that she was going to fall and hurt herself.


    Looking at the little girl''s aggrieved expression, Li Qin Yao patted at her bu??. "Okay. It''s alright now. I''m sorry. It''s my fault. Mummy should not call out your name suddenly and surprise you. Li Xue, stop crying alright?"


    The frown on her face deepened and Zhang Li Xue continued to bury her face on her father''s neck. She was still shocked and would not let go of her father.


    "Li Xue? What happened?" Auntie Su asked.


    "It''s fine, Auntie Su. She was just shocked." Zhang Yu Han continued to coax his daughter until Zhang Jing appeared.


    "Li Xue?" Zhang Jing called as he walked over to them. "Why is my little princess crying? Did someone bully you? Tell me? Did your father bully you? I''ll go and punish him alright?"


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao called before she explained at what happened.


    Knowing that it was his great-granddaughter who was at fault, Zhang Jing did not say anything.


    At this time, Zhang Li Xue looked up at her grandfather. "Great-grandfather."


    Zhang Jing looked at the girl and smiled. "Un. What is it?"


    "I want to eat your barbecued chicken wing," Zhang Li Xue spoke with a face full of tears.


    Suddenly, everyone turned to the little girl speechlessly. Her tears had stopped as she thought about food.


    "Alright. Come with me. I''ll personally grill some of them for you, alright?" Zhang Jing turned to Auntie Su and instructed her to take out the marinated chicken wing in the fridge.


    The little girl wriggled out of her father''s embrace and let her mother wiped the tears and snot off her face. Then, she walked over to her great-grandfather and the two of them head over to the backyard, holding hands.


    Li Qin Yao looked up at her husband and saw the look he was giving her. She knew right away that he was going to say that their daughter had become a foodie like her. "Alright. Li Xue had turned to a foodie just like me. I know."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed. "I did not say anything."


    "I can tell what you wanted to say from the way you look at me."


    His brow shot up. "Really?" He gave her another look and asked. "Guess what this look means?"


    Li Qin Yao looked up at her husband and slowly, her face turned red. She slapped him at his arms and spoke, "You hooligan!"


    "Why am I a hooligan?" Zhang Yu Han pulled her close to him and kissed her forehead. Then, he whispered at her, "Didn''t you say you wanted to give Li Xue a sibling? Wife, we have to work hard."


    Li Qin Yao stared at him speechlessly. Anyway, they were still at Grandfather''s place.


    "Li Xue have grandfather and Auntie Su to look after her. Yu Ying was not at home either," Zhang Yu Han whispered. The hand on her waist moved down to her bu?? in slow torturous movement.


    Just as he was about to lean in and kiss his wife, the front door swung open and a cheery voice was heard.


    "Sister-in-law!" Zhang Yu Ying shouted as soon as she walked in. "I saw your car outside and knew that you guys are here." She shifted her gaze to her brother and continued. "When did the three of you come back?" Her eyes widened upon noticing that something was not right with her brother''s expression. "B-brother, why are you looking at me like that?"


    Li Qin Yao stifled a laugh knowing that her husband was annoyed at his sister for disturbing their time.


    The frown on Zhang Yu Han''s face deepened as he looked at her sister.


    Zhang Yu Ying took a step back and hid behind Li Qin Yao. "Sister-in-law, how did you get married to this fierce man?"


    "He''s your brother!"


    "Forget it." Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh as he thought of how his sister would often stick to his wife. He had thought that she would stop finding his wife after she dated Wei Jun Hao, but his sister would still find his wife.


    Fortunately, his sister will be married soon. He can only hope that soon, Yu Ying will not have much time to pester his wife and steal her away from him.


    "I''ll go and check on Li Xue," Zhang Yu Han spoke as he retreated and head over to the backyard.


    "What''s wrong with him" Zhang Yu Ying blinked as she watched her brother. Once the door was shut, she turned her attention back to Li Qin Yao with a bright look on her eyes. "Sister-in-law. Let me tell you about Jun Hao''s proposal!"

 Chapter 399 - What Should I be Envious of?

    In the end, everyone gathered outside in the backyard, waiting for Zhang Jing as he barbecued chicken wings for his great-granddaughter. Once he had barbecued enough portion for the little princess, Zhang Jing immediately handed over the job to cook the other food to his grandson.


    Looking at how Zhang Li Xue was blowing at her chicken wing and took a small bite at it, the others found that they could not fight the temptation to take a bite at the chicken wing too.


    "Li Xue, let auntie have a taste," Zhang Yu Ying spoke. She swallowed as she continued to stare at the chicken wings.


    "No. Great-grandfather cook them for me." Zhang Li Xue moved her plate away from her aunt''s eyesight. Then, she continued to eat them quietly.


    Zhang Yu Ying felt the corner of her mouth twitched. She did not know where did the little princess get her stingy attitude from. When it comes to food, Zhang Li Xue did not like to share them. However, no matter how much she eats, her weight did not increase that much.


    "Just one bite?" Zhang Yu Ying tried her luck again.


    "Auntie, you go and ask from my daddy," Zhang Li Xue pointed at her father who had taken the task to cook.


    "This is for my wife," Zhang Yu Han spoke before his sister could ask a portion from him. "You should ask Wei Jun Hao to cook for you."


    "Are you still my elder brother?" Zhang Yu Ying''s eyes widened upon hearing her brother''s words.


    Li Qin Yao laughed as she watched the two siblings. If they had a second child, she hoped that her children would be as close as Zhang Yu Han and his sister. Although she usually saw them bantering, the two would often look after each other.


    Two minutes later, Zhang Yu Ying went back to her sister-in-law with a plate of chicken wings. Although her brother had said that he would not give her a piece, in the end, he had cooked a portion for his sister as well.


    Zhang Yu Han went over to his wife and handed her portion. Then, he turned to his daughter and saw that her mouth was smeared with the sticky barbecue sauce. Worried that the girl was going to wipe them on her dress, Zhang Yu Han bought her inside to clean up.


    The two of them were having a walk in the city square after they had finished their dinner. Suddenly, Wei Jun Hao had stopped in the middle of the square and the lights suddenly turned off.


    Just as she was wondering if there was a blackout, the square was illuminated with the fairy lights all around them. Looking up, Zhang Yu Ying thought that it was beautiful as stars.


    A group of people dressed in black walked around them, scattering something on the ground. Upon closer look, they were rose petals and the people had scattered them in heart shape. Fortunately for them, the wind did not blow away those petals.


    Then, one of the men approached Wei Jun Hao and handed him a bouquet of roses.


    Zhang Yu Ying was in a daze and she did not know what was going on. The passerby started to surround them and a few of them started to take pictures and videos with their phone.


    Suddenly, Wei Jun Hao went down on one knee. He passed the bouquet to Zhang Yu Ying, and she had taken them with her head still in a daze. Then, Wei Jun Hao pulled out a red velvet box from his pocket and a ring suddenly appeared before her.


    Wei Jun Hao then started to give her a short speech, but she was still in shock to register what he had told her. Fortunately, by the time Wei Jun Hao had asked her the most important question, Zhang Yu Ying had snapped out of her trance.


    "Zhang Yu Ying, will you marry me?"


    The passerby started to chant, asking her to accept the proposal.


    Looking at the diamond ring, winking at her, the lights, the roses, and everything that Wei Jun Hao had prepared for her, Zhang Yu Ying felt a tug on her heart. Her eyes and nose started to sour and she was unable to say a word. In the end, Zhang Yu Ying replied to him with a vigorous nod before she squeaked a ''Yes.''


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she listened to her sister-in-law telling her about the proposal a few nights ago. The glow on Zhang Yu Ying''s face was very obvious. Although she had previously taken her time to agree and date Wei Jun Hao, Li Qin Yao was glad that the man was able to make Zhang Yu Ying happy.


    "Li Xue, your auntie is getting married soon," Zhang Yu Ying announced happily. "Later, I will let you be my flower girl, alright?"


    Zhang Li Xue tilted her head sideways. "What is a flower girl?"


    "It means, you''re going to dress prettily like a princess, and then, you''re going to help me scatter flowers on the floor."


    "No. Mummy said it''s not good to scatter stuff on the floor," Zhang Li Xue answered. She turned around from her auntie, clearly disinterested with the position as the flower girl, and looked at her mother. "Mummy, I want to drink." She leaned her head on her mother''s ??ps and acted coquettishly.


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao laughed as she looked at her daughter. She rubbed at the little girl''s chubby cheek and smiled. "You wait here with your aunt. I''ll go inside and pour some water for you, alright?"


    "Mummy, I want apple juice."


    "En. Just wait here and don''t run around, alright?" Li Qin Yao looked at her daughter who sat obediently beside her aunt and walked inside and headed into the kitchen.


    Just as she was pouring some apple juice for her daughter, warm arms encircled her waist. She turned her head sideways and her husband''s lips descended on her cheek.


    "Are you envious?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "What should I be envious of?"


    Zhang Yu Han stayed in silence for a few seconds before he spoke again. "That I did not give you a grand proposal like Wei Jun Hao gave to Yu Ying."


    A chuckle escaped her. "Of course not." She turned around and met his gaze. "I love your proposal. Although there was no flower or a ring during the first proposal, I still love them. I still think they are special. Because when you asked me to marry you, I know that the words you said, your promises, were from your heart."


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his wife as she wrapped her arms around his waist.


    "Even if you ask me to marry you in the same way again, I will not hesitate to say yes." The smile on her face widened. "Because Zhang Yu Han, as long as it''s you, I will always say yes."

 Chapter 400 - Daddy, Teach Me

    Once Zhang Xi and his wife returned from Country C, they immediately arranged for a meeting between the two families at Zhang''s residence. It did not take a long time for Wei Jun Hao and his aunt to come over and discuss his marriage with Zhang Yu Ying.


    On the weekend, the auntie and nephew showed up for lunch at the Zhang''s residence with a few bags of gifts for Zhang Jing and the others. Knowing that they were going to discuss his wedding, Wei Jun Hao was determined to win everyone''s heart.


    Li Qin Yao glanced at her husband upon noticing that Wei Jun Hao showed up only with his aunt.


    As she listened to the conversation between the elders, Li Qin Yao found out that Wei Jun Hao was raised by her aunt, Wang Xin Lian since he was a little boy as both his parents had passed away.


    Since Wei Jun Hao only had his auntie as his only family, he was mostly obedient towards her and would do anything to make her happy. Therefore, even when he was unhappy about attending the blind dates that her aunt had arranged for him in the past. To Wei Jun Hao, his aunt was the same as his mother.


    "This kid always told me that he had a girl that he liked and I did not believe him." Wang Xin Lian smiled amiably. "I always thought that he was making excuses not to attend the blind dates that I arranged for him." She paused again and turned to Zhang Yu Ying. "It turns out that he was telling the truth."


    Wei Jun Hao poked at her auntie''s waist. "Auntie, please stop talking."


    "Everyone was familiar with each other for years. What are you embarrassed about?" Wang Xin Lian turned to her nephew with a displeased look on her face. Then, she turned around to the others, smiling again. "In the past, this kid would always find a way so that he did not have to attend those blind dates. Sometimes, I was embarrassed when he did not show up to the date. At one time, he had asked someone else to attend the date for him. That''s right. At one time, he even asked his insurance agent to attend a date for him."


    Wei Jun Hao froze before he raised his head to look at his best friend and laughed.


    He had never asked his insurance agent to attend a date for him. That was only his best friend''s tactic, pretending to be an insurance salesman just to avoid talking to people.


    Once Zhang Yu Han was reminded of that date, he then turned to his wife and exchanged a knowing look.


    He had always thought that it was fortunate for him to attend that blind date in his friend''s stead. It had given him the chance to be meet with his wife.


    "The kids had known each other for a long time," Zhang Jing spoke. "I have seen them grow up and play around together since they were five. Let''s just get them married quickly. It doesn''t make sense to waste time and delay."


    "You don''t have to worry," Liu Hui Lan spoke. "I have experience in planning a wedding with only two months for my son. I can guarantee that it would not lose to a wedding that had been planned for a year."


    Anyway, the Zhang family was not without money. As long as they are willing to spend, of course, anything can be done.


    "En," Wang Xin Lian nodded. She glanced at both Zhang Yu Han and his wife and smiled. "I went to Yu Han''s wedding. It was grand and meticulously planned. It only takes you two months to plan?"


    Liu Hui Lan began to explained what she did in the wedding planning. Of course, Wang Xin Lian continued to be amazed as she listened to her story.


    "Sister, it seemed that I will have a lot to learn from you," Wang Xin Lian spoke. "I don''t have a child, only this nephew with me. Now that he will soon marry, I can be more at ease. I can face my sister proudly if I see her again."


    Hearing her auntie talked about his late mother, Wei Jun Hao''s expression grew soft.


    Wei Jun Hao and his auntie spent long hours at the residence to chat and discussed the marriage before they left.


    After helping her mother-in-law and Auntie Su to clean up, Li Qin Yao went into the backyard and took a seat next to Zhang Yu Ying who was staring at the basketball court with a dazed expression. "Yu Ying."


    Zhang Yu Ying snapped out of her trance and smiled. "Sister-in-law."


    "What are you thinking about? Don''t tell me that you were watching your brother playing basketball." Li Qin Yao turned her gaze towards the court where her husband was dribbling the ball and their daughter stood at the center as she watched her father in awe.


    "It''s nothing," Zhang Yu Ying lowered her gaze. "Just thinking about the upcoming wedding and stuff."


    "What is it? Don''t tell me that you changed your mind?"


    "It''s not that. I just thought that everything suddenly moved too fast."


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "When your brother asked me to marry him, I did not have a lot of time to think too much. He straightaway dragged me to the bureau and registered our marriage."


    Zhang Yu Ying snorted. "You don''t think that you got married to my brother too quickly?"


    "Maybe," Li Qin Yao said. "Back then, I only know that I wanted to be by his side, to see his face the first thing when I woke up, and the last before I sleep. Therefore I followed my heart and agreed. It might be a bit hasty, but I''m glad that I did not hesitate and agree."


    Zhang Yu Ying heaved a sigh as she thought back when the two suddenly announced that they were getting married and suddenly visited the bureau on the next Monday.


    "If you think six months is too quick, you can always discuss things with Wei Jun Hao," Li Qin Yao said. "Although I always think that marriage isn''t just a two-person affair, everything would depend on whether the two persons'' happiness."


    "Hmm¡­ I know." Zhang Yu Ying smiled. "Sister-in-law, don''t worry about me."


    From the first time she had seen her father playing in a match with her Uncle Wei, Zhang Li Xue was smitten with the game. She especially loved to see how her father could jump up high. Every time her father jumped and slam dunk, Zhang Li Xue found that she was unable to look away.


    It seemed as if her father had grown a pair of wings and fly.


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her short legs and jumped. Apparently, she was unable to jump up high. A scowl appeared on her face as she continued to look at her short leg. She looked up to her mother who was sitting on the bench and the frown deepened.


    Although she loved it when people would say that she resembled her mother, Zhang Li Xue wished that she would be as tall as her father. Then maybe she could jump as high too.


    As the thought crossed her mind, Zhang Li Xue looked up and stared at the basketball hoop which was too high for her.


    "Li Xue, do you want to try?" Zhang Yu Han spoke as he approached their daughter with the ball.


    "Oh!" Zhang Li Xue''s eyes brightened up. She took the ball from her father and threw it on the ground. However, the ball did not bounce back like how her father did it. Instead, it rolled away from her feet and went over somewhere else.


    Her mouth curled into a pout as she watched the ball went farther away. She looked at her father and blinked, acting cute. "Daddy, teach me!"


    Hearing her request, Zhang Yu Han felt something blooming in his heart. It was not every day that his daughter would try to sell her cuteness to win him over.


    "Alright," Zhang Yu Han patted at her daughter''s head. He went over to grab the ball again and handed it over to her daughter. "Hold this."


    Zhang Li Xue held the ball tightly and yelped as her father lifted her high. Her eyes grew in excitement upon seeing the basketball hoop in front of her.


    "Go on."


    Zhang Li Xue stretched her hand and pushed it a little bit into the hoop. A gasp escaped her as she watched the ball entered the hoop and soon bounced on the court. Her father put her back on the ground and she turned around to see that both her mother and auntie were clapping hands for her.


    "Mommy, did you see that?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded at her daughter. "En. My little princess is awesome!"


    A tinge of pink appeared on her cheek upon hearing her mother''s praise. She turned to her father and looked at him with expectant eyes. "Daddy! Again!"

 Chapter 401 - We Will Only Have Each Other

    The house was still brightly lit when Zhang Yu Han returned. He glanced at his wristwatch and frowned knowing that his wife and daughter should be in bed at a time like this. Worried, he walked into the house with a bouquet in his hand. A sigh of relief escaped him once he found that his wife in the living room, with the television on.


    The door shut loudly as he accidentally released it, causing his wife to startle.


    Li Qin Yao woke up from her slumber and quickly sat up in a panic. She turned to the door with her hand rubbing at her eyes. Once she was able to see her husband clearly, her lips then curled into a smile.


    "You''re back."


    "Why are you not sleeping in the room?" A frown appeared on Zhang Yu Han''s face as he watched his sleepy wife. She was dressed thinly with only her pajama and he was suddenly worried that she would catch a cold.


    "I wanted to wait for you," Li Qin Yao said. She went over to his side and quickly wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his ?h?st.


    "Sorry. The dinner with Qi Ming Wei and the others lasted longer than I expected."


    Seeing the way his wife had acted, Zhang Yu Han found that he could not say scold her. He patted at her head a few times and pulled away only to hand her a small bouquet of her favorite Casablanca.


    It was then that she realized that her husband had been holding the flower bouquet as he stepped into the house.


    Li Qin Yao took a sniff at the flower before she looked up at her husband. "What is this for? What''s the occasion."


    "There''s a florist just across the road." A smile curled on his lips. "Then I thought... I still need to hard to woo my wife."


    Zhang Yu Han''s speech from their early marriage appeared on her mind¡ªthat they need to continuously work hard for their relationship so that their love will only grow. The smile on her lips widened. She tiptoed and linked one arm on his neck to kiss his cheek.


    "Thank you. I like it."


    He followed his wife into the kitchen and watched as she took out a vase to put the flower in.


    "Do you want something to eat?" Li Qin Yao asked as she turned around. "I can whip something or reheat some leftover."


    "No. I''m still full."


    Now that the television was switched off, Zhang Yu Han found that the house was a bit quiet.


    "Li Xue had slept?" Zhang Yu Han asked as he pulled at his necktie.


    "En. Almost an hour ago."


    He then retracted his gaze and paused when he saw the toddler size basketball hoop that he had bought for her daughter a month ago. He had noticed how their little princess was interested in the game and thought that she would enjoy playing them.


    "Hubby, I think Li Xue did not like them," Li Qin Yao spoke. She put the vase of flower on the table and followed his gaze.


    "Why wouldn''t she like it? Didn''t she said she liked basketball?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded. "She still liked it. But she also thinks that this hoop was too short. I think she looked down on it because I happen to be taller than this hoop." A sigh escaped her. "If Li Xue inherited my short leg, will she hated me?"


    Zhang Yu Han laughed. "Why do you think so?"


    "Li Xue said that she wanted to jump as high as her daddy. She really liked it when you lifted her up high and let her do slam dunk."


    "Well at least she looked upon me in something," Zhang Yu Han joked. "That girl is always closer to you and will try to conquer most of your time."


    "Zhang Yu Han, are you jealous?"


    "En," He nodded and pulled her close to him. "You''re my wife, but Li Xue always robbed your time away from me. And I cannot say anything to her because she''s my daughter."


    Li Qin Yao laughed. When she looked at him again, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Then, isn''t it better to give her a sibling and teach her to look after her young sister or brother?"


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow teasingly. "What if this young sister or brother occupied your time instead?"


    "Then, we''ll wait until they both grew up and send them away," Li Qin Yao suggested. "Then, we will only have each other as we grew older together."


    A chuckle escaped him at her suggestion. As he stared back at her playful expression, Zhang Yu Han bend down to kiss her lips.


    ¡­


    Zhang Yu Han propped his head on his right hand as he looked at the person beside him. The room was dark, but he could see her sweat glistening on her skin and her expression as she was basking in the afterglow.


    The couple stayed in each other''s embrace for a long time until Zhang Yu Han spoke again. "I''m going to M City next Friday to look at the hotel there. Do you want to come with me? We''ll take Li Xue too."


    "Ah?" Li Qin Yao blinked at his sudden question. She had wanted to agree right away, but then remember that she had a lot of things to do. "But I have promised mom to help her with Yu Ying''s wedding preparation. How long will you be going?"


    "Just for a couple days."


    Li Qin Yao stayed in silence as she was unable to give him an answer.


    Previously, her mother-in-law and Zhang Yu Ying had worked hard to help prepare her wedding. She did not have to do much except for choosing her wedding dress as she was busy with the Tourism City project.


    Now that she had a lot of time, Li Qin Yao had promised her mother-in-law that she will help her with the preparation.


    Next Friday¡­ she had already promised to accompany her mother-in-law and Zhang Yu Ying to look at the wedding dress. The wedding day was approaching soon and Zhang Yu Ying still had not made up her mind about her dress.


    Therefore, they had made another appointment at another boutique to look at more dresses.


    "It''s fine if you are unable to come along," Zhang Yu Han said and smiled. "I''ll go and settle some work and come back quickly, alright?"

 Chapter 402 - I Miss You a Little Bit

    As Zhang Yu Han would be away for a few days, Xu Yilan decided to stay around and accompany her daughter and the little princess. Of course, once Zhang Li Xue saw her grandmother, she had dragged her to her playroom and asked her to accompany her to play until her mother called her for dinner.


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the broccoli in garlic sauce in her bowl and frowned. However, noticing that her mother was looking at her, the little girl had picked up the vegetable and took a bite. Fortunately, the sauce had masked the taste of broccoli and she was able to eat her dinner.


    Li Qin Yao chuckled as she thought of how her daughter''s expression would sometimes resemble Zhang Jing whenever she saw vegetables.


    The little princess might be a glutton, but she was picky as well. She loved meat and not so much of greens after spending time with her great-grandfather. These days, she would imitate her great-grandfather''s expression whenever her father would recommend her to eat more greens.


    Having a meal with both Zhang Jing and Li Xue can be an amusing experience for Li Qin Yao, but not so much for Zhang Yu Han as he now had to coax one old and one young person to eat vegetables. It was giving him a headache.


    Moreover, Zhang Jing had taught Li Xue to appreciate the barbecue and now she had turned into a barbecued maniac as well.


    The three generation of girls had their dinner and chatted. Looking at her granddaughter who was taking a small bite at the broccoli, Xu Yilan let out a sigh. She then turned to her daughter and spoke, "Yao Yao, I''m thinking about retiring after my birthday."


    Li Qin Yao paused. "That is six months away. Why so sudden?"


    "It''s not so sudden. I''m at the age where I should be retiring," Xu Yilan said.


    "Alright," Li Qin Yao nodded. "You have worked hard all your life. It''s good if you''re thinking of resting early. Ma, do you have any plan at what you wanted to do after that?"


    "Your Auntie Ning asked me to take a trip around the world along with a few of our friends. It will be only with a few girls," Xu Yilan spoke. "I think I wanted to go and see the the world. I always travelled here and there due to work, but had never get the chance to go for a sightseeing."


    ...


    "Mommy," Zhang Li Xue stuck to her mother after dinner. "Did you say I can sleep with you tonight?"


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze and looked at the little girl was laying her head on her ??p. The gray cat that they have adopted a few years ago swept his tail lazily at Li Xue''s feet.


    "En," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Your father won''t be back until tomorrow. Therefore you can accompany me to sleep. But just for a night, alright? Tomorrow, you have to sleep in your room."


    The little girl let out a giggle. She buried her face on her mother''s stomach as she attempted to wrap her small arms on her mother''s waist. She took a deep breath and thought of how much she liked the smell of shower gel on her mother.


    "Are you that happy?"


    Zhang Li Xue nodded a few times. It was a rare occasion that she will be able to sleep with her mother. If her father was around, he would definitely lift her and take her back to her room once she had fallen asleep. But the next morning, she can wake up in her parents'' bedroom. At the thought that her favorite mommy will be sleeping beside her all night, Zhang Li Xue was very happy.


    At this time, the phone on Li Qin Yao''s side started to ring.


    A smile curled on her lips upon seeing the name and she quickly picked up the call.


    Her husband''s face appeared on the screen as soon as she slid her finger on the screen.


    Before any of the two could speak, a cheery voice had disturbed them.


    "Daddy!"


    Zhang Yu Han paused when he heard her voice. He saw his wife raised a brow at him and he replied to her with a nod. Seconds later, his wife''s face had disappeared and was replaced by his daughter''s smiling face.


    "Daddy, you''re not coming back tonight?"


    "En. I''ll try and return tomorrow and bring back some gifts for you." His tone turned gentle and there was a smile on his face. "Li Xue, did you miss me?"


    Zhang Li Xue stayed in silence for a few seconds as if pondering over her father''s question. "I miss you a little bit. But mommy said I can sleep with her today, so it''s alright."


    The corner of his lips twitched upon hearing his daughter''s answer.


    "Daddy, work is important. You can take your time. Don''t worry about mummy. Grandmother and I can look after her."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed.


    This little girl was driving him crazy. Is she really his daughter? Why does he think that now his daughter had grown up, she was no longer as cute as she used to be?


    In the end, Zhang Yu Han decided to change the subject and asked his daughter about what her daily activity. After chatting with her for five minutes he then asked the little girl to pass the phone to her mother.


    "Mommy, daddy wants to talk to you."


    "Thank you, Li Xue," Li Qin Yao took the phone from her daughter and at this time, Xu Yilan''s voice could be heard.


    "Li Xue, come here," Xu Yilan beckoned at her granddaughter. "Come and help grandma make some cookies."


    The little girl''s eyes turned wide at her grandmother''s words. "Cookies!" She turned to her mother and blinked her eyes. Once her mother gave her a nod of approval, Zhang Li Xue jumped off the couch and head over to the kitchen with the gray cat tailing after her.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head and saw her mother''s smiling at her as she waved a hand at her. Knowing her mother''s intention, Li Qin Yao smiled back. She stood up and headed to her bedroom as soon as Li Xue''s chirpy voice can be heard from the kitchen.


    Once she returned to the room, Li Qin Yao turned her attention back on the video call. At this time, she can see her husband''s side profile as he was looking at some documents in his hotel room.


    The words that she had wanted to say stuck in her throat. Heaving a soft sigh, Li Qin Yao then continued to watch her husband as he was doing his work.


    Realizing that everything around him was suddenly quiet, Zhang Yu Han looked up from his documents and caught his wife staring at him. A soft smile curved on his lips. "How is it? Good looking?"


    "En," she nodded softly. "Very good looking."


    A soft chuckle escaped him before he began to ask her about her day after accompanying his mother and sister for Zhang Yu Ying''s wedding preparation.

 Chapter 403 - Someone Bullied His Daughter

    The atmosphere in Zhang''s family was lively with Zhang Yu Ying''s wedding.


    With an hour left until the groom will come over to pick her up, Zhang Yu Ying had pulled her friends into the room to vent her anxiety. After getting a pep talk from her friends, Zhang Yu Ying finally calmed down.


    Wei Jun Hao and his friends appeared right on time to pick up the bride. The bridesmaid pulled a few tricks and finally let the groom passed once they received a big red packet.


    Zhang Yu Ying gave her friends a look of dissatisfaction as her friend had sold her out so quickly with those amount of money. But as Wei Jun Hao carried her out of the room, she was too embarrassed to even say anything and could only burrow her face in his ?h?st.


    On this day, Zhang Li Xue was ?ssigned as the flower girl. Looking at the pink fluffy dress with little flowers scattered on the skirt and the small flower crown, Zhang Li Xue finally agreed to her auntie''s request to be her flower girl. Moreover, her mother had to coax her that it would be alright to scatter the flower petals on the floor for a wedding.


    Hearing the ?du?ts praise that she looked just like a flower fairy, the little girl was very happy and she could not stop from walking over here and there as if to parade her pretty dress to everyone around.


    Xu Yilan smiled as she continued to watch over her granddaughter who ran around with her short leg. She would stop when she saw a kid her age and watched them curiously for a long time.


    Seeing that the kids would turn to look at her with the same curious look, Zhang Li Xue then run over to her grandmother and hide. Because she seldom met a kid her age, Zhang Li Xue was very shy.


    Suddenly, Xu Yilan was worried about what will happen if this little girl started going to kindergarten next year. She was too timid with the kids her age.


    A boy probably two years older than her bravely approached her though Zhang Li Xue was hiding behind an ?du?t. "Hello. I am Mu Zhen Yu. What is your name?"


    Zhang Li Xue peeked from her grandmother''s skirt and looked up.


    "What''s your name?" Xu Yilan repeated the question. Then she motioned towards the boy.


    "Zhang Li Xue," the little girl replied with a voice that was loud enough for the boy to hear.


    The little boy stretched his hand towards her and smiled. He glanced towards his group of friends who were watching them and spoke, "Do you want to play together? We''re going to playing hide and seek. You can hide with me."


    Zhang Li Xue did not answer. She turned to her grandmother as if asking for her opinion.


    "If you want to go and play with them, go ahead," Xu Yilan encouraged.


    The little princess thought over the invitation and nodded. "Alright." She had seen the group of kids play together earlier and thought that it was fun to play together too.


    Zhang Li Xue placed her hand on the boy''s palm and he had led her towards his group of friends.


    "Everyone," Mu Zhen Yu spoke as the other kids surrounded them. "This is our new friend, Zhang Li Xue. She''s going to play hide and seek with us."


    Because he was the eldest in the group, he was automatically elected as the leader and the other kids would listen to his instruction.


    The others quickly agreed to their leader''s request. However, a boy who stood beside Mu Zhen Yu gave Zhang Li Xue a look over before he approached her.


    "Why do you have a flower crown?" the boy narrowed his eyes.


    "Mummy said that I''m the flower girl today. I have to wear this flowery crown," Zhang Li Xue answered.


    The boy suddenly went over and pulled at her flower crown. "Take it off. You look ugly."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the boy with her eyes wide. Her eyes started to sting. Her scalp felt painful as the boy tugged at the crown flower which was attached to her hair.


    "Xiao Bai, are you crazy?" Mu Zhen Yu shouted at his friend.


    The boy ?r??n?d in pain before he burst into tears.


    Hearing that someone had cried, the ?du?ts turned around to look at what was happening.


    At this time, Zhang Li Xue had disappeared from the scene and her grandmother had to run after her.


    Once Zhang Li Xue found the person she was looking for, the tears that she been holding streamed down her face. "Daddy!" With that, she then wrapped her small arms around her father''s calf.


    "Li Xue, what''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han bent down to pick up his daughter. His eyes darkened upon seeing her messy hair and the tears on her face. "Why are you crying?"


    Zhang Li Xue did not answer and instead buried her face in her father''s shoulder as she cried silently. However, Zhang Yu Han was able to hear her soft sniffle and his heart tightened.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere around him turned colder.


    The group of men who were having a conversation with Zhang Yu Han earlier froze upon seeing the change in his expression. Their gaze fell on the little princess in his arms and finally understood something.


    Xu Yilan appeared on his side just in time. She handed over the flower crown and explained what happened. Once Zhang Yu Han found out what happened to his baby, he immediately patted her on her hair and tried to coax her.


    "Mom, it''s alright," Zhang Yu Han looked at her mother-in-law who was watching him with a guilty expression. "It was probably just a fight between kids."


    Qi Ming Wei, who was among those men coughed knowing that those kids who had bullied the Zhang''s little princess would have to pay later.


    "I will look after Li Xue and coax her," Zhang Yu Han continued.


    Xu Yilan heaved a sigh. She was worried about her granddaughter after watching the scene. Although she had wanted to scold the boy, Xu Yilan was worried that her granddaughter would run off somewhere. Fortunately, she had gone to her father''s side.


    Once his mother-in-law had disappeared in the crowd, Zhang Yu Han beckoned towards one of the hotel staff and gave his instruction.


    Someone had bullied his daughter in his turf. No matter what, he could not let this boy go. At least, the boy''s parents need to answer to him.


    Zhang Li Xue''s tears had stopped but she continued to cling onto her father''s neck and refusing to let go.


    Meanwhile, in the corner of the room, the boy who had approached Zhang Li Xue earlier was watching her from a distance. Once the little princess noticed his presence, she quickly turned her head on the other side and tightened her grip around her father''s neck.

 Chapter 404 - Hubby, Someone is Hitting on Your Daughter

    Li Qin Yao was surprised when her mother told her about the incident. She ?ssured her mother that everything would be alright and went to look for the father and daughter.


    When she arrived at where her husband had gathered, the pair was no longer around. Qi Zheng however told her that Zhang Yu Han went over to confront the little boy who had bullied their daughter.


    A sense of panic engulfed her and Li Qin Yao asked around to find the father and daughter''s whereabouts. A hotel staff who had recognized her as the President''s wife immediately pointed the way.


    When Li Qin Yao entered the room, Zhang Yu Han stood at the center of the room as he was carrying their daughter in his arms.


    In front of him were a group of four kids and their parents.


    "It was Xiao Bai''s fault," the eldest boy among the kids spoke as he pointed towards his friend. "He started to pull the flower crown off Xiao Xue''s hair."


    Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a shade darker upon hearing how his daughter was bullied. However, this little boy¡­ What Xiao Xue? Who permitted him to call his daughter like that?


    "Mom, it wasn''t me," the boy who had pulled at Zhang Li Xue''s hair looked at his mother and pulled out an innocent look. Then, he looked at his friend with a displeased look.


    The mother crouched down to his son. "Bai Qi, you tell mom what happened?"


    He looked at the girl in the flowery dress who was in her father''s embrace and scowled. "She kicked me!"


    Hearing the boy''s accusation, Li Qin Yao walked into the room. "What happened?"


    "Mommy," Zhang Li Xue cooed.


    "En. Mommy''s here."


    Although her daughter had called her, the little girl did not move to shift from her father''s arm.


    Zhang Li Xue might always stick to her mother all the time, but she would always seek her father for protection.


    Of course, as it was a rare occasion that his daughter wanted to stick close to him, Zhang Yu Han hugged at his daughter tightly.


    "You hear that? It was your daughter who kicked at my son." the mother spoke.


    The other parents who were at the scene started to look at Bai Qi''s mother in amazement.


    This woman! Didn''t she know who was she talking to right now? They were lucky to be invited to the Zhang family young miss'' wedding. Was she trying to get everyone kicked out?


    Zhang Yu Han pulled out his phone and showed the parents the recording that he got from the security room. Because the spot where the kids were playing was away from ?du?ts, the surveillance camera caught everything perfectly.


    Bai Qi''s mother started to panic upon watching the video. Meanwhile, the other parents were secretly relieved that their child took no part in this incident.


    "This mister here," Bai Qi mother spoke with a slightly trembling voice. "This is just kids playing around. My son was joking around when he pulled at your daughter''s hair. Isn''t it normal for boys to do that? Why do you go as far as taking out a video?" Her hand wrapped around her son protectively."My son pulled at your daughter''s hair but you come to look for a little boy to settle the score? My son is only five years old. As an ?du?t, aren''t you ashamed?"


    "Clearly, it was your son who bullied our daughter first." Li Qin Yao spoke before her husband could say a word.


    Anyway, it would not look too good for her husband to quarrel with a woman and therefore, she decided to step in.


    "Your son is clearly at fault here. But not only he did not apologize to our daughter, but you also want to let this matter pass by saying that it''s normal for a boy to do that? Suddenly, Li Qin Yao was furious. "No. This is not normal. We shouldn''t be teaching kids that this kind of behavior is normal!"


    Bai Qi''s mother had wanted to retaliate, but one of the mothers had whispered to her about the identity of the fierce parents in front of them. Suddenly, Bai Qi''s mother froze in fear.


    Her expression changed as she looked at President Zhang and his wife. Though she wanted to say something, she was unable to utter anything. In the end, she turned to her son and scowled. "Bai Qi, quickly apologize!"


    The boy''s stared at his mother with a dissatisfied look on his face. "Why should I apologize. Mom," he paused and pointed towards the little girl. "She kicked me!"


    Bai Qi''s mother clenched her teeth and spoke. "If you don''t apologize, I will tell your father and you see how he''s going to deal with you."


    His face changed instantly and Bai Qi finally apologized reluctantly.


    This boy had dared to bully the Zhang family''s pampered princess. Was he trying to cause trouble for their family?


    With that thought, Bai Qi''s mother dragged out his son as the Zhang couple was satisfied with her son''s apologies.


    Seeing that those little kids were no longer in the same room as hers, Zhang Li Xue finally turned to her mother. She extended her little arms and mouthed, "Mommy, hug!"


    Li Qin Yao took her daughter in her arms and put the little girl in her ??ps. "Where is it painful?"


    "Here," Zhang Li Xue pointed at her head.


    Li Qin Yao patted at her daughter''s head softly and kissed the top of her head to ease her pain. Soon, Zhang Li Xue buried her face in her mother''s embrace coquetishly as her mother comforted her.


    At this time, a knock came from the door, and soon, a boy entered followed by his parents.


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression darkened upon recognizing that it was the boy who had called his daughter ''Xiao Xue''.


    "Daddy!" Zhang Li Xue started to panic upon seeing the boy''s appearance.


    "Hello, Xiao Xue''s dad," Mu Zhen Yu greeted politely. "I came to apologize to Xiao Xue."


    Then, without waiting for the man''s approval, Mu Zhen Yu walked over to the little princess who was in her mother''s embrace.


    "Xiao Xue, I''m sorry," the boy spoke. "I shouldn''t have let Xiao Bai bully you just now. I didn''t get to stop him in time. I''m sorry."


    Hearing the boy''s apology, Zhang Li Xue looked up and stared back at the elder boy.


    Mu Zhen Yu approached her and stretched his hand to pass the small flower in his hand. "I don''t think you''re ugly." His face turned a shade pink. "Xiao Xue you''re very pretty with flowers on your hair."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the flower and slowly reached her hand to accept it.


    The boy''s lips curled into a smile. "Later, let''s play together again, alright. I won''t let anyone bully Xiao Xue again." Once he finished what he wanted to say, the boy turned around and ran over to his parents.


    The door of the room closed again and Li Qin Yao stared at her husband with a smile on her face. "Hubby, someone is hitting on your daughter."

 Chapter 405 - They are Only Kids!

    Fortunately, there was no additional unwanted situation during Zhang Yu Ying''s wedding. The bride and groom arrived on time, and Zhang Li Xue finally put on the flower crown back on her head and continued her duty to as her aunt''s flower girl.


    The guests could not stop looking at the little princess as she grabbed the flower petals in the basket and dumped it on the ground, instead of scattering it.


