Chapter 92

Chapter 92

"Hu Chengyu, you..." Shen Yan intended to reprimand him, but when he saw the faint dark circles under Hu Chengyu's eyes, his heart tightened.

"Have you not been resting well?"

Hu Chengyu had already prepared himself for Shen Yan's expected indignation and how he would calm him down, but he didn't expect Shen Yan to softly ask, 'Have you not been resting well?'

Hu Chengyu put down his cup and hugged him. "Little Yan, you're so obedient, I can't help but want to tease you."

Maybe, deep down, he was just a bit of a troublemaker.

Otherwise, who would always want to 'tease' the person they liked?

Shen Yan ignored his 'affection' and pushed him away. "Don't get handsy. Don't you want to know about Uncle Chen?"

Hu Chengyu knew when to back off. "Little Yan, go ahead."

"A while back, someone approached Uncle Chen privately, but he ignored them, leading them to target his brother instead."

Hu Chengyu: "I understand Uncle Chen's personality. He's upright and stubborn. Even if his brother had gambling debts, he could ask Hu Tianhong for help, but he wouldn't accept money from others and betray Hu Tianhong."

Shen Yan nodded. "That's true, but Uncle Chen's brother completely hid it from him."

"After taking the money from them, he started frequently inviting Uncle Chen out for meals."

"The latest report from the hospital detected small traces of hallucinogens in Uncle Chen's body."

Hu Chengyu was stunned. He had been busy with the company's affairs and although he had asked TopGrid to investigate Uncle Chen, he only knew about his brother's gambling habit and was unaware that Uncle Chen had been drugged.

Shen Yan looked anxious. His concern for Hu Tianhong's accident wasn't just because of Hu Chengyu, but also because the methods used were eerily similar to those from his past life, when Shu Qianfei and G.E. were targeted.

He was 90% sure that the mastermind was the same person.

The remaining 10% was just because he lacked evidence.

There was still one thing he couldn't figure out. This time, the mastermind hadn't targeted G.E. at first, and even framed Shen Shubai with the help of the Bai family.

Why were they now targeting the Hu family?

The relationship between the Shu and Hu families was merely friendly; there was no reason for guilt by association.

Hu Chengyu waved his hand in front of Shen Yan's face. "What are you thinking about so seriously?"

Shen Yan shook his head slightly. "Hu Chengyu, is there any special collaborative project between G.E. and Hu family's business?"

Hu Chengyu thought for a moment. "No, the Hu family primarily invests in G.E.'s projects."

The implication was that there were no collaborative projects.

The Hu family's business focused on smart technology, so it made sense that there were no projects in collaboration with G.E.

Shen Yan found it strange. Could it be that the Hu family's good treatment of G.E. is why the mastermind is now targeting them?

Hu Chengyu: "Little Yan, do you know something?"

Shen Yan pondered for a moment. "I just think recent events mirror the tactics used against G.E. in the past."

In fact, they were very similar to what happened to the Shen family in his previous life.

The same pattern: first they target the company, then they go after the people.

Hu Chengyu pondered Shen Yan's words carefully.

Shen Yan hesitated, "Maybe I’m overthinking this."

Hu Chengyu gently ran his fingers through Shen Yan's hair. "I’ll have my people look into it."

Given that Shen Yan had inquired about the collaboration between the two companies, along with the identical methods, it was clear that Shen Yan suspected the same person was behind it all.

He knew Shen Yan wasn’t someone who needed protection, but he couldn’t stand the idea of him being in danger.

He didn’t want Shen Yan to get any deeper into this.

*

In the residential building near A University, Xie Shiyu glared at the screen, his expression dark and brooding.

Ye Pei only dared to sneak a quick glance.

It was already late autumn, and the room felt colder just because of Xie Shiyu’s presence.

The third and fourth brothers were messaging Leaf in the group chat: "Leaf, what's wrong with the boss?"

"Is the boss actually heartbroken or something?"

Ye Pei smiled bitterly to himself. If it were just a broken heart, it wouldn’t be so bad.

That night, the young benefactor had contacted them in the middle of the night to investigate a driver from the Hu family.

As they dug deeper, Ye Pei uncovered more details.

For example, the relationship between the boss and the chairman of the Hu family, who was currently hospitalized due to a car accident.

"The boss has been staring at his phone. Is he waiting for the young benefactor to change his mind?"

As he finished typing this line, Xie Shiyu glanced at his phone again.

