Chapter 38: Sorrow

The sun blazed down, casting a warm glow over everything. A languid atmosphere hung in the air, while the distant lake shimmered like a thousand tiny stars.

Jiang Huaiyu took a small step forward, closing the distance between himself and Wen Shuyu.

He held his breath, waiting for her answer.

Wen Shuyu yawned, her hand falling to her side. As she looked up, her gaze met his striking peach blossom eyes, which sparkled with mischief. “Jiang Huaiyu, are you feeling jealous?”

She knew the answer he was hoping to hear.

There was no way she would directly address his question.

She refused to be the one to say it first; he would hold that over her for eternity.

Anticipating her silence, Jiang Huaiyu realized he couldn’t leave the confession entirely up to her.

He bent slightly, baring his heart. “Yes, my wife is declaring her love for another man right in front of me.”

His cool tone held a trace of palpable hurt.

Wen Shuyu didn’t expect his response to be so straightforward, and she murmured, “You’re even jealous of Fu Qingzi?”

With a gentle but firm grip, Jiang Huaiyu took her slender hand and placed it over his heart.

The heat radiating from his palm felt like the scorching sun on a midsummer day.

“Do you feel its sorrow?” he asked softly.

His magnetic voice seemed to coax her into giving him the answer he wanted. Though his tone was gentle, his grip was unyielding.

There was no escape from the intensity of his hold.

She was forced to feel his heartbeat.

His heart pulsed like a mountain spring, cascading down a cliff, splashing onto the rocks below in the valley.

“Thump, thump, thump.”

It resonated like a drumbeat rising to a crescendo, bursting forth with new rhythms.

“Boom, boom, boom.”

Nervous, she couldn’t even tell if his heart was racing or slowing.

“No.”

Wen Shuyu wasn’t lying; she simply hadn’t paid much attention to her heart’s rhythm before.

Let alone sensing sorrow; she had no mind-reading abilities.

Wen Shuyu took a step back, steering the conversation away. “Xie Mo probably isn’t the mastermind; he’s just being used.”

With her left hand still held captive, she used her free right hand to operate her phone, letting the recording play through completely.

It was a clumsy attempt to change the subject, but it had worked for her time and again.

Jiang Huaiyu could see through her distraction but reluctantly followed her lead. “I understand. I’ll take care of the rest. You don’t need to get involved. I’m scared.”

Jiang Huaiyu had heard of the ruthless methods used by Zhengchang Group; they weren’t as easily swayed as Xie Mo.

After taking one risk without informing him, he vowed that this time, she wouldn’t be involved, no matter what.

A memory flashed in his mind. Wen Shuyu had said, “I think my dad mentioned this company. Let’s ask him when we get back.”

Jiang Huaiyu took her hand and led her back to the bedroom. “You should go to sleep first. I’ll handle the rest.”

“I don’t want to,” she insisted. If they didn’t act soon, who knew what kind of trouble might arise? It was better to seize the initiative.

Jiang Huaiyu squatted down in front of her and proposed a compromise. “You sleep peacefully, and when you wake up, we’ll head back. It won’t take long.”

“Fine, but you have to help me sleep, just like when we were kids. Read me a story,” Wen Shuyu said, lifting the blanket and pulling him into bed with her.

Jiang Huaiyu lay beside her. “Sure, what do you want to hear?”

“I just want to hold you.” Wen Shuyu nestled into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Just like when they were young, there was no distinction between genders.

Her knee pressed against his thigh, and Jiang Huaiyu tightened his hold. “Yuyu, do you trust me too much?”

Wen Shuyu tilted her head back and laughed. “Of course! You’re my husband; what’s wrong with a hug?”

She popped a sweet jujube into his mouth, the tastiest milk jujube available.

It turned out that Jiang Huaiyu didn’t need to coax her to sleep. As long as he was by her side, she could drift off the moment she closed her eyes.

Her breathing evened out, and she fell into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Once Wen Shuyu was sound asleep, Jiang Huaiyu quietly slipped out of the house. For someone who loved her sleep, a nap in the afternoon would leave her unconscious for at least three or four hours.

