Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Wen Zhi stayed in the hospital for two days. Company shareholders and various people—some she knew, some she didn’t—came to visit her, but the bodyguards turned them away, citing the need for rest. Paparazzi and media couldn’t even get past the entrance of the inpatient ward, though they camped out stubbornly outside.

On the third day at 10:35 a.m., someone knocked on the hospital room door. A bodyguard peeked in and said, "Miss, that Ms. Wen from the other day is here to see you. She says she’s here to apologize."

Wen Zhi was watching TV while holding a thermos cup. Hearing this, she muted the TV and tilted her chin to signal them in. Sounds of a scuffle came from outside, and no one came in for a while.

Her patience wearing thin, Wen Zhi snapped, "If you don’t want to apologize, get lost."

Wen Bingchun was reluctantly pushed inside. Wen Zhi looked up. "What—" Her gaze traveled past Wen Bingchun to the man following closely behind. Her eyes widened in shock, her hand trembled, and the thermos cup clattered to the floor.

As soon as Wen Zhi opened her mouth, Wen Bingchun spoke first. "I didn’t want to apologize, but A-Xun made me come."

"A-Xun?" Wen Zhi’s eyes flashed with confusion.

Wen Bingchun’s voice was soft, tinged with pride as she introduced, "Yes, this is my boyfriend, A-Xun. For him, I’m willing to let bygones be bygones. I was wrong before—please forgive me." She now looked every bit a woman head over heels.

The man before her was in his thirties, tall and broad-shouldered, radiating natural authority. Unlike Yun Songzhang’s refined elegance, his features were sharp and striking, carrying an oppressive dominance. When his eyes met Wen Zhi’s from afar, they were dark but unwavering.

A look she recognized instantly.

After the initial shock, Wen Zhi gradually steadied herself and turned her fury on Wen Bingchun.

"Is this your attitude for an apology? If you don’t want to, then leave."

"You—" Wen Bingchun was furious. "Then what do you want?"

Wen Zhi’s voice turned icy. "Kneel and apologize. Bow your head to the floor three times, and I’ll forgive you. I won’t trouble you again in the future."

"You’re going too far." Wen Bingchun’s expression darkened. "Don’t even think about making me bow. I’ve already quit the business—worst case, I’ll open a dessert shop to get by. What can you even do to me?"

Wen Zhi sneered. "Oh, I can do plenty. If you dare open one, I’ll send people to trash it."

"You—" Wen Bingchun’s temper flared, and she raised her hand to strike Wen Zhi, who didn’t even blink, staring back coldly with phoenix eyes.

Lu Xun, who had remained silent until now, quickly pulled Wen Bingchun back and pushed her toward the door. "Go cool your head. You came here to apologize, remember?"

Wen Bingchun fumed. "I wanted to apologize, but does she look like she’s willing to accept it? I’m still her cousin—making me bow? She’s not afraid of cursing herself!"

Seething with anger, the two were about to argue again when Lu Xun firmly pushed Wen Bingchun out. "Cool off first. Let me talk to your cousin."

As soon as the door closed, Wen Bingchun’s angry expression smoothed over. She pulled out her phone and typed.

[Scumbag Smashers Club] Frost Queen: @Chen Yuyao, are you here yet?

[Scumbag Smashers Club] Chen Yuyao: On my way, just parking.

[Scumbag Smashers Club] Frost Queen: I might have hammed it up too much. He’s sharp—you think he noticed anything?

[Scumbag Smashers Club] Chen Yuyao: No. We’ve been even more dramatic before. He has this bizarre confidence in his appeal.

[Scumbag Smashers Club] Frost Queen: Makes me sick.JPG

[Scumbag Smashers Club] Chen Yuyao: What’s the situation now?

Expert at Putting Scumbags in Their Place, Cold Beauty: Not sure, I just stepped out. He and Wen Zhi are in the room now. Don’t worry, there are bodyguards around—he wouldn’t dare try anything. Wait for me on the first floor of the inpatient building. I’ll notify you when things are settled here.

Expert at Putting Scumbags in Their Place, Chen Yuyao: Copy that.

Meanwhile, inside the room.

The moment Lu Xun closed the door, he turned to Wen Zhi, his face brimming with suffocating tenderness: "Darling, I’ve finally found you."

Wen Zhi remained cold: "Who the hell are you? Get out."

Lu Xun’s eyes darkened briefly before he regained composure: "I know you’re still angry with me. I was tricked by Empress Zhang into acting like an idiot. Before coming here, I took Mu Mu’s hair for a paternity test—he’s mine."

Wen Zhi’s expression shifted: "You cut Mu Mu’s hair? That was you on the roadside that day?"

