Li Yuye didn't seem like an ordinary person.
Whether good or bad, he was definitely incredibly wealthy!
Yun Zhiyi usually had little interest in wealthy heirs or high-society types. But she knew that none of the top names on the Jin City rich list were surnamed Li.
Could it be that during her years abroad, the power dynamics in Jin City had shifted, and the Li family suddenly rose to prominence?
Although Xiang Man had fallen from grace, her family had connections from the past. Plus, as a high-end jewelry designer, she often mingled with influential people.
Jin City was China's most prosperous city, a hub of commerce, with gleaming skyscrapers forming an economic powerhouse.
Xiang Man was confident.
"Nope! I'm telling you, there's no Li in the top five—no, not even the top ten of Jin City's richest."
She held up all ten fingers, looking absolutely certain.
"Are you sure you didn't get his name wrong?"
"Impossible. His surname is definitely Li. Everyone called him 'Lord Li.'"
"Then maybe he isn't from Jin City?" Xiang Man speculated.
"The world's a big place. It's possible his family business isn't even based here. But from what you described, he's definitely wealthy and influential. Ordinary people wouldn't have the resources to build that kind of place."
"It wasn't just a big house. It was a grand, luxurious castle," Yun Zhiyi added.
"Could I be so unlucky…? There's one more possibility."
"What is it?"
"An internationally notorious crime syndicate…"
"…"
Silence fell. After a moment, Xiang Man nodded, realizing Yun Zhiyi might be right.
"Exactly! What kind of CEO would go build a castle in such an isolated place? You got into trouble in that unregulated zone near the borders, right? It could actually be a hideout for a crime syndicate lying low to avoid detection."
"When you put it that way… Zhiyi, it's lucky you got out of there."
Yun Zhiyi suddenly felt like her ancestors were looking out for her.
Good grief! What a close call!
No wonder that man gave her such a chilling, sinister feeling.
It seemed he really wasn't a good person!!!
Could it be that she had stumbled upon one of the world's most notorious crime lords?
Thank heavens she'd escaped in time; otherwise, her kidneys might be long gone!
Two Days Later
Yun Zhiyi's injuries had mostly healed.
She arrived at the Yun family mansion, where the living room was filled with people.
An Yirou, wearing a burgundy dress, had taken a conspicuous spot where she could watch her closely.
Her stepmother, Ding Mei, stood beside her with a pained look, resting a hand on her pregnant belly while Yun Zhennan tried to console her.
The old housekeeper, supporting Yun Zhiyi, looked at her sympathetically, worried she might not recognize her own father. She whispered a reminder.
"Miss Zhiyi, your father and Mrs. Yun are very worried about you. Say hello, dear."
Yun Zhiyi's voice was soft, devoid of any hostility.
"Dad, Auntie, I'm sorry to have worried you."
Previously, Yun Zhiyi would never have greeted them so compliantly.
Ding Mei had entered the family as the mistress after an affair with Yun Zhennan while Yun Zhiyi's mother was bedridden with cancer. After her mother's death, Ding Mei moved in almost immediately, bringing along An Yirou.
For nearly twenty years, Yun Zhiyi and this mother-daughter duo had been at odds, and she'd often called Ding Mei shameless to her face.
Today, it seemed the sun had risen in the west.
Ding Mei let out a satisfied laugh, pleased that this wretched girl's mind had finally broken! If she turned into a fool, she'd be much easier to manipulate and wouldn't be such a nuisance.
"Zhiyi, don't just stand there. I'll have Mrs. Zhang take you down to rest and bring in a doctor to check on you," Ding Mei said with a gleeful smirk.
Yun Zhennan, in a good mood, added, "Rest up and take care of yourself. The Su family is already sending out invitations to the elites of Jin City. I'll make sure you have a grand wedding."
Yun Zhiyi nodded obediently.
Mrs. Zhang helped her back to her room.
In the afternoon, as rain drizzled down, Yun Zhiyi pretended to wander around the mansion absentmindedly, taking the chance to scout for surveillance.
She walked through every floor of the villa, exploring the garden, the underground garage…
She saw An Yirou on the phone, driving off in her Ferrari.
Finally, she spotted Yun Zhennan hurrying out with Ding Mei.
Feigning curiosity, Yun Zhiyi turned to Mrs. Zhang, who was trailing her. "Where are my dad and Auntie Ding going?"
The housekeeper replied, "Madam suddenly had a scare and seems to be at risk of early labor. The baby's only six months along, and the doctor warned of possible premature birth. She's been on bed rest for days, but it seems to be getting worse!"
"I've heard…" The housekeeper hesitated.
Yun Zhiyi prompted her gently, "Go on. You can tell me."
"Well, I heard that Madam is expecting a boy, and Mr. Yun is absolutely thrilled. Miss Zhiyi, you were supposed to be the heir according to the old lady's wishes. But if Madam really gives birth to a boy… well, what will your future be like?"
Yun Zhiyi could see the pity in the housekeeper's eyes.
She barely had time to appreciate it before the woman continued, "Thank goodness Young Master Su cares for you, offering such a generous dowry to make sure your marriage will be grand."
"Yes, he's been so good to me." Good enough to want me dead.
Yun Zhiyi managed a bitter smile.
The afternoon passed, and by evening, neither Ding Mei nor An Yirou had returned.
When she asked, Yun Zhiyi learned that Ding Mei had been admitted to the hospital to prevent early labor, and Yun Zhennan was at her side constantly.
That night, Yun Zhiyi took advantage of the absence of others, sent the maids away, and slipped into the surveillance room.