Chapter 47

Due to the tight schedule for the photoshoot, there was no time for lunch at the hotel, so Yan Wei bought bread and water to eat in the car. Although the meals for the photographers were not within his responsibility, Yan Wei still bought bread and coffee for each of them.

The photographers were grateful, and they worked diligently during the shoot.

They hurriedly moved from one location to another, taking photos and doing touch-ups in between.

The initial chosen location was a villa area in Yiwu City. The first set of photos was, of course, focused on Zhou Qiaoqiao in the main wedding gown she was currently wearing, the one Yan Wei had purchased. If they were to hold a wedding ceremony in the future, this photo with the main gown would be enlarged and displayed at the entrance.

The van arrived at the entrance of the villa area, and the photographers asked the couple to get out. There was a fountain at the entrance, and the photographers instructed Zhou Qiaoqiao to pose there.

Zhou Qiaoqiao wasn’t used to taking photos, and she felt self-conscious standing by the fountain. The photographer kept urging her, saying, “Miss, give us a smile! You’re getting married!”

Zhou Qiaoqiao felt wronged; she had already been smiling!

After observing for a while, Yan Wei made a gesture to the photographer and personally went up to take photos with Zhou Qiaoqiao.

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Nkydt Kkyxkd: “…”

After two hours, they finally finished shooting with the main gown.

The photographers had the couple change into short floral outfits, and Yan Wei also changed into a suit that matched Zhou Qiaoqiao’s dress. When Yan Wei realized that they had to find a place to change in broad daylight, his eyes narrowed slightly, feeling uncomfortable. If he had known, he would have chosen a more expensive location. He couldn’t believe they were making his Qiaoqiao change clothes out in the open like this.

The floral outfits were paired with a garden on the other side of the villa area. Unlike the formal and elegant poses for the main gown, the photographer urged Zhou Qiaoqiao to be more lively in the floral outfit. Sometimes she had to lower her head and smell the flowers, and other times she had to lie on the ground and roll around.

If it weren’t for the fact that they were taking wedding photos, Zhou Qiaoqiao felt like a fool.

When it was Yan Wei’s turn to be photographed, all he had to do was lean against a tree trunk and sit on an outdoor chair looking handsome. Zhou Qiaoqiao felt extremely unbalanced inside.

After finishing two sets of photos, they had to move to another location.

So they all got back in the car and hurriedly went to the beach. There were many large rocks along the beach in Yiwu City. Zhou Qiaoqiao changed into a cute ankle-length wedding gown, holding a bouquet and standing there with a sweet smile.

Then they had to hurriedly change clothes again and redo their hairstyles.

Zhou Qiaoqiao’s long trailing blue gown seemed to shimmer like golden silk in the sunset. The makeup artist rearranged her hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders. Her hair and the train of the gown swayed in the wind, and her eyes had a captivating gaze.

“Very good, very good, just like that… Don’t move.” The photographer lay down between the rocks and took photos from a low angle.

Soon, it became dark, and the beach shoot was over. They got back in the car and headed to the indoor location. They changed into the Qipao and medieval-style noblewoman gown one by one for more photos. They were busy until 8 p.m. before finally finishing.

The makeup artist helped Zhou Qiaoqiao remove her makeup, and Yan Wei changed back into his own clothes.

Tired?

Of course, they were exhausted, even more so than when Yan Wei negotiated with clients.

But this kind of exhaustion came with a deep sense of satisfaction.

After changing into his suit and coming out, Yan Wei saw that Zhou Qiaoqiao had already removed most of her makeup. Removing makeup was much quicker than applying it. Soon, today’s shoot came to an end, and Zhou Qiaoqiao stood up drowsily from the makeup station.

Yan Wei approached and held her hand, saying, “Let’s go! We’ll treat Jiamin to dinner.”

Zhou Qiaoqiao nodded and replied, “Okay.”

Liang Jiamin stood behind them and saw Yan Wei embracing Zhou Qiaoqiao as they walked out. Yan Wei lowered his head and unknowingly revealed a smile that Liang Jiamin had never seen before.

The wedding photo shoot was finished. They wouldn’t receive the photos for a while, but Yan Wei finally realized that he should inform the Yan family about his married status. To make it convenient, he chose to call when everyone would be at home early in the morning.

He called Yan Yifei directly. When Yan Yifei saw Yan Wei’s call coming in, he proudly said to his wife Mao Jinghua, “Look, our son! It’s because he has experienced hardships that he has become sensible, or else how would he understand?”

