Shi Mengwan took a step forward. âDad?â
Seeing her like this, Father Shi felt even more uncomfortable. He couldnât help but raise his voice. âWhy? Canât I talk to him? Go and help your mom cook. You, come with me.â
It was still too early to cook. Grandma Shi wasnât around at the moment. It seemed that she had gone to second uncle and third uncleâs house to call for help.
Shi Mengwan was a little worried and couldnât help but glance at Zhan Haoze.
Facing the fierce gaze of his future father-in-law, Zhan Haoze patted the back of Shi Mengwanâs hand in a placating manner and followed behind Father Shi.
Half an hour later, Zhan Haoze came back behind Father Shi.
The two of them seemed to be quite friendly. Shi Mengwan: this must be her illusion. Yes, it must be.
... ..
The experience of this day was quite novel to Zhan Haoze.
It was the first time he was put in a difficult position. It was the first time he was chased out of the house and the first time he was threatened. It was also the first time he was eating with such a large table of people.
He had a lot of business dealings, but not many people could sit in front of him.
There were four people in Shi Mengwanâs family, including Mother Shi, four people Mother Shiâs family, and five from Grandma Shiâs family. Shi Mengwanâs aunt was also called back by Grandma Shi.
There were two tables full of people. The table was set in the courtyard outside.
The food was cooked by Mother Shi herself, and the ingredients were all fresh. The chicken was raised from the back, and the vegetables were picked from the ground.
He drank the soju wine that Father Shi brewed using the rural method. It didnât look good, but it was strong.
Although Shi Mengwan and Grandma Shi occasionally didnât get along because of the matter of the succession, the two uncles and aunts werenât bad.
The whole family was happy and harmonious. Although he occasionally felt restricted, this kind of atmosphere was very fresh to Zhan Haoze.
He inevitably became drunk. After getting drunk, he directly slept in Shi Mengwanâs room upstairs for a day.
In the end, when he woke up the next day, under Father Shiâs disdainful gaze, he was brought to the field.
During this season, there were many crops that were already ripe, such as beans, eggplant, and loofah. Father Shi asked him to help pick the crops.
Father Shi refused to let Shi Mengwan help. He said that this was a chance for Zhan Haoze to show off.
What could Zhan haoze say? Of course, he followed.
But before he finished picking the crops, Zhan Haoze received a call from Tang Hua. Something happened in Qing City.
After leaving the Shi family, Zhan Haoze drove quickly. He couldnât go directly to the highway here, but he had to go to the county town. Before Zhan Haoze drove his car out of town, Tang Hua had already led a motorcade to wait for them at the entrance of the town.
Tang Hua had brought people, so Zhan Haoze naturally didnât need to drive himself. He brought Shi Mengwan into the car.
Before getting into the car, Shi Mengwan saw Tang Hua and Zhan Haoze talking about something, but their voices were too soft, so she couldnât hear clearly.
When she got into the car, Shi Mengwan saw the anxiety in his eyes. She was a little worried. âDid something happen to the company? Is it something urgent?â
âItâs fine. I can solve it.â
Zhan Haozeâs expression was very calm. Speaking of which, it really wasnât a big deal. It was just Zhan Li, who had lost a hand, ran away.
Shi Mengwan looked at his expression and didnât ask anymore. She had discovered very early on that whatever Zhan Haoze didnât want her to know, no matter how much she asked, he wouldnât tell.
The car smoothly and quickly got onto the highway. Shi Mengwan looked at the side of his face and thought of something else.
âOh right, what did my dad say to you yesterday?â
âNothing much.â Zhan Haoze thought of Father Shiâs âthreatâ to him. He said, âdonât be smug because youâre rich. Our family doesnât want your money and doesnât care. My daughter can earn money. Let me tell you, if you treat Wanwan badly, I wonât let you off the hook even if I have to risk my life.â
âReally?â Why didnât she believe it?
âYou have a good father.â As he spoke, he held her hand and placed it in his palm.
âNot only that, I also have a good mother.â In Shi Mengwanâs heart, her parents were the best in the world.
âEn. Your parents are both very good.â
Zhan Haozeâs voice seemed to be filled with emotion as he pulled Shi Mengwan into his arms. His chin pressed against her hair.
âActually, I also had a good mother.â Originally, he had a good father. But â
â...âShi Mengwan wanted to look up at him, but he just happened to hold the back of her head.
âUnfortunately, my mother didnât live to see me grow up.â
âYour Mom, she...â She had heard that his mom was no longer around, but she didnât know why.
