Chapter 46: Washing Up

Ye Zixi lowered her head and gently poked Bai Zongnan’s arm with her slender forefinger, but he remained completely unresponsive.

He was actually sleeping in again.

Her cheeks flushed prettily as she scolded, “Bai Zongnan, get up now or you’ll be late!”

At that moment, Bai Zongnan groggily opened his eyes. Seeing the ethereal beauty so close to him, he was stunned: “Uh…”

“You’re awake!” Ye Zixi’s face turned even redder, and she scrambled to tidy her messy hair.

“Good morning,” Bai Zongnan yawned lazily.

“Hurry up and wash!” Ye Zixi urged him.

“Well…” Bai Zongnan scratched his head. “I haven’t eaten yet today, my stomach’s growling, so…”

“You… you shameless rogue!” Ye Zixi shot him a glare and fled hastily.

“Sigh, my girlfriend’s shy look is quite lovely.” Bai Zongnan chuckled to himself.

…

In the Ye family, aside from the elders, Bai Zongnan and Ye Zixi were the only young ones. The Ye family patriarch valued Bai Zongnan’s upbringing highly, and every morning, a sumptuous breakfast was prepared.

Today’s breakfast was again milk with bread, egg-stuffed pancakes, and vegetable salad, but this time, the patriarch specifically instructed the servants to add an extra portion of fried dough sticks, saying, “Bai Zongnan, I had the chef make these especially for you.”

“Wow, amazing!” Bai Zongnan grinned and took a bite, exclaiming, “Delicious!” Watching him eat, Bai Zongnan’s mother smiled gently, “The fried dough sticks and salad are made to my taste. I love the flavor and hope you’ll like it too.”

“Of course, Mom. How could I not like what you make?”

“Exactly! Mom’s cooking is the best!” Ye Zixi quickly chimed in.

“You silly girl, always flattering me. Your mother just cooks breakfast for others,” the patriarch said kindly.

“Hehe!” Bai Zongnan grinned sheepishly.

“By the way, Bai Zongnan, your father has arranged a task for you!” the patriarch suddenly said.

“What task?” Bai Zongnan asked, frowning.

“This is from your father.” The patriarch handed him a document. “It’s your father’s plan. I’ve studied it carefully and found this mission is dangerous but also highly challenging. If you succeed, you’ll transform completely!”

“What mission?”

“Read it first, then I’ll explain,” the patriarch said gravely.

Bai Zongnan nodded seriously.

He flipped through the document and discovered it was a naval aviation appointment—he was to become an instructor for naval aviators.

“What do you think, Bai Zongnan?” the patriarch asked.

“I have no problem with it,” Bai Zongnan replied.

“Good, then it’s settled.” The patriarch picked up a gleaming silver handgun and handed it to Bai Zongnan. “This is your weapon, called Dragon Pattern Ammo.”

Bai Zongnan examined the gun.

“Whoa—” He inhaled sharply, surprised. “Dad, this thing is brutal! It could blow away an armored tank with one shot.”

“Indeed,” the patriarch smiled. “It’s an improved armor-piercing round, ten times more powerful than before!”

“And the gun’s magazine holds fifty Dragon Pattern rounds, each explosion produces 200,000 volts, easily destroying tank armor.”

“Dad, since you know how powerful this is, why not just give me a full set of equipment?” Bai Zongnan wondered.

“Its power makes you a target for enemies, so you must have the strength to protect yourself, or else it becomes a burden.”

“I’m not strong enough yet?” Bai Zongnan was astonished.

The patriarch shook his head solemnly. “I admit you’re a martial artist, but at the early stage of Internal Force Master, you’re still too weak.”

“Internal Force Masters have self-protection, but against advanced weaponry, it’s far from enough.”

Bai Zongnan suddenly understood.

No matter how skilled a martial artist is, they are still flesh and blood, powerless against modern lethal weapons.

No matter how high the skill, a bullet ends it. That’s why martial arts have declined in modern society.