Mao Jinghua’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t say anything.

On the other side, Shang Qiwen asked, “Is it Big Brother?”

It had been several days, and Yan Ye had naturally been coaxed back by Shang Qiwen. Now, seeing Shang Qiwen concerned about Big Brother, Yan Ye looked at her and gave a faint warning.

Shang Qiwen smiled and said to Yan Ye, “I’m just asking. You know, Big Brother has some misunderstandings about me. I’ve wanted to talk to him about these things for a long time. But Big Brother never came back, and I even thought he didn’t want to come back.”

Yan Ye frowned as he listened. Yan Yifei, who was on the other end of the line, said in a displeased tone, “He doesn’t want to come back.”

Saying that, he answered the call. Yan Wei’s voice was still commanding, even though Yan Yifei felt that he no longer had the right to be commanding.

“Dad?”

“Yeah.” Yan Yifei pretended to sound indifferent in response.

Yan Wei said, “I just wanted to call and let you know that I got married.”

“What did you say?” Yan Yifei seemed to have misheard and loudly asked.

Yan Wei watched as Zhou Qiaoqiao yawned and headed downstairs. He smiled at her but maintained his cold tone when speaking to Yan Yifei, “I got married.”

“You got married? Who did you marry?” Yan Yifei stood up abruptly and asked him.

“Didn’t I bring her home for you to meet last time?” Yan Wei poured milk in the kitchen, carried it out, and placed it on the table.

Yan Yifei yelled, “You married that commoner?”

“Commoner?” Yan Wei asked in confusion, “Do you think you’re a noble?”

Yan Wei sincerely asked that question because he didn’t know if he was descended from nobility.

Yan Yifei knew he misspoke, but he tried a different approach, saying, “Do you know the importance of matching social status? Huh? Do you know the importance of matching social status?”

“I know,” Yan Wei replied, then asked, “Why does it concern me?”

Yan Yifei: “…”

“Let Mom and them know! I don’t have to notify each one individually.” Yan Wei wanted to hang up the phone, but Mao Jinghua’s voice came from the other end.

She must have taken the phone directly, her voice still calm and not as panicked as Yan Yifei’s, “Xiao Wei, bring her home for Mom to see.”

“No need, as long as I’m satisfied.” Yan Wei said.

Mao Jinghua sighed and said, “Regardless, I am your mother. You’re married now, and I shouldn’t go without even seeing her. Last time you brought her, I wasn’t home. Have her parents seen you?”

There was no sound from the other side, so Mao Jinghua continued, “They’ve seen you, right? I should also meet her. It’s not unreasonable.”

Yan Wei said, “But they didn’t kick their daughter out of their house.”

Mao Jinghua fell silent, and Yan Wei sighed, saying, “I’ll ask her.”

After Yan Wei hung up the phone, Zhou Qiaoqiao moved her ear away from the phone and said, “Let’s meet them! I should meet my in-laws too.”

Yan Wei laughed and asked, “How do you know you’re ugly?”

Zhou Qiaoqiao widened her eyes and shouted, pouncing on him, “Yan Wei!!! You actually think I’m ugly???”

Yan Wei laughed and caught Zhou Qiaoqiao in his arms as she threw herself at him. He said loudly, “I don’t mind at all.”

Zhou Qiaoqiao: “Then…”

---

Because they were going to meet their in-laws, Zhou Qiaoqiao seriously considered what to wear. She eliminated dresses with spaghetti straps or anything that seemed too casual or might be deemed inappropriate by older people.

She asked Yan Wei and learned that his mother liked neat and tidy girls. So Zhou Qiaoqiao wore the outfit Yan Wei had bought for her, the one she wore to a class reunion. It had a sense of professionalism and efficiency, and Zhou Qiaoqiao believed his mother would like it.

Today, Mao Liang came to pick them up again. When Zhou Qiaoqiao got into the car, she thanked Mao Liang, saying, “Thank you!”

Mao Liang’s mood was very complicated: “…”

They went to the same villa halfway up the mountain as last time. When Zhou Qiaoqiao got out of the car, she noticed that the once luxurious villa still exuded luxury, but all the decorations had been cleared away.

At this moment, the house looked much cleaner and tidier. There were two people in white clothes cleaning at the entrance.

Upon seeing Yan Wei, the two individuals quickly straightened their bodies and greeted him, “Young Master.”

