Can't Stop Him At All

After sending the kids off, Wang Yan went straight to the company and didn't go home.

He didn't care, but Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin would definitely feel bad.

He had nothing to say about Zhong Xiaoqin's situation.

A merchant sold fake shoes, and a customer came with the goods demanding a refund. Zhong Xiaoqin, passing by, stepped in to help mediate.

The issue wasn't resolved properly, and the customer, a couple who might have been prepared from the start, escalated the conflict.

The onlookers, who had seen the whole thing, didn't step in to de-escalate the situation, just held up their phones and watched the show.

Once it spread, a crowd of people who didn't know the truth, and never bothered to find out, had their sense of justice explode. Coupled with influential figures speaking out against it, they started spewing venom without restraint.

This was a common social phenomenon. Was it a distortion of human nature or a decay of morality? It was hard to say.

Arriving at the company, Wang Yan brewed a pot of tea and slowly sipped it.

"Ring. Ring. Ring."

At that moment, the phone by the tea set rang. Wang Yan glanced at it, frowned slightly, and answered, "Hello? What's up?"

"Hmm? When?"

"Okay, I understand."

"How's the arrangement you were tasked with?"

"Are you sure it's all sorted out?"

"Alright, that's all."

Wang Yan's subordinates had tried their best. A week had passed, and the Chen Yu and Chen Xu brothers were living it up, indulging in lavish parties every day.

At first, they refused, but after being plied with too much alcohol, coupled with the accumulated stress of divorce, work, and other matters, Chen Yu finally let loose.

Everything has a first time. Once that hurdle is passed, there's no point in making excuses to comfort yourself. Chen Yu barely had time for his beloved photography, spending his days immersed in pleasure. His body was already a bit weak from staying up late recently; this time, it wasn't just weakness, but depletion.

China was seven to eight hours ahead of Europe. Yesterday, when the incident fermented, it was afternoon there.

Waking up with a hangover, Chen Yu, as a news professional, naturally paid attention to trending topics. As expected, he saw the news about Zhong Xiaoqin.

Chen Yu's intuition told him something was wrong.

He quickly called Zhong Xiaoqin, but it was no use. Zhong Xiaoqin was drinking at the time.

This made Chen Yu even more worried. After some thought, he notified Zhong Xiaoqin's parents, urging them to flee and hide for a while.

Then, without a second thought, he grabbed Chen Xu from next door and prepared to return to China.

Chen Xu was also caught up in the fun, groggy and disoriented, and was pulled up without fully understanding.

"What's up, bro? I want to sleep a bit longer, why are you in such a hurry?"

"Hurry up and pack, we're going back."

Hearing "going back," Chen Xu jolted awake. He was having a great time and didn't want to leave at all.

"Going back? We still have a week left! What are we going back for?"

"Xiaoqin is in trouble, I have to go back and see. Ugh, stop dawdling, hurry up."

Chen Xu had been enjoying himself immensely these past few days, and Chen Yu had been with him. He opened his mouth to say, "What does her trouble have to do with you?" But the words stopped at his lips. This was Chen Yu's own business.

As his brother, what else could he do? He silently got up and packed his things.

Chen Yu quickly contacted his subordinate, informed him about returning to China, and told him to be careful and ensure the safety of other employees.

After packing, he bought two plane tickets back to China with Chen Xu. Since the direct flights were full, they had to endure a layover.

It wasn't until the plane reached ten thousand meters that Chen Yu came to his senses.

"Why did I do this?"

Chen Yu questioned himself repeatedly. Only he knew the true answer.

After hanging up the phone, Wang Yan didn't know what to say.

He had made arrangements to this extent, what else could he say?

Although he thought Zhong Xiaoqin was quite a piece of work, he had to admit he was impressed by what Chen Yu had done.

This was Chen Yu's choice, and he should respect it.

Whatever Chen Yu wanted to do, he should do it. Wang Yan was just a minor influence, merely guiding things. In the end, it was useless; what was meant to happen would happen.

He believed he had treated Chen Yu very well, providing him with ample money, career prospects, and a bright future. His subordinates had arranged for him to experience various cultures abroad and see beautiful scenery.

