Pei Chuan wasn’t ill; he was more clear-headed than ever.
This was a carefully calculated game. While in Seventh Prison, he had heard the old-timers talk about the Huo family. The Huo ancestors had been involved in arms dealing before turning to business, and they had never been simple.
The Huo family had once possessed both power and wealth, and even now, they were not lacking. Pei Chuan had a good memory. Although this matter had been casual conversation during "prison yard time," he had remembered it.
Although Huo Xu came from a good family background, such prominent families often harbored many dark secrets.
Any sensible person knew not to interfere in another family’s funeral affairs, yet Huo Xu had meddled.
Though Pei Chuan didn’t understand the reason for such haste, one thing was certain: Huo Xu was desperate to win Bei Yao’s favor. The old-timers had said that the Huo family had once been extremely influential, ranking among the upper echelons of B City’s elite. However, later on, the head of the Huo family, Huo Ran, divorced his wife, Jiang Huaqiong.
For unknown reasons, Huo Ran had transferred most of his assets to his ex-wife, Jiang Huaqiong.
Yet, the most powerful figure, Jiang Huaqiong, did not seem to be Huo Xu’s biological mother.
This matter made Pei Chuan ponder deeply. He was waiting for a loophole, waiting for an opportunity to stage a comeback.
~
Bei Yao’s leave of absence came to an end, and she had no choice but to return to B City to continue her studies.
In the end, Zhao Zhilan gritted her teeth and repaid the money they owed to Huo Xu. After this, their family was once again left penniless.
Zhao Zhilan felt deeply guilty. If she hadn’t been driven mad by Zhao Xing that day, she wouldn’t have neglected the matter, allowing Huo Xu to intervene.
But… what ordinary family would spend 150,000 on a funeral?!
Still, with the debt repaid, Zhao Zhilan felt relieved.
When Zhao Zhilan saw Bei Yao off at the train station, she said, “Yaoyao, I’ve always had a bad feeling about that Huo Xu. Tell me the truth—do you like him?”
Bei Yao quickly shook her head.
Zhao Zhilan said, “Although he seems like a decent young man, the more I think about it, the more uneasy I feel. Don’t worry about this matter. Your father and I will slowly save up the money. Once the debt is repaid, our family won’t owe him anything. When it comes to choosing a boyfriend, character is the most important thing, understand?”
Bei Yao smiled and replied, “I understand. I’ve grown up now and will soon be working. You and Dad will have an easier life from now on.”
Zhao Zhilan’s expression softened, and a smile finally appeared on her face.
Bei Licai said, “As long as our family is safe and sound, that’s all that matters. We all have jobs now, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
Bei Yao took the train back to B City. Before that, Pei Chuan had returned ahead of her.
By then, the flowers on B University’s campus were in full bloom. This was the second semester of Bei Yao’s senior year, with just over a year left until graduation.
Having been on leave for some time, Bei Yao’s roommates were delighted to see her back.
However, everyone knew that her grandmother had passed away recently, so they avoided mentioning it to spare her feelings, instead joking and playing around to cheer her up.
Bei Yao was very fond of her kind and lovely roommates. She tilted her head and said with a smile, “I do have some good news, though.”
Everyone looked at her curiously.
Bei Yao said, “My boyfriend is out of prison.”
Everyone: “…”
Wang Qiankun’s lips twitched. “Wasn’t his sentence eight years? How long has it been? Four years?”
Bei Yao nodded. “He’s not a bad person. He behaved well, so he was released early.”
Qin Dongni had come to terms with it—everyone lives their life differently, though Bei Yao’s future might be more challenging. She smiled and said, “Well then, congratulations.”
However, before they could meet Bei Yao’s boyfriend, the very next day, a sports car filled with flowers appeared downstairs from their dorm.
Huo Xu, dressed in a sharp suit, stood beside an open-top sports car filled with roses.The girls leaned out from the upper floors to look, gasping in admiration—the car was luxurious, the man was handsome, and he was clearly dedicated, having waited from afternoon until the end of evening self-study.
