Chapter 60
“Although the blessing of catching the bouquet is nice, I can’t do it, I’m socially anxious, as you can probably tell.” Xia Wansheng instinctively recoiled at the thought of everyone’s attention focused on him.
And he knew the meaning behind the bouquet toss. How would he explain it if someone jokingly asked?
“That’s why I’m asking for your help, there’s no rush, we can discuss it.” Xiang Haichao showed no signs of giving up, gesturing for him to sit down and chat.
“You must have many other options, why me?” Xia Wansheng asked curiously.
He had thought he was just an ordinary wedding guest, he hadn’t expected to be involved in such an important part of the ceremony.
“Well, you know, the current situation isn’t great, most of my friends are perpetually single, and you seem to have a potential partner, it’s worth a try.” Xiang Haichao lay down on his familiar sofa, watching Ran Hong unpack the gifts, his hand covering his forehead.
“Really not considering it?” He turned his head and asked again.
He had misunderstood their relationship before, assuming Xia Wansheng was seeking his help. Now, this was a chance to play Cupid.
“I’ll think about it, I might change my mind.” Xia Wansheng thought if everything went smoothly, a bit of social embarrassment wasn’t a big deal.
“Then I’ll assume you’ve agreed, don’t worry too much, things will work out.” Xiang Haichao said casually.
Seeing his confident demeanor, they didn’t discuss it further.
“By the way, there’s another matter, concerning someone you know, I’m curious about your thoughts on this.” Xiang Haichao shifted his position, moving aside the documents he had been lying on.
He rarely encountered such a difficult case, involving so many people and events.
“You should know this person, no, you definitely know this person.” He pulled out a sheet of paper from the pile of documents.
The photo on the paper was a bit blurry. Xia Wansheng didn’t recognize him at first glance, but he saw the name –
Xia Ye.
Judging by the surname, he must be related to him in the book.
The system in his mind started its explanation: [Host, we definitely know this person, he’s your younger brother, the one who framed you at the beginning.]
With the system’s reminder, Xia Wansheng finally remembered this character.
He had almost been completely framed right after arriving here.
But he hadn’t appeared since, and Xia Wansheng assumed he had run away.
He hadn’t expected to see his name here.
But after reading through the information, Xia Wansheng was shocked.
“So, he originally planned to switch sides to Yu Xuan, but after failing, he ran away.
Then, seeing no one cared about his past failure, he worked elsewhere for a while, then decided to try again, ending up working for the Shao family, handling their legally ambiguous operations.”
Xia Wansheng looked at the thick stack of documents, a profound sense of absurdity washing over him.
How did this person manage to be “so busy yet achieve absolutely nothing”?
After all this effort, he still hadn’t become a successful villain.
He was even working for others.
“So he’s…finally been caught?” Xia Wansheng asked hopefully.
It was difficult to guard against a hidden enemy.
“No, Xia Ye has been scammed, he came to me for help recently,” Xiang Haichao explained the current situation.
Xia Ye, after working so hard, was finally about to get paid, but something happened.
“The Shao family was recently targeted, the reason you know, so they’re no longer involved in those gray areas.”
“Since he came to me for help, and based on our investigation, Xia Ye was the one the Shao family sent to push you, but we lack sufficient evidence to charge him with intentional assault.” Xiang Haichao finally revealed the reason for calling him here.
“！！！”
So he was the culprit!
Xia Wansheng thought, as expected, one should never underestimate the consequences of any event.
That unanswered phone call after his arrival had almost gotten him killed through a butterfly effect.
“I didn’t intend to pursue this, just hand over the information to the police,”
Xiang Haichao looked at him, his tone hesitant, “But this person is your brother…”
Xia Wansheng thought he was probably concerned about his feelings.
“Are you interested in experiencing the satisfaction of personally sending him to jail? He hasn’t exactly been a good person.” Xiang Haichao suggested unexpectedly.
“I don’t mind, just do what you think is right… wait, what?!” Xia Wansheng suddenly realized what he meant.