Yet, upon hearing the news, he rushed back without delay?

After some thought, Wang Yan called the two subordinates he had there and told them it was time to act.

He would anonymously report some dirt on Zhong Xiaoyang's family to the relevant authorities. He really couldn't stand Zhong Xiaoyang.

Although fundamentally they were no different, both seducing married women. But Wang Yan was serious and responsible; he didn't just play around and run. Moreover, he had only subtly guided things initially, knowing that Xu Huanshan would cheat. Given Gu Jia's personality, even with some minor flirtation, if Xu Huanshan hadn't cheated, Wang Yan would have had no opportunity.

But judging by Zhong Xiaoyang's promiscuous history and his habit of hopping between partners, it was clear he was the type to play and leave. Liang Zhengxian was leagues ahead of him; at least he didn't mess with married women, though perhaps that wasn't his preference.

Zhong Xiaoyang's hometown was in the Northeast, and he and Wang Yan were fellow provincials.

Honestly, given the current time period, hitting someone that hard would inevitably lead to certain consequences. This was entirely a matter of people.

<Zhong Xiaoyang>'s family would, of course, be unable to avoid various shady dealings. With this blow, their family was bound to collapse.

He wouldn't interfere with the rest, nor would he make any more subtle moves. It was all up to <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s own choice.

After giving his instructions, <Wang Yan> went back to tending to company matters. The Liang family was already as good as finished.

<Gu Jia> spent the entire morning comforting <Zhong Xiaoqin>, hoping she could be stronger and get through this difficult time.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> had no other recourse; she was genuinely terrified.

Just then, she received a call from her mother: "Xiaoqin, are you alright? I called so many times yesterday, but none of them went through."

"Mom, I'm fine. I'm at <Gu Jia>'s place. Don't worry about us. How are you all? Are you okay?"

"We're fine. Yesterday, <Chen Yu> called us and told us to hide quickly. We're at your second aunt's house now. Don't worry about us; just take care of yourself."

Hearing that <Chen Yu>, even from Europe, was still paying attention to her parents, <Zhong Xiaoqin> thought about her own inappropriate behavior from before. She felt a mix of gratitude and unease.

"Xiaoqin, why are people so wicked?"

"Old Zhang next door messaged me this morning, saying he saw our doorstep splashed with red paint and the keyhole clogged with glue as soon as he went out."

"They even spray-painted some words on the wall. I'm telling you, they were incredibly vicious. Your dad said that if our building wasn't so high up, they would have smashed the windows. These people, really... how could they do this?"

Listening to her mother's rambling, <Zhong Xiaoqin> felt immense guilt, her eyes filling with tears. Yesterday, she had only focused on her own sadness and pain, never considering what her parents had gone through.

She forced herself to hide her distress from her mother, comforted her for a while, and then hung up.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> hugged her arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Thinking about her parents' ordeal, her own suffering, and her complicated feelings for <Zhong Xiaoyang> and <Chen Yu>, she could only cry to vent her emotions.

<Gu Jia> gently patted <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s back, offering silent comfort.

She didn't know what to say; anything she said might just rub salt in the wound. She could only be there silently.

After a long while, <Zhong Xiaoqin> finished crying and was scrolling through her phone.

She saw an announcement on her company's Weibo page stating that the employee surnamed Zhong involved in the incident had been dismissed.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> was indignant. Regardless of what others thought, she angrily rushed to the company to demand an explanation.

She eventually learned that <Zhong Xiaoyang> had taken the fall for her.

<Zhong Xiaoqin>'s emotions were complex. She hadn't expected <Zhong Xiaoyang> to go this far for her.

She called <Zhong Xiaoyang>, confirmed his location, and then, with a heavy heart, went to find him.

When they met, <Zhong Xiaoyang> spoke some truths mixed with half-truths, explaining some of his family's situation.

"I'm not worried about my job, so why should you be?"

"Besides, if the two of us are together, an office romance would mean one of us has to leave."

<Zhong Xiaoqin> couldn't stand this kind of talk. Hearing his words, she felt a little sweetness, but outwardly she said, "Who said I wanted to be with you?"

"<Zhong Xiaoyang>, do you know what makes me angriest about this whole thing?"