Yan Wei nodded and led Zhou Qiaoqiao into the house.

Aunt Wang stood at the entrance, instructing the chef with the menu. When she looked up, she saw Yan Wei wearing a dark suit with a woman in a black and white checkered shirt and white straight pants by his side.

“Young Master, you’re back,” Aunt Wang greeted him as she approached.

Yan Wei nodded and glanced at the living room, asking, “Where is my mom?”

Aunt Wang said, “Madam is upstairs changing clothes.”

Just as she said that, Yan Ye came downstairs. He had changed into a white suit and approached Yan Wei with a smile, saying, “Big brother.” Then he turned his head and reluctantly called out to Zhou Qiaoqiao, “Sister-in-law.”

Zhou Qiaoqiao happily responded and almost wanted to say, “Good boy.”

After Yan Ye came down, one by one, Yan Yifei, Mao Jinghua, and Shang Qiwen also came down.

Shang Qiwen saw Yan Wei and didn’t feel embarrassed at all. She simply smiled and greeted, “Big brother.”

Her hidden agenda was evident! Even though she had been labeled as a mistress because of Yan Wei, and all the advertisements she had previously secured were canceled, she still greeted Yan Wei with a smiling face. Her lack of anger showed that she was someone who could endure and adapt.

But if Shang Qiwen is a person who can bend and stretch, she would have divorced Xiang Li long ago. Why did she wait until this year?

Yan Wei squinted his eyes and said to Zhou Qiaoqiao, “This is Dad, this is Mom, and this is your younger brother.”

Yan Wei’s introductions were clear and direct, without any buffer. What was more excessive was that he completely skipped introducing Shang Qiwen.

As Liu Yun, Shang Qiwen had experienced all kinds of frustration in her career. She had even had her achievements stolen and had to continue with a smiling face. Yan Wei’s actions didn’t bother her much, and she could only grit her teeth and bear it.

Yan Ye felt a little aggrieved when Yan Wei didn’t introduce Shang Qiwen and said, “Brother, this is your sister-in-law.”

Yan Wei smiled and glanced at Yan Ye, saying, “Sister-in-law? Are you two married?”

They were not, indeed.

Yan Ye looked at him speechlessly, and Shang Qiwen couldn’t accept it. Wasn’t she pregnant and planning to get married on a good day? So, she asked Yan Wei, “Then have you married your sister-in-law?”

This question made Yan Wei proud! He was so proud!

With his eyes looking upwards, his disdain was evident as he said, “We’ve already registered.”

“What??” Even Mao Jinghua couldn’t help but show her genteel side and asked Yan Wei, “How did you register so suddenly?”

Yan Wei furrowed his brows and said, “I told you, I got married.”

Yes! We thought you were going to get married, but you, little brat, you got married, and already registered, no less! And we didn’t even know?

“When did you register?” Mao Jinghua asked him.

Yan Wei said, “On the 16th.”

Mao Jinghua’s body shook, and she questioned him, “You registered on the 16th, but we received your call a week later?”

Mao Jinghua’s biggest sadness was that Yan Wei had truly gotten married. He had even registered, and their family was probably the last to receive the news. For such a significant event like marriage, she had thought Yan Wei would inform them beforehand.

At least it would have shown that Yan Wei valued this family to some extent. But now that he had already registered, only then thought of telling his parents, the meaning was completely different.

Mao Jinghua took a breath but didn’t speak. Then Shang Qiwen coldly and sarcastically asked, “Big brother, you registered? Why didn’t you tell Mom and Dad first?”

Yan Wei glanced lightly at Shang Qiwen, his gaze carrying a clear warning.

But Shang Qiwen, relying on the child in her belly, especially since Yan Wei and Yan Ye had fought and lost the previous child, normal people couldn’t possibly say or do anything hostile towards her. Even though Yan Wei had already warned her on the phone, Shang Qiwen obviously didn’t take it to heart.

But she also knew that she was an outsider in this family. Even if the Yan family had driven Yan Wei out, she, as an outsider, had no right to criticize.

So she had always maintained the appearance of a good sister-in-law, but she was not prepared to just let it go. The matter that Yan Wei had asked Yan Ye to clarify had pushed her onto the path of being labeled as a mistress. Her path in the entertainment industry now was much more difficult than others. Naturally, she couldn’t accept it.

But Yan Wei was not a normal person. Since he was young, he couldn’t eat or drink properly, and his temper was volatile. Even his own parents had given up on him. How could he tolerate Shang Qiwen?

At this moment, Yan Wei still couldn’t hold back. He lightly furrowed his brows and said to Shang Qiwen, “You have no say here.”

Shang Qiwen took a deep breath, gently caressed her still-unnoticeable belly, and slightly lowered her head, appearing a bit saddened.

How much does Yan Yifei value this child?

In the past, he was eager for the Yan family to have an heir. Yan Wei, who couldn’t eat, drink, or sleep, was beyond their control. But Yan Ye was a normal child! He had finally conceived a child, only to lose it. At that time, the sadness could only be described as emotional.

But things were different now. The entire family knew about the contract—having an heir meant having a share. So, the child in Shang Qiwen’s belly was not only a descendant of the Yan family but also carried immeasurable benefits.

Therefore, when Shang Qiwen appeared unhappy, Yan Yifei also became unhappy. He said to Yan Wei, “How you speak to Qiwen, she’s pregnant now. She can’t be in a bad mood.”

Yan Wei let out a light laugh, a hint of disdain in his voice as he said, “Then let her be quiet. When I’m not speaking to her, she should be quiet.”

Yan Yifei took a breath and thought, “Damn, my eldest son has such a big attitude?”

But considering that Yan Wei had been away from home for over four months and had only just returned, he decided to give up on the plan of angering his eldest son further.

“Sir, please have a seat. What would the young lady like to drink?” Aunt Wang smiled and adjusted the sofa.

Yan Wei looked at Aunt Wang, his expression milder compared to when he faced his parents. His voice was calm as he said, “Call her ‘Eldest Madam.’ Since we’re already married, she is my wife.”

Aunt Wang nodded and respectfully addressed her, “Eldest Madam.”

Yan Wei led Zhou Qiaoqiao to sit on the sofa and said to her, “Aunt Wang used to cook for me when I was young,” even though he barely ate.

Aunt Wang chuckled and said, “If Sir Eldest is willing, I can cook for him now.”

Yan Wei shook his head. Aunt Wang had been with the Yan family for a long time and had already been promoted to the position of housekeeper. The Yan family’s business was thriving, and they employed more domestic helpers every year. Aunt Wang, being one of the older staff members, stayed behind to oversee the work of these newcomers while earning several times more than them.

To put it this way, even Shang Qiwu’s status in this family might not be higher than Aunt Wang’s.

But Zhou Qiaoqiao was different. Her status was given to her by Yan Wei. Since entering this family, Yan Wei had made it clear to everyone that disrespecting her meant having a problem with him, Yan Wei. With Yan Wei’s previous inability to eat or sleep, how good do you think his temper was?

The people in the family naturally wouldn’t provoke his authority. In other words, even if Yan Wei did nothing, his authority might still be higher than Yan Ye’s.

Shang Qiwen was not like Zhou Qiaoqiao. She entered the Yan family through a less legitimate way. Yan Ye was also indecisive. She could assert her authority in the Yan family not because of Yan Ye but because of the child in her belly.

That child represented a 15% stake, and no one dared to harm her.

Hearing Yan Wei’s words, Shang Qiwen felt both ashamed and angry. She wanted to retort, but seeing Yan Ye’s cold gaze, she kept her mouth shut.

Mao Jinghua knew that there was no turning back from this situation. Yan Wei had already registered his marriage, so was there even a possibility of divorce? For their family, divorce wasn’t a problem, but the problem was Yan Wei’s temper. Once he had registered, there was no room for maneuvering.

Therefore, Mao Jinghua could only pull Yan Yifei to sit opposite them, and she carefully observed Zhou Qiaoqiao.

Zhou Qiaoqiao had witnessed several arguments in the Yan family since she entered, and she found it quite exciting.

When she saw her mother-in-law observing her, Zhou Qiaoqiao quickly straightened her posture, sitting dignified and polite. Mao Jinghua nodded inwardly. At least Zhou Qiaoqiao appeared very clean and refreshing. Mao Jinghua asked Zhou Qiaoqiao, “How did you and Xiaowei meet?”

Zhou Qiaoqiao started with the story of how this idiot son of yours brought a potted plant to a nightclub and even threw it from the second floor. What’s more important is that he didn’t even bother to check if there was anyone below and it hit me on the head.