    Once she arrived at the end of the aisle, Zhang Li Xue ran towards her mother and buried herself in her mother''s embrace. Hearing the compliments from her mother and grandmothers, the little girl lifted her head with a proud smile on her face.


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her aunt with her eyes wide as her aunt walked down the aisle. She tugged at her mother''s cloth and whispered, "Mommy, Auntie looks like a princess."


    "En." Li Qin Yao nodded. "Isn''t she pretty?"


    The little girl nodded before she continued to watch everything.


    Wei Jun Hao had a big smile on his face throughout the ceremony. The moment Zhang Yu Ying stood right in front of him, he was unable to look away. It was until Su Ming Yuan had nudged him on his waist that Wei Jun Hao snapped out of his trance.


    The bride and groom exchanged their vows, rings, and sealed it with a kiss. The crowd started to cheer and clapped. Zhang Yu Ying had a shy smile on her face as Wei Jun Hao led her out.


    Zhang Yu Han was on guard, knowing that the boy was trying to approach his daughter. Anyway, he would not allow any random boy to approach his baby.


    When he saw the video from the surveillance camera earlier, Zhang Yu Han saw how this boy was holding his daughter''s hand. Then, he had appeared again and was brave enough to give his daughter some flower right in front of him!


    Unfortunately, Uncle Mu, the boy''s grandfather, was a good friend to his father.


    If he did not know that the boy was from the Mu family, Zhang Yu Han would not hesitate to scare the boy away.


    Li Qin Yao laughed when her husband called over their daughter upon seeing that the boy had tried to get close to their daughter again. "He''s only trying to befriend Li Xue. What are you afraid of?"


    "Li Xue is only three and a half," Zhang Yu Han said. "How old is that boy? He''s older than Li Xue, right? What if he brings Li Xue over to meet his friends again and they bullied her?"


    "Mister Zhang, next year, Li Xue will start to go to kindergarten. She will need to learn how to make friends. Or would you rather have our daughter playing by herself?" Li Qin Yao smiled. "It''s not like the boy was going to kidnap your daughter and marry her. They are only kids!"


    Zhang Yu Han pursed his lips into a thin line. He knew that his wife was right, but he could not ignore this unhappy feeling when he looked at the boy. Holding hands and giving flowers¡­ what if this boy turned out to be a playboy later on and hurt his daughter?


    Li Qin Yao shook her head and stood up from her seat.


    "Where are you going?" Zhang Yu Han asked.


    "I''m going to teach Li Xue to make friends. Don''t worry. I''ll look after Li Xue," Li Qin Yao said. Then, she turned to her daughter and stretched a hand. "Li Xue, come on. Let''s get some cakes, alright?"


    "Cakes!" The little girl jumped before she held on her mother''s hand. The two of them walked around and banquet hall before Li Qin Yao took a plate a cake for her daughter.


    Noticing that her mother-in-law was chatting with a familiar woman, Li Qin Yao walked over to her and smiled.


    "Qin Yao," Liu Hui Lan pulled her daughter to her side and introduced her to the woman.


    Li Qin Yao nodded at Mrs. Mu and the two of them exchanged a few words. Soon, Li Qin Yao caught the boy from earlier today approaching his mother.


    "Xiao Xue!" Mu Zhen Yu''s eyes brightened upon seeing the girl he had been looking for. Just now, he had gone away for a while to grab some candies from his grandfather. When he came back to give those candies to the little fairy, the girl was no longer around, and instead, her father had stared at him until he ran away.


    Fortunately, he was able to meet the little flower fairy again.


    Zhang Li Xue tightened her grip on her mother''s hand and looked up with her big round eyes. "Mommy."


    Li Qin Yao crouched down beside her daughter and patted at her back. "It''s alright, I''m here."


    Seeing that the scary uncle was not around, Mu Zhen Yu braved himself to step forward. He fished into his pocket and took out two pieces of candy. Then, he stretched up his hand. "Would you like some candies?"


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the candies in the boy''s hand and turned around to hug her mother''s neck. Then, she shyly looked at the boy and said, "No. Mommy said not to take candies from strangers."


    Hearing her answer, Li Qin Yao did not know whether to laugh or cry.


    The boy was giving her a peace offering, but Zhang Li Xue did not dare to take it because she still remembered her mother''s warning.


    Happy that her little girl could still remember her warning, Li Qin Yao gave a peck on her daughter''s cheek.


    Meanwhile, Mu Zhen Yu lowered his head in disappointment. But soon, he raised his head again and spoke hesitantly. "Do you want to play together? I won''t call the others." He then took out the miniature toy car he had kept in his pocket and showed it to the little girl. "We''ll stay here and play."


    Zhang Li Xue looked at her mother as if asking for her opinion.


    "Well, go ahead if you want to play. Mommy will stay here and keep my eyes on you, alright?"


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the boy and her mother alternately. Then, slowly, she released her around her mother''s neck and looked at the boy. "Alright. Just stay here with my mommy, alright?"


    The boy had a wide smile on his face. "Xiao Xue, from now on, you can call me Brother Yu, alright? Since you agreed to play with me, then I am no longer a stranger. Here," He paused to put the candies in Zhang Li Xue''s hand and said. "Now you can have the candies."


    Looking at the kids'' exchange, Li Qin Yao was glad that her husband was not around. Or else, she did not know what will happen to this little boy.

 Chapter 406 - Cooking Lesson

    The sky was bright outside as Li Qin Yao took her daughter to play in the garden. After spending time with her great-grandfather the last time, Zhang Li Xue was suddenly interested in gardening and had the old man had given her some flower seed for her to take home.


    These days, Zhang Li Xue would ask her mother to accompany her outside to look at the plant. Seeing how the seed had turned into a sprout fascinated the little girl. At the thought of how that sprout will soon grow bigger and white flowers were going to appear, Zhang Li Xue was excited.


    With the small straw hat on top of her head and a gardening can, Zhang Li Xue ran around the garden to help to water the plant. When she was done, her face was full of perspiration and her hands were dirty after helping her mother to loosen the soils.


    Li Qin Yao stood up and frowned at the sudden dizziness. However, the feeling disappeared in seconds. She looked up the sky and saw that the sun was too bright. She then led her daughter to wash her hand once they had finished with their activity.


    The mother and daughter walked into the house and saw the father stood at the window with his phone pressed to his ear.


    Li Qin Yao instructed the Auntie to help her daughter to clean up before she walked over to her husband. She could see the frown on his face and could guess that something was troubling him.


    She sat down on the sofa and waited until the phone call ended. When Zhang Yu Han turned around after he hung up the phone, there was a helpless look in his face.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao asked as she stood up.


    "Qi Ming Wei asked if I could accompany him on a business trip," Zhang Yu Han explained. "Qi Zheng was supposed to go with him, but he had emergency surgery and they didn''t know when he''s going to finish."


    Li Qin Yao touched his arms and lifted her head to look at him. "When are you leaving?"


    "This afternoon," Zhang Yu Han answered helplessly. "It will take around three to five days."


    She lowered her head and sighed when she looked at him again. Though Zhang Yu Han would often go on a business trip, Li Qin Yao would worry whenever her husband had to follow Qi Ming Wei on a business trip.


    Previously, Zhang Yu Han had explained to her of the Qi family business and Li Qin Yao knew that Qi Ming Wei business was usually dangerous. However, the Qi family was also a part of their family and they would always look after each other.


    "It won''t be anything dangerous," Zhang Yu Han said. He knew what was on her mind upon looking at his wife''s expression. "I''m going to accompany him to a banquet and that''s it."


    Li Qin Yao gave him a slow nod. "Just¡­ don''t drink too much."


    Zhang Yu Han sighed and kissed her on top of her head. "Alright."


    ¡­


    After Zhang Yu Han left for the airport, Li Qin Yao took her daughter and drove over to B City.


    She deliberately drove over to the Tourism City and a smile appeared on her face as she watched the tall buildings in front of her. From her location, Li Qin Yao was able to see the big Ferris Wheel.


    "Mommy, are we going to the amusement park?" Zhang Li Xue asked with an excited look on her face. She had been to this amusement park a few times and knew from her surroundings that they were near her favorite place.


    "No. Daddy''s not here. Let''s wait until daddy returned and we''ll go together, alright?"


    "Oh." The little girl''s mouth pouted slightly and she looked out the window with a longing look.


    Soon, Li Qin Yao parked her car and took her daughter to the cafe. As the mother and daughter walked inside, Auntie Yu and Yin Mei Xuan quickly surrounded them.


    "Li Xue!" The two women surrounded the little girl.


    "Wow! Our little princess is getting prettier," Yin Mei Xuan said. She crouched down, leaned forward, and pointed to her cheek. "Come and give auntie a kiss."


    Zhang Li Xue obediently leaned forward to kiss the woman on her cheek. "Auntie Yin, you smell sweet like cakes."


    Yin Mei Xuan laughed. "Would you want to help me with decorating cakes? You can help and put the strawberries."


    The little girl turned to her mother to ask for her opinion.


    "Go on," Li Qin Yao nodded. "Don''t forget to wash your hand and don''t sneak and eat too many sweets, alright?"


    "Mommy, I won''t." Zhang Li Xue looked at her mother with her eyes wide.


    "Alright. I know. My Li Xue is the most obedient one." Li Qin Yao kissed her on the cheek and let her follow her friends into the kitchen. Then, she turned around and started looking around the cafe.


    Nowadays, she will only need to come over the place to check on everything once a week. With the opening of Tourism City, the cafe''s sales have increased and business has been good.


    Li Qin Yao stared at the account books in her hand and looked up upon noticing a cup of coffee suddenly appeared on the table. She watched Yin Mei Xuan slid into the seat in front of her and smiled.


    "Li Xue is taking a cooking lesson from Auntie Yu," Yin Mei Xuan said.


    "Cooking?"


    Her friend laughed. "You will know soon."


    A minute later, the little princess appeared from the kitchen with a plate in her hand. She walked over to her mother with her short leg with Auntie Yu trailing behind her.


    "Mommy, I made a sandwich for you." Zhang Li Xue lifted her hand high to push the plate on the table, and her mother quickly supported her. The little girl then turned to her mother with her bright eyes. "I helped to mashed the eggs and put everything together. Mommy, try it. Is it delicious?"


    Li Qin Yao stared at the plate of the egg sandwich and turned to her daughter. "Li Xue is good. My baby knows how to make a sandwich now." She rained her kisses on the girl''s chubby cheek and soon, the little girl started to laugh.


    Turning around, the little girl was still staring at her with an expectant gaze.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and took a bite at the sandwich. After swallowing it down her throat, she turned to her daughter and kissed her daughter''s cheek again. "En. It''s delicious. My baby is so talented."


    Seconds later, she stood up from her seat. "Mei Xuan, help me look after Li Xue for a while." Once she finished her words, Li Qin Yao dashed to the bathroom.

 Chapter 407 - She was Pregnant Again!

    The water felt cold against her skin, however, her body trembled not because of the cold. After vomiting almost everything from her stomach, Li Qin Yao felt her body weakened.


    She continued to splash some water on her face and stopped once she felt a bit refreshed. She stared at her reflection on the mirror and thought of what was going on with her body.


    Her daughter had made her some egg sandwiches for her, however, Li Qin Yao found it hard to take a bite. The smell of boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise was making her nauseous.


    It seemed like recently, she was a bit s?ns?t?v? towards a certain smell¡­


    A thought crossed her mind and Li Qin Yao pulled out a few towel paper to wipe the water dry from her face before she walked out of the restroom.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Yin Mei Xuan asked as her friend walked over to the table with a pale face.


    "Hold on," Li Qin Yao panted. She grabbed her bag and pulled out her phone.


    These days, they were trying to get a second child and she wondered if perhaps she was¡­


    Her mind went blank upon checking at her menstrual calendar on the phone. She had missed her period for a month and did not even realize it!


    It was then that Li Qin Yao recalled that the past few weeks, she was busy helping with Zhang Yu Ying''s wedding that she had forgotten to take note of her menstrual cycle.


    But wait...


    Li Qin Yao bit at her lips and clenched her hand on the phone. Whatever it is, she should get herself tested before she made any conclusion. If she had told Zhang Yu Han this news and soon found out that it was a false alarm, they would both be disappointed.


    She should get herself a few of those pregnancy test kits!


    Feeling her friend''s intense gaze, Li Qin Yao finally snapped out of her trance.


    "Yao Yao, what''s wrong?" It was Auntie Yu''s turn to ask.


    Li Qin Yao shifted her gaze at both Yin Mei Xuan and Auntie Yu and smiled to ?ssure them. "It''s nothing. I just thought of something that I have to do." She gathered her belongings and turned to her daughter. "Li Xue, let''s go. Didn''t you say you wanted to see your grandmother?"


    ¡­


    Once she arrived at her mother''s apartment, Li Qin Yao greeted her mother briefly before she hurried into the bathroom.


    Xu Yilan frowned as she looked at her daughter. Then, she turned to her granddaughter and raised a brow. "What''s wrong with your mommy? Stomach ache?"


    Zhang Li Xue lifted her shoulders. "I don''t know. Grandma Yu said my mommy might be feeling unwell."


    "Unwell?"


    "En," she nodded. "Earlier, mommy did not eat that much. Grandmother," Zhang Li Xue raised the paper bag in her hand. "I made egg sandwiches with Grandmother Yu earlier. Do you want to have a taste? It''s very good."


    Xu Yilan frowned as she looked at the direction of the bathroom. Then, she turned to her granddaughter and smiled. "Let me get a plate and we will eat together alright?"


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Li Qin Yao clenched at her fists as she waited for the stick to tell her the answer she was looking for.


    When she was pregnant with Li Xue, she had never tried to test herself with the pregnancy test kit.


    Back then, she almost got into an accident and the doctor had given her a surprise when the doctor announced that she was pregnant after giving her a body checkup.


    This time, she had suspected that she was pregnant after feeling nauseous at smelling certain food.


    A few days ago, it was the fish that she had bought from the market. She had thought that perhaps, the fish was not as fresh as it looked. Just now, it was the mashed hard boil egg sandwich that Li Xue had prepared for her.


    Therefore, once she left the cafe, Li Qin Yao had stopped by the pharmacy and bought a few boxes of pregnancy test kit before they head over to her mother''s apartment.


    Suddenly, she was anxious and the waiting was torturing her.


    Li Qin Yao would check on her phone every ten seconds to see whether she could check on the test result.


    The phone on the counter beeped, signaling that the waiting game is over.


    Li Qin Yao reached for one stick and her breath hitched. Then, she started to pick up the second test, and the third¡­ each of them told her that she was pregnant.


    She sat down on the toilet seat and took a deep breath to calm down. Then, she stared at the test kit again, and suddenly, a smile bloomed on her face.


    She was pregnant again!


    Li Qin Yao reached for her phone and was about to dial her husband''s number when she recalled that he was on his flight. It will be an hour later until he reached his destination.


    She wanted to share with her husband of this happy news but was unable to reach him at the moment.


    Li Qin Yao squeezed her eyes shut and took a few deep breaths. She snapped a few photos of the result and cleaned up her belongings before she walked out of the bathroom.


    "Yao Yao, what''s wrong?" Xu Yilan stood up and walked over to her daughter. "Li Xue said you''re not feeling good. What is it?" She stretched her hand to touch her daughter''s forehead and her frown disappeared upon finding that her daughter did not have a fever. She met her daughter''s gaze and asked, "Headache?"


    "No. Ma, I''m fine. Don''t worry." Li Qin Yao smiled.


    Xu Yilan sighed. "It was your daughter who was worried. She told me that you are feeling unwell and asked me to teach her how to make porridge for you because you did not have an appetite."


    Li Qin Yao shifted her gaze towards her daughter who was eating a small bowl of cashew nuts as she peered quietly at them. Her gaze softened and Li Qin Yao smiled. "Ma, I''m fine. I''ll talk to Li Xue later and tell her that I''m alright. I won''t make her worry over me."


    "Really?" Xu Yilan frowned as she continued to study her daughter''s expression. Her instinct as a mother told her that her daughter was hiding something from her.


    "En," Li Qin Yao nodded "It''s just that." She paused and a chuckle escaped her. "Li Xue might be getting a sibling soon."


    "Ah?" Xu Yilan''s eyes widened upon hearing the news.

 Chapter 408 - I Have a Surprise to Give You

    Staring at the report in her hand, Li Qin Yao took a deep breath.


    When her mother heard that she might be pregnant, she had dragged her daughter to a private hospital to get a proper check-up. Fortunately, because there was not a long queue and they were able to meet the doctor soon.


    After taking a few samples from her body and waited, the doctor then confirmed her pregnancy.


    Although it was not too long ago that she had checked the result with the test kit, hearing the confirmation words from the doctor was something else.


    Her phone in her bag chimed. Li Qin Yao pulled out her phone and smiled upon seeing a text message from her husband, telling her that he had arrived at the airport and will be giving her a call once he checked into the hotel.


    Li Qin Yao had wanted to tell him of this good news, but at the thought that he will worry, she then decided to tell him later when he returned.


    "Mommy, are you still feeling unwell?" Zhang Li Xue asked as she walked over to her mother with a glass of water. Her small hands held the glass tightly as she was worried that the contents would splash out.


    "I''m alright." Li Qin Yao patted at her daughter''s head and looked at the glass of water. "Is that for me?"


    "En." The little girl nodded.


    "Thank you, Li Xue." Li Qin Yao took the glass, kissed the little girl on the cheek and she giggled happily. Li Qin Yao drank the water and put the glass on the table. Then, she took the little girl to her ??p and hugged her tightly.


    Feeling her mother''s embracing her, Zhang Li Xue started to act coquettishly with her mother. Her small arms wrapped around her mother''s neck as she rubbed her face on her mother''s neck.


    Li Qin Yao wondered if her daughter might sense that she will be getting a sibling soon and had wanted to stick closer to her before a new sibling arrived and her attention would then shifted to the new sibling.


    As this thought crossed her mind, Li Qin Yao began to hold the little girl tightly. Suddenly, she was worried if she would start to neglect the little princess when a new baby came.


    She did not know how the little princess was going to feel about getting a new sibling, but looking at her daughter, Li Qin Yao knew that she would be the best sister to her little brother or sister.


    "Li Xue, what do you think about having a little brother or sister?"


    The little girl stared back at her mother and tilted her head sideways as if pondering over her mother''s question. "Is it like Brother Zhen Yu''s baby brother?"


    The other day, when Zhang Li Xue was playing with Mu Zhen Yu at the wedding banquet, she was then introduced to the boy''s little brother.


    Looking at the small baby, Zhang Li Xue was fascinated. She wanted to play with the baby and had gone around the Mu''s Grandmother to get a closer look. Soon, the older brother who had invited her to play with him was forgotten at the side, and Mu Zhen Yu had no other choice but to accompany Zhang Li Xue to play with the baby.


    "Brother Zhen Yu''s baby brother is cute. I like him," Zhang Li Xue answered after considering the question for a while. "Mommy, if I have a little brother or sister, I can play with the baby?"


    "En." Li Qin Yao nodded.


    "Then I like it," Zhang Li Xue answered. "Baby smell good. Mommy, when are you going to bring home a baby for me to play with?"


    Li Qin Yao laughed at her question. "We will have to wait for a few months. When the baby comes, will you be a good sister?"


    "Mommy," Zhang Li Xue looked at her mother and blinked. "Li Xue is always a good girl."


    "Right. My little princess is always a good girl." Li Qin Yao then rained her kisses on the girl''s face, causing the little girl to giggle again.


    At this time, the phone rang. Li Qin Yao picked up the phone and her lips curled into a smile upon seeing the caller ID.


    "Daddy!" Zhang Li Xue chirped as her father''s face appeared on the screen.


    Looking at his two favorite girls on the screen, Zhang Yu Han''s tired face disappeared and a smile curled on his lips.


    "Li Xue, are you behaving yourself when I''m not around?"


    "En." Zhang Li Xue nodded. Then she leaned her head on her mother''s shoulder and smiled.


    Zhang Yu Han had the urge to pinch at her daughter''s chubby cheek upon seeing the mischievous smile on her face. The three of them chatted for a little while before Li Qin Yao asked her daughter to play alone while she talked to the father.


    "You said you were going to call once you arrived at the hotel," Li Qin Yao said once her daughter sat at the sofa and played with her plushy bear.


    "The representative here took us to a meal and I have to accompany Qi Ming Wei to a conference," Zhang Yu Han said. "We didn''t get to check into the hotel until just now."


    Her eyes widened in surprise. "You''ve just arrived? Then you should go and get a good rest. Tomorrow, you still have to accompany Qi Ming Wei around, right?"


    "Qin Yao."


    Li Qin Yao was still talking and reminding her husband to look after himself while he was away when he suddenly called her name with his deep vibrating voice. "Hmm?"


    "I miss you."


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao felt heat crept on her face. She did not have to look in the mirror to know that her face turned red. She was already a mother, but there are still times when her husband could make her blush like a teenage girl.


    "I miss you too."


    "If everything is going as plan, we should return to Y City the day after tomorrow," Zhang Yu Han said. He propped his head on his palm as he stared at his wife''s face on the camera with a lazy expression.


    Somehow, Li Qin Yao thought that this look was making him s?xier.


    "I want to hug you."


    Hearing the words, her face turned a shade redder. Li Qin Yao scanned her surroundings and heaved in relief upon seeing that her daughter was at a distance away. Her thought went towards the result she got from the hospital and Li Qin Yao wondered if her husband would be disappointed upon knowing that there are certain things that they could not do for a few months.


    "Hubby."Li Qin Yao called him coquettishly. "Come back soon. I have a surprise to give you."

 Chapter 409 - Become a Little Cunning

    As she stared at the baby booties on the table, Li Qin Yao could not hold back her smile.


    She had thought of various ways to announce this good news with her husband and in the end, Li Qin Yao had pulled out Zhang Li Xue''s old booties and had wanted to use this as a clue for her husband.


    At this time, she could not wait to see how will Zhang Yu Han reacted.


    Glancing at the clock again, Li Qin Yao took a deep breath before she walked out of the room to find her daughter. The little princess was grasping her tiny hand around her pencil color as she drew something on her papers.


    "Li Xue, what are you drawing?"


    Hearing her mother''s voice, the little girl was startled and she quickly hid the paper from her mother. "Mommy, you cannot see."


    "Why not?"


    "Well, it''s a secret."


    Looking at Zhang Li Xue''s eyes that resembled her father, blinking at her in her attempt to look cute, Li Qin Yao let out a laugh. "You really wouldn''t let mommy see it?" Li Qin Yao stared back at her daughter with the same cuteness vibe.


    Zhang Li Xue began to waver upon hearing her mother''s tone of voice. "I can show you, but you cannot tell anyone else, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. "En. I promised." Once she gave her word, the little girl took out the paper and showed her drawing to her. Li Qin Yao stared at the drawing with some unknown colorful object and wonder what were those.


    "This is mommy," Zhang Li Xue pointed out voluntarily. "This is daddy and this is me." She lowered her gaze and continued, "I was going to draw the baby before you come."


    A soft smile curled on her lips. Li Qin Yao stared at the drawing for a few seconds longer and bent down to kiss her daughter on the cheek. "Well, you can continue your drawing. When you finished, let''s go to great-grandfather''s place, alright? Didn''t you said you wanted to accompany great-grandfather for lunch?"


    The little girl''s eyes sparkled upon hearing that they were heading to her great-grandfather''s place. It was Zhang Li Xue''s favorite place. Her great-grandfather would always make her barbecued chicken wing whenever she came and once she had her fill, her father would teach her to play basketball.


    Once Zhang Li Xue had finished her drawing, the mother and daughter went to Zhang''s residence to accompany Zhang Jing for a meal.


    After the wedding, both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan had head back to Country C, and Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao had taken off for their honeymoon. At the thought that Zhang Jing would be lonely, Li Qin Yao decided to take her daughter over to the house.


    When they arrived, Zhang Jing had greeted them at the door and ushered them inside happily.


    "Grandfather, why do you look so happy?" Li Qin Yao asked. Looking at Zhang Jing''s face, Li Qin Yao could sense that the old man was up to something.


    "Great-grandfather, did you make me my favorite chicken wing?" Zhang Li Xue looked at the elderly man with an adorable expression.


    Zhang Jing laughed. He bent to pat the little princess on her head and spoke, "Of course. Great-grandfather knew that Li Xue is coming to visit. How can I not make your favorite chicken wing? Come. Go and wash your hand. We''ll eat together, alright?"


    As Zhang Jing led her daughter to the kitchen, Li Qin Yao heard her phone chimed in her purse. She pulled out her phone and received the text message from her husband, informing her that he had arrived in Y City and will be returning to home after he had settled a few more works with Qi Ming Wei.


    After reminding her husband to stay safe, Li Qin Yao walked into the kitchen and saw Auntie Wu staring at the kitchen counter with a dazed look on her face. Li Qin Yao followed her gaze and saw that there were a few dishes lined up and most of them were Zhang Jing''s favorite food.


    Auntie Wu turned around and sighed. "Missus, you have to make sure that the old man will take a few bites of the vegetables as well. I don''t know how much meat did the old master had eaten knowing that his grandson was not around to scold him."


    Li Qin Yao smiled reassuringly. "Auntie Wu, don''t worry. I will talk to Grandfather and convinced him to eat some vegetables as well." She peeked at the bowl of stir-fry vegetables and spoke, "These are the vegetables that he grew in the garden, right?" Li Qin Yao watched as the elder woman nodded. "Don''t worry. I''ll ask Li Xue''s help to convince grandfather to eat some."


    Hearing her words, Auntie Wu was relieved. "The old man would listen to the little princess. I think that''s a good idea." A smile tilted up on her lips. "The old master will be having his routine check-up next week. I''m worried that the result would not be satisfactory."


    After convincing Auntie Wu, Li Qin Yao walked into the dining area and sat down beside her daughter.


    "Qin Yao, come. Since Yu Han is not around, you have to eat a lot," Zhang Jing said. "You know how it is when my grandson is around. These days would only limit me to eat three bites!" As he recalled the last meal he shared with his grandson, Zhang Jing frowned and shook his head. It was torturous for a meat lover like him.


    Li Qin Yao obediently took a few small bites at the dishes and suppressed her urge to vomit once she smelled the spicy mutton. She clipped at the vegetable dishes and put them in her daughter''s bowl.


    "Li Xue, eat these vegetables as well," Li Qin Yao reminded her. "Did you see these cabbage? This is what you and great-grandfather plant in the garden the last time."


    Zhang Li Xue turned to her great-grandfather. "Really?"


    "Un," Zhang Jing nodded proudly.


    "Don''t you want to take a bite and try them?" Li Qin Yao said. "These are the vegetables that you have grow. Don''t you want to know how they tasted like?"


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the piece of vegetable in her bowl and picked it up slowly. She took a bite and her eyes widened. "Mommy, it''s good."


    "The vegetables that you grow is definitely more delicious, right?"


    The little girl nodded. Then, she turned to her great-grandfather and spoke, "Great-grandfather, you should eat them as well. I grew them. So you definitely have to eat them."


    Zhang Jing watched the little girl helplessly. After a few seconds, he resigned to his fate and ate the vegetable under the two girls'' watchful eyes. "Qin Yao, I think you have become a little cunning after spending a few years with your husband."


    Li Qin Yao laughed at Zhang Jing''s words and the three of them continued to have their meal in harmony.


    Once they finished their meal, Li Qin Yao accompanied her daughter to watch some cartoons. She had told Zhang Yu Han that she was at Grandfather''s place and he had told her to stay there until he came to pick them up.


    As Li Qin Yao was explaining a few things to her daughter about the show, her phone on the coffee table rang. A frown appeared on her face when she saw the name on the caller ID.


    "Li Qin Yao, where are you right now?" Qi Zheng spoke as soon as the line was connected.


    Hearing Qi Zheng''s anxious tone, Li Qin Yao began to feel a little bit uneasy. "I''m at grandfather''s place. What''s wrong?"


    There was a brief silence before Qi Zheng spoke again. "You have to calm down."


    "Yu Han and Ming Wei were involved in an accident."

 Chapter 410 - It was Supposed to be a Happy Reunion

    Li Qin Yao head over to the hospital once she heard the news of the accident.


    When Zhang Jing noticed that there was something wrong with his granddaughter-in-law, he had taken the phone from her and talked to Qi Zheng calmly. Knowing that Li Qin Yao was not able to drive in her condition, Zhang Jing had asked Assistant Huo to come over and drive her to the hospital.


    The little princess was put under Auntie Wu''s care as both Zhang Jing and Li Qin Yao head over to the hospital.


    On their way, Li Qin Yao had browsed through some news portal on her phone and saw the news regarding her husband''s accident. It was reported that a drunkard had accidentally mistaken the accelerator as the brake. The car lurched forward and slammed against the car which Zhang Yu Han and Qi Ming Wei were in.


    According to the news portal, four people were involved in the accident: Zhang Yu Han, Qi Ming Wei, and his driver and the person who slammed into their car.


    The accident happened around the airport, and the onlookers immediately called the ambulance.


    Li Qin Yao could not stop trembling as she read the news. Noticing her condition, Zhang Jing immediately took her phone away and held her hand tightly to comfort her.


    Looking at the state of his granddaughter-in-law was in, Zhang Jing knew that he could not afford to be weak. He was as surprised as Li Qin Yao upon hearing the news but had chosen to calm down immediately and be the pillar to support her.


    When they arrived, someone had greeted them in Qi Zheng''s place at the hospital entrance and led them towards the operating theater.


    Li Qin Yao exhaled in relief when she saw Qi Ming Wei sitting in the wheelchair. The man had his head in a bandage and his right arms in a sling. Seeing that Qi Ming Wei''s condition was not serious, Li Qin Yao had thought of her husband the same.


    However, she soon noticed that something was not right. She could not see Zhang Yu Han at all.


    "My husband," Li Qin Yao spoke with a trembling voice as she met Qi Ming Wei''s gaze. "Where is he?"


    The man stared back at her calmly but seconds later, his gaze changed and Qi Ming Wei looked away. "He is still in the operating room."


    "What happened," Zhang Jing asked as he sat down at the waiting area with Assistant Huo''s guide.


    Qi Ming Wei frowned as he tried to recall what happened.


    They have arrived at the airport and had entered the car to head over to his office. The driver stopped at a three-way junction when a vehicle from another side suddenly rammed into theirs.


    Zhang Yu Han and the driver''s condition were worst than him because he had received the most impact. Qi Ming Wei''s injury was not as bad because Zhang Yu Han was blocking the impact for him.


    Qi Ming Wei passed out for five seconds. When he realized that they were in an accident, Zhang Yu Han''s body was leaning towards him and he had passed out.


    There was blood everywhere.


    Qi Ming Wei immediately noticed that Zhang Yu Han''s legs were stuck between the car. He forced himself to calm down and dialed a number.


    Fortunately, the road was not isolated. Some passerby quickly helped them and the help arrived in time.


    On their way to the hospital, Qi Ming Wei had immediately given Qi Zheng a call to inform him of what was going on. He then directed the ambulance to take them to the hospital where Qi Zheng was working, knowing that this place was their area.


    Once Qi Ming Wei had finished his explanation, his subordinate walked over and reported that the other driver''s identity. Apparently, the man had a grudge against Qi Ming Wei. The man saw him at the airport and began to follow him around, determined to go for his life.


    Qi Ming Wei''s face grew darker at the information. He gave some instructions to his subordinate and paused immediately when he heard a sound.


    "Qin Yao!"


    Zhang Jing immediately went over to Li Qin Yao''s side and found that the girl had fainted.


    ¡­


    Li Qin Yao opened her eyes and stared back at the white ceiling above her. In a second, Zhang Jing had appeared by her side. The elderly man heaved a breath of relief upon realizing that his granddaughter-in-law was awake.


    "Grandfather," Li Qin Yao''s voice sounded hoarse.


    Zhang Jing waved his hand and Assistant Huo walked over with a glass of water. Zhang Jing helped her to take a few sips and stopped when the girl shook her head, signaling that she did not want to drink more.


    "Yu Han?"


    Grandfather''s expression changed slightly. "He was still in the operation. They said it will be end soon." He forced a smile and smiled. "Qin Yao, how are you feeling?"


    "How long have I been here?" Li Qin Yao asked. "No. I cannot stay here. I need to go and wait for my husband."


    Zhang Jing felt a tug in his heart as he watched the way his granddaughter-in-law was trying to get off the bed. He grabbed at her hand to stop her and spoke, "No. Qin Yao. You have to stay here and rest." He then signaled Assistant Huo to call the doctor in.


    "No. I want to wait for Yu Han. I need to see him."


    "Qin Yao, you have to calm down," Zhang Jing spoke again. "The doctor said you''re pregnant. Earlier, there were signs of miscarriage. The doctor worried that if you''re too agitated, you might¡­"


    He was unable to finish his words.


    Li Qin Yao put a palm on her stomach as she was suddenly reminded of a life growing in her stomach. Suddenly, tears streamed down on her face and she was crying silently as various thought came to her mind all at once.


    However, no matter how much she told herself to calm down, Li Qin Yao found that she was unable to do so.


    It was supposed to be a happy reunion between them and she was going to tell him that she was pregnant again. But, how did her husband suddenly was involved in an accident? How did he end up in the hospital?


    "Yu Han will be alright," Zhang Jing tried to comfort her. "Qi Zheng and a bunch of professionals are in the operating theater. They will do their best to help Yu Han. For now, you have to look after your body well, alright? Later, we will go and see him together. Don''t cry alright? Yu Han will blame me if he wakes up and sees you like this."

 Chapter 411 - His Life was not in Danger

    As soon as she heard the news, Xu Yilan immediately went to Y City to look at her daughter. Assistant Huo waited for her outside and was briefed of the situation as she arrived.


    Looking at her daughter dressed in the hospital outfit, and her lifeless expression, Xu Yilan felt a tug at her heart.


    "Yao Yao." She pressed back her sob and went to her daughter''s side.


    Li Qin Yao lifted her head and stared at her mother in a daze. It took her five seconds to snapped out of her trance and she soon noticed that her mother was in front of her. "Ma."


    Xu Yilan breathed in relief once her daughter responded. She pulled the girl into her embrace and kissed the top of her head. "What happened? I received a call. They said you were in the hospital."


    "I''m fine," Li Qin Yao shook her head. "It''s Yu Han. He was in an accident and was in the operating room." A light came to her eyes. "That''s right. Grandfather said that he was out of surgery. Ma, I want to go and see him."


    "Yao Yao, you can''t get down," Xu Yilan stopped her from going off the bed. "The doctor told you to rest, remember?" She hugged her daughter tightly and patted at her head. "Yao Yao, be strong. Don''t forget that you are still carrying a child."


    Li Qin Yao clenched her hands tightly at her mother''s blouse and squeezed her eyes shut. A whimper escaped her as she tried her best to suppress her tears.


    "I will talk to the doctor and find out what happened to Yu Han, alright?" Xu Yilan coaxed.


    Slowly, she nodded.


    After ensuring that her daughter would be alright, Xu Yilan walked outside and talked to Assistant Huo. Hearing that Li Qin Yao wanted to go and see her husband, Assistant Huo immediately consulted the doctor.


    Doctor Qiao gave her permission and let Li Qin Yao visit her husband as long as she stayed in her wheelchair and did not move around too much.


    When Li Qin Yao arrived outside the ward, Zhang Jing, Qi Zheng, and Qi Ming Wei were still around. They stood up when they saw her and Zhang Jing led her to the glass.


    The sight of various tubes and wires connecting to his body made her heart ached. Li Qin Yao placed a hand at the glass window and bit back her sob. She wanted to go inside and accompany him, but the doctor said that he was under observation and she can only visit him once his condition was stabilized.


    The doctors were still worried that there will be some effect on his brain due to the collision and hard impact, but they can only wait to check on him again when he wakes up.


    Now that the operation was successful, they only need to observe his condition and he will be taken to the normal ward after a few danger periods have passed. Then, they will only need to wait for him to wake up.


    Hearing that his life was not in danger, Li Qin Yao let out a sigh of relief and the tears won''t stop streaming down her face.


    "You hear that?" Xu Yilan patted at her daughter''s back. "Yu Han is alright. He will wake up soon. Therefore, Yao Yao, you have to look after your body as well. He won''t be able to relax if he found out that you almost have a miscarriage."


    "I''ll rest well." Li Qin Yao nodded and took a deep breath slowly. Once she was able to calm down, she tilted her head up to look at her mother with her swollen eyes. She wiped the corner of her eyes with her sleeve and spoke again, "Ma, can you help me to look after Li Xue."


    ¡­


    According to Qi Zheng, Zhang Yu Han had already passed his critical period and therefore he was allowed to move into a normal ward. Qi Zheng had also said that Zhang Yu Han should be waking up after a few hours.


    However, a day has passed and Zhang Yu Han did not look as if he was going to wake up anytime soon.


    "Sister-in-law," Zhang Yu Ying called her name softly as she placed both hands on Li Qin Yao''s shoulder.


    "You have to eat something," Zhang Yu Ying said as her sister-in-law turned to look at her with an empty gaze.


    Li Qin Yao shifted her gaze again towards her husband who was lying on the hospital bed. It seemed as if he was sleeping peacefully. "Yu Ying, why isn''t your brother waking up?"


    The doctor had already said that his body was recovering and all his vital signs were normal. But still¡­ Zhang Yu Han had not wakened up from his sleep yet.


    Zhang Yu Ying pressed her lips into a thin line. "My brother is just sleeping a while longer so that he will be able to recover faster. Sister-in-law, you don''t have to worry. Qi Zheng had said that my brother will be alright. I trust that he won''t lie to us."


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and nodded. Her hand held her husband''s tightly as she continued to pray for him to wake up.


    "Your mother made some shredded chicken porridge. Sister-in-law, you have to eat," Zhang Yu Ying said as she put the bowl in front of her and sighed when she did not move to take the bowl. "I''ll feed you alright?"


    Li Qin Yao shifted her gaze to Zhang Yu Ying and nodded.


    Seeing her response, Zhang Yu Ying quickly moved to feed her with porridge until it was half empty. Suddenly, Li Qin Yao put a hand on her ?h?st and stood up slowly.


    Zhang Yu Ying placed the bowl aside to help her. "What''s wrong?"


    "I need to go to the restroom. Yu Ying, help me please?"


    Once she entered the restroom, Li Qin Yao vomited everything that she had eaten. It seemed that her morning sickness was terrible with this pregnancy this time.


    Previously, it was Zhang Yu Han who had gone through this morning sickness for her. Li Qin Yao did not know that the feeling would be this bad.


    As she took a deep breath and washed her face, Li Qin Yao found that she was missing her husband even more.

 Chapter 412 - Daddy is Unwell

    Another day has passed but the person lying on the bed continued to sleep. No matter how much Li Qin Yao had talked to him and asked him to wake up soon, Zhang Yu Han remained unresponsive.


