While visiting his mother in the hospital, Han Chenyu suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason. Without a doubt, it was because Leng Xiaoyao was speaking ill of him somewhere. She must have been frightened that night; he chuckled to himself—if you dare provoke him, you must be prepared to face the consequences.
The image of her grimacing in anger brought him inexplicable joy.
"Chenyu, Chenyu? What are you thinking about?"
"Oh, Mom, I wasn't thinking about anything. What were you saying just now?"
The woman lying in the hospital bed was Han Chenyu's mother, Mrs. Han. She had been bedridden for over a decade, and her main concern was her son's marital status.
"Chenyu, I was saying you're 32 years old now. It's about time you found a good woman to settle down with."
"Mom, I know what I'm doing."
"If you really knew, you wouldn't have remained unmarried all these years! Since that woman left, you…" She coughed, her voice trailing off.
"Mom, are you okay? Is something wrong?"
Han Chenyu hurriedly patted his mother's back, concern etched on his face. "Please don't get too worked up; take care of your health."
Exhausted, Mrs. Han leaned against the headboard, looking at her only son. She remembered how deeply he had been hurt by that woman and felt no regret about having her leave him.
"If you don't want your mother to die of anger in this hospital bed, you'd better bring a daughter-in-law home immediately!"
In the past, Han Chenyu would have changed the subject to steer clear of such conversations with his mother. However, this time he didn't.
Bring a daughter-in-law home? The image of that frightened yet composed little face flashed through his mind.
It had been a month; it was about time to "propose." If he married her, his life would surely become much more interesting.
"Don't worry, Mom. It won't be long before I bring someone home."
"You better not be lying to your mother!"
Mrs. Han nearly jumped out of her bed with excitement. This was the best news she had heard all year!
"I promise."
---
The next morning, while Leng Xiaoyao was nestled comfortably in bed, Aunt Fu knocked loudly on her door. "Miss, hurry up! Your parents want you downstairs immediately. Important guests have arrived and want to see you!"
"Who is it?"
Leng Xiaoyao wanted nothing more than to ignore the annoying noise and continue her beauty sleep. But Aunt Fu's tone sounded serious, so she reluctantly decided to check it out.
She got out of bed, tousled her hair, and shuffled downstairs in her pink teddy bear pajamas.
If only she had known that coming downstairs would lead to her being "sold out," she would have jumped out the window instead, but it was too late for regrets.
"Daddy, Mommy, who's here? Why did you wake me up so early?"
As she sleepily descended the stairs, she suddenly froze in place, staring wide-eyed at a figure in the living room. Rubbing her eyes, she let out a loud scream, "Ah!!!!!!!"
"Xiaoyao, don't be rude to our guests! Come over here."
Leng Xiaoyao wanted to turn and flee back upstairs, but when she met the mocking gaze of the man sitting on the sofa, it felt as if he was saying, "Go ahead, run away. I'll tell your dear parents that their well-behaved daughter not only got drunk and chased after a bar handsome but also forced herself on me!"
With trembling legs, she had no choice but to walk over—no, more like crawl over like a turtle.
"Xiaoyao, hurry up."
"Oh!"
Leng Feng pulled Leng Xiaoyao to sit on the sofa and politely addressed Han Chenyu, "Mr. Han, I'm not sure how my daughter has offended you, but I'll make sure she apologizes."
Leng Feng was puzzled as well; how did Han Chenyu know Xiaoyao? Why did he insist she come downstairs, claiming he had important news? The two families had hardly interacted outside of business matters.
"Just call me Chenyu, Uncle. Calling me Mr. Han makes it feel too formal."
Meanwhile, Leng Xiaoyao was trembling like a leaf, her body shaking with anxiety. This man wouldn't actually be here to propose to her, would he?! No way! She had to squash whatever he was about to say!
"Daddy! You must not believe anything he says!"
"Miss Leng, that's quite strange. I haven't said anything yet."
"You… hm!" What a cunning fox!
"Xiaoyao, you can't be rude to our guest! Where did your manners go? Apologize to Chenyu!"
Leng Xiaoyao pouted, choosing to ignore the situation.
"Come on, hurry up."
"Sorry, Mr. Han!"