C120 Let's Sleep Together!?
Han Qiqi asked with a grin, "So, is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Her tone was unmistakably challenging.
Zhao Kuo inhaled deeply, his body starting to shake with rage.
It was Zhao Haichen who finally stood, offering a smile. "Brother Han, it seems there's been quite a few misunderstandings today. Perhaps we should head back."
"Should we keep in touch over the phone?"
At last, Han Tianhua rose, replying cheerfully, "Absolutely, we can touch base by phone if anything comes up."
Without further hesitation, Zhao Haichen turned and made his exit.
Today had been a true humiliation.
Zhao's mother and Zhao Kuo, though seething, had no choice but to follow in silence.
She dared not alienate Ningzhou's two most influential figures all at once.
And with that, she departed.
The room was left to the Han family trio, along with Zhang Chen and Chen Dafu.
Zhang Chen sat on the sofa, feeling out of place.
He had only intended to lend a hand, not expecting to end up in the spotlight.
Han Tianhua offered a courteous smile. "I never imagined your first visit would be at someone else's behest."
His words were tinged with an odd undertone.
Chen Dafu, somewhat resigned, chuckled. "I had no other option. Besides, I was unaware my friend was involved with your daughter."
His explanation was clear, yet his tone remained casual.
They locked eyes, the atmosphere thickening with an unspoken tension.
One was a business magnate, the other an underworld boss.
Their paths rarely crossed, yet both aspired to be the undisputed number one.
Eventually, Zhang Chen stood, breaking the silence with a smile. "Director Chen, it's been too long. How about we catch up over dinner?"
Having done his part, lingering any longer would only be awkward for Zhang Chen.
Chen Dafu returned the smile. "That would be wonderful. I'm honored."
Zhang Chen's enthusiasm bubbled over. "Let's grab a bite—I'm famished!"
They had barely started to leave when Zhu Jiuyan called out from behind, "Hold on a moment. You're practically family now. Since you've come to the Han household, we must extend our hospitality."
As the words were spoken, everyone froze in shock.
Son-in-law?
Zhang Chen's mouth twitched fiercely, a wave of helplessness flooding his heart.
Chen Dafu gave him a glance and chuckled, "Well, you might as well stay and have a bite to eat. I've got some things to take care of, so I'll be heading out."
Turning once more, he smiled and said, "Mrs. Zhu, I'll take my leave now."
His politeness was notable this time.
Zhang Chen grew even more bewildered.
Mrs. Zhu? Wasn't she supposed to be Mrs. Han?
And why was he so courteous with Zhu Jiuyan when his demeanor towards Han Tianhua was perfectly normal?
Zhu Jiuyan returned the smile warmly, "Okay, then I won't see you out, Mr. Chen."
With that, Chen Dafu departed from the villa.
Watching his retreating figure, Zhang Chen was filled with anxiety.
He couldn't believe the lack of loyalty. Was he really just going to leave like that?
Han Tianhua also cast a surprised glance at Zhu Jiuyan before silently taking a seat on the sofa.
Han Qiqi, with an awkward smile, suggested, "Let's go out to eat with my boyfriend. We'll be off now."
She tugged at Zhang Chen's arm, ready to head out.
Zhang Chen's excitement surged.
But before they could take a step, Zhu Jiuyan's authoritative voice commanded, "Sit down."
At her command, Han Qiqi immediately halted, sitting down on the sofa like a well-behaved child.
Zhang Chen was taken aback.
Why was she suddenly so compliant?
Yet, after a moment's hesitation, he resigned himself to sit beside Han Qiqi, his heart sinking with a sense of helplessness.
The situation was unbearably awkward.
Soon after, Zhu Jiuyan rose to her feet, her tone light and teasing, "You have a wife, yet you dare to remain entangled with my daughter? That's quite audacious of you."
Zhang Chen's heart clenched.
Han Tianhua's brow furrowed, his piercing gaze locking onto Zhang Chen.
For some inexplicable reason, Zhang Chen felt as if he were the prey of a wild wolf.
"You're married and still have the nerve to meddle with my daughter?"
Han Tianhua's eyes narrowed, his voice icy as he barked the accusation.
His fury was palpable.
As his words hung in the air, he lunged at Zhang Chen with a speed that was nothing short of terrifying.
Zhang Chen's eyes shot open as he sprang up from the sofa.
Han Tianhua's fist rocketed toward him.
Zhang Chen was taken aback.
Was he really being this direct?
Watching the fist, Zhang Chen's body twisted with a nimble grace that had become second nature to him.
Zhang Chen evaded the punch, leaving Han Tianhua quite astonished. Undeterred, he threw another.
Though Han Tianhua's punches were formidable, he wasn't quite on Loong San's level.
Zhang Chen's body swerved again, effortlessly sidestepping the second punch.
But as Han Tianhua readied a third, Han Qiqi abruptly stepped in front of Zhang Chen.
"What are you doing? Why are you hitting my boyfriend?" Han Qiqi demanded, her voice laced with fury.
"You." Han Tianhua's brow creased in frustration.
Zhu Jiuyan gestured for calm with a gentle wave of her hand. "Alright, everyone, please take your seats again."
She locked eyes with Zhang Chen once more, clearly taken aback by his swift maneuvers.
With clenched teeth, Han Tianhua silently returned to his seat.
Zhang Chen's heart was pounding. Aside from Loong San, he'd never felt such pressure from anyone.
Han Tianhua was a formidable opponent.
The room soon fell silent.
Coaxed by Han Qiqi, Zhang Chen found himself back on the sofa.
"I know he's married," Han Qiqi grumbled, "but their marriage is rocky. They'll probably divorce soon, and then everything will be fine, right?"
A dangerous glint flickered in Han Tianhua's eyes, but he held back, aware of Zhu Jiuyan's underlying motives.
Zhu Jiuyan then asked with a smile, "So, when are you planning to divorce?"
Zhang Chen inhaled sharply.
What kind of questions were these?
And since when was the Han family so accommodating?
Could Han Tianhua, a man of such ambition, really be swayed by his wife's words?
But Zhang Chen was here to lend a hand, so he played along. "It won't be long now," he said with a smile. "A son-in-law has no say, and frankly, I'm fed up."
The rage within Han Tianhua blazed hotter.
The murderous intent in his eyes became more pronounced, yet he couldn't fathom Zhu Jiuyan's endgame.
Han Qiqi felt her heart begin to race.
The moment she dreaded had arrived.
"Qiqi, do you truly like him?" Zhu Jiuyan asked with a sly smile.
A knot formed in Han Qiqi's stomach.
Zhu Jiuyan sat casually, her legs elegantly crossed.
Her composed demeanor suggested she held all the cards, compelling Qiqi to stick to the truth.
Finally, with conviction, Han Qiqi declared, "Of course. Why else would I have brought him here?"
Zhu Jiuyan's grin grew broader as she probed, "Really?"
Han Qiqi's anxiety intensified.
Was she transparent to Zhu Jiuyan?
Yet, she had no choice but to assert, "Yes, I will marry only him."
Zhu Jiuyan's expression took on an even deeper significance.
The air in the room grew thick with tension.
But then, Zhu Jiuyan's face softened into a warm smile as she said, "Well then, if it's true love between you two, we won't stand in your way."
"Tonight, you both shall stay in Qiqi's room."
At those words, both Zhang Chen and Han Qiqi were struck speechless.
Were they really going to sleep together?