Of course, in certain fields, ancient martial artists are not to be underestimated.

For example, in the Chinese Special Operations Team where Bai Zongnan serves, there are three Internal Force Masters, each terrifying in their own right—a single punch could topple a skyscraper.

However, the Special Operations Team is an international organization, unable to appear publicly, only taking on secret missions.

The machinery of the state requires immense wealth and resources; ordinary martial artists can’t match that efficiency.

Thus, the decline of martial arts isn’t just due to depleted spiritual energy, but also because the state continually injects fresh blood.

Bai Zongnan looked at the patriarch. “I understand. Thank you, Grandpa.”

“You’re welcome.” The patriarch nodded with a smile.

“Grandpa, actually, I have something to tell you.” Bai Zongnan suddenly raised his head, speaking solemnly. “I want to enlist in the army. The application form has already arrived at my school.”

“What? You want to be a soldier?” The patriarch was shocked. “Bai Zongnan, you’ve just started high school, why the sudden desire?”

“I’ve trained in taekwondo and sanda since childhood, learned archery and horsemanship, and have a solid foundation. Plus, I know some combat techniques, so I want to try military training!” Bai Zongnan explained.

“But…” The patriarch hesitated.

“Grandpa, I know what you’re worried about, but I’ve made up my mind—I want to be a real man, not hide behind my parents forever!”

“I want to carry the responsibility of revitalizing the Ye family, just like Dad and Brother!” Bai Zongnan declared forcefully.

“Bai Zongnan, Grandpa knows your ambition, but this…”

The patriarch sighed deeply.

“Dad, Bai Zongnan has made up his mind. Whether it’s the army or military academy, he must try!” Bai Zongnan insisted.

“Well then,” the patriarch hesitated for a moment, finally agreeing. “Since you’re so confident, Grandpa will help arrange it. Stay home and review for the college entrance exam, aim for Yanjing University, and then enlist!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll work hard to get into Yanjing University and bring honor to the Ye family!” Bai Zongnan said confidently, pounding his chest.

“Good.” The patriarch nodded.

“By the way, Grandpa, didn’t you mention a big event? Tonight is the family dinner,” Bai Zongnan suddenly said.

“Oh?” The patriarch was startled, then smiled. “You remembered.”

“Yes!” Bai Zongnan nodded vigorously. “This New Year is my first Spring Festival at home, I must pay respects to the elders!”

Hearing his words, everyone’s gaze fell on Bai Zongnan, filled with pride and emotion.

Especially his mother, Ye Lingxue, whose eyes brimmed with tears as she exclaimed, “Bai Zongnan, New Year is coming, what gifts are you planning for us?”

“I…” Bai Zongnan hesitated for a moment under their expectant eyes, then replied seriously, “This year, I’ll buy a treadmill and a remote-controlled car!”

He had read online novels where protagonists buy mansions, luxury cars, even keep beautiful women during New Year. He wanted to buy a super treadmill and a remote-controlled car, so his parents and sister could enjoy happy times, and little sister Ye Ziyan could play on the treadmill.

But before that, Bai Zongnan needed money and more resources for cultivation!

“Dad, Mom, you go ahead, I need to talk with Bai Zongnan!” At that moment, his grandmother, who had remained silent, spoke up.

“Alright, we’ll leave you two,” the patriarch said, exchanging a glance with the old master as they left.

“Bai Zongnan, would you like an apple?” Grandma asked kindly.

“Yes, please,” Bai Zongnan nodded.

“Wait a moment, I’ll peel one for you,” Grandma said, standing up.

“Thank you, Grandma,” Bai Zongnan grinned.

“Just wait, Grandma will be quick,” she said warmly, heading to the kitchen.

“Grandma is still so gentle,” Bai Zongnan murmured, watching her.

Soon, Grandma returned from the kitchen with a plate of washed and sliced apples.

“Bai Zongnan, here’s your apple,” she said.

---

“Thank you, Grandma!” Bai Zongnan reached out for the apple.

But his hand grasped nothing, for as he reached, an A4 sheet slipped to the floor.

He picked it up, finding it was a letter! “Strange, who would leave me a note? Is it an anonymous letter from a classmate?” He muttered, opening it.

—

“Bai Zongnan, wishing you success in the college entrance exam! This is my New Year’s gift for you, hope you like it.”

Bai Zongnan raised his eyebrows, murmuring, “Strange, the handwriting doesn’t resemble anyone from my class.” He stuffed the envelope in his pocket and returned to chatting with Grandma.

“How long will you stay home this time, Bai Zongnan?” she asked.

“About half a month,” he replied.

His grandfather had passed away last year. To care for him, his parents had handed over the company.

Grandma frowned, “Aren’t you afraid your parents worry when you’re out working hard?”

“Grandma, they already know about my enlistment. They agreed,” Bai Zongnan smiled. “If they knew I could earn and support the family now, they’d be happy.”

“Ah.” Grandma sighed, “Your parents hope you become a police officer, but you lack the talent. Still, you could pursue a civilian career.”

“I plan to apply for Business Management at Jinling University,” Bai Zongnan said lightly.

“Good child.” Grandma nodded approvingly.

He didn’t argue, as it was indeed his intention.

“Grandpa, Grandma, you keep chatting, I’m going to shower and sleep,” Bai Zongnan said, heading upstairs.

Back in his room, he opened the envelope. Inside was an acceptance letter and ten thousand yuan in cash. He tore up the letter, keeping only the money.

“Grandma and Grandpa are old-fashioned. They think money isn’t everything, only grades matter!”

“I can’t let them hold me back. I must grow stronger, become an outstanding martial artist!”

“This time I came home to discuss it. After the exam, I’ll move out. I’ve decided—I need to become even stronger!”

He quickly mapped out his future.

The next day.

After breakfast, Bai Zongnan donned casual clothes, backpack ready, preparing to head to school.

“Bai Zongnan, all dressed up—where are you off to?” Ye Lingyun asked.

“I’m going to register at school,” Bai Zongnan explained. “Grandpa said senior year tuition is expensive, so I’m saving up for college.”

“You’re enlisting?” Ye Lingyun and Ye Lingfeng exchanged glances, both surprised.

“Yes, I’m enlisting,” Bai Zongnan nodded.

“Why do you want to be a soldier? Our country doesn’t allow private military camps,” Ye Lingyun said, puzzled.

“I never intended to become a king of soldiers, just want to train, improve combat skills,” Bai Zongnan replied.

“That’s not easy.”

“How would I know unless I try?”

“Bai Zongnan, maybe you should reconsider. This isn’t something to rush into,” Ye Lingfeng advised.

“No need, Brother. I’ve made my decision,” Bai Zongnan smiled.

Ye Lingfeng shook his head helplessly, giving up on persuading him.

“Lingfeng, let him choose his own path—it’s his life,” Ye Lingyun said, patting his shoulder.

“Alright, let him be,” Ye Lingfeng conceded.

Bai Zongnan waved to them and stepped out.

“Sigh, who knows how he’ll fare in the army. I just hope he returns safe and sound,” Grandma sighed, watching his departing figure.

“Mom, don’t worry, we’ll take care of him,” Ye Lingfeng assured.

“Thank you, please look after him,” Grandma instructed.

As Bai Zongnan reached the stairs, a plainly dressed, refined young woman beckoned to him.

“Sister-in-law, do you need something?” Bai Zongnan recognized her—Lin Ruohan, his cousin-in-law, married to Qin Haoxuan.

“Fan’er, tonight let’s all have a reunion dinner together!” Lin Ruohan beamed.

“Alright,” Bai Zongnan agreed. He had a good impression of her.

“Let’s go shopping for groceries now!” Lin Ruohan smiled.

