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Jin Chengyan had no idea that Liu Mingzhang and Ruan Shengyu would arrive at this moment. Ruan Shengyu was still wearing a hospital gown, her arm linked with Liu Mingzhang's as they came in.
At that moment, he felt an inexplicable aversion towards Ruan Shengyu, and he knew that Jono's emotions were likely boiling over inside!
Ruan Shengyu's appearance was nothing but a thorn in Jin Chengyan's side.
However, to everyone's surprise, even with A-Shan and the two bodyguards waiting outside the hospital room, Ruan Shengyu suddenly knelt before Jono!
Jono's face, which had been frozen in ice, suddenly displayed a look of disbelief. What was Ruan Shengyu trying to do?
“Jono, I’m sorry. I know that saying sorry cannot make up for the harm I've caused you, but apart from that, I don’t know what else to say! I only have my brother as family since childhood; he never taught me how to handle things. I only know that what belongs to me cannot be taken away by others, so my actions have been extreme.” As soon as Ruan Shengyu knelt down, she began to pour out her heart, her eyes reddening.
When she spoke of her childhood, Jin Chengyan seemed to frown slightly.
The reason he had indulged her more was that he felt she had suffered too much as a child; the things she did now were merely a defense of her own happiness. He just didn’t realize that what she was defending conflicted with what he held dear.
Of course, he was greatly shocked to see the stubborn and proud Ruan Shengyu kneeling down.
This was not like her at all.
As for Jono, aside from being surprised by Ruan Shengyu’s sudden kneeling at first, she felt nothing else. If Ruan Shengyu wanted to kneel, then let her kneel. If kneeling could absolve her of the harm she caused...
Then could Jono kill her and kneel at her grave instead?
Without hearing a word from Jin Chengyan or Jono, Ruan Shengyu continued speaking. “I’ve been petty; I’ve been self-righteous. I thought some feelings could remain unwavering; I believed that vows wouldn’t change even in the face of disaster... But I was wrong. I apologize for my ignorance and recklessness. From now on, I will no longer oppose you. The guilt I feel makes me wish to die to make amends.”
But look at that—she hadn’t actually gone through with it!
“Can you forgive me? I truly hope for your forgiveness; otherwise, I won’t find peace in this life. My godfather has already scolded me and ordered me never to step into the entertainment industry again, telling me to live quietly. So I want your forgiveness, Jono. Please be magnanimous and forgive me?” Ruan Shengyu finally broke down in tears.
How pitiful it is.
Such genuine feelings are likely something anyone would want to forgive!
But they are not Jono, unaware of how desperate she feels when facing life and death.
"You have grievances you can discuss with the police and the judge. This matter has already entered the judicial process, so you don't need to pretend to be sick in the hospital. Do you have the guts to act but not to admit it?" Jono said coldly, her words dripping with disdain.
After all, Jin Chengyan had come to plead for her, yet she still refused to forgive Ruan Shengyu. How could she accept such an insincere apology from Ruan Shengyu?
It was a woman's intuition.
Ruan Shengyu was completely petrified, probably not expecting Jono to reject her so directly. Tears streamed down her face even more fiercely, but there was no choking; the tears just flowed uncontrollably, making one feel heartbroken.
Jono noticed Jin Chengyan wanting to speak up for Ruan Shengyu.
However, someone beat him to it.
"Miss Qiao, my daughter has apologized to you like this. Don’t be too excessive! Do you want Shengyu to owe you for a lifetime? She is still so young; do you want her to live without being able to hold her head high in the future?"
"If she wants to hold her head high, no one is stopping her! If she wants to blame someone, she should blame herself for doing things that make it impossible for her to hold her head high!" Jono stood firm, undeterred by Liu Mingzhang's fierce appearance.
She wasn’t afraid; after all, she was still Jin Chengyan's wife, the Young Mistress of the Jin Family. Even without feelings involved, could the Jin Family tolerate an outsider speaking ill of their own?
One Ruan Shengyu had already brought enough shame to the Jin Family; could they allow a second Ruan Shengyu to appear?
"What a bold statement! Is this how your Jin Family teaches you to behave?" Liu Mingzhang raised his voice.
Since this matter involved Liu Mingzhang, Jin Chengyan grew increasingly annoyed. What had started as a personal affair had escalated into a conflict between families. Couldn’t they just date and get married in peace?
“Jono is my wife, and I am responsible for everything she says and does.” Jin Chengyan, a man nearly six feet tall, stood out even in casual attire, exuding more presence than Liu Mingzhang, who was dressed in formal wear with a tie.