    Li Qin Yao had asked Qi Zheng why did Zhang Yu Han remained sleeping, but he could only tell her that every patient would regain their consciousness at a different speed. Sometimes, it may take hours. In other cases, it would take a few days or weeks before the patient would wake up.


    Of course, she was aware that there were certain cases where it would take months or years. There were also cases where the patient turned into a vegetative state for a long time, and there were also cases where the patient would die.


    But Qi Zheng did not mention to her about any of these. Previously, Doctor Qiao had mentioned that she cannot be too sad or anxious. He did not want her to stress as she was now in her first trimester. If something happened to her or her baby, wouldn''t Zhang Yu Han kill him when he woke up?


    Everyone was positive that Zhang Yu Han would wake up soon. Li Qin Yao had refused to believe that her husband would continue to sleep for a long time and will never wake up. The thought was just too absurd. It was something that she could not imagine would happen.


    As Zhang Yu Han was now moved into a ward, Li Qin Yao would often accompany her husband in his room.


    Doctor Qiao only reminded her that she had to rest and Li Qin Yao decided to take a rest in Zhang Yu Han''s room. As long as she did not move around too much, it would be the same even if she stayed with her husband, right? Anyway, his room was big enough for them to stay together. At least, she would be able to see him all the time


    In the morning, Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao had come over to the hospital with a flask of hot soup.


    Li Qin Yao was pregnant and she will have to eat something for her and the baby in her stomach. Even if she had no appetite and would vomit after a few bites, Li Qin Yao had forced herself to eat. Now that her husband was still in bed, she had to eat and get her energy. Or else, she would not be able to look after her husband.


    Zhang Yu Ying shifted her gaze from her sister-in-law to her brother. As she continued to watch the couple, Zhang Yu Ying found that she was unable to suppress her heartache.


    In the end, she retreated silently from the room and sat at the corner of the hospital to cry.


    "Yu Ying," Wei Jun Hao frowned as he watched his wife crouching down on the floor. She was hugging her knees to her ?h?st as she continued to cry silently. He crouched beside her and pulled her into his embrace.


    The girl then buried her face on his shoulder and continued to cry silently.


    "Your brother¡­ he will wake up soon." Wei Jun Hao said. "You know how he is. He''s a fighter. He is someone who won''t give up easily. He won''t leave his wife and kids. We have to have faith that he will wake up soon."


    "I know. But they are the most loving couple I know and I cannot continue to watch them like this. Wei Jun Hao, I''m very sad." Zhang Yu Ying continued to vent on Wei Jun Hao''s shoulder for a while longer before she headed over to the restroom to freshen up.


    Zhang Li Xue buried her face in her mother''s ?h?st and her arms linked to her mother''s neck tightly as if refusing to let go. Liu Hui Lan had to remind the little girl to be gentler to her mother as Li Qin Yao was currently unwell.


    "Mommy," Zhang Li Xue sobbed. "I missed you so much. I want to stay here with you, alright?"


    From the day her parents were hospitalized, Zhang Li Xue has been under her grandmother, Xu Yilan''s care. It has been days since she last saw her mother and it was too unbearable to be apart from her mother this long.


    "I''ll be very obedient and listen to you," Zhang Li Xue continued when her mother did not say a word. "Don''t leave me alright?"


    Li Qin Yao held her daughter tightly. She patted at her daughter''s back and rained her kisses on the little girl''s face. She sniffed at her daughter''s familiar scent and felt more at ease as she was able to hold her tight. "Alright. Li Xue can stay here and accompany mommy and daddy."


    "Qin Yao," Liu Hui Lan hesitated. "I don''t think¡ª"


    "It''s fine," Zhang Xi spoke before his wife could finish. He looked at the little girl and spoke to her, "Li Xue, you can only stay for a few hours. But you have to go back with grandma and grandpa when the sky turned dark, alright?"


    "I cannot stay with mommy and daddy?" Zhang Li Xue pouted.


    "Mommy and daddy will need to rest and sleep when the sky turned dark," Zhang Xi explained. "When they have enough rest, they will recover faster and the doctor will allow them to leave the hospital and they can return home with you."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her grandfather for a few seconds before she nodded to agree. "I want mommy and daddy to get well soon and leave the hospital." She turned to her mother and spoke, "I will go back with grandma and grandpa later. Mommy, you have to get well soon and accompany me to play later, alright?"


    A small smile curled on her lips upon hearing her words. "Alright."


    Zhang Li Xue turned to hug her mother again. After a few seconds, she pulled away and looked at her father who was lying on the hospital bed. "Mommy, why is daddy still asleep?" She whispered.


    "Daddy is unwell," Li Qin Yao said. "He''s sleeping so that he will recover faster."


    "Oh," Zhang Li Xue nodded. She continued to look at her father and her gaze stopped at the machine next to him. The little girl did not know what was going on with her father, but she knew that she did not like watching her father lying on the bed. "Mommy, when will he wake up?"


    Li Qin Yao swallowed as she was unable to answer her daughter''s question. She too would like to know when will he wake up.


    "Let''s continue to talk to your daddy and ask him to wake up soon, alright?" Li Qin Yao said. "Maybe if he heard us, he will recover faster and open his eyes."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at her father for a while. He held the hem of his blanket and spoke, "Daddy, you have to wake up soon and accompany me. You said you were going to teach me to play basketball."


    The ?du?ts in the room soon looked away as they were unable to watch this scene. The little girl''s soft voice was piercing at their hearts.


    The little girl turned to her mother again. "Mommy, can I give a kiss to daddy?"


    He immediately understood Li Qin Yao''s gaze and walked over. "Li Xue. Come. Let me hold you up."


    Zhang Li Xue extended her arms and shifted from her mother''s embrace into her uncle''s. Soon, Wei Jun Hao held her and brought her over to her father. The little girl stared at her father''s sleeping face and frowned as she noticed her father''s bandaged hand.


    Wei Jun Hao lowered the little girl and let her plant a kiss on her father''s cheek.


    "Daddy," Zhang Li Xue whispered, but her voice could be heard by everyone in the room. "You have to wake up soon. I won''t fight you over mommy, alright?" She kissed him again and spoke, "Daddy, I love you."

 Chapter 413 - Her World

    Li Qin Yao turned around when she heard a knocking sound from the door. Seconds later, the door was pushed open and Qi Zheng walked into the ward with a smile.


    "Everyone has left?" Qi Zheng said as he looked around the room.


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao nodded at him.


    Everyone has left the hospital once the sky turned dark and the visiting hours ended.


    Though Zhang Li Xue had wanted to stay with her mother, she can only listen to the ?du?ts and leave. Zhang Yu Ying only managed to coax the little girl to go back with her after she had promised the little girl that she can come again the next day.


    Qi Zheng walked over to the bed and looked at the monitor for a few seconds.


    A sigh escaped him upon seeing that there was no change in his friend''s condition. The data showed that everything was alright. Zhang Yu Han was supposed to wake up a few days ago. However, the person was still lying on the bed, unresponsive.


    These days, even his grandfather, Qi Xi Feng had threatened to beat him if Zhang Yu Han did not wake up. Although he had told the old man that these were not something that he can control, the old man had refused to listen to him.


    It was not a secret that his grandfather loved Zhang Yu Han. After all, Zhang Yu Han would remind his grandfather to his deceased sister.


    Qi Zheng turned around and paused when he saw that Li Qin Yao was staring at her husband with worry.


    The woman too was a patient and she was supposed to be in her bed and rest. However, she was persistent to look after her husband. She had told everyone that she would continue to worry if she was unable to see her husband. In the end, the hospital had set up another bed for her so that she did not have to go back and forth to her room.


    After watching how she had looked after Zhang Yu Han these past few days, Qi Zheng was suddenly envious of his friend. He was lucky to have such a good wife beside him. Why won''t he wake up and stop making his wife worry too much?


    Qi Zheng let out a heavy sigh as these thought went to his mind. He turned to Li Qin Yao and coughed dryly. "How are you?"


    Li Qin Yao snapped out of her thought and forced a smile. "Doctor Qiao said that I should be able to be discharged in a few days."


    "That''s good." Qi Zheng nodded.


    If Doctor Qiao had thought that she should be able to leave the hospital, then her body''s condition should be good enough. At least their family had fewer people to worry about.


    "Don''t worry," Qi Zheng said after a while. "Zhang Yu Han will wake up."


    Li Qin Yao only replied to him with a smile. Everyone had said the same thing to her. However, until her husband opened his eyes, Li Qin Yao did not think that she can be at ease.


    "Sorry." Qi Zheng lowered his gaze as he put his hands in his lab coat pocket. "I was the one who was supposed to accompany Qi Ming Wei on that trip."


    "It was not your fault. No one knew that they would happen to meet that person at the airport. No one could tell that the accident was going to happen."


    Hearing her words, Qi Zheng suddenly found that he was unable to say anything else.


    After a few seconds of awkward silence, Qi Zheng finally walked over to the door. He stopped as he reached the door and turned around. "If there is anything you need, just call me anytime. I will be around the hospital."


    "Thank you." She watched Qi Zheng left the room and the smile on her face immediately disappeared.


    Li Qin Yao took a deep breath and walked over to the bed. Her gaze softened as she stared at her husband. She stretched her hand and touched at his cheek. Her brow furrowed as she looked at his thin face. Slowly, she lowered her head and carefully laid her head on his ?h?st.


    Once she heard the sound of his heart, Li Qin Yao shut her eyes and sighed.


    This has always been her favorite spot to lay her head.


    These days, listening to this sound would give her comfort. She had always loved listening to his voice while leaning on his ?h?st. She loved the vibration of his voice as he talked and at this time, she wished that she can hear his deep voice that she had fallen in love with the first time she heard it.


    It has been five days since the accident and he still did not show any sign that he was going to wake up anytime soon. For both her daughter and the baby in her stomach, she had to be strong. If she continued to cry, the little princess would notice and she would be sad and worry. She needed to stabilize her emotion or else lest something would happen to her baby.


    However, no matter how much she had reminded herself to be strong, sometimes, when she was alone with just her husband in the room, Li Qin Yao was unable to stop herself from shedding her tears.


    She did not realize that she had become so reliant on Zhang Yu Han. It seemed that her husband had loved and pampered her too much that she could not imagine living her life without him.


    "Zhang Yu Han." Li Qin Yao took a deep breath. "Please wake up. You have been sleeping for five days. Don''t you¡­ miss me? I miss you so much."


    The silence continued in the room. The only thing that can be heard was the beeping sound from the machine.


    "Didn''t you said you were looking forward to the surprise that I have prepared for you? Don''t you wish to know what it is? Hurry and wake up, alright?" She continued to coax him. "I promise you that you will love this surprise."


    She squeezed her eyes shut to prevent her tears from flowing. She was suddenly reminded of the first time she had met him at the sushi restaurant.


    Zhang Yu Han had entered her life slowly and had occupied a large part of her heart and took a root there.


    Their love life had gone smoothly from the very beginning. She had always thought of him as her guardian angel. He would always be there whenever she needed someone. Though she would sometimes act unreasonably, he was very patient towards her.


    He had become her world.


    Li Qin Yao did not think that she will be able to meet someone as good as him again.


    "Zhang Yu Han, I really cannot do without you."


    She was really not strong enough to face the world without him at the moment. If he continued to be in this condition for a long time, she would lose it.


    A sob escaped her when he did not respond. Li Qin Yao sniffled as she continued to lay on his ?h?st and cried silently. At this moment her mind filled with all sorts of crazy thoughts and these thoughts were making her ?h?st hurt.


    As seconds passed by, she was no longer able to stop her tears. Once a drop had fallen, it was like a broken dam.


    "Qin Yao."


    A hoarse voice suddenly appeared.


    "Please¡­ don''t cry."

 Chapter 414 - Fortunately, He Woke Up

    Li Qin Yao froze as soon as she heard the voice. She stayed in silence, wondering if her mind was playing tricks on her. Could it be that she was missing her husband so much that she had started to hear things?


    However, the sound and the vibration that came from his ?h?st were not something that she could ignore. At this time, she was still pressing her ears against his ?h?st and could hear his voice clearly. She was very familiar with his voice and how it would sound like when she pressed her ear close to his body.


    A light flashed in her eyes and Li Qin Yao looked up with her wide eyes.


    Her heart was stabbed with something painful when she saw that Zhang Yu Han had his eyes close. Just as she was about to feel disappointed that her mind was indeed playing tricks on her, his eyes fluttered open before it closed again.


    "Zhang¡­ Yu Han?"


    "Sorry," His voice was hoarse and weak. He blinked at her and tried to smile. "I''m a bit tired."


    Li Qin Yao raised her head and looked at him for a long time. She reached to touch his cheek and met his gaze. Her vision started to get blurry again as she watched how he tried his best to stay awake.


    "Please don''t cry," Zhang Yu Han repeated. He tried to lift his arms to wipe the tears on her face but found that it was too painful for him to move. His face contorted as he bore with the pain. Then he spoke again, "Qin Yao, I would feel sad seeing you like this."


    Of course, his words only made her tears fall faster and the sob grew louder.


    Li Qin Yao wiped her tears and continued to stare at him, but seconds later, her eyes would get blurry with tears again. The couple spent their time just looking at each other like this and not saying a word for a while.


    For Zhang Yu Han, he was simply too tired to speak. As for Li Qin Yao, she was unable to find her voice now that her husband had woke up. She was still in disbelief that her husband had woken up.


    It seemed that every word she had wanted to convey to him had disappeared as the tears fell on her cheek.


    Looking at the way he was staring back at her, Li Qin Yao felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her ?h?st.


    Fortunately, he had woke up. Fortunately, he had opened his eyes and looked at her again. Fortunately...


    At this time, her mind was filled with various thoughts, but as she was about to say a few words to him, Li Qin Yao found that she was unable to speak. The words were stuck in her throat. She did not know how or where to begin.


    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes as a thought crossed her mind. She hurriedly wiped her tears with the hem of her shirt and leaned forward to press at the bu??on just beside the bed.


    ¡­


    Qi Zheng hung out at the nurse''s station to study a few reports after he had left the ward. He clicked on Zhang Yu Han''s file and frowned as he continued to study it.


    The data showed that there should not be any problem with Zhang Yu Han''s body. The surgery was successful and the patient was recovering well. There was no sign that his head or brain received any impact or was hurt after the accident. Therefore, why won''t he wake up?


    Qi Zheng rubbed at his chin as he continued to read the report over and over again. Zhang Yu Han was the friend and family that he had grown up with. Of course, he wanted him to wake up soon.


    Even though he was a doctor, there are still things that he had to leave to fate.


    At this time, a beeping signal could be heard and one of the nurses in duty quickly stood up to check. Her eyes widened upon seeing that the signal came from the VIP ward. She quickly turned to the doctor who was still engrossed in reading the report and said urgently, "Doctor Qi, it was from the VIP ward."


    It took Qi Zheng a few seconds to react. It was not until he recalled that there was only one patient in the VIP ward that he finally stood up and dashed toward the room.


    Qi Zheng arrived with the nurse trailing closely behind him. He pushed the door open and froze upon looking at the couple in front of him. Because he had stopped abruptly, the nurse behind him had run into his back and her nose stung with pain.


    He finally snapped out of his trance after the collision.


    "Doctor," Li Qin Yao spoke without looking up from her husband. "My husband¡­ he''s awake."


    Qi Zheng went over to the bed to check on Zhang Yu Han''s body. He let out a sigh in relief upon finding that the person had reacted to him. It was just that, his movement was a bit slow because he had just woken up.


    "Fortunately, you still know to wake up," Qi Zheng spoke. "Or else, my grandfather and everyone else would really torture me to death. Even Qi Ming Wei was blaming me for my incompetence."


    "Sorry," Zhang Yu Han mouthed slowly.


    "Don''t talk," Qi Zheng threw him a fierce look. He had noticed that his body was too weak and was worried. "You are still a little too weak. Just save your energy."


    Zhang Yu Han lips tilted up slightly into a helpless smile. He shifted his gaze to his wife and held her hand. His thumb on the back of her hand moved in a circular motion as if to console her.


    "You have been sleeping for five days," Qi Zheng muttered.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at his friend for a long time as the man continued to explain his situation and injuries after the accident.


    He remember the accident, but could not remember what happened after that. He did not think that he would be in a coma for too long. He had thought that he had woke up from a very deep sleep.


    So that was why his wife could not stop crying.


    It seemed that he had made her worry...


    Zhang Yu Han''s gaze softened as he looked at his wife again.


    It was as if she was afraid that once she looked away, he would disappear or went back to sleep.


    As the thought came to his mind, Zhang Yu Han felt a bit distressed that he had made his wife suffer. His hand was holding on hers tightly and did not let go.

 Chapter 415 - Pain, Pain, Go Away

    When Zhang Yu Han woke up from his sleep again, he found his wife sleeping just beside him with her body was just at the edge of the bed. Fortunately, there was the safety railing at the side, or else, his wife would definitely fell down the bed.


    After Qi Zheng had given him a checkup and left, Zhang Yu Han found that he was still too weak. Trying to stay awake was very hard for him.


    But seeing the haggard look on his wife''s face, Zhang Yu Han was distress.


    He had wanted to coax her but finding that he did not have the energy to do so. In the end, he can only ask her to climb on the bed and stay beside him.


    Anyway, the bed was large enough for both of them.


    Once she laid done beside him, Zhang Yu Han heaved a sigh in relief. Then, he held her hand tightly and refused to let go.


    However, Li Qin Yao was still afraid that she would accidentally hurt him in her sleep and therefore, she had chosen to create a distance that was wide enough to put their daughter between them.


    Zhang Yu Han bore with the pain on her body and pulled his wife closer to him. He kissed her on the forehead and hugged her.


    He shifted his gaze and stared at her face. It seemed that even her face had lost some meat. Her eye rims reddened from crying too much and he could still see the tears stain on her face.


    Zhang Yu Han could imagine how she might have felt after she learned of his accident and had not woken up for days. Just the thought alone made his heartache. It felt as if he had wronged her.


    He leaned to kiss her face again and continued to watch her as she slept.


    Perhaps Li Qin Yao was able to sense that someone was staring at her.


    A minute later, her eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened. She blinked a few times before she raised her gaze to meet his. Just like that, the couple spent their time looking at each other with longing.


    "It have been away for a few days, but why are you so thin?" Zhang Yu Han spoke after a long silence between them. "Why¡­ why are you in a patient''s outfit?" He had noticed that his wife was in the white and blue stripes hospital outfit and found that it was strange.


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze to look at the outfit she was wearing. Suddenly, she did not know how to explain it to him. If she told him that she was hospitalized because she almost has a miscarriage, wouldn''t Zhang Yu Han feel upset?


    Her mind whirled to think of a way to tell him and she sat up to explain. Suddenly she felt something rise in her throat. Now that she was familiar with this feeling, Li Qin Yao hurriedly stepped towards the bathroom, leaving her husband in surprise.


    It was seconds ago that he had asked her why she was in her patient outfit and now she had dashed to the bathroom.


    Could it be that his wife was unwell? Just what in the world happened during the time he was in a coma?


    He wanted to go after his wife but his condition prevented him from leaving the bed. After a few seconds, Zhang Yu Han scooted over and reach for the bu??on beside his bed.


    A few seconds later, a nurse walked into the room looking very anxious. The nurse knew that the patient in this room was a very important person. Therefore, once she saw the signal, she dashed to the room. Just as she was observing the situation, Doctor Qi Zheng appeared behind her.


    "What happened? Where are you feeling uncomfortable?" Qi Zheng asked as soon as he walked into the room.


    "It''s not me." Zhang Yu Han shifted his gaze towards the bathroom. "It''s my wife."


    Qi Zheng followed his gaze and paused. Then he instructed the nurse to go in and check on Li Qin Yao. He was a man and it would be inappropriate to suddenly barge in.


    The nurse knocked on the bathroom and pushed the door open to enter. Once she found out that the patient was reacting to her morning sickness, the nurse then helped her to clean up and the two of them walked out together.


    Li Qin Yao raised her head and saw the worried look on her husband''s face. She turned to Qi Zheng and told him that she was fine. The man left in puzzled but found the answer through the nurse.


    "Qin Yao, what''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han asked. "Why didn''t you let Qi Zheng examine you?"


    "It''s fine. It''s not something serious," Li Qin Yao walked over to his bed and stood beside him. Her lips curled into a smile, and Zhang Yu Han stared back at her in puzzled.


    Before Zhang Yu Han could repeat his question, Li Qin Yao had lifted his hand and held it tightly.


    "Zhang Yu Han, I told you that I have a surprise waiting for you when you return. Do you remember that?"


    His frowned deepened as he could not see the connection between the surprise and her condition. "I remember. But¡ª"


    He stopped himself when Li Qin Yao suddenly raised his hand and placed his palm on her stomach. Zhang Yu Han shifted his gaze to her stomach and then back at her face. His eyes widened as he saw her smile shyly at him.


    "I''m pregnant."


    For a few seconds, Zhang Yu Han did not know how he should react. He had just woken up and suddenly heard the news of his wife''s pregnancy. Of course he was surprised.


    Fortunately, he was able to recover quickly. Once his brain was able to process the thought, Zhang Yu Han''s lips curled into a smile. He scot to a side and led his wife to lay down beside him. He rested one hand on her stomach and hugged her tightly.


    ...


    Their family members came to visit them in the morning.


    Last night, Qi Zheng had informed everyone of Zhang Yu Han''s condition and everyone was too excited upon hearing the news that they wanted to head over to the hospital. Fortunately, Qi Zheng managed to convince them to come over during visiting hour as Zhang Yu Han was still weak and would need more rest.


    Zhang Li Xue''s eyes brightened once she saw her father sitting on the bed. She tried to wriggled off from Wei Jun Hao''s embrace, but her uncle held her tightly and brought her over to her parents. Wei Jun Hao placed the little princess on the bed and took a step back.


    "Daddy! You''re awake!" She jumped to hug her father, and Zhang Yu Han winced at the sudden pain."


    "Li Xue, be careful." Li Qin Yao reminded her.


    "It''s fine." Zhang Yu Han held the little princess in his arms and rained his kisses on her face. This time, his daughter did not evade or make any fuss. "Li Xue, did you miss me?"


    The little girl nodded and tightened her grip on her father''s body. "Daddy I miss you so much!"


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle. "Did you listen to everyone obediently?"


    "I''m a good girl," Zhang Li Xue said. She looked at her father''s bandaged arms and pulled away from his embrace. Then she stared at his injury for a few seconds and asked, "Daddy, is it still painful?"


    Previously, her mother had said that her father was lying on the bed because he was in pain and Zhang Li Xue could still remember it.


    "En," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "It''s still a bit painful."


    "Then, I will help you to blow on it, alright?" Zhang Li Xue puffed her cheek and blew on her father''s bandaged arm. Then she whispered, "Pain, pain, go away."

 Chapter 416 - Pregnancy Reaction

    After staying for half a month in the hospital, Zhang Yu Han was finally allowed to leave and continue to recover at home. On the day that he left, his mother and his mother-in-law visited a temple to pray for their family safety. The accident and Zhang Yu Han''s coma for five days scared everyone and they did not want something inauspicious to come across to their family again.


    During the period where Zhang Yu Han had to stay in the hospital, it was said that his grandfather had not taken one bite at his favorite meat dishes. To pray for his grandson''s safety, Zhang Jing diligently ate his vegetables.


    Zhang Li Xue was the happiest to see that her parents had left the hospital. She was getting stickier to her parents and had refused to leave their sight for more than a minute. For a week, the little girl had slept between her parents at night.


    It seemed that after being separated from her parents for a long time, Zhang Li Xue was afraid that her parents would leave her side again.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han had started to notice the change in his daughter. For example, the little girl was not as come closer to them whenever the couple was in a conversation.


    Previously, her daughter was someone who would come over and stuck to her mother whenever she saw them alone. Then, while hugging her mother, she would give her father a look as if telling him that her mother was hers.


    When he told his wife his thought, Li Qin Yao had laughed and told him what her daughter had said when her husband was still in a coma.


    Zhang Yu Han was stunned after his wife had repeated what their daughter had said.


    Then, at night, he accompanied his daughter in her playroom to draw and the little girl did not make any sound to complain when he rained his kisses on her cheek.


    Zhang Li Xue laughed happily as she showed her father her drawing. She looked at the cast on her father''s legs and frowned.


    The injury on Zhang Yu Han''s body had mostly healed but his legs would take longer to heal. Because his right leg was fractured, he was unable to walk and had to rely on crutches.


    "Daddy, you cannot do slam dunk?" Images of how her father would jump and slam dunk appeared on the little girl''s mind and she wondered when will her father be able to jump up high again.


    "Wait until my legs are better. Then, I will do it again."


    The little girl''s eyes brightened up. "Then you have to teach me."


    Zhang Yu Han agreed readily. At this time, Li Qin Yao''s voice was heard, calling them to have dinner together. Zhang Li Xue stood up and dashed out of the playroom to find her mother.


    When Zhang Yu Han came out, all sorts of dishes were served on the table. He sat down with his wife''s help and the family of three began to eat.


    Li Qin Yao managed to eat a quarter of her rice before she ran over to the bathroom.


    Zhang Yu Han followed his wife with his eyes and tensed. This scene was very familiar to him ever since he left the hospital. Zhang Yu Han had wanted to follow after his wife and helped her, but his injury was preventing him to move around.


    Once Li Qin Yao returned to the dining table, she immediately saw the worried look on her husband''s face. "I''m alright." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I''ll just try to eat slower."


    Fortunately, she did not leave the dining table and had finished her meal.


    Zhang Yu Han browsed through some work documents on his ??ptop as his wife coaxed the little princess to sleep in her room. He looked up when Li Qin Yao returned to the bedroom and frowned as he watched her went straight to the bathroom.


    He could hear the sound of her retching from the outside and knew that she was vomiting what she ate for dinner. Zhang Yu Han stood up silently and walked over to the bathroom and waited for her.


    Li Qin Yao was surprised when she suddenly felt her husband''s strong arms around her body just as she stepped out of the bathroom. She looked up and saw the distressed look on her face.


    "You''re growing thinner," Zhang Yu Han spoke.


    He was suddenly reminded of her pregnancy with Zhang Li Xue. Back then, she did not have to go through her pregnancy reaction as he had gone through the frequent visit to the bathroom and weight gain on her first trimester.


    But as he continued to watch his wife the past few days, Zhang Yu Han realized that her reaction was much stronger than his. The last time, he can still eat a lot after vomiting. But this time, his wife would vomit almost everything that she had eaten.


    Instead of gaining weight like other pregnant woman, his wife was losing weight instead.


    "I wish I can go through this morning sickness for you again," Zhang Yu Han muttered. Seeing how his wife continuously lost her weight instead of gaining them, Zhang Yu Han was upset.


    Li Qin Yao smiled as she heard his words. She cupped her hands on his face and kissed the corner of his jaw. "It''s fine."


    "How can it be fine?"


    She watched as his brow furrowed deeper and reached her hand to smooth the crease with her finger. "I didn''t know that morning sickness would be this bad. Zhang Yu Han, you have it hard for you the last time I was pregnant with Li Xue. But still, you have to coax me with my childish behavior."


    How can she forget that she had gone back to her mother''s place just because her husband would not let her eat too many sweets? Now that she recalled the time, Li Qin Yao thought that she was too laughable, acting like a child. Fortunately, her husband was willing to spoil her and did not mind her attitude.


    "Should I ask Xiao Ye to make a trip to Capital City and find Chef Qin?" Zhang Yu Han suggested.


    At this time, he just wanted to see his wife eat a little bit more without throwing out everything she had eaten. Even if she wanted to eat Qin Zhan''s pastries every day, he would not prevent her.


    "No. I don''t have an appetite to eat sweets. Just thinking about sweets makes me want to throw up again." Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze. Her recent pregnancy made her dislike everything that she loved to eat in the past. Her pregnancy reaction this time was very different.


    "Then, what do you want to eat? I''ll ask someone to go and buy it for you."


    A thought crossed her mind, but when she saw his cast on his leg, Li Qin Yao swallowed and did not dare to speak.


    "Tell me." He tried to coax. "Hmm?"


    Looking at his worried face, Li Qin Yao''s heart started to waver. The craving suddenly grew stronger to the point that she did not know what to do about it. "I want to eat the porridge that you cook for me."


    Zhang Yu Han tilted his head. "Just that?"


    "Un. Just that. But," her words were left unfinished as Li Qin Yao looked at his leg.


    "It''s fine. I''ll go and cook." He smiled. "I might not able to move so much, so you have to help me."


    A while later, the husband and wife went back to the kitchen and Li Qin Yao watched as her husband stood in front of the stove as he supported his weight on the crutches.


    "Zhang Yu Han."


    "Hmm?" He looked up from the stove.


    "My pregnancy this time is very different than the last time I was pregnant with Li Xue. Do you think that perhaps this time, we''ll have a boy?"

 Chapter 417 - How did the Baby Get into Your Stomach?

    Li Qin Yao had thought that her morning sickness would stop once she entered the second trimester. However, even after she had entered the second trimester, her nausea did not stop and had gotten worst instead.


    Because she almost could not eat anything, Li Qin Yao had to go back and forth to the hospital for a frequent check-up.


    However, her mother''s frequent visit to the hospital was making the little princess unhappy. Zhang Li Xue could still remember how her father was lying on the bed, looking lifeless and her mother''s somber look and had a bad impression of a hospital ever since.


    Once Zhang Li Xue knew that her parents were going to the hospital, she would cling to her mother and had refused to let go.


    It seemed that she was worried that once her mother visited the hospital, she was going to stay there for a long time and leave her.


    The couple did not have the heart to leave their daughter alone. In the end, the couple had made another arrangement. In some days, Zhang Yu Han called Qi Zheng over to their house to let him give his wife a drip so that both mother and child would get the nutrient they need.


    Looking at his wife who was lying on the bed, Zhang Yu Han was upset. Li Qin Yao''s body was thinner than before she was pregnant. Though he wanted to do something to help her ease her pain, there was nothing that he can do about it.


    "Stop scowling," Li Qin Yao spoke as she looked at the two people beside the bed.


    Zhang Yu Han heaved a long sigh and quickly readjusted his mood. He was worried that if he continued to show the unpleasant expression, his wife will be unhappy and that will affect her.


    "Mommy, does it hurt?" Zhang Li Xue stared at the needle, but the frown on her face does not disappear.


    She had sat on her father''s ??p when her uncle Qi Zheng put the needle in her mother''s arms. Though she can see that her mother did not make any expression to show that she was in pain, Zhang Li Xue was still worried. The last time her mother had brought her over to the hospital to get an injection, Zhang Li Xue had cried because it was too painful.


    Of course, once she saw that her mother did not cry like she did the last time, Zhang Li Xue was amazed. Her mother was definitely a superwoman!


    "It doesn''t hurt," Li Qin Yao shook her head and laughed softly. It was always amusing to see the father and daughter''s frowning at the same time.


    Zhang Li Xue shifted her gaze and looked at her mother. Once she was sure that her mother was not lying to her, the frown on her face gradually disappeared. She looked away and her gaze stopped at her mother''s belly.


    "Mommy, you don''t eat too much, but your stomach is as big as mine," Zhang Li Xue commented as her attention turned at her mother''s slightly bulging stomach. Then, as if to prove her point, the little girl lifted her shirt to show off her stomach. "You look." She patted at her stomach and smiled.


    Li Qin Yao smiled. "Well, my stomach is this big because a baby is growing in my belly. Later, the baby will grow up and when the time comes, the baby will come out," Li Qin Yao said. "Didn''t you say that you wanted a sibling to play with you?"


    The little girl still remembered her conversation with her mother some times ago. When she recalled the baby she had saw the last time at her auntie''s wedding, her lips curled into a smile.


    A thought crossed her mind and the smile on her face quickly disappeared and was replaced with a curious look. "Hmm," Zhang Li Xue continued to stare at her mother''s stomach. "But, how did the baby get into your stomach?"


    Li Qin Yao froze.


    She was not prepared to hear this question and did not know how to answer it. Of course, when she could not answer it, Li Qin Yao immediately turned to her husband and hoped that he will help her.


    Zhang Li Xue saw that her mother did not answer her question right away like she used to do and thought that her mother did not know the answer. Then, she followed her mother''s gaze and the two girls stared at the father.


    "Well." Zhang Yu Han let out a dry cough as he tried to think of the best explanation. He then looked at his daughter with a serious expression and spoke, "Of course, an angel put the baby in your mother''s belly. Isn''t it the same as you? Back then, Li Xue, you also came out from your mother''s stomach."


    The little girl pondered over her father''s words seriously. She turned to her mother and saw that she was staring at her father with a dazed expression. Then, Zhang Li Xue peeked at her father''s expression and saw that his face was as serious as usual. Then, he shouldn''t be lying to her, right?


    Anyway, she had watched a few shows on the television and knew that an angel can do some magical things. At the thought that the baby was something from an angel, Zhang Li Xue did not think that her father''s explanation was strange.


    "Then, daddy, why don''t the angel put the baby in your belly?"


    Zhang Yu Han felt the corner of his lips twitched. His daughter was at the phase where she was curious over a lot of things and would sometimes ask strange questions like this.


    However, at this time, he too could not answer the little princess''s question. It feels that he had to make some research on how to explain to her daughter about these things.


    He lifted her gaze to the bottle of drip and lifted her daughter. "Well, your mother is almost done with her medication. Help me ad call your uncle Qi Zheng so that he can remove the needle."


    Well if you cannot answer, it was probably best if he avoided this topic for a while.


    The little girl''s eyes widened. She slid off her father''s arms and ran out of the room with her short legs. "Uncle Qi Zheng!"


    "How can you tell your daughter some nonsense about an angel putting a baby in my stomach?" Li Qin Yao whispered as her daughter had run off.


    "Then, do you think it''s appropriate to tell her the truth?" Zhang Yu Han raised a brow.


    "Uh¡­" Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze.


    At this time, Qi Zheng came and knocked on the door. He helped to get the needle off and gave Li Qin Yao a quick check-up. After reminding the couple that they have to go to an appointment with Doctor Qiao next week, Qi Zheng then left the room.


    Li Qin Yao get off the bed and walked over to the bathroom. When she came out again, her husband was looking at his phone with a grin on his face. "What are you looking at?" Li Qin Yao peeked at his phone and saw that he was looking at a forum.


    "It''s nothing," Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "I thought about Li Xue''s question and wonder how the other parents explained how babies are made to their child."


    "How did they answer?" She stared at him and suddenly had a bad feeling.


    "Well, most of them gave almost the same nonsense answer to their kids," Zhang Yu Han said. "But this one is my favorite. A father gave his child this answer," He scrolled his phone and cleared his throat before he read aloud, "I just told my kid that I waved a magic wand to your mother''s stomach and then the baby magically appeared." Zhang Yu Han paused and looked at his wife. "If I explained to Li Xue like this, do you think she will believe me?"


    Li Qin Yao thought about this magic wand and her face gradually turned a shade darker. She slapped him on his arms and hissed, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

 Chapter 418 - What Basketball Team?

    Zhang Yu Ying could not help but thought that the way her niece was staring at her was a little weird. Ever since she stepped into the room, Zhang Li Xue had stood right in front of her without saying a word.


    Though Zhang Yu Ying was curious to know the reason why her niece has been staring at her, just as she was about to open her mouth, Zhang Yu Ying had a premonition that whatever was going to come out of her niece''s mouth was not something that she can deal with.


    However, just because Zhang Yu Ying had this thought, it does not mean that her husband shared the same feeling.


    After watching the little princess staring at his wife for more than a minute, Wei Jun Hao was unable to suppress his curiosity and therefore, he went over to the little girl.


    "Li Xue, why are you staring at your auntie?" Wei Jun Hao asked. "Is there¡­ something wrong?"


    Zhang Li Xue went over to her auntie and stared at her stomach for a while. Then, she retracted her gaze and looked at her auntie''s face. "Auntie, do you have a baby growing in your stomach too?"


    Hearing the little girl''s question, Zhang Yu Ying was suddenly scared. Though she had been married to Wei Jun Hao for six months, she still had no plan to become a mother that quickly!


    Although she has been babysitting Zhang Li Xue a few times and enjoyed playing with her, having a child on her own was a different thing!


    "Why are you asking me this?" Zhang Yu Ying asked.


    "Grandma said that when a mother and father love each other too much, they can make a baby," Zhang Li Xue said.


    It has been a few months since she last asked her parents how did a baby appear in her mommy''s stomach. A week ago, the little princess was suddenly reminded that her father had not finished answering her question on why the angel did not put the baby into her father''s belly. Thinking that her father had not given her the answer because he did not have the answer, Zhang Li Xue had asked this question to her maternal grandmother, Xu Yilan.


    Of course, her maternal grandmother quickly gave her a different explanation than her father''s. Her grandmother did not mention any angels and told her that a baby can only appear between two ?du?ts who loved each other.


    Zhang Li Xue has been watching how her great-grandfather planted his vegetables from seed and her maternal grandmother had explained to her that the baby appeared almost in the same way. There were a seed and egg.


    Of course, Xu Yilan did not mention about the process and diverted the girl''s attention to how the baby will grow up in her mother''s tummy.


    Once she listened to her grandmother''s words, Zhang Li Xue had not brought up any following questions, and instead, she would spend a lot of time staring at her mother''s tummy as if waiting for the baby to come out.


    A few months ago, her auntie and uncle got married. Her mommy had told her marriage was done when two ?du?ts loved each other.


    With her mother and grandmother''s previous explanation, Zhang Li Xue quickly concluded that a baby will appear soon. Her mommy''s stomach was already big as a ball, but her auntie''s tummy was still flat. Seeing this situation, the little girl was curious and could not help but ask.


    Although Zhang Yu Ying was scared by her niece''s question, Wei Jun Hao gave off a different mood. Since he was now married, of course, he was looking forward to having a child with the woman he loved. If he can, he too wanted to have a daughter as adorable as Zhang Li Xue.


    "Li Xue, if your auntie has a baby, will you help to look after your little sister?" Wei Jun Hao asked.


    Zhang Yu Ying pinched at her husband''s waist and whispered angrily. "What little sister?"


    "Of course, I want to have a daughter like Li Xue." Wei Jun Hao''s good mood accelerated as he started to think of a daughter that would look like his wife and would have a bubbly personality like Li Xue.


    "No. I want a son."


    Wei Jun Hao''s eyes brightened at her words. "Does that mean you agree to have a child?"


    Zhang Yu Ying stared at her husband with her eyes wide. "I don''t want to talk to you."


    While the two ?du?ts were discussing their future child, Zhang Li Xue was pondering over her uncle''s question with a serious look on her face. After a while, she looked at the two ?du?ts again.


    "Alright," Zhang Li Xue spoke, stopping the two''s banter for a while. "I will look after my little sister."


    Wei Jun Hao''s expression grew brighter now that the little princess had referred to their child as ''little sister''.


