Spring returned to the earth, and City C was unusually warm. Huo Xu went to visit the Bei family.
The door was opened by a little boy with a lively, spirited look. Huo Xu looked down and saw the boy had round eyes and delicate features compared to other children, but his gaze was exceptionally bright.
The boy bore a slight resemblance to Bei Yao. After glancing at Bei Jun twice, Huo Xu was reminded of that captivating young woman and couldn't resist reaching out to pat his head.
Bei Jun, remembering his mother's warning about not interacting with strangers, dodged Huo Xu's hand.
Huo Xu wasn't the type to take offense at a child's reaction and didn't get angry.
Zhao Zhilan wiped her hands on her apron as she emerged from the kitchen and asked, "Who is it?"
At the sight of Huo Xu, Zhao Zhilan's expression darkened briefly, but she remembered her manners as a host. Although he had "helped" in the wrong way last time, she couldn't just kick him out. "Please sit," she said. "The house is a bit messy, don't mind it."
Before Zhao Zhilan appeared, Huo Xu had already taken a quick look around Bei Yao's home.
It was a very old house, nearly twenty years old. One spot on the living room ceiling was leaking, leaving mottled stains on the white walls.
The furniture was all cheap finds, with the entire house's contents not even worth as much as one sofa set from his own home.
Huo Xu had previously read in documents that the Bei family was poor, but seeing it in person was different. He made a mental note and politely greeted Zhao Zhilan, "Auntie, Uncle."
Zhao Zhilan knew he was wealthy. While she wasn't exactly constrained, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable as she poured him a glass of water.
Bei Licai was also present, but being socially awkward, he simply nodded and went to sit in the corner.
Huo Xu said, "I'm sorry about what happened before. I didn't handle it well. Auntie Zhao, you might have noticed—I really like Bei Yao."
Zhao Zhilan's expression remained stern. "Young people's affairs aren't for our generation to interfere with. Isn't it free love nowadays?" Her implication was clear: if you truly like her, then pursue Yao Yao yourself. Why come to us?
Huo Xu replied, "I've been pursuing her, but Bei Yao hasn't accepted me. I only recently found out she has a boyfriend."
Zhao Zhilan's eyes widened.
Huo Xu thought to himself, so her parents really didn't know.
He continued, "Her boyfriend is named Pei Chuan. When he was a child, his lower legs were severed by kidnappers. I don't mean to look down on disabled people. But he was just released from prison recently. I genuinely care for your daughter and worry she might get hurt. After all... someone who has committed crimes..."
Huo Xu didn't need to say more.
When Zhao Zhilan heard the name "Pei Chuan," her face turned as dark as water.
Huo Xu said, "My family holds some status in City B. If Bei Yao could become my wife, I would definitely take good care of her."
Bei Licai, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, finally spoke with a frown, "Mr. Huo, these are other people's family matters. My wife is right—who Yao Yao likes is her own choice."
Truth be told, both Bei Licai and Zhao Zhilan were upset. They weren't satisfied with Pei Chuan either, but that didn't mean they would immediately accept Huo Xu. Pei Chuan's issues could be addressed later—what right did Huo Xu have to interfere?
Huo Xu frowned.
Having been accustomed to being the favored one since childhood, he felt irritated by the family's rejection. He had patiently discussed matters with her and her family, yet they showed no appreciation.
If he could win Bei Yao's affection through normal means, would he even be here?Huo Xu could no longer maintain his gentlemanly, polite smile. "Perhaps you've misunderstood something. I'm not here today to negotiate with you. I want to marry Bei Yao. Her being with a cripple would only ruin her entire life. Why don't you two learn more about the Huo family? Since we can't reach an agreement, I'll be direct. May is a good month. You two just need to attend my and Bei Yao's engagement ceremony."
Zhao Zhilan had never encountered someone like this! As ordinary citizens, this was the first time they had been threatened in such a manner.
Zhao Zhilan couldn't tolerate it. "Get out! What does it matter if your family has money and power? I refuse to believe you can control everything."
Huo Xu sneered, "Then let's try."
~
Pei Chuan had bought back his old apartment and was now drinking tea.
Zheng Hang had visited him after learning about his release from prison. However, Zheng Hang had already started taking over his family's company. Only Jin Ziyang still had free time and, worried that Pei Chuan might be in danger confronting Huo Xu, occasionally came over to act as a news broadcaster.
"Brother Chuan! Brother Chuan! Aunt Zhao and the others have been fired from their jobs!"
The Bei family had no money left. Huo Xu was applying pressure, first by cutting off the family's financial resources.
Jin Ziyang asked, "Aren't you going to help?"
Pei Chuan replied, "No."
Pei Chuan rubbed his fingers against the teacup. He knew he was being despicable. But he couldn't go now. He had to wait a little longer. It wasn't enough yet.
Only after Zhao Zhilan and Bei Licai were both laid off did they truly understand what it meant to have power and influence.
Indeed, some people could control everything. The company they had worked at for twenty years could fire them without a second thought, completely disregarding any past ties.
Both Bei Jun and Bei Yao were still in school. Zhao Zhilan looked at the empty bankbook, feeling anxious and, for the first time, hating someone so intensely.
However, having no money did not make her compromise.
Her daughter was a priceless treasure. Who hadn't experienced poverty? At worst, they could slowly look for new jobs.
But after several days of searching, no one was willing to hire her. In the end, Zhao Zhilan gritted her teeth and asked if they needed cleaners. On the first day, someone agreed, but by the second day, she was fired.
Zhao Zhilan had been running around all day and was exhausted by evening. Bei Licai was also tired.
Their phone rang. On the other end, Huo Xu spoke unhurriedly, "Auntie, have you thought it over? I’ll prepare the betrothal gifts properly, following your customs."
Zhao Zhilan was so angry she immediately wanted to hang up.
Huo Xu said coldly, "It seems you still haven’t come to your senses! I think your son is quite adorable. How about I ask him if he’d be willing to acknowledge me as his brother-in-law?"
Zhao Zhilan’s hands trembled. "What are you trying to do? What exactly do you want?"
This time, it was Huo Xu’s turn to hang up.
Zhao Zhilan had always taught her daughter to have integrity, to hold her head high, and never to bend her principles. But now she realized how cruel the world could be. Because of that phone call and the recent pressure from Huo Xu pushing them to the brink, she was so terrified that she stopped letting Bei Jun go to elementary school. The whole family stayed indoors, refusing to leave the house.
They had no money, and their children could be in danger.
The resilient thread in Zhao Zhilan’s mind finally snapped.
It was at this moment that Pei Chuan went to the old neighborhood.
The night wind was chilly. This neighborhood had once been where he grew up.
He stepped forward and knocked on the door. Zhao Zhilan asked warily, "Who is it?"
Pei Chuan said, "Aunt Zhao, it’s Pei Chuan."
Zhao Zhilan eventually opened the door for him, though her expression was far from welcoming.
Pei Chuan remained silent and directly handed her the documents he had brought.
After Zhao Zhilan and Bei Licai finished reading, their faces changed.They were not fools. That Huo Xu clearly had someone he loved and was intimate with, yet he still had designs on Yaoyao. This was already bad enough, but the terrifying family background and complex family situation of the Huo family made Zhao Zhilan tremble with fear.
The materials Pei Chuan had compiled made it clear to the couple exactly what Huo Xu intended to do!
He wanted a shield wife.
Zhao Zhilan was in despair. These past few days, she had been like a trapped beast, constantly struggling. If Huo Xu truly loved Yaoyao, even if they ultimately couldn't resist him, at least he would treat Yaoyao well. But he actually wanted to place Yaoyao in the most dangerous position!
Zhao Zhilan covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
What should she do? What could she do?
Bei Licai's face was ashen. He rarely spoke at home, but now he calmly spoke up: "Pei Chuan, what do you mean by bringing these things here?"
Even though it was spring, there was still a chill in the air outside, and now a light rain had begun to fall.
The fine rain, delicate as ox hair, suddenly made the world feel cold and clear.
Pei Chuan raised his eyes and looked directly at Bei Licai: "I can help you. I love Yao—"
Before he could finish, Zhao Zhilan, her eyes red, slapped him hard across the face.
The slap was merciless, turning the young man's face to the side. Pei Chuan remained silent for a moment before turning back, his voice hoarse as he looked at Zhao Zhilan and said, "I love Yaoyao."
Zhao Zhilan was furious! She didn't care anymore and was about to hit him again.
Pei Chuan stood still without moving. Bei Licai was also extremely angry, but he still had some reason left and pulled Zhao Zhilan back: "Stop making a scene, it's already chaotic enough."
The sky grew quiet as dusk fell. Pei Chuan lowered his gaze and, moving very slowly, knelt down before them.
The light rain pattered softly outside. Inside the room, Bei Jun was sound asleep.
The air suddenly became still.
Pei Chuan had no lower legs—both had been amputated two inches below the knees.
He supported himself with his hands on the ground, the veins on his forearms bulging.
His kneeling was awkward and pitiful, yet in stark contrast to his disheveled appearance, he remained calm.
This was the first time in his life he had been reduced to such a state in front of others.
Zhao Zhilan's anger froze on her face, and even Bei Licai fell silent. The couple watched Pei Chuan quietly.
Pei Chuan said, "I know I'm not worthy. I know I'm taking advantage of the situation and acting despicably, but I love her."
The man spoke softly. The night was quiet, making his low, hoarse voice particularly clear: "I'm sorry."
Zhao Zhilan gritted her teeth and turned her head away.
Pei Chuan knew that nothing he did could move them. After all, as parents, it was hard for them to accept their daughter being with a disabled man.
He stood up, lowering his eyelids: "Huo Xu is in a hurry. If you don't agree to his terms, he will stop at nothing. Time is short. Aunt Zhao, Uncle Bei. The only way to protect Yaoyao is to make her... married. Only then will Jiang Huaqiong believe she has no connection with Huo Xu."
Zhao Zhilan snapped angrily, "But it won't be you!"
To her, Pei Chuan, who was taking advantage of their predicament, was no better than Huo Xu!
Pei Chuan was silent for a moment before taking something out of his trench coat pocket.
The first was a bank card. He said, "The password is Yaoyao's birthday. There's 5.88 million in total—all my current assets."
The second was an employment letter from the National First Institute of Scientific Research. Pei Chuan said quietly, "This is my job. It won't bring shame to Yaoyao."
When Zhao Zhilan heard "5.88 million," she felt like she was dreaming.The moment she saw that scientific research institute, Zhao Zhilan was certain—she must be dreaming.
She had to admit she was momentarily frightened.
No, wasn't he just released from prison?!
Pei Chuan pushed the items on the coffee table toward Zhao Zhilan, placing them before her: "This is all I have now, but I'll give Yaoyao better things in the future. I won't let her suffer. I can protect her, and I can solve your current predicament. Huo Xu will disappear from your lives within this year."
He spoke such arrogant words, yet his tone remained exceptionally calm, even humble and pleading.
Bei Licai wiped his face with both hands and let out a heavy sigh.
~
When Pei Chuan stepped out of the Bei residence, the light rain had already dampened the road surface.
He carefully placed Bei Yao's household register in his trench coat pocket and walked out. Jin Ziyang was parked outside the residential complex, extremely excited: "How did it go? How did it go?"
Pei Chuan nodded.
His eyes held complex emotions—ecstatic joy mixed with subdued anxiety.
When Aunt Zhao handed him the household register, she still looked as if she wanted to bite a piece of flesh from him.
They all understood clearly that Pei Chuan was their only path forward.
No one but Pei Chuan would be so reckless as to directly confront the Huo family.
Zhao Zhilan turned her face away, showing none of a mother-in-law's delight toward her future son-in-law, refusing to even look at him: "You'll have to tell Yaoyao yourself."