As she spoke, she lowered her head to show Mao Jinghua her stitched-up head, saying, “Look at what I got hit with. I had to get so many stitches.”

Although Mao Jinghua didn’t understand why this question led to Yan Ye, she listened attentively. She wondered why Yan Ye would bring a potted plant to a nightclub?

Yan Ye lowered his head in shame, and then Zhou Qiaoqiao mentioned how Yan Ye compensated her for the incident. She went to collect the money, and Yan Wei intervened, describing the situation in vivid detail.

When Mao Jinghua heard that Yan Wei invited Zhou Qiaoqiao to have a meal, or rather, used his goodwill to coerce her into having a meal, she looked at Yan Wei in shock.

Yan Wei scratched his face and turned his head away.

Yan Yifei also expressed his disbelief, saying, “Did my son actually take the initiative to invite you for a meal?”

Zhou Qiaoqiao nodded and said, “Yes! I didn’t want to go initially, but he helped me recover 500,000 yuan. With such great kindness, I felt that he made sense, so I should treat him to a meal.”

Yan Yifei looked incredulous and said, “My son actually knows how to treat people to a meal?”

Zhou Qiaoqiao became unhappy and said, “Dad, why would you say that? Don’t you eat?”

Yan Yifei choked, not because of what she said, but because she naturally called him “Dad.”

Who gave her the right to call me Dad?

Mao Jinghua looked at Zhou Qiaoqiao, not knowing what to say, and finally interrupted what she was going to say and asked her, “Qiaoqiao, I understand this matter, but how did you decide to get married?”

Zhou Qiaoqiao laughed and said, “Because Yan Wei proposed to me!”

Mao Jinghua: “…” Even though I knew the answer, it still hurts to hear it.

Yan Yifei looked at Yan Wei and asked, “How long have you known each other? And you already registered your marriage?”

Yan Wei smiled and said, “Zhou Qiaoqiao is quite popular. If you don’t make a move quickly, someone else will snatch her.”

“Wow!” Yan Yifei exclaimed, “Someone dared to compete with you for a person?”

Yan Wei looked at Yan Yifei and said, “Why not?”

Look at that baby-faced man. Clearly, his intentions were impure! A nightclub security leader who pushed my Qiaoqiao to a dead end, yet he still had the audacity to pursue her?

At this moment, Yan Wei never considered that the culprit who hit Zhou Qiaoqiao and sent her to the hospital was his own younger brother. What right did he have to talk about a security guard pursuing someone?

Because Yan Wei’s attitude was firm, no one dared to provoke Zhou Qiaoqiao. Dinner was served under Aunt Wang’s meticulous inspection. When everything was ready, she came over to Mao Jinghua and said, “Madam, dinner is ready. You and the young masters can come over now.”

Mao Jinghua nodded, and she and Yan Yifei went over first, followed by the others.

Dinner was sumptuous, and Zhou Qiaoqiao’s eyes were drawn to the mouthwatering dishes. There were sausages filled with fragrant fat, baby lobsters, beef ribs, thick soup with bamboo shoots and baby bok choy, scallops with silver threads, and spicy pig trotters. Of course, there were also refreshing dishes like shredded radish and cucumber salad.

The dishes on the table were like a feast of flowers. Zhou Qiaoqiao saw Yan Wei smiling at her and blushed, lowering her head and remaining silent.

Yan Wei pulled her to sit down, and in front of her was a plate of white rice that Aunt Wang had prepared neatly, along with chopsticks and a spoon.

After Mao Jinghua and Yan Yifei started eating, Yan Wei picked up a piece of sausage with his chopsticks and said to Zhou Qiaoqiao, “You like this, right?”

Zhou Qiaoqiao’s desire to maintain her composure was completely shattered, so she turned her chopsticks towards the celery and picked up a piece of beef rib for Yan Wei, saying, “You should also try this.”

Yan Wei smiled at her and then took the beef rib with Zhou Qiaoqiao’s chopsticks.

Mao Jinghua’s chopsticks slipped off the table, showing how shocked she was. She tremblingly accepted the new chopsticks Aunt Wang handed her. She saw Yan Wei eat the beef rib, then serve Zhou Qiaoqiao a bowl of soup, and finally, he served himself a bowl.

Yan Wei ate happily but didn’t forget to serve Zhou Qiaoqiao. He knew that she might feel hesitant to use her chopsticks for the first time, so he was very attentive.