âWhen I was seven years old, she had an accident...â
He didnât finish his sentence, but Shi Mengwan could feel Zhan Haozeâs stiff body. She instinctively hugged him.
She looked up at him. âSorry.â
âItâs okay, itâs all in the past.â
Zhan Haozeâs expression was calm, but only he knew that everything wasnât in the past.
He tightened his arms around Shi Mengwan. Shi Mengwanâs arms were around his waist to silently comfort him.
Zhan Haozeâs heart was as hard as a knife. He didnât need Shi Mengwan to comfort him, but her actions still made him extremely happy.
He reached out and sniffing the fragrance on her body, he patted her back. The trace of viciousness and murderous hatred in his heart was slightly suppressed.
Shi Mengwan was actually sleepy to the point of wanting to sleep after being patted by him. She unknowingly fell asleep.
She fell asleep, but Zhan Haoze couldnât fall asleep. His mind was thinking about Zhan Liâs matter. Zhan Li had lost an arm, so he couldnât run far.
Moreover, the entire Zhan family was under his surveillance. In this situation, the person who could help Zhan Li get out must be someone who was familiar with the Zhan family.
He suddenly pressed a button in the car. The window in the middle lowered. Tang Hua turned his face and asking him what was wrong with his eyes, he looked at Zhan Haoze.
Zhan Haoze looked at Shi Mengwan, who was sleeping soundly in his arms. He took out his phone and typed a line of words before handing it to Tang Hua.
âLet the people who are watching the sanatorium take a look. Is the old man still there?â
Tang Hua was stunned for a moment. He obviously didnât expect Zhan Haoze to ask this. However, he nodded slightly and quickly understood what Zhan Haoze meant.
Zhan Haoze asked the questions that he was concerned about and didnât ask anymore.
When Shi Mengwan woke up, Zhan Haoze just happened to get the information that he wanted to know.
The old man had gone missing. Heh. A place like the sanatorium was guarded by layers of people, yet the old man still disappeared?
Zhan Haoze would never believe that there was no mole in this matter.
Shi Mengwan looked at the moving car and sat up to look at the time. âWeâre not there yet?â
âWeâre there. Weâre going to the airport now.â
Zhan Haoze looked at Shi Mengwan and held her hand in his palm. âWanwan, will you come back to Qing City with me?â
Shi Mengwan had originally planned to follow him back, but she said, âIsnât it too rushed? I still have a lot of things to do in my studio.â
âYou can use the internet to handle some of the work. As for the studio, Iâll hire a professional person to take care of it for you. Iâve already found a place in Qing City. Iâll follow your current model and open a new studio. Howâs that?â
Shi Mengwan didnât expect him to act so quickly. âYouâre already done?â
âYes.â Zhan Haoze nodded. âIâve found the place. Itâs not far from my company in Qing City. Also, the location and decorative style are based on your current studioâs style. When we go to Qing City, you can go take a look for yourself.â
âYouâve already taken care of it. Can I still find a reason to refuse?â
âNo.â Zhan Haoze looked at her with a deep gaze. âJust take it as me being selfish. I want you to accompany me.â
âOkay.â
Shi Mengwan nodded. Zhan Haoze knew she would agree, but he didnât expect her to agree so quickly. âWanwan?â
âMy job is the same no matter where I go anyway. I can work hard to start my own business in Lin City, so I believe I can do well in Qing City. Besides, I still have you. Youâll help me, right?â
âYes.â Zhan Haoze nodded. âI will help you.â
Four hours later, Zhan Haoze and Shi Mengwan arrived at Cherry Blossom Manor.
âTake a rest. I have something to take care of. I probably wonât be able to have dinner with you tonight.â
âOkay.â Shi Mengwan wasnât a teenage girl. She wouldnât pester her boyfriend to accompany her every day. âIf you have something to do, go do it first.â
âIâll be a little busy these days. If you want to go to Rong City to see Mrs. Huo, I can arrange for someone to send you there.â
âOkay, Iâll think about when to go.â Last time, Su Qingsang was waiting for her to explain about Zhan Haoze. She hadnât told her properly yet.
This time, she had a chance to explain to Su Qingsang properly.
Zhan Haoze was a little moved by the way she was so considerate not to quarrel with him. He lowered his head and kissed her lips until she was gasping for breath.
âWait for me to come back.â
Zhan Haoze had finished his instructions. When he left Cherry Blossom Manor, he asked Tang Hua to double the number of guards here before he left. The destination was the Zhan family mansion.
