Once he figured this out, Huo Xu almost immediately realized—who stood to gain from this matter?
Only Pei Chuan.
Pei Chuan had married the woman he wanted, and now he emerged completely unscathed.
Huo Xu diverted some attention to investigating Pei Chuan, but the findings nearly drove him mad. He had initially thought that since Pei Chuan had been to prison and was disabled, what prospects could he possibly have? Yet, this first instance of underestimating an opponent in his life had led to such a devastating defeat.
Although he uncovered the truth, Huo Xu was too overwhelmed with his own troubles to spare any energy to deal with Pei Chuan.
That evening, when Shao Yue finished showering and lay down beside him, Huo Xu pushed her away abruptly, his expression filled with disgust.
No longer fond of Shao Yue, he began to understand many things clearly.
Back when he accidentally killed Huo Nanshan, it was because he saw Huo Nanshan pinning Shao Yue down on the bed. In the heat of youthful rage, he had lashed out.
What had Huo Nanshan said at the time?
"You bastard! You can't even control your own woman, and you dare lay a hand on me?"
The words "you bastard," combined with Shao Yue's tears at that moment, had provoked Huo Xu into action. During the ensuing struggle between the two men, Shao Yue had taken a blow for Huo Xu, leaving a deep gash on her face, while Huo Xu seized the opportunity to end Huo Nanshan's life.
Both of them panicked afterward, hastily cleaned up the scene, and fled.
Fortunately, the location in City C was remote, and Huo Nanshan, who had been fooling around with his brother's woman, had chosen an isolated spot himself. After the scene was cleaned, not a single clue remained, which was why Jiang Huaqiong had spent years searching for the murderer.
Now, as Huo Xu reflected on Huo Nanshan's last words, the more he thought about it, the more he despised Shao Yue.
If it weren't for Shao Yue, he wouldn't be in such a predicament today.
Huo Xu knew all too well that what he feared was never the judgment of the law. After all, if Shao Yue insisted that Huo Nanshan had attempted to rape her, he could claim self-defense or excessive defense. However, in Jiang Huaqiong's eyes, only the person responsible for her son's death mattered. Regardless of what the law said, Jiang Huaqiong herself was a weapon.
After being pushed away, the smile on Shao Yue's face froze. She had recently come to understand that in Huo Xu's heart now, she meant absolutely nothing.
If he showed no loyalty, he couldn't blame her for being disloyal. This man was obsessively longing for another man's wife, aching with desire. Shao Yue even thought wildly that it wouldn't be such a bad thing if Huo Xu were destroyed by Jiang Huaqiong. Why did all these men have to fancy Bei Yao?
Shao Yue thought to herself that she had to leave, escape abroad, the farther the better. She was still young and beautiful and didn't want to die.
In May, Jiang Huaqiong took an extreme step by selling all her shares in the Huo family to their archrivals.
She had had enough fun and converted all her shares into a massive fortune. Now, she was ready to beat the drowning dog.
On the evening of May 23rd, Shao Yue got into a taxi and quietly made her way to the airport.
Pei Chuan learned about both matters immediately: Jiang Huaqiong, as the largest shareholder, had sold off her shares, and Shao Yue had fled.
Pei Chuan did not return to University B. After notifying the relevant parties, he drove to the school to pick up Bei Yao.
Bei Yao, somewhat bewildered, was taken home by him. "What's going on?" she asked.
These matters were complicated, but he had to explain: "The Huo family is in chaos recently. I'm afraid they might retaliate against you. I'll request leave for you. Let's not go to school for now, alright?"
Bei Yao had always been clear-headed about important matters and never clung to him unnecessarily. She nodded immediately.
He smiled and patted her head. "Such a good girl."However, in City B, it was impossible to hire local thugs to guard their doorstep. Pei Chuan feared that Huo Xu might make a desperate last attempt to harm Yao Yao before his downfall, so he moved up their honeymoon plans.
Bei Yao was quite pleased about this. Her menstrual cycle had ended, making travel convenient.
Pei Chuan had previously chosen a seaside country with her.
Having grown up seeing many beautiful, drifting snowfalls, Bei Yao had never once laid eyes on the ocean.
She was overjoyed, humming a soft melody as they set off.
Pei Chuan, meticulous by nature, had prepared everything in advance, buying her many pretty dresses, little hats, and elegant sheer scarves.
Bei Yao asked, "Will anything happen to my parents?"
Pei Chuan said, "No, trust me."
She nodded, fully aware of how capable this man was. Her large eyes brimmed with trust, melting his heart into a puddle.
This time, Pei Chuan saw clearly that within two months at most, Huo Xu would fall into Jiang Huaqiong’s hands. As for Shao Yue, the moment Pei Chuan learned she had fled, he quietly leaked the information to Huo Xu.