“Shopping… is that necessary?” Bai Zongnan hesitated, though Lin Ruohan was warm, he felt it unnecessary since the whole family was eating.

Lin Ruohan insisted, “Your grandparents and father are home, it’s rare for everyone to gather—of course we need a feast. And your grandparents’ backs are troubling them lately, I invited a doctor for treatment, who said they need nourishment.”

Hearing this, Bai Zongnan felt a pang in his nose. Though an orphan, his grandparents treated him as family, especially Grandma Ye. After Grandpa’s death, she treated him as her own. Now, bedridden and unable to walk, she hobbled with a cane.

“Bai Zongnan, just accompany Sister-in-law once,” Lin Ruohan pleaded.

“Alright, let’s go,” Bai Zongnan agreed.

Lin Ruohan took him to the local market, buying a full five carts of groceries.

She even brought a three-kilogram bottle of Wuliangye.

They headed for the military academy compound, where seven or eight cars were already parked. Besides Lin Ruohan’s Mercedes 600, there were Ye Lingfeng and Ye Lingyun’s sedans.

“Bai Zongnan, you’re here!”

“Xiaotian, long time no see, you’re even more handsome!” Bai Zongnan entered, greeted by the Ye siblings.

“Hehe, good morning everyone,” Bai Zongnan replied politely, following Lin Ruohan to chat with the crowd.

“Lingfeng, why are you so late?” At that moment, a handsome young man in military uniform stepped outside, long hair flowing, bearing a commanding presence. This was Lin Ruohan’s husband—Chen Haonan.

“Haonan, sorry, I’m late,” Bai Zongnan lowered his head apologetically.

“Haha, it’s fine, I was just bringing Sister-in-law to work,” Chen Haonan laughed. “Sister-in-law, here’s a little gift I bought for you.”

He handed her a silver ring.

“Oh, I can’t accept this,” Lin Ruohan blushed, surprised by his gesture.

“We’re about to get engaged, it’s the least I can do,” Chen Haonan looked at her tenderly, holding her delicate hand.

“Sister-in-law, Haonan is sincere—just accept it,” Bai Zongnan said.

Lin Ruohan hesitated, but finally slipped the ring onto her wrist.

“Hehe, Sister-in-law looks beautiful,” Chen Haonan praised, then turned to glare at Bai Zongnan. “Bai Zongnan, I’ll tell you! Ruohan and I have agreed: you’ll move in with us this year, so we can honor Grandpa and Grandma together!”

“Uh… I… I don’t want to trouble you,” Bai Zongnan replied awkwardly.

“I see, you just don’t want to live with us,” Chen Haonan snorted. “Afraid to spend our money!”

“I…” Bai Zongnan was speechless.

Ye Lingfeng and Ye Lingyun quickly stepped in, “Haonan, Bai Zongnan is a man, he’s not stingy!”

“Exactly, the Ye family has raised him for years, surely he can help out,” Ye Lingfeng’s mother, Liu Cuiping, scolded.

“Mom, you know I’m not that kind of person,” Bai Zongnan smiled bitterly.

Chen Haonan laughed, “Alright, since Bai Zongnan will move in, we’ll be neighbors.”

He shot Bai Zongnan a challenging look.

Bai Zongnan frowned but stayed silent.

Ye Lingfeng and Lin Ruohan began preparing dinner.

Bai Zongnan sat on the sofa watching TV, but his mood was troubled, recalling what Ye Lingyun said yesterday.

Ye Lingfeng had told him he’d retire after graduating university. Today was the weekend, and tomorrow was Bai Zongnan’s graduation assessment. Normally, Ye Lingfeng wouldn’t lie, but he couldn’t explain, so Bai Zongnan dared not relax.

Lin Ruohan sat beside him, asking, “Fan’er, are you adjusting well at school?”

“Pretty well,” Bai Zongnan nodded.

