Chapter 48

Sheng Changyu and Xu Fangdu stood at the doorway, chatting. 

The servants, all intimidated by Sheng Changyu, kept their distance without needing any instructions. 

“…Fanfan kicked you, and I’ve already disciplined her. So, regarding your issue, I’ve shown you favor. Don’t push it too far, understood?” His voice was lazy, indifferent. 

The disdain in his words and expression was obvious. 

Xu Fangdu bit her lip lightly. “I understand, Brother Yu.” 

“In the future, there’s no need to send anything to the Governor’s residence. If you have the heart for it, focus on taking care of the old lady,” Sheng Changyu said. 

Tears welled up in Xu Fangdu’s eyes. “Brother Yu, may I ask you a question?” 

Sheng Changyu felt a bit irritable. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he could always catch a glimpse of the figure sitting inside. 

Her white fox fur scarf, warm and soft, made her face appear even smaller and more delicate. 

A slight breeze stirred the fine, fluffy fur, causing it to ripple like water. 

This distracted Sheng Changyu, making it hard for him to concentrate on Xu Fangdu’s words. 

“…If I had really lost the baby, would you have punished Fanfan?” Xu Fangdu asked. 

Sheng Changyu’s expression was blank, calm, with his emotions suppressed. “No.” 

“You’ve always hated how the old lady played favorites. Why, then, do you show such favoritism yourself? I may not be as beautiful as Fanfan, but I have my own strengths,” Xu Fangdu choked out. 

She continued, “She kicked me, Brother Yu. Is locking her up for a few days really such a light punishment?” 

“What more do you want? Do you want her to apologize to you? Aren’t you afraid she might lash out again?” Sheng Changyu’s tone was idle. 

He responded casually, speaking offhandedly, with only a third of his attention on the conversation. 

He was always aloof, and Xu Fangdu didn’t find his attitude unusual. 

Tears sparkled in her eyes, making them even brighter and more charming. She looked up at him, and a teardrop rolled down her cheek. “Brother Yu, I want a child.” 

Sheng Changyu shoved his hands into the pockets of his cloak. 

He realized he had forgotten to take out a cigarette. 

Taking his hands out again, the irritation on his face was unmistakable, even though he tried to suppress it. 

“Fanfan isn’t capable, but I’m different from her. Brother Yu, if I had a child, he would be as filial to the old lady as I am. You wouldn’t have to worry about family matters anymore,” Xu Fangdu said. 

Sheng Changyu let out a cold laugh. “Be honest with me.” 

“Alright.” 

“Is it for me, or for yourself?” Sheng Changyu asked. 

Xu Fangdu lightly clenched her fingers. 

Today, Sheng Changyu had listened to her talk for quite a while, something rare for him. She must have said something that struck a chord with him. 

If it had been before, he would’ve already walked away. 

The fact that he was willing to listen was a good start. As she wept sorrowfully, Xu Fangdu was also carefully considering how to respond. 

After hesitating for a few moments, she said, “Brother Yu, can’t I do it for myself? As a weak woman, am I wrong to plan for my own future? Is that a crime?” 

“Planning for yourself is not wrong; of course, it’s not a crime. But since you’re doing it for yourself, why should I owe you anything?” Sheng Changyu’s voice turned cold. 

His patience was running out. He called out loudly to the room inside, “Old lady, I’m leaving.” 

The old lady got up and walked out. 

Ning Zhen had no choice but to follow. 

Sheng Changyu said, “I’m heading back. If there’s anything you need, let me know.” 

As he turned to leave, he glanced at Ning Zhen. 

Ning Zhen quickly said, “Safe travels, Governor.” 

Sheng Changyu replied, “Come with me. I have something to discuss with you.” 

Ning Zhen:  

Xu Fangdu’s eyes flashed with visible shock. 

Sheng Changyu had already started walking. He was wearing a black cashmere cloak, its stiff material exuding an imposing aura that only someone as tall and commanding as him could carry off. 

Ning Zhen turned to the old lady and said, “Old lady, I’ll see the Governor out.” 

