Chapter 26 Part 1

Upon learning that his parents had finished dinner and left, Zhu Ran checked out of the hotel and moved back to Little Aunt’s House.

During this time, the Silver Bracelet remained locked on his wrist, as if constantly reminding him of Huo Boyan’s presence.

Zhu Ran originally wanted to cover it with long sleeves, but then he thought that since his parents had already left and Little Aunt was always open-minded, she probably wouldn’t say anything. So he went straight downstairs.

The living room was quiet. Little Aunt and Uncle were still at work, Lin Zilang and Lin Ziqing were out socializing, and the villa only had the maid. Zhu Ran slowly exhaled, relaxing his taut nerves.

“What are you wearing on your hand?” A familiar voice sounded, and Wang Ruyun sat on the sofa, her gaze scrutinizing his hand.

Zhu Ran froze in place, his blood nearly flowing backward.

He gripped the handrail for more than ten seconds before saying coldly, “You didn’t leave?”

Wang Ruyun said calmly, “Your dad suddenly had something come up, so we’re not leaving for now.”

That so-called farewell dinner before leaving was just a ploy to lure him out!

Zhu Ran’s vision went black, and he nearly couldn’t stand steady.

Wang Ruyun didn’t think it was a big deal and steered the topic back, disapprovingly saying, “What’s that on your hand? It’s too improper for a boy to wear something like that. Take it off right now.”

“I can’t take it off,” Zhu Ran said coldly. “If you really dislike it that much, why don’t you just chop off my hand?”

“You child, is that any way to talk?” Wang Ruyun stepped forward, intending to do it herself.

“That’s enough from you. The kid’s already grown up—can you stop meddling so much?” Zhu Yanqing blocked the agitated Wang Ruyun and amiably beckoned to Zhu Ran. “Come here, son. Dad wants to talk to you about something.”

His mother’s concern and his father’s kindness made him equally uncomfortable. Zhu Ran turned to leave, but Zhu Yanqing suddenly said, “That thing on your hand—is it from Huo Boyan?”

Zhu Ran stopped in his tracks but still didn’t speak.

Wang Ruyun immediately blurted out, “Why would Huo Boyan give you something like that? You’re both men!”

“Womanish thinking,” Zhu Yanqing said with a stern face as he scolded Wang Ruyun. “Mr. Huo holds a high position and wields great power. For him to give Zhu Ran a gift is a sign of respect. You should be happy about it.” He instructed, “I need to talk to Zhu Ran. You go out first.”

Wang Ruyun was still a bit upset but ultimately didn’t argue and turned to leave.

After Wang Ruyun left, Zhu Yanqing adopted an amiable demeanor toward Zhu Ran. “Don’t hide it from me. I already know about your relationship.”

Zhu Ran lifted his eyelids. “What do you know?”

Zhu Yanqing said, “Your mom’s just like that—completely inflexible. So what if it’s a man? With Huo Boyan’s family background and abilities, even if you just stay with him for a few months, the benefits you’d get would surpass what ordinary people gain from a lifetime of work. Plus, I can see he’s quite invested in you. It’s not impossible for you to leap social classes…”

“Dad! Do you even realize what you’re saying?” Zhu Ran coldly interrupted him, trembling with anger.

Seemingly not expecting Zhu Ran to react so strongly, Zhu Yanqing held back repeatedly but still patiently soothed him. “My words might be a bit blunt, but the truth is what it is. Society mocks the poor but not the promiscuous. A good marriage can save you decades of detours.”

“You’re right,” Zhu Ran laughed angrily. “After all, that’s exactly how you married into my maternal grandfather’s family back then.”

At those words, Zhu Yanqing’s face instantly darkened.

Zhu Yanqing had been born into poverty, with three generations of farmers in his family. He was the long-awaited son after three sisters. They scrimped and saved to send one college student out into the world, thinking their ancestral grave had sprouted green smoke. They drained his three sisters dry to support Zhu Yanqing all the way to a PhD.

The Zhu Yanqing of those days could be called quite the catch—handsome, a top university student, and good at charming girls. Unfortunately, he was held back by his rural parents and three sisters; several relationships fell apart right before marriage talks.

It wasn’t until he met his PhD advisor and got his junior fellow student pregnant out of wedlock that he married into the Zhu family, sweet-talking his wife into letting the child take his surname.

Zhu Yanqing was adept at networking and deeply understood the society’s bias toward wealth. Over the years, he had clawed his way up. He believed himself exceptionally capable, held back only by his lowly origins, which made everyone look down on him.

But he never imagined that while outsiders might mock him, even his own son looked down on him!

Zhu Yanqing instinctively raised his hand, but remembering his goal, he forcibly suppressed his anger and put on a fatherly demeanor. “I’ve worked so hard all these years, all for our family to live well. But no matter how much I toil, it’s nothing compared to these rich folks flicking their fingers. Fortunately, you’re capable and snagged a big fish.”

Capable? Snagged a big fish?!

Zhu Ran’s face turned black with rage. “What do you take me for? Some rent boy on the street?!”

Zhu Yanqing shook his head, somewhat disappointed. “You’re just too proud, just like your mother. How about this—I won’t ask you to do anything specific. I have a project on hand right now. Just convince Huo Boyan to invest in it.”

“Impossible,” Zhu Ran refused flatly. “We’re just friends. I can’t do that, and I won’t exploit a friend.”

“Friends?” Zhu Yanqing suddenly laughed, speaking in the tone of educating a naive child. “What status does Huo Boyan have? The local top tycoon’s grandson, with inheritance rights to billions in assets. Would someone like that be friends with you?”

He was just friends with Huo Boyan—he wasn’t marrying him. He didn’t care how much family wealth Huo Boyan had.

Zhu Ran had no patience left to listen and got up to leave.

“I know what you’re thinking. You’re nothing more than someone with a bit of talent, hoping to stay with Huo Boyan long-term. But let me tell you, Zhu Ran,” Zhu Yanqing said in an icy voice, “Huo Boyan has always suspected you’re a corporate spy. He won’t take you seriously.”