When Pei Chuan held a grudge against someone, even if it took ten or twenty years, he would tear a piece of flesh from them, just as he had retaliated against Ding Wenxiang back in elementary school. Shao Yue was also one of the culprits who had nearly harmed Yao Yao, and Pei Chuan would not let her live a comfortable life.
As for Huo Xu, he could chase after his own woman. By the time he caught Shao Yue, Pei Chuan and Bei Yao would be long gone.
They arrived at the seaside country in the afternoon, with sunlight spilling over the golden sand.
Pei Chuan had taken honeymoon leave, and his bank card was filled with zeros. He had their luggage sent to the hotel and took Bei Yao for a walk on the beach.
Few could afford private beaches and luxury hotels. The waves kissed the shore, and Bei Yao was thrilled, kicking off her sandals to tread barefoot on the soft sand.
The sea stretched endlessly, merging with the sky in a deep, beautiful blue. The air, mingled with the sea breeze, carried a scent different from that of her hometown.
Pei Chuan held Bei Yao’s shoes as she took out sunscreen and began applying it.
Her face was fair and tender, as if it could be squeezed to release moisture.
After finishing, Bei Yao happily approached him: "Pei Chuan, let me put some on you."
He glanced at her, thinking men didn’t bother with such things.
Yet he lowered his head, allowing her cool, small hands to touch his face. This girl truly had skin like ice and bones like jade, much cooler than his.
Her almond-shaped eyes were clear and earnest as she dabbed sunscreen on his forehead and cheeks.
Pei Chuan simply watched her, letting her fuss over him. He recalled that Bei Yao’s menstrual cycle should be ending soon.
Bei Yao found the sea too beautiful. Spotting broken seashells, she couldn’t resist picking them up, hoping to hear if they made any sound.
Occasionally, she curiously observed crabs.
Pei Chuan, a man devoid of romance, caught one for her when he saw her interest. She nearly laughed herself to death: "Why did you catch it? Let it go quickly."
The crab waved its claws menacingly. Seeing she truly didn’t want it, Pei Chuan released it.
On the beach, there were occasionally girls in bikinis and men in swim trunks. She tugged at Pei Chuan’s sleeve: "I didn’t bring a swimsuit."
Now somewhat dependent on him, she sensed this man could do anything. Her tone softened coquettishly as she hinted at wanting a swimsuit.
No one could resist such a delicate, charming girl.
He simply turned his head away.
Why was she always so eager to play in the water?Pei Chuan paused before speaking, "Coming out of the seawater, you'd be covered in salt. Not fun." It wasn't actually that exaggerated—the waters here were clean, safety measures were in place, and many thrill-seekers enjoyed going in for a dip.
Bei Yao thought about the scenario and found it somewhat amusing. "Then I'll just go back and shower."
"The sea is deep, it's dangerous."
"I'll stay in the shallows. They taught swimming in university."
Pei Chuan simply fell silent.
Deep down, he harbored a touch of traditional masculinity—spoiling his delicate wife, giving her everything, indulging and cherishing her. Yet, certain things could still bother him and stir irritation.
To this day, the most daring outfit he'd ever seen Bei Yao wear was the shorts she had on when she visited him in prison during the summer of 2012, and his white shirt on their wedding night.
Wang Qiankun's earlier remarks had once angered him. While generous with money, he was genuinely possessive in this aspect.
Having endured countless hardships growing up, Pei Chuan had developed a somewhat aloof personality.
But these old-fashioned, possessive thoughts couldn't be shared with her. Compared to modern young women, Bei Yao was already quite shy and reserved. He didn't want to upset her, yet it was clear she was already a bit unhappy.
Lately, Bei Yao had been somewhat spoiled by his pampering—whenever she acted coy with Pei Chuan, she got whatever she wanted.
His sudden silence and refusal created a contrast she struggled to adjust to.
Still, she wasn't truly angry with him—it was just a girl's playful affection.
Understanding this, he softened his voice to coax her, "What do you want for dinner? How about seafood? Do you want crab?" Pei Chuan brushed the sand from her hair.
She mumbled, "Not eating."
"Then Chinese food? Some stir-fry?"
Being coaxed still pleased her. Though Bei Yao wasn't overly fussy, any woman could easily become a bit spoiled by Pei Chuan's indulgent tenderness.
She kicked at the sand. "No."
Pei Chuan smiled. "Then what would you like to eat?"
Bei Yao bit her lip. "Nothing. I have no appetite."
She stole a glance at him, hoping he'd relent and let her play in the water. People were surfing along the shore, and it looked enticing.
But once the man made up his mind, it was nearly impossible to change.