    "Now there''s me. My little brother and a little sister," Zhang Li Xue started to count on her fingers. Then she lifted her head to look at her auntie again and spoke, "There are still two people missing to form a basketball team."


    The two ?du?ts paused and looked at each other in aghast.


    What basketball team?


    "Daddy said I should have a team of five to make a basketball team. When my brothers and sisters grow up, of course, they have to team up with me." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. "Later, I want to have a basketball team like my daddy."


    Zhang Li Xue was very similar to her father. Why does this father and daughter love basketball so much?


    What if this little girl would bully their daughter just like her father had bullied him on the basketball court?


    At the thought of how he and the rest of the boys were bullied from the moment they agreed to join the basketball in school, Wei Jun Hao could not stop shuddering. Zhang Yu Han''s training method was too extreme!


    Before Wei Jun Hao could pull his unborn daughter off this basketball team, the little girl had already run off to the side when she saw her daddy approaching.


    The father and daughter had a brief chat before Zhang Li Xue ran off to find her mother. Once the little girl disappeared from the room, Zhang Yu Han walked over to the couple.


    After a few months of recuperating, Zhang Yu Han''s injury has now healed and he no longer needed to walk with the help of crutches.


    As he reached the couple''s side, Zhang Yu Han pulled out an envelope and hand it over to his sister. "For you."


    "What is it?" Zhang Yu Ying eyed the envelope cautiously. She peeked into the envelope and gasped upon finding two flight tickets and some vouchers inside.


    "Previously, you have to end your honeymoon sooner and return to the office to look over the company''s matter," Zhang Yu Han spoke. "Just take this as compensation. When you''re free, you should go for a trip."

 Chapter 419 - Protective Father Mode

    With only two weeks left until the baby came out, Zhang''s family members had all gathered in Y City. Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao who was given a paid trip for their honeymoon had decided to postpone everything until the baby came out.


    Because of Li Qin Yao''s pregnancy, the elders were especially worried about her condition. As compared to the last time she was pregnant with Zhang Li Xue, Li Qin Yao was too thin. If it was not for her bulging stomach, no one would guess that she was pregnant.


    Fortunately, during her last check-up, Doctor Qiao had confirmed that everything with her pregnancy was alright. The baby was healthy and had turned head-down, ready to come out when the time comes.


    Compared to her last pregnancy, this baby was quite behaved and did not kick around as much as the little princess.


    Li Qin Yao joked that perhaps, the baby knew that he was making things difficult for his mother with her reaction and therefore, he did not move as much.


    As she had entered the third trimester, Li Qin Yao nausea stopped and she was able to eat more. During this pregnancy, the food she was able to stomach was the meal cooked by her husband.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the bowl of porridge that Zhang Yu Han had prepared for her and smiled. Although it does not look so good, they are what she ate almost every day during this pregnancy.


    It seemed that the baby loved what Zhang Yu Han cooked the most.


    Zhang Yu Han was still cooking in the kitchen when Li Qin Yao came out of the room. He watched her sat down at the dining area with difficulties and brought a bowl of porridge for her. "Come on," He spoke as he handed the utensils to his wife. "Eat something. Then we''ll head over to the hotel, alright?"


    "Hmm," Li Qin Yao scooped at the porridge and took a mouthful. Then she looked at her husband and said, "It seemed that your cooking skills have improved so much."


    Zhang Yu Han laughed. "Is it good?"


    "Un." Li Qin Yao nodded. She ate a little bit more and suddenly noticed that the house was quiet. Usually, at this time, Zhang Li Xue would come over and sat beside her to accompany her on her meal. Now that she did not hear her daughter''s chatter, Li Qin Yao thought that it was too strange. "Where''s Li Xue?"


    Zhang Yu Han pulled a chair and sat down. "My mom come over and picked her up this morning. They are planning to head over to the hotel earlier to check on the preparation. She heard that today is her great-grandfather''s birthday and was excited to help her grandmother to look at the preparation."


    It was Zhang Jing''s birthday. As everyone was in Y City at this time, they decided to have a meal together with just their family and a few of their closest friends at the hotel.


    A thought crossed over her mind and Li Qin Yao stared at her husband with a wide smile on her face. "I heard that Mom and Dad had invited the Mu''s family to Grandfather''s birthday banquet as well. Aren''t you afraid that Li Xue was going to meet that little boy from the Mu''s family again?"


    Zhang Yu Han''s expression turned dark as he was reminded of that stinky boy.


    During Zhang Yu Ying''s wedding banquet, his daughter had made a new friend from Mu''s family. It was their first meeting, and that boy had caused his precious daughter to be bullied. Of course, Zhang Yu Han was not happy with it.


    Later, he found out that the little boy had held his daughter''s hand and led her everywhere at the wedding banquet to play around. Zhang Li Xue was very happy that she had later forgotten that she was bullied not long ago.


    When he had an accident and had to stay home to recuperate, his mother had come home and would babysit the little princess. Liu Hui Lan had brought out Zhang Li Xue to meet a few of her friends and later, the little princess had met the boy again.


    According to his mother, the relationship between his little princess and the boy was pretty good.


    What relationship?


    His little princess was too young to be in any relationship, alright!


    "Qin Yao, you should eat quickly. We''ll head to the hotel once you''re done, alright?" Zhang Yu Han said anxiously.


    Li Qin Yao laughed upon knowing that her husband had turned into his protective father mode again.


    It wasn''t hard to see what he was going to do. Zhang Yu Han would always have that frown on his face whenever a boy approached his daughter. He would stay close to his daughter and with one look on his face, any boy who had tried to approach his daughter would run away.


    However, the young boy from Mu''s family was different. Even though Zhang Yu Han had given him that stern look in the past, the boy would continue to stay by Zhang Li Xue''s side to play.


    Zhang Yu Han was helpless in this situation. He could not possibly scold the young boy for trying to be Zhang Li Xue''s friend, right? But he still did not like the boy to get close to his daughter!


    Li Qin Yao finished her porridge and went into the room to get ready. Because she was pregnant, she did not put on too much makeup on her face. Everything was just enough to make her look presentable.


    When she came out of the room, her husband was already waiting for her in his suit. She stood straight and stared at the handsome man in a daze.


    Zhang Yu Han saw the look on his wife''s face and walked over towards her with a wide smile on his face. "What do you think? Am I good looking?"


    A chuckle escaped her. Li Qin Yao stepped closer to adjust his necktie and took a step back. "En. Good looking."


    "Come on," Zhang Yu Han stretched his hand towards her. "We should go now."


    "Qin Yao!" Zhang Yu Han noticed the sudden action and dashed to his wife. "What is it? Contraction?"


    "En," Li Qin Yao nodded.


    When she had entered the third trimester, Li Qin Yao has been experiencing this contraction and Doctor Qiao had mentioned that she was experiencing Braxton-Hicks contraction.


    After she had changed her posture, this contraction would stop.


    "Let''s sit down for a while," Zhang Yu Han suggested as he helped his wife to sit properly.


    Just as he was adjusting the pillow on her back, Li Qin Yao grabbed at his arm and tightened her grip. "Zhang Yu Han, I think this time it''s a real thing."

 Chapter 420 - I am Calm!

    Once Zhang Yu Han heard that his wife was about to give birth, he started to panic. He helped his wife to sit in a comfortable position, turned around. and shouted, "Auntie Su! Help me and grabbed¡ª"


    His words were left unfinished as Li Qin Yao had tightened her grip on his arms again.


    "No one is at home. Everyone had gone to the hotel, remember?" Li Qin Yao pointed out.


    It was then that Zhang Yu Han recalled that Auntie Su had gone with Zhang Li Xue to the hotel to celebrate his grandfather''s birthday. He cursed inwardly and took a deep breath to calm down.


    This was not the first time his wife was about to give birth. He should know what he should do, right?


    With that thought, Zhang Yu Han got up and get the bag that they had packed earlier. Once he returned to his wife''s side with the luggage, another surprising scene greeted him. His wife''s face contorted in pain and beads of perspiration appeared on her forehead. Then, the floor was wet.


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao whimpered and bit at her lips tightly. "My water just broke."


    Zhang Yu Han let out another curse. "I''ll take you to the hospital, alright?"


    Li Qin Yao nodded. She tried to stand up with her husband''s help but found that her legs were too weak and she was in a lot of pain as the contraction came again.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhang Yu Han asked when he noticed that his wife sat back on the sofa. "Can''t walk? I''ll carry you, alright?"


    "No," Li Qin Yao shook her head. A sob escaped her and she started to cry from pain. "I¡ªI think it''s too late for that. Zhang Yu Han, I think the baby is going to come out anytime soon."


    "What?" His face matched his wife''s pale face.


    Anyway, she had experienced after giving birth to her daughter and knew from the sign that it would not be long until the baby came out. Li Qin Yao glanced at the clock on the wall and a groan escaped her.


    "Call the ambulance," Li Qin Yao instructed.


    She did not want to give birth in the middle of the road. At least, she would be more at ease if the ambulance came and it was still not the time for the baby to come out. She would be more at ease if she gave birth in an ambulance than in her husband''s cayenne with just Zhang Yu Han to ?ssist her.


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. He took out his phone and dialed the ambulance. Once he had given his report, Zhang Yu Han went to unlock the door before he goes back to his wife''s side and held her hand.


    The last time when she gave birth to their daughter, Zhang Yu Han was not allowed to enter the labor room and accompany his wife. Therefore, he was lost and did not know what to do other than to give her his support.


    Seeing that his wife was experiencing another long contraction, Zhang Yu Han began to panic. It seemed that the contraction was more frequent, and yet, the ambulance had not arrived.


    Just as his wife''s grip on his hand started to loosen as she caught up with her breath, Zhang Yu Han took off his coat and dialed Qi Zheng''s number.


    Fortunately, the call did not take too long to connect.


    "Hey, I was about to head out to the hotel now," Qi Zheng spoke as the line was connected.


    "My wife is in labor!" Zhang Yu Han said anxiously.


    "What?" Qi Zheng paused. "Where are you?"


    "At home," Zhang Yu Han said. "Qi Zheng, her contraction is frequent and her water has broken. I called the ambulance and they are not here yet. What should I do."


    "Okay, first of all, you have to stay calm."


    "I am calm!" Zhang Yu Han hissed. "Qin Yao said that the baby is going to come out soon."


    Qi Zheng froze for five seconds before he spoke again. He dismissed his friend''s irritated voice and spoke in a calm tone. "Then you should be prepare. Help your wife to get in a comfortable position. Then, grab a bucket of warm water and a lot of clean towels."


    Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Right."


    "Passed your phone to your wife. Let me talk to her," Qi Zheng instructed.


    He turned to his wife and explained that he was going to prepare everything that Qi Zheng had told him to do.


    "Okay. Go. I''ll be fine," Li Qin Yao spoke with a weak voice. "If there''s anything, I''ll just shout your name, alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han handed his phone to his wife and stood up. Although he was reluctant to leave her side, Zhang Yu Han knew that he has to go and prepare himself to help his wife deliver their baby at home.


    Once he had grabbed everything he needed, Zhang Yu Han returned to his wife''s side. He saw that his wife was talking to someone and knew that Qi Zheng had reached Doctor Qiao''s side.


    Zhang Yu Han then took his phone and listened to the doctor''s instructions. His face paled upon hearing Doctor Qiao''s warning that he might have to help his wife in delivery.


    He pulled himself together and took a few deep breaths to calm down. Then, he went back to get a few more supplies to help his wife to a safe birth.


    At this time, the dress that she was wearing was pulled up to her waist. Her legs were wide apart as she propped herself against the sofa and a lot of pillows surrounding her.


    Suddenly, Li Qin Yao let out a painful scream. The scream stopped after a while and she panted to catch up her breath.


    Zhang Yu Han pressed his phone to his ear and spoke, "Doctor Qiao, what should I do?"


    "Calm down," Doctor Qiao said. "Mister Zhang, you have already called the ambulance and they will be there soon to help you. For now, put on the phone on the loudspeaker. Mister Zhang, don''t worry. I will be here and ?ssist you and your wife to deliver the baby."


    Zhang Yu Han put on the phone on loudspeaker and listened to the doctor''s instruction. He went around to his wife''s legs and checked at her opening. Beads of perspiration appeared on his face upon seeing that it was the opening was now at four centimeters wide.

 Chapter 421 - Your Wife and Baby is Counting on You

    Looking at the wide opening, Zhang Yu Han felt his blood drain off his head and he staggered backward. However, Li Qin Yao''s scream quickly snapped him back to reality.


    Zhang Yu Han patted at his face a few times and warned himself that this was not the time for him to faint. His wife was in labor and she needed him right now. If he fainted, then, his wife and child would be in great danger.


    "Doctor Qiao, I don''t think I can hold on until the paramedics arrive," Li Qin Yao spoke. "I want to start pushing."


    "Mister Zhang," Doctor Qiao''s calm voice was heard from the loudspeaker. "How many centimeters?"


    Zhang Yu Han turned to look at the opening again. "Five." He shouted.


    Or was that four and a half? Should he give a proper measurement? What should he do? He did not know how to measure properly!


    "Mrs. Zhang, hold on. It''s still too early for you to start pushing," Doctor Qiao spoke.


    Too early? The opening was already this wide, and Doctor Qiao think it was still too early? Then when should his wife start pushing out the baby?


    Watching his wife in pain, Zhang Yu Han did not know whether he wanted the baby to come out quick or to wait until helps arrived. Anyway, he did not like to see his wife in pain.


    "Mrs. Zhang, you need to save your energy. You''re going to need them when the time comes. " Doctor Qiao spoke again. "Just breathe like how you were taught to do and don''t panic. Your husband is with you. Mister Zhang, you need to continue and look at the opening. Wait until it was dilated to ten centimeters."


    "Ten centimeters," Zhang Yu Han repeated slowly. Suddenly, his brain was unable to compute and he did not know how wide was ten centimeters.


    "I''ve talked to the paramedics," Qi Zheng''s voice was heard. "It seemed that there was a massive accident on the bridge and most of the paramedics were dispatched to help with the situation. I don''t think that¡ª"


    Qi Zheng''s words were left unfinished. His gaze met Doctor Qiao''s warning gaze and he suddenly realized that the doctor was on the line. Zhang Yu Han had put his phone on loudspeaker and the couple should have heard his voice.


    At this sudden realization, Qi Zheng began to panic. "Uh¡­ maybe I should head over there and ?ssist."


    "Wait. Qi Zheng, I''m coming with you." Doctor Qiao took off her lab coat, grabbed a few necessary items, and head out to follow the young man. The phone continued to connect and Doctor Qiao continued to ?ssist the couple while giving a few motivational words.


    "Argh!" Li Qin Yao shouted again as she gripped at the sofa with great strength. Her face was red and her nicely hair was now messy. Once the pain past, Li Qin Yao looked at her husband and sobbed.


    "It''s okay. It''s going to be alright," Zhang Yu Han coaxed. He grabbed a clean towel and wiped at his wife''s face. "Qi Zheng and Doctor Qiao are on their way. They will help us."


    "Zhang Yu Han," Li Qin Yao sobbed. "It hurts!"


    The last time she gave birth to her daughter, Doctor Qiao had given her epidural to help with the pain. Right now, without the anesthetic, everything was too painful that she thought she was going to die.


    "It''s my fault," Zhang Yu Han whispered a few times. He ??r?ssed her face and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Don''t worry. I''m here with you."


    Other than giving her a few encouraging words, he did not know what else he can do.


    "Just hit me, bite me, or whatever you want to do if it helps you with the pain."


    Li Qin Yao wanted to laugh, but she did not have the energy to do so. The wave of pain came again, and Doctor Qiao''s comforting voice was heard over the phone.


    From Qi Zheng''s voice on the background, they found out that the accident on the bridge affected the traffic and it will take half an hour for them to reach his house.


    Zhang Yu Han went over to look at the dilation and paused at the sight before him. "Doctor Qiao, I think I saw the baby''s head." There was a brief silence before he spoke again. "Why is it so fast?"


    He can still remember that Li Qin Yao spent a few hours in the labor room before their daughter came out. Was there any problem?


    "Mister Zhang, you need to relax," Doctor Qiao spoke. "This is your wife''s second time giving birth and, normally, the process is faster than the first time. You said that you can see the baby''s head?"


    Zhang Yu Han swallowed. "I think so."


    There was a brief silence before the doctor spoke again, "You have washed your hand?"


    "I have," Zhang Yu Han responded. Earlier, Qi Zheng had reminded him to wash his hand and make sure that everything around them was clean and sanitized.


    "Good," Doctor Qiao spoke. "Mister Zhang, the traffic here is bad. I don''t know whether we can arrive on time to ?ssist your wife. At this time, there was nothing else we can do but to rely on you. Mister Zhang, can you be calm and ?ssist your wife?"


    Zhang Yu Han shifted his gaze to his wife and swallowed.


    "Don''t worry, although I cannot be there, I will continue to ?ssist you," Doctor Qiao spoke again. "Mister Zhang, your wife, and baby is counting on you. There was no one else around. You have to be the one who catches the baby."


    Hearing the doctor''s words, his heart started to pound loudly. Zhang Yu Han swallowed and nodded anxiously. "Alright. I understand. Doctor Qiao, just tell me what I need to do."


    Doctor Qiao heaved a sigh in relief. "Mister Zhang put your hand on the baby''s head and support him from popping out. Mrs. Zhang, you can start pushing. Remember the breathing method I taught you and don''t panic. You are not alone."


    Li Qin Yao clenched her hand tightly and looked at her husband''s serious face. "Alright. I''ll do my best."


    From the other line, Doctor Qiao continued to give her instruction to help the two give birth to their child safely while Qi Zheng was behind the wheel as they head to the house together.


    Doctor Qiao continued to speak to the couple with a calm voice.


    Even though the phone was not on the loudspeaker, Qi Zheng was able to hear Li Qin Yao''s scream in pain clearly. Subconsciously, he gripped at the steering wheel tightly. He was not there in person, but Qi Zheng was able to feel the thrill.


    After a few minutes have passed, Qi Zheng''s grip on the steering wheel began to loose when he was able to hear the baby''s cry.

 Chapter 422 - The Baby Came Out!

    Zhang Yu Han was at a loss when Doctor Qiao told him that he has to be the one who caught the baby as he came out. He was not allowed to enter the delivery room when his wife gave birth to Zhang Li Xue and therefore, he did not have any experience or know what to expect.


    However, Doctor Qiao had reminded him that at this time, his wife has no one but him. The mother and child were depending on him.


    Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath and pull himself together. His wife was in pain to deliver their second child and he could not afford to be faint heart at this moment.


    He went over to his wife''s legs and looked at the baby''s head. At this moment, he was able to see more of it. Doctor Qiao mentioned that the baby was in a good position, therefore, he shouldn''t be having too many difficulties.


    He did not now whether Doctor Qiao was merely saying those just to ease his anxiety, but her comforting words had successfully helped him to relax. Now, he only needed to be careful as he caught the baby and see if the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby''s neck.


    "Qin Yao, breathe," Zhang Yu Han coaxed. "You can do this. I can see the baby''s head. He''s going to come out soon."


    Li Qin Yao pushed the baby out and cried at the pain. Hearing that the baby was going to come out soon, she gritted her teeth, forced herself to bear with the pain, and breathe again. Then, she tightened her grip on the sofa and pushed again.


    From the loudspeaker, Doctor Qiao''s voice could be heard, giving Zhang Yu Han instruction as well as to give the couple more ?ssuring words.


    Zhang Yu Han gasped when he saw the scene in front of him. He took a deep breath and announced. "The baby''s head is out!"


    Li Qin Yao heaved with relief. She knew from experience that the shoulder will come out next. Then, the delivery process should come easily after that.


    "Mrs. Zhang, Mister Zhang, you have done a very good job so far," Doctor Qiao spoke. "Mister Zhang, now that the baby''s head is out, you need to be ready to catch the baby. Don''t pull. Just guide the baby out carefully."


    Zhang Yu Han wiped the sweat on his face with his sleeve and get into the position. He listened carefully to the doctor''s instructions and watched the baby''s head.


    After a few more pushes, the shoulder was finally out, and soon with a final push, the baby finally came out.


    "The baby came out!" Zhang Yu Han announced and heaved in relief. He looked down and continued, "It''s a boy."


    Doctor Qiao tightened her grip on the phone and heaved a sigh with relief.


    Doctor Qiao gave him a few more instructions and a few seconds later, the baby''s cry was heard. She took another deep breath and continued to instruct the father on what to do next.


    Zhang Yu Han wrapped the baby in a clean towel and took him to his wife. He looked at his tired wife and kissed her forehead. "Qin Yao, thank you. You''ve done a great job." His voice was a little hoarse.


    Li Qin Yao let out a sob as she looked at the baby. She took the baby to her ?h?st and tried to keep him warm.


    "Congratulation, Mister Zhang, Mrs. Zhang. Both of you have done a great job delivering the child. Doctor Qi and I are on our way to your place. We are expected to arrive in another five minutes," Doctor Qiao announced. "Mister Zhang, how is your wife''s condition at the moment?"


    "Doctor Qiao, I''m fine." Li Qin Yao answered.


    Doctor Qiao let out another deep breath. Then she recommended the mother to initiate br??stfeeding and waited until the placenta to come out.


    "Sorry. You have to go through this with me," Li Qin Yao spoke as the baby started to drink her milk.


    Zhang Yu Han frowned. "Don''t say things like that. I love you. I will go through it all again if I have to. Let''s not talk about that. How are you feeling? Painful?"


    Li Qin Yao shook her head. She was still in pain, however, as she looked at the baby in her arms, the pain suddenly subsided.


    Looking at the look on his wife''s face, Zhang Yu Han was distressed. He looked at the baby in his wife''s arms and narrowed his eyes. It seemed that his son had been making things difficult for his wife from the very beginning.


    However, there was nothing he can do about it. In the end, Zhang Yu Han could only vow silently to punish him if he continued to make things hard for his mother when he grew up.


    "Don''t look at him that way," Li Qin Yao was quick to notice the strange look on his husband''s face. "He''s your son."


    Zhang Yu Han let out a sigh. He wrapped his arms around her body and kissed her again. "Qin Yao, let''s not have another child alright?"


    ¡­


    When both Qi Zheng and Doctor Qiao arrived at their home, they were not surprised by the messy scene in the living room.


    Doctor Qiao quickly went forward to check on both mother and child. With Qi Zheng''s help, then helped both the mother and child with the proper procedure. Then, she accompanied them until the paramedics arrived. Although the baby is safely born, there are still procedures and check-up that they need to do in the hospital.


    Qi Zheng walked over to his friend and patted at his shoulder. He looked at his friend''s unkempt appearance and smiled. "Are you alright?"


    Zhang Yu Han glanced at his wife who was with Doctor Qiao and nodded.


    "How does it feel?" Qi Zheng continued to ask. "You wouldn''t get traumatic after this, right? I heard that some fathers were traumatized after they accompanied their wives in the labor room. And you¡­ You were a part of that process."


    "I''m fine. Just that, I did not think that giving birth would be so difficult and painful." Zhang Yu Han shuddered as he recalled his experience just now. "I am never going to have another child."


    "That''s fine. You already have a pair of daughter and son." He gave another pat on his friend''s shoulder and said, "Hey, you did a great job not panicking and ?ssisting your wife until the child was born."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. At this time, his phone on the table started to ring. Zhang Yu Han slid his finger on the screen without looking at the caller ID and pressed it to his ear.


    "Brother. Where are you?" Zhang Yu Ying''s voice came from the other line. "Grandfather''s birthday banquet is going to start soon."

 Chapter 423 - The Best Birthday Present

    The atmosphere in the banquet hall was lively. The guests were wearing clothes in bright, cheer color as they entered the hall.


    At a corner of the hall, Zhang Li Xue was staring at the baby in Mother Mu''s arms. At her side, Mu Zhen Yu stood at the little girl''s side as he accompanied her to play with his baby brother.


    Because they were celebrating Zhang Jing''s birthday, the little princess was dressed prettily in a baby pink gown with a large flower at her waist. Her hair was tied up in a neat ponytail and there was a pink headband with a golden rose.


    Looking at the little princess look, Mu Zhen Yu was unable to take his eyes of that girl. It seemed that Zhang Li XUe had grew prettier than the last time he saw her.


    Of course, after playing around with Mu Zhen Yu and his baby brother, the little princess seemed to forget that her parents were absent.


    At this time, her grandmother, Liu Hui Lan was looking after her as she continued to chat with her friends.


    "Mom, have you seen big brother?"


    Liu Hui Lan paused when she heard her daughter whispered to her. "No. Your brother and Qin Yao have not arrived yet?" She glanced at her wristwatch and frowned.


    The birthday banquet was going to start soon, but both of them were not around.


    "Give them a call," Liu Hui Lan said. "They are probably on their way."


    Zhang Yu Ying tightened her grip on her phone. "I tried. But, big brother''s phone was engaged and sister-in-law did not pick up her phone. Mom, I''ve been trying to call them for the last twenty minutes."


    Liu Hui Lan''s expression changed as a thought crossed her mind. She excused herself from the rest of her friends and pulled her daughter to a corner. "Could it be that they are in an accident. I heard Mister Yang mentioned an accident on the bridge while he was on their way here."


    "Mom, relax. They did not pass that bridge from their home to this hotel," Zhang Yu Ying spoke as she understood her mother''s worry. "But I heard that the traffic was bad. It could be that they were affected by the traffic."


    "Could be." Liu Hui Lan nodded. A second later, another thought came to her mind, and Liu Hui Lan pulled at her daughter''s arm. "What if something happens to Qin Yao. She''s pregnant. When is her due date again?"


    "Mom, there are still two weeks before sister-in-law give birth," Zhang Yu Ying reminded. "Besides, Brother would give us a call if sister-in-law is in labor."


    "You continue and give them a call."


    Zhang Yu Ying nodded. She dialed her brother''s number again and waited. A sigh of relief escaped her upon hearing the dial tone. Zhang Yu Ying turned to her mother and smiled.


    A few seconds later, someone picked up the phone.


    "Brother. Where are you?" Zhang Yu Ying spoke as soon as the phone was connected. "Grandfather''s birthday banquet is going to start soon."


    "Sorry. I don''t think I will be able to make it to grandfather''s birthday banquet."


    Zhang Yu Ying went to a corner and whispered. "Ah? What''s wrong?"


    "Your sister-in-law gave birth to a baby boy just now."


    Zhang Yu Ying froze for a few seconds before she was able to respond. "Brother, sister-in-law gave birth and you did not tell us?"


    "It''s not that I did not want to tell you. I couldn''t." Zhang Yu Han took a deep breath and continued. "My hands were full. Everything happened too fast and Qin Yao delivered the baby at home."


    There was another long pause in Zhang Yu Ying''s part.


    "We couldn''t wait for the paramedics to come. I was on the phone for a long time with Doctor Qiao as she ?ssists me to help Qin Yao deliver the baby."


    "Hold on. Brother, you tell me what''s going on again." Zhang Yu Ying took a few deep breaths and her action caught her mother''s attention and she too started to worry.


    ¡­


    Once the call ended, Zhang Yu Ying quickly gathered her family member in another room.


    The guests looked at each other as they wondered what was going on. However, no one knew what happened for the Zhang family to leave the room so sudden. The manager walked in and ?ssured that everything was alright, but they could not stop worrying.


    Inside the smaller room, everyone was looking at Zhang Yu Ying anxiously.


    "Yu Ying, why did you suddenly gather us into this room?" Zhang Xi asked. "The guests are still waiting for us in the hall. You know that it is rude for us to suddenly leave without giving them an explanation."


    "Dad! This is an emergency!" Zhang Yu Ying spoke exasperatedly. "Don''t you notice that your son and daughter-in-law are missing?"


    Everyone inside the room started to look around and noticed that both Zhang Yu Han and Li Qin Yao was indeed not in the room.


    "What happened?" Zhang Jing asked.


    Zhang Yu Ying looked at her grandfather with a mixed expression. It looked as if she was trying to keep the serious look on her face, but her lips could not stop smiling. "I called brother just now and he told me that he could not attend your birthday banquet."


    At the side, the little princess looked at her auntie with a frown. "Mommy and daddy aren''t coming?"


    "Why not?" Zhang Xi frowned. "Zhang Yu Ying, you better explain things clearly. Stop pausing in the middle of your sentences!"


    Zhang Yu Ying sighed at her father''s impatience. "Your daughter-in-law gave birth to a baby boy just now."


    Suddenly, there was a long silence in the room.


    "Qin Yao gave birth?" Zhang Jing was the first to react. "Hey! My granddaughter-in-law gave birth to my great-grandson on my birthday! This is the best birthday present ever." His lips gradually formed into a smile as he thought of the baby boy.


    However, his face and everyone else''s started to change again once they heard that Li Qin Yao gave birth in the living room with no one but Zhang Yu Han at her side.


    "We''re going back immediately," Zhang Jing announced.


    "Grandfather, relax," Zhang Yu Ying stopped him. "Brother said that the paramedics have arrived and they are going to be transferred to the hospital for a thorough check-up. In a moment, we can all go there to visit."


    Everyone started to breathe in relief upon hearing that the mother and child are both safe.


    On the side, Zhang Jing looked at the little princess and smiled. "Li Xue, your mother had given birth to your baby brother. Are you happy?"

 Chapter 424 - Is That My Little Brother?

    When the Zhang family arrived at the hospital, Qi Zheng greeted the elders at the door and led them to the VIP wardroom.


    "How are everyone?" Zhang Jing asked as they entered the elevator.


    "According to Doctor Qiao, the mother and child are both healthy," Qi Zheng said. "Yu Han had done well in ?ssisting the birth process. I don''t know if he was traumatized after going through the process. But, he looked alright just now."


    The family members heaved a sigh. They listened to Qi Zheng''s side of the story and was suddenly amazed at what the couple had gone through. Not everyone was able to stay calm to give birth alone without a medical practitioner by their side. But Li Qin Yao had given birth to a baby boy and Zhang Yu Han did not faint throughout the process.


    When they arrived at the wardroom, Liu Hui Lan pushed at the door to enter and found that her daughter-in-law was sleeping on the bed, and his son sprawled on the wide sofa with an arm covering his eyes.


    Her movement paused as she watched the two slept soundly.


    She had heard how her daughter-in-law had given birth to the baby in their living room and her son was there to accompany his wife. Knowing that the two were too tired after going through childbirth, Liu Hui Lan turned around and signaled the others to leave the couple for now before everyone went to look at the baby.


    However, just before she closed the door, Zhang Yu Han stirred in his sleep and sat up. "Mom?" He rubbed at his eyes and looked again. "You guys are here."


    Liu Hui Lan nodded. She glanced at her daughter-in-law and placed a finger on her lips. Then, she shut the door and soon, Zhang Yu Han walked out of the room.


    "Daddy!" Zhang Li Xue, who was carried by Wei Jun Hao stretched her arms to her father when she saw him. "Carry me!"


    "Li Xue, have you been a good girl?" Zhang Yu Han took her daughter in his arms and planted a kiss to her daughter''s cheek.


    "Un," Zhang Li Xue nodded. She turned towards the closed door and asked, "Daddy, where is mommy?"


    "Your mommy is asleep now. We''ll let her rest for a while longer, alright?" Zhang Yu Han watched as her daughter nodded and smiled. "Do you want to go and see your little brother?"


    Zhang Li Xue''s eyes went wide at the moment. "I have a little brother?"


    "Hmm," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Mommy gave birth to your brother just now. Li Xue, you are now a big sister."


    "Daddy, I want to see my brother!"


    Zhang Yu Han laughed before he led everyone to the nursery.


    "We wanted to come as soon as we heard the news," Liu Hui Lan explained. "But the traffic was too bad and your father suggested for us to stay around until the banquet is overr. Fortunately, the traffic was fine by the time we head over."


    "It''s alright," Zhang Yu Han said. "We heard about the accident and knew about the traffic. That was why the paramedics were not able to reach us soon. Fortunately, Qi Zheng and Doctor Qiao were there to ?ssist us."


    "Qi Zheng was just telling us about it earlier," Liu Hui Lan said. "Son, it''s been hard on you and Qin Yao." A thought crossed her mind and she then asked, "Have you informed your mother-in-law?"


    "I sent Xiao Ye over to pick her up," Zhang Yu Han informed. "My mother-in-law said she will come over after she had is done with preparing some soup for Qin Yao."


    Liu Hui Lan nodded. At this time, Li Qin Yao was still asleep. But she will probably wake up hungry when her mother came to visit.


    Meanwhile, they were too shock once they learned that Li Qin Yao gave birth at home that they wanted to see her once they were able to leave the hotel.


    Soon they reached the nursery and Zhang Yu Han pointed towards the small boy in the baby cot. The elders watched the baby from afar until a nurse brought out the baby and to let everyone take a look.


    Zhang Jing held the baby in his arms with a wide smile on his face. Today was his birthday and his great-grandson shared the same birth date as him. Of course, he was unable to hide his joy.


    "Grandfather, happy birthday," Zhang Yu Han said. "How is it? Did you like this birthday gift?"


    Zhang Jing shot a look at his grandson, but once he saw that the baby in his arms yawned, his lips could not stop smiling. Soon, the others started to gather around to look at the small baby.


    "Daddy," Zhang Li Xue whispered. She has been staring at the baby in her great-grandfather''s arms for a while and was curious about it. "Daddy, is that my little brother?"


    "Un," Zhang Yu Han nodded. "Do you want to get a closer look?" Without waiting for his daughter''s approval, Zhang Yu Han crouched down and let his daughter watch her little brother up close.


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the baby for a long time and blinked. Then, she poked at the baby''s cheek and turned to her father again. "Daddy, why didn''t he open his eyes?"


    "He''s too small. Right now, his job is to sleep and drink milk," Zhang Yu Han said. "Later when he grows up, you can play with him, alright?"


    Zhang Li Xue nodded. "Daddy, my little brother isn''t as cute as Brother Zhen Yu''s baby brother."


    Hearing that name, Zhang Yu Han''s face turned a shade darker. Of course, his daughter did not see the change in his expression.


    "His face is a bit wrinkly," Zhang Li Xue commented.


    "The baby just came out. After a few days, your brother will grow cuter," Liu Hui Lan explained and laughed. "Li Xue is cute. Since this is your little brother, of course, he will grow up as cute as you."


    Zhang Li Xue stared at the baby again and nodded. What her grandmother said does make sense.


    "Do you want to give him a kiss?" Liu Hui Lan asked as she looked at her granddaughter. She could still remember that Zhang Li Xue seemed to like the baby''s smell.


    Zhang Li Xue turned to look at her father before she looked at the baby again. Then, she leaned forward, and instead of kissing the baby, the little princess sniffed at her brother''s head. Her eyes grew wide with surprise again. "Daddy, my little brother smell really nice."


    The ?du?ts laughed as they watched the two siblings interaction.


    "How is it?" Zhang Yu Ying spoke. "Li Xue, did you like your little brother?"


    Zhang Li Xue pondered over the question and nodded. "Un. He smell good and his skin is very soft. I like him."

 Chapter 425 - Side Story 1: Basketball Tournament

    "Yao Yao!"


    The teenage Li Qin Yao turned around when she heard someone called out her name. Before she could respond, Li Qin Yao found herself pulled into her friend''s tight hug. For a few seconds, she was unable to breathe.


    "You made it here." Han Yue Xiu let her go after ten seconds and squeezed at her arms.


    Li Qin Yao gave her friend a look over. At this time, Han Yue Xiu was in her team''s blue jersey with short pants that reach just above her knees and her long hair was tied into a ponytail.


    Standing side by side, Li Qin Yao had to lift her head to look at her friend as Han Yue Xiu was a head taller than her.


    "You threatened that you weren''t going to speak to me for a week if I did not make it," Li Qin Yao muttered.


    She had come over to B City to live with her mother for a while and did not know a lot of people here. Han Yue Xiu''s family and her mother were neighbors. Because they were closer in age, it was easy for Han Yue Xiu to be her friend in B City.


    When Han Yue Xiu heard that she was going to stay in B City for a while, she had invited Li Qin Yao to come over and watch her and her team in the basketball tournament.


    If Li Qin Yao did noot show up, she was going to be disappointed, but not to the point that she was going to ignore this friend for a week. Though the two of them had different personalities, Han Yue Xiu found that she enjoyed spending her time with Li Qin Yao.


    Han Yue Xiu had a big smile on her face, and it seemed that she was pretending that she had not heard her friend''s voice of complaint. Turning around, Han Yue Xiu waved her hand at the rest of her teammates and the others approached them with a friendly smile on their faces.


    "Let me introduce you," Han Yue Xiu spoke as she gave a slight shove at her friend. "This is my best friend, Li Qin Yao. She''s here as our supporters."


    The girls nodded and greeted Li Qin Yao amiably.


    Han Yue Xiu turned to one of her teammates. "Wan Wan, give me that extra uniform."


    The short-haired fished a folded uniform from her bag and handed it to Han Yue Xiu. After Han Yue Xiu gave her thanks, she turned to her friend and hand over the jersey.


    Li Qin Yao looked at the uniform in her hand and lifted her head to look at her friend. There was an unmistakable confusion in her face at the moment.


    "Yao Yao, go and put this on," Han Yue Xiu instructed. "Wait. I should go and lead you to the changing room."


    Li Qin Yao did not have the chance to say anything as her friend had already pulled her towards the changing room.


    Previously, Han Yue Xiu had mentioned that this was a big tournament, but Li Qin Yao did not think that it would be this massive.


    "Why do I need to put this on?" Li Qin Yao asked as they arrived at the changing room.


    "So you can stay with me all the time," Han Yue Xiu laughed. "There will be so many people coming to watch the tournament. I don''t want to lose you in the sea of people."


    Li Qin Yao saw the way her friend was looking at her and was suddenly frustrated at her height.


    She was surrounded by basketball players and noticed that they were all very tall. Just now, someone had accidentally bumped into her as she was a bit too short for them to notice.


    "It would be easier for me to find you if you were in our school''s jersey." Her lips curled into a smile. "Anyway, we can claim an extra lunch box for you."


    Li Qin Yao felt the corner of her mouth twitched.


    It turned out that Han Yue Xiu just wanted to get an extra lunch box...


    "Won''t we get into trouble for this? I don''t look like a basketball player at all. I''m way too short."


    Han Yue Xiu laughed at her worry. "There are a few short basketball players. As long as you are good with this game, your height doesn''t really matter. Look, I promise we won''t get into trouble. I already mentioned to our teacher about this. She''s a cool and laid back person. It''s fine."


    Seeing the anticipating look in Han Yue Xiu''s face, Li Qin Yao immediately put on the uniform. With the jersey on, Li Qin Yao had suddenly become a part of Han Yue Xiu''s teammates as a reserved player.


    Because she was afraid that she might get caught by the officials, Li Qin Yao had obediently stayed close to Han Yue Xiu and her teammates. Fortunately, Han Yue Xiu''s teammates were really nice and Li Qin Yao did not feel out of place being around them.