He had intended to say, let the law take its course, it was the duty of every citizen.
He would choose justice over a false sense of familial obligation.
But the conversation took an unexpected turn.
“I can have that experience?” Xia Wansheng’s heart skipped a beat.
He would finally have a chance to confront him, to see what kind of person could harbor such malice towards him.
[Host, calm down, isn’t this dangerous? He’s desperate, what if he tries to take you down with him?!] The system quickly warned him.
They had to be careful when dealing with a cornered villain, Xia Ye would likely do anything to drag someone down with him.
“I knew you would agree, here’s the address, remember to arrive early,” Xiang Haichao handed him a piece of paper,
“Don’t worry about your safety, we’ve taken precautions, it will save us trouble if the confrontation goes smoothly.”
Xia Wansheng took the paper, the address familiar.
Cui Ming Lou again? Was this place a popular meeting spot for villains?
“How did you convince him to meet with me?” Xia Wansheng asked curiously.
Xia Ye, knowing his current situation, would surely be afraid of retaliation.
And Xia Wansheng hadn’t contacted him for so long, a sudden invitation for a meeting wasn’t a good sign.
“I told him you wanted to know if he had any compromising information on you, hinting that you might be willing to pay him for it.” Xiang Haichao explained, shrugging.
“Isn’t this entrapment…” Xia Wansheng applauded his ingenuity, but still asked.
“I’m not a law enforcement officer, just the landlord here.” Xiang Haichao said innocently.
“Right, Ran Hong?” he called out to the intern, who had finally finished unwrapping the gifts.
“What is it, boss?!” Ran Hong, almost drowning in a pile of gifts, still managed to respond.
“Did you pay this month’s rent?”
“What! Boss, I have to pay rent to work here?!” Ran Hong exclaimed, almost snapping a black card in surprise.
Xiang Haichao turned around, “See, I’m just a poor landlord with overdue rent.”
“…” Xia Wansheng was amazed by this exchange.
He was a natural storyteller.
He thought Xiang Haichao had a talent for comedy, what a waste.
During dinner, Xia Wansheng casually mentioned this to Yu Congyan.
“Boss Xiang said an acquaintance wants to talk to me, this person called me before.” He considered his words carefully.
He vaguely described the situation, avoiding any mention of his desperate attempts to go offline.
But as he spoke, he could sense Yu Congyan’s mood darkening.
Seeing his concern, Xia Wansheng decided not to insist, “Well, I’m not really interested in seeing him go to jail, I’m just a bit curious…”
“I’ll go with you.”
Unexpectedly, Yu Congyan didn’t object.
“The extortion case is also going to court soon, the dates are close.” He said concisely, not explaining his reasons.
He didn’t want Xia Wansheng to face those annoying relatives and their drama alone in such a short period.
And Yu Congyan remembered this place.
Cui Ming Lou, by the river.
The upper floors even had semi-open railings for a better view.
And Xia Wansheng had almost fallen from there.
If Shen Xinghe hadn’t been there, he might have remained trapped in his suspicions, never discovering the truth.
Yu Congyan’s gaze hardened, he decided he wouldn’t let Xia Wansheng out of his sight, not even for a second.
He would also pay close attention to the people around him, he couldn’t let another tragedy happen.
Perhaps he should hold Xia Wansheng’s hand the entire time.
Interlocked fingers, for a secure grip.
This was purely for safety reasons, nothing more.
The day of the meeting quickly arrived.
They arrived a bit earlier than agreed, but found themselves in a stalemate at the entrance of Cui Ming Lou.
“Do we really have to go in like this?” Xia Wansheng tried to wriggle his left hand, firmly grasped by Yu Congyan.
But Yu Congyan was seemingly oblivious, not letting go.
“The second floor overlooks the river.” He said simply.
“I won’t jump, and you’re closer to the railing, you can easily stop me.” Xia Wansheng tried to reason with him.
And entering with interlocked fingers, this wasn’t just “confronting his brother for framing him.”
It was more like coming out to his family!
Although Xia Ye wasn’t a good person, and they weren’t close, Xia Wansheng had seen this kind of scene before in other stories, always followed by some dramatic incident.
Like a sudden car accident or a falling flowerpot.
“I wasn’t there last time.” Yu Congyan looked him in the eyes.
He was right, he hadn’t been there, how could he have known?
Xia Wansheng finally sighed and let go of his hand, “Sorry, I was overly worried, I shouldn’t have caused you any trouble.”
Yu Congyan’s tone was filled with genuine regret.
Xia Wansheng’s heart skipped a beat.
How had he never noticed Yu Congyan’s acting talent before?
But even after seeing through his act, he still relented.
He extended his hand, “You’re right, and I’m afraid of heights, you’ll have to hold on tight if I try to jump.”
Coming out is just coming out, Xia Ye was just an insignificant character to him.
He hadn’t even settled the score for the rumors Xia Ye started about Yu Congyan.
Entering the private room, Xia Wansheng almost didn’t recognize Xia Ye.
His ID photo had made him look presentable, but seeing him in person, Xia Wansheng realized he looked much more haggard than he remembered.
He no longer had his previous fierceness, seemingly weathered by life, having realized his petty tricks wouldn’t get him anywhere.
Now he was just trying to get as much as he could.
Seeing them enter together, holding hands, a spark of life returned to Xia Ye’s dull eyes, he even said with a hint of amusement, “Long time no see, you’re still alive.”
He still resented Xia Wansheng, who had triggered his downfall.
He clearly wanted his brother dead, but it hadn’t worked.
The two bodyguards behind Xia Ye stepped closer, practically sandwiching him between them.
Afraid he might suddenly attack.
Just as Xiang Haichao had said, the security measures were thorough, reassuring.
“I’m afraid I’ve disappointed you.” Xia Wansheng, ignoring his sarcasm, sat down,
“I heard you’re working for the Shao family now? You should know what to say and what not to say.”
It had been a while since he played the villain, his words didn’t sound as threatening as he intended.
Especially with Yu Aotian beside him, he didn’t look like a desperate man.
“You’re living the good life now, don’t think I’ve forgotten what happened before.” Seeing his current state, Xia Ye knew his plan had failed, his eyes burning with resentment.
But then he thought, the more peaceful Xia Wansheng’s life was, the less likely he would want to disrupt it by revealing the truth.
Why was he risking his life to meet him? To extort money, of course.
He wasn’t here for a friendly reunion with his estranged brother.
As long as he got the money, he would leave the country and never return.
All his past crimes, discovered or not, would be erased.
“I’m not a patient person, state your terms.” Xia Wansheng pretended to be impatient.
Although his expression was unpleasant, he didn’t release Yu Congyan’s hand under the table.
The warmth from his hand was a constant reassurance.
But he had chosen the seat closer to the corridor. Even if he tried to jump, it would be difficult to get past Yu Congyan.
“I thought you were here to gloat?” Xia Ye didn’t get straight to the point.
Perhaps knowing Xia Wansheng’s methods, he didn’t immediately reveal his demands, “I’m not falling for your tricks, who knows if this room is bugged.”
So he had been tricked before.
Xia Wansheng signaled for the bodyguards to remove the hidden devices.
A few inconspicuous cameras were tossed onto the table, the black plastic boxes clattering.
“I’m not interested in your misfortune, but don’t drag me down with you.” Xia Wansheng said coldly.
Recalling Xia Ye’s past actions, he finally found his villainous tone.
After all, this person had tried to kill him.
“Oh, feeling bold now that you have a backer?” Xia Ye sneered, “My demands aren’t high, three times the previously agreed amount, not a penny less.”
He deliberately didn’t mention the specific amount, still wary.
Although Xia Wansheng didn’t know the original amount, he couldn’t show any weakness.
He hadn’t forgotten his true purpose.