This was Jin Chengyan; he could criticize Jono and question why she couldn’t forgive Ruan Shengyu for being narrow-minded, but no one else was allowed to say a word against her.
Was Jono only allowed to be defended by Jin Chengyan? Others truly had no right to voice their opinions!
Liu Mingzhang may not have been taller than Jin Chengyan, but his years spent in the gray areas of society were not for nothing. He cast a disdainful glance at Jono before pulling Ruan Shengyu up, preventing her from kneeling.
Ruan Shengyu hesitated; after all, Jono hadn’t yet said she forgave her. If she stood up now, wouldn’t that put her at a disadvantage?
However, Liu Mingzhang didn’t care about that and decisively pulled her up.
This action clearly indicated that Liu Mingzhang had no intention of seeking peace with the Jin family.
“So you’ve made up your mind to confront our Shengyu head-on?”
In truth, Jin Chengyan had no intention of taking Ruan Shengyu to court. After all, such matters rarely ended well for anyone involved!
Moreover, Liu Mingzhang’s methods were hardly clean; who knew what underhanded tactics he might employ? In the end, it would be Jono and the Jin family who would suffer.
As Jin Chengyan hesitated, Jono spoke up: “Ruan Shengyu, having a powerful backer doesn’t excuse your illegal actions. This is a society governed by law!”
This statement was mostly directed at Liu Mingzhang. Just because he operated in the gray areas didn’t mean he could bully others; this was Qin Cheng, a region ruled by law!
“Haha!” Liu Mingzhang suddenly laughed. “So you’re called Jono? Good, good! I’ll remember you; you’re quite an interesting woman!”
Liu Mingzhang's laughter and expression made Jono feel a bit uneasy. After all, he had no idea what this man was capable of; who knew what he intended to do?
Unexpectedly, Jin Chengyan had already shielded Jono, much like a hen protecting her chicks.
"I warn you, don't even think about Jono! Otherwise, I'll make sure you come with a life but leave without one!" Jin Chengyan pointed at Liu Mingzhang, his cold expression fixed on him.
Liu Mingzhang was not angered by Jin Chengyan's rude gesture; he simply remarked, "So this woman is your weakness!"
Weakness.
The three of them—Jin Chengyan, Jono, and Ruan Shengyu—were all thinking about that word.
Jono was Jin Chengyan's weakness.
Jono was actually Jin Chengyan's weakness.
How could Jono possibly be Jin Chengyan's weakness?
That was their collective thought at that moment.
"Now the solid relationship between the Jin Family and the Yan Family has developed an irreparable crack. Do you think the Jin Family can still command respect in Qin Cheng like before? Although times have changed, interests remain interests," Liu Mingzhang said triumphantly. "I'll tell you this: I have control over Shengyu's situation. Let's see who ends up behind bars—your Jin Family Young Mistress or my goddaughter!"
Such blatant provocation; if Jin Chengyan remained indifferent now, he wouldn't be Jin Chengyan!
"I told you, if you dare to touch Jono, I'll make sure you come with a life but leave without one!" In Jin Chengyan's words, there was only Jono; he cared solely for Jono's safety.
As for Ruan Shengyu, her face turned pale. Her Ayan was no longer the Ayan of years past.
"A-Shan, see them off," Jin Chengyan said coldly. It was infuriating enough that they had barged into the place where Jin Zhongshu was recuperating.
A-Shan and two bodyguards appeared, standing there and exuding an intimidating presence.
Liu Mingzhang paid little attention, merely supporting Ruan Shengyu. "Look at the kind of person you like! All those years of sincerity wasted, just like that!"
As they were about to leave, Liu Mingzhang didn’t bother to say anything nice.
Once A-Shan had seen them off, Jin Chengyan furrowed his brows, revealing a hint of unease.
He had mentioned last night that it wasn’t a good time; with internal and external troubles brewing, if Jono truly intended to pursue the matter regarding Ruan Shengyu, it would undoubtedly put them in a precarious position.
Seeing Jin Chengyan like this, Jono suddenly felt soft-hearted. Had he pushed Jin Chengyan too hard?
"Jono, I think it’s best to send you abroad for a while," Jin Chengyan finally said after a long pause.
...
"Third Young Master, are we really going to war with the Jin Family?" In Yan Beiting's office, assistant Ye Yun looked excited, thrilled by the prospect of finally turning the tables after years of oppression.
Yan Beiting didn’t lift his head as he stared at the K-line chart on his computer. "While I don’t particularly enjoy stabbing someone in the back, I’ve endured for so many years. If I don’t show him a bit of color, people will think Yan Beiting is easy to bully!"