    Soon, the tournament began and Li Qin Yao spent her time watching the women match. Seeing her friend on the basketball court with the ball in her hand, Li Qin Yao suddenly thought that Han Yue Xiu was very suave. The way she played a little trick to avoid the other players and jumped to shot the ball was just too cool.


    This was the first time for her to watch a live match and Li Qin Yao found that the match was very exciting and heart-pounding. Looking around, there were a few others who came to watch Han Yue Xiu''s game.


    The match ended soon and Han Yue Xiu''s team won the match. After celebrating for a while, Han Yue Xiu and the rest of her teammates went away to grab their free lunch box from the organizers. Because she was too lazy to move around and was afraid that she might get lost, Li Qin Yao decided to stay around and wait at the place.


    As they were on a break, the spectators soon leave their place to get their lunch. There were only a few players who were hanging out in the area as they were too lazy to gather around with other teams.


    The organizers cleaned the area and left.


    After sitting around for a while, Li Qin Yao glanced at the ball at her side and hesitated.


    Seeing that there were not a lot of people around, and the others were not paying attention to her, Li Qin Yao grabbed the ball and went to a side of the court. Then, she started to dribble the ball and tried to imitate how the others had played.


    Her heart pounded as she watched the ball flew up high and slowly approaching the hoop.


    Her mouth gaped open as she watched how the ball entered the hoop. For a few seconds, Li Qin Yao was unable to react. She replayed the scene from a few seconds ago and suddenly jumped in joy.


    Her happy moment was suddenly interrupted when Li Qin Yao noticed that a boy was staring at her direction with a smile on his face. Their gaze met and Li Qin Yao stared back in aghast. Her face gradually grew hot upon realizing that this boy had watched her practicing her lousy basketball tricks on the court.


    Li Qin Yao nodded her head to him awkwardly before she picked up the ball and left the area.


    ¡­


    "Captain, where are you going?"


    The teenage Qi Zheng raised a brow when he saw that Zhang Yu Han had suddenly stood up and was about to leave the area.


    Zhang Yu Han stared at the direction where the girl in LH High School jersey had disappeared to and frowned.


    "Our next match is going to start soon," Wei Jun Hao reminded as he stared at his captain with a strange look on his face. He followed Zhang Yu Han''s gaze and saw that his friend was staring at the exit. However, he could not figure out what was his friend looking at.


    Zhang Yu Han pursed his lips and shook his head. "Nothing. I just thought that I saw someone I recognize." He came out with an excuse.


    "It''s impossible to look for that person at this time. There are too many people outside," Wei Jun Hao said. "If you still want to look for your friend, you can do that after the match."


    Zhang Yu Han thought of the uniform that the girl was wearing and suddenly, his lips turned up slightly into a smile.


    Anyway, he had already known that she was a member of LH High School''s women team. At the thought that he could try and find her again after the match was over, Zhang Yu Han decided not to go after her.

 Chapter 426 - Side Story 2: The Right Timing

    The thumping of the ball and the squeaking sound of her shoes against the floor resounded.


    In the middle of the empty court in Zhang Jing''s backyard, Li Qin Yao was seen dribbling the ball and trying a few tricks that her husband had taught her the last time.


    Because her daughter had an interest in the game, Li Qin Yao would always get pulled along to practice with her. However, once the little princess had noticed that her skill might be better than her mother''s, Zhang Li Xue no longer ask her mother to accompany her and instead, would pester her father.


    As she did not want to get left out, Li Qin Yao had asked for her husband''s help.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Han was more than happy to help. He would give his wife personal coaching whenever they were free and this training would soon turn into flirting sessions and led them into something else.


    Anyway¡­ Recently, Li Qin Yao''s skill in basketball has gotten a lot better. Although it was impossible for her to attempt a slam dunk, she can still shoot the ball into the hoop more accurately. Her dribbling skills had also improved a lot.


    Even Zhang Li Xue could not deny that her mother''s skills had gotten better.


    After practicing the dribbling skills that her husband had taught her for a while, Li Qin Yao ran with the ball towards the center of the court, jumped up slightly, and shot the ball into the hoop.


    The ball slammed against the hoop, went in, and drop on the ground with a loud thud.


    She turned around and saw her husband leaned against the wall with his arms crossing on his ?h?st. His lips curled into a slight smile. The moment their gaze met, Li Qin Yao suddenly had a sense of Deja Vu.


    Zhang Yu Han was the first to take the initiative to walk over to her. He stopped just a few inches away from her and smiled.


    Because of their height difference, Li Qin Yao had to tilt her head up to look at him. She noticed the look on Zhang Yu Han''s face and was about to open her mouth to say something but Zhang Yu Han beat her to it.


    "Hello," Zhang Yu Han spoke in his low, deep voice. He bent his head slightly to look at her until their face was only a few inches apart. The smile on his face became apparent and one glance at it, Li Qin Yao was able to tell that her husband was up to something.


    "What are you trying to do?" Li Qin Yao whispered.


    "My name is Zhang Yu Han."


    Li Qin Yao stared back at her husband in confusion.


    Why did he suddenly make an introduction?


    "I''ve been watching you practicing for a while," Zhang Yu Han ignored the look on her face and continued. "I just wanted to say that your three-pointer shot was impressive."


    Li Qin Yao tilted her head sideways and continued to stare at him. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind and a laugh escaped her. She took a deep breath and put on a serious expression on her face. "Hello. I''m Li Qin Yao. Thank you for your praise."


    "Li Qin Yao," he repeated. "That''s a nice name."


    Hearing her name in his deep vibrating voice suddenly made her heart thump wildly against her ribcage. They have been married for seven years, but there are times when Zhang Yu Han could still make her blush like a teenage girl.


    As she continued to stare back at his face, Li Qin Yao had the urge to link her arms around his neck and kiss him wildly. However, she could tell from his expression that he wanted to continue this play.


    "Miss Li, I don''t know how to say this," Zhang Yu Han made a long paused. "But I think you have caught my attention the moment the ball went into the hoop."


    Unable to resist his charm, she stood on tiptoed and kissed his lips. The ball in her hand dropped and rolled somewhere. Li Qin Yao rested her hands on his shoulders and he wrapped his arms around her waist to support her.


    The couple pulled away after a while and Li Qin Yao gave him a teasing smile.


    "I often wondered what would it be like if I were to chase you back then," Zhang Yu Han said. "If I go forward and took the initiative to talk to you instead of waiting until the end of the match, do you think we can be together with a little more earlier?"


    Li Qin Yao pondered over his question and imagined how she would react if Zhang Yu Han walked over to her after she had shot the ball years ago.


    "Maybe not."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned upon hearing her answer. "Why not?"


    "Back then, my parents had just divorced," Li Qin Yao quickly explained. "If you walked over and introduced yourself to me as you did just now, I would probably ignore you. My teenage self was very different. I don''t like to talk to people that much and preferred to be alone."


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled. "Not even my voice can work their charm?"


    Her laugh reverberated in the backyard.


    "I only knew that I like this type of deep voice after I went to university. I guess they wouldn''t work against me." Li Qin Yao saw the way he let out a disappointed sigh and laughed. She tiptoed to give him a peck on his lips as if to coax him and stared into his eyes for a long time.


    "Then I guess it was a fortunate thing that I did not go to you," Zhang Yu Han said. "I wouldn''t know what to do if you reject me right then. After all, it was my first time liking someone."


    Li Qin Yao lowered her gaze and felt her ears grew hot.


    "Meeting you at the sushi restaurant¡­ I guess you could say that it was meeting the right person at the right timing," Li Qin Yao said. "When we met again, I was ready to be in a relationship. Fortunately, you did not back down even after you found out that I was in a relationship."


    The frown appeared again. Zhang Yu Han would be unhappy whenever he recalled that his wife had almost married another guy.


    He had never loved another person like he love his wife and he did not know what will happen to him if she had married another person. After a few years, perhaps he will give in to his parents urging and married someone he did not love.


    As those hypothetical situations crossed his mind, Zhang Yu Han tightened his grip on his wife''s waist. He laid his chin on her shoulder and pulled her closer into a hug. "Let me stay like this for a while."


    At this time, a cheery laugh came from the door. The couple turned around at the simultaneously and saw their daughter running towards them.


    "Mommy, daddy!''


    Zhang Yu Han crouched down and a few seconds later, Zhang Li Xue pounced to hug him.


    "Daddy, are you going to teach me more tricks now?" Zhang Li Xue asked.


    "En. I''ll help you practice." Zhang Yu Han nodded and soon his cheek was wet with his daughter''s kisses. The little girl had turned five and would still love to smear her saliva on his face.


    Not that he would complain...


    "Where''s your brother?" Zhang Yu Han asked. Just as the question dropped, Zhang Yu Han saw the small boy walking towards them with his short legs.


    The small boy stared at him with his bright eyes and paused. He shifted his gaze and walked towards his mother.


    His wife faced a lot of difficulties while pregnant with their son. Even the delivery process was tough.


    Whenever he recalled how he was the one who caught their son as he came out, Zhang Yu Han was distressed and happy at the same time. He was distressed that his wife had to go through such pain and happy as this was not something that every father would experience.


    A few months after the child was born, Zhang Yu Han tried not to get close to him unless necessary. However, this was his son after all. Of course, he loved him all the same.


    Moreover, their son resembled his wife more, especially his eyes, and therefore his gaze would soften whenever he looked at their son.


    As their son approached them, Zhang Yu Han stretched his arms towards him and the little boy stopped to stare at him. After a while, he decided to go to his father and Zhang Yu Han lifted the two kids in each arm.


    "Come on. Let''s go and practice, alright?"


    The siblings looked at each other and nodded happily.

 Chapter 427 - Side Story 3: Quarreling Couple

    Because Zhang Yu Han and his friends loved basketball too much, his grandfather, Zhang Jing had decided to build a basketball court in his backyard. In this way, his grandson and his friends would be able to come over and practice whenever they wanted.


    Once the court construction was done, Zhang Yu Han was naturally the happiest. However, the same thing could not be said to his friends.


    With the existence of this basketball court, Zhang Yu Han would ask his friends and teammates to come over to the residence more often so that they would be able to practice more.


    In the beginning, his friends and teammates were very happy that they were able to come over to Zhang''s residence and hang around. However, no one expected that with the basketball court, their captain would suddenly turn into a maniac!


    In the beginning, everyone was pumped up to work hard in their team. They heard that girls liked boys who played basketball and of course, one of the reasons they followed Zhang Yu Han to join the basketball club was that, they wanted to find a girlfriend.


    But with the way Zhang Yu Han made them practice, where would they have time for a girlfriend?


    Anyway, whenever a girl started approaching them, this maniac captain will shoo them away and reminded everyone that their school forbade their students in a relationship.


    Afterward, it seemed that the girls had made up their mind and agreed that they can watch the boys, but no one was allowed to approach them with impure minds.


    Of course, the boys were frustrated upon hearing this news. However, it was too late for them to quit. They have been playing basketball for years together and everyone was determined to stay with the team until the end.


    Wei Jun Hao had lost his parents ever since he was a little boy. He lived with her maternal auntie, but because she was always busy, Wei Jun Hao would always hang out at the Zhang''s residence.


    Anyway, the Zhang family and his aunt, Wang Xin Lian, were neighbors and Zhang Yu Han''s mother did not mind having Wei Jun Hao around. Whenever his aunt had to work overtime, Wei Jun Hao would often come over and stayed until dinner. Eating alone was too lonely and Zhang Yu Han''s mother happened to be an excellent cook.


    Because of this, Wei Jun Hao was the one who would spend most of his time accompanying Zhang Yu Han in his basketball practice.


    Sometimes, Wei Jun Hao would be envious that Su Ming Yuan could tell Zhang Yu Han that he was not able to come out to join the additional practice because his mother did not allow him to come out.


    Even if he wanted to avoid this strenuous practice like the others, he could not come out with any excuse!


    In the evening, most of his teammates had found their excuse and leave this additional practice in the Zhang''s residence, leaving Wei Jun Hao alone to accompany his friend with his basketball practice.


    After playing one-on-one games for half an hour, Wei Jun Hao laid down on the court as he caught up his breath. It might be his imagination, but recently, Wei Jun Hao had noticed that something was wrong with his friend.


    Though he always knew that Zhang Yu Han could be a maniac in the basketball court, their training was never this intense. Recently, Wei Jun Hao thought that this maniac has turned into a basketball demon.


    Whenever he was not studying, Zhang Yu Han would always ask him to come to the residence to practice basketball.


    It all began after they have returned from the basketball tournament.


    Although their team had won the first place, it seemed that Zhang Yu Han was not very happy. Wei Jun Hao seemed to remember that his friend was looking for someone after the tournament ended. When he returned to their side, Zhang Yu Han''s expression was no longer as happy as it was before.


    He didn''t know what happened, but after that tournament, Zhang Yu Han seemed to be obsessed.


    As he was thinking about the change in his friend, Zhang Yu Han''s face suddenly appeared before him, blocking the light.


    "Wei Jun Hao, stand up. You know it''s not good to lay down after games," Zhang Yu Han reminded him.


    "Hold on," Wei Jun Hao panted. "I''m dying. I cannot stand up anymore. My legs have turned to jelly."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned upon hearing his words. "What do you mean? We still have half an hour left to practice."


    Hearing his words, Wei Jun Hao wanted to shed some tears. "No. Captain, just spare me alright. I cannot take this anymore." He waved his hand around.


    Although Wei Jun Hao was too tired to move, he still sat up and let Zhang Yu Han pulled him up.


    "Zhang Yu Han," he called breathlessly. "What''s wrong? We already won that last tournament. Aren''t we supposed to sit back and relax? Why are you so determined to practice like this?"


    Zhang Yu Han pressed his lips into a thin line.


    Of course, he couldn''t tell Wei Jun Hao that he wanted their team to be the best and win the next tournament so that he can meet that girl again. This was the first time that he had liked someone. Zhang Yu Han was too embarrassed to tell his friends about this and he did not know what to do.


    Zhang Yu Han had asked someone to secretly investigate this matter, but they were unable to find out anything.


    It felt as if this girl was nothing but his illusion.


    However, Zhang Yu Han knew that what he saw that day was not his illusion. He knew that this girl was real and he was unable to forget the moment the girl had turned around and met his gaze.


    They were far away, but Zhang Yu Han was very sure that she saw him. Or else, why would she run away?


    Because he was left with no other way to find this girl, Zhang Yu Han came out with this idea: to join the next tournament and win! Perhaps this girl will appear again at the tournament and he will have the chance to see her again.


    This time, Zhang Yu Han was determined not to miss this girl again.


    "This is the last year for us to enter the competition," Zhang Yu Han said. "Next year, we won''t be allowed to join. Of course, I wanted to do the best."


    Wei Jun Hao let out a long sigh. Next year, everyone will be busy with examinations and will have no time to join the club activities. For them, this would be the last time to play together. Of course, Wei Jun Hao understood why Zhang Yu Han was so serious. He wanted to win. Every one of them wanted to win.


    "Brother, catch!"


    Wei Jun Hao turned around in time to see that a bottle of drinking water flew towards him. He was unprepared and the bottle hit him on the shoulder before it fell on the floor and rolled. Wei Jun Hao turned around and saw Zhang Yu Ying''s laughing at him.


    "Zhang Yu Ying! Your throwing skills are still the worst. Are you sure you and your brother are related?" Wei Jun Hao said. He bent down to pick up the bottle and soon, Zhang Yu Ying''s painful punch landed on the same spot as the bottle, causing him to groan in pain.


    "My brother caught the bottle with ease. Don''t blame me if you''re the one who su?k?d at catching." Zhang Yu Ying clicked her tongue as she looked at Wei Jun Hao from head to toes as if judging her.


    She was nice enough to bring some drinking water for them, but instead of thanking her, this annoying person had the audacity to criticize her throwing skill!


    "Alright, stop bickering. You guys are giving me a headache," Zhang Yu Han said. He drank half of the bottle and looked at the two who would always quarrel whenever they met.


    His gaze finally stopped at his friend and a crease appeared at the space between his brow.


    Zhang Yu Han had watched the two''s interactions for a while and had some thoughts about them. But at this time, he did not want to say it out loud.


    Judging from the way Wei Jun Hao had acted, it doesn''t seem that he had noticed the way he would act differently whenever Zhang Yu Ying was around. Since Wei Jun Hao did not notice these things, Zhang Yu Han decided that he should not meddle in and say anything.


    "W-why are you looking at me like that?" Wei Jun Hao asked. Suddenly, he was uncomfortable with Zhang Yu Han''s gaze.


    "Nothing." Zhang Yu Han quickly retracted his gaze and glanced at his sister with a strange gaze. "Alright, let''s go in and rest. My mom should finish cooking dinner soon." After saying that, he headed back into the house.

 Chapter 428 - Side Story 3: Moving Away

    For the following few weeks, Wei Jun Hao would continue to accompany his friend in his basketball practice. He did not want to return to his aunt''s house and stay alone and thought that staying with Zhang''s family for a while was not a bad decision.


    Anyway, he would always have someone to talk to if he stayed. Plus, the food was good and the Zhang family members treated him very well.


    That evening, everyone else had come up with an excuse not to come and joined the additional practice at Zhang''s residence. Because of that, Wei Jun Hao was tortured by his friend for an on-on-one game for more than an hour.


    In the end, Wei Jun Hao was too tired that he was unable to move. He stared at the ball with an intense gaze as if he had a deep grudge with the ball.


    They were done with the basketball tournament last year and they were about to graduate from high school in a few months, but this basketball maniac would not stop asking him to play basketball.


    It was not as if Wei Jun Hao was unable to reject Zhang Yu Han. However, once he saw that his friend would practice by himself, he would often have a change of heart. He was kind enough to accompany Zhang Yu Han for a round or two, but this person would not stop bullying him.


    He had played against Zhang Yu Han for many times, but he was unable to win once! Of course, he was bitter about it!


    Wei Jun Hao had both hands on his knees as he bent his body forward to catch his breath. At this time, he wondered why on earth would he always agree to have a one-on-one match against Zhang Yu Han when he knew that he would not be able to win against this maniac.


    "Brother, stop bullying Brother Jun Hao," Zhang Yu Ying''s voice was heard.


    Wei Jun Hao raised his head and watched as the girl approached him with a bottle of drinking water. He took the bottle from her and chugged down until it was empty.


    Zhang Yu Ying gave him a look over and clicked her tongue. Of course, she was pitying Wei Jun Hao who was sweating all over after a match with her brother. She had watched the two played against each other for years and knew that Wei Jun Hao had never won against her brother.


    "Do you need another drink?" Zhang Yu Ying asked upon seeing that the bottle was now empty.


    Wei Jun Hao waved his hand. "No need. I''m fine."


    She picked the empty bottle and sighed. "You should drink slowly. What if you get sick from it? As an athlete, shouldn''t you know about these things?"


    Wei Jun Hao rolled his eyes at her. "Zhang Yu Ying, you nagged too much."


    "I nagged too much?" Zhang Yu Ying pointed a finger at her nose. "Fine. I won''t care about you anymore."


    Seeing that the girl was upset, Wei Jun Hao heaved a long sigh. "Alright. Stop getting angry at me. I''m sorry. It was my fault. I should listen to you."


    Zhang Yu Han took a sip from his bottle and continued to observe the two silently. It was not as if he did not notice the change in the two''s relationship.


    These days, his sister would often look after Wei Jun Hao. Although the two would continue to bicker as they always do, this bickering would end soon and Wei Jun Hao was always the first to give in to his sister.


    Zhang Yu Han was able to see the way the two would look at each other but it seemed that the two had not noticed the change in them.


    As Wei Jun Hao''s friend and Zhang Yu Ying''s brother, of course, Zhang Yu Han did not want to meddle in. He decided to stay at the sidelines and watch how the two''s relationship would develop later on.


    "Wei Jun Hao, I have something to tell you," Zhang Yu Han said. He crushed the empty bottle in his hand and threw it into the bin. Of course with his skill, the plastic bottle went into the bin.


    "What is it?" Wei Jun Hao stared at his friend and began to notice the abnormalities in his expression. Suddenly, he started to feel a bit uneasy.


    Zhang Yu Han pressed his lips into a thin line. He shifted his gaze to his sister and saw that Zhang Yu Ying had guessed at what he was he was about to say. The two siblings turned to look at Wei Jun Hao with mixed feelings.


    "After we graduated high school, Yu Ying and I will follow our parents and moved to C Country."


    ¡­


    Wei Jun Hao could not explain what he felt after he heard the news that his best friend was going to move to Country C and continued their study there.


    He had spent most of his time at Zhang''s residence and now that the siblings were not going to be around, Wei Jun Hao was suddenly at loss. Their move to Country C was too sudden.


    It was the weekend, but instead of going out with his friends, Wei Jun Hao had stayed at home, just lying in his bed lazily and he could not stop thinking of how he was going to miss the siblings.


    Seeing the strange ways that her nephew was behaving, Wang Xin Lian stopped by his room to check on him. When she came to Wei Jun Hao''s room, her nephew was sprawled on the bed with his eyes staring at the ceiling. "What''s wrong with you? Feeling unwell?"


    "I''m fine."


    "You are someone who didn''t know how to stay at home during the weekend," Wang Xin Lian pointed out. "It''s strange to see you at home at a time like this."


    "I felt like lazying around today. Auntie, don''t worry about me."


    After checking that there was nothing wrong with her nephew, Wan Xin Lian decided to leave him alone after reminding him not to skip his meal.


    The house was quiet after his aunt had left. Wei Jun Hao shifted his gaze towards the window and heaved a long sigh.


    He could not understand his feeling, but he knew that he did not like what he felt.


    The phone on his side started to chime. Wei Jun Hao grabbed his phone and saw that he got a text message from Zhang Yu Ying, asking him whether he wanted to go out with them to see a movie.


    Instead of replying to her right away, Wei Jun Hao spent his time staring at the name for a long time.


    A chuckle escaped him. He knew that he was going to miss his daily banter with Zhang Yu Ying once they moved away.


    Miss her?


    Wei Jun Hao slapped at his cheeks and then took a few deep breaths to calm down. But without knowing why, Zhang Yu Ying''s face kept on appearing on his head. As this person keep appearing in his head, Wei Jun Hao started to feel a bit strange. Suddenly, he was aware that his heart was beating loudly against his ribcage.


    "Wei Jun Hao, what on earth were you thinking? You need to stop this!"

 Chapter 429 - Side Story 4: A Man with a Mission

    Previously, because Zhang Yu Han was involved in an accident, both Wei Jun Hao and Zhang Yu Ying decided to cancel their honeymoon and return to Y City. Later, although Zhang Yu Han had let them continue their honeymoon, the couple decided to stay around until Li Qin Yao gave birth.


    Later, Li Qin Yao gave birth at home with only Zhang Yu Han at her side. Worried of her condition, the couple decided to postpone their honeymoon again until the little dumpling''s first-month celebration.


    When her brother was hospitalized, Zhang Yu Ying had to take over her brother''s job and worked hard in the company day and night. Though Zhang Yu Ying may seem unreliable, she can do her job well under pressure.


    The result was that, although Zhang Yu Ying and Wei Jun Hao was a newlywed couple, they b?r?ly have time to spend time with each other.


    Seeing that so many things happened in the family and how his wife had to work overtime, Wei Jun Hao convinced Zhang Yu Ying to take a month break and told her that they were going to visit a lot of places.


    He told her that she deserved a long break.


    Of course, Zhang Yu Ying immediately agreed. Taking over her brother''s job during his absence was hard. Once her brother had returned to work after recuperating from his accident, Zhang Yu Ying had actually shed some tears of joy.


    However, what Zhang Yu Ying did not know was that her husband had another plan for them. Wei Jun Hao wanted to use this time to cultivate their feelings.


    After knowing this girl for a long time, Wei Jun Hao was aware that Zhang Yu Ying can be a bit neurotic and crazy.


    Previously, she had only agreed to date him after he won in a one-on-one match with Zhang Yu Han. Although she had quickly agreed when he proposed to her, Wei Jun Hao was still insecure about some things, like his wife''s feelings towards him.


    Though they have dated for a while, married, and did what a married couple should do, Wei Jun Hao thought that she had never told him she loved him.


    Sometimes, he often wondered why would she agree to marry him?


    Now that they were a married couple, of course, Wei Jun Hao wanted her to take initiative and take a step towards him as well.


    This was why the second part of this honeymoon was so important to Wei Jun Hao. He was now a man with a mission. This time, he was determined to hear a word of confession from his wife!


    Until he was able to hear the words ''I Love You'' from his wife, this honeymoon will not end!


    ¡­


    "What are you daydreaming about?" Zhang Yu Ying gave him a nudge on his waist and pulling him out of his daydreaming. "Are you not going to eat?"


    Wei Jun Hao blinked as he looked at his wife. Then he shifted his gaze back to the meal on the table.


    They were on their honeymoon and it was decided after breakfast, they were going out to have fun.


    Initially, Wei Jun Hao wanted to take Zhang Yu Ying for paragliding, thinking that the heart-pounding experience was going to make their relationship grew closer. But who would know that his idea was rejected and Zhang Yu Ying had threatened to let him sleep on the sofa if he actually dared to take her to paraglide?


    After a long discussion, the two decided to make a trip to an island with a beautiful beach and go scuba diving.


    Anyway, the purpose of this trip was not to bring them closer and not to make their distance grow. Therefore, Wei Jun Hao obediently chose to listen to his wife.


    "I''m eating," Wei Jun Hao picked up the utensils and started eating.


    Zhang Yu Ying watched as her husband ate his breakfast silently and wondered what was on his mind.


    It was not that she was unaware that recently, there was something that has been bothering her husband. But since Wei Jun Hao chose not to say it, Zhang Yu Ying decided to observe him for a while longer.


    Seeing that her husband had stopped acting strangely, Zhang Yu Ying cracked the half-boiled egg into the small bowl and gasped.


    "What''s wrong?" Wei Jun Hao asked. He saw Zhang Yu Ying''s expression and followed her gaze.


    "I got a double yolk egg!" Zhang Yu Ying said excitedly. "I have a feeling that today will be a lucky day for me."


    Wei Jun Hao chuckled upon hearing her words. Seeing the happy smile on her face, Wei Jun Hao was infected and suddenly, the worry in his heart disappeared. He urged her to eat quickly and the two of them head over to the lobby to meet up with their guide.


    After waiting for a while, Zhang Yu Ying stood up and went to the restroom. When she came back, two beautiful ladies talking to her husband. She stood silently behind the wall with her arms crossed on her ?h?st.


    Just then, Wei Jun Hao noticed her presence. He walked passed the two ladies and went to his wife''s side.


    "When did you arrive?"


    "Just now." Zhang Yu Ying narrowed her eyes at her husband and smiled when she noticed that the two ladies were watching them. She linked her arms on his arms and blinked innocently. "Who are those two ladies?"


    Wei Jun Hao turned to the two ladies and back at his wife. "They were part of the group that was going with us to the scuba diving spot. They were just asking a few questions about our itinerary."


    Zhang Yu Ying raised a brow as she continued to stare at him as if judging whether he was telling her the truth.


    The corner of his lips tilted up. Wei Jun Hao leaned forward and teased, "My wife, are you jealous?"


    Watching how his wife''s lips had suddenly curled into a wide smile, Wei Jun Hao had a sense of crisis.


    Zhang Yu Ying patted at his ?h?st and whispered back, "Wei Jun Hao, I''m not interested in this participating in this jealous game, alright? If I learn that you deliberately wanted to make me jealous, you should be prepared for the consequences."


    Wei Jun Hao felt his breath stuck in his ?h?st as Zhang Yu Ying walked away. He was aware that his wife was angry and he needed to work hard to coax his wife.

 Chapter 430 - Side Story 4: Those Three Words

    Wei Jun Hao was probably thinking too much. Although Zhang Yu Ying did not like it when he wanted to make her a little jealous, she was not angry at all.


    Even if Wei Jun Hao would do something that would wrong her later, Zhang Yu Ying knew that she can always rely on her family. Her brother and her husband might be best friends, but if anything happened, Zhang Yu Ying was very positive that her brother would be on her side.


    Actually, her brother was the reason why she had tried to avoid Wei Jun Hao in the beginning. After spending time with Wei Jun Hao for years, Zhang Yu Ying was very comfortable around him and thought that he was very reliable.


    However, dating a friend of her brother can be problematic and because of this, Zhang Yu Ying had never thought of getting together with Wei Jun Hao. Even if she had thought that he was a good man, Zhang Yu Ying had to suppress whatever feeling she had.


    No one would know that this man would be very persistent. He chased her for years patiently and in the end, Zhang Yu Ying decided to give him a chance.


    It would be a lie to say that her heart was not moved after seeing him like this. She knew about the things Wei Jun Hao had done for her. Even if she wanted to continue suppressing this feeling, Zhang Yu Ying found that she was unable to stop it.


    Anyway, Zhang Yu Ying''s requirement for a man was simple. As long as she can be with someone who will let her be herself, she was more than satisfied.


    As the granddaughter of Zhang''s family, she had an image to look after. Most people would think of her as a cheery girl with a good personality. She was able to defend herself when needed and would not allow herself to suffer any grievance.


    Sometimes, acting this way for a long time could be tiring.


    However, this personality would disappear when she was with her family members or close friends. Zhang Yu Ying''s airhead side would come out whenever she was with someone she could depend on.


    Wei Jun Hao was one of the people who she was comfortable with. He knew that she can be a little silly and unruly sometimes, but had still chosen to be with her. After dating him for a while and had known that he can accept her silliness, Zhang Yu Ying had accepted his proposal.


    Although she was worried if she was making the right decision and nervous about how their relationship was going to change after marriage, Zhang Yu Ying convinced herself that if it was with Wei Jun Hao, then she can let her hair down and do anything crazy. Whatever happened, this person was someone she can rely on.


    ¡­


    As the two walked back to the hotel room after dinner, Zhang Yu Ying could still sense the strange look on her husband''s face. It wasn''t that she did not notice that something was bothering him. She had thought that he will tell her about it once he was ready.


    However, walking around with someone who had his mind wandered elsewhere was not so fun, ah¡­


    Zhang Yu Ying continued to watch his broad back for a while and as soon as a thought came to her mind, Zhang Yu Ying ran forward, leaped, and attached herself to his back like a koala. Her arms were hugging his shoulder and her legs encircling his waist.


    Wei Jun Hao quickly adjusted himself on the white sand, preventing them from falling. Just as he was about to scold her, Zhang Yu Ying''s voice entered his ears.


    "Brother Jun Hao, carry me. I''m tired. I cannot walk anymore." Once she finished, Zhang Yu Ying slumped her body against his back lazily.


    Seeing the way she acted, Wei Jun Hao let out a sigh, adjusted her position, and held her tightly before he made his way back to their hotel.


    The night wind blew and under the starry sky, Wei Jun Hao continued to give his wife a piggyback at the beach. His lips curled into a satisfied smile at this peaceful moment and her warmth against his back.


    But who would know that Zhang Yu Ying would start to play around and bit at his ear?


    "What are you doing?" Wei Jun Hao had wanted to stop her. His ears were a bit s?ns?t?v? and feeling her nibbling at this spot plus the way her breathing ??r?ssing his face was making him anxious. "Zhang Yu Ying, if you don''t stop playing around I will throw you in the cold water."


    Zhang Yu Ying tightened her grip on his shoulder. "Just try. I will drag you into the sea with me."


    Feeling her hugging his broad shoulder tightly, Wei Jun Hao let out a chuckle before he continued to walk. "Alright. Just stay still before an accident happened."


    There was another long silence between them and this situation lasted until the two arrived at the hotel room. Seeing the complicated look on his face remained, Zhang Yu Ying was no longer able to suppress her curiosity. "Wei Jun Hao, what''s wrong with you? Are you not feeling well?"


    Wei Jun Hao froze for a second before his lips tilted up into a smile. "I''m fine."


    "Don''t lie to me," Zhang Yu Ying spoke quickly before he was able to come out with an excuse. "You seemed preoccupied with something. It was as if your mind was not here. Wei Jun Hao, is it that you don''t have the mood to continue this vacation?"


    "It wasn''t like that," Wei Jun Hao quickly denied. "How can I not have the mood?" His heart started to thump wildly against his ribcage at his wife''s sudden question.


    "Then what is it?" Zhang Yu Ying stared at him for a long time. A wild thought crossed her mind and her expression started to change. "Are you tired of me?"


    "Of course not." Wei Jun Hao went over to her and pulled his wife into a tight hug. "Don''t say things like that. How can I get tired of you?"


    Zhang Yu Ying put her hands on his ?h?st to push him. "Then tell me. What is it? Wei Jun Hao, it''s not like I did not notice that you have been acting strangely."


    Wei Jun Hao stared back at his wife''s angry face. He did not know that his thought and worry would show on his face and this was making her upset.


    The frown on her face deepened. "If there is something bothering you, you should tell me. If it was something about me, then help me to understand. I don''t like thinking about this for a long time, not knowing what''s going on. It''s driving me crazy."


    His gaze softened as he pondered whether he wanted to tell her his worry. After a brief silence, Wei Jun Hao spoke again. "Zhang Yu Ying, do you love me?"


    Zhang Yu Ying was startled by his sudden question. She was still upset that he had continued to act strangely throughout this trip and he tried to change the subject by asking her this question?


    "We''ve known each other for a long time, dated and is now married," Wei Jun Hao continued when she did not say a word. "But Yu Ying, you have never said that you love me."


    Her eyes grew wider as she continued to listen to him telling her his insecure just because she had never said those three words to him. "You¡­ were you acting strangely because of this?"


    Wei Jun Hao did not answer but continued to stare at her. But Zhang Yu Ying had known him for a long time to know that she had guessed things right.


    However, these findings made her surprised! She had never thought that Wei Jun Hao would be this uneasy because of this. As she stared back at her husband, Zhang Yu Ying suddenly thought that Wei Jun Hao surprisingly has this cute side on him.


    Zhang Yu Ying''s face turned red when she thought of the words that she had never said out loud. "Is hearing the words really important to you?" She sneaked an arm behind his neck and pulled him down to kiss his lips. "Even if I had never said it out loud, isn''t it enough with my action? The things I did¡­ were they not enough?"


    "It''s not that... But Yu Ying, I want to hear it." He stared back at her, acting a bit spoiled.


    Zhang Yu Ying bit at her lips. She was a shy girl. There were words that she was unable to say clearly and things that she was too reserved to do. But that doesn''t mean that she did not love this man.


    Her eyes shifted for a while before she went back to look at him. Wei Jun Hao was staring back at her with his burning gaze.


    "I," Zhang Yu Ying paused. Her face felt hot and she was too embarrassed to say it. But at the thought that Wei Jun Hao was troubled because of this matter, Zhang Yu Ying clenched at her fist. It seemed that her husband would not be ?ssured of how she felt towards him until she said the words out loud. She took a deep breath and whispered. "Wei Jun Hao, I love you."

 Chapter 431 - Side Story 4: Say it Again (17+)

    Wei Jun Hao was stunned upon hearing the words. Although her tone sounded a little bit insincere and forced, her blazing gaze told him a different story. Staring back into her eyes, Wei Jun Hao felt his body turn warmer. He could see that her eyes were full of him. Her gaze showed what she felt towards him.


    Suddenly, Wei Jun Hao thought that he had been acting very childish.


    He wondered why was he so insistent to hear those words. He knew that Zhang Yu Ying was a very shy person. While he was dating her, Zhang Yu Ying had often rejected for any PDA.


    However, things were different when they were alone. After some coaxing, Zhang Yu Ying would act¡­ differently.


    "Did you hear it?" Zhang Yu Ying asked when he did not respond for a long time. She stared back at him and suddenly shifted her gaze. Her hands that were resting on his shoulders trembled slightly. She slid her hand off his shoulder and covered her face. Zhang Yu Ying was too embarrassed that she did not know how to face him.


    Wei Jun Hao frowned when he was unable to see her beautiful eyes. He lifted her hands off her face and held them tightly. "Un," Wei Jun Hao nodded. "I heard it. But I want to hear it again."


    Her face grew redder. "Wei Jun Hao, don''t go overboard."


    Seeing her shy look, Wei Jun Hao suddenly had the d?s?r? to continue and bully her. Zhang Yu Ying was very cute whenever she had this look on her face.


    Just before Zhang Yu Ying was able to escape, Wei Jun Hao wrapped his arms around her waist to trap her. He followed her gaze and smiled as she looked back at him angrily. "Please." He batted his eyes adorably at her. "Yu Ying, say it again."


    Zhang Yu Ying clenched at her teeth. At this time, she really wanted to take a bite at this shameless man. She should teach him a lesson and stop him from teasing at her like this. However, Zhang Yu Ying soon found that she was weak against his eyes. Suddenly, she was feeling helpless.


    Forget it. She had said it once, and it shouldn''t be too hard to say it again, right?


    "Wei Jun Hao," Her heart was beating loudly. "I love you." She then lowered her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.


    His lips tilted up into a wide, happy smile. Wei Jun Hao hugged her tightly and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Again."


    Her mouth gaped with frustration. Give him an inch and he''ll take a mile!


    Zhang Yu Ying put her hand on his ?h?st and gave him a slight push. She saw the confused look on his face as she grabbed at his collar. "That is enough." Before Wei Jun Hao could persuade her to say those words one more time, Zhang Yu Ying had pulled him forward and kissed at his lips.


    She was not very good at her words and therefore, decided to show him how she felt.


    Wei Jun Hao was caught by surprise. He did not expect that his wife would pull this move to shut him up. Feeling her soft lips moving against his, of course, Wei Jun Hao was beyond excited. He wrapped one arm around her waist and another was holding the back of her head to keep her in place. Then, he started to reciprocate and slowly deepening the kiss.


    He started to shudder upon feeling her hands gliding on his ?h?st. Wei Jun Hao did not realize when did she had reached out to unbutton his clothes. He pulled away from their kiss and stared back at her. "Yu Ying..."


    Her pretty eyes were looking back at him with d?s?r?. He saw nothing else in her eyes except for him.


    At this moment, Wei Jun Hao felt his throat dry.


    Before he was able to react, Zhang Yu Ying leaned forward to kiss his lips again. Her lips and tongue entangled with his and her hands started to roam all over his body.


    Wei Jun Hao mumbled a curse. His throat rolled violently at the sudden seduction. The hands resting on his waist started to move upwards, tracing her alluring curve and soon his body warmed up with d?s?r?.


    Her body trembled slightly as it reached her peak. A soft hum escaped her and suddenly, Zhang Yu Ying felt her body fell backward onto the soft mattress.


    She did not even realize when did they make way from the living area into the bedroom.


    Feeling rather ashamed with how she had reacted, Zhang Yu Ying covered her face with both hands.