The old lady nodded. “Go ahead, no need to come back afterward.” 

Ning Zhen replied, “I was planning to go out anyway, to check the accounts at the shop.” 

“Go ahead,” the old lady said, clearly eager for them to leave quickly. 

Ning Zhen followed behind Sheng Changyu. 

His car was parked on the main road by the west side of the lake. As they walked along the stone path by the lake, he asked her, “Are you heading out?” 

His gaze fell on her fox fur collar. 

Ning Zhen wasn’t sure what was wrong with her collar and adjusted it, answering his question, “I was planning to check on the shop before you arrived.” 

“Take my car,” he said. 

Ning Zhen wanted to drive herself. It wasn’t for any particular reason, just that in case he got upset later, she wouldn’t end up stranded. 

“I have plans later, meeting someone for tea at the theater. My driver will drop you off,” Sheng Changyu added. 

Ning Zhen had no choice but to thank him. 

“…Did that woman from the Ge family humiliate you at the cruise restaurant last time?” he asked suddenly. 

Ning Zhen couldn’t keep up with his sudden change of topic. 

She paused for a moment before responding, “No.” 

Seeing him fall silent, she quickly realized he wanted to know what had happened between her and Ge Baoxian that day. 

Ning Zhen caught up and walked beside him. “When she invited me, I felt something was off, so I brought a gun.” 

“When do you not carry a gun?” Sheng Changyu remarked, his tone unreadable. 

Ning Zhen couldn’t gauge his attitude from that comment. As she was considering how to respond, he continued, “Are you that afraid of death?” 

There was no malice in his question. 

“My family only has one daughter—me. If something happens to me, they’d all be heartbroken,” Ning Zhen answered. “By protecting myself, I’m also protecting them.” 

Sheng Changyu’s eyes flickered slightly. 

“You’re nothing like someone who’s been raised spoiled and pampered,” he said. “You have no temper and know when to yield.” 

Ning Zhen:  

Isn’t that because you forced me to be this way? 

If I had the choice, do you think I’d want to live so cautiously, on edge all the time? 

I could have married someone who was my equal in status, with in-laws and siblings who would have treated me like a treasure. 

My father has power, my three brothers are strong and capable—I could have had my pick of husbands, and I would’ve been treated with respect. 

—Except for marrying you. 

You clipped my wings, and now you’re asking why I don’t love to fly. 

Ning Zhen took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. “Being spoiled isn’t exactly a good trait.” 

It was both an answer to him and a reminder to herself. 

It’s better to be cautious in life. 

Like Ge Baoxian—she must regret now how arrogant and domineering she was, right? 

“…You didn’t suffer any losses that night, did you?” Sheng Changyu changed the topic. 

His tone was certain. 

He knew she hadn’t, but still wanted to ask her directly. 

“No,” Ning Zhen said. 

She didn’t mention Meng Xinliang, only that Ge Baoxian had no real ability and that she had seen through her plans from the start. 

“Her blood was so fake, it was obvious. Did she really think I wouldn’t recognize real blood? Besides, I’ve smashed jade bracelets before. There’s no way it would’ve cut her wrist,” Ning Zhen added. 

“Impressive,” Sheng Changyu said, his gaze fixed in the distance, avoiding her. 

“Is the Governor still angry?” Ning Zhen asked. 

Sheng Changyu: “You don’t expect me to apologize just because I was in a bad mood and lashed out at you, do you?” 

“I wouldn’t dare!” she quickly replied. 

“I’m not angry with you. I was just in a bad mood that day,” Sheng Changyu explained. “That woman from the Ge family dared to plot against the Governor’s wife, so I’ve demoted Ge Ming.” 

“For me?” Ning Zhen was taken aback. 

She was genuinely surprised, her tone a bit anxious. That’s not what people were saying outside, and it certainly wasn’t what she had thought. 

Was she really receiving such a significant favor out of the blue? 

Sheng Changyu: “For the Governor’s wife!” 

Ning Zhen: