Chapter 31: “Like You the Most” (Part 1)

She asked Qingtuan, “Can you find out who really put Yan Mingkou into a coma?”

Qingtuan buzzed off to check the records.

“It wasn’t your brother; it was Yan Mingkou’s uncle who did it. His uncle had an affair with his stepmother, and Yan Mingkou happened to witness it. Your brother was just the scapegoat.”

The Yan family was a complicated web of relationships. Old Mr. Yan had married a young woman in her twenties; no wonder such a scandal occurred.

As for her reckless little brother, he had been competing with Yan Mingkou over a girl during that time, so the blame had conveniently fallen on him.

Wait a minute. The Yan family… one of the future business giants?

Dai Ning asked, “Isn’t my brother one of the protagonists?”

Qingtuan replied matter-of-factly, “Of course not. Ji Mojue is at best a supporting character. Don’t get ahead of yourself; your whole family lacks protagonist qualities.”

The only person remotely tied to the female lead was “Ji Tian,” whose body had been taken over by a book-transmigrator.

Dai Ning fumed. So that explained why, in the future, the Yan family would suddenly rise to overpower her own, nearly breaking her grandfather’s will to fight. That was why he had been so desperate to find someone to entrust her to, leading to a situation where dangers came from all sides.

The second “Chosen One” must be from the Yan family!

Her reckless brother wasn’t even qualified to be the protagonist, yet he devotedly followed “Ji Tian” around—he deserved to be miserable.

And “Du Tian” was already cozying up to the Yan family’s “Chosen One”! Just how many secrets had she missed?

Dai Ning evaluated the situation and made up her mind.

Since her grandfather and Ji Mojue would be able to handle this ordeal, and since the Yan family would ultimately discover the truth, there was no need for her to interfere. The path of study and business was beyond her expertise; when it came to investigations and business warfare, she was practically useless.

She had a more important role to play—defying fate itself to ensure her grandfather’s survival.

The matters between the “Chosen Ones” had the best chance of resolving themselves. And she already had a powerful card in her hand—Zhao Yu.

Dai Ning relaxed, sipping her milk thoughtfully. “Then I won’t go back for now. Uncle Qian, let Grandpa investigate the Yan family. This may all be a result of their own internal power struggle.”

Uncle Qian nodded. “I’ll pass the message along.”

Since the conversation had turned serious in front of Zhao Yu, Uncle Qian felt a bit awkward, thick-skinned as he was. “Brother Zhao, we might need to trouble you to keep looking after our young miss for a while longer.”

Why did this feel like handing off a ticking time bomb?

Zhao Yu remained calm. “Not a problem.”

Dai Ning knew that being around a “Chosen One” was incredibly safe, since they tended to miraculously avoid danger.

She couldn’t stand Zhao Yu’s serious demeanor. Under the table, she mischievously scratched his palm. Zhao Yu glanced at her and, to Uncle Qian’s oblivion, calmly held her hand.

Such subtle affection.

When Zhao Yu didn’t get flustered, Dai Ning lost interest and pulled her hand back, just as she noticed Lan Rongrong and Lan Lingyun coming in to pay a visit.

The siblings entered, their gazes locking onto different people.

Lan Rongrong looked intently at Zhao Yu, wondering about last night. He had refused her while drugged—had he managed to handle it on his own, or had he found someone else?

Lan Lingyun, on the other hand, was straightforward. His eyes shadowed with guilt from a sleepless night. He rushed over to Dai Ning. “Ning Ning, I brought you lots of gifts today. From now on, I’ll definitely protect you!”

Before Dai Ning could say anything, Uncle Qian stepped in, stopping Lan Lingyun: “Young Master Lan, we appreciate your goodwill, but we’ll ensure that our young lady is well protected.”

Lan Rongrong felt complicated seeing Uncle Qian and the others. She had assumed Dai Ning was just an eye-catching country girl, only to realize that Dai Ning’s family background was even more impressive than her own.