“Mm.” Lin Ruohan nodded, her cheeks suddenly flushed as if recalling something. She stammered, “Fan’er, I forgot your birthday gift!”

“Oh, I see!” Bai Zongnan smiled. “If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have forgotten. Thank you, Sister-in-law—wish you always be beautiful.”

Lin Ruohan smiled sweetly, “Silly, we’re family, no need for thanks.”

She rose to leave. “It’s getting late, I’ll head to work now, goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Sister-in-law!” Bai Zongnan replied, returning to his TV show.

Just as Lin Ruohan reached the door, Chen Haonan approached.

“Wife, you don’t like that kid, do you?” he said slyly.

“Who says I like him? He’s my brother!” Lin Ruohan retorted.

“Don’t deny it,” Chen Haonan pouted.

“I won’t bother with you,” Lin Ruohan turned away.

“Hey, don’t leave, let’s talk,” Chen Haonan blocked her way.

“What are you doing?” Lin Ruohan blushed, wary. “I have things to do, let go!”

“Wife, we’ve been married six years, even if you don’t want to talk to me, surely you can spare a moment?” Chen Haonan smiled.

“No, move aside!”

“I won’t!”

“Ugh, you’re so annoying!” Lin Ruohan cursed, “Do you know how irritating you are?”

Chen Haonan persisted, “Wife, I really love you. If you stay with me, I’ll cherish you.”

“Get lost!” Lin Ruohan snapped.

Chen Haonan shrugged, “Fine, go ahead. I’ll invite you another day.”

Lin Ruohan left without another word, her graceful figure disappearing.

“Tsk, Lin Ruohan is quite something, far better than Bai Zongnan,” Chen Haonan mused, greed flickering in his eyes.

His goal wasn’t just Lin Ruohan, but her family’s vast enterprise and even her parents’ wealth. He decided, once he married her, he’d swallow the Lin Group whole.

He noticed Liu Cuiping staring pensively after Lin Ruohan, as if remembering something.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Chen Haonan asked.

Liu Cuiping sighed, “I was thinking, what’s Ruohan’s mother’s name…”

“Lin Ruohan, your father’s surname is Lin, is your mother’s Lin too?”

Chen Haonan was surprised.

“My mother is Lin Shiqin, not related to Lin Ruoxi,” Lin Ruohan replied.

Hearing this, Chen Haonan’s eyelids twitched, his mind racing.

“Auntie, are you feeling unwell?” Lin Ruohan noticed her oddness.

“No, I’m fine,” Liu Cuiping quickly composed herself, smiling brightly. “Just thinking if I were your mother, I’d spoil you rotten.”

Her words startled Bai Zongnan—this woman knew Lin Shiqi?

Lin Ruohan trembled, forcing a smile, her tone tinged with gratitude. “Thank you, Auntie, but my mother died early, I never experienced mother’s love.”

Liu Cuiping consoled, “As long as your brother and I are with you, that’s enough!”

Lin Ruohan said nothing, thinking, “I hope so…”

Around four in the afternoon, Bai Zongnan washed up, changed clothes, and headed out with his backpack.

“Hey, Brother-in-law, you’re here for dinner too?” Chen Haonan greeted, then joked, “Brother-in-law, don’t worry, though you’re Ruohan’s brother, you’re also a son-in-law of the Ye family.”

“But I never treat you as an outsider, don’t be shy.” He pointed to a seat. “Come, sit here.”

Bai Zongnan took the seat, smiling as he ate.

“Brother-in-law, eat whatever you like, don’t mind me,” Chen Haonan served him diligently.

“Thank you!” Bai Zongnan smiled politely.

“You’re welcome, you’ve worked hard lately, eat more,” Chen Haonan said.

“I’m a bit tired, not in the mood for meat,” Bai Zongnan waved, declining the roast duck. “I’ll have vegetables.”

“Brother-in-law, you’re quite principled,” Chen Haonan lamented.

“Brother-in-law, you don’t know, since you joined the Ye family, my sister’s meals have been extra delicious.”