Later, someone revealed that this was the young master Huo, who had just returned from abroad!
The Huo family, whose ancestors included a marshal and were now incredibly wealthy!
Everyone was buzzing with excitement!
Huo Xu stood tall and straight, though inwardly he was growing impatient. Despite several attempts, Bei Yao had ignored him, deliberately avoiding him during chance encounters. Zhao Zhilan was equally unyielding, returning all the money he had sent.
Huo Xu had no choice but to pursue Bei Yao openly.
As anticipation grew over which lucky girl he was waiting for, Bei Yao returned from evening self-study.
Seeing Huo Xu, her expression instinctively turned cold.
Huo Xu’s eyes lit up. He probably didn’t even realize it himself, but the joy he felt upon seeing Bei Yao after such a long wait wasn’t feigned. It was an uncontrollable, subtle emotion emerging from his heart—too delicate to examine closely.
He quickly retrieved a bouquet from the car and offered it to her. "This is for you."
Many onlookers watched from the dormitory windows. When they saw it was Bei Yao, they understood—after all, she was the campus belle, the kind of beauty worth waiting an entire afternoon for.
Amid the envious and expectant gazes, Bei Yao took a step back. Her voice, clear and crisp, carried on the evening breeze, and many heard her say, "Young Master Huo, I have a boyfriend."
The statement left many stunned, and the cheers abruptly died down.
Huo Xu’s face darkened.
He couldn’t tell whether it was frustration from being rejected or something else.
Huo Xu said, "You can break up with your boyfriend. I’ll wait as long as you’re not married."
At first glance, the words sounded domineering, and some girls swooned.
Bei Yao laughed in disbelief, not bothering to hide her disdain. "This is the first time I’ve seen someone so shamelessly proud of being a ‘homewrecker.’ Young Master Huo, have some self-respect." Without another glance, she headed upstairs.
Qin Dongni gave a thumbs-up. "You’re amazing, Yao Yao!" Goodness, Huo Xu’s face had turned ashen.
But the matter didn’t end there. The next day, someone leaked the news that the campus belle had a boyfriend.
Yet, after nearly four years, no one had ever seen Bei Yao in a relationship. How could the campus belle have a boyfriend?
Speculations ran wild. Some said, "It’s impossible. She probably lied to reject Huo Xu’s advances."
For a time, opinions were divided.
~
At Jinjiang Company headquarters.
Shao Yue grew anxious and secretly called Huo Xu. "A Xu, haven’t you won her over yet?"
Huo Xu was equally frustrated. "No. She said she... has a boyfriend."
He didn’t notice the tone in his own voice, but Shao Yue detected the hidden resentment and disappointment.
Shao Yue was seething with jealousy!
Could it be that Huo Xu had actually fallen for that Bei Yao? Hadn’t he sworn to love her forever? But in the face of life and death, what did love even matter?
Suppressing her jealousy, Shao Yue said sorrowfully, "Think about it. The day we returned, we got into that car accident. That madwoman Jiang Huaqiong won’t let us go. She’s been investigating what happened back then, convinced you killed her son. I don’t want to die. Five years ago, I did everything for you. I want to spend my life with you."
Hearing Shao Yue mention those difficult times, Huo Xu gritted his teeth. "Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you."
Five years ago, when Huo Xu was in City B, aside from Shao Yue, the only person he had contact with on rainy days was Bei Yao.Shao Yue had always sacrificed for him, even once disfiguring herself for his sake. Huo Xu had sworn then that he wouldn't let her face danger because of his elder brother Huo Nanshan's affairs.
Only by being with Bei Yao and feigning passionate affection for her could he temporarily divert Jiang Huaqiong's attention, keeping her uncertain about the truth of what happened back then, thus buying Shao Yue a chance at survival.
Huo Xu began investigating the "boyfriend" Bei Yao had mentioned.
He had also assumed Bei Yao was just making excuses, never expecting she actually had a boyfriend!
When the information came in, Huo Xu's face turned extremely grim. How could he lose to someone like this... a crippled ex-convict!