    She stiffened as his hand moved down, touching and probing at the private place. Her body tensed and her toes curled at the continuous stimulation. Her body felt numb and comfortable at the same time. The waves of emotion were overwhelming her. Her hands grasped at the pillow tightly.


    "Wei Jun Hao¡­" She let out another gasp when she felt a hard object against her th??h.


    At this time, Wei Jun Hao raised his head and started to kiss at her lips again. Just as was about to take a deep breath to calm down, Zhang Yu Ying felt him slipping into her. Her hands latched at his arms as she was unable to bear with how he made her feel.


    After a while, his movement began to speed up. The warmth and emotion were making her head turn blank. Zhang Yu Ying panted erratically as he brought her into an indescribable place.


    Wei Jun Hao removed her lips from her body to look at her face. He wanted to savor her expression at the moment.


    Her face flushed, her eyes were half-closed and her short breath continued to escaped her parted lips. "Wei Jun Hao¡­ faster."


    A frown appeared on his face. Wei Jun Hao felt his throat rolled before he moved as according to her wishes.


    "Oh god." Zhang Yu Ying bit at her lips at the waves of esctacy. Her breath hitched and her mind was going blank. At this moment, Zhang Yu Ying heard a low groan from him and the madness ended.


    Zhang Yu Ying looked at the man before her and a thought crossed her mind. "Wei Jun Hao." Her expression bashful. She propped herself up with her elbow and brushed her lips lightly against his lips. "I love you."


    Wei Jun Hao was momentarily stunned as her tongue slipped into his mouth.


    A low chuckle escaped him. His eyes shone brightly and the smile on his face reached his eyes upon hearing those words again.

 Chapter 432 - Side Story 5: Zhang Li Xues Basketball Team

    A few months after her mother gave birth to her little brother, Zhang''s family received a few more family members. The gray kitten that Li Qin Yao adopted while she was pregnant with her daughter brought home his pregnant girlfriend, and soon, the female feline gave birth to three cute kittens.


    The four years old Zhang Li Xue was the most excited. She found that it was interesting how the cat had given birth to three little kittens. After watching those gray cat and his family for a while, the clever little girl quickly figured out that cats can give birth to multiple babies at a time, while humans like her mother gave birth to one baby at a time.


    Therefore, when her aunt, Zhang Yu Ying gave birth to triplets, Zhang Li Xue thought that this was very strange. She glanced at her little brother, then to the triplets, and her gaze finally stopped at her aunt who was sitting comfortably on the bed.


    "Second Aunt," Zhang Li Xue called out. "Are you a cat?"


    Zhang Yu Ying froze as she stared back at her niece and wondered where did this question come from.


    "Why do you ask me this?" Zhang Yu Ying answered with another question. She touched at her head and frowned. "Did I suddenly grew cat ears?"


    Both Zhang Xi and Liu Hui Lan stared at their daughter in amusement. This daughter had suddenly become a mother of three boys, but it seemed that her mind continued to be this daze.


    At this time, the elder couple were worried about what will happen to their three grandchildren with Zhang Yu Ying as their mother. Fortunately, their son-in-law, Wei Jun Hao was someone reliable and was able to look after their sometimes-airhead daughter.


    They cast a pitiful look at their son-in-law who suddenly became a father of three boys and one big girl.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Yu Han who was at the side looked at his daughter before he moved his gaze to his wife. He stood behind his wife and patted at her hair. The picture of the cat ears suddenly appeared in his mind and his eyes grew darker.


    It was unfortunate for him that his wife had to throw away Han Yue Xiu''s gift soon after.


    "What''s wrong?" Li Qin Yao asked as she turned around.


    "Nothing," Zhang Yu Han quickly retrieved his hand and cleared his throat. "Just helping you to straighten your hair."


    Li Qin Yao blinked her eyes innocently at him and think nothing of her husband''s strange behavior.


    Liu Hui Lan continued to listen to her daughter and granddaughter''s silly conversation and finally could not help it anymore. She took her granddaughter in her arms and tried her best to explain this situation. It was best not to let this granddaughter learn from her aunt lest she would turn into an airhead as well.


    After some time, one of the babies started to cry and Zhang Li Xue followed her grandmother to watch as she changed the baby''s diaper.


    Zhang Yu Ying shot her mother a grateful smile seeing that she did not have to get up to look after her child.


    She had just given birth to three little rascals and she still hasn''t figured out what she should feel. Though she had experience with babysitting her niece and nephew, Zhang Yu Ying was still at loss with what to do with her boys.


    Previously, when she found out that she was carrying triplets, Zhang Yu Ying went into panic mode. No one in her family had ever given birth to twins, but she had triplets!


    Her first instinct was to blame her husband.


    However, the doctor had told her that it was not Wei Jun Hao''s fault. Zhang Yu Ying had to listen to the doctor explaining to her about science stuff. There were a lot of things that could contribute to this situation.


    Wei Jun Hao thought about the double yolk eggs that Zhang Yu Ying had eaten during their second honeymoon and wonder if it had something to do with it. He seemed to remember a myth saying that eating double yolk egg would increase the chance to have twins.


    Of course, this was nothing but myth and Wei Jun Hao did not want to mention this thing to his wife since it was probably nonsense.


    Though Wei Jun Hao was a little bit disappointed that none of his child turn to be a daughter as he had hoped, his gaze would still soften whenever he looked at the three boys.


    Forget it, since he had no daughter that he can pamper, then he can only spend all his energy to pamper his wife. Anyway, the two of them were still young and they had chance to have more child later.


    Most of her friends and everyone she knew were envious of her situation, but Zhang Yu Ying could not help but continue to worry.


    She had heard how her sister-in-law gave birth to her nephew at home without a doctor at her side or anesthetic. Of course, Zhang Yu Ying was scared. Giving birth to a child was painful enough and she had to deliver three babies!


    Fortunately, her doctor had advised her to give birth through cesarean for the mother and the babies'' safety. Hearing that she can choose not to be conscious throughout the operation, Zhang Yu Ying was momentarily relieved.


    But there was another concern...


    Zhang Yu Ying was someone who would panic whenever her niece and nephew cried. How was she going to be a mother to three babies? What if the babies cried after one another and she was unable to coax them? She would then cry along with them!


    Seeing her situation, Wei Jun Hao stepped in and promised that he will be the one who will coax the babies whenever they cried. Fortunately for them, their family members were very supportive and had promised to look after the babies as well.


    Of course, Wei Jun Hao''s aunt, Wang Xin Lian was the happiest upon knowing that her nephew had become a father of three. The Wei''s family had no heir other than Wei Jun Hao. This was one of the reasons why Wang Xin Lian had tried to set her nephew on some blind dates. She hoped that this nephew will get married and continue the bloodline. After years of waiting, it looked like her prayers were answered and there were suddenly three little buns to occupied everyone''s time and attention.


    Other than Wang Xin Lian, the happiest person in the family was Zhang Li Xue.


    It was not too long ago that she had decided to form a basketball team. Surprisingly, her aunt had given birth to three boys.


    Zhang Li Xue stood at the side of the baby cots to look at the three newborn babies, and could not help but wish that the boys would grow up soon so and accompany her to play.

 Chapter 433 - Side Story 5: Zhang Li Xues Little Bodyguards

    As the only girl in her generation, Zhang Li Xue was doted by everyone. Whenever she wanted something, all she had to do was to look at the ?du?t with her pitiful eyes, and she would always get it.


    This was making her mother worried. Although Li Qin Yao loved her daughter and doted on her as well, she was mostly worried that the elders were raising her daughter like a little ancestor. Hence, Li Qin Yao became the most strict to her daughter.


    Of course, Zhang Li Xue was very obedient to her mother. Although her father would pamper her, her pitiful gaze would not work against her father when she made her mother upset. No matter what it was, her father would always side with her mother.


    As she was the eldest among the cousins, her mother would often asked her to look after the four boys. If one of them get into trouble, the one who will take the blame was Zhang Li Xue. According to her mother, since she was the leader of the pack, she should shoulder the responsibility.


    The Wei''s triplets were well known for creating mischief. But whenever they were under Zhang Li Xue''s watch, they would automatically listened to this elder sister. Although they would often asked to accompany her to practice basketball, the boys were more than happy to do so.


    Zhang Li Xue doted on the four boys and they loved her the same.


    For the four boys, Zhang Li Xue was considered to be their idol. Whenever they needed something from the ?du?ts, all they need to do was to look at their elder sister and she will help them to get what they need. Moreover, Zhang Li Xue would always share with them whenever she had something delicious to eat!


    However, whenever the cousins were together, it would seem as if Zhang Li Xue was surrounded by her little bodyguards.


    During their grandfather''s birthday, the family organized a banquet at the hotel. As usual, Zhang Xi would invited his close friend to the banquet.


    When Zhang Li Xue arrived, Mu Zhen Yu, the boy who has been following her since she was three years old immediately greeted her. However, just before he was able to pull the girl to play with him, the four little bodyguards appeared at her side, and sent him a warning gaze.


    Mu Zhen Yu stared at the boys. Although he was older than the boys, he had suddenly had the feeling as if he was threatened. For a few seconds, Mu Zhen Yu thought that perhaps he was imagining things. The boys were around three years old! How could they give him, a ten years old a threat?


    "Li Xue," Mu Zhen Yu called out the girl and smiled. His hand was stretched towards her, hoping that the girl would take his hand as always before he could pull the girl to play together. "Come on, let''s go and play together. My brother is waiting for us over there."


    Mu Zhen Yu knew that Zhang Li Xue loved to play with his brother and used him as a bait.


    "Sister, didn''t you say that you were going to play together with us?" Da Bao, the eldest of the triplets spoke up.


    "Un, Un," Er Bao, the second of the triplets nodded. "Sister, you said you were going to let us eat something delicious." He patted at his slightly bulging stomach and looked at Zhang Li Xue with his pitiful eyes. "I''m hungry. Earlier mom did not allow me to eat too much. She said I''m gaining weight. Sister, do you think I''m gaining too much weight?"


    Zhang Li Xue gave Er Bao a look over. "It''s fine if you eat a little bit more. You can lose your weight with exercise. I''ll take you to play basketball later."


    "Sister," Xiao Bao, the youngest of the triplets pulled at Zhang Li Xue''s arms. "I saw chicken wings. Let''s go and eat together."


    Zhang Li Xue''s eyes widened at the mentioning of her favorite food. She held Xiao Bao''s hand and asked him to lead the way. However, as if realizing that something was wrong, Zhang Li Xue halted and turned to Mu Zhen Yu. "Sorry Brother Zhen Yu. My mom asked me to look after the boys. They were hungry and I have to accompany them to eat."


    Mu Zhen Yu stared at the little fairy in front of him with a dazed expression. Seeing the adorable look on Zhang Li Xue''s face, he found that he was unable to say a word. When he was able to find his voice again, Zhang Li Xue had left with the triplets.


    He took a deep breath and noticed that one of the boys stood in front of him. Mu Zhen Yu seemed to remember that this boy was Zhang Li Xue''s younger brother.


    "What''s wrong?" Mu Zhen Yu gave the boy an amiable smile. He recalled that Zhang Li Xue doted on her brother, and had thought of wanting to get close with the younger boy. "You are Li Xue''s younger brother right? I remember. You are Zhang Yi Hai, right? Do you want to play with me? You have to ask your sister to come along."


    "No." Zhang Yi Hai narrowed his eyes as he stared back at the elder boy. Although he had his mother''s eyes, the piercing look on his eyes resembled his father more. "I need to tell you to stay away from my sister."


    Mu Zhen Yu stared at the boy in a dazed. Zhang Yi Hai''s piercing gaze suddenly gave him a shudder. "Huh???" Just as he was able to react, the boy had disappeared among the crowd.


    Once Zhang Yi Hai had gave his warning, he walked over through the crowd and found the person he was looking for. He stood up straight in front of his father and waited until the man crouched down to his level.


    "Daddy, I told him not to come close to sister," Zhang Yi Hai reported.


    "En," Zhang Yu Han nodded. He patted at his son''s head and smiled. "I saw. You did a great job."


    There were not much change in his expression, but upon closer look, the boy''s eyes sparkled brilliantly at hearing his father''s praise. Seeing the pair of eyes that was very similar to his wife were staring back at him, Zhang Yu Han could not help but to pull the boy into his embrace.


    Zhang Yi Hai''s eyes widened for a while. After a brief hesitation, he wrapped his arms around his father''s neck. The happiness in his eyes shone very brightly.


    After a while, Zhang Yi Hai pulled away. He looked at his father shyly before he ran off to find his sister and the triplets.


    Seeing that her son had ran away, Li Qin Yao walked over to her husband and raised a brow. "What did you say to your son? Why does he look so happy?"


    "Nothing." Zhang Yu Han''s lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Just reminding him to always look after his mother and sister and always make them happy."

 Chapter 434 - Side Story 6: Song Yi

    The first time Song Yi had met Han Yue Xiu, the girl came to be interviewed at his company.


    He saw her resume and thought that although she was someone who did not have a lot of experience, he liked the way she was very enthusiastic when she was explaining her knowledge.


    When he started his business, Song Yi decided not to use his family influence to win over his project. Moreover, what he wanted to do was something that his family did not agree on and therefore, Song Yi had no other choice but to work his way up.


    As he was starting his company, Song Yi only had a few staff. Han Yue Xiu was a fast learner and she had worked hard. Seeing how she was eager to learn, Song Yi had a very good impression on her.


    Because the salary was pretty good and she liked working with Song Yi and his company, Han Yue Xiu had done everything she can to please her boss. She was someone who did not complain very much and was willing to work overtime.


    As time goes by, Song Yi was used to seeing this hardworking girl around him, and without realizing it, he had done a lot of things to make sure that she would stay around him. He handed her more work and had asked her to stay for overtime. He was the person who had nurture Han Yue Xiu''s talent and after a while, he began to trust her a lot.


    However, after too much overtime and workload, Han Yue Xiu began to resent her boss. She loved working for the company, but too much overtime was too tiring.


    Therefore, Han Yue Xiu came out with a trick. She tried to trick Song Yi by handing over her resignation letter in hope that she can discuss with him a new condition that would benefit her.


    Being in the office where Han Yue Xiu was not around, Song Yi began to notice that something was amiss. He had thought that coming over to work was not as fun. He was angry that Han Yue Xiu had suddenly decided to quit. But after a few days, Song Yi began to realize that he loved having Han Yue Xiu around.


    This was why he had come to find Han Yue Xiu and agreed to her terms as long as she agreed to come back and work for him.


    Seeing that this girl had returned to the office, Song Yi was contented. Whenever she was not around, he would not be at ease. After giving it a long thought, Song Yi figured out that he might have feelings for Han Yue Xiu. Therefore, whenever Han Yue Xiu was not around, he would do anything to make her stay with him.


    At one night, when the two of them were working overtime to resolve the problem with their server, Song Yi had suddenly leaned forward and kissed Han Yue Xiu. He liked the girl and had thought that perhaps, she had shared the same feelings towards him.


    Song Yi did not think that Han Yue Xiu would be so heartless to tender her resignation immediately and had chosen to hide from him. With Han Yue Xiu missing by his side, Song Yi was lost. He could not function without her by his side.


    He did not know that Han Yue Xiu would be this upset when he decided to kiss her. It has never occurred to him that Han Yue Xiu did not like him the way he had thought. After spending a lot of time together, Song Yi had thought that Han Yue Xiu had liked him. Or else, why would she be willing to work overtime and had even pulled out a trick on him and convinced him to make her stay?


    Song Yi had spent a lot of time searching for Han Yue Xiu, but no matter what, he could not find her.


    It was at this time that Song Yi had tried a lot of tricks to make Han Yue Xiu return. He had spent his time with her for years and understood her temperament. The company could be said as the hard work between the two of them. Song Yi knew that Han Yue Xiu would not bear to see this company go down and therefore, he pulled a few tricks just to find her again.


    Song Yi finally found Han Yue Xiu again in Country S. But he did not expect that after confessing to her that he had liked her, Han Yue Xiu would tell him that he did not like him and would prefer if he did not appear on her side again.


    Song Yi was heartbroken. He liked her more than he had thought. He did not like to see her unhappy face and therefore was prepared to let her go.


    It was at this time that he met a new friend, Fu Yi Chen. At that time, the slightly elder man saw that he was standing by the riverbank and had thought that Song Yi wanted to attempt suicide.


    After spending his time with Fu Yi Chen, Song Yi began to notice that this man in his early forty was very good with women. He might seem like a playboy but had a very good relationship with his wife. It was at this time that Song Yi had decided to share his love problem with this new friend.


    Of course, Fu Yi Chen was very surprised at Song Yi''s way of treating the girl he liked. It was at this time that he had become Song Yi''s relationship tutor.


    Song Yi decided to try and win Han Yue Xiu again and was willing to change. With his new friend''s guidance, Song Yi had tried to take things slow.


    He went over to Country S again to find Han Yue Xiu and had brought the apartment near her parents to win her.


    It was at this time that an accident happened and Han Yue Xiu''s mother was taken to the hospital for an illness that she had kept a secret from her daughter.


    During this time, Song Yi had kept in touch with Fu Yi Chen and knew that he should stay by Han Yue Xiu''s side while knowing to keep his distance.


    Little by little, Han Yue Xiu was used to his presence and Song Yi noticed that she did not hate him as much as she did in the past.

 Chapter 435 - Side Story 6: Han Yue Xius Type

    Once Song Yi hung up the phone call with his new friend, Fu Yi Chen, he spent a long time thinking about his advice as he stood at the fire escape stairs.


    Fu Yi Chen had praised his ability to control himself and stop acting rashly. Every time he had the urge to hold Han Yue Xiu in his arms, Song Yi would give this new friend a call and he would offer him his consultation no matter what time he had called.


    In the beginning, Song Yi had doubted Fu Yi Chen''s intention to help him. But after investigating this man''s background, Song Yi found that the man in his early forty had no motive to get close to him. His looks were just average and his pocket was not that deep, but Fu Yi Chen was good at his words and attracting girls.


    Seeing the way Fu Yi Chen was treating his wife, Song Yi wanted to trust that this man will be able to help him and therefore, he had lowered his guard against the man.


    Anyway, as long as Fu Yi Chen could help him to win Han Yue Xiu, he was willing to listen to his advice.


    A slight frown appeared on Song Yi''s face as he recalled this man''s advice.


    With someone like Han Yue Xiu, he needed to be patient and continued to treat her kindly. He cannot do anything that would upset her. He should know when to advance and when to retreat.


    Sooner or later, Han Yue Xiu will see his effort. Once she was touched with what he had done for her, Han Yue Xiu will slowly accept him and will no longer avoid him as if he was carrying a deadly virus with him.


    He could see that after listening to Fu Yi Chen''s advice, there were a few changes in his relationship with Han Yue Xiu. As least, Han Yue Xiu did not dislike him as much as she did in the past.


    A helpless smile curled on his lips at the thought that their relationship might turn back to the way a few months ago. It doesn''t matter if their relationship would go back to the employer and subordinates'' relationship. As long as he can have Han Yue Xiu by his side, Song Yi thought that he would be satisfied. He simply did not want to lose her from his side again.


    After giving himself a pep talk, Song Yi then headed back upstairs but found that Han Yue Xiu was no longer around. A look of disappointment flashed through his eyes, but Song Yi quickly composed himself when he noticed that Mother Han was looking at him.


    He smiled at the elderly woman and greeted her amiably. "Auntie."


    "Song Yi, you''re here." The smile on Mother Han''s face widened. "Are you looking for Han Yue Xiu?"


    Song Yi nodded with a short hum. "She''s not here?"


    "Un. That girl went out with her friend, Li Qin Yao, just two minutes ago," Mother Han said. "I guess it will take a while before she will return."


    Song Yi froze for a few seconds.


    It seemed that he was too late and had missed Han Yue Xiu by a few minutes. He was planning to see her before his flight to Y City that night. The elders had called and had asked him to return for an important matter.


    He did not know when he can see her again.


    At this time, Song Yi saw that Mother Han had tried to get off the bed to the side table and he rushed to her side to help her. "Auntie, what do you need? I can help you."


    "Just pour me a glass of water." A chuckle escaped her as she watched the handsome man poured a glass of water for her with a serious look on his face. After a few seconds, the man turned to her and handed her the glass.


    "Thank You." Mother Han took a few sips of the water and smiled at Song Yi. "That reminds me¡­ I haven''t thanked you for helping me the other day in Country S. I heard that it was you who called the ambulance and stayed with my daughter and helped her to calm down."


    "Auntie, it was my responsibility as your neighbor. I could not possibly leave you when your life was in danger."


    Mother Han laughed at his answer. "My daughter can be very stubborn, but she had a very kind heart." A helpless smile curled on her lips as she thought of her only daughter.


    Song Yi replied with a slight smile.


    "You," Mother Han paused as she gave him a hesitant gaze. "You like my daughter, right?"


    Song Yi did not answer her immediately. A few seconds passed before he gave her a slight nod. Seeing this, Mother Han let out a sigh.


    "I don''t know what happened between the two of you or what kind of misunderstanding the two of you have," Mother Han spoke. "But as Yue Xiu''s mother, I hope that you can continue to be patient to her."


    Previously, Mother Han had seen how the two of them had interacted in Country S. Although she had thought that Song Yi seemed like a nice man, her daughter had convinced her that Song Yi was not a good man. She had tried to find out why her daughter did not like Song Yi, but her daughter would not say a word.


    As a mother, the only thing she can wish for was for her daughter to meet the right man who will treat her right. As long as the man would not do anything that would hurt her daughter, then, she would be satisfied.


    A weak smile appeared on Song Yi''s lips. "But Han Yue Xiu¡­ she did not like me that way. Maybe, I''m just not her type."


    Mother Han stared at the man in front of her for a few seconds longer. "Well, that''s true. In the past, Han Yue Xiu used to date men with a bright personality. You don''t seem like the type my daughter would date."


    Hearing her words, Song Yi''s face turned a few shades darker. Does that mean that he never stood a chance with Han Yue Xiu?


    Should he work on his personality and try to be cheery?


    Mother Han saw that the man''s expression turned slightly ugly though he had tried very hard to mask it. A chuckle escaped her and Song Yi raised his head to look at Mother Han again.


    "But you have to remember, there are differences in the type of man a girl would want to date and a man she wanted to marry."


    Hearing Mother Han''s words, a spark of light ignited in his heart.

 Chapter 436 - Side Story 6: Mother Hans Invitation

    When Song Yi returned to Capital City again, Mother Han was no longer staying at the hospital and therefore, he could not make an excuse to come over to visit the elderly woman while seeing the girl he liked.


    Previously, before he had taken off to City Y, Song Yi had exchanged his contact number with Mother Hand and therefore was aware of her conditions.


    Song Yi was relieved upon hearing that Mother Han''s surgery has been successful and that she has was allowed to return home and recuperate. He knew that if anything happened to Mother Han during her surgery, Han Yue Xiu would be sad, and seeing her sad was the last thing he wanted to see.


    He could still remember the way Han Yue Xiu had cried with a grievance at the side of the road after she found out about her mother''s illness.


    At that time, he was so clueless about what to do. He was someone who had never coax anyone. Seeing the tears streaming down her face, and how she was wailing made his heart ached. It was a picture that he never wanted to see again.


    Just as Song Yi entered his apartment in Capital City, a text message from his friend arrived, informing him that the new company he wanted to set up was ready.


    Because he had wanted to follow Han Yue Xiu to Country S, Song Yi had sold his company and had wanted to start anew. Before he could even begin in Country S, Han Yue Xiu and her family had moved Capital City and Song Yi had thought of starting his new company in the city.


    He had contacted a few of his friends and they have agreed to help him. They should be able to start working if only he was not asked to return to Y City.


    As he thought of the reason he was called back to the old residence, Song Yi''s face turned a few shades darker. He had made it clear that he did not want anything to do with that girl, Fang Meng Ran. His grandparents had agreed that he could decide on his marriage, but it was his mother who was persistent on this.


    Song Yi did not ask too much in the girl he had to marry. As long as he can be with someone who he can get along with, he would be content.


    With Han Yue Xiu, he knew that they can get along very well. They can talk about a lot of things together and the most important thing was that he loved her.


    Song Yi sent a message to his friend and tell him to proceed. As he had placed his things in the living room, his phone started to buzz, and his eyes widened as he saw the caller ID.


    ¡­


    When he saw Han Yue Xiu appeared at the front door, Song Yi felt his heart tightened and he could not stop worrying that this girl would shout at him and drive him away like previously.


    Before he left for Y City, his relationship with Han Yue Xiu had improved and she was less aggressive with him. He did not know what will happen if she would hate him for showing up or ignored him.


    "Why are you here?" Han Yue Xiu asked with a surprised expression.


    Song Yi shifted his gaze, as he was afraid of her reaction next. "Your mother invited me over."


    "Oh." Han Yue Xiu nodded.


    It was just that, it has been a long time since the last time she had seen him. She did not expect to see him in the living room. She recalled the way she had treated him previously when she saw him with her mother and was suddenly felt a bit guilty.


    Song Yi was wrong when he had tried to do things that she did not like, but she too was not without fault.


    "Yue Xiu, you''re back." At this time, Mother Han appeared from the kitchen with a big smile on her face. "Then, you go and help me accompany our guest. Lunch will be served shortly."


    Before Han Yue Xiu could utter a word to respond, her mother had retreated in the kitchen and she could hear the sounds of her mother cutting the vegetables.


    Han Yue Xiu let out a sigh and sat down on the sofa, wondering where on earth was her father at this moment. Since the two had invited a guest to their home, shouldn''t they be entertaining their guest?


    "How are you?" Song Yi spoke after a long silence.


    Han Yue Xiu shifted her gaze to the man and saw the anxiety in his expression.


    Her brow raised as she wondered why did this man seem so nervous. Previously, Song Yi was someone who had this confidence air all around him. When did he ever be as agitated?


    "I''m fine," Han Yue Xiu answered. It was not as if she did not notice that Song Yi had changed this recently. He was not as forceful as he used to be.


    "Han Yue Xiu, I need to talk to you."


    She lifted her eyes to look at him. "What is it?"


    "Do you remember that I have mentioned about starting a new company?" Song Yi asked. "A few days ago, they told me that the preparation was nearly done. I was wondering if you would be interested in joining us. Not as my employee, but as a business partner."


    Hearing that offer, Han Yue Xiu stared at the man long enough to make him uncomfortable.


    Just as Song Yi was about to say something and retract the offer, he heard the girl spoke to him.


    "I need to look at your business proposal and plan before I can agree."

 Chapter 437 - Side Story 6: Song Yis Rumored Fiance

    Han Yue Xiu was not planning to say yes to Song Yi''s offer at all.


    But upon looking at the pitiful expression on his face, she did not have the heart to say no. Considering that this man had helped her and her family in the past, Han Yue Xiu decided not to be so ruthless and told him that she was going to consider his offer once he gave her his plan.


    In the beginning, Han Yue Xiu had thought that Song Yi was planning to start a company that was similar to the one he had sold not long ago. But once she saw the new plan and projects he intended to do, Han Yue Xiu''s eyes glinted with excitement, and without giving it too much thought, she had quickly agreed.


    It was only after Song Yi had left did Han Yue Xiu began to slightly regret her harsh decision. However, once she thought back about the new project they were going to work on, Han Yue Xiu was excited.


    The first few days she came to work, Han Yue Xiu was a bit wary of this man.


    Previously, he had caught her off guard and had kissed her. Han Yue Xiu was still a bit scared to spend her time alone with him.


    Fortunately, this time, Song Yi knew his limit and did not try to do anything towards her.


    He no longer asked her to stay around for overtime and was given her freedom to arrange her schedule. Other than calling her to a meeting or discussion, Song Yi had never gone to look for her. Moreover, he did not try to take the opportunity to be alone with her.


    Sensing that he was doing everything because he understood that she was uncomfortable with the way he had treated her before, Han Yue Xiu could not help but smile.


    However, just because Song Yi decided that he should not annoy her, it doesn''t mean that everyone else was thinking the same.


    Not long after Han Yue Xiu had agreed to work with Song Yi, his rumored fiancee, Fang Meng Ran had come over to the office and stopped her at the entrance.


    "Miss Fang, what are you doing here?" Han Yue Xiu blinked her eyes when the pretty woman stood in front of her.


    Fang Meng Ran''s smile stiffened upon hearing her words. "You remember me."


    "Of course," Han Yue Xiu said. "You used to come over at the old office in Y City to look for our boss." A thought crossed her mind, and Han Yue Xiu smiled amiably at her. "Are you looking for Song Yi? The office is at level fifteen. You have to register your name at the security and get a visitor pass before you can go up."


    Just as she finished her words, Han Yue Xiu turned around to tap her ID card at the entrance, but her movement was stopped by Fang Meng Ran. She shifted her gaze towards Fang Meng Ran''s hand which was clutching her arms and looked at her with a puzzled expression.


    "I am not looking for Song Yi," Fang Meng Ran said. "I was looking for you. Miss Han, do you have time? I need to talk to you."


    Han Yue Xiu glanced at her wristwatch and frowned. "If you wanted to talk, then let''s go up."


    Fang Meng Ran narrowed her eyes as she thought of the man who was at the office. If Song Yi knew that she had come to look for Han Yue Xiu, he will not be happy with her.


    "No. Let''s go somewhere else. I wanted to talk to you in private," Fang Meng Ran said. She still knew to control her emotion in a public place.


    "I''m afraid that I cannot do that, Miss Fang."


    Han Yue Xiu''s words turned Fang Meng Ran''s face a few shades darker. She opened her mouth to say something and paused when Han Yue Xiu spoke again.


    "I''m in a hurry and I have to fix the problem with the server," Han Yue Xiu said. "If you wanted to talk to me in private, how about around lunch? You should wait for me here and I will come over and find you again."


    Fang Meng Ran''s raised a brow as she watched Han Yue Xiu leave. Then, she narrowed her eyes dangerously when Han Yue Xiu''s figure disappeared into the elevator.


    She did not know whether Han Yue Xiu was playing tricks on her or not. If Han Yue Xiu decided to play tricks on her and did not show up, Fang Meng Ran would come again and do something to embarrass her.


    To Fang Meng Ran''s surprise, Han Yue Xiu showed up downstairs during lunch hour. The two head over to a nearby cafe and the two ordered some food and drinks.


    Fang Meng Ran had said that she wanted to invite her for lunch, but she did not expect that Han Yue Xiu would have too much appetite. She had stolen her fiance, shouldn''t she at least be ashamed?


    Once the waiter walked away, Han Yue Xiu turned to Fang Meng Ran and smiled. "Why did you come to see me? What do you want to talk about."


    Fang Meng Ran picked up her mug of tea and took a sip elegantly. Then, she looked at Han Yue Xiu with a smile on her face. "It''s about Song Yi. Miss Han, you should be aware of our relationship, right?"


    Han Yue Xiu pondered over her question for a few seconds and shrugged. "Truthfully, I don''t know. Miss Fang, I only knew that you always came to the office to look for Song Yi. But as per what was your relationship with him, I don''t know. He never told us anything and I''m not the person who enjoyed the office''s gossip that much."


    Fang Meng Ran sneered upon hearing her words. "Just because you don''t know, does it give you the right to steal other''s fiance?"


    "Miss Fang, I don''t know what you are talking about."


    Her smile gradually grew into a mockery smile. "You don''t know or were you pretending not to know? Miss Han, not too long ago, Song Yi returned home and told his family that he wanted to break up the engagement between us. And you still wanted to play innocence?"


    Han Yue Xiu blinked. Her eyes gradually darkened upon hearing her accusation. "What does your engagement have to do with me?"


    "Isn''t it because of you? Song Yi wanted to break up the engagement because he likes you!"


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the woman who had started to lose her composure with a calm face. She leaned on her chair and crossed her arms on her ?h?st. "And I will continue to ask you, what does that have to do with me? Are you going to accuse me of stealing him from you? Miss Fang, you seemed to misunderstand our relationship. He is just someone I worked with. I don''t like him the way you think I did."


    Fang Meng Ran sneered. "He told the elders that he wanted to break up the engagement because he likes you. You still think this is not your fault?"


    "How is that my fault? He likes me, but I have never said I like him. Why do I have to be blame for something I did not do wrong?" Han Yue Xiu smiled. "I have never done anything that would lead him to like me. Why are you blaming me? Miss Fang, I think you have found the wrong person. If you wanted to him to come back to you, the person you should be looking for is Song Yi and not me. Coming over and attacking me like this will not help you at all."

 Chapter 438 - Side Story 6: Song Yis Rumored Fiance (2)

    fiance


    When Song Yi had heard from Brother Fu that his ex-fiance showed up at their company to find Han Yue Xiu, he was worried. He quickly left the office to head over to the cafe where the two women went to and came in time to hear Han Yue Xiu''s words that she did not like him. His heart ached. But he stayed to eavesdrop long enough until Han Yue Xiu left the cafe without having her lunch.


    He was glad that she had left unharmed, but the words she said about him lingered and it took him a while to compose himself.


    After he watched her walked away, Song Yi stayed out for a while and came back to the office just as lunch hour passed. He came back with some snacks and passed it around the office, then, he went to Han Yue Xiu''s office and knocked.


    "Have you eaten?" Song Yi asked as he walked into the room. Before she could answer, Song Yi spoke again, "I was meeting a client and they sent over some snacks. I have passed them around to the others. This is for you."


    Han Yue Xiu peered at the boxes and her mouth watered upon seeing the egg tarts. She thanked Song Yi and started eating. Previously, she had lost her appetite because of Fang Meng Ran. Her stomach was growling but other than some bags of chips, she did not have any other snacks in her room.


    Once he saw that Han Yue Xiu had started eating, Song Yi went over to his room and picked up his phone to call the residence in Y City.


    ¡­


    Han Yue Xiu was relieved that Fang Meng Ran did not come to look after her again after that. She was expecting that the woman might come to ask her to return her fiance, and wondered if her little speech had finally entered Fang Meng Ran''s head and she had decided to stop blaming her.


    Everything was going smoothly until Fang Meng Ran appeared in front of her again.


    Han Yue Xiu had wanted to ignore this woman but soon noticed that Fang Meng Ran''s gaze was no longer as arrogance as it was a few days ago. Just before Han Yue Xiu was going to ignore this woman, Fang Meng Ran had grabbed at Han Yue Xiu''s arms and stopped her.


    "Miss Han, we need to talk." Fang Meng Ran''s expression showed anxiety.


    Han Yue Xiu removed her arms away from her grip. "I don''t have anything to talk to you."


    "Miss Han, please wait. I need to tell you that" Fang Meng Ran''s words were left unfinished. Her body froze when noticed that someone was staring at her with an intense gaze.


    Han Yue Xiu saw her strange expression and followed her gaze. She saw that Song Yi had just entered the building and chuckled. "Miss Fang, it seemed that you are here to see Song Yi right? Then I have to excuse myself first."


    Fang Meng Ran snapped out of her trance as she noticed that Han Yue Xiu was leaving. However, no matter how much she wanted to stop her from leaving, Fang Meng Ran did not have the guts to do it with the way Song Yi was watching them.


    "Miss Fang," Song Yi''s voice contained anger as he approached the woman. "Hasn''t your father warned you not to approach me or Miss Han again?"


    Fang Meng Ran shivered upon hearing his voice. Her body trembled slightly, but she grabbed at Song Yi''s clothes and tried to persuade him. "Song Yi! Why are you doing this to me? We were fine not too long ago."


    Song Yi stared at the woman in front of him for a few seconds. "Miss Fang, our engagement was nothing but our family''s arrangement. I have no feelings towards you and you don''t love me."


    "But I love you," Feng Meng Ran spoke quickly.


    Hearing her words made Song Yi laughed. "You¡­ love me? Miss Fang, what you love was just the status of Mrs. Song. You don''t love me." He saw that the woman opened her mouth to respond, and spoke again. "Do you think that I was not aware of what you have done behind my back when we were still engaged?"


    Fang Meng Ran''s face paled.


    It would be a lie if she did not take advantage of her identity as Song Yi''s fiance. Those wealthy socialists wanted to befriend her. Guys wanted to approach her and sometimes, she found herself unable to resist the temptation.


    She was sure that everything she did was not within the Song''s family''s knowledge.


    "The point is, I won''t be able to marry someone I did not like," Song Yi said. "Miss Fang, do you want to stay in a loveless marriage where your husband would mistreat you?"


    "I don''t care about that. As long as we can stay together, it will be fine. There are a lot of loveless marriages these days and those couples were able to stay together for a long time, right?"


    Anyway, she could not let Song Yi go. Her father had threatened her. If she did not talk to Song Yi and ensure that the engagement will continue and they were going to marry next year, she better not come back home.


    The Fang''s family had faced a lot of difficulties after Song Yi had broken their engagement and they were struggling after Fang Meng Ran had come to look for Han Yue Xiu. Once her father knew that she had made Song Yi angry, he was furious with her.


    If she did not correct this wrong, then how will she be able to return to Y City?


    "Miss Fang, you might be able to stay in a loveless marriage, but I cannot do that," Song Yi said. He inched closer to her and whispered, "Are you sure you were willing to marry someone who will mistreat you? Even if it will be tormenting for you?"


    Fang Meng Ran''s eyes widened and her body shivered at his threat. She had a feeling that if she will be in pain if she continued to push him. Her father''s words appeared in her mind and suddenly, Fang Meng Ran did not know what she should do.


    Song Yi left as soon as he finished what he wanted to say. The first thing he did was to head over to Han Yue Xiu''s office. Her heartbeat accelerated when he could not see her in her room.


    He immediately turned around to look for her, but his footsteps halted when he heard the familiar laughing voice. Song Yi followed the sound of laughter and found that Han Yue Xiu was in the pantry with a fried dough in her hand as she continued to joke around with a few of their staff.


    A helpless sigh escaped him as he noticed that the girl still had an appetite to eat after meeting Fang Meng Ran downstairs.

 Chapter 439 - Side Story 6: Secret Arrangement

    Fang Meng Ran came over to the office to look for Han Yue Xiu secretly a few times.


    Her family condition was not getting better and Fang Meng Ran needed Han Yue Xiu to talk to Song Yi to be lenient towards her. However, each time, Han Yue Xiu saw her waiting at the lobby, she pretended that she did not know her and would dismiss her right away.


    Fang Meng Ran wanted to cause a disturbance to get Han Yue Xiu''s attention, however, because they were at the office building, Fang Meng Ran was worried that Song Yi was going to hear the news and find her.


    Anyway, it was not as if it would be easy to get close to Han Yue Xiu. Each time she saw Han Yue Xiu, that girl was with an office mate or such.


    Fang Meng Ran''s movement was not unnoticed by Song Yi. He had looked at the building''s security footage and had seen how Fang Meng Ran had continued to approach his girl. Knowing that Han Yue Xiu chose not to pay attention to Fang Meng Ran, Song Yi was a lot more relieved.