“Especially when she sees you, she eats even more.”

“Before you cook, she’s already had a bowl of rice,” he joked. “You’re practically her stomach’s nemesis!”

“Don’t talk nonsense, I didn’t eat a bowl!” Lin Ruohan glared at her brother, then said to Bai Zongnan, “Once you’re full, let’s go to work.”

Bai Zongnan wiped his mouth, got up, and left.

---

Bang—

Just after dumping the dishes in the kitchen, Chen Haonan burst in, locked the door, and sneered, “Brother-in-law, don’t go, play with me.”

“I need a practice furnace lately.”

He leered at Bai Zongnan. “Brother-in-law, you’re handsome. I could consider not castrating you, just tie you to the bed.”

Bai Zongnan smiled wryly, “I’m Ruoxue’s fiancé. Let’s stay out of each other’s way, alright?”

“Fiancé?” Chen Haonan laughed. “Only a three-year-old believes that. I don’t recognize it.”

“You’re an impostor, unworthy of marrying Lin Ruohan!”

“Brother-in-law, I advise you to get lost, or I’ll cripple you and you’ll never be a man again.” Chen Haonan grabbed Bai Zongnan’s collar. “And I guarantee, once I ruin you, you’ll never touch Ruohan.”

Bai Zongnan gently pushed him away. “You’re her brother, you should respect her choice.”

“Her life is hers, not yours to dictate,” Bai Zongnan said seriously. “You need to remember, your role is her brother.”

“I’m not her brother, nor her relative, I’m your brother-in-law!” Chen Haonan snorted. “And whether I’m her real brother, she knows best.”

“My sister was forced to marry Ye Feiyang of the Ye Hall,” he reminded. “You’re not stupid; can’t you guess?”

Bai Zongnan frowned at this.

“Brother-in-law, to be honest, I invited you for dinner because I need a favor.” Chen Haonan laid it all out. “My mother is ill and needs money for treatment. My sister won’t lend it, and my father is too busy.”

“I thought it over and realized only you can help.”

“But I don’t want too much debt, so I devised this plan.”

“You pretend to be my brother-in-law, take her on a business trip, and we extort some medical fees from Ye Hall.”

“Ye Hall is a Jiangsu-Zhejiang aristocratic family, they won’t miss a few hundred million. If we get tens of millions, my father won’t worry, and my mother can recover.”

“Brother-in-law, you’re smart—please help!”

He pressed Bai Zongnan, “Once my mother is well, she’ll repay you, our family will be forever grateful.”

Bai Zongnan downed his wine. “Sorry, I’m not interested in your scheme, nor do I care to cooperate.”

He had zero interest in Chen Haonan’s so-called ‘partnership’.

“Brother-in-law, don’t be so heartless; we’re family, no need to keep things so clear.”

Chen Haonan’s face darkened. “Besides, it’s not extortion, just a threat. Extortion gets you jailed; do you want that?”

“I don’t,” Bai Zongnan replied coolly.

“Then that’s settled.”

Chen Haonan’s eyes gleamed slyly. “Just help us raise five million, and your life is safe.”

“Why five million?” Bai Zongnan pressed.

“That’s not your concern. Just help us, and you and Lin Ruohan can live happily.”

Chen Haonan was clearly prepared. “Once my mother’s health stabilizes, I can earn my own tuition and living expenses.”

“Then, when you marry my sister, life will be perfect.”

“Brother-in-law, don’t let personal feelings get in the way.”

He coaxed, “You promised my mother you’d look after Ruohan, but now you’re courting my sister.”

“Your engagement ends in a year, my mother says if you don’t settle it quickly, she’ll go mad.”

“We don’t want to waste Ruohan’s youth.”

“Brother-in-law, just sacrifice a little.”

“Besides, you’re my brother-in-law, I’d never harm you.”

“I just want you to take Ruohan on a vacation, and help my mother recover.”