"You’re absolutely right! Our Yan Fei is no worse than the Jin Family! Why should we bow to them?" After feeling stifled for so long, Ye Yun finally felt like he could breathe freely again.
Before news broke about the end of cooperation between the Jin Family and Yan Fei, they had already received internal orders to indefinitely suspend all projects with the Jin Family. At that time, Ye Yun thought it was merely a strategic maneuver. Little did he know that once the news came out, it would be confirmed!
Ye Yun was overjoyed; their boss would no longer have to endure Jin Chengyan's temper!
Hearing Ye Yun's words, it truly dawned on him just how much Jin Chengyan had tolerated over the years, almost allowing him to walk all over him.
He shook his head bitterly.
The office door swung open, and the secretary couldn't stop the intruder.
It was Yan'an City, his handsome face etched with anxiety.
"Ye Yun, you should step out for a moment."
Seeing Yan'an City's troubled state, Ye Yun wondered how this usually amiable Six Young Master could be so furious.
Once the door closed, Yan'an City spoke earnestly.
"Brother Three, what are you doing? Are we really just going to sever ties with the Jin Family? Grandpa is currently in the Old House and refusing to see anyone, not even me. Now that Yan Fei is in charge, all the power rests in your hands. Yet you want to cut off cooperation with the Jin Family? You must know how chaotic things are right now with Qin Cheng. There's only the Ye Family and the Xiao Family left, and now we have Liu Mingzhang who just arrived. In such a tumultuous situation, if you break ties with the Jin Family, aren't you just inviting trouble?"
Although Yan'an City hadn't been involved in family matters for years, he was still well aware of the situation.
"Who says we're isolated?" Yan Beiting seemed quite confident.
Yan'an City suddenly slapped his forehead. "Damn it, Xiao Yuanshan!"
How could he have forgotten such an important person? Xiao Yuanshan had a close relationship with Yan Beiting. Although Xiao Jianguo had always been on good terms with the Jin Family, this was now the era of the younger generation. Xiao Yuanshan's influence was gradually surpassing that of his father.
Yan Beiting smiled slightly at being called out.
"Brother Three, if we continue down this path and you really unite with the Xiao Family to strike a blow against the Jin Family, that wouldn't be gentlemanly behavior. I would look down on you for it."
Yan'an City's expression gradually calmed as he faced Yan Beiting, feeling somewhat perplexed.
The Yan San he knew was mature and wise, steady and reliable; he would never resort to underhanded tactics. After years in business, his methods remained clean and straightforward—something many others failed to achieve.
But now, Yan Beiting was about to take action against his long-time brother Jin Chengyan, which left Yan'an City feeling somewhat unsettled.
This was far more difficult than deciding whether to help Jin Chengyan defend Jono or assist Yan Beiting in obtaining Jono!
“Liu Er, you are one of us in the Yan Family. Don’t you want to see the Yan Family dominate Qin Cheng? In the future, you can do whatever you want! You won’t have to live in Jin Chengyan’s shadow anymore. You are you, the Sixth Young Master of the Yan Family. Isn’t that good?”
Thinking about it, it actually seemed quite nice. After all, compared to Jin Chengyan, Yan'an City felt a bit inferior. When they went out together, all eyes were naturally on Jin Chengyan.
But…
“Brother Three, this really can’t be handled this way. If you truly want to sever ties with Brother Yan, then I…” How should he choose?
“Are you really going to give up your identity in the Yan Family for someone like Jin Chengyan?” Yan Beiting had always known about the close relationship between Jin Chengyan and Yan'an City—closer than that of real brothers—so it was no surprise that he came to find him at this moment.
However, how could Yan'an City really give up his identity in the Yan Family because of this matter?
“If you really go this far, I will definitely have no face to see Brother Yan again. At worst, I’ll go abroad and never come back, so that Grandpa won’t see me either! If he asks why I didn’t come back, I’ll just say Brother Three won’t let me!” Yan'an City was starting to play hardball!
Yan Beiting picked up a file from the table and threw it at Yan'an City. He caught it deftly.
“Oh, are you trying to silence me?”
“That’s called prioritizing righteousness over family,” Yan Beiting replied. “I know how to handle this matter; you’d better not interfere!”
Was that… a warning?
Yan'an City reluctantly nodded, feeling there was nothing more to say, and left just like that.
After Yan'an City left, the office became noticeably quieter. Yan Beiting let out a heavy sigh; it had truly come to this point.
He had never really considered what it would be like to sever ties with Jin Chengyan. Now that it was happening, it seemed not as terrible as he had imagined.
Why keep a friend who only brought him distress? Life was short, and there was no time to enjoy oneself. It was not worth sacrificing his own good mood for a friendship that could not be salvaged.