Mao Jinghua slowly put down her chopsticks and suddenly stood up, saying, “You all continue eating. I’ll go to the restroom.”

Seeing Mao Jinghua hastily leaving, Zhou Qiaoqiao looked at her back curiously and then turned to Yan Wei and whispered, “Did we shamelessly drive her away?”

Yan Wei: “…” You’re the shameless one.

Zhou Qiaoqiao thought for a moment and asked, “Could it be because we didn’t serve her dishes? But we’re using our own chopsticks, how can we serve her dishes? And we didn’t even see communal chopsticks!”

Yan Wei: “…” That’s not how things work in my family.

Zhou Qiaoqiao sighed and said, “I think your mom must be mad at me.”

Across the table, Shang Qiwen, seeing Mao Jinghua not giving face to Zhou Qiaoqiao, felt a sense of schadenfreude: Oh my, we can consider ourselves sisters now.

During Yan Ye’s birthday, when Yan Yifei decided to announce their marriage and pregnancy to the public, Mao Jinghua didn’t agree.

She disagreed to the point that she went to her parents’ home during the birthday banquet to voice her opposition. She didn’t leave any face for Shang Qiwen.

Now, seeing Zhou Qiaoqiao receiving the same treatment, she felt much better.

Who would have known that just after finishing their meal, Mao Jinghua came out. Her eyes were slightly swollen, her hair had been tidied up, and she had a somewhat vacant yet spirited look.

She saw Zhou Qiaoqiao sitting on the sofa eating melon, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. Zhou Qiaoqiao trembled as Mao Jinghua approached, taking her hand and saying, “You’re a good child. It’s Yan Wei’s good fortune that you can tolerate him. I didn’t have time to prepare anything, but this bracelet was given to me by your grandmother. Now I’m giving it to you. Consider it a gift from the Yan family. Keep it well.”

After saying that, she directly put the bracelet on Zhou Qiaoqiao’s hand.

Zhou Qiaoqiao was taken aback and found a warm and pure green jade bracelet on her hand. She hesitated and said, “It’s Yan Wei who tolerated me. He’s a good person. This…”

“That’s good,” Mao Jinghua interrupted her words, patting her hand and said, “If he can be with you, it’s his good fortune and also the Yan family’s good fortune. This is the bracelet for the wife of the Yan family. You are the legitimate Mrs. Yan. You should wear this bracelet.”

“Huh?” Zhou Qiaoqiao looked down at the bracelet. So, there really is a bracelet passed down to daughters-in-law?

Upon hearing Mao Jinghua’s words, Shang Qiwen on the opposite side threw the melon rind on the ground out of anger.

Yan Wei reached out and held Zhou Qiaoqiao’s hand, and she finally felt at ease. She touched the bracelet, feeling its comfortable texture.

She softly agreed, and Mao Jinghua sighed, saying, “Don’t look at Yan Wei growing up in the Yan family. He has also had a difficult time. You two should cherish each other.”

Zhou Qiaoqiao softly agreed again, and Mao Jinghua patted her hand and fell silent.

Yan Yifei sat on the sofa with his legs crossed and said, “Isn’t it just Yan Wei eating a few more bites? Look how happy it makes you.”¹Aiya! This dad is so ridiculous. He could die if he doesn’t eat.

Mao Jinghua glared at him, and Yan Yifei muttered and kept quiet.

In fact, Shang Qiwen wasn’t very clear about this matter either. Yan Wei’s affairs were always kept confidential. She only knew that he was capable and had trouble sleeping, resulting in persistent dark circles and a sickly appearance.

Of course, Yan Wei is no longer like that now. He has a healthy complexion and is full of vitality.

Zhou Qiaoqiao gained Mao Jinghua’s approval, and Yan Wei became somewhat gentler towards Mao Jinghua, saying, “Don’t worry, Qiaoqiao and I will be happy together.”

Mao Jinghua, of course, already knew what her son was like. How could she not?

Speaking of which, Yan Wei’s refusal to eat was actually a psychological condition that developed later on. After being kidnapped in his childhood, he never wanted to eat or sleep again when he returned.

She and Yan Yifei felt guilty and heartbroken about Yan Wei’s kidnapping. Those two years were really demanding for Yan Wei. But Yan Wei became irritable day by day, and the guilt of Mao Jinghua and Yan Yifei eventually faded away due to their increasing indifference.

They started disliking Yan Wei. Why cry? Why throw tantrums? Isn’t he back now?