Seeing her finally acknowledge it, Lu Xun relaxed slightly: "Yes. I know I was wrong. Seeing you fall into the lake killed me. I regret it—I love you." He stepped closer, softening his voice: "Can you forgive me, darling?"

Even if he had once treated her merely as a favored concubine, her prolonged disappearance had left him utterly panicked. Without her, his heart ached with emptiness.

The moment he spotted her on the street, he resolved to bring her back at all costs.

Especially now that Mu Mu was his son—any lingering resentment in his heart had vanished entirely.

Wen Zhi looked at him and laughed mockingly: "What nonsense are you spouting? Who’s your ‘darling’? This is the modern era. The wealth and influence of the Wen family alone could bury you. Forgive you? You make me sick."

Lu Xun’s gaze hardened: "Sweetheart, you don’t mean that. You still love me, don’t you?"

Wen Zhi enunciated each word: "Love you? Stop flattering yourself. With so many women in the palace, aside from that dumbass Empress Zhang, who would ever love you?"

Lu Xun roared: "Wen Zhi!"

Wen Zhi raised an eyebrow: "What, gonna chop my head off? Ha. You’re a loser—just a player with zero clout."

"I’m warning you—if you want to live, stay out of my sight. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you can’t even find work mixing cement at a construction site."

"Get out—"

Lu Xun’s expression darkened further. He stepped forward to grab her, but the moment he got close, a jolt of electricity hit his side. The excruciating pain forced him to the ground. Wen Zhi snatched a portable charger from the bedside and smashed it against his head. Hearing the commotion, security guards rushed in.

Wen Zhi: "Beat the crap out of him."

Guards piled on, punching and kicking, while Wen Zhi took every chance to stomp on him. Even with his martial skills, Lu Xun was left battered and bruised.

This was fucking humiliating.

The Great Yong emperor—shouldn’t be disrespected like this.

Struggling to lift his head, Lu Xun caught a glimpse of Wen Zhi’s triumphant face through the crowd.

Wen Bingchun shoved past the bodyguards and cried out in panic: "Wen Zhi, what are you doing? Stop! I’m calling the cops!"

Wen Zhi raised a hand, and the guards finally halted.

"Next time I see you, you’re dead."

The door slammed shut. Wen Bingchun helped Lu Xun out, asking worriedly as they walked: "Lu Xun, you alright? You hurt? Should we see a doctor?"

Lu Xun’s face was terrifyingly grim. He never thought Noble Consort Wen would do this to him—even after he humbled himself to apologize for misunderstanding her.

He was the fucking emperor. Even in this modern world, he shouldn’t be disrespected like this.

Lu Xun shook his head: "Your cousin is simply insane, beyond reason. I was wrong to have you come and apologize. She still wants to humiliate you and make your family suffer."

Wen Bingchun gritted her teeth: "I know. She’s still holding a grudge over me pushing her into the water years ago and hates my parents for plotting to take her family’s money. But even after all this, she won’t back off. She probably wants me to return the 5% stake in the Wen Group to her. In her dreams."

Lu Xun’s gaze sharpened: "You hold shares in the Wen Group?"

Wen Bingchun nodded: "Yes. Back then, I looked after my uncle and aunt, so my uncle left them to me in his will. My father has always wanted me to give them to my brother, but I refused."

Lu Xun asked: "How many shares does your cousin have?"

Wen Bingchun trusted him completely: "Wen Zhi has 30%, Yun Songzhang has 15%, my father has 10%, and the rest are minority stakes."

Lu Xun: "Have you ever thought about taking control of the Wen Group? That way, she couldn’t lay a finger on you."

Wen Bingchun bit her lip and remained silent.

Lu Xun continued persuading her: "Your cousin isn’t someone easy to deal with. You heard what she said today—she won’t give you a break. She even threatened not to spare me if I stay with you. Why don’t we seize the Wen Group?" His tone shifted slightly, pretending to hesitate. "Or... do you not trust me?"

Wen Bingchun quickly shook her head: "How could I not trust you? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me."

"But I only have 5% of the shares. My father’s shares will go to Xiao Wen eventually. Yun Songzhang has always sided with Wen Zhi. How are we supposed to take over the Wen Group?" Her father had tried for years and never succeeded.

Lu Xun’s lips curled slightly. He had researched Wen Bingchun before coming—she was desperate for love. As long as he gave her enough warmth and affection, she would love him unconditionally.

"Your father also wants to deal with Wen Zhi, doesn’t he? If we work together to acquire shares from other shareholders, we can gain control and force her out." First, take the Wen Group. With capital secured, he could then dismantle her step by step and make her his caged bird again.