“What makes you think you’re worth that much? Even if you release that information, how many people would believe you?” Xia Wansheng’s tone was laced with displeasure.
Haggling with villains was also one of his basic skills.
“It doesn’t matter how many people believe it, some things can’t be undone once they’re out in the open.” Xia Ye remained calm, “Perhaps I should explain why you were so desperate to steal that document?”
He was betting Xia Wansheng didn’t want Yu Congyan to know the truth.
Traitors weren’t welcome anywhere, and even if their relationship had improved, it was built on lies.
“Go ahead.” Xia Wansheng didn’t flinch.
He wasn’t new to dealing with clients who reneged and demanded compensation.
Practice made perfect.
Yu Xuan, when backing out of their deal, had exposed all his past scandals, he didn’t believe Xia Ye had anything new.
“Don’t try to bluff me!” Xia Ye, who had been leaning back casually, seeing Xia Wansheng’s indifference, leaned forward.
But now he was starting to feel uneasy:
Could their relationship be truly unbreakable?
How was that possible?! What tricks had Xia Wansheng used?
But thinking about their interlocked fingers when they entered, his concern wasn’t entirely unfounded.
Having talked for so long without any results, Xia Ye, initially confident, was now thrown off by their calmness.
“If that’s all you have, I’m afraid you won’t be able to escape.” Xia Wansheng said with feigned regret.
He had wanted to ask Xia Ye why he would stoop so low for a small profit, even pushing him off a platform.
But seeing his increasingly frantic demeanor, he realized it was simply his nature, a resentful and unscrupulous person.
Xia Wansheng, ignoring Xia Ye, who was almost speechless with anger, turned to Yu Congyan and complained,
“He was the one who started the rumors about you and that starlet, I still have the recording, should we settle this as well?” he asked.
The recording wasn’t made by him, of course. The system had thoughtfully compiled all the evidence.
They couldn’t let this person escape.
Xia Wansheng smiled, satisfied with Xia Ye’s drastic change in expression, he even looked like he wanted to attack.
But he was firmly held back by the two bodyguards.
“Indeed, we should.” Yu Congyan nodded.
They couldn’t just let those rumors slide.
“And the assault charge, along with your other crimes,” Xia Wansheng stood up, looking puzzled,
“Seriously, why are you even here? Are you really that desperate for money?”
“You really think I have nothing left?!” Seeing him about to leave, and restrained by the bodyguards, Xia Ye gritted his teeth and revealed his trump card.
This was his only lifeline.
He slowly pushed a piece of paper forward, his trembling fingers pressing on it.
He was gambling on Xia Wansheng’s reaction, this was his only way out.
If this failed, he was doomed.
Xia Wansheng, initially unconcerned, picked up the paper and slowly unfolded it.
Then, seeing its contents, his pupils constricted—
“A cuckoo occupying a magpie’s nest.”
The black ink was slightly smudged from Xia Ye’s frantic rubbing, but he could still sense his malicious glee when writing it.
No wonder he dared to come alone, he must have noticed something amiss and intended to use this to threaten Xia Wansheng into silence.
Xia Wansheng had released Yu Congyan’s hand when he stood up, thinking the meeting was over.
He hadn’t expected this.
Yu Congyan, seeing him staring at the paper silently, watched him intently, ready to stop him.
Xia Wansheng glanced at the railing not far away.
His previous self would have been overjoyed, telling the system this was a perfect opportunity to go offline.
But now, he simply pushed the paper back towards Xia Ye, a calm smile on his face, declaring his last resort a failure.
He watched with satisfaction as the triumphant look on his face crumbled.
“You should thank me, if it were the previous person, you wouldn’t be alive now.”
“You would have been knocked unconscious in the middle of the night and thrown into the river, breaking the law wasn’t a big deal for him.” Xia Wansheng’s smile didn’t falter.
“But I’ll at least let you face justice.”
He ignored Xia Ye’s expression and said to Yu Congyan, “Let’s go.”
