Leaving the manor, Chen Jinzhao embarked on his journey home.
Having learned certain matters from Hong Fulong, he felt the current situation was somewhat complicated. Undercurrents swirled, and layers of mist shrouded the path ahead.
How to break through?
At least for now, Chen Jinzhao could not fathom a way.
The moon hung above the treetops, and the night enveloped the city.
In an old residential complex, Yu Mengzhi sat cross-legged on the sofa, awaiting Chen Jinzhao's return.
Yu Mengzhi glanced at the clock. It was nearing seven-thirty, and Chen Jinzhao had yet to return, which caused her significant anxiety. Could something have happened to Chen Jinzhao?
This feeling was somewhat powerless.
Through these experiences, Yu Mengzhi realized that without the Yu family, she was nothing.
Should she try to strengthen her own abilities?
As Yu Mengzhi's thoughts wandered, the sound of a key turning in the lock came from the door. Yu Mengzhi immediately snapped back to attention and ran to open the door for Chen Jinzhao.
Chen Jinzhao stood at the entrance, not a scratch on him.
"You're back."
"Did Hong Fulong do anything to you? I heard Hong Fulong has a fierce temper and isn't someone to trifle with." Yu Mengzhi scrutinized Chen Jinzhao. When Chen Jinzhao saw Yu Mengzhi opening the door for him, he felt a moment of disorientation.
It was a feeling of homey warmth, which made Chen Jinzhao feel quite good.
Feeling uncomfortable under Chen Jinzhao's steady gaze, Yu Mengzhi quickly averted her eyes. Chen Jinzhao then smiled and said, "I didn't see Hong Fulong. When I arrived at his manor, it was already surrounded by military vehicles. I heard Hong Fulong was backed by an overseas organization and was apprehended. Then I was interrogated, and they let me go once they knew I had no connection to Hong Fulong."
"Ah? Is that true?" Yu Mengzhi's eyes widened.
How could it be such a coincidence?
Chen Jinzhao spread his hands; it was indeed a coincidence.
Taking half a step into the house, Yu Mengzhi stopped him. Chen Jinzhao asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Yu Mengzhi pointed to Chen Jinzhao's shoes. Chen Jinzhao saw nothing wrong with them. Yu Mengzhi said with a stern face, "From now on, you must change your shoes when you come home. I bought you a shoe cabinet and two new pairs of slippers when I went grocery shopping."
"What?"
Chen Jinzhao felt dizzy.
Returning to his own home and having to change his shoes? What kind of logic was this?
However, Yu Mengzhi's attitude was resolute, and Chen Jinzhao couldn't say much. He nimbly changed into the brand-new slippers. Only then did Chen Jinzhao notice that Yu Mengzhi was also wearing a pair of pink slippers, clearly a couple's set with his black ones.
Chen Jinzhao's gaze was peculiar, but he didn't point it out immediately.
In addition to this, Yu Mengzhi had also bought Chen Jinzhao new bed sheets, her reason being that his old ones were too ugly.
This made Chen Jinzhao feel overwhelmed.
Even now, when they weren't officially a couple, she was this demanding. If they were to date or even get married in the future, wouldn't there be even more rules?
Chen Jinzhao went to the kitchen and found that the ingredients Yu Mengzhi had bought were quite expensive. It was evident of her rich young lady's upbringing; a few organic vegetables cost almost a hundred yuan.
How would he be able to afford this in the future?
However, Chen Jinzhao had a backup plan. At worst, he could move into the military district's canteen later.
"Can I help with anything?" Yu Mengzhi volunteered.
Chen Jinzhao looked around and realized that a pampered young lady could only manage simple tasks like washing vegetables. Chopping vegetables or meat was simply beyond her capabilities. Yu Mengzhi seemed to know she was clumsy in the kitchen, so she did as Chen Jinzhao instructed.
She was completely obedient to Chen Jinzhao.
The two of them worked for a full hour before preparing a large table full of dishes.
Yu Mengzhi's bangs were stuck to her fair forehead from exertion. Then, happily, she took out her phone to take a few pictures. Chen Jinzhao sat opposite her and only picked up his chopsticks after Yu Mengzhi finished taking photos.
The food tasted good, prepared to Yu Mengzhi's liking.
"Why are you just smiling and not eating?" Yu Mengzhi asked Chen Jinzhao in confusion.
Chen Jinzhao teased, "I just find it amusing that a distinguished young lady is no different from us common folk. I thought you truly didn't eat grains."
"I am human, not an immortal," Yu Mengzhi said speechlessly.
Normally, Yu Mengzhi had a small appetite, but today, in front of Chen Jinzhao, she ate heartily, almost to the point of bursting before stopping. Seeing this, Chen Jinzhao couldn't help but smile, finding Yu Mengzhi quite endearing.
After they finished eating, Chen Jinzhao quietly washed the dishes.
Yu Mengzhi was playing a game on the sofa when she suddenly exclaimed, "It's real! Our group chat is already buzzing about Hong Fulong, and there are even photos from the scene. Do you want to see?"
Chen Jinzhao shook his head. What was there to see?
"A once-powerful figure, fallen just like that," Yu Mengzhi mused.
However, she couldn't help but feel that the timing of Hong Fulong and his organization's downfall was too coincidental with Chen Jinzhao's arrival. She stared at Chen Jinzhao, who was washing dishes in the kitchen, and fell into thought.
Ring ring!
A hurried phone ring echoed. Yu Mengzhi shushed Chen Jinzhao.
It was Yu Lingxiao calling.
"Hello?"
Yu Mengzhi did not address him as "Grandfather" this time.
She had expected Yu Lingxiao to confront her, but to her surprise, Yu Lingxiao's attitude had softened considerably. He said in a gentle tone, "Mengzhi, Grandpa's tone was too harsh this afternoon, and it made you uncomfortable. Grandpa apologizes to you. Grandpa wants to understand some things from you. Has Chen Jinzhao returned from Hong Fulong's place?"
"Yes, why?" Yu Mengzhi was flattered.
Chen Jinzhao perked up his ears, wanting to hear what this old man had to say.
Yu Lingxiao chuckled, "Then did you ask him how he returned from Hong Fulong's place?"
Yu Mengzhi wasn't foolish and quickly connected the dots. She replied with a hint of impatience, "Grandpa, Chen Jinzhao told me that when he got there, he happened to encounter military personnel sealing off Hong Fulong's manor, and then he came back."
"Is that truly how it happened?" Yu Lingxiao's tone turned colder.
Yu Mengzhi affirmed, "Yes, that's exactly how it happened. Shall I have him speak to you himself?"
Yu Lingxiao's wish was unfulfilled, and he had no intention of speaking with Chen Jinzhao, unless Chen Jinzhao was the successor to the elusive Xu Hanchen.
Otherwise, no discussion.
"No need."
"There's nothing to discuss with him. I'm just surprised Hong Fulong didn't drag him down as well." A hint of coldness entered Yu Lingxiao's words, and he once again warned Yu Mengzhi not to get too close to Chen Jinzhao, as it would lead to Chen Jinzhao's demise.
Yu Mengzhi was reaching her limit of impatience.
They said it every day, every day, until her ears were practically worn out.
She retorted, "You need to talk to my father about this. My father already considers Chen Jinzhao his son-in-law. He even said that no matter how much you object, it won't change his decision."
Yu Lingxiao's rage flared, and he roared into the phone.
"Nonsense!!"
"You come back and see me immediately!"