"Tian Sheng, you've said it yourself, I'm just a foster daughter. What right do you have to use me as a bargaining chip? Why don't you try it with your own daughter!" Tian Youyou sneered, pointing at Han Miaomiao.
Han Miaomiao didn't retort, instead, she looked eagerly at Zhou Moyan, hoping for his affirmation.
"Misunderstandings? What if I say everything about you and Youyou three years ago was just a misunderstanding?" Tian Sheng didn't pick up on Tian Youyou's challenge.
"Misunderstanding? I'd love to hear how exactly it was a misunderstanding," Zhou Moyan pressed, advancing towards Tian Sheng with a cold and piercing gaze.
Suddenly, Tian Youyou remembered the conversation she had overheard at the hospital between Tian Sheng and Han Miaomiao, sparking an idea in her mind.
"Th-this..." Tian Sheng stuttered, haltingly, as if weighing his words carefully.
Right, the conversation also mentioned old Master Zhou, Zhou Moyan's father. Was he involved? Tian Youyou's heart pounded. Zhou Moyan had moved overseas shortly after the incident three years ago without knowing her true background. He didn't seem surprised now; did he already know?
"Ha! Mr. Zhou, since we're already discussing this, let me be frank.
My company is in serious trouble. If no one helps me resolve this financial issue, I really won't last.
But you know, a cornered beast will do desperate things. If you don't help me, you'll regret it!" Tian Sheng's face darkened, hinting that he might hold some leverage, or he wouldn't dare to threaten so blatantly.
"Oh? I'm actually curious to see whether the net breaks when the fish dies," Zhou Moyan scoffed, barking at Tian Sheng, "Get out!"
Tian Sheng's face turned the color of liver, frustrated yet not daring to linger any longer, he stormed out.
Under the immense pressure from Zhou Moyan, Han Miaomiao hurried out after Tian Sheng, stumbling at the door.
"Zhou Moyan! You know the relationship between Tian Sheng and me now. No matter how he tries to use me to get money from you, you don't have to pay him any mind!"
Tian Youyou thought to herself, at least the events from three years ago had started to unravel from Tian Sheng's end. She would investigate and clear her own name.
Zhou Moyan gave no indication of his thoughts.
"Also, we're already a thing of the past, and now we're just superior and subordinate. Please don't make careless comments!" Tian Youyou said, her face flushed, her head bowed.
"Careless comments? Which ones?"
Zhou Moyan feigned ignorance, which Tian Youyou found extremely annoying.
"Sharing meals... sharing... a bed," she muttered softly.
"Hmph, did I say anything wrong? Which other employee has a bed in their boss's office?"
Zhou Moyan stepped closer, lifted her chin forcefully, and said, "Don't try to clear your name. I won't let you leave until you've repaid what you owe!"
Tian Youyou broke free from his grip, turned calmly, and walked towards the pantry.
Zhou Moyan, I will give you an explanation for what happened three years ago.
"Mr. Zhou, Tian Sheng's company has received an investment of thirty million," Zhang, his assistant, reported, following up on Tian Sheng's situation as instructed.
"Find out which company's account it came from!" Zhou Moyan had already ordered a siege; no company should be opposing him at this point.
The events of three years ago, blinded by hatred, he felt that there was more to the story than was apparent from Tian Sheng's actions. He could only track the leads through Tian Sheng.
"It's from a personal account, not a company's. We don't know who it is yet," Zhang reported accurately.
"Find out about this person." Zhou Moyan's approach was straightforward; anyone transferring large sums to Tian Sheng when he was on the brink of bankruptcy was definitely someone who didn't want him desperate, perhaps someone afraid of his desperation, or someone being blackmailed.
"Mr. Zhou!" Linda entered, knocking, "Youyou has taken the day off."
Tian Youyou was part of the secretarial team, and as the chief secretary, Linda was usually informed of such matters.
Zhou Moyan frowned, and Linda quickly added, "She asked me to request leave on her behalf."
"Why did she take leave?" Zhou Moyan sounded slightly displeased.
"Um, she didn't say, just mentioned she wasn't feeling well."
"Send someone from the company to check on her!"
Really, Mr. Zhou? Isn't that a bit over the top for a simple sick leave? Of course, Linda kept such thoughts to herself.
"Alright, Mr. Zhou." Linda left with a polite smile.
Early that morning, Tian Youyou felt dizzy and weak, her throat painfully sore, and definitely feverish.
What to do? She had called in sick with Linda. Thinking about getting some medicine later, she fell back into a daze as her condition worsened, finding herself unable to get up at all.
They say you feel most vulnerable when sick, and it struck her painfully that she had no one close by.
At that moment, Han Chong sent a WeChat message, a picture of himself in a chef's uniform, beaming, "Sis, I got the job as a sous chef! Cool, right?"
Tian Youyou couldn't help but smile, proud of his transformation.
Han Chong seemed delighted, sending several emoticons. Tian Youyou didn't have the energy to respond; he called instead.
"Hello?" She managed to sit up, looking pale and hoarse.
"Sis, what's wrong with you?" Han Chong was instantly worried.
"I've got a fever..."
"Where are you? I'm coming right over!"
Tian Youyou sent him her location and hung up, lying back down.
Han Chong arrived quickly. She managed to open the door for him but felt so weak she slumped against the door.
Han Chong picked her up, threw his large coat over her, and carried her to the nearest hospital.
After being admitted to the emergency room and receiving an IV, she didn't feel better until nightfall.
Han Chong bought a variety of snacks and fruits along with porridge.
Now, sitting by her bed peeling an orange for her, he said, "Sis, why didn't you tell me you were sick? That was scary... you almost passed out."
Tian Youyou's eyes teared up, touched by Han Chong's genuine concern. Having a brother like him would have been nice.
"It's okay. I've always been like this since I was a kid. Whenever I get sick, I spike a fever, babble nonsense, and pass out. It seems serious, but once the fever breaks, I'm bouncing around again."
"By the way, your phone has been ringing. You should check it; it might be important."
She saw the calls were from Linda, probably work-related.
"Hello? Youyou, are you okay? Why haven't you answered your phone? Where are you? I'll come and check on you!"
The normally composed Linda sounded quite anxious.
"Oh, sorry, I just have a fever, didn't hear your calls. I've been to the emergency room and I'm much better now, no need to come."
"Um, there's a document that needs your signature. I'll come by your place," Linda hesitated.
Tian Youyou assented, too tired to argue.