Pei Chuan! The top scorer in the college entrance examination four years ago - news reports from back then could still be found.
Huo Xu swept everything off his desk, his secretary trembling nervously outside the door.
At that moment, Huo Xu probably didn't even realize that his face showed more disappointment and anger than calm calculation.
You'd even choose a cripple, so why don't you like him? Why won't you ever look at him?
~
In April, an explosive piece of gossip suddenly spread across campus!
The campus belle Bei Yao's boyfriend was a man who went to prison right after high school! And he was a man without lower legs!
This rumor spread like wildfire throughout the campus within days.
Some questioned: "No way, with so many people pursuing her, how could it be possible?"
Others believed: "Why not? Think about it - because her boyfriend was in prison these past few years, no one ever saw him visit Bei Yao. Bei Yao herself admitted to having a boyfriend recently, so it's probably true."
When the camellias bloomed, as Bei Yao passed by carrying medical books, several girls covered their mouths and giggled.
Their voices weren't quiet: "I thought the campus belle had such high standards, rejecting all her suitors. Turns out she likes that kind. Should've said so earlier."
Bei Yao pressed her lips together, holding her books tightly.
She didn't care about these rumors - she had considered before what nasty things ill-intentioned people might say when she and Pei Chuan went public someday. But hearing these people speak of Pei Chuan in such despicable tones still made her angry.
Wang Qiankun had a fiery temper and immediately sneered: "Other people's business is none of your damn business! Some people have nasty mouths and ugly faces too!"
The girl retorted: "Hah, no matter what, at least I'm not blind. I wasn't talking about you, why are you jumping around?"
Wang Qiankun cracked her knuckles: "Just feel like punching people like you."
But before she could act, Bei Yao spoke coldly: "What kind of person do you say I like? Explain clearly?"
The girl was somewhat afraid, but for the sake of pride still wanted to speak, until her companion pulled her away.
Wang Qiankun shook her fist at their retreating backs: "Should've beaten up people like that."
Bei Yao also wanted to take action, but she took a deep breath and shook her head: "Qiankun, let's go back to class. There are... too many of this kind."
Such people would never realize how evil their verbal violence was.
Indeed, over the following days, many people discussed the matter with disdain. Even beating them one by one couldn't stop it - after all, mouths belong to others. You can cover this person's mouth, but not everyone else's.
Back in their third year of high school, when Pei Chuan's leg condition was exposed, classmates had quietly cheered him on.
This time was different - he now carried the identity of a criminal.
An identity that wasn't easily forgiven.
Coupled with someone pushing from behind the scenes, the rumors intensified, with some even saying Pei Chuan had been released from prison but was now unemployed.
~Jin Ziyang was furious when he heard about this: "Brother Chuan! Who's so vicious? I'll kill him."
Pei Chuan sneered coldly: "It's Huo Xu. Go ahead."
Jin Ziyang: "..."
Pei Chuan had already gone to the research institute. When Jin Ziyang learned he was a scientist, he was utterly shocked. In the eyes of an academic underachiever like him, scientists were like gods.
But while Jin Ziyang knew how amazing Brother Chuan had become through his transformation, others didn't!
Pei Chuan's face remained calm, showing no trace of inferiority or distress.
Jin Ziyang cautiously glanced at him: "Aren't you angry?"
The rumors outside were so vicious - cripple, toad, criminal...
Pei Chuan turned on his computer and said calmly: "This is good."
He was indeed a toad, but he was determined to have the swan's flesh.
Hadn't he heard enough gossip and slander since childhood? Compared to Huo Xu's investigation speed, Pei Chuan's was much faster.
As a computer expert, he hadn't rested for a moment this past month. Pei Chuan neither tried to give Zhao Zhilan any financial support nor stopped the spread of rumors.
Pei Chuan focused entirely on investigating the Huo family's past.
And the results indeed brought surprises.
His long, cold fingers tapped on the keyboard, bringing up Shao Yue's photos.
There were pictures of this woman secretly returning to the country, getting off the plane, and from five years ago. Of course, there were also two important figures - Jiang Huaqiong and Huo Nanshan.
Five years ago, Huo Nanshan died in City B. The Huo family head Huo Ran divorced his wife Jiang Huaqiong, then secretly sent his illegitimate son Huo Xu away under protection.
Jiang Huaqiong couldn't find out the cause of Huo Nanshan's death - the surveillance footage had long been erased, so naturally Pei Chuan couldn't find it either. But that didn't prevent Pei Chuan from deducing why Huo Xu was pursuing Bei Yao.
Jiang Huaqilon had strong influence and was a madwoman who had lost her son.
Huo Xu needed a shield against Shao Yue!
Someone they had encountered in City B - beautiful enough, captivating enough, to make Jiang Huaqiong believe Huo Xu truly loved her.
They had chosen Bei Yao.
Pei Chuan closed his eyes, forcing down his anger. Anger wouldn't solve the problem. He wanted Huo Xu and Shao Yue to pay the price, but he needed to keep his own hands clean. Pei Chuan also wanted... to use this matter to marry Bei Yao.
For any parents in the world, what could be more terrifying and unbearable than someone trying to harm their daughter?
He knew he was despicable. Compared to letting their daughter marry a healthy man who would bring life-threatening dangers, they would have to accept... him, a cripple.
Pei Chuan organized all this information.
He wasn't anxious. What was being ridiculed?
Pei Chuan waited for Huo Xu to be driven to desperation and put pressure on Zhao Zhilan and Bei Licai.
~
The school rumors hadn't died down yet when Huo Xu started pursuing Bei Yao extravagantly again. He sent everything - flowers, sports cars, houses, while vigorously clearing up the rumors to protect Bei Yao's reputation.
Bei Yao accepted nothing.
All his efforts were useless. Because of her reflexive dislike for Huo Xu and the contents of that note, she had no favorable impression of him at all. No matter how well he behaved, Bei Yao paid him no attention.
Her heart had high walls. Whoever earned her affection, she could sincerely love for a lifetime.
Similarly, whoever she disliked, she remained firm and unwavering in her stance.
Huo Xu gritted his teeth. Fine, if you won't accept me!
Your family will! That greedy and useless uncle will surely agree.Yet Bei Yao’s parents probably had no idea she was dating a disabled man who had just been released from prison. Huo Xu thought, compared to such a man, everyone would surely support Bei Yao being with him instead!
He couldn’t win Bei Yao’s affection. He was running out of time—he had to marry her.
If even then they disagreed, what did it matter if he forced the marriage? His family was no ordinary one; now, nearly half of the Huo family was under his control. She had to marry him!
In fact, sometimes he also thought that if he couldn’t openly marry Shao Yue, marrying Bei Yao… wasn’t something he actually minded.
Huo Xu set off for City C.
No matter—he could get her household registration booklet first.
~
Pei Chuan smiled; he was genuinely glad Huo Xu thought that way.
In the afternoon, he closed his laptop and called Bei Yao.
She still knew nothing about it all.
Bei Yao had just woken from her nap, her voice still hazy and soft: "Pei Chuan, are you done with your work?"
Pei Chuan had said he had something important to do, and Bei Yao guessed it was about finding a job. To protect her boyfriend’s self-esteem, she didn’t ask about his progress.
Pei Chuan said, "Not yet, but soon."
She blinked, still not fully awake: "Oh." Bei Yao was still drowsy.
Pei Chuan said softly, "I really like you, Yao Yao." It was more like: I love you so, so much.
She smiled: "Mm, I know."
He said, "Please don’t hate me, okay?"
She nuzzled her pillow, murmuring softly, "Okay."
He stayed silent for a long while.
Only when Bei Yao had fallen back asleep, and he could hear her steady breathing on the other end, did he whisper solemnly, "I’ll treat you very well in the future."
I’ll never let you down in this lifetime.
Once everything is settled, I beg you not to despise me, not to be angry.
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