"If this incident hadn't happened, I was already prepared to be your girlfriend. Now, with you causing this scene, it feels like I'm just repaying your favor."

With that, she turned to leave.

Hearing this, <Zhong Xiaoyang> knew he had succeeded. The deed was done, why drag it out?

He quickly stepped forward, pulled <Zhong Xiaoqin> towards him, cupped her face, and kissed her passionately.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> was moved by the romantic atmosphere. The complex feelings she had upon hearing about <Chen Yu>'s call about her parents fleeing were long gone, forgotten miles away.

She responded passionately to <Zhong Xiaoyang>.

After a long moment, they broke apart.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> looked shyly at <Zhong Xiaoyang>, saying nothing.

<Zhong Xiaoyang> continued to whisper sweet nothings for a while before they returned to the main topic.

"Sister, are you getting used to staying at Sister Gu's place?"

Speaking of this, <Zhong Xiaoqin> hesitated: "Not really, but I truly have nowhere else to go. Everywhere I go now, I feel like people are watching me, as if they're about to attack or scold me."

"How about... you come stay with me for a while?" <Zhong Xiaoyang> put on an act of doing it all for her own good.

Hearing this suggestion, to be honest, <Zhong Xiaoqin> was somewhat tempted.

However, she thought that since they had just confirmed their relationship, moving in together right away might not be ideal. It could make <Zhong Xiaoyang> think she was an easy or frivolous woman, and that wouldn't be good: "Never mind, I'll tough it out for a couple of days first, and we can talk about it later."

"Besides, I had already rented an apartment before, but this incident has made it difficult to move in."

Being awkward was better than being seen as casual. Although it was indeed a bit of an imposition on <Gu Jia>, she really had no choice. She'd have to brazen it out and stay.

Seeing that it was impossible, <Zhong Xiaoyang> didn't push any further.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> left with the lighthearted joy of a young girl, feeling very pleased.

All the way, she thought about the kiss they had just shared, and she even felt like skipping.

Happily returning to <Tianyue Mansion>, <Zhong Xiaoqin> became unhappy as soon as she reached the entrance. Living under someone else's roof, especially someone she disliked, was unbearable, no matter how thick-skinned she was.

After the property management contacted <Gu Jia>, they swiped <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s card, allowing her to go up.

Watching her sisters, one happy and one worried, Gu Jia was curious why Zhong Xiaoqin had changed so much. She had been crying her eyes out that morning, and now she was fine after just one outing?

Gu Jia voiced her confusion, "Xiaoqin, you have such a complex expression. What happened?"

Zhong Xiaoqin chattered about what had happened, ending with a pitiful plea, "Gu Jia, I might have to bother you for a few more days."

Regarding this, Gu Jia had already called Wang Yan to let him know when Zhong Xiaoqin had left earlier. She had to consider Wang Yan's feelings, after all.

Gu Jia waved her hand dismissively, "What are you talking about, Xiaoqin? Don't worry, you can stay as long as you want."

Gu Jia, being very smart, didn't comment on what Zhong Xiaoqin had said earlier.

After living with Wang Yan for so long, she was bound to be influenced. This time, she wouldn't stand on a moral high ground and spout nonsense.

Seeing Gu Jia's resolute tone, so different from her slight melancholy that morning, Zhong Xiaoqin knew Gu Jia had sorted things out with Wang Yan and finally felt at ease.

Wang Manni also learned about Zhong Xiaoqin's situation and asked about it in their group chat.

Gu Jia invited them to meet at her dessert shop. After all, it was inconvenient for Zhong Xiaoqin to go anywhere in her current state. And even though she knew Wang Yan wasn't interested in Wang Manni, and Wang Manni already had Liang Zhengxian, Gu Jia still didn't want Wang Manni to come over.

Plastic sisters, the first time showing off is enough, don't even think about the rest.

Since it wasn't far, Wang Manni came over during her lunch break.

Upon meeting, she first asked with concern, "Xiaoqin, are you okay?"

Although they had been close before, that was only for a short while. Moreover, now she was in trouble and relying on others. She forced a smile, "I'm fine, it's nothing serious now."

She then told Wang Manni about what had happened earlier.