"But... but my father..." Wen Bingchun’s eyes reddened. "He only cares about my brother... And we don’t have enough funds."

Lu Xun tightened his embrace slightly, pretending to comfort her. "I know. I know all about what you’ve been through. Don’t worry—your father’s shares will be yours eventually. He’ll recognize your value and regret how he treated you. Once we take the Wen Group, I’ll marry you. We’ll have a warm home and lovely children. Trust me—I’ll figure out the funding."

For a woman like Wen Bingchun, who had been pushed to the edge, anyone who showed her kindness would be a lifeline to her.

Revenge and feeling valued—that’s all it took to win her over.

Wen Bingchun lifted her pale face, clutching his sleeve. "Alright. You have to help me. Help me take over the Wen Group." Her eyes reddened, her voice trembling slightly. "I want Wen Zhi to apologize to me. I want my father to regret it—what’s so bad about having a daughter?" Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she held back her sobs.

Lu Xun hugged her tighter, feigning concern. "There, there. Wait for me in the room. I’ll go handle your discharge procedures."

He helped her sit on the hospital bed, and Wen Bingchun nodded, wiping her tears forcefully.

Once he left the room, he wiped his mouth with disgust, put on a mask, and headed to the first floor to complete the formalities.

As soon as Wen Bingchun saw him leave, she pulled out her phone without even drying her tears.

Professional Scumbag Slayer, Ice Beauty: He’s left. He’ll reach the payment desk on the first floor in about 2 minutes.

Professional Scumbag Slayer, Wen Zhi: I’ve arranged lookouts along the way. If you’re unsure of his location, ask her. There are cameras on the first floor—remember to wear your earpiece.

Professional Scumbag Slayer, Chen Yuyao: Received.

Lu Xun walked down the corridor, took the elevator to the first floor, and after asking a nurse, arrived at the payment window. A long line had formed, with many people using self-service machines. He approached to inquire, and a volunteer said, "This line’s just for outpatient services. Discharge settlements must be done at the window. Do you have your social security card and ID?"

Suppressing his wariness, Lu Xun thanked her and joined the queue.

He had pawned his jade pendant to obtain a fake ID just to board the plane. Everything’s so high-tech now—without an ID, you couldn’t do anything.

He’d have to find someone to forge another ID.

As he calculated silently, he caught sight of a woman approaching the adjacent window from the corner of his eye.

Clutching flowers, the woman peeked in and asked the nurse inside, "Hello, could you tell me which ward Wen Zhi is in?"

Lu Xun was surprised and glanced at her a few more times. The woman happened to turn her head, revealing her elegant and refined face, with a small mole under her chin that stood out distinctly.

"Empress!" Lu Xun recognized her instantly.

Chen Yuyao was also stunned when she saw him. Her eyes slowly reddened, and her grip on the bouquet tightened slightly.

Two minutes later, Lu Xun dragged the struggling Chen Yuyao into an empty stairwell. Chen Yuyao kicked and hit him, and the flowers in her hand were long gone.

Lu Xun took her blows until she wore herself out before speaking, "I know I wronged you, but your brother and father forced my hand. They and Senior Tutor Shen had long harbored rebellious intentions—how else would they’ve blindsided me?"

Chen Yuyao coldly demanded, "Then what about my Sui An? My brother said it was you who put musk in the sachet?"

Lu Xun replied, "How could you think that of me, Empress? Even a beast wouldn’t harm its young—how could I hurt my own child?"

"And what about Mu Mu? You still tried to kill Mu Mu." The man was utterly ridiculous, Chen Yuyao glared at him.

Lu Xun explained, "At the time, I thought Mu Mu wasn’t of royal blood. Besides, I never truly intended to kill him. Noble Consort Wen and her son drowning was just an accident—otherwise, why would I have sent people to search for them for so long?"

Chen Yuyao stubbornly stared at him, "And what about using me as a shield against the sword?" Her breath came fast, fury still simmering.

Lu Xun’s face hardened as he placed his hands on her shoulders, "That... I failed you there. I thought Senior Tutor Shen and your brother wouldn’t actually harm you. I never expected..." His eyes were filled with regret.

Zhang Yuyao had known him since their youth—childhood sweethearts, thick as thieves. He had always known the Empress loved him obsessively, trusting him unconditionally. The smallest kindness from him would keep her smiling for days.

Moreover, in this unfamiliar era, there were only the two of them.

He gazed earnestly at the person before him, whose eyes began to waver slightly.

Lu Xun continued, "In this world, only you and I are alike. Rest assured, from now on, I will take care of you—and only you."