“Brother-in-law, I truly care for my sister.”

He squeezed Bai Zongnan’s hand, bombarding him with pressure. “This benefits you, not harms.”

He even poured him half a bottle of red wine.

“I’m already engaged to Ruohan. If you want her to go abroad, and want me to care for her, wouldn’t that cost me?”

Bai Zongnan stared sharply at Chen Haonan. “Besides, your family’s troubles don’t interest me, nor do I want to be involved.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t harm you,” Chen Haonan shoved a plate of steak at him. “Just take Ruohan on vacation, and our grudges are cleared, no trouble for you.”

“Even your marriage with Ruohan continues, we’ll still call you brother-in-law.”

“But you must do as we say, or Lin Ruohan will be in danger.”

Chen Haonan persuaded, “Brother-in-law, you’re smart, you should weigh the pros and cons.”

“We only want five million, nothing more.”

His tone grew stricter. “Not only does my sister not want a fallout, my mother is worried…”

“I’m not unwilling, but I truly can’t help—I don’t have five million, nor can I raise it.”

Bai Zongnan was honest. “As for safety, I don’t see any issue.”

“Brother-in-law, you don’t know how deep our background is, my parents aren’t ordinary.”

Chen Haonan slammed the table. “If anything happens to my mother, or you and my sister are arrested, we’ll do everything to retaliate.”

“Five million isn’t enough, fifty won’t cut it.”

He threatened, “If you want a peaceful life, just listen to me.”

Bai Zongnan frowned, “So your mother is really seriously ill?”

Chen Haonan nodded, “Yes, late-stage lung cancer.”

Bai Zongnan was surprised, “Wasn’t it liver cancer?”

“I found it strange too—she was fine recently, then suddenly hospitalized,” Chen Haonan sighed. “Hospital says she has less than two months.”

“So, I hope you pity her, help her recover soon.”

“You and my sister have a good relationship, after years together, you should do something for her.”

He revealed his background, “We all know Ye Jincheng once wanted me to kill my sister, but Lin Qiuling blocked him.”

“Although Ye Jincheng doesn’t dare move against me, he hates our family, so my parents want my sister to leave Beijing.”

“They hope she travels abroad until the storm passes.”

“Ye Jincheng is strong and terrifying, but even he wouldn’t dare challenge us openly.”

“My sister likes foreign skies, so she sneaked away for a trip.”

He added, “Brother-in-law, my sister trusts you most, she cherishes you.”

“If you take care of my mother, my sister can stay with her forever, and Ye Jincheng won’t bother us.”

He watched Bai Zongnan with a playful smile. “Brother-in-law, you’re not just a boyfriend, are you?”

Bai Zongnan’s breath caught.

“You want to know what disease my mother has?”

Chen Haonan leaned closer, whispering, “Take a look—if you can’t cure it, refuse later.”

“Alright—” Bai Zongnan hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll try.”

“Thank you, brother-in-law!”

Seeing Bai Zongnan yield, Chen Haonan’s eyes flashed with joy, and he moved the red wine away. “Your body’s still recovering, you need supplements. Steak isn’t suitable, let me feed you.”

He pushed the plate towards Bai Zongnan.

Bai Zongnan squinted, then shook his head. “Eat it yourself.”

He caught a familiar scent—special perfume for women, subtly making people ignore its presence. Bai Zongnan suspected it was Chen Haonan’s usual hypnotic cologne and reminded himself to stay alert.

“Brother-in-law, why resist? Don’t want to lend us money?”

“We’re brothers, helping is natural. Lend five million, it doesn’t hurt you.”

“Once you lend us five million, you gain assets for house, car, wife—all you need.”

Chen Haonan’s face cooled. “You’re with Lin Ruoxue, what good will come of it?”

“My relationship with Lin Ruoxue is a transaction.”

Bai Zongnan spoke firmly, “I’ve married Ruoxue. She’s not just my future mother-in-law, but my wife—nothing can change that.”

