Chapter Forty-Three: Striking Directly at the Chi Family

The two women spent several hours hurling insults at each other in the hotel lobby, while Mo Han and his companions simply sat and listened. From time to time, Chen Yuan would even retort a few sharp words of her own. Eventually, finding it all rather dull, they decided to let the women continue their tirade as they pleased. After all, this was a society governed by law—they had nothing to fear. The human police might not be able to handle these two, but the Bureau certainly could.

Eventually, Mo Han grew tired of the noise and called the Bureau himself. Chen Yuan, unwilling to let things end so easily, deliberately argued a bit more with the old woman. After much pushing and shoving, Chen Yuan landed a resounding slap across the woman's face. The crisp sound echoed, bringing sudden silence to the lobby.

Screaming in outrage, the old woman lunged at Chen Yuan, but as she neared, Chen Yuan deliberately stuck out her foot, tripping her. The woman fell flat on her face.

“Chi Zhou, are you really just going to stand there and watch this woman bully me?” Realizing she was no match for Chen Yuan, the old woman turned to shout at Chi Zhou.

But she was mistaken—Chi Zhou had no intention of intervening. As long as Chen Yuan wasn't hurt, she could do as she pleased with the old woman. None of them had ever seen things clearly anyway; even if they died, he wouldn't grieve for them.

“You brought this upon yourself. What does it have to do with me? If you’re unhappy, keep it to yourself!” he said coldly. Now she wanted his help? Where was she before, always doting on that illegitimate child? That child was dead now, so why shouldn’t they all follow him? If their family ties were so deep, wouldn’t it be only right for them to keep him company in the afterlife? Otherwise, wouldn’t that just make a mockery of their supposed affection, a slap to their own faces? He, the true grandson and son, was invisible, while they fawned over an outsider. Now was the perfect time for them all to go together. Why were they complaining now—what fools!

“Chi Zhou, you beast! I’m your grandmother! How can you just stand by and do nothing?” she wailed. If only she’d known he’d be such an ingrate, she would have strangled him at birth! Her own son had died young, and now her grandson was gone too. Was fate determined to make her suffer like this?

“What are you wailing about? Disturbing the peace—take them away!” The newcomer was none other than Director Chu Zhaoting of the Bureau.

“Mr. Mo, I’m terribly sorry. There was a traffic jam on the way, and I’m late,” Director Chu apologized.

Mo Han simply nodded, saying nothing.

Director Chu glanced at Chu Xingran, seated at the center, intending to greet her, but she didn’t even spare him a look. He felt a deep bitterness—he had come all this way just to see his own sister, yet she wouldn’t even acknowledge him.

Yes, the Director of the Bureau was Chu Xingran’s biological brother. But the two had never been close, and no one else knew of their relationship, not even Mo Han. Chu Xingran refused to recognize him as her brother because he had always opposed her relationship with Ye Zheng. Furious, she had severed all ties with him, and since then, the already tenuous bond between them had all but disappeared. Even on rare occasions when they met, they pretended not to know each other, as was the case now—Chu Xingran simply ignored him.

“I’ll take them back now and won’t trouble you further,” Director Chu said awkwardly, leading his people away.

At last, peace returned. Chu Xingran cleaned out her ears and stood to stretch, signaling to Chen Yuan and Mo Han that perhaps it was time for a meal. On second thought—it would be lunch by now!

The stamina of women was truly formidable—hours of arguing and they never seemed to tire. One had to wonder if their mouths were parched after all that bickering.

“Ran-jie, let’s go have hotpot, shall we? I haven’t had it in so long, I’m really craving it!” Mo Han stood up beside Chu Xingran, mimicking Chen Yuan’s way of speaking.

“Han-ge, could you not imitate me? It’s really gross!” she laughed. Who would have thought the imposing Mo Han could be so adorable?

The three of them walked on ahead, with Chi Zhou trailing behind, wanting to reconcile with Chen Yuan. But she continued to ignore him, giving him no chance to come close.

“Honestly, if you have something to say, just say it. This pitiful little husband act of yours is hilarious!” Chen Yuan couldn’t stand Chi Zhou’s timidity. Was it so hard to just speak up? A grown man acting so meek—she was tempted to slap him right out of sight!

“I know I was wrong. Can you forgive me—will you give me a chance to make amends?” He finally managed to say what he’d been bottling up.

“I’ll consider it. For now, you can take us out for hotpot,” she replied. A free meal was always a good deal!

The three of them had formidable appetites—what they ate in one sitting was more than most. Today, with a willing benefactor, why not make the most of it?

“Of course, anything you want, it’s on me!” Chi Zhou agreed. As long as he could get close to her, what was a bit of money? The Chi family was his now; spending a little on the woman he loved was only right. Who could fault him for that? If Chen Yuan wanted, he’d give her the entire Chi family—what was a meal by comparison?

“Han-ge, Ran-jie, don’t hold back—eat as much as you want today!” Not only would they eat, Chen Yuan intended to go shopping with Chu Xingran afterward. Chi Zhou owed her too much—what harm in making him pay a little?

They had helped him seize the Chi family; giving them a bit of benefit wasn’t too much to ask. Besides, their demands were modest—just a meal and some shopping. It wouldn’t bankrupt the Chi family.

The four of them left the hotel and headed straight for the hotpot restaurant. Chi Zhou brought up the rear, a constant smile on his face. This time, he truly believed he and Chen Yuan could finally be together. No one could stand in their way now—no one would criticize her, or say she was unworthy.

To him, Chen Yuan was the best. The question was never whether she was worthy—only whether she was willing, and whether his heart still belonged to her.

“Extra spicy, and a few more bottles of wine—make it quick!” Chu Xingran and Chen Yuan spoke in unison when ordering, picking exactly the same things. Sharing a glance, they smiled, the affection and value they placed on their friendship shining in their eyes.

“No wonder you’re sisters—I’m impressed!” Mo Han suddenly became playful, teasing the two as he often did. Perhaps it was the time they’d spent together, but the three of them had grown used to each other’s quirks, no longer surprised by such moments.

Chi Zhou, on the other hand, couldn’t quite understand it. Their friendship seemed so superficial, yet they got along so harmoniously.

“Hey, you don’t get it, do you? The three of us have been through life and death together!” Mo Han boasted to Chi Zhou, his face full of pride.