But the moment Zhang Yuyao heard this, the hatred in her eyes flared up again. She shoved him back hard and shouted, "Then why are you at the hospital? To see that scheming Noble Consort Wen, isn’t it? Now that you know Mu Mu is your son, are you trying to win her back? I knew you couldn’t let her go, and now you’re lying to me again!" Just like before, the mention of Noble Consort Wen made her argue with him.

Lu Xun hid a smirk: Good, the Empress hasn’t changed at all.

"Yuyao, listen to me. I did come here for her, but it was only after finding her that I realized Noble Consort Wen never loved me—it was all a lie. She won’t let either of us go. You and I are in this together."

Chen Yuyao’s face paled slightly as she murmured, "I know she won’t let me go. Last time on the show, she slapped me in front of everyone. I had to grovel and apologize to her, even bring flowers to see her. Since when does the Empress endure such disgrace?"

Lu Xun pulled down his mask, revealing a bruised face.

Chen Yuyao’s face wavered between shock and pity, though inwardly, she was pleased.

Lu Xun said, "Listen to me. I can make her pay for this, to free you from Wen Zhi’s control and put you back on top."

Chen Yuyao gritted her teeth, "What way?"

Lu Xun’s eyes darkened slightly, "I’ll keep it a secret for now, but when the time comes, I hope you’ll help me."

Chen Yuyao retorted, "You’re just using me again, aren’t you?"

Lu Xun looked wounded, "Yuyao, you and I are bound in marriage. You’re the only one I have now. From now on, just call me A-Xun."

Chen Yuyao froze at his words when he pressed a jade pendant into her hand—a twin-heart pendant. "This is for you."

This was the very pendant Empress Zhang had always wanted, but he had given it to Noble Consort Wen instead. He’d dug it out of Lotus Palace after Noble Consort Wen’s accident.

At the sight of the pendant, Chen Yuyao fought him again. After a beat, her voice steadied, "If you’re here... where’s Senior Tutor Shen?"

Lu Xun's lips curled up: "Not sure, maybe he's dead. I stabbed him straight through the heart back then."

Chen Yuyao: "I got my throat slit back then, and I’m still perfectly fine."

Lu Xun grew impatient at the mention of him: "I passed out by the roadside when I came here and didn’t see that traitor Shen Yizhi." His pocket vibrated a few times.

His eyes gleamed as he pulled out the note he had previously written for Wen Bingchun from his pocket and handed it to Chen Yuyao: "This is my contact info. Call me once you decide." He paused for two seconds, then added, "I’m not forcing you to help me. I just hope there’s someone in this world I can talk to—you. If you ever face any difficulties, you can tell me. I’ll always have your back."

With that, he hurriedly stepped out of the stairwell, heading toward the checkout counter on the first floor while answering his phone.

Once his footsteps faded completely, Chen Yuyao furiously shredded the note and stomped on it with her high heels before walking upstairs. Only when she reached the fifth floor did her anger subside somewhat. She nodded at the bodyguard by the door and pushed it open to enter.

On the bed, Wen Zhi was munching on spicy strips while staring at the surveillance feed. Hearing Chen Yuyao enter, she chuckled and said, "That bastard DogEmperor is truly disgusting, pulling the same crap to sweet-talk two women. If it weren’t for surveillance these days, who’d know he had such thick skin?"

Chen Yuyao snapped, "Worried Lu Xun won’t kill you, so you’re finishing the job yourself?"

Wen Zhi ignored her. Chen Yuyao continued, "You bugged the stairwell too?"

Wen Zhi hummed in agreement: "The whole first floor is wired. The Wen family has shares in this hospital. Not that I was eavesdropping on your conversation—just worried he might suddenly snap and kill you again."

Chen Yuyao scoffed twice: "You heard him. He didn’t see Shen Yizhi. Shen Yizhi might really be dead. After all, something as wild as time travel isn’t something everyone gets to experience."

Wen Zhi turned to look at her: "You and that bastard DogEmperor managed it. Why wouldn’t someone as good as Shen Yizhi have the same luck?"

Chen Yuyao studied her expression carefully before suddenly asking, "Were you and Shen Yizhi actually a thing?" Now that she thought about it, back when Shen Yizhi was imprisoned for corruption, Consort Wen had risked offending court officials to protect him.

After that, Shen Yizhi had always stood behind Wen Zhi, forming factions for her sake. Despite being a top scholar who had placed first in three imperial exams, he had declined the position of tutor to the eldest prince, born of the Virtuous Consort, and instead humbled himself to teach Mu Mu, then still a prince.