They had been searching for leads to communicate with Xie Mo, hoping to gather direct evidence and strike decisively.

Song Jinnan wasn’t particularly skilled in the medical field, but he was a genius when it came to computers.

Jiang Huaiyu felt secure handing this matter over to him.

As he drove toward the suburban villa, he received a package of materials from Song Jinnan. Each document detailed the nefarious actions of Zhengchang Group.

It had taken Song Jinnan quite a bit of time to compile everything.

Hacking into someone else’s system was indeed unethical; if it meant risking their own home, he couldn’t hold back.

After reviewing everything from top to bottom, one line caught Jiang Huaiyu’s eye.

A judgment in his heart awaited validation.

He drove straight to his own courtyard, parking in his family’s lot rather than the Wen residence.

Zhengchang Group had no ties to Wen’s father but had deep connections with Jiang’s father.

From the very beginning, they had been aiming for him.

Competing for orders was just the start; when they couldn’t win fairly, they resorted to such underhanded tactics.

He strode to the study on the third floor, knocking on the door but receiving no response. Without hesitation, he pushed the door open to find his father perusing a contract.

“Dad, does Cheng Yuanheng have a grudge against you?”

Cheng Yuanheng was the chairman of Zhengchang Group and had been Jiang’s father’s college classmate and roommate.

Beyond that, Jiang Huaiyu couldn’t think of any other reason.

In the business world, losing an order was a common occurrence.

To pursue someone so relentlessly with the intent to ruin a company was something he had never encountered before.

In college, Jiang’s father had always been one step ahead, while Cheng Yuanheng had felt Jiang had stolen his scholarship and opportunity to study abroad.

Who knew he held onto that resentment for so long?

Jiang’s father turned to look out the window. “Yes, when you were in medical school, my opposition stemmed from that. He’s not a good person, and you can’t rule out the possibility he’d target you. His company is a leading enterprise in the country. I can’t help you there.”

Years of confusion unraveled today, highlighting the lack of explanation in a Chinese parent’s good intentions.

Children need respect.

Though his father meant well, Jiang Huaiyu felt moved but couldn’t fully agree.

“Are you saying you don’t believe I can handle him?” Jiang Huaiyu asked, standing beside his father.

Outside, the camphor tree towered three stories high—planted when Jiang Huaiyu was three, it had grown beyond belief.

“It’s not that I don’t believe in you; it’s just that he’s much more despicable than you realize, and you’re above using such tactics.”

His father spoke the truth.

He knew his son’s character too well.

Jiang Huaiyu smirked slightly. “That’s not necessarily true, as long as it’s within legal bounds. That’s why I need your help, Dad.”

The saying goes, “Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without danger.” He hadn’t interacted with Cheng Yuanheng and knew very little about him from hearsay.

After talking with his father for the afternoon, Jiang Huaiyu gained a preliminary understanding of the man.

He was cunning, worldly, prone to shortcuts and opportunism. Years ago, he had soared on the wave of the medical boom, leaving behind many incriminating handles.

Jiang’s father offered a final piece of advice. “Don’t be too confrontational. The company’s reputation is recovering.”

In this regard, Jiang Huaiyu disagreed. Zhengchang might be willing to employ the same tactics again; a decisive strike would eliminate future threats.

Avoiding a head-on clash, Jiang Huaiyu joked, “Understood. If I fail, I can still inherit your company—just what you wished for.”

His father chuckled. “You little rascal.”

A gust of cold wind swept through, rustling the camphor leaves.

Jiang’s father’s gaze shifted back from the window to his son, who stood half a head taller than him, and he gave Jiang Huaiyu a pat on the shoulder.

He walked to his desk and stubbed out a cigarette.

Jiang Huaiyu took the remaining cigarettes from the table. “Cut back on smoking; otherwise, you’ll end up in a wheelchair watching Mom dance with some old man at the square.”

What a true son he was, mocking his father.

Though he felt concern, Jiang’s father couldn’t help but remind him again, “Be careful. If anything happens, contact Zhang Zhu.”

“Okay.” Jiang Huaiyu waved his hand and tossed the cigarette into the trash.

With the sun shining brightly, he didn’t linger too long, greeting Wen’s parents before heading back to Qinhui Garden.

On the way, Jiang Huaiyu picked up ice cream and lobster for Wen Shuyu. She had a soft spot for them.

As he stepped through the door, the sight of her on the couch, arms crossed and pouting, was irresistible.

“Jiang Huaiyu! You went back without waiting for me!” she accused playfully.

He placed the lobster on the dining table, “Dad said there was nothing urgent. They’re going to talk things over.”

He couldn’t let her get involved, especially considering the unscrupulous nature of Cheng Yuanheng. The last thing he wanted was for her to be dragged into any unforeseen trouble. After all, she had already taken one risk for him.

In less than three seconds, Wen Shuyu strutted over, hands on her hips. “You’re lying to me!”

Whenever she suspected deceit, she’d cross her arms defensively, instinctively sensing when he was trying to hide the truth. Just as he knew she couldn’t pull one over on him either.

Caught off guard by her quick accusation, Jiang Huaiyu took her hands gently. “Look, I just don’t know what kind of danger might come next. I’m dealing with him for the first time. As long as you’re safe, I can relax.”

“Then you promise me that you’ll be safe too! If things go south, I can just take care of you for the rest of your life,” she replied, her expression earnest.

They both extended their pinkies, sealing the promise with a playful hook.

“Deal! I’ll be your devoted servant at home,” he joked.

As he fed her ice cream, he playfully embraced the role of a gigolo, preparing himself for the challenge.

Wen Shuyu took a bite from the spoon and smirked, “Your service is okay, barely passing. Room for improvement.”

They shared the same spoon, feeding each other, reveling in their closeness.

“Jiang Huaiyu,” she suddenly called out, catching him off guard.

As he looked down, she rose onto her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his, and planted a quick kiss on his lips.

It was as fleeting as a butterfly’s touch, but it left a lingering sweetness.

Wen Shuyu blinked her innocent almond-shaped eyes at him. “Sweet, isn’t it?”

Finally, a taste of revenge! She’d gotten him to enjoy stealing kisses just as she had experienced being stolen from.

“Not sure yet; let me try again.” Jiang Huaiyu set the ice cream aside, pulling her close and kissing her deeply.

The aroma of matcha danced between them, while the creamy sweetness lingered on their tongues.

After a moment, he released her, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. “Now, that’s sweet.”

Wen Shuyu playfully punched him twice. “You’re being a tease again!”

He allowed her playful blows to fall, amused by her feigned anger. “Baby, when it comes to your husband, it’s not teasing; it’s passion.”

The endearment made her ears flush with warmth.

“Don’t talk nonsense. We have no such ‘passion’!”

Jiang Huaiyu pulled out a chair and donned gloves, “Well, as long as we have that between us, that’s all that matters.”

He couldn’t help but laugh at how they went around in circles, but it always came back to the same point.

Unbeknownst to her, a small mountain of lobster meat had formed on her plate. “You need to eat too!”

“I’ve had enough,” he said, grinning.

He had only sampled two or three while she devoured the rest.

Though he’d kept her out of company matters, Wen Shuyu was still busy with her case against Chen Jin’an, which had recently entered litigation. There was no room for distractions.

In the meantime, she needed to gather all relevant information and prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

The storm surrounding Liang Shi Technology was starting to fade from public consciousness, but on Friday night, the topic of Zhengchang Group began to surge.

An article with ten thousand words landed on trending searches, detailing three major allegations against Zhengchang Group.

Unethical Profiteering: Selling the latest domestic research findings abroad, compromising the genetic data of citizens.

Covering Up Medical Malpractice: Vaccines developed by the company had severe side effects, causing permanent brain injuries and were bought at exorbitant prices.

Endangering Lives: Numerous cases of surgical gauze left inside patients during procedures at their hospitals, obstructing patient transfers and leading to tragic outcomes, including child fatalities.

These stories had been silenced through bribes, with no media daring to report them, leaving ordinary citizens with nowhere to turn.

Threats loomed over those who spoke out, solidifying their reputation as bullies.

After reading the article, Wen Shuyu’s anger simmered. How could they disregard lives so callously?