Pei Chuan replied hoarsely: "Alright."
Everyone now understood that Huo Xu's final deadline was in May. It was already April, with only twenty days left until May. Therefore, within these twenty days, Pei Chuan and Bei Yao must get married. The wedding ceremony could be postponed, but the marriage certificate had to be obtained.
Pei Chuan knew he had won this time.
He had won the most precious thing in the world, now securely held in his palm.
Only after Pei Chuan got in the car did Jin Ziyang notice his face: "Brother Chuan, your face..."
The slap mark hadn't faded yet—Zhao Zhilan hadn't held back at all.
Pei Chuan pressed his lips together.
When seeking to marry another family's treasure, these things meant nothing.
He had known such consequences were inevitable when he came to see Aunt Zhao and the others. That's why he had remained calm throughout.
However, what Pei Chuan had to face next made it impossible for him to stay calm. He lowered his gaze and clenched his fists.
How should he broach the subject with Yaoyao, asking her to marry him now?
Bei Yao was only twenty-one, still at an age of curious exploration of the world. Her peers were all studying and dating—how could he possibly tell her that he had allowed Huo Xu to push her parents into a corner with no way out, all just to ask her to spend her life with him?
She hadn't even finished university yet.
Yet what Pei Chuan had to face, he still had to face.
~
Pei Chuan came to B University campus for the second time. When he first visited the school, snow was falling from the sky, and the lake surface had frozen over. She was seventeen then, her eyes filled with innocent laughter.
Back then, Pei Chuan had accompanied her to watch that snowfall with a farewell heart.
But now spring had arrived, and the campus was vibrant with life. University students moved through the campus, occasionally glancing at the young man standing beneath the apricot tree.
Pei Chuan was about the same age as them, but his aloof eyes and refined features lent him a seven-point sternness.
It was just that his aura was different.
Different from those raised in greenhouses, still full of dreams and aspirations for life. He was quiet and silent, his pupils pitch black. In short, he gave off a strange feeling—one could tell at a glance he wasn't a studying student. Pei Chuan appeared far more mature. Pei Chuan was waiting for Bei Yao.
When Bei Yao emerged, she spotted Pei Chuan immediately.Bei Yao stood on her tiptoes, her voice soft and her eyes smiling. "Lower your head a bit."
He paused briefly before complying.
Bei Yao gently plucked the apricot blossom petals from his hair. The pink-white blossoms lay in her palm as she blinked playfully and teased, "A spring outing, apricot blossoms blow across my hair. Whose young master on the path is full of charm?"
His eyes snapped up to meet hers, his heartbeat suddenly accelerating at her casual recitation of Wei Zhuang's "Thinking of the Imperial City - Spring Outing."
Pei Chuan's throat felt dry as he asked, "What's the next line?"
She thought for a moment, her eyes shimmering with contemplation. Remembering the meaning of the following lines, Bei Yao grew somewhat embarrassed.
Assuming that Pei Chuan, having been imprisoned for several years, genuinely didn't know the subsequent verses, she didn't overthink it and explained in an earnest, educational tone: "The next lines are: 'I intend to marry him and end my life with him. Even if abandoned heartlessly, I shall feel no shame.'"
Though well aware she remained oblivious to everything, he cherished the warmth and emotion her unintentional words brought him in that moment. Pei Chuan gently touched her cheek. "Mm."
Bei Yao asked, "Do you know what it means?"
Pei Chuan replied, "I do."
Bei Yao bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. The poem told of a woman seeking marriage, vowing never to regret it. She had originally thought Pei Chuan wouldn't know its meaning. Feeling both shy and worried he might misunderstand, she softly defended herself: "I was just reciting poetry—someone else's poem. It doesn't mean anything else."
She thought she shouldn't pressure her sensitive boyfriend. Besides, a lifetime is so long, and it's still very early now.
A faint bitterness rose in his heart as his expectations faded, bringing him slightly back to reality, wrapping him in fine layers of honey-coated pain.
So she doesn't want to marry?
I'm sorry, Yaoyao.
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