Seeing no hope, Bei Yao sulkily punched his chest. "Liar. You said you'd give me anything."
He chuckled, caught her small pink fist, and brought it to his lips for a kiss.
Her coyness was fine—as long as she wasn't ignoring him, it was all part of their marital banter.
By evening, after returning to the hotel to freshen up, they went down for dinner.
The seaside lights were extravagantly beautiful, twinkling under the tropical night breeze carrying its humid warmth.
Her earlier tantrum about not eating was naturally not taken seriously by Pei Chuan. Worried she might not like the local dishes, he ordered a variety, including assorted seafood.
He shelled them for her and fed her bites. She had long forgotten her daytime sulk, happily commenting, "This crab isn't great, but that shrimp is delicious."
The girl then shelled one for him too, feeding him just as he had done for her.
Bei Yao wasn't the type to only receive love—she kept a mental balance of who treated her well and held them dear in her heart.
Being cared for by her melted one's heart completely.Pei Chuan cherished the feeling of having a home like this now. Being by her side was truly wonderful. Back then, he had been able to steel his heart and leave because he had never truly possessed it. But once he had it, who could really bear to lose it? He only wished to hold it tightly in his hands, never parting for eternity.
There was a bottle of fruit wine on the table. Pei Chuan opened it and asked if she wanted some.
Bei Yao’s eyes sparkled. "Can I drink it?"
She had been strictly supervised by Zhao Zhilan before and never had the chance before college. Later, when she was in college and had the opportunity, Bei Yao never dared to drink outside. She had a strong sense of safety awareness—one shouldn’t put themselves in danger just to satisfy their curiosity.
He was utterly charmed by her expectant expression and smiled. "Mm, you can. It’s not strong."
Pei Chuan poured Bei Yao a glass. It was good wine, the kind of fruit wine most girls would like—sweet, but with quite a kick.
Pei Chuan didn’t have a sweet tooth, so he kept peeling the shrimp she found delicious.
Bei Yao finished her glass quickly and pushed it over. Pei Chuan paused his movements, wiped his fingers clean, and poured her another glass.
The girl’s big eyes were slightly dazed, shimmering with a hazy smile. Her voice was sweet and delicate. "Pei Chuan, tell me about when we were kids. Was it you who let Granny Zhou’s dog out to bite Senior Shang?"
He calmly wiped her fingers too. "No."
Bei Yao pouted. "Liar."
He just smiled, his expression gentle.
Bei Yao blinked. "You finally learned to smile. You were such a stone face when you were little."
He knew she was drunk and said softly, "Nonsense."
Bei Yao said, "I want you to hold me."
"Come here."
She walked over and sat on his lap.
This was actually quite a burden. Pei Chuan leaned back a little, letting her sit on his thighs so there would be no pressure on the severed limb of his lower leg.
She wrapped her arms softly around his neck. Pei Chuan looked down at her.
"Yao Yao."
"Hmm?"
He rarely indulged in the baser instincts of a man, but at this moment, he whispered in her ear, "Call me husband."
The night breeze was warm, her breath scorching hot. Only the skin exposed to the air was slightly cool, a pleasant sensation to touch on a summer night.
The sea was invisible in the darkness, with only flickering lights and the incredibly soft figure in his arms.
She called out crisply, "Husband."
It was so easy to coax her when she was drunk. He couldn’t help himself and kissed her lips. "Good Yao Yao."
Even though the temperature was much higher here at night, Pei Chuan was afraid she might fall asleep outside and wanted to carry her back.
Though Bei Yao was dizzy, she still remembered one thing. Her Pei Chuan’s legs weren’t good. She had grown flesh where she should, and she wasn’t short either—weighing a hundred pounds. Bei Yao refused to let him carry her and insisted on walking by herself.
Pei Chuan gently touched her cheek. His girl knew how to care for others.
She felt light on her feet, as if stepping on clouds.
Pei Chuan held her hand, afraid she might lose her way.
The hotel was large and romantic. When Pei Chuan was young, he had wanted to give her a good life. But back then, a deep chasm lay between them, one he couldn’t cross, both mentally and physically.
For many years, he had loved buying her pretty dresses and wanted to give her the best things, yet he didn’t even deserve an identity.
Now, it could be said he had gotten what he wished for.
Bei Yao lay on the bed. Pei Chuan touched her cheek. "Yao Yao?"
She responded softly, "Sleepy."
"Do you remember why we came here?""What are we here for?" she asked with her eyes closed, instinctively responding.
Pei Chuan answered softly, "For our honeymoon."
"Oh, for our honeymoon."
He lowered his gaze, looking at her charming profile. "So, can you wait a bit longer before sleeping?"
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