The Zhan family mansion was at the foot of Green Mountain near the suburbs of Qing City. From the foot of the mountain, the whole area belonged to the Zhan family.
Besides the main building in the middle, there were two side buildings and an auxiliary building at the back. Zhan Kun was old and didnât like to be disturbed by others. Therefore, even the Zhan familyâs grandson, Zhan Lie, lived in the side building.
After Zhan Kun was sent to the sanatorium. In the side building lived Zhan Lie, Bi Shuqiao, and Zhan Li and Zhan Yangâs family.
Zhan Haoze was afraid that they would escape, so he asked people to guard them. Other than the cook and two cleaning maids, others couldnât come in.
Usually, the person in charge of buying food was arranged by Zhan Haoze. Other people could go in, but Zhan Lieâs family couldnât go out.
So now that Zhan Li disappeared out of the blue, it really made him suspicious.
After entering the door, he saw that Zhan Lie sat on the sofa. Zhan Yang had lost a leg, so naturally he couldnât run away. Bi Shuqiao sat beside Zhan Yang. When she saw Zhan Haoze enter the door, she was like a cat whose fur had exploded, and started cursing again.
Zhan Haoze didnât even look at her, and walked directly to Zhan Lie.
âWhere is he?â
He was tall and big, and had no less than ten bodyguards behind him. More than ten people squeezed into the living room. Even if the Zhan familyâs living room wasnât small, it still looked very cramped.
Bi Shuqiao stood up quickly, and she pointed at Zhan Haozeâs nose. âZhan Haoze, are you that vicious? Zhan Li is your younger brother, and you actually let someone break his hand. Breaking his hand is one thing, but you still want to lock us up. Let me tell you, do you think you can lock us up for life? Let me tell you, donât even think about it.â
She cursed, and the words that followed began to sound more and more unpleasant.
Zhan Haoze walked past her and went straight to Zhan Lie. âWhere is he?â
Zhan Lie, not daring to speak, sat on the sofa. Zhan Haoze sneered and clapped his hands. Soon, someone came in.
âZhan Haoze.â Zhan Lie didnât understand what he was going to do until he saw Zhan Haozeâs men holding a knife and aiming at Zhan Yangâs uncrippled leg.
âZhan Haoze, what are you going to do?â
âZhan Haoze, tell him to put down the knife. What are you going to do?â
Zhan Haoze wasnât moved at all. He waved his hand, and the knife in the manâs hand was about to stab into Zhan Yangâs leg.
Zhan Lie stood up. âZhan Haoze, are you crazy?ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âWhere is he?â Staring at Zhan Lieâs face, Zhan Haoze stopped his hand for a moment.
âWho are you talking about? Who knows what youâre talking about?â
âZhan Kun and Zhan Li. Where are they?â
âHow would I know?â As Zhan Lie finished speaking, Zhan Haozeâs finger moved. The knife had already pierced into Zhan Yangâs thigh.
âAH ââ Zhan Yang cried out. Bi Shuqiao screamed and wanted to rush over, but her body was held up by someone.
âI like to be polite before I attack.â Zhan Haoze looked like he was easy to talk to. âHow did Zhan Li leave here? Where is Zhan Kun? If you donât tell me, I can only continue.â
As he spoke, the knife that was stuck in Zhan Yangâs thigh was pulled out. Fresh blood gushed out, and Zhan Yang screamed even more miserably.
Zhan Lie stood up, and someone held him up from behind. He was unable to move, so he shouted at Zhan Haoze, âZhan Haoze, do you have a conscience? He is your younger brother.â
âMy mother only gave birth to me, I donât have a younger brother.â
Zhan Haoze tilted his head, and the knife stabbed into Zhan Yang again. Zhan Yang was about to faint from the pain. Bi Shuqiao was furious and kept cursing, but she was afraid that Zhan Haoze would use even more ruthless methods later.
âStop.â Zhan Lie was furious. âI am your father. You stop right now.â
Zhan Haoze raised his head, and the person holding Zhan Lie actually bent her knees.
âHa.â Zhan Lie had been pampered all these years, so after he was unexpectedly treated like this, his face turned pale. âZhan, Zhan Haoze, you ââ
âDonât say that youâre my father. You donât deserve it.â
Zhan Haoze looked at him coldly. His gaze was cold and without a trace of warmth. His eyes were filled with deep hatred. The way he looked at them was as if he was looking at dead people.
âIf you donât tell me where Zhan Kun is today, I can only continue to poke holes in your beloved little son. I just donât know how long he can last.â
As he spoke, his subordinate pulled out his knife again. This time, Zhan Yang didnât even scream. He fainted from the pain. Bi Shuqiao wanted to stand up again, but she ended up like Zhan Lie.
Her knees were pushed forward, as if she was going to kneel down to Zhan Haoze. She was getting more and more resentful, but her curses were much softer.
When Zhan Haozeâs men were about to stab Zhan Yang for the third time, Zhan Lie finally couldnât take it anymore. âEnough. Iâll talk, Iâll talk.â
Zhan Haoze asked his men to stop. Zhan Lie looked at Zhan Haoze. âI, I donât know.â
When Zhan Haoze was about to ask his men to attack again, Zhan Lie hurriedly explained, âI really donât know. Last time, Uncle Chi came to see us and said that he would think of a way. Then, the next day, Zhan Li was gone.â
Afraid that Zhan Haoze would attack again, Zhan Lie shrunk his neck. âI only know how much. I donât know the rest.â
Zhan Haoze stood still, and his subordinateâs knife once again pressed against Zhan Yangâs leg.
âI really donât know anymore. Everything was arranged by Uncle Chi. We only listened to him.â
Zhan Haoze asked his men to stop, and stared at Zhan Lie for a while. With a wave of his hand, he quickly left with the dozen bodyguards.
As for the injury on Zhan Yangâs Leg? It didnât pierce his bones, so he believed that he wouldnât die.
For the next two days, Zhan Haoze was looking for Zhan Kun and Zhan Li. Zhan Li was nothing to be afraid of. But Zhan Kun... He had controlled the Zhan family for so many years, and his methods were first-rate. He was gloomy and ruthless.
So he didnât give him a chance. Now that he had a chance, he was afraid that he wouldnât just let it go. He didnât know what Zhan Kun was going to do.
No matter what he did, Zhan Haoze wasnât afraid. He was already prepared. Naturally, he wouldnâit let Zhan Kun have the chance to take back the power that was already in his hands.
Moreover, his goal was to destroy the Zhan family.
When he returned to Cherry Blossom Manor, Shi Mengwan was already asleep. He had been busy looking for Zhan Kunâs whereabouts for the past few days and had neglected her a lot.
He lowered his head and kissed her forehead. Zhan Haozeâs movements were very light, but he still woke Shi Mengwan up.
âDear Brother?â In a daze, Shi Mengwan thought that her Dear Brother had returned.
Zhan Haozeâs response was to give her another kiss. Only then did she wake up.
âWhy did you come back? Have you eaten?â
âIâve eaten. Iâve been busy recently, so I neglected you.â As Zhan Haoze spoke, he kissed her on the lips again.
Shi Mengwan shook her head. âItâs fine. I havenât been idle either.â
In the Cherry Blossom Manor, there was a complete set of drawing tools that Zhan Haoze had sent over. There was a work desk, a computer, everything. She had things to do these few days.
Her wedding with Zhan Haoze was something that would happen sooner or later. She had her own ideas about her own wedding. Not only did she have her own ideas, she also had her own requirements for the wedding dress.
This way, she had something to do, so she was much calmer about Zhan Haoze not coming back.
âIâll accompany you after Iâm done with work for the next two days.â Zhan Haoze thought for a moment. âHow about I take you to see the studio tomorrow? The renovations are almost done. If you have any ideas, you can still bring them up.â
âOkay.â Shi Mengwan wanted to go when she heard him say it, but Zhan Haoze had been busy, so she didnât bring it up.
âEn, then sleep early. Weâll go to the studio tomorrow.â
Zhan Haoze didnât touch Shi Mengwan. Instead, he kissed her forehead and told her to sleep.
He couldnât find Zhan Kun at the moment, but he wasnât in a hurry. Zhan Haoze woke up the next morning and wanted to bring Shi Mengwan to the studio that he had arranged for her.
However, before he went out, he received the news from Tang Hua. There was news from Zhan Kun.
Zhan Haoze hung up the phone and looked at Shi Mengwan with an inexplicable sense of guilt.
âIf you have something to do, go and do it. Donât bother about me.â
âWanwan.â
âItâs fine. Just ask someone to accompany me.â
Zhan Haoze frowned and looked at Shi Mengwanâs bright smile. He couldnât bear to let her stay in the manor forever. He arranged for people to follow Shi Mengwan. After confirming the route repeatedly, he then brought people to the place where Zhan Kun appeared.