How many years has it been? Yet he still wears a long face every day. Could it be that they, as parents, begged the criminals to kidnap him?

The relationship between the parents and the child began to drift apart. If Yan Wei didn’t eat, Mao Jinghua would hit him. Children, once they get beaten, they become afraid.

Unfortunately, Yan Wei was a tough nut to crack. No matter how much you hit him, he never uttered a word.

They hit him and scolded him, but he wouldn’t eat or sleep, and there was nothing they could do about it.

The only exception was that after Yan Wei returned, he started practicing martial arts. He became focused on martial arts, not interested in studying. Mao Jinghua knew it was a response to the trauma he experienced. According to the psychologist, practicing martial arts was his way of protecting himself and gaining a sense of security.

Therefore, Mao Jinghua allowed him to pursue it and even hired an excellent martial arts instructor for him.

Yan Wei had a good mind, a flexible body, and much stronger willpower than Mao Jinghua anticipated.

Yan Wei didn’t eat, but during that time, he forced himself to have two meals a day for the sake of martial arts training. It was this experience of forcefully eating that developed his ability to eat for survival in the future.

However, as Yan Wei grew older, his appetite became smaller. Mao Jinghua consulted Dr. Zhao, and she found his explanation quite ridiculous. Dr. Zhao said that he had seen through the world of mortals, or rather, he had seen through life and death.

From the first time he collapsed, Mao Jinghua knew that his condition was getting worse. The Yan family had to make a choice. Yuyao needed a healthy heir.

Yan Wei was abandoned, not in the sense that the Yan family didn’t want him, but as an heir, he was abandoned. The 0.5% stake was enough to support him until his death.

Today, although Yan Wei is eating, it is evident that he enjoys the process of eating. That’s why Mao Jinghua couldn’t hold back and went to her room to cry, recalling the conflicts between Yan Wei and the family caused by this illness. She felt uncomfortable in her heart.

However, sometimes, when faced with interests, you have to make a choice. Even though they knew that expelling him from the shareholders’ meeting and sending him abroad on that day would hurt his heart, even though they knew that many, many things… Mao Jinghua and Yan Yifei had already reached their limits after more than 20 years of mental torment, so they chose to give up and distance themselves.

Yan Wei spent these years enduring on his own. He understood everything by himself. But as a mother, Mao Jinghua didn’t have no feelings at all. She felt that she had done her best and had done everything she could.

Now, seeing him able to find someone who allows him to enjoy eating, Mao Jinghua was naturally happy as well.

She sent a message to Yan Wei while hiding in her room, asking if he was feeling better.

Yan Wei’s response was: Zhou Qiaoqiao is the remedy.

Mao Jinghua burst into tears. In fact, if she and Yan Yifei had persisted for those two years, maybe Yan Wei could have been cured!

Returning to the present, seeing that it was already late in the evening, Mao Jinghua thought about how rare it was for Yan Wei to come back and for the family relationships to be temporarily eased.

Mao Jinghua smiled and asked Yan Wei, “Are you staying overnight at home tonight?”

Yan Wei glanced at the stairs and gently shook his head, saying, “No need. Qiaoqiao and I will go back to our own home.”

Mao Jinghua asked him, “Where is your house? Let Mom buy you one!”

When Shan Lingtong lost her child, Yan Yifei, in a fit of anger, kicked Yan Wei out of the house and froze all the assets that the Yan family had given him. Now, their house with Qiaoqiao? It should be Qiaoqiao’s own house, right?

Yan Wei shook his head and said, “No need. The house we live in now is just fine.”

Zhou Qiaoqiao felt her heart bleeding. The house, the house, the house… it’s gone just like that?

As everyone prepared to leave, Shang Qiwen suddenly approached Yan Wei and said, “Big brother, there’s something I want to explain to you. Actually, the information I gave to the reporters wasn’t intended for you, it was for Yan Ye.”

Yan Wei frowned slightly, and Shang Qiwen continued, “I didn’t mean to do those things to you, but I didn’t expect the netizens to react like that. I hope you don’t misunderstand me, I…”

Yan Wei stood up, looking down at Shang Qiwen. Yan Ye thought his older brother was going to make a move, so he quickly stood up to ease the tension. But Yan Wei said, “Shang Qiwen, do you remember the warning I gave you over the phone?”

How could Shang Qiwen forget? Those words were highly humiliating to her, and she remembered them clearly.