    However, it was not a reason for him to let down his guard. Song Yi had discreetly talked to his staff and asked everyone to pay attention to Han Yue Xiu. If anyone saw that Han Yue Xiu was going somewhere alone, they should come out with an excuse and take an initiative to accompany her.


    Of course, none of the staff were going to complain when their boss decided to add a little bit of money to their bank account.


    Meanwhile, he was working to make a deal with the Fang family so that their daughter, Fang Meng Ran will leave Han Yue Xiu alone.


    Though he had made these secret arrangements, Song Yi did not dare to get close to Han Yue Xiu as he was worried that she was going to get pissed. After spending a few years with Han Yue Xiu, Song Yi had understood the girl''s temperament. Fang Meng Ran was his problem, but now that Han Yue Xiu had to face it, of course, she was not going to be happy.


    In the end, other than discussing works, Song Yi did not dare to talk to Han Yue Xiu.


    It was during the time that Han Yue Xiu was caught surfing the dark web forum that Song Yi had tried to gather his courage to talk to her again. Initially, he was still unhappy when he thought that someone had sent her a box of pastries.


    Song Yi had thought that perhaps, Han Yue Xiu was in a relationship with someone and suddenly, he was afraid that he might lose her.


    Seeing that she was curious about the dark web, Song Yi had taken the initiative to teach her about it. This way, he found an excuse for them to spent their time after work together in his office. Song Yi would always order for takeaway so that the two of them could have their dinner together.


    It was at this time that he noticed that Han Yue Xiu can be easily coaxed with food and especially snacks!


    Suddenly, the employees began to enjoy a new perk. Their boss, Song Yi would often bring delicious and expensive snacks to the office and distributed them to everyone.


    It was after their dinner together that Song Yi handed her a bag of snacks.


    "My friend came back from a work trip and gave me these," Song Yi said. "You can have them if you like."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the paper bag and peered inside. Her eyes widened when she saw that there were a few bags of imported potato chips.


    She had heard about those brands previously and had wanted to try them. However, buying those imported chips could be very expensive. No matter how much she liked them, Han Yue Xiu did not think that she should spend too much money on a bag of chips.


    "For me?" Han Yue Xiu pointed a finger to herself. The smile on her lips brightened when she saw him nodding.


    Song Yi quickly shifted his gaze away and let out a dry cough when he saw her smile. If only he knew earlier that this girl can be bought with snacks, he would use this tactic to win her heart. Then maybe, the separation won''t happen and Han Yue Xiu will not hate him as much. Then perhaps, they would be happy together.


    As the thought crossed his mind, Song Yi''s lips curled into a bitter smile.


    At this time, there was nothing he could do but to slowly win her heart back.


    If Han Yue Xiu was still unmoved after everything he had done, then he can only back out slowly and let her be happy with her choice. However, Song Yi was determined to wait for her no matter how long it was going to take him.


    "They''re delicious," Han Yue Xiu spoke as she clipped at the chips with her chopsticks. She loved potato chips but did not enjoy getting her hands dirtied and therefore, she had come out with this eating technique. "Are you sure that you wanted to give me everything?"


    Song Yi nodded again. "My friend gave me a lot of them and I don''t think I can finish them all. If you think that''s not enough, I can give you a bit more."


    Han Yue Xiu waved her hand. "No. This much is enough." She clipped at one more chips and ate with a sigh blissfully at the taste. "Eating too much junk food is not good. If I ate them occasionally, then, I can appreciate them more."


    The corner of his lips tilted up to a smile. Seeing that she was happily eating those chips, Song Yi felt a tug in his heart.


    He had thought that as long as she was happy, he would not mind doing the things she liked. It doesn''t matter if she would not return his feelings.


    It seemed that he needed to do something if he wanted to have her to look at him.


    It was such a conflicting feeling.


    He wanted her to be happy even if she did not choose him, but at the same time, he wanted her to look at him no matter what.


    Song Yi shifted his gaze towards the computer screen and when he saw that she was focusing on the thing that he had taught her earlier. He recalled how the two of them started to spend their time together in his office just like this.


    It was because of her friend, Li Qin Yao. Han Yue Xiu had found out that someone is out to harm her friend and she had asked his help to monitor the user''s activity in the forum.


    He seemed to remember that Han Yue Xiu had spent a lot of time with this friend and had cared for her a lot.


    A light flashed through his eyes as Song Yi began to think of her friend, Fu Yi Chen''s advice. To get to Han Yue Xiu, he should work hard on getting to know the person she cared about.


    It was because of this advice that he had started to approach Mother Han. Then perhaps, he should try and get to know this friend as well?

 Chapter 440 - Side Story 6: Song Yis Mistake

    Not long after, Song Yi arranged to go to Y City to look for Han Yue Xiu''s best friend and hope that she will help to give him some advice.


    Li Qin Yao was caught in a surprise when Song Yi appeared at the QL Group in B City. She was even more surprised that this man had come over to ask for a few pointers to woo her best friend.


    Initially, Li Qin Yao was reluctant to say anything to him, especially knowing how this man had treated her friend. However, looking at his pitiful expression, Li Qin Yao suddenly changed her mind.


    According to Han Yue Xiu, Song Yi had changed and had stopped pestering her. Moreover, Song Yi had helped her to find out about her cousin''s attempt to harm her. At the thought that she did not want to owe anything from Song Yi, Li Qin Yao had told him a few things about Han Yue Xiu.


    From Han Yue Xiu''s best friend, Song Yi found out that Han Yue Xiu was someone who did not like it when someone forced her to do something. Growing up, Han Yue Xiu was someone who would always follow her mother''s arrangement. She had gone to the school that her mother had chosen and studied what her mother wanted her to learn.


    Back then, it was because Han Yue Xiu decided to rebel that she had applied to enter her school basketball team. There was a court near her house and she would often go there to practice. After playing with the neighborhood boys, her skills were pretty good that she was chosen as one of the main players.


    Fortunately, her mother did not say anything when she found out that Han Yue Xiu''s choice in her school activity. As long as she had a good result, her mother decided that she was going to let Han Yue Xiu play.


    The second time Han Yue Xiu decided to go against her mother was after high school. At that time, her mother had wanted her to enroll in a different program at university. However, Han Yue Xiu was determined to study computers. The war between the mother and daughter lasted for days until Father Han was able to be the mediator.


    In the end, Mother Han gave up and only told her daughter that she has to get a good grade or else, she will be forced to quit.


    As Song Yi left Y City and headed back to Capital City, he could not help but think that it was his fault that Han Yue Xiu had pushed him aside. He was too forceful when he was courting the girl he liked. He had kissed her without her consent and had forced her to be in a relationship without asking for her opinion or allowing her to think about it.


    Of course, Han Yue Xiu would be frightened!


    Han Yue Xiu''s best friend had helped him to figure out that women did not like it whenever they were forced to do things. Those novels and dramas about domineering male lead were nothing but for entertainment.


    A woman would prefer to be with someone who valued their opinion. They were human too and wanted their words to be heard. They wanted to be treated as equals.


    Therefore, Song Yi was making the wrong move when he forced Han Yue Xiu to be in a relationship with him without asking for her opinion. Because of his move, Han Yue Xiu was furious to the point that she did not want anything to do with Song Yi.


    He then made everything worst when he told her that he will not give up to make her like him.


    Song Yi went back to Capital City feeling remorseful at what he had done to Han Yue Xiu.


    If only he was a bit patient¡­ If only he tried to court her the right way, perhaps he might still stand a chance. But now, his romance had ended before it could even begin.


    Song Yi took a few days off to heal his broken heart and later, when he returned to the office, he was acting like his usual self.


    No matter how heartbroken he was, Song Yi still thought that he could not give up on Han Yue Xiu. As long as this girl was not married to anyone, he would try his best!


    Song Yi would still call Han Yue Xiu to his office where he would teach her a few things about the new technology that their company was working on. The two of them would continue to have a takeout dinner in his office.


    But this time, Song Yi took the initiative and offered Han Yue Xiu a lift back home.


    The first time that Han Yue Xiu had accepted his offer, Song Yi was delighted. He almost jumped in joy, but he had to bury his excitement deep in his heart.


    Suddenly, sending Han Yue Xiu home has become a new routine.


    Although the two of them would often talk about work, Song Yi found that the little time that they spent together was the happiest moments.


    Gradually, without Song Yi''s realizing it, Han Yue Xiu no longer keep her guard up whenever he was around. The way she had treated him had changed and Han Yue Xiu had started to accept that Song Yi had changed for the better.


    At this point, Han Yue Xiu had started to think of Song Yi as a good friend, and the two of them started to converse about a lot of topics together. Their conversation was no longer surrounding their job or the company.


    While he was following this new routine without fail, Song Yi would still contact Mother Han and the two of them would often text each other.


    Actually, it was Song Yi who would initiate to contact Mother Han. He knew that she would still have to visit the hospital for a checkup and would later ask for her health.


    Knowing that Song Yi had wanted to get through her daughter by treating her nicely, Mother Han decided to help him out.


    Anyway, throughout her interaction with Song Yi, Mother Han had thought that he was a good child. With his background and manners, Song Yi was better than any guy that her daughter had dated.


    The night before Mother Han was supposed to visit the hospital for another checkup, she had texted Song Yi and mentioned to him about her visit.


    Hearing the hint from Mother Han that Han Yue Xiu will be accompanying her to the hospital this time, Song Yi decided to create a coincidental meeting...

 Chapter 441 - Side Story 6: Coincidental Meeting

    Once he had found a parking spot, Song Yi entered the hospital building and went straight to the department where he knew that Mother Han will be meeting her doctor.


    When he finally spotted Mother Han, sitting at the waiting area, Song Yi quickly walked over to her.


    Mother Han noticed him before he approached. She was momentarily surprised, but seconds later, the expression disappeared and a smile curled on her lips. "Song Yi," she called as he approached. "Are you here to see Yue Xiu?"


    Song Yi froze. He met Mother''s Han teasing gaze and could only smile.


    Mother Han laughed upon seeing his expression. He had known Song Yi for a while and thought that this guy would always have a serious look on his face. Surprisingly, he had this cute side on him too. Suddenly, Mother Han thought that teasing this man was definitely more fun than teasing her daughter.


    Whenever she wanted to tease her daughter, Han Yue Xiu, that girl only know how to get angry. Definitely not cute at all.


    "Yue Xiu went away to buy something. She should be back soon," Mother Han said. She patted at the empty seat beside her. "Come on. Sit over here."


    Song Yi let out a dry cough as he sat down. The two of them spent a few minutes chatting and Song Yi mostly asked Mother Han about her health condition.


    A few minutes later, Han Yue Xiu appeared while holding a bag with drinking water and some bread. She looked at the two people in front of her alternately and stopped at Song Yi. "Why are you here?"


    Song Yi glanced at Mother Han before he answered, "I came to visit someone and run into your mother." He cast another look at Mother Han and lowered his gaze.


    Han Yue Xiu continued to stare at him. But after a while, she saw that her mother was looking at her reaction and Han Yue Xiu was suddenly embarrassed. She took out a bottle of drinking water and handed it to her mother. "Mom, drink. Didn''t you say that you were thirsty earlier?"


    Mother Han stared at the bottle and sighed. She took the bottle from her daughter and turned to Song Yi. "Song Yi, help auntie to unscrew the cap."


    "Yes." He nodded and helped Mother Han to unscrew the bottle with ease.


    Han Yue Xiu watched the scene in front of her and felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch.


    Earlier, she had seen how Song Yi and her mother were chatting amiably and joking around. It seemed that the relationship between the two of them was quite good.


    "When did you two get friendly with each other?" Han Yue Xiu could not help but ask.


    "What do you mean?" Mother Han shot a displeased look to her daughter. "Song Yi is my lifesaver. He often came to visit me when I was hospitalized. Why can''t we be friendly with each other."


    "I didn''t say you can''t be friendly," Han Yue Xiu pouted slightly.


    She had momentarily forgotten that Song Yi had helped her mother and her family while they were in Country S. Once her mother was transferred to the hospital in Capital City, he had continued to visit her mother almost every day.


    It''s just that¡­ earlier, she was too surprised to see that the two were chatting and laughing happily. Suddenly, Han Yue Xiu felt an uncomfortable tug on her heart.


    "Aren''t you going to leave?" she asked Song Yi. She noticed that the way her mother was looking at her was not right, and thought that her question might sound like she was trying to chase him away. "Didn''t you say that you came to visit someone?"


    Song Yi let out a dry cough. He looked Han Yue Xiu with a straight face and spoke, "Well, my friend was unexpectedly discharged without informing me. It was only when I went to his empty ward that I found out about this."


    Mother Han turned her head away as she bit at the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing. Once she had controlled her expression, Mother Han looked at her daughter again. "Yue Xiu, you go and check whether my number is coming up soon."


    "Oh," Han Yue Xiu nodded before she left to the nurses'' station to ask.


    "Earlier, Father Han dropped us at the hospital before he headed over to work," Mother Han said as she watched her daughter''s disappearing figure. "If you''re not too busy, could you give us a ride home?"


    Song Yi''s expression brightened upon hearing Mother Han''s words. His lips curled into a bright smile and he nodded. "Alright."


    As she listened to Song Yi''s explanation, Han Yue Xiu suddenly thought that Song Yi was very good at talking. His explanation was very simple and easy to understand. Even if her mother asked him a simple question, he would tell her again patiently.


    Soon, it was Mother Han''s turn to meet the doctor.


    Han Yue Xiu shot a smile to Song Yi and said her goodbye before she accompanied her mother into the doctor''s room.


    However, when she came out again, Han Yue Xiu was very surprised to see that Song Yi was still around. "Why are you still here?"


    "I was waiting for you guys," Song Yi said. He turned to Mother Han and said, "Mrs. Han, let me send both of you back."


    "That''s not¡ª"


    "Alright," Mother Han answered before her daughter could reject his offer. "Song Yi, then I will trouble you."


    Han Yue Xiu narrowed her eyes as she looked at the two people in front of her heading towards the elevator as if she did not exist.


    Suddenly, Song Yi turned to look at her and stretched his hand to her. "What are you doing spacing out like that? Come on. Let''s go."


    "Oh." Han Yue Xiu absentmindedly put her hand in his. Feeling the warmth of his hand, Han Yue Xiu mentally cursed her dazed self.


    Fortunately, Song Yi released her hand just as they reached the elevator.


    Han Yue Xiu peeked at his expression and was relieved that she could not see anything abnormal from Song Yi.


    The three of them walked over to the car park and Mother Han immediately pulled the back passenger door. "I want to lie down a little bit. Yue Xiu, you just go and sit in the front."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at her mother who was lying on the backseat and felt the corner of her mouth started to twitch. "Mom, you haven''t put on your seatbelt."


    Mother Han get up, put on her seatbelt, and continued to lay down.


    Seeing this scene, Han Yue Xiu did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry.


    With no other choice, Han Yue Xiu walked over to the other side and got into the vehicle.


    These days, Song Yi would often give her a ride home after work and she was quite familiar sitting in Song Yi''s Audi.


    The atmosphere was too quiet during the ride home and Mother Han could not help but sigh. However, upon remembering her presence as the light bulb in the vehicle, Mother Han decided not to say anything.


    As the car approached the apartment building, Mother Han suddenly get up and spoke, "Song Yi, why don''t you come up and have lunch together. Your Uncle Han is away at home and eating together with just Yue Xiu and I would be too dull. Anyway, you have accompanied me and send us home. I won''t feel good if you don''t stay for lunch."


    Han Yue Xiu shot her mother a glare through the rear mirror but was unable to say anything.


    "Alright," Song Yi nodded. "I''ll go and look for a parking spot."


    "Just drop me at the lobby first," Mother Han said. "Yue Xiu you go with Song Yi. Just in case he got lost."


    Han Yue Xiu wanted to curse. Song Yi had visited their apartment twice! He won''t get lost.


    Because she knew that rejecting her mother''s request would be impossible, Han Yue Xiu could only accompany Song Yi to the parking lot in silence.


    The car stopped as it entered the parking spot, but Song Yi did not quickly turn off the engine.


    Han Yue Xiu turned to him with a puzzled gaze and saw that he was staring at her with a mixed expression. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but was hesitating.


    "Han Yue Xiu?"


    "Ah?" she blinked.


    "I like you," Song Yi spoke. "I know that you had told me not to like you. But no matter how I tried to stop myself from liking you, I just cannot do it. I cannot give up on you. I thought that staying as a business partner with you would be enough, but it wasn''t. I wanted us to be more than friends or business partners."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the man in front of her in a daze as he continued to pour out his feelings towards her for a long time. Fortunately, she snapped out of her trance in time to hear his next question.


    "Could you give me a chance?"

 Chapter 442 - Side Story 6: In a Relationship

    Han Yue Xiu thought that there was probably something wrong with how her brain worked. Previously, Song Yi had asked her to give him a chance for him to start over, and she had rejected him.


    Though she had known this man for years, Han Yue Xiu had never thought that she would have feelings towards him. She had thought of him as a good employer, mentor, and later, a good friend.


    But it seemed that there was something that had possessed her when she agreed to give him a chance.


    When Song Yi left her apartment, Han Yue Xiu had gone back into her room and his question popped into her mind again. His question and her reply replayed in her mind over and over again until she was too embarrassed to think about it.


    "Could you give me a chance?" Song Yi had asked. "Can we start over again?"


    At that time, she was staring back at him and saw how anxious he was as he was waiting for her answer. Seeing the once arrogance Song Yi was acting this way made her wanted to laugh. But then, there was a tug at her heart and there was a voice in her head telling her that she should agree.


    "Alright." Han Yue Xiu had smiled. "Let''s start over again."


    "Aaaah!!"


    While hiding her head under the duvet, Han Yue Xiu started to mutter a few curses. "Han Yue Xiu, ah Han Yue Xiu¡­ how can you agree just like that? What was wrong with your head?"


    She had thought that perhaps, the way he was very nice towards her parents had clouded her thinking. But knowing herself, she was not someone who would be easily swayed.


    Han Yue Xiu began to think about the changes in Song Yi and knew that he had tried hard to change. At least, when he was around her, he was not as domineering as he used to be. He would often turn to her and ask for her opinion before he made a decision.


    Anyway, it was not as if she was not aware of the things Song Yi had done for her.


    One of the female employees in the company had accidentally spilled out Song Yi''s plan to protect her from Miss Fang. At that time, when she had heard about it, Han Yue Xiu had laughed. Since she had no plan to be harassed by Miss Fang, Han Yue Xiu had decided to pretend that she knew nothing about it.


    Her opinion towards Song Yi had had slowly changed for the better.


    Although she was more comfortable to be around Song Yi, Han Yue Xiu was not sure whether she had a feeling towards him. Anyway, even after Song Yi had told her that he had liked her in the past, Han Yue Xiu had never thought of being in a relationship with him.


    "Forget it," Han Yue Xiu sighed as she looked at the ceiling. "I can slowly figure out this thing. If I don''t feel that way towards him later, I can always tell him. We have only started to date. It''s not that we are going to get married soon."


    With that mind, Han Yue Xiu finally pushed Song Yi and their new relationship away from her mind.


    However, the thoughts and worry returned as she stepped into the office the next morning.


    Song Yi had gathered everyone to discuss their projects in the meeting room and for a while, Han Yue Xiu was afraid that Song Yi was going to do something big, like announcing their new relationship to everyone.


    Seeing the way Song Yi had a serious look on his face as he explained to everyone about the next phase of their project made her wonder if everything that happened yesterday was merely a dream.


    Song Yi did not look as if he was affected by anything, and she was the one who had overthink everything.


    After almost two hours of discussion, everyone went back to their table to continue their work.


    "What''s wrong?" Han Yue Xiu blinked. Her heart started to thump wildly as she saw the big smile and she could not help but wonder what he was planning to do.


    "Han Yue Xiu."


    "Huh?"


    "Let''s go on lunch together."


    "Lunch?"


    "Hmm," Song Yi nodded. "What do you want to eat?"


    Han Yue Xiu opened her mouth to answer but paused when she heard his voice again.


    "This is the first day of us getting together, we should go somewhere special, right?" Song Yi said. A thought crossed his mind and the smile on his face disappeared and was replaced with worry. "Han Yue Xiu, you¡­ you weren''t thinking of changing your mind, right?"


    "Of course not."


    Song Yi let out a breath of relief and the expression on his face brightened up. "That''s good. Then, you should think about what you want to eat and where do you want to go. I''ll come over to your office to pick you up later."


    "Oh." Han Yue Xiu nodded. Song Yi stared at her face for a few seconds longer before he turned around and leave the meeting room. When he disappeared from her vision, Han Yue Xiu was still in a daze.


    ...


    It was after a few weeks that Han Yue Xiu had finally gotten used to the fact that she was dating Song Yi.


    Once she was aware of it, Han Yue Xiu began to think about her feelings and tried to cultivate her affection towards Song Yi. Surprisingly, it was not very hard. She paid attention to everything that Song Yi had done, and there were times and moments that made her heart flutter.


    Han Yue Xiu thought that she could really get used to being around with Song Yi as her girlfriend.


    Their progress was neither fast nor slow.


    They started holding hands, kissing and they were always together as if inseparable. But still, they managed to conceal their relationship from their employees.


    Han Yue Xiu had thought that they shouldn''t tell those guys anything as their relationship was still in an early stage. Moreover, she was afraid that if this relationship did not work out, it would cause a problem for their project and company.


    Though Song Yi had wanted to announce their relationship to the world, he can only listen to Han Yue Xiu''s opinion.


    "Meet your parents?"


    "You are aware that my parents had arranged for me to marry Miss Fang in the past.


    "Hmm," Han Yue Xiu nodded.


    Previously, she had asked him about Miss Fang and Song Yi had clarified that he had no relationship with that woman. Everything between them was just something that the elders had planned, but later, his elders had allowed him to withdraw from that relationship when he told them that he had no feelings towards Miss Fang.


    Han Yue Xiu had decided to trust in his words. Anyway, if she found out that he was lying to her, she was going to beat him to death.


    Song Yi lowered his gaze. "My elders were worried I might not be interested in women because I keep on giving them excuses whenever they asked me to bring home my girlfriend. Anyway, after my engagement with Miss Fang was dissolved, some rumors were circulating in my elders'' social circle."


    Han Yue Xiu stared at him speechlessly.


    "What do you say?" Song Yi continued. "Do you want to meet my elders and help me dispel this rumor?"

 Chapter 443 - Side Story 6: Meeting the Songs Family

    Han Yue Xiu glanced at the person in the driver seat and could not help to be anxious. After her talk with her best friend, Li Qin Yao that afternoon, Han Yue Xiu began to think that she was too reckless to agree to Song Yi''s request.


    They haven''t been together for too long, and she was going to meet his parents soon.


    The thought of what might happen during this meeting was making her stress.


    Her background and Song Yi were different. She came from an average family while Song Yi was someone in high status. Of course, Han Yue Xiu was afraid that she was not able to enter the Song''s residence before she will be kicked out.


    Then another scene played out in her mind and this time, Song Yi''s mother offered to give her a blank check if she agreed to leave her son.


    Anyway, Han Yue Xiu did not know what she was going to do if any of those scenes happened later on. As they were approaching the Song''s residence, Han Yue Xiu''s anxiousness had reached the top.


    "Are you worried?"


    Han Yue Xiu lifted her head when she heard Song Yi''s voice. It was then that she realized that the vehicle had stopped and they were now at the Song''s residence.


    Song Yi''s lips curled into a small smile. Han Yue Xiu was worried about meeting his parents, then it should mean that she cared a little about him, right?


    "I''m fine," Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath as she readied herself. She decided to just go with the flow and see what will happen next. If his parents did not accept her, then be it.


    Anyway, her relationship with Song Yi had just started. If it was going to end, then it would be better for it to end before she had fallen further. At least she would not have to suffer too much when she was heartbroken.


    Seeing that Han Yue Xiu had regained her spirit, the smile on Song Yi''s lips widened. Of course, if he knew what was really on his girlfriend''s mind, he would probably vomit some blood.


    Even if his parents wanted to break them up, he would not agree. Song Yi was already planning to ask his grandparents'' help. His grandmother doted on him so much that she would not let him suffer any grievance, and his grandfather was someone who would choose to listen to his wife.


    He had his backup, and Song Yi was not afraid of anyone.


    Song Yi helped Han Yue Xiu off the car before he wrapped his arms around her waist and led her towards the door. Once the door opened, an auntie greeted them. Song Yi passed a few bags of gifts for everyone before he led Han Yue Xiu to another room.


    As they entered the room, Han Yue Xiu took a deep breath and looked up. The room was too quiet. There were ten pairs of eyes were looking back at her, causing Han Yue Xiu to take a step back. Before she could take another step back, Song Yi had tightened his grip around her waist to prevent her from running away.


    "Please don''t frighten my girlfriend," Song Yi spoke with a helpless sigh.


    Immediately, everyone in the room started to look away under Song Yi''s warning gaze.


    Sensing the strange atmosphere, Han Yue Xiu tugged at Song Yi''s sleeve and blinked her eyes adorably at him.


    "Everyone, this is Han Yue Xiu, my girlfriend," Song Yi introduced. He turned to Han Yue Xiu and smiled. His arms around her waist tightened. He had wanted to announce her as his girlfriend for a long time, and now that he got the chance to introduce her to his family, Song Yi felt his heart soar. The smile on his face could not disappear.


    At this time, Grandmother Song stood up and walked over to the couple.


    "Grandmother," Song Yi greeted.


    The old lady glanced at her grandson and saw the happy smile on his grandson''s face.


    "Grandmother, hello," Han Yue Xiu followed.


    "You must be Han Yue Xiu," Grandmother Han stretched both hands to hold Han Yue Xiu''s. "Grandmother has heard a lot about you from Song Yi." Her eyes were looking at the pretty girl from head to toe as if examining her.


    Han Yue Xiu glanced at Song Yi and raised a brow. "What did he say about me?"


    "All the good stuff. You don''t have to worry." Grandmother laughed.


    Of course, she could not tell Han Yue Xiu that the first time she heard about her, Song Yi was threatening them that he was planning not to continue the family line if he was forced to marry someone he did not love.


    Knowing her grandson''s stubbornness, Grandmother Song could only give in. The result was that his engagement with the Fang''s daughter was dissolved and Song Yi promised that he was going to bring back home the girl that he liked.


    As Grandmother Song was very curious about the girl, she had asked her husband to sent someone to investigate Han Yue Xiu.


    Once she heard that Han Yue Xiu had once rejected her grandson, Grandmother Song was very surprised. She was even more surprised upon hearing that her grandson had sold his company and was thinking of starting over somewhere else just because he wanted to be with this girl.


    After listening to the reports on Han Yue Xiu''s background, Grandmother Song thought that Han Yue Xiu was an interesting person.


    The Song family did not have to rely on marriage connection to rise. As long as Song Yi was willing to get married, Grandmother Song did not mind about her the girl''s background. As long as this girl was not trying to take advantage of her grandson or the family, Grandmother Song would agree.


    "Come and sit beside me. We have a lot to talk about," Grandmother Han spoke as she tugged at the girl''s hand. However, she soon noticed her grandson''s displeased expression and the way his hand was resting on the girl''s waist.


    There was no one for him to compete with, but her grandson''s sign of possessiveness was apparent.


    Seeing that Grandmother Song was treating the girl warmly, the others began to greet Han Yue Xiu.


    Once Han Yue Xiu was introduced to Song Yi''s grandfather, parents, uncles, aunties, and siblings in the room, she sat down beside Song Yi and began to take questions from Song Yi''s family members. Of course, Song Yi''s grandmother and mother took turns asking her various questions to get to know Han Yue Xiu better.


    As the conversation goes on, Han Yue Xiu began to notice that something does not seem right. The scenes where Song Yi''s elders were going to chase her out did not happen, but instead, she was greeted by their warm welcome.


    Facing this situation, she was suddenly scared. Are they going too fast?


    ...


    Han Yue Xiu looked out the window as Song Yi drove her back to Zhang''s hotel. As the meeting was over, Han Yue Xiu was more at ease.


    Song Yi glanced at the person beside him when he noticed that he was being watched. He saw the smile on her face and was confused. "What?"


    "Song Yi, why do I feel that I''ve been tricked into coming over to see your family today?"


    There was a brief silence on his part. "What are you talking about? If you''re that easy to trick, then wouldn''t you agreed to give me a chance a long time ago?"


    Han Yue Xiu pondered over his words and nodded. "That''s true."


    Song Yi parked his vehicle at the side of the hotel building and turned to his girlfriend. "Don''t think too much. You should go up and take a rest. We have a flight to catch tomorrow."


    "Oh," Han Yue Xiu nodded. She gathered her stuff and turned to open the door.


    "Han Yue Xiu."


    "Huh?" As soon as she turned to Song Yi, his lips met hers in a fleeting kiss.


    Song Yi reached to ??r?ss her cheek and smiled. "Good night."

 Chapter 444 - Side Story 6: Staying Over

    The next time Han Yue Xiu went to the Song''s residence again, her best friend, Li Qin Yao was facing a big scandal. At that time, something happened at the construction site and Li Qin Yao was accused of some crimes.


    Once Han Yue Xiu heard about the accident on the site, she immediately tried to contact her friend. Even though her friend had ?ssured her that she was alright, Han Yue Xiu simply could not sit still.


    She had been by Li Qin Yao''s side after her friend was forced to leave QL Group and knew how much her friend was suffering.


    Now that the same incident happened again, Han Yue Xiu wanted to stay by her side to give her support.


    Fortunately, this time, Yao Yao had her husband and the family who would always stay by her side. Knowing that Zhang Yu Han was beside her friend, Han Yue Xiu was relieved.


    Meanwhile, she continued to be in contact with Zhang Yu Han to know better about the situation. Knowing her best friend, Yao Yao would tell her that everything was alright so that she would not worry too much.


    Once Han Yue Xiu heard that the matter was in the investigation and the report will come out soon, she went to discuss with Song Yi and the two of them took a flight to Y City.


    When they arrived, the sky was starting to turn dark.


    It was then that Han Yue Xiu remembered that she had forgotten to book a room to stay.


    Just as she was browsing through some website, Song Yi appeared by her side and put his arms around her waist. He peeked at her phone and frowned.


    "What are you doing?" Han Yue Xiu asked.


    "My grandmother heard that we are coming to Y City and had asked me to bring you home for dinner," Song Yi said. "What do you think?"


    Hearing that it was his grandmother who wanted him to bring her home, Han Yue Xiu agreed. Anyway, she can always leave after dinner and find a hotel room later.


    Song Yi led her to the arrival hall and the two met with a driver that was sent by Song Yi''s grandmother to pick them up.


    "Grandmother," Han Yue Xiu greeted.


    Grandmother Song smiled. "It''s good that you''re here. I heard about what was going on with your friend," Grandmother Song said as she held on Han Yue Xiu''s hand. "If there''s anything that we can do to help, just say it. The Song family is not without influence."


    "Thank you, grandmother." Han Yue Xiu smiled. "I really appreciate that. But we still aren''t aware of the situation. Tomorrow, I will head over to their place and figure out what was going on."


    Grandmother Song nodded before she turned to call an auntie to prepare some dishes.


    "Since you are here, just stay here at the residence for as long as you''re staying in Y City," Mother Song said. "We have cleaned up a guest room for you."


    "That''s right," Grandmother Song agreed. "Just stay here and save your money. There are a lot of empty rooms in this house. Later, you can accompany me for a chat."


    Han Yue Xiu turned to Song Yi to ask him to help her to decline, but the man only smiled and shrug, telling her to make her decision. Han Yue Xiu turned to the two ladies and was surprised to meet their expectant gaze. It seemed that if she declined their offer, the two women would be disappointed.


    Her resolution started to waver under the women''s gaze.


    "Are you shy?" Grandmother Song asked. "There''s nothing to be shy about. Anyway, sooner or later, we are going to be a family, right?"


    Han Yue Xiu stared at the elder woman with a dazed expression. Before she could say a word, Grandmother Song had already walked away to check on the food in the kitchen.


    Once she had regained her composure, Han Yue Xiu turned to look at Song Yi but found that he was answering a phone call from work.


    "Come on," Mother Song touched at Han Yue Xiu''s arms and smiled. "I''ll take you to your room to rest."


    Han Yue Xiu followed Mother Song to the second floor and was given a brief tour. Once she was brought to the room, Han Yue Xiu put her small luggage aside and noticed that Mother Song was watching her.


    "If you need anything, you can tell it to Song Yi," Mother Song said. "His room will be on your left."


    Han Yue Xiu flashed a smile. "Thank you."


    Seeing the way Han Yue Xiu was as still in front of her, Mother Han let out a soft laugh.


    Mother Han could not deny that once she heard that her son was infatuated with a girl and had suggested to break off the engagement with Miss Fang, she was furious. She had thought that Han Yue Xiu was not a nice girl. That she was a temptress.


    However, her perception soon changed after Grandmother Song showed her the result of her investigation.


    Han Yue Xiu was someone who befriended Miss Li from QL Group and her relationship with Zhang''s family was quite good. She did not need Song Yi if what she wanted was to rise in her social class.


    Once she had learned a bit more about Han Yue Xiu, Mother Han began to like this girl a lot more. Though Han Yue Xiu might seem a little awkward, she was someone who knew how to protect herself. Even if she stayed with her son, Mother Song was convinced that she was not someone who will drag him down.


    Mother Han had noticed how her son had changed after he dated Han Yue Xiu and thought that this girl was a good influence on him.


    "You don''t need to be uncomfortable," Mother Song said. "It was not like we are going to eat you. Just make yourself at home."


    She really did not know how to be uncomfortable.


    Now that she was left alone with Mother Song in the room, Han Yue Xiu kept thinking that Mother Song was going to do something and tell her that she was not suitable for her son.


    Of course, whatever Han Yue Xiu was thinking for did not happen. Mother Han told her to rest well before the food will be done and left her.


    As the door closed, Han Yue Xiu plopped down on the mattress and stared at the ceiling. Suddenly, she was very tired.


    After settling their work, the two of them had to catch a flight and she had to face Song Yi''s family again upon landing in Y City. Everything that happened was draining her energy.


    Han Yue Xiu rolled over the bed and took out her phone to inform Zhang Yu Han that they will be coming over in the morning. Just as the conversation finished, Han Yue Xiu heard a knock on the door. She opened the door and found Song Yi at the door.


    "How is it? Comfortable? Do you need anything?"


    "Everything is fine," Han Yue Xiu flashed a hesitant smile. "Just that¡­ everything felt strange."


    "You will get used to it soon." He leaned forward to kiss her forehead and smiled. "My grandmother told me to call you to eat. Are you hungry?"

 Chapter 445 - Side Story 6: White Rabbit Candy

    Once Grandfather Song and Father Song heard that Song Yi was coming over with Han Yue Xiu, the two dropped whatever work they have and went back home for dinner.


    The house was lively and dinner with the Song''s family went out smoothly.


    The elders kept urging Han Yue Xiu to eat more and Song Yi would put more dishes on her bowl until she felt as if her stomach was going to burst anytime soon.


    Fortunately, Song Yi had suggested them to have a walk in the backyard to help to digest the meal.


    The Song''s backyard had a beautiful landscape with small ponds, path stones, and various flowers. The backyard was facing the woods and because the residence was located at a higher ground, the temperature at night was a bit cold. The dark backyard was illuminated with the garden light.


    Han Yue Xiu walked around the pond and took a deep breath in the clean air. She grew up in big cities and found that the surrounding landscape was very pleasing. However, at this time, her mind was preoccupied with worry about her friend.


    Just as she was about to take a step forward, Han Yue Xiu felt him tugging at her hand before her body was pulled into a warm embrace. With arms wrapped around her waist and his chin rested on the shoulder, Han Yue Xiu leaned back to his ?h?st.


    "Still worrying about your friend?" Song Yi asked.


    "Hmm," Han Yue Xiu nodded.


    "You don''t have to worry too much," Song Yi said. "Your friend''s husband is someone from a very capable family. They will not let your friend suffer from any grievance."


    Han Yue Xiu knew a little bit about Zhang Yu Han''s family connection through Yao Yao. Although she knew that he was very capable to help Li Qin Yao clean up her name, Han Yue Xiu could not help but worry.


    "I know," Han Yue Xiu spoke. "But I cannot stop worrying. The same thing had happened to Yao Yao previously and in that period, she was very heartbroken," Han Yue Xiu could still remember that expression on Li Qin Yao''s face when they went out on public once. Being out in public would make her tremble with fear. It took her a long time before she could recover and go out again. "Yao Yao is a good girl, but a lot of bad things keep on happening to her. I just wanted her to be happy."


    Song Yi tightened his embrace on her body, letting her calm down and the couple stayed that way for a long time. After a while, Han Yue Xiu raised her hand and put them on top of his hands. The moment their skin touched, a frown appeared on Song Yi''s face.


    "Your hands are cold," Song Yi pointed out. He grasped her hands and tried to warm them with his palm. "Let''s go inside before you catch a cold."


    Han Yue Xiu smiled as she watched him. She let him tangled their hands before he let her inside.


    The house was very quiet as the couple walked in.


    Song Yi glanced at the time. "They probably have gone to bed." He turned to Han Yue Xiu and spoke again, "You should go and rest too. Didn''t you say we need to wake up early and head over to your friend''s place?"


    A soft laugh escaped her and Han Yue Xiu quickly looked away. Her gaze stopped at the door next to her. Han Yue Xiu pushed him away and raised a brow at him. "That is your room, right?"


    Song Yi nodded. "Hmm."


    "Can I look around? Do you mind?"


    Song Yi froze for a few seconds before he stepped aside to let her move. "There isn''t anything interesting there. But sure, go ahead."


    "This is the house you grow up in. I bet there''s going to be some interesting stuff in there," Han Yue Xiu wriggled her brow teasingly at him.


    A chuckle escaped him. Song Yi put his hand on the knob before he led her in.


    Han Yue Xiu walked into Song Yi''s room and was not surprised to find that everything was neat and tidy. Song Yi''s room was very big, almost three times the size of her living room. There was a big bed at the center of the room, a large wardrobe, a study, and a tall bookcase with books that were mostly about computers and programming. In short, this room was exactly what Han Yue Xiu had imagined.


    "What are you looking for?"


    Han Yue Xiu turned to him and narrowed her eyes. "What? You have something you wanted to hide from me?"


    "Of course not," Song Yi cleared his throat. When his girlfriend continued to look around, Song Yi started to think if he had hidden anything that he did not want Han Yue Xiu to find in his room.


    Fortunately, Han Yue Xiu was only interested in looking at the books on his bookcase. Though she was curious to see at what was inside his room, Han Yue Xiu just walked around with her arms crossed on her ?h?st and she did not try to peer into his drawers or such.