Ye Pei: ... The young benefactor never had a change of heart for the boss, so what change of mind are we talking about?

However, Xie Shiyu was indeed waiting for a call.

Buzz buzz~

The attention of the three instantly focused on Xie Shiyu's phone, their expressions tense.

But Ye Pei knew a bit more than the third and fourth brothers. Xie Shiyu wasn't waiting for the young benefactor's call.

It took forty seconds before Xie Shiyu answered the call.

Xie Shiyu: "Hello, who is this?"

The other three in the room were already accustomed to Xie Shiyu's ability to switch expressions instantly.

Though the call wasn’t on speaker, Shen Yan’s face remained calm as he held the phone in one hand and absently rubbed the ancient copper ring around his neck with the other.

Contrary to his outward calm, his voice was filled with a sense of panic and helplessness, trying to suppress his fear.

Ye Pei was secretly startled, once again marveling at how the boss had chosen the wrong profession. With this level of acting skill, he could easily outshine many popular actors.

Xie Shiyu: "Who are you?"

Xie Shiyu: "Why should I believe you?"

Xie Shiyu: "Can... can we meet and talk about it?"

His voice cracked with emotion in the last sentence, as helpless as a drowning man grasping at a straw.

As soon as he hung up, his tone returned to normal. "Did you find the other party's ID?"

Ye Pei: "We can only trace it to a specific neighborhood."

A wealthy neighborhood in Jing City.

Xie Shiyu also received a text message specifying the meeting time and location.

8:00 PM tonight.

Looks like they couldn't wait any longer.

Xie Shiyu: "I'm going out for a bit." He took his jacket and left as soon as he finished speaking.

A sporty jacket over casual pants gave him a very student-like appearance.

It wasn't until the door was closed that the third brother dared to speak up. "Are we really letting the boss go alone?"

The fourth brother echoed him.

Ye Pei shrugged. "Once the boss has made up his mind, no one can change it."

The usually quiet fourth brother suddenly spoke up. "Maybe the young benefactor can help."

Ye Pei and the third brother both stared at him.

The fourth brother hesitated. "Did I say something wrong?"

Meanwhile, Xie Shiyu had already taken a taxi to the agreed location, arriving twenty minutes early, but the other party was even earlier.

They had arranged to meet in a tea house's private room. When Xie Shiyu entered, the other party was wearing a cap and sunglasses, making it impossible to discern their features.

As soon as Xie Shiyu entered the room, he suppressed all traces of hostility, resembling a weak and harmless student.

"Um, excuse me, are you Mr. Sun?" Xie Shiyu asked cautiously.

The man lifted his gaze and upon seeing Xie Shiyu’s cautious expression, a look of disdain flashed across his face.

"Sit," he said, with an air of command.

Xie Shiyu hid the coldness in his eyes and sat down, seemingly nervous. "Mr. Sun, are... are the things you mentioned over the phone true?"

Mr. Sun took off his sunglasses, revealing a middle-aged man's face.

In the adjacent room, a man calmly prepared and poured the tea with practiced ease.

"Of course, I have no reason to lie to you." Thinking of his plan, Mr. Sun took the initiative to pour Xie Shiyu a cup of tea and pushed it in front of him.

Xie Shiyu’s hand trembled slightly as he took the cup, nearly spilling the nearly full tea.

Mr. Sun’s eyes narrowed in disdain.

Xie Shiyu’s voice wavered. "I... I don’t believe you. What about my mother?"

The other party seemed to have anticipated his response and handed a file over to Xie Shiyu.

Xie Shiyu furrowed his brow slightly. "What is this?"

"You'll see when you open it, Young Master Xie," the other party said.

Xie Shiyu carefully opened the file, his face a mix of suspicion and caution.

The file had obviously been opened before, and Xie Shiyu easily pulled the documents out.

Mr. Sun watched his actions closely, and upon seeing Xie Shiyu's alertness, his contempt lessened a bit.

If Xie Shiyu had been completely clueless, Mr. Sun would have struggled to figure out how to use him.

As Mr. Sun pondered, Xie Shiyu had already read the file and, upon reaching the final appraisal result, despite having been forewarned, he looked shocked and murmured, "How could this be possible..."

Mr. Sun added, "If you suspect this report is forged, you can always verify it with the appraisal agency."

Xie Shiyu seemed lost in thought, barely registering Mr. Sun's words, only continuously whispering, "How could I be Hu Tianhong's son..."

Seeing how deeply affected Xie Shiyu appeared, Mr. Sun's disdain resurfaced.

However, he carefully concealed his thoughts.

Xie Shiyu didn't doubt the authenticity of the file, but when he looked at Mr. Sun, there was undisguised anger on his face. "Why did you investigate me? What is your purpose?"

"And why do you know who my father is?"

Mr. Sun hadn't expected that the previously 'distressed' Xie Shiyu could now calmly question him.

"No wonder you're Hu Tianhong's son," he thought.

If Xie Shiyu had remained the timid person from before, Mr. Sun would have continued to look down on him.

Mr. Sun patiently answered his questions. "Regarding your background, it's actually connected to the necklace around your neck."

"I've met your mother a few times. When she was raising you alone, she faced some financial difficulties and once considered pawning the ring. But it was a gift from your father, so she couldn't bear to pawn it in the end."

Xie Shiyu pretended to be calm as he listened, but in his heart, he sneered.

Only he knew how his mother had come to possess that ring.

His mother had stolen it from Zhu Yao.

His mother had secretly visited Hu Tianhong multiple times and inevitably crossed paths with Zhu Yao, who was often with him.

They wore expensive matching rings they had bought at a charity auction, and his mother, driven mad with jealousy, stole Zhu Yao's ring, fantasizing that she and Hu Tianhong would wear the lover's rings.

Mr. Sun, sitting opposite Xie Shiyu, continued to talk about the origin of the ring while holding materials from the charity gala, weaving a tale.

According to him, Xie's mother and Hu Tianhong had been lovers, but their happiness was destroyed when Zhu Yao came between them.

Mr. Sun handed over another file.

Xie Shiyu feigned fear, but inside, he scoffed, waiting for Mr. Sun to continue his lies.

This time, however, the file had some weight, and as he felt it, it seemed to contain photos.

Xie Shiyu's eyes reddened, as if he were deeply wronged, and he took the file.

Does this guy have a photo of his mom with Hu Tianhong?

If it really is a photo of the two of them, he would definitely bring it back to Zhu City and burn it for her.

Mr. Sun shivered and rubbed his arms.

This time, he didn’t say anything, just waiting for Xie Shiyu to pull out whatever was inside.

As expected, there was a stack of photos inside.

When he saw the photos, his heart skipped a beat, and he almost lost his cool.

The photos showed Shen Yan and Hu Chengyu together. The two were holding hands, hugging, and the only slightly more intimate one was a kissing photo in a parking lot.

After the initial shock wore off, Xie Shiyu couldn’t help but sneer inwardly: These people really went out of their way to take these photos just to get under his skin.

And indeed, he was provoked.

Especially when he saw the kissing photo, he almost lost it and ripped the picture to shreds.

He also almost lost his act as an innocent student.

Mr. Sun was pleased by Xie Shiyu’s reaction—impulsive, emotionally attached, and easy to manipulate.

That’s how Mr. Sun saw him—impulsive, emotionally attached, and easy to control.

“The eldest young master of the Shen family is handsome and talented. The person who should be with him should be you.”

“If it weren’t for Hu Chengyu’s mother forcibly breaking up your mother and Hu Tianhong, Shen Yan’s childhood sweetheart would have been you, and the person he should like now would also be you.”

Even though Xie Shiyu knew better, Mr. Sun’s words still got to him.

He couldn’t help but think, if he had grown up with Shen Yan…

He wouldn’t have to pretend now; all the emotions revealed in his eyes would be genuine.

Xie Shiyu looked dejected. “The person he likes now is Hu Chengyu.”

Mr. Sun looked at him, troubled by love, and once again felt contempt. Anyone who found out about their real parents would at least think about getting revenge for their mom.

But all he could think about was love.

Mr. Sun had obviously forgotten that eighty percent of what he said earlier was fabricated.

As for why he wasn’t afraid that Xie Shiyu would find out the truth?

If Xie Shiyu really knew about his origins, how could he not have reunited with Hu Tianhong?

Mr. Sun tried hard to brainwash Xie Shiyu: “Do you know who has been sponsoring you all these years?”

He thought he had thrown out a heavyweight bomb.

Sure enough, Xie Shiyu pretended to be very interested. “Does sir know?”

“It’s Hu Tianhong,” Mr. Sun didn’t keep him waiting this time. “Hu Tianhong knows of your existence.”