He looked again at the K-line charts of the Jin Family and Yan Fei on his computer. Both groups had experienced declines in the past few days. After all, without cooperation between the two major groups, many benefits were lost, and a drop in stock prices was inevitable.
He picked up the phone and called Ye Yun. "Buy up Jin Family stocks from retail investors; the more, the better!"
He knew that Jin Chengyan would certainly do the same.
Before he could hang up, his desk phone rang. He glanced at it and saw it was Jono, someone who hadn't called him in a long time.
Yan Beiting's heart skipped a beat; Jono was calling him!
He didn't hear what Ye Yun was saying on the other end of the line. He hung up abruptly, cleared his throat, and answered Jono's call.
It wasn't that he wasn't frustrated; the last time Jono spoke to him in the car, her words had nearly stripped him of his dignity as a man. He had thought about giving up and trying not to think about her anymore.
But if he could truly do that, he wouldn't feel so agitated at seeing her name now.
"Jono." Yan Beiting felt his voice tremble slightly. He didn't know why she was calling or what she was thinking. "Is there something you need?"
There was a moment of hesitation on the other end, but eventually, she spoke up. "Yan Beiting, I heard about your situation with Ayan. Honestly, if you really fell out with him because of me, there’s no need for that."
So she had called because of Jin Chengyan. Yan Beiting's heart sank to the depths.
But what could he really ask for? Jono had never given him hope from the very beginning. It was he who had been giving unilaterally, and even when there was no response, he accepted it willingly, as if he were born to support Jono.
"I would advise Ayan not to go to war with Yan Fei at this time. It would be the most foolish act to harm innocents over something unnecessary. You both represent not just yourselves but also your respective groups, and you must be responsible for the futures of so many people. And from what I know of Yan Beiting, he is not someone who acts on impulse."
"Then how do you think I should be perceived?" Now, Yan Beiting was no longer discussing Jin Family and Yan Fei with Jono; instead, he was curious about how Jono viewed him.
If one were to truly speak of Yan Beiting, it should trace back to that blind date, which was the first time Jono had genuinely met Yan Beiting.
"You are perfect, without flaws."
"But you prefer the imperfect Jin Chengyan even more."
Jono: "..." Yes, Jin Chengyan was imperfect. He had a bad temper, was hot and cold, sometimes fierce, unreasonable, domineering... If one were to list his flaws, it could take all day.
But why did Jono like him? Perhaps it was simply a feeling; Jono was someone who valued feelings greatly. As long as the feeling was right, even if the other person had many flaws, he could love without reservation.
"Jono, neither Jin Chengyan nor I are children. We hold the futures of so many people in our hands. I am responsible for Yan Fei; I know what is best for my employees. Jin Chengyan surely knows too. The decision we made now is not out of impulse. Not cooperating doesn’t mean everything will fall apart; perhaps we can find better partners for collaboration and have better development. Don’t take this too seriously."
"How can it not be serious? Ayan wants to fully acquire Yan Fei; if that really happens..."
"Are you worried about me? Hearing your concern in my lifetime is quite surprising, but at the same time, I’m very happy."
Jono felt a warmth in his ears; he wanted to refute but found no words to do so.
Well, yes, there was indeed some worry.
If Jin Chengyan poured all his energy into acquiring Yan Fei, then what would happen to Liu Mingzhang? What about Ye Family? So many undercurrents were stirring!
Did she not understand Jin Chengyan's intention to send her abroad?
Without her here, he could act even more recklessly, and perhaps… he could have the opportunity to collaborate with Liu Mingzhang.
Thinking of this, Jono felt a tightening in her heart. She would rather temporarily reconcile with Yan Beiting than witness the day Jin Chengyan and Liu Mingzhang worked together.
"But Jono, my opposition to Jin Chengyan is already irreparable. If you are willing to come to my side now, I will choose to show him mercy."
"Goodbye." Jono hung up the phone.
That decisive hang-up sent Yan Beiting's heart sinking into the abyss.
…
In the underground parking lot of Yan Fei, Yan'an City hesitated for a long time before finally dialing Jin Chengyan's number.
"Brother Yan, I just came out of Brother Three's office. I saw the documents on his desk. He is planning to take action against you, likely targeting the mine that Uncle Jin won from the cruise ship in international waters. Beyond that, I can't help you." After all, his surname was Yan!
"Liu Er, thank you." Yan'an City's tip-off left Jin Chengyan with an indescribable feeling; in the end, all his words condensed into a simple thank you.
Little did he expect that this battle had not even begun before both sides experienced an "internal purge."
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