    Song Yi did not know whether he should be happy or disappointed. He did not want her to find anything that would make her dislike him, but at the same time, he could not help but wonder if Han Yue Xiu was not curious enough to know more about him. If he had the opportunity to go into her room, he would want to look into every drawer and every corner just to know more about her preferences.


    They have been dating for a few months. He could see that Han Yue Xiu was starting to warm up to him and had accepted him as her boyfriend. But Song Yi did not know whether she loved him.


    "Why do you have these candies here?"


    Song Yi snapped out of his trance and saw that Han Yue Xiu had picked up a piece of that white rabbit candy that he had put in a small jar on his desk.


    "Didn''t you say that they tasted disgusting?" Han Yue Xiu teased.


    Song Yi lowered his gaze and touched at his nose. "It''s not disgusting. It''s just that¡­ I am not a fan of sweets."


    Han Yue Xiu walked over to him and stared at him with the candy in her hand. "But you still keep them here. Looking at the amount of those candies, I don''t think that they were taken from my stock."


    She could still remember that Song Yi had confessed that he had taken some of the candies from her desk.


    "I bought them," Song Yi admitted. He met Han Yue Xiu''s gaze and spoke, "Back then, you were so determined to reject me. Whenever I started to think of you, I would take one candy to eat. After a while, it did not taste so bad. I still did not like to eat sweet stuff, but I can accept the taste of those candies."


    Her expression started to change. His words surprised her. Han Yue Xiu continued to stare back into his eyes and soon shifted away with her cheek slightly flushed.


    When Song Yi had come over to S Country to confess to her, Han Yue Xiu had thought that he had wanted to play around with her and therefore, she had not taken him seriously and had wanted him to stay away from her.


    But after spending her time with him, Han Yue Xiu she started to wonder if he had liked her from the start. She started to notice a lot of things about him that would make her heart flutter.


    Han Yue Xiu looked away from him and started to walk around again. She raised her hand and noticed that she was still holding that candy.


    A thought flashed through her mind and Han Yue Xiu glanced towards the slightly ajar door.


    Song Yi was starting to worry when his girlfriend did not talk for a long time. His eyes flashed with panic when he watched her head to the door. He had thought that he had done or said something wrong that had made her upset.


    But instead of leaving his room, Han Yue Xiu closed the door and turned around.


    Song Yi snapped out of his trance when the taste of the sweet milky taste of that white rabbit candy lingered in his mouth. But before he was able to continue and savor the sweet taste, Han Yue Xiu had pulled away from him.


    "How is it? Does it still taste bad to you?" She tilted her head sideways.


    Song Yi let out a chuckle. His gaze was glued to her pink lips that were an inch away from his. "No." He leaned to kiss her lips again. "I think I really like this taste."

 Chapter 446 - Side Story 6: Lets Get Married

    After staying over at the Song''s residence for the first time, Han Yue Xiu has become a frequent visitor to their home. Whenever she came over to Y City with Song Yi, Grandmother Song would insist for them to stay at the residence.


    Grandmother Song would talk to Han Yue Xiu until it was too late before she was persuaded to stay. After this incident happened a few times, Han Yue Xiu simply gave up trying to reject the elders'' invitation.


    Soon, Han Yue Xiu became familiar with the family members. Though she would still expect that Song Yi''s mother was going to chase her away with some money, those things simply did not happen. Instead, Han Yue Xiu was given very good treatment whenever she was around. Her relationship with Song Yi''s mother became close that the two had taken the flight to go on a trip together.


    As Song Yi had told his family that he was not going to marry anyone other than Han Yue Xiu, both Grandmother Song and Mother Song took part in trying to lure her into the family. Song Yi was the only one in his generation who was not yet married. Therefore the elders were worried for him. It was only when he had a wife beside him and a few kids will the elders be at ease.


    Though Song Yi was more than happy to give the elders what they wanted, he was someone who had learned the hard way that Han Yue Xiu was not someone who they can force into doing something that she did not like. He can only court her slowly and be on his best behavior to coax his woman.


    Soon, the couple''s relationship became serious and a marriage talked surfaced.


    To Song Yi''s surprise, Han Yue Xiu did not object the idea as much as he had thought. But, she did not agree for them to get married immediately either.


    The company that the two had established was quite new and Han Yue Xiu wanted to focus on working on their project until the company was stabilized.


    According to Han Yue Xiu, once the company was stabilized, she planned to quit her job while continuing as a partner in the company. She was going to let Song Yi be the decision-maker, while she was going to focus on her marriage and preparing to have a child.


    Anyway, she was going to stay at home and the profit would still enter her bank account.


    Song Yi was very happy to hear this opinion. His girlfriend was thinking of marrying him and had thought about having a child together. Why would he not be happy about it?


    But, for him to start thinking about having a child, first, he needed to work hard on his company. The thought that the project would take a while before it succeeded made Song Yi wanted to cry.


    Whenever Han Yue Xiu and Li Qin Yao hangout together, Song Yi would often glance at the child in Li Qin Yao''s arms with his eyes full of envy.


    Time passed, and the two of them have been dating for three years.


    The company that the two of them were going well and was in the middle of a discussion for a big collaboration project. Once they signed the documents, the money would be enough for the company to last for more than a year.


    On that one morning, Song Yi was reading a few files when Han Yue Xiu suddenly barged into his office. Knowing that Han Yue Xiu was the only person who would dare to enter his office without knocking, Song Yi lifted his head and smiled. However, the smile immediately disappeared when he saw Han Yue Xiu''s pale face.


    "What''s wrong?" Song Yi stood up from his chair and walked over to hold his girlfriend.


    "Song Yi, I''m heading over to Y City," Han Yue Xiu spoke with a trembling voice. "Something happened to Yao Yao."


    Han Yue Xiu told him that Zhang Yu Han was involved in an accident and he was now in a coma. As Li Qin Yao''s best friend, she wanted to be her strength.


    After delegating their task to the staff, both Han Yue Xiu took the flight and headed over to Y City. Once they arrived, they took a cab and headed to the hospital.


    Zhang Yu Han was still in a coma, and Han Yue Xiu was surprised upon seeing that her friend was wearing a hospital gown as she stayed by her husband''s side.


    "Yue Xiu, thank you for coming," Li Qin Yao said Han Yue Xiu wrapped her arms around her shoulder. She glanced to the side and greeted Song Yi with a nod.


    "I come over as soon as I heard the news," Han Yue Xiu said. She pulled away and looked at the clothes that her friend was wearing. "Yao Yao, why are you wearing that?"


    Li Qin Yao gave her a weak smile. "I was too shock upon hearing the news."


    Han Yue Xiu gritted her teeth as she tried her best not to cry. She held her friend''s hand tightly as if trying to channel whatever strength she has. Her gaze then moved to the person who was lying down on the bed. "How is he?"


    "The operation went out smoothly. The doctor said that he is recovering well," Li Qin Yao said. "Just that, we are not sure when he will wake up."


    Han Yue Xiu stayed at the hospital to accompany her friend for a long time. It was only when the visiting hours ended that Han Yue Xiu and Song Yi left and head over to the Song''s residence.


    "Don''t worry," Song Yi tried to coax his girlfriend. "I have talked to the doctor earlier. He will wake up soon."


    Han Yue Xiu stayed in his embrace and let him hug her tighter. "I hope so."


    With Zhang Yu Han''s condition still unknown, Han Yue Xiu had stayed in Y City to accompany her friend every day. Seeing the distressed look on her friend''s face, Han Yue Xiu was worried but found herself that she was unable to say anything to make her friend at ease. The only thing she could do was to be around.


    Han Yue Xiu could not imagine what will happen to her friend if something goes wrong with her husband. She had been by Li Qin Yao''s side even before the two started to date. She had seen how Zhang Yu Han treated her friend and knew that he was Li Qin Yao''s source of strength. Without him, Yao Yao was going to be heartbroken.


    As soon as Han Yue Xiu left the hospital, she no longer had the energy to put up a strong facade, and each time, Song Yi would have to coax her as he came and pick her up to go back to the Song''s residence. Although Song Yi wished that there was something he could do to cheer her up, at this time, they can only wait until Zhang Yu Han woke up.


    Fortunately, five days after the accident, Zhang Yu Han woke up from his coma. Han Yue Xiu looked at her friend who could not bear to leave her husband''s side and could no longer suppress her tears.


    "Why are you crying?"


    Han Yue Xiu buried her head in Song Yi''s neck as spoke with a hoarse voice. "I''m happy."


    Song Yi let out a soft sigh as he patted his girlfriend''s back. The two stayed that way for a few minutes until Han Yue Xiu had calm down. Then, they returned to the ward to visit the two before they left to let the couple spend their time alone.


    As soon as they went back to the Song''s residence, Han Yue Xiu went back into the guest room and took a long shower. When she came out and fully dressed, her expression had changed. It was as if she had a long thought in the bathroom and had come out with a resolution.


    Han Yue Xiu went to the next door and rapped her knuckles on the door.


    Seconds later, Song Yi appeared at the door with a gentle smile on his face. He quickly stepped aside to let her in.


    "Are you still working?" Han Yue Xiu glanced at the ??ptop on the desk and saw the screen. Looking at how he was still working while accompanying her in Y City, Han Yue Xiu felt a tinge of guilt.


    "It''s alright," Song Yi spoke. "Brother Fu sent over some documents to be checked. I should be able to finish it soon."


    "Sorry. That was supposed to be my job."


    It was not hard to figure out that Song Yi had prevented others from finding her and instead let the staff contact him if they needed anything.


    Song Yi held on both her hands and smiled. "Hey, we''re partners. We are supposed to share our workload."


    Han Yue Xiu flashed him a faint smile. She looked away and hesitated. "Are you busy? Can we talk?"


    Seeing the serious look on her face, Song Yi began to panic a little bit. "What''s wrong?"


    Han Yue Xiu stayed in silence for a few seconds. Then, she tilted her head to meet his gaze and spoke, "Song Yi, let''s get married."


    It took him a while to ?ssure himself that he had not misheard things. "What?"


    Han Yue Xiu tightened her grip on his hand and spoke, "Being around Yao Yao these past few days¡­ I realized that the time we have together is very limited. We might be alright now, but none of us can predict what will happen in the future. What if¡­ something happened to me? Or to you?"


    "You silly girl, we will be alright." Song Yi tried to smile. "We will live for a long time together."


    Han Yue Xiu put a finger on his lips. "Just hear me out." She watched him stared at her with a puzzled expression and continued. "I think that, instead of waiting for the right moment, what I need to do is to seize the moment. Therefore, instead of waiting for the company to stabilize, let''s just¡­ get married. I don''t want to waste our time. I just want to be together with you."


    Song Yi stared back at her and saw the resolve in her eyes. After a while, his lips curled into a smile. "Alright. Let''s get married."

 Chapter 447 - Side Story 7: Li Mu Bai

    In Capital City¡­


    Not long after Li Qin Yao had given birth to her second child, the Chairman of QL Group, Li Ren Xin decided to step down from the business world and let his two grandsons, Li Mu Bai and Li Ming Han manage the group.


    Ever since the incident that involved his two granddaughters, Li Ren Xin''s health was never the same again. At the thought that he was part of the reason that Li Mu Chen had turned out to be that way, Li Ren Xin would continue to blame himself.


    Soon, his health declined and the doctor had advised him to rest or else, his body would not be able to take it.


    In one of the meeting rooms located in the QL Group Headquarters, Li Mu Bai sat at the top of the room as he listened to the managers'' reports. Once in a while, he would look up from his files and listen to the managers'' words with interest.


    After a while, someone appeared at the glass door and knocked on the door.


    The meeting halted and Li Mu Bai raised his head to see his ?ssistant, Bei Ruo Xi at the door. He waved his hand and the girl entered the room and slid a piece of paper on the desk.


    A frown appeared on Li Mu Bai''s face as he read what was written. He turned to Bei Ruo Xi again and his expression turned solemn when she nodded.


    "This meeting will be adjourned," Li Mu Bai announced. He then stood up and walked out of the room with his ?ssistant trailing after him, leaving the managers in puzzled.


    As soon as he stepped into his office, Li Mu Bai turned to Bei Ruo Xi and she passed over his phone. Li Mu Bai hesitated for a while before he tapped his finger on the screen. Then, he pressed the phone to his ear and waited until the phone was connected.


    Bei Ruo Xi took this chance to walk out of the room to leave her boss some space.


    A long, heavy sigh escaped her once Bei Ruo Xi returned to her desk. She opened some documents on his computer and paused when she recalled the phone call that she had received a moment ago.


    The hospital called with a report regarding Li Mu Chen''s health.


    Although that woman had done a lot of bad things to her cousin, her family members, especially Li Mu Bai, still hope that Li Mu Chen will wake up from her coma and will be able to live her life normally.


    However, a few years have passed since that tragedy and the doctor had called to report that Li Mu Chen will not be able to wake up anymore.


    Li Mu Chen might still be able to breathe with the help of a machine, but the doctor found that there was no more activity in her brain. Therefore, the doctor suggested for them to pull off the plug and let her go.


    ¡­


    Li Mu Bai stayed in his office for a long time, just staring out the window after the phone call with his grandfather ended.


    With Li Mu Chen''s condition, Li Mu Bai and his father had agreed to pull off the plug and let his sister go. He had to report the news to his grandfather and had almost broken down when he heard his grandfather sobbed at the other line.


    Though Li Mu Chen had done a lot of wrongs, she was still his sister.


    What Li Mu Bai regretted the most was that he was not there to guide his sister on the right path. He was there when his mother had steered his sister astray, but he did not do anything to help his sister. Now that Li Mu Chen was lying on the hospital bed for years, Li Mu Bai would not stop blaming himself. For him, he was guilty as the others.


    Li Mu Bai closed his eyes tightly and let out a long sigh. When he opened his eyes again, he realized that the sky had turned dark and the city was illuminated with the city lights. He glanced at his watch and was shocked upon noticing that it was almost midnight.


    He quickly grabbed his things and headed out. His movement halted as soon as he swung the door open. Li Mu Bai glanced at the time again and then at the woman who was sitting behind the computer screen.


    "President Li," Bei Ruo Xi greeted when she heard his movement.


    "Why are you still here?"


    Bei Ruo Xi flashed a smile. "President Li, as your ?ssistant, I am not supposed to leave the office until you leave, or was permitted to leave."


    Li Mu Bai froze upon hearing her word and a tinge of guilt tugged at his heart. "You can go back now. Next time, you can just clock out if it''s too late. You don''t have to wait for me."


    He had managed to do his work without an ?ssistant by his side until he recruited Bei Ruo Xi to his side. Even if Bei Ruo Xi leaves the office on time, Li Mu Bai was sure that he will be able to do his job just fine.


    "Thank you, President Li."


    Li Mu Bai took a step to leave and stop again when he realized that most of the lights were out. It seemed that there were only two of them on the floor. Li Mu Bai turned around and looked at his ?ssistant again. "Where do you live? I will give you a lift."


    "It''s fine," Bei Ruo Xi quickly rejected. "I can grab a cab."


    "Nonsense. It was this late. Would it be easy for you to grab a cab?" Li Mu Bai countered. "Moreover, it will be dangerous for a woman like you to travel alone at night like this. As your employer, I am responsible for your safety. What should I do if your family came over to look for me if something happened to you?"


    A chuckle escaped her before Bei Ruo Xi agreed. The two of them walked over to the elevator and waited. Bei Ruo Xi glanced at the man beside him and hesitated.


    "President Li."


    "Hmm?"


    "The phone call earlier¡­ have you decided?"


    There was a long silence between them and suddenly, the elevator arrived.


    As they stepped inside, Bei Ruo Xi bit at her lips and thought that perhaps she should not ask a personal question such as that.


    "We have decided to let my sister go tomorrow morning," Li Mu Bai spoke. He glanced at Bei Ruo Xi and spoke again. "Cancel my appointments and meeting for the next few days. I won''t be meeting anyone until the funeral ended."


    Bei Ruo Xi nodded. "Yes, President Li."


    ¡­


    Li Mu Chen''s funeral was attended only by her closest family members.


    The sky was dark, and the atmosphere was somber.


    When her mother, Zhao Wei heard the news of what happened to her daughter, she could not stop crying. Li Mu Chen was the daughter that she doted on. Zhao Wei had worked hard to push her children to the top. She wanted her children to have the best. But in the end, what happened? Her daughter lost her life just like that. She was not even allowed to come out and see her daughter for the last time.


    Li Mu Bai stayed to guard his sister until the end. Once her body was buried, Li Mu Bai had stayed around and stared at the place where his sister was buried with dazed eyes.


    Back then, the two of them were quite close. He did not realize when did their relationship start to grow apart. In the end, his sister was no longer around.


    Li Mu Bai did not know how long he had stayed. But when he looked up again, his ?ssistant stood beside him with an umbrella shielding them from the rain. He stared at Bei Ruo Xi''s face for a few seconds and snapped out of his trance.


    "Why are you here?"


    "President Li, it''s raining," Bei Ruo Xi reminded him. "Earlier, the old Madam Li had reminded me to look after you."


    Li Mu Bai shifted his eyes and looked at the rain. The rain was not heavy but he was able to feel some droplets of water on his shoulder. He shivered at the cold and noticed that Bei Ruo Xi''s left shoulder was wet as they both stood under the umbrella.


    "We should go now," Li Mu Bai said.


    "Yes, President Li." She nodded.


    Li Mu Bai moved to leave the burial site and paused again. He turned to look at his sister''s burial place for one more time and silently bid his farewell.

 Chapter 448 - Side Story 7: Li Mu Bai (2)

    Li Mu Bai walked out of the residence and tilted his head up to look at the sky. A long sigh escaped him and a helpless smile curled on his lips upon recalling the conversation he had with his grandparents not too long ago.


    At this time, Li Mu Bai was already in his mid-thirty and his grandparents were urging him to get married. He had to listen to the same speech and nagging from his grandmother every time he visited the residence and now he was somewhat immune to it.


    He was the eldest grandchild for both Li Ren Xin and Mu Lingxi. A few of his cousins were married and had a few children, but he had stayed as a bachelor and the elders were worried.


    Perhaps because there was no female figure in his house, there was no one to urge him to find a partner and settle down.


    As he was getting older, naturally, his grandparents wanted him to have someone beside him, to share and accompany him in his lifetime.


    It was not as if he had never thought of getting into a relationship, get married, and have kids.


    It was just that... in his early life, Li Mu Bai was too focus on his study. Later, it was his work. After his mother had to stay behind the bars, and his sister passed away, Li Mu Bai had stopped thinking about having a relationship and had focused on his work as his way to forget everything that has been happening to his family.


    Before he realized it, he was already this old and there were not many unmarried women around him.


    However, that was not to say that he had not been paying attention to the women beside him. Ever since his sister had passed away, there was that someone who had always been looking after him. Before long, Li Mu Bai''s eyes would follow the woman''s movement and he began to notice her care towards him. His heart would move every time he looked at her and knew that he liked having her around.


    The phone in his pocket vibrated and snapped him out of his trance. Li Mu Bai took it out and read the text message. After replying to that message, he entered his car and drove away.


    ¡­


    When Li Mu Bai arrived at the Zhang''s Group Hotel, his ?ssistant, Bei Ruo Xi immediately meet him at the lobby before she led him to the restaurant where a potential business partner was waiting for him.


    The business discussion went smoothly and the two parties made an appointment to meet again and discuss the details of their collaboration the next time they meet.


    Li Mu Bai watched as the middle-aged man walked away to leave the restaurant before he turned to his ?ssistant.


    Bei Ruo Xi was writing something in her notebook when she realized that she was being watched. She lifted her head and flinched as her gaze met with Li Mu Bai''s. "President Li, are there any other instructions?"


    "No," Li Mu Bai shook his head as he quickly composed himself. He let out a cough and spoke, "Come on. Let''s go."


    Bei Ruo Xi nodded before she stuffed her things into her bag. She followed Li Mu Bai out of the restaurant and paused when she saw that the man beside him had suddenly stopped. She turned to him and followed his gaze.


    A woman stood in front of them and she was staring back at Li Mu Bai with a surprised expression on her face. Seconds later, the baby in her arms started to let out a whimper and the finally looked away from Li Mu Bai to coax her child.


    As the child quietened down, the woman turned to Li Mu Bai again and smiled. "President Li."


    Li Mu Bai gave her a short nod as a form of greeting.


    "It has been a long time since the last time we saw each other. Are you having your meal here?" the woman asked. She glanced at Bei Ruo Xi and flashed a polite smile.


    "No. I was here for a business discussion." There was a slight frown on his face.


    "Oh," the woman opened her mouth to say something but decided against it as the baby in her arms started to cry. "Excuse me. I have to go. President Li, it was nice meeting you again."


    Li Mu Bai nodded politely as he watched the woman walked away. After a while, he turned to his ?ssistant and raised a brow. "Who was that?"


    Bei Ruo Xi felt her lips twitched. She had thought that Li Mu Bai had recognized that woman, and that was why he had stopped as soon as he had seen the woman.


    "That was Director Huang of Lin Yu Group''s second daughter, Huang Yue," Bei Ruo Xi reminded him. "President Li, you have gone on a blind date with her previously."


    His eyes narrowed as he recalled the last time she had seen that woman. It turned out that the woman who he had previously gone on a blind date with was now married and had a child.


    Li Mu Bai turned to Bei Ruo Xi again. "How do you know that I have gone on a blind date with Director Huang''s daughter? I recalled that I have not been on any blind date for years."


    Last time, it was his mother who had arranged him to go on those blind dates. Back then, Bei Ruo Xi was not working under him and she was not supposed to know these things.


    "I ran into you the last time you went on a blind date with Miss Huang."


    A teasing smile curled on his lips. "You have been paying attention to me for a long time?"


    Bei Ruo Xi let out a chuckle. "President Li, I used to work under Yao Yao and the two of you were competing for the position of the President of QL. It was hard for me not to pay attention to you."


    Li Mu Bai nodded at her explanation. But he was not sure why he was slightly disappointed by her answer. He turned to leave and paused again to his ?ssistant. "Where are you heading next? Let me give you a ride."


    "It would not be necessary, I can grab a cab."


    "You have to come over and work even though it was weekend," Li Mu Bai pointed out. "Let me send you."


    Bei Ruo Xi hesitated for a while. Then, she nodded. "Alright, but I still have a place that I have to go first."


    Li Mu Bai raised a brow.


    A few minutes later, both of them stood in front of a cake display counter. Li Mu Bai crossed his arms on his ?h?st as he watched as the girl stared at the cakes with her bright eyes. It seemed that by looking at the cakes alone was able to make her happy.


    "Bei Ruo Xi."


    "Huh?"


    "Are you not seeing anyone?"


    Bei Ruo Xi stood up abruptly. She stared at her boss for a few seconds before her lips curled into a smile. "No."


    A smile unconsciously appeared on his lips at her answer.


    "Why not? It''s not because I have given you too much workload that you don''t have time to date, is it?" Li Mu Bai let out a dry cough when he realized that he was overstepping his boundaries. "Sorry."


    "It''s fine." She went back to look at the cakes and spoke again. "I am someone with a good job. I have a house with my name and can afford to buy anything that I wanted." She raised her head and smiled at him. "Most guys think that dating someone very capable like me can be very intimidating for them. As for those guys who were not intimidated to date me, well, let''s just say that they are from a higher social circle. A relationship with them would be a waste of time. None of them would consider marrying me due to our difference in social class. Even if they wanted to marry me, their family might not agree."


    Li Mu Bai stared at her with surprise. He had thought of various reasons why she was still single, but he had never thought of those reasons.


    A shop ?ssistant came over after a while and Bei Ruo Xi chose a few cakes for takeaway. She walked over to the counter and took out her card to pay for those cakes.


    Those cakes in Zhang''s Hotel Group was slightly expensive due to its quality, but Bei Ruo Xi could still afford to buy a few of those cakes and swiped her card without worrying.


    "I''m done. Let''s go." Bei Ruo Xi smiled as she held the pastel pink box in her hand.


    ¡­


    Li Mu Bai''s parked his car as it reached a luxury apartment in the middle of the city. He tilted his head to look at the building and was able to guess at the price for each lot. Although the apartment was slightly expensive, the security around the area was very excellent.


    "President Li, thank you," Bei Ruo Xi spoke as she gathered her stuff.


    "Bei Ruo Xi."


    Her hand that was about to reach the door paused and Bei Ruo Xi turned to look at her boss.


    "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"


    There was a blank look on Bei Ruo Xi''s face. "Huh?"


    "I would not be pressured because you''re capable to look after your self and I am someone who did not mind someone''s family background. You know about my family. My mother no longer cares who my partners might be and my dad spends most of his time in camp. My grandparents just wanted me to settle down that they would about my partner''s social class or such." A nervous smile appeared on his lips. "Don''t you think we''re very compatible?"


    There was a long silence as the two of them stared at each other. "Why me?"


    "I like you," Li Mu Bai spoke. "And this was not something that I just thought about recently. I think I have started to like you for a while now. I might not be good at romance and stuff, but I think that if it is with you, then, I can work hard to be better in it."


    The silence continued as Bei Ruo Xi thought over the man''s suggestion. Her thought went towards the time they have spent together as a boss and subordinates.


    In the past, she had always paid attention to Li Mu Bai as he was competing against Yao Yao. She had long noticed that he was an impressive man.


    "Bei Ruo Xi, if you have even a slight feeling towards me, then I hope that you will give me a chance." Li Mu Bai broke the silence.


    After a long time, Bei Ruo Xi lifted her face and met his eyes. "Alright." A smile appeared on her face when he looked at her with surprise as if he was not expecting her answer. "Coincidentally, I happen to have a slight feeling towards you. I will give this relationship a chance. If we did not try, then we will never know if it would work, right?"

 Chapter 449 - Side Story 8: Zhang Yi Hai

    Zhang Yu Han always thought that he would be closer to his daughter than his son.


    However, his daughter, Zhang Li Xue was someone who would love to stick to her mother from the moment she was born. If it was not for her love of basketball, Zhang Yu Han did not know whether his daughter would want to voluntarily play with him.


    It was different for his son, Zhang Yi Hai. Though Zhang Yu Han would often give him a stern look, that little boy would stand quietly at the side to watch his father with his bright eyes. It was until his father called him over would the little boy move over to his father.


    From the moment that he was in his mother''s belly, Zhang Yi Hai has been making things difficult for his mother to the moment that he came out to the world.


    Every time Zhang Yu Han remembered how painful it was for his wife to carry this boy for months and had given birth to him without a doctor at her side or anything to ease her pain, Zhang Yu Han would always feel painful.


    When Zhang Yi Hai was still a baby, other than changing his diaper and feeding him, his father would not spend a lot of time to play with him.


    Therefore, when the others saw this, they would think that Zhang Yu Han bore a grudge on his son for making things difficult for his wife as anyone close to the family would know at how much Zhang Yu Han doted on his wife.


    Of course, what others thought was not true.


    Zhang Yi Hai was, after all, his son. Though he intentionally did not get close to him, how could he bore a grudge on his son?


    Just like his sister, Zhang Yi Hai loved to stick around her mother and Li Qin Yao loved her son very much as the little boy resembled his father the most. Except for his eyes that resembled his mother''s, Zhang Yi Hai looked like a carbon copy of his father.


    Perhaps, it was because he had let his mother suffer a little bit when she was carrying and giving birth to him, but Zhang Yi Hai as a baby was very easy to take care of. Other than crying because he was hungry or he wet his diaper, little Yi Hai did not cry too much.


    As Zhang Yi Hai grew up, he loved most was to stand behind his father while admiring his tall and sturdy build. Looking at his father''s broad shoulders would always give him a sense of security, and gradually, the little boy started to follow his father around and hope that someday he could be just like him.


    ...


    Zhang Yu Han was in his study as he reviewed some important documents when he noticed that the door made a creaking sound.


    Just a while ago, his wife had come over to deliver a cup of coffee to him and had left the door slightly ajar. Zhang Yu Han frowned at the thought that the wind had blown the door open, but before he could stand up, a small figure suddenly emerged and peeking from behind the door.


    "Why are you here?"


    The boy did not speak but simply stared back at his father.


    "Where is your mother?"


    "Mommy is teaching elder sister to read," Zhang Yi Hai answered in his sweet, milky voice.


    As his mother''s and sister''s attention was not on him, the little boy had taken this opportunity to peek at his father. He did not expect that he would be caught so early by her father.


    Seeing her father narrowing his eyes at him, little Yi Hai took a step back to retreat. But after a second, he decided to be brave.


    "Daddy."


    "Hmm?"


    "Can I stay here and draw? I promise I won''t make a noise."


    Zhang Yu Han frowned as he looked at his son. The look in Zhang Yi Hai''s eyes was the same as his wife''s whenever she was acting cute to get something from him.


    Suddenly, he recalled the last time when he found the little boy sleeping just outside his door as if he was waiting for him to come out.


    "Alright," Zhang Yu Han said after a brief pause. "Come inside."


    Soon, the boy''s lips tilted into a bright smile. Zhang Yi Hai entered the room with his short legs and walked over the carpeted area. His sister would often spend her time in the room and had left some papers and colored pencils on the small table. He grabbed the stationary and quietly stayed to draw something as his father went back to look at the documents.


    Once in a while, Zhang Yu Han would lift his head and see the boy engrossed in drawing something on his paper.


    Zhang Yi Hai was a quiet child as compared to his sister. Though he had his father''s look, his temperament was more similar to his mother. Zhang Yu Han thought that the way his son was scribbling something quietly mirrored the way his mother when she was doing her work.


    After some thoughts, Zhang Yu Han stood up and walked over to his son. He peeked at the paper and saw four scribbles in four different colors and sizes.


    "What are you drawing?"


    Zhang Yi Hai tilted his head up and looked at his father. As he pointed to the scribbles, Zhang Yi Hai began to explain that the things he drew were his father, mother, sister, and himself.


    Upon looking at the tallest scribble that does not resemble a human shape on the paper, Zhang Yu Han felt the corner of his lips twitched. His son did not even know how to draw a stick figure, and instead, drew a few lumps of mess to represent everyone.


    "Daddy."


    "Hmm?"


    "Is it pretty?"


    "Well, it''s good."


    The little boy lowered his gaze before he looked up again. "Daddy, I love you."


    Zhang Yu Han froze. Then, he crouched down beside him and patted him on his head. "Well, daddy loves you too."


    His eyes brightened and his happiness was apparent. "When I grow up, I want to be tall and strong just like you."


    "Of course you can." Zhang Yu Han planted a kiss on his chubby cheek and pulled him into his embrace. "When you grow tall and strong, you have to look after your mother and sister and help me to protect them and make them happy, alright. Because you are my son, the task to protect your mommy and sister will fall onto your shoulder, you know?"


    Zhang Yi Hai pondered over his father''s words and nodded. "Un. I know. When I grow up, I will help you to look after mommy and sister."

 Chapter 450 - Side Story 9: Family Outing (The End)

    "Why is it a boy again?"


    This was what Zhang Li Xue had said when she looked at the small baby in the baby cot.


    Presently, she was the only girl in her family as her youngest aunt had given birth to three boys three years ago. When she saw her Auntie Han bulging stomach months ago, Zhang Li Xue was hoping that her auntie would give birth to a girl so that she will have someone to play with. However, her Auntie Han had given birth to a boy.


    Han Yue Xiu laughed upon hearing the girl''s remark. Her husband too was hoping that they will be having a daughter, however, a boy came out from her stomach and a child''s gender was not something that she can control.


    "You can always try for another child," Li Qin Yao patted at her best friend''s shoulder.


    Han Yue Xiu let out a long sigh. "We''re not in a hurry."


    Looking after the baby boy was too much trouble as the boy would constantly cry at night. Though Song Yi and the family would be helping to look after their son, Han Yue Xiu still thought that it was too difficult.


    "Auntie Han, if you need someone to look after your baby, you can always hire me to babysit," Zhang Li Xue said. "You don''t have to worry. I have some experience in babysitting. We can discuss the payment later."


    "Alright. I will think about it," Han Yue Xiu said to the little girl. She then turned to her friend and whispered, "Look at your daughter. At this age, she already thinks of how to make money."


    Li Qin Yao laughed.


    Recently, Zhang Yu Han wanted to teach the kids to value money and had given them money every time they finished chores. If Li Xue or Yi Hai wanted to buy a toy, they will need to use the money they got from doing those chores. Not too long ago, Zhang Yu Ying had ''hired'' her to look after the three boys and Zhang Li Xue had thought that babysitting was an interesting job.


    Li Qin Yao watched her friend walked over to Grandmother Song and a smile appeared on her lips upon noticing how well the Song family was treating her friend.


    ¡­


    As she approached the glass window, Zhang Li Xue stood on tiptoe to look at the ice creams behind the glass. Previously, she had made up her mind to choose strawberry flavored, but as she looked at the variety of the ice cream, suddenly, Zhang Li Xue was unable to make her choice.


    "Sister, I cannot see."


    Beside her, the little boy tried to stand on his toe, but still, he was too short to see what was behind the glass.


    Just as his words dropped, Zhang Yi Hai''s feet were no longer touching the ground. He turned around and there was a smile on his face upon finding that he was in his father''s arms.


    Usually, when his mother wanted to carry him, Zhang Yi Hai would complain that he was now a big boy and it would be embarrassing for someone his age to be carried by his mother. However, it was a different thing with his father.


    "Daddy, I also want you to carry me," Zhang Li Xue tugged at her father''s trousers.


    Hearing the girl''s request, Li Qin Yao started to frown. "Li Xue." Her tone was a warning.


    "It''s fine," Zhang Yu Han gave his wife an ?ssuring gaze before he crouched down to pick up his daughter. Soon, the two siblings held their father''s tightly before they turned to look at the ice cream counter.


    "Or else, let me carry our son?"


    The moment Zhang Yi Hai heard his mother''s suggestion, his eyes widened and he started to tighten his arms around his father''s neck.


    "The two of them are not that heavy," Zhang Yu Han said to his wife. "I will be carrying them for a few minutes at most." Then he went closer to the counter and let the two siblings choose their preferred ice cream flavor.


    Once the two kids had made their choice, Zhang Yu Han paid for the ice cream and bought them over to the table where his wife and kids were waiting for him. The two kids stared at the ice cream with an excited look in their eyes.


    "Why did you bought an extra one?" Li Qin Yao asked when she noticed an extra bowl of ice cream on the tray.


    "This one is for you," Zhang Yu Han said as he placed the bowl in front of her.


    "We can share with the kids," Li Qin Yao reasoned. "They won''t be able to finish everything by themselves."


    Zhang Yu Han''s lips tilted into a smile when he saw his kids stare at their mother in horror.


    What sharing? They were big enough to finish a bowl of ice cream!


    "Didn''t you love this store''s pecan caramel ice cream?" Zhang Yu Han smiled as he slid beside his wife. Then, he wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted the ice cream spoon with another hand.


    "I can eat by myself," Li Qin Yao snatched the ice cream spoon from him with a slight frown on her face.


    Zhang Yu Han let out a chuckle upon noticing that his wife''s shy expression. "Then, you feed me."


    Li Qin Yao narrowed her eyes slightly, but her hand moved to feed her husband the ice cream. Sensing that the two kids were staring at them, Li Qin Yao let out a cough. "Finish your ice cream quick. We still have another place to go to. Didn''t you say you wanted to look at some toys?"


    Zhang Li Xue let out a gasp before she told her brother to quickly finish his ice cream.


    The family of four walked out of the ice cream shop and walked around the mall to shop for a few things.


    Li Qin Yao was choosing something from the counter when she heard two people were quarreling not far away from her.


    Her eyes met with a familiar face the moment she turned around, and the couple too had noticed her presence. Suddenly, the couple was staring at Li Qin Yao with a shocked expression.


    The man hesitated for a while before he called out, "Yao Yao." His expression softened and the smile on his lips was very gentle.


    "Chen Hao." Li Qin Yao merely nodded at him. She turned to the woman beside him and nodded. "Miss Tang."


    A few years have passed and it seemed like Chen Hao has not changed much. He was still someone who would listen to his mother''s words.


    The last time, Li Qin Yao had heard that Chen Hao has married the girl that his mother had picked for him, Tang Ai Ling. However, after listening to bits of their quarrel just now, it seemed that their marriage was not a happy one. Tang Ai Ling has married Chen Hao and with the mother-in-law''s constant intervention in their marriage, of course, she was not happy.


    The smile on Chen Hao''s face stiffened. It has been years since the last time they have seen each other and Chen Hao was not expecting that Li Qin Yao was going to treat him coldly.


    Tang Ai Ling''s expression turned ugly upon noticing Chen Hao''s expression. She gave a hard pinch on Chen Hao''s waist and stared at him begrudgingly.


    At this time, Zhang Yu Han walked over to his wife with the two kids holding at each of his hands. "Have you bought everything?"


    Li Qin Yao turned around and the cold expression on her face immediately disappeared when she saw her husband walking over. "En. Just about to make my payment." She turned to the shop attendant and noticed that the two people had disappeared.


    ¡­


    When Zhang Yu Han entered the room that night, he found that his wife was standing at the balcony. He grabbed a jacket and draped it on her shoulders.


    "What are you doing out here? It''s cold. What if you got sick?"


    After going out for the whole day with the others, she should be tired. However, at this time, Li Qin Yao was not able to sleep at all.


    Zhang Yu Han chuckled as she lay her head on his ?h?st. He tightened his embrace on her body and kissed the top of her head.


    "You really love it when I hug you like this, hmm?"


    Li Qin Yao snuggled into his arms and nodded. "This height difference is really great. The ?h?st is comfortable to lay on and the embrace is warm."


    Another kiss landed on her cheek. Zhang Yu Han let her stay in that position for a while until the night wind blew over. "Come inside. Let''s go to bed."


    Just as he loosened his arms around her body, Li Qin Yao turned around and linked her arms around his neck. Her eyes were staring back at him with puppy dog eyes, startling him.


    "Hubby, I want you to carry me too," Li Qin Yao said. She had seen how Zhang Yu Han carried the two children earlier today and suddenly thought of teasing him.


    "Li Xue is going to complain if they heard your words," Zhang Yu Han said. His wife would often tell their daughter that she was too big for her father to carry her around, but now, she was asking him to carry her.


    Her head tilted to a side, and there was a mischievous smile on her lips. "Are you going to tell her?"


    "What are you doing? I was only joking around." Li Qin Yao slapped at his arms and laughed. "Quickly put me down before you hurt yourself."


    Zhang Yu Han raised a brow. He closed the sliding door with his feet and carried his wife to bed. "You''re saying that I''m old?" He feigned a hurt expression.


    Her laughter continued when he placed a hand on her waist. "I didn''t say that."


    His eyes narrowed dangerously as he continued to stare at her. "I should work hard and let those kinds of thought disappear from your head."


    Li Qin Yao''s eyes widened as she noticed an incoming danger. "What are you trying to do?"


    Zhang Yu Han did not answer and instead lowered his head and pressed her lips into a sweet kiss.