Xie Shiyu was struck like a bolt of lightning, his lips trembling. “D-does that mean… he doesn’t want to acknowledge me?”

He forced a bitter smile. "I've always been curious about my father, but I never expected..."

His gaze shifted to the window. Sitting at a table on the second floor, he could easily see the street below.

A little boy tugged at his father's clothes, whining, and was soon lifted onto his father's shoulders. The two of them, father and son, were all smiles.

Mr. Sun noticed the envy in his eyes and continued, "Mr. Hu has always cared for you, which is why he's been secretly supporting you all these years."

"Do you know that Mr. Hu has been in a car accident and is now lying in the ICU, while his son, Hu Chengyu, is already eager to seize power..."

Xie Shiyu sneered inwardly. So, this is their real goal?

It aligned perfectly with his own plans.

He had no interest in the Hu family's wealth or power, but he enjoyed the feeling of taking things away from Hu Chengyu.

The Hu family would belong to him, and so would Shen Yan.

He hid the cold determination in his eyes and put on an innocent expression. "Mr. Sun, you want me to fight Hu Chengyu? What leverage do I have to compete with him?"

Mr. Sun showed a satisfied smile and coaxed, "If you agree, I'll take care of the rest."

Xie Shiyu hesitated. "Mr. Sun, you..."

Mr. Sun said, "I do have a personal agenda, and I won't hide it from you. I want to collaborate with the Hu family, but they're too greedy and only let me earn a small profit.

"But the Hu family is an excellent partner. As long as you become the head of the Hu family, don't forget about me."

"Of course, it wouldn't be in vain for me to have known your mother."

After Xie Shiyu left, Mr. Sun pulled open the side of the private room and saw Meng Lei sitting inside, the general manager of Meng Corporation and father of Meng Yiyi.

Mr. Sun, who had been acting like a successful businessman in front of Xie Shiyu, became very respectful in front of Mr. Meng.

Meng Lei poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of him. "Thank you, Assistant Sun, for putting on this performance."

Assistant Sun replied humbly, "Mr. Meng, this is what I should do."

"I haven't heard you mention that you knew Xie Shiyu's mother before?" Meng Lei asked curiously.

Assistant Sun smiled and responded, "We weren't very close. I knew her when I was younger. She was a low-level employee. I wanted to promote her, but she refused to comply.

"It was purely coincidental that I remembered this incident when I saw the ring in the file."

Assistant Sun's words were vague, but as a man, Meng Lei immediately understood the implication.

Assistant Sun had tried to leverage his professional position over Xie Shiyu's mother, but she refused to comply.

Meng Lei naturally disapproved of such behavior, but since Assistant Sun was capable, he didn't hold it against him.

Assistant Sun, being astute, noticed Meng Lei's emotions but continued to smile and said, "Mr. Meng, the general manager position at the Jing City branch..."

Meng Lei said, "You've done a good job. I will keep my word to you."

Assistant Sun felt relieved, knowing that becoming the general manager of the branch was the highest position he could achieve.

He didn't care what Meng Lei thought of him anymore.

With his abilities, he could easily hold onto the position of branch manager; what he lacked was always an opportunity.

Assistant Sun left contentedly. He wasn't interested in Xie Shiyu; the only thing that puzzled him was why the Meng family was targeting the Hu family.

Since the Meng family had intentions of establishing a foothold in Jing City, they could have slowly plotted to overthrow the Hu family. If they didn't fall, their aggressive approach would only lead to a strong backlash.

Assistant Sun could only pray that Meng Lei had the capability to bring down the Hu family; otherwise, what was the point of his promotion?

After leaving, Xie Shiyu got into a rideshare car and immediately received a message from Ye Pei about that Assistant Sun.

Xie Shiyu glanced through it quickly and saw the part about him knowing his mother. He let out a soft scoff.

*

In Shu Qianfei's office on the top floor of G.E., Suri handed some documents to Shu Qianfei.

Shu Qianfei glanced at the amount and rubbed her temples.

Suri said worriedly, "Miss Shu, the Hu family hasn't reached such a dire state yet. Sending this money might just result in it not being used effectively."

Shu Qianfei responded, "The Hu family has helped our company a lot over the years. Consider this money a return for the profits we've gained. If not, consider it a failed investment."

Knowing that her boss had already made her decision, Suri didn't try to persuade her further.

Shu Qianfei said, "I'll make a trip to the Hu family."