If Jiang Huaiyu didn’t want her involved, she would stir the pot from behind the scenes.

She reached out to several PR firms, orchestrating a campaign to boost visibility and raise the stakes.

Meanwhile, Fu Qingzi was doing the same on her end.

Using their adversaries’ tactics against them, they ensured that Zhengchang Group was in the spotlight.

But unlike Fu Qingzi, Jiang Huaiyu had uncovered only the truth—no exaggerations or fabrications.

Engaging directly was like throwing eggs against stone; it wouldn’t end well.

Wen Shuyu wrapped her arms around Jiang Huaiyu. “Do you think they’ll retaliate against you?”

They certainly despised him now.

Not wanting to hide anything from her, Jiang Huaiyu replied honestly, “They will, but I’m prepared. Trust your husband and stay at home.”

Wen Shuyu nodded, “Okay, I’ll listen to you.”

That morning, he found a letter written in blood on his windshield, and his car window had been smashed. He had even spotted a car trailing him on the road.

Concerned, Jiang’s father hired a bodyguard for him.

While Zhengchang Group tried to suppress the trending news, Jiang Huaiyu stayed one step ahead, reporting their actions to the relevant authorities.

Their involvement spanned a wide array of sectors—vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medical aesthetics—all crucial to public welfare, and the heat was about to erupt.

It wasn’t long before Cheng Yuanheng’s company was under investigation.

The foundation was crumbling, teetering on the brink of collapse.

In an instant, the tides had turned.

This was merely a butterfly effect; while it seemed Jiang Huaiyu was pushing the narrative, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Simultaneously, whispers circulated in the streets that Cheng Yuanheng had stolen his son’s girlfriend.

This became the perfect gossip for dinner conversations.

A few screenshots emerged, thrusting Liang Shi Technology back into the limelight, revealing that Zhengchang Group was behind the earlier scandal.

Numerous former employees of Zhengchang Group began anonymously sharing their grievances—wage theft, disregard for employee welfare, and more.

And turning the truth upside down for smaller companies was not a new tactic for them; they had never resorted to legitimate means, leaving many smaller firms devastated and ruined.

In a flash, countless people were eager to take advantage of the situation.

This was the consequence of his many misdeeds.

It proved the old adage: “If you want to keep a secret, don’t do anything that would make it known.”

No matter how cautious Jiang Huaiyu was, he couldn’t escape the danger; a piece of glass fell from the top of the building and landed right beside him.

Luckily, his quick reflexes saved him from harm.

In the wake of this chaotic turn of events, hope flickered back to life as Song Jinnan and Fu Qingzi arrived at Jiang Huaiyu’s home for a gathering.

At the door, he cautioned Song Jinnan, “Don’t mention anything to Yu Yu; there’s really nothing to worry about.”

The grasshoppers of autumn don’t jump for long, after all.

Wen Shuyu leaned against the doorframe, gazing at him with a knowing look. “I’ve heard all about it.”

Jiang Huaiyu had underestimated the power of the internet; news of the incident had spread like wildfire.

Comments flooded in below, such as:

Honey, are you okay?

My husband is fine; thank you all for your concern! He’s sleeping peacefully in my arms.

Thank goodness he didn’t get hurt.

Hey, certain companies should stop jumping around; everyone knows it was you!

Wen Shuyu frowned, “So, you think you’re quite the hero, huh?”

Jiang Huaiyu exchanged a glance with Song Jinnan, silently asking him to cheer Wen Shuyu up. “I wasn’t trying to scare you; I just didn’t want you to worry.”

Meanwhile, the group chat among the girls erupted.

Shen Ruoying chimed in: “Oh my god, Yu Yu, your husband is really something!”

Shi Yu’an added: “Wow, wow, wow!”

Fu Qingzi declared: “I can confirm; it’s true!”

His phone buzzed incessantly. Wen Shuyu opened WeChat to find a screenshot in the group chat.

Jiang Huaiyu had registered an account, verified his identity, and his first post read:

Married, and I will love her for a lifetime.

Accompanying it was an image of a pale pink fish alongside two marriage certificates.

What did he mean by that?