The content of the novel comes from-DIDIDA Novels
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“He’s not letting me work or leave the house, suspects me and even thinking about using me to steal Eighth Brother’s secrets. You’re really lucky Second Brother, while I’m no more than a prisoner to the old man.”
“Were you never in touch with Eighth Brother?”
“Don’t you know what he’s like? How am I useful to him?” Third Brother defended himself.
“I’ll try to plead your case with Grandfather.”
“Save it, since I could just lie around and wait until I get married off…” Third Brother could not help giving up and stop caring, because he had to think for his own parents as well.
“Grandfather changed ever since Eighth Brother left. Don’t you hate him?” Sheng Kai asked Third Brother then.”
“He didn’t change because anyone left—his impulse to lord over everything was too great from the very start, it’s just that there are some in the family are willing to follow, while others aren’t. What, is everyone supposed to be his puppets? Second Brother, Eighth Brother has never wronged you, but you are the one who could not get over it.”
Sheng Kai chuckled feebly and left Third Brother’s room.
Third Brother was not hating Eighth Brother despite the situation he was in?
Sheng Kai was not so forgiving.
“Did you check on Third Brother? How is he?”
Gu Ziling asked as she helped Sheng Kai off his trench coat, when he returned to their room. “I’ve never seen Grandfather so angry…”
“Everyone in the family is Grandfather’s chess piece, and obedience is the only way out. That’s the same for you.”
After all, Old Sheng would not care even if Gu Ziling was a member of the Gu family.
Gu Ziling sighed in reply, “I feel that Grandfather was forced into this. I can understand him.”
And with Sheng Kai unable to bear a single child, she wondered if the old man would take back the seat of Huang Yao’s CEO if he caught on.
Of course, Sheng Kai knew that very well.
That was why he was actively treating it and taking medicine.
Still, no one else knew.
Meanwhile, even as Third Brother lay sprawling over his bed, he kept thinking about what his future wife would be like.
Please, whatever happens, don’t let it be someone like Gu Ziling.
***
When it was time for dinner at the Sheng family, Sheng Kai took the opportunity to ask the old man in Third Brother’s stead, “Grandfather, have you anyone in mind for Third Brother to marry?”
“Would there still any good daughter in Jianchuan? Ziling is already with us, and there’s not much choice of the right age.”
“So there’s no one you have in mind yet?”
“The daughter of the Hu family is worth considering.”
Sheng Kai did a double take at the name. “The Hu family? The property magnate?”
“That’s right.”
“But I heard that his daughter… is touched in the head.”
Old Sheng promptly glared at Sheng Kai. “You and your shortsightedness. The child is fine—she is just a little naïve, and there’s nothing unsuitable about her for Third Brother.”
Sheng Kai said nothing, and merely traded glances with Gu Ziling.
They did not expect the old man would throw Third Brother into the fire, even though he was angry.
But as a matter of fact, the old man’s thoughts were simple: The Hu family only had one daughter, and once Third Brother married her, that family’s riches would eventually belong to him. What’s not to like?
He was working through blood, sweat and tears to plan ahead for his own grandson—why should he be held in contempt for it?
The truth he would not admit, however, was that he did all those things to punish Third Brother, who challenged his absolute rule.
The other reason was that he knew Third Brother was a responsible person. After he marries the young mistress of the Hu family, he would remain with the Sheng family whatever happens, hence resisting any charm Sheng Xiao would throw his way.
“I really did not expect Grandfather to be so cruel!”
Sheng Kai only spoke of the matter with Gu Ziling when they returned to their room.
“Actually, the Hu family’s daughter was not born crazy. She met a car accident two years ago, and was like that ever since.”
“Even so, Third Brother should not have to marry her with his qualifications.” Gu Ziling shook her head emotionally.
“That’s not up for us to decide. We’ll see what Third Brother thinks.”
But was there even a need to ask?
Who would be willing to marry a halfwit?
It was a very ruthless move by the old man.
Even if everyone else would think that he was a loving person, fair enough to not mind a cripple and build good relations with the Hu family, did he even care about his own family?
***
It was also the second night after Lu Qianqian lost her father.
After classes, Mu Qiqi headed to the Lu Manor with Sheng Xiao once more, to visit Lu Qianqian and her mother.
Even though Lu Qianqian was still a little worn out, at least she was not dispirited since Lin Mu’an was there to support her.
“Don’t you have classes at the police academy?” Mu Qiqi asked Lin Mu’an, who was running here and there busily. “If you can’t come every day, I could take your place.”
“Ladies would always need a man backing them. It’s a sense of security other gals can’t offer.” Lin Mu’an answered Mu Qiqi while looking at Lu Qianqian. “And it’ll be fine. The original plan was for me to take part in a four-day competition, and I’ve forfeited myself while also applying for leave… I would only stop worrying after I helped little pepper weather through her most difficult time.”
The ‘most difficult time’ Lin Mu’an spoke of must be Papa Lu’s cremation.
Mu Qiqi nodded in return and sighed. “It’s been tough on Qianqian.”
“It’s the same for everyone. Life is fair: You are happy now because you have suffered when you were younger. On the other hand, little pepper must have lived comfortably when she was younger and did not appreciate it, which is why the heavens are punishing her now.”
“Watch over her!”
“Anyway, I still have the Crown Prince’s bodyguards to thank for. They had been most helpful.” Lin Mu’an added, remembering that Old Lin had come by yesterday, but he at least did not have to be afraid with them helping. “Still… I have the feeling that the uncles of the Lu family would not be able to hold back soon.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“What could I do? I’m an outsider.” Lin Mu’an flashed a pained smile. “Xu Holdings is little pepper’s only assurance in life now, but I’m afraid someone would try a merger. I don’t dare to imagine what happens if my grandfather helped them right now.”
“Xiao Xiao would send his people to gather information about that soon. That’s probably what we can do for Qianqian now.”
“It’s late. Get back inside and keep her company.” Mu Qiqi said and returned to Sheng Xiao’s side.
Lin Mu’an waved them goodbye. When he returned inside Lu Manor, he found Lu Qianqian hugging a photo of her father and was asleep on the couch.
Unable to bear the sight, he picked her up to her room and put her on her bed.
Her face was still full of tear stains.
As such, Lin Mu’an could not help reaching out to help her wipe them away. “Sleep tight. I’ll be with you whatever happens.”