She should have gone to the hospital to see Hu Tianhong, but he was still in the ICU, and only Hu Chengyu could visit him.

When Shu Qianfei arrived at the ground floor, Lao Wang had already pulled the car up.

After she sat down, Lao Wang glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his expression hesitant.

Shu Qianfei, sensing something, put down the documents in her hands. "Lao Wang?"

Lao Wang said, "Miss Shu, the eldest son instructed me to tell you not to go to the Hu family or visit Mr. Hu in the hospital for the time being."

Shu Qianfei chuckled, dismissing it as overcautious.

Shu Qianfei said, "It's fine."

Lao Wang sighed lightly and didn't say more.

Having driven for many years, Lao Wang's greatest strength was his stability.

Even so, when a car suddenly hit them from the rear side, despite his quick reflexes in turning the steering wheel, the two cars still collided.

As Shu Qianfei hit her head and lost consciousness, she thought of Shen Yan.

At the Jingming Estate, Meng Lei was speaking into his phone, "Got it. Keep watching."

After hanging up, he turned around to see an elderly man with a cane standing behind him.

"Father." Meng Lei went forward to support the old man.

Meng Lei bore little resemblance to the old man.

The old man waved him off, "I can still walk." He wore a dull-colored jacket and comfortable exercise pants.

Even in simple clothes, the old man's presence was sharp and commanding.

Meng Lei withdrew his hand and, once the elder was seated, he respectfully sat beside him.

His eyes were drawn to the old man's hands.

The old man's hand, weathered like tree bark, gripped a simple dragon-headed cane.

It was clear that the old man had not lived a life of luxury in his youth.

Meng Lei couldn't help but notice the ring on that hand—a ring with a bronze finish and vine engravings, the counterpart to the one Xie Shiyu possessed.

No one would have expected such a pair of rings to end up with two people who had never met.

Elder Meng fiddled with the ring and asked, "Who called?"

"Assistant Sun," Meng Lei continued, "Shu Qianfei indeed wants to help the Hu family. She went there not just to discuss investment but to guide Hu Chengyu."

The Hu family is in chaos right now. No matter how much of a business and management genius he is, it will take some time before things settle.

Shu Qianfei is highly capable. With her involved, Hu Chengyu will get up to speed faster, and the internal disorder of the Hu family will be quelled.

Elder Meng's eyes turned to Meng Lei. "How is she?"

He didn't need to ask much to know Meng Lei's methods.

Meng Lei replied, "She fell into a coma at the scene and was immediately transferred to a private hospital after being sent to the medical facility. Our people couldn't find out more."

"From the damage to the cars, it looks like she’s pretty badly hurt."

Cough, cough, cough!

Elder Meng coughed violently. Meng Lei immediately patted his back until he gradually calmed down. Meng Lei took out a neatly folded handkerchief and wiped it clean.

"Don’t go easy on her if she causes more trouble."

Meng Lei respectfully replied, "Yes, Dad."

Though he kept his composure, Meng Lei was disturbed by his father's lack of concern for human life.

Elder Meng asked, "What about Shu Changyun?"

"Because of Shu Kai, Shu Changyun has been sent to a rehabilitation center by Shu Qianfei and can no longer interfere with G.E."

Without Shu Changyun’s protection, no one knows where Shu Qianfei has hidden him.

Elder Meng’s face clouded with regret. "Shu Changyun got off easy."

He paused, then asked, "Can we make a move against Shu Changyun?"

Meng Lei was startled.

Elder Meng coughed violently again, but this time it wasn't as easy as before. The silk handkerchief had traces of blood.

"Dad, let me take you to the hospital!" Meng Lei shouted towards the second floor, "Yiyi!"

Elder Meng waved him off. "No, no need. I know my own body; some medicine will do."

His time was running out.

*

At the private hospital, Shen Yan rushed into the room, calling out, "Mom!"

Shu Qianfei was peeling an apple, the peel was long and paper-thin, almost done, when Shen Yan's voice broke in.

Shen Yan glanced at Shu Qianfei, noticing the bandages on her forehead and arm.

"Mom, how are you?"

Shu Qianfei smiled and waved it off, "I'm fine."

She handed him the apple, but he wasn’t in the mood to eat.

He started to reach for the bandage on her forehead but hesitated, pulling his hand back at the last second.

Shu Qianfei chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, "It’s just a bump, nothing serious."

Shen Yan asked, "What about your arm?"