He took out a ring and handed it over. “Whatever schemes you have, Ruoxue and I will be happy.”

Chen Haonan’s expression soured. “Brother-in-law, you’re refusing a toast!”

“You want me to lend money, fine—but you must sign a contract: from now on, we stay out of each other’s affairs, each enjoying peace.”

Bai Zongnan smiled coolly. “If your mother is truly terminal, I’ll treat her, but I won’t sell myself.”

“You’re crazy, aren’t you?” Chen Haonan exploded, shoving his chair aside. “You think we’d let a golden goose like you go?”

His fists clenched, eyes fierce.

Bai Zongnan replied, “So what if you don’t let me go?”

“I’m a medical PhD and skilled in Western medicine—what will you use to threaten me?”

He countered.

Chen Haonan laughed in fury, “Fine, fine! If you won’t lend money, I won’t force you.”

“But remember, this concerns my mother’s health and life—think carefully!”

“And the upcoming island summit—don’t miss it, or regret will come too late.”

“Leaving the matriarch now, don’t you feel guilty? I’m ashamed for you!”

He warned, “You’d better agree to lend money, or I’ll tell Grandma everything tonight.”

“No need to threaten me!”

“I don’t fear Ye Jincheng, nor the Ye Hall. I blew up Blood Dragon Garden—why fear a summit?” Bai Zongnan said coldly. “In any case, I won’t leave Ruoxue.”

“You—” Hearing his resolve, Chen Haonan nearly spat blood, then sneered, “Fine, you’ve got guts.”

“But just wait—I’ll make you beg for mercy.” With that, he left with his companions.

Bai Zongnan looked up, watching their backs vanish with a mocking smile.

“Bastard, I knew you wouldn’t cooperate.”

As Bai Zongnan wiped his mouth and prepared to leave, a crisp voice sounded in his ear, “Well, you’re Ruoxue’s useless husband, so you wouldn’t risk saving Lin Ruoxue.”

“That’s sensible. Don’t worry, after you die, Ruoxue will bury you well.”

“I’ll make sure you rest in peace.”

Chen Haonan strode toward Bai Zongnan, his eyes cruel. “I’ll torment Ruoxue thoroughly…”

Bai Zongnan’s gaze turned icy. “Who are you?”

“I’m Chen Haonan!” He pulled out a passport. “You recognize me, right?”

Bai Zongnan frowned, “Chen Haonan? You’re Ye Jincheng’s lackey?”

“Yes, I am,” Chen Haonan laughed. “What, scared?”

“I advise you to lend me money, or tomorrow I’ll have Grandma revoke your son-in-law status.”

He spat venomously, “And Lin Qiuling will become a cast-off, abandoned by all.”

Bang!

Without hesitation, Bai Zongnan grabbed the coffee on the table and threw it at Chen Haonan’s head.

Chen Haonan screamed, clutching his forehead as he fell back.

Enraged, he shouted, “Brother-in-law, you dare hit me?”

Bai Zongnan subdued him and tossed him onto the sofa. “Shut up! Stop whining!”

“I told you—your mother and Ruoxue owe me for life, unless I die.”

He cut off Chen Haonan’s tirade, warning him not to test his patience.

“Brother-in-law, you’re too much!” Chen Haonan struggled up, yelling, “I’m the Ye family’s third young master, and you bully me…”

Smack—

Bai Zongnan slapped him. “So what if you’re the third young master?”

“Don’t provoke me!”

“Your mother and Ruoxue are my bottom line!”

“If I hear you cause trouble or hurt her again, I’ll do whatever it takes to destroy you.”

He stared murderously. “Do you believe me?”

Chen Haonan’s face burned, his rage growing. “Touch me, and I’ll make sure you die miserably.”

Bai Zongnan didn’t waste words, grabbed a knife and fork, and stabbed them into his feet.

A glass shattered, twenty-six shards scattered, blood pooling.

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