His tone was light, but his pace was faster than usual.
Yu Congyan sensed his unusual reaction, but he didn’t say anything.
He was just glad he was there with Xia Wansheng.
Otherwise, he might have panicked or done something reckless again.
Seeing him unfazed by his trump card, Xia Ye felt a wave of despair.
Without time to think, he just wanted to stop them from leaving.
If he was doomed, he would drag someone down with him!
So, as Xia Wansheng stepped out of the room, and Yu Congyan relaxed slightly, Xia Ye suddenly shouted:
“Don’t you want to know why he suddenly changed?! Because he’s not the original…”
Yu Congyan didn’t give him a chance to finish, interrupting him, “I think you’ve misunderstood something.”
He approached the desperate Xia Ye, his voice soft, but his words a final judgment: “Why would you assume I don’t know?”
“You’re crazy… he betrayed you, he wanted you dead, this is all an act, to make you lower your guard, he’s been plotting against you!”
Seeing his unchanging expression, Xia Ye realized he had been played, his voice becoming more frantic.
Yu Congyan turned to see Xia Wansheng, unwilling to stay in the room a second longer, had already left.
His expression turned icy.
He regained his cold and ruthless demeanor from when he dismantled the Shao family: “Tell me how you discovered this, if your information is valuable, I might spare your life.”
“You think I’m an idiot? If I tell you, I’ll be useless.” Xia Ye chuckled.
If it weren’t for his parents being on the verge of imprisonment, he wouldn’t have been so certain.
The previous Xia Wansheng had been with them for so long, how could he suddenly change?
“I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll give you some life-saving advice,” Yu Congyan said coldly, “You better treat these words as gospel truth.”
“What do you want to say? I won’t compromise!” Xia Ye still tried to resist, prepared for mutual destruction.
“Xia Wansheng is innocent, he did all this just because he loves me too much.” Yu Congyan said in a low voice.
This had to become an established fact, to deflect any curious inquiries.
He ignored Xia Ye’s stunned expression and turned to leave.
At the door, he ran into Xia Wansheng, who had returned to check on him.
An awkward silence filled the air.
“…You heard that.” Yu Congyan stated.
“Can I pretend I didn’t?” Xia Wansheng inwardly wanted to bang his head against the wall.
He had just come to check on him, not to eavesdrop.
“It’s fine, don’t worry, I know you’re doing this for me, you don’t really believe that.” Xia Wansheng tried to smooth things over.
No, in a way, Yu Congyan actually wished it were true.
“Everything’s resolved, let’s not waste any more time here, we can still make a soufflé tonight, or any other cake you like?” Xia Wansheng asked quickly.
He didn’t even glance at the raging man in the private room.
What he said earlier was the truth. This man was alive because they were law-abiding citizens.
And they never littered.
“A birthday cake too?” Yu Congyan suddenly asked.
“Of course… wait, is it your birthday today?!” Xia Wansheng asked in surprise.
Yu Congyan didn’t deny it.
Wasn’t the CEO supposed to keep his birthday a secret?!
Xia Wansheng’s mind raced.
He had tried to find out before, but Yu Congyan had never revealed his birthday on social media.
Why was he telling him now? And on his birthday itself!
“Is this why you insisted on coming with me?” he asked.
Afraid he would leave on his birthday?
“It has nothing to do with the date.” Yu Congyan replied.
He was just worried about Xia Wansheng.
And Xia Wansheng’s reaction to the note had clearly been unusual.
Thankfully, nothing bad had happened.
Xia Wansheng glanced at his phone, it was 2:00 pm.
Only ten hours left.
Although Yu Congyan said he was just joking, not really wanting a birthday cake, Xia Wansheng thought, I’ll be the judge of that.
Yu Congyan rarely expressed his desires, even a casual remark must signify a milestone in their relationship.
Xia Wansheng pressed the button on the mixer, thinking confidently.
Right, he hadn’t prepared a gift yet…
Click.
The clock on the wall finally struck ten.