Yan Wei chuckled lightly. “I don’t care what you want to do in the Yan family. Since I left Yuyao, I never intended to go back. If Yan Ye is capable enough to keep Yuyao, that’s his ability. If he’s incapable, it’s his own fault. Do whatever you want, and he can tolerate it. But don’t act presumptuously in front of me, or I won’t be happy.”

“Big brother,” Yan Ye softly called out to Yan Wei. He felt that Yan Wei went too far; after all, they were family.

Yan Wei let out a low laugh and ignored Yan Ye. Instead, he said to Shang Qiwen, “You have some ability to coax Yan Ye back. But if you continue to act like this in front of me…” Yan Wei glanced at her from head to toe and spoke, “I will make sure you can never become the second young mistress of the Yan family.”

Although Shang Qiwen thought Yan Wei was just making empty threats, she felt a chill in her heart because of his gaze and tone. Even if this man had nothing, he still exuded the air of a king, making people unconsciously listen to him.

Shang Qiwen forgot about her skill of shedding crocodile tears and could only watch as Yan Wei took a step back and sat on the couch.

Yan Wei swept his eyes over everyone and said, “Today, Qiaoqiao and I will go back first. If there’s anything, just send a message.”

Mao Jinghua glanced at Shang Qiwen and stood up to see off Zhou Qiaoqiao and Yan Wei. When they reached the door, Mao Jinghua hesitated for a moment before speaking to Yan Wei, “Xiao Wei, come back often in the future. What happened with the shares was your father and my moment of impulse. It was our mistake, and I apologize to you. In a few days, I’ll transfer some shares to you as compensation.”

“No need,” Yan Wei refused, and Mao Jinghua’s face instantly fell.

Zhou Qiaoqiao tugged at Yan Wei, and he sighed, saying to Mao Jinghua, “Dad has already told you about my return on Yanye’s birthday. I don’t want to leave. No one can drive me away. I’ve let go, so I won’t ask for anything back. What I said to Shang Qiwen earlier was serious. I never intended to go back to Yuyao. I accepted the shares because I feel like I’m still part of the Yan family. Since Yuyao gave shares to everyone in the Yan family, I accepted them.”

Hearing this, Mao Jinghua felt even more distressed and asked him, “Don’t you consider yourself part of the Yan family anymore?”

Yan Wei shook his head and said, “It’s not about that. As a member of the Yan family, I’m entitled to those shares. Therefore, I have the right to dispose of them as I wish. So, I gave some as compensation to Shan Lingtong. The rest, if you want me to give them to Yan Ye, I will. It’s my voluntary choice. What you gave me is yours, and I don’t need it.”

Mao Jinghua secretly wiped away her tears, while Zhou Qiaoqiao looked on with deep emotion. There was still someone who was willing to give away money.

Mao Jinghua glanced at Zhou Qiaoqiao and quickly said, “Now that you also have a wife and need to support your family…”

“Qiaoqiao is my responsibility, not yours. I will take care of her, so you don’t need to worry. If I can’t even support my own wife…”

“In that case, can we come back and inherit some shares?” Zhou Qiaoqiao turned to Yan Wei and asked.

Yan Wei was taken aback by Zhou Qiaoqiao’s words. Suddenly, the steadfastness he had been maintaining disappeared, and he chuckled, saying, “Hmm, if things don’t go well for Qiaoqiao and me, I’ll come back and ask you for some shares.”

Hearing this, Mao Jinghua felt a little relieved. She held Zhou Qiaoqiao’s hand and said, “In the future, you should come back often, come back home, visit, and stay.”

Zhou Qiaoqiao nodded and said, “Yes, I will.”

Mao Jinghua stood at the door, watching Mao Liang drive Yan Wei away, and suddenly she froze…

Maintaining a Maybach isn’t cheap! Yan Wei doesn’t have any income now, so how is he maintaining the Maybach?

Because Yan Ye gave the Maybach to Yan Wei, it was outside of Yan Yifei’s control. Yan Wei has been using the Maybach all this time.

With this thought, Mao Jinghua froze again. If maintaining a Maybach is expensive, Mao Liang’s salary isn’t cheap either. It’s over 18,000 a month, or at least that was the salary Mao Jinghua learned about a few years ago. Is Mao Liang still chauffeuring Yan Wei?

As Mao Jinghua had these thoughts, she felt a lot of confusion.

Huh? Huh? Huh??

What exactly… is going on???

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