A sense of crisis stirred within her. She had her eye on Zhao Yu, a promising catch, and was determined not to let Ji Dai Ning have him.

She laughed and said, “Zhao Yu, I came here today to discuss the land in Wudong with you. Do you have time to talk?”

Wudong, located in another city some distance from Huan County, had been mockingly called “golden land” a few years back.

With the downfall of the Shen family, everyone coveted that piece of land, though getting a share wasn’t easy. After all, the Shen family still had Shen Tuo Feng, who was far away in Taizhou and not to be underestimated.

Lan Rongrong especially wanted that land. If she managed to secure it, she’d have the leverage to establish herself independently, even if the Lan family was still destined for her brother, Lan Lingyun. But she knew he couldn’t get his hands on it. If Zhao Yu could represent the Lan family’s interests, he might have a chance.

Zhao Yu frowned. He knew he would make a name for himself in Huan County, but the broader implications worried him. The Shen family was reduced to Shen Tuo Feng alone, but if pushed, he wouldn’t be easy to deal with.

Lan Rongrong was too ambitious and short-sighted!

Zhao Yu shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can only help to this extent. My parents are still unwell, and I need to return home soon to look after them.”

Lan Rongrong looked disappointed.

Dai Ning propped her chin, glancing from one person to the other.

Qingtuan said, “Zhao Yu’s decision is wise. Staying to compete for resources would be dangerous. In the original text, he gave up, but Lan Rongrong, unwilling to part with that ‘golden piece,’ almost brought her family to ruin.”

No wonder this supporting female character didn’t stay with the male lead later on; their paths were too different.

Dai Ning quickly assessed the situation and made a decision. How could Zhao Yu not go after it? Only if he risked everything would the story be exciting.

She couldn’t deceive Zhao Yu forever. By making him experience the pain of losing her profoundly, she could safely face off against the second “Chosen One.”

—

Zhao Yu decided to return to Xinghua Village in a few days. He now had enough money, including funds for his parents’ medical treatment.

In the afternoon, he prepared to take some documents to finalize his dealings with Lan Rongrong.

After her nap, Dai Ning emerged to see Zhao Yu about to leave. She was still drowsy, looking dazed. Zhao Yu walked over and placed an ointment in her small hand.

Curious, Dai Ning asked, “What’s this?”

Zhao Yu rarely showed a hint of bashfulness, yet he gently patted her head, his voice intentionally softened. “Apply it where you’re hurt; it’ll feel better.”

Dai Ning nodded, though she wondered where he’d gotten this. Had people looked at him oddly when he bought it?

“I’m going out for a bit. I’ll bring you with me in a few days. If you’re still sleepy, go ahead and rest a little longer.” He paused and asked, “Is there anything you’d like me to bring back for you?”

Dai Ning’s eyes lit up as she playfully replied, “I want little soup dumplings, strawberry donuts, takoyaki, and oh, right, Huan County has clay sculptures too. I want one of those too.”

She was utterly adorable, and even her list of requests was too cute.

With no one around in the hallway, Zhao Yu’s heart melted as he leaned in to kiss her. For the first time in his life, he felt true affection. His kiss lingered, savoring her lips as though he couldn’t bear to let go.

The girl’s lips were sweet and soft, and she hugged his neck in gentle response, tugging at his heartstrings.

Now Zhao Yu understood how ancient emperors could be captivated by beauty. Right now, he didn’t want to leave at all.

He kissed her pink cheeks again, finding this unfamiliar sensation unexpectedly pleasant.

Dai Ning, thinking about her cravings, evaded his lips and said, “Make sure to buy everything, no skipping anything!”

How could he refuse her? He agreed to everything she asked: “Alright.”

Dai Ning found it amusing. So this is what men were like.

The difference between “having” and “not having” a relationship was huge. Before, Zhao Yu would have brushed her off with “stop being unreasonable.”

Even Zhao Yu hadn’t realized that, at some point, it wasn’t Dai Ning who clung to him. It was him, desiring everything about her.