Wen Zhi: "Don’t assume everyone is as filthy as you think. Senior Tutor Shen was upright and sharp-minded. How could he have been involved with me?"

‘Elegant and profound, standing tall like jade-green pines’—that was the kind of man he was.

Chen Yuyao disagreed: "Upright and sharp-minded? You never saw him lose it." He had cornered her by Deer Cry Lake at the exact same time Wen Zhi fell into the water, slitting her throat without hesitation. His bloodshot eyes had been stubborn and crazed, downright terrifying.

Wen Zhi grew impatient: "Remember your role. If you dare back out now, I’ve got a hundred ways to end you and that bastard DogEmperor."

Chen Yuyao: "Don’t worry. I know exactly what I’m doing. I won’t stop until he’s ruined and everyone hates his guts." The love she once had had turned into pure hatred.

After a pause, she asked irritably, "Do you have Lu Xun’s contact info? I was so angry earlier that I tore up the note."

Wen Zhi: "No. Hit up Wen Bingchun in the group chat."

Chen Yuyao immediately pulled out her phone to send a message.

*Professional Trash-Taker-Out, Chen Yuyao*: @IceBeautyFan, slide me that trash’s number. I tore it up in a fit of rage earlier.

Meanwhile, in a ward downstairs, a phone on the table buzzed. Lu Xun, who was helping pack up, glanced up and asked, "For you?"

Wen Bingchun, sitting by the bed, nearly had a heart attack from fright: *Thank goodness I set the notifications to hide message previews.*

She replied, "Likely my ex-agent. Must be nagging me to go collect the rest of my stuff from the company."

Lu Xun asked, "Want me to go with you?"

Wen Bingchun shook her head: "Ignore it. I don’t need those things anymore. Let’s focus on convincing my dad to help us. He doesn’t like me—if he finds out you’re my boyfriend, he won’t lift a finger to help you."

Lu Xun: "Don’t worry. Once I get close to him, I’ll make him appreciate me. First, you need to help me get into the Wen Corporation."

Wen Bingchun was puzzled: "How?"

Lu Xun: "Transfer the shares in your hands to me, and I can legitimately join the company."

Wen Bingchun hesitated, conflicted: "But..."

Lu Xun’s gaze turned cold: "What, you still don’t trust me?"

"No," Wen Bingchun quickly denied. "...My father has always wanted the shares in my hands. If I give them to you, he’ll never approve of you. How about this—I’ll draw up a 'Share Custody Agreement.' Once you buy up all the loose shares, I’ll formally transfer them to you?"

Lu Xun thought it over and found it agreeable, immediately satisfied: "Don’t worry. Once I drive Wen Zhi out of the company, I’ll return all the shares to you."

"Mm." Wen Bingchun’s pale face finally broke into a smile.

They gathered their things and went downstairs. Lu Xun carried a bag in one hand and supported her with the other. As they entered the elevator, he reminded her to be careful. When they reached the first floor, he carefully adjusted her mask, then handed her sunglasses and a hat, then said, "I’ll call a car. It’ll be here soon—we just need to wait a bit."

Wen Bingchun nodded, her eyes scanning the lobby absently.

A little kid came into view in the lobby, dressed in a sky-blue kindergarten uniform, wearing a little yellow duck hat, and carrying a food box. The child waved behind them and called out, "Sen Sen, hurry up! I want to go find Mom!"

Sen Sen, holding a fruit basket, came running up, out of breath, panting as he shouted, "Slow down! You’re walking too fast!"

Wen Bingchun went rigid: *Why are Mu Mu and Sen Sen here? What if they spot Lu Xun?*

*With Lu Xun wearing a mask, they probably won’t notice him. The bigger worry—will Lu Xun recognize Mu Mu?*

*After all, Wen Zhi just hit him.*

While Lu Xun was checking the ride-hailing app, Wen Bingchun fired off a WeChat.

Veteran Scumbag Destroyer, Ice Beauty: @Wen Zhi, you swore Mu Mu wasn’t coming to the hospital! Why is he at the entrance now? Help! I’m with Lu Xun right at the entrance.

Wen Zhi, sitting on the bed, shot upright, startling Chen Yuyao.

"What’s wrong with you?"

Wen Zhi: "We’re screwed. Mu Mu is here, and DogEmperor is downstairs."

"Huh?" Chen Yuyao also sprang up instantly: "Mu Mu is here? What if Lu Xun runs into him and things get complicated?"

Wen Zhi wrenched the door open and bolted. Chen Yuyao tried to follow, but Wen Zhi shouted, "Don’t come out! We can’t be seen together!"

Author's Note: