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墨書 Inktalez
“Dad, what brings you here?” Jin Chengyan had already guessed Jin Zhongshu's intention, which was likely related to the incident involving Ruan Shengyu and Qiao Nuo at the awards ceremony.
The news had already made its way back from C City. Jin Zhongshu’s decision not to go to C City in person showed his composure, which was why he was here now.
Jin Zhongshu looked coldly at Jin Chengyan before turning his gaze more gently towards Qiao Nuo. “Qiao Nuo, how is your health? You were seriously injured last time, and you’re not taking proper rest at home. Your mother-in-law has been saying she wants to come take care of you. If your health isn’t good, how will that affect having children in the future?”
Qiao Nuo opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words.
Jin Zhongshu's sudden appearance and his immediate concern for her well-being caught her off guard.
In truth, aside from her head, she hadn’t sustained any serious injuries during the kidnapping. Moreover, some time had passed since then; Jin Zhongshu should have known she was fine. Now, asking about her health in front of an outsider seemed like a performance for show.
So, Qiao Nuo chose to respond with silence. After all, they knew she was feeling down, especially after being treated poorly by her husband and his lover—who could feel good in such a situation?
Jin Zhongshu didn’t seem to mind her silence; he appeared quite understanding as he turned to the man sitting beside him. “I forgot to introduce you. This is my wife, Qiao Nuo. Qiao Nuo, let me introduce you.”
He waved at Qiao Nuo, signaling her to come over.
He intended to introduce her to that middle-aged man.
To be honest, the middle-aged man didn’t seem very friendly; there was something about him that felt dark and foreboding despite his scholarly appearance with glasses. He reminded Qiao Nuo of the kind of gangster bosses depicted in Hong Kong films.
Instinctively, she glanced at Jin Chengyan. It was a habit she hadn’t broken—to seek his help when faced with the unknown.
Seeing the look of desperation in Qiao Nuo’s eyes relaxed Jin Chengyan a bit; she still relied on him, didn’t she?
But the next moment, Qiao Nuo withdrew her gaze and walked towards Jin Zhongshu.
Jin Chengyan felt somewhat defeated. After all, when he had asked Jin Zhongshu earlier, he hadn’t received a clear answer either. What was Liu Mingzhang doing here?
The Jin Family had long since lost their underworld influence. Back in the day, Jin Zhongshu and Mrs. Yu Xin had carved out a bloody path on the high seas, and the dark forces behind the Jin Family were not to be underestimated.
However, after that, Jin Zhongshu gradually dismantled those forces, believing that for the family to endure, they could no longer engage in illegal activities.
At that time, Liu Mingzhang was an equal rival to the Jin Family's dark forces, though his territory did not extend into Qin Cheng.
Now, with Liu Mingzhang appearing and seeking out Jin Zhongshu—who had brought him to Jin Mansion—and even wanting to introduce Qiao Nuo to Liu Mingzhang, the relationships involved were clearly complicated.
“Qiao Nuo, this is your Uncle Liu, my rival and friend from my younger days. Now, he is also Ruan Shengyu's godfather,” Jin Zhongshu said with a smile as he introduced her.
Liu Mingzhang also smiled gently at Qiao Nuo, exuding the warmth of an elder looking at a younger generation.
Yet Qiao Nuo felt no warmth or kindness at all.
Her back stiffened, and her smile froze! Jin Zhongshu was introducing her to a man who was Ruan Shengyu's godfather!
Qiao Nuo knew just how much Jin Zhongshu had despised Ruan Shengyu in the past. The fact that he could now utter Ruan Shengyu's name indicated that this Uncle Liu held a significant status that could not be overlooked, forcing them to make concessions.
Qiao Nuo chuckled lightly, her clear eyes revealing a hint of helplessness. Now even Jin Zhongshu was like this, wanting her to give up on pursuing the matter. Who would have thought that Ruan Shengyu had such powerful connections that everyone would plead on his behalf?
She turned to look at Jin Chengyan. He must know about this; Ruan Shengyu had such a substantial backing, which was why he had initially suggested she let it go and move on from that incident.
But as a husband, could Jin Chengyan really just stand by and watch his wife being bullied without taking any action?
A chill crept into Qiao Nuo's heart.
She turned away, no longer looking at Jin Chengyan.
She had always fought her battles alone, with no one to help her.
“Uncle Liu, hello! I’m so sorry, but your Goddaughter is currently in the hospital and cannot come to pay her respects!” Qiao Nuo's tone was sharp; how could she remain gentle at this moment?
“You—” Liu Mingzhang’s expression darkened instantly. It seemed he was holding back his anger because Jin Zhongshu was still present, so he didn’t truly show Qiao Nuo any disdain.
Jin Zhongshu shot a glance at Qiao Nuo. Here was a man in his fifties, full of prestige, giving her a look that suggested she should know when to bend and when to stand firm!
But how could Qiao Nuo endure this? She had already suffered enough from Jin Chengyan, and now an outsider was adding to her discomfort!
“I’m not feeling well; I’m going upstairs.” If there was no politeness, then so be it. After saying that, Qiao Nuo headed upstairs. She needed to find that tedious Contract, tear it up, and divorce Jin Chengyan!
With her mind set on leaving, she was unaware of what was happening downstairs.
Jin Chengyan’s expression was grim. He hadn’t shown any smiles these past few days; anyone who could laugh at a time like this must be quite carefree.
“A Yan, your Uncle Liu is staying in Qin Cheng. When you have time, take him around. I’m getting old; I get out of breath after just a few steps. I can’t keep up with you young people.” Jin Zhongshu wasn’t really unwell; he was determined to pass Liu Mingzhang off onto Jin Chengyan.
Jin Chengyan was still absorbed in the fact that Liu Mingzhang was the godfather of Ruan Shengyu. How could he not have known this? Why had Ruan Shengyu never mentioned it to him?
"Alright." Jin Chengyan was indeed a man of foresight, knowing that his father wouldn't make such arrangements without reason. He could only agree for now and would seek to understand more later.
Liu Mingzhang looked at Jin Chengyan with admiration and suddenly said to Jin Zhongshu, "My goddaughter has been talking about the man she likes for quite some time. Seeing him today, he truly is impressive. Her taste in men is quite remarkable."
Jin Zhongshu felt a wave of irritation wash over him. He really didn’t want to engage with this man. Just moments ago, he had introduced Qiao Nuo as Jin Chengyan's wife, yet Liu Mingzhang was now implying that she was the one Ruan Shengyu liked! Did he think that because his power was growing, he could act with such impunity?
Jin Chengyan wanted to say something but was silenced by Jin Zhongshu's stern gaze.
So, he remained silent.
Liu Mingzhang sat there for only a few minutes; perhaps he felt that his purpose had been served, as he soon left. Before departing, he patted Jin Chengyan on the shoulder in a way that suggested admiration, which made Jin Chengyan feel quite uncomfortable.
Once Liu Mingzhang was gone, Jin Chengyan finally spoke up. "Dad, why did you bring someone like him here?"
"Hmph!" Jin Zhongshu snorted coldly. "Do you think I want to be associated with him?"
Jin Chengyan was taken aback.
Oh, Ruan Shengyu.
"Tonight, come with me to see your Grandpa Yan." Jin Zhongshu had a very good relationship with Yan Beiting, one that transcended the usual father-son bond. Unfortunately, the relationship between Jin Chengyan and Yan Beiting had been strained for years.
Upon hearing this, Jin Chengyan couldn't help but furrow his brow.
"You have to go, whether you like it or not. You made this mess, and now you expect me and Yan Grandpa to help you clean it up. Do you think you're so impressive?" Jin Zhongshu felt anger rising as he spoke about the situation.
How could a single Ruan Shengyu be such a problem? Just send her to the authorities, and her fate would no longer concern the Jin Family.
But now, it turned out that Ruan Shengyu had a powerful figure backing her—a dark force as her godfather. It was utterly baffling! Did he just fall from the sky? If she was that formidable, why didn’t she ascend to heaven instead?
Jin Chengyan sensed his father's fury and understood that much of it stemmed from the man they had just encountered.
"In the past, it was just your personal grudge with Qiao Nuo and Ruan Shengyu. Now, it's a matter concerning the entire Jin Family. I cannot let one Ruan Shengyu jeopardize everything our family has built! You need to prepare yourself mentally!" Jin Zhongshu stood up, and Jin Chengyan noticed for the first time that his father had strands of white hair—he was aging.
But could Liu Mingzhang truly wield such great influence?
"A Yan, our Jin Family has long since moved past that. If we truly engage in a battle with them, we have no chance of winning!" Jin Zhongshu said earnestly.
Jin Chengyan wanted to argue that A Shan also had a mysterious team at her disposal. Even if it came down to conflict, the Jin Family might not be at a disadvantage!
Yet, those words remained unspoken.
Just as he sought a compromise, his father clearly did not wish to provoke Liu Mingzhang at this moment; it would benefit no one. A confrontation would likely result in mutual destruction, leaving others to take advantage of their losses.
If it came to an actual conflict, it would be a contest of financial resources, intelligence, and manpower—long-lasting and costly, the lowest form of resolution.
"Alright, I understand," Jin Chengyan nodded.
The Yan Family and the Jin Family supported each other over the years, which is why both families had stood strong in Qin Cheng for so long. Now that Jin Zhongshu was considering reaching out to Yan Grandpa, it was likely due to the longstanding bond between their families.
Thinking back to the near fight with Yan Beiting earlier, Jin Chengyan felt a headache coming on.
Half an hour later, Jin Chengyan returned upstairs and found that Qiao Nuo was not in their room but rummaging through things in the study. The place was a mess, and it was clear she had made it that way on purpose.
“Qiao Nuo, what are you looking for?”
“Can’t you tell? I’m looking for that contract. Once I find it and destroy it, we can get a divorce,” Qiao Nuo replied, still angry. She had vented most of her frustration in that room, but it didn’t seem to help much.
Jin Chengyan rubbed his temples.
“How long are you going to make a scene? Ruan Shengyu is on the brink of death. Even if you have a huge grudge, shouldn’t you let it go? Besides, you have nothing to lose now! Can’t you both just take a step back?” Jin Chengyan couldn’t help but feel exasperated by Qiao Nuo’s antics.
Qiao Nuo put down the book she was holding and looked at Jin Chengyan. “Am I the one making a scene?”
“Aren’t you and Ji Nuan Yang both causing trouble? Did you even think about my position when you exposed those audio and video clips in front of so many people? I’m the president of Jin. Do you know how much the stock price dropped after everything went public today? How much work I have to do to make up for those losses? Can’t you consult me before making such decisions next time?”
“There won’t be a next time. Once we divorce, there’s no going back. You don’t need to worry about it anymore. From now on, you can be with whoever you want.”
Jin Chengyan hated hearing those two words; he really despised them. He stepped forward and grabbed Qiao Nuo’s wrist.
“Qiao Nuo, I’m telling you one last time: don’t ever mention divorce again!”
“Why not? Just because you say we should be together doesn’t mean I have to stay with you! I…”
Jin Chengyan pulled Qiao Nuo into his arms tightly.
Qiao Nuo's words caught in her throat, "I can't lose you, okay? My life can't be without you anymore! To me, you're no longer just a party in a contract; you are my wife, Jin Chengyan, the person I want to spend my life with! I know you care about Ruan Shengyu and think I still love her."
"But Qiao Nuo, she has been in my life for so many years; she feels like family to me. If I were to be with you, I would have to completely abandon her. How is that any different from being a scoundrel? I was wrong; I should have ended things with her before starting something with you! But the mistake has already been made, and now I can only find a way that minimizes the harm to both of you."
"Qiao Nuo, when I found out you were kidnapped, I wanted nothing more than to find you immediately. At that moment, I was hurt too; my wounds reopened. But I couldn't rest, knowing you were still in danger. No matter how much blood I lost, it didn't matter; all I wanted was to find you. I don't know when it started, but you've become the woman I care about because you are my wife."
Jin Chengyan's words reached Qiao Nuo's ears, piercing straight to her heart.
His first confession, his first plea.
Qiao Nuo fell silent in his embrace. She wanted to push him away, but her limbs felt unresponsive, as if she was about to forgive Jin Chengyan just like that!
Yet when she closed her eyes, the image of Ruan Shengyu relentlessly pounded in her mind.
"Jin Chengyan..." Qiao Nuo spoke his name but found herself at a loss for words; it seemed there was nothing left to say between them. "I'm so tired."
Gently, Qiao Nuo pushed Jin Chengyan away. Her eyes were already red-rimmed, yet no tears would fall.
He wanted to reach out and wipe away her tears, but she evaded him.
...
Yan Beiting received a call from his grandfather and returned to Yan Family Mansion. To his surprise, he found Jin Zhongshu and Jin Chengyan there.
Having parted ways with Jin Chengyan on bad terms earlier in the day, he wasn't inclined to give him any friendly treatment now. However, since Jin Zhongshu was present, despite his anger, he still greeted him.
Jin Chengyan was naturally angry. Yan Beiting had been stirring trouble, first with Ruan Shengyu and now with Qiao Nuo. How could he swallow this resentment?
The two young men exchanged glances filled with disdain for one another. If it weren't for the elders sitting nearby, they would have likely stormed off by now!
The parents on both sides seemed unfazed by this scene, continuing their own conversations without paying attention to the tension between the two.
"Uncle Yan, I believe you must have heard that Liu Mingzhang has returned," Jin Zhongshu said, holding a teacup in his hand. His gaze darkened slightly at the mention of Liu Mingzhang.
Yan Laoyezhi's expression also soured upon hearing the name, clearly reluctant to discuss it.
"I heard he came back quietly, but his ship is docked at the Yan Family's pier."
"We thought we had driven the Liu Family out of Qin Cheng for good when we joined forces," Jin Zhongshu reminisced with a hint of regret. "Little did we know..."
"People are always reluctant to accept defeat. They want what isn't theirs by any means necessary." The old man's words were ambiguous, leaving both Yan Beiting and Jin Chengyan puzzled as to whom he was referring.
However, Jin Chengyan felt no guilt; after all, Qiao Nuo was his wife. It was Yan Beiting who was desperately trying to win her over!
With that thought in mind, Jin Chengyan cast a smug glance at Yan Beiting, as if to say, "Look, even your elder is saying this about you. Can't you tone it down a bit and stop embarrassing yourself?"
Yan Beiting responded with an indifferent look.
The undercurrents between the two did not go unnoticed by their parents.
No matter how many years passed, these two boys would always remain just that—boys.
Jin Zhongshu and Yan Laoyez sighed involuntarily, wondering if they could still join forces to drive away those who posed a threat to them, just like they did many years ago.
...
Qiao Nuo learned that Jin Chengyan had also brought Ruan Shengyu back, and she found herself in Qi Ziluo's hospital. In the end, Jin Chengyan did not agree to her request for a divorce.
However, he did not restrict her freedom; he only required that she return to Jin Mansion every night. This was his final demand of her.
It seemed that he had been quite busy these past few days, and Qiao Nuo unilaterally assumed that Jin Chengyan was preoccupied with matters concerning Ruan Shengyu.
With this thought in mind, Qiao Nuo decided to spend as little time as possible at Jin Mansion, except for the nights when she had to sleep there.
She visited Qiao Chen, who was extremely worried about her. When he saw her return safe and sound, he recalled their past experiences and was overjoyed.
Yet at the same time, he felt a deep sense of heartache. His sister had always worked hard, and now she had to endure such hardships; just thinking about it made him feel pained.
Qiao Nuo reassured Qiao Chen not to worry; she was doing well.
But after turning away, Qiao Nuo found it hard to smile again. The thought of returning to face Jin Chengyan made her uneasy. Even though their feelings had grown dull, he still held her in his arms every night as if nothing had happened between them.
Qiao Nuo couldn't understand how strong Jin Chengyan's heart was!
She shook her head and decided it was best to have dinner outside before heading back.
It seemed like the New Year was approaching; lanterns were hung everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere. However, Qiao Nuo felt that this year would be the loneliest one for her—without her father and the old servants from their home, it would only be her and Qiao Chen.
A message from our reporter has confirmed that all collaborations between Jin and Yan Fei have been terminated before today, with both parties unwilling to disclose the specific reasons. Rumors suggest that the current heads of Jin, Jin Chengyan, and Yan Fei, Yan Beiting, may have ended their partnership due to personal grievances.
Qiao Nuo stood in front of the square, dazed, as a giant screen displayed photos of Jin Chengyan and Yan Beiting, separated by a red line indicating the rupture in their relationship.
The news quickly moved on to other stories.
Yet Qiao Nuo remained unable to process what she had just seen.
Jin Chengyan and Yan Beiting had truly severed ties?
Because of her?
She had known from that day on the highway that given Jin Chengyan's temperament, he would not let things slide. They had been fine that day, but just a few days later, Jin Chengyan had indeed parted ways with Yan Beiting.
Although Qiao Nuo was aware of the tension between Jin Chengyan and Yan Beiting, she never thought it would escalate to such a split. Now, it was all because of her!
Returning to her car, she ultimately decided to call Jin Chengyan.
"Where are you? I want to see you." Although they saw each other every day, they rarely spoke; it was usually Jin Chengyan who talked while she remained silent.
Now that she wanted to meet, Jin Chengyan naturally agreed.
Half an hour later, Qiao Nuo arrived at Jin. The atmosphere inside was bustling as if it were peak working hours rather than the end of the day.
It was understandable; after all, with the collaboration between Jin and Yan Fei coming to an end, it felt like they were facing a formidable enemy.
When Qiao Nuo entered Jin Chengyan's office, he was in the middle of a video conference. He gestured for her to sit down, and she quietly took a seat.
However, Jin Chengyan's words were impossible to ignore.
"Yes, the collaboration between Jin and Yan Fei has reached its end; this is the board's decision. Yan Fei holds no value for us anymore, but a dead camel is still bigger than a horse. Our next goal is to fully acquire Yan Fei, ensuring that the name Yan Fei disappears completely from Qin Cheng!" Jin Chengyan sat confidently in his executive chair, as if acquiring Yan Fei was as simple as squashing an ant.
Qiao Nuo looked at Jin Chengyan in disbelief. Was he really going to eradicate them just because of Yan Beiting's feelings?
It seemed that Jin Chengyan sensed Qiao Nuo's gaze and briefly met her eyes.
His expression was calm, as if he did not consider it a significant matter at all.
Before long, Jin Chengyan closed his laptop.
"What do you need to talk to me about?"
"If I were to divorce you now, would I be entitled to half of your assets?" Qiao Nuo asked calmly.
Jin Chengyan looked at Qiao Nuo quietly and replied, "Yes."
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