---
The warm spring sun filtered through the white curtains, casting golden patterns on the marble floor.
Liang Yexuan sat silently on the balcony's lounge chair, dressed in a white robe that complemented his cold and elegant features.
His expression was blank as his gaze lingered on the horizon, unmoving, as if lost in the vast sea of thought.
The soft sound of footsteps approached.
Jin Shu, his loyal assistant, stood respectfully behind him before stepping forward and bowing.
"Young Master," he said softly, his tone cautious, aware of how volatile his boss had been these days.
Liang Yexuan's lashes lifted slightly.
He didn't speak but his eyes indicated the unspoken command—speak.
"We've conducted a thorough investigation," Jin Shu whispered, leaning slightly to the side to murmur into his ear.
A visible change crossed Liang Yexuan's face.
The corners of his lips tugged into a slow, cruel smirk, but his eyes—cold as ice—showed nothing but wrath.
"So," he drawled, voice low and dangerous. "They want to play games?"
He chuckled darkly.
"Then we'll play. I'll play with them until the end."
Jin Shu bowed again, silently acknowledging the unspoken promise of vengeance.
Liang Yexuan leaned back into the chair, letting the sunlight warm his skin.
Despite the calm appearance, Jin Shu could sense the storm brewing underneath his boss's composed exterior.
He knew for sure that blood was about to flow.
Again.
"And the girl?" Liang Yexuan asked without opening his eyes.
Jin Shu straightened up, about to tell him the girl's name and details, " She's twenty, living in—"
But Liang Yexuan waved a hand, cutting him off.
"I didn't ask for her age or about her." His tone was curt. "I just want to know if she's been repaid. I don't like owing favors."
Jin Shu nodded, already expecting this. "Yes, Young Master. I've already sent people. Whatever she wants, she'll get. Money, connections, protection. She won't lack anything."
"Good," Liang Yexuan murmured.
Jin Shu, understanding that was his cue to leave, stepped back.
"Wait," Liang Yexuan called just as Jin Shu turned to go.
"Young Master?"
"Bring me a phone," he said simply, still not looking at him.
Jin Shu blinked, mentally kicking himself. "I apologize. I should have prepared that earlier."
Liang Yexuan didn't reply.
Jin Shu turned and left quietly.
---
Outside the capital, in a cozy district known for its quiet streets and small markets, Lin Yue stood on the porch of her new home.
It wasn't grand, but it was comfortable.
Cozy.
Inside, freshly cleaned furniture gleamed under the soft lights.
Mo Yuwei had helped her arrange everything.
From organizing movers to furnishing the kitchen, Mo Yuwei had done more than Lin Yue could have imagined.
She smiled to herself, phone pressed to her ear as she spoke to the woman.
"I think I've finally settled in," Lin Yue said, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Mo Yuwei's voice was light on the other end.
"Have you found a store yet?"
Lin Yue sighed, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. "Not yet… It's been harder than I thought. I checked a few yesterday, but either the rent was too high or the space was too small."
"I figured," Mo Yuwei said knowingly. "Do you want me to help?"
Lin Yue bit her lip.
She hated being a burden, especially since Mo Yuwei had done so much already.
"You've already done so much," she whispered.
"Don't be silly," Mo Yuwei replied warmly. "We're friends. Or do you not see me that way?"
Lin Yue's cheeks heated. "Of course I do! I just… I saw an article about you."
It had been about the glamorous CEO of GlowVine Cosmetics, a leading beauty and skincare company in the capital. The photo had shown Mo Yuwei at a business conference, elegant in a designer suit, the media dubbing her 'The Rose of the Capital.'
"You're from the Mo family… and you run a big company. I don't get why you'd waste time helping someone like me."
Mo Yuwei laughed. "Because I like you."
Lin Yue blinked. "Huh?"
"You're cute," Mo Yuwei said with a teasing grin in her voice, making Lin Yue blush furiously. "But more than that… you're honest. Do you remember when we met? When you were selling us those paintings. You told us you didn't know how much they were worth but didn't want to cheat us or be cheated yourself."
Lin Yue smiled, recalling the awkward yet sincere exchange.
"Alright, alright," Mo Yuwei giggled. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm doing better. Nausea isn't frequent now. The baby's okay."
She said stroking her flat stomach tenderly.
"I'm glad. Take care of yourself. And call me if you need anything."
Lin Yue smiled, touched by the sincerity in her voice.
Lin Yue said nodding. "Thank you, Yuwei."
Lin Yue felt her chest warm.
She hadn't had many people in her life who just… liked her.
Not for what she could offer.
Not because they needed something.
Just… liked her.
They talked for a while longer.
Mo Yuwei promised to share some news about the store the next day.
She hung up and stared out the window.
It was strange.
From the very beginning, Mo Yuwei had never asked her who the father was, never judged, never probed.
She just… accepted her.
Supported her.
It meant the world.
---