"Ah, is that so? Then this younger brother is really good to you? Honestly, how far have you two gone?" Unlike Gu Jia, Wang Manni was more engaging.

At this question, the sweetness in Zhong Xiaoqin's heart returned. She was truly carefree, "Manni, let me tell you..."

Getting emotional, she chattered about the little ambiguous moments and romantic gestures between her and Zhong Xiaoyang.

Wang Manni playfully teased her a couple of times, while Gu Jia smiled and remained silent, quietly enjoying her pastries and listening to their conversation.

"By the way, you mentioned in the group chat a few days ago that Liang Zhengxian was going to develop his business here. How is that going?"

"He's with me now. He's probably dealing with a lot of business matters, leaving early and returning late every day. He's not as relaxed as he used to be," Wang Manni said with a mix of sweetness and slight regret.

"Ah, since he's in Shanghai, haven't you, the future boss's wife, gone to see him?" Zhong Xiaoqin teased.

Wang Manni frowned slightly, "No, he didn't tell me. Seeing how tired he is every day, I didn't bring it up."

Gu Jia wanted to say something upon hearing this but ultimately held her tongue.

The three sisters tacitly avoided discussing Wang Yan. Ever since Gu Jia got together with Wang Yan, Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni had never talked about Gu Jia's life.

After chatting idly for a while longer, Wang Manni left for work. Gu Jia drove Zhong Xiaoqin out for a spin, treating it as a way to relax.

In the afternoon, the Chen brothers, Chen Yu and Chen Xu, returned.

Chen Yu rushed home, and his doorstep wasn't much better.

Without paying attention to the mess, Chen Yu put down his things and got to work.

He had already figured out his plan on the plane: follow the clues, find the source, take photos as evidence, and catch them all in one go.

Over the next two days, Chen Yu and Chen Xu began their investigation, tracking and interviewing people. As a seasoned frontline journalist, Chen Yu had excellent insight.

Apart from a beating, everything went smoothly.

This situation was much worse than in the original story. Chen Yu's body was severely depleted during this period. Although Chen Xu was younger and had more energy, his recent indulgence hadn't done him any favors either.

If they hadn't called the police in advance, the arriving officers wouldn't have been able to save the two bruised and battered men. They had narrowly escaped death from the sticks and fists.

In the end, Chen Yu suffered four broken ribs, a broken arm, and a fractured leg. Chen Xu was much better off, only limping with a strained arm. This was mainly because Chen Yu, as the older brother, had shielded him with his life during the kicks, taking the brunt of the damage.

The outcome was a happy one for everyone.

Zhong Xiaoqin successfully turned the tide. The previously frenzied and critical netizens now turned into supportive fans, liking, supporting, and sharing. "Hmm, this is a good girl."

Chen Yu successfully boosted his company's reputation and, by extension, the media outlet they operated. As for whether he achieved his personal goals, that remained to be seen.

While lounging on the balcony, basking in the sun, Zhong Xiaoqin received a call from Chen Xu, telling her to watch the news.

After hanging up, Zhong Xiaoqin checked her phone and saw the news about the crackdown on a counterfeit goods den. Thinking of Chen Xu's call, it was obvious who was responsible.

Putting down her phone, Zhong Xiaoqin stared blankly into the distance, her heart stirred.

Thank you (刀锋饮血) Brother Dao for another 100 coin reward. Thank you, Brother Dao, for your continued support.

Thank you (王暮暮) for your monthly ticket support.

Thank you (一刹拿) for your monthly ticket support.

Thank you (书友20171029005308066) for your monthly ticket support.

Thank you (书友20180410234227016) for your monthly ticket support.

Daily thanks to all the brothers who voted for recommendations.

Thanks to the brothers who commented and those who only read the books.

Thank you (程捷安) Old Brother Cheng, thank you (小小书迷一个xwb), thank you (混沌之刺), thank you (承诺), thank you (无常), and many other good brothers. Forgive your younger brother for not being able to list everyone, so I can only thank the above brothers as representatives.

Big brothers never make a fuss, they just silently vote, and your younger brother sees it all. Thank you, big brothers, for your consistent silent support.

Thank you, big brothers, for supporting your younger brother.