Jin Qingyan analyzed, “But he’s entirely capable of killing the person who had harmed and set him up back then. Why did he have to ask for your help?”
An Xiaoning answered without hesitation, “To clear his name, of course. If he were to just kill the person who harmed him, he wouldn’t gain anything else apart from being able to vent all his anger and hatred toward the man. Nothing else can be changed. This is his ultimate agenda. He laid a trap for me and lured me inside, so as to make use of me to clear his name. He then put on this show to appear convincing. What a seamless plan he has devised.”
An icy cold gaze formed in Jin Qingyan’s eyes and he remarked, “He’s devised a great plan.”
“We shall beat him at his own game.”
“What do you plan to do, then?”
An Xiaoning blinked at him and said, “I have my own plans.”
He smiled and rubbed his finger against her nose. “It’s very likely that he had fed you with lots of lies too. You must be very careful when handling this.”
“That goes without saying. Rest assured, I’ll come up with a seamless plan to deal with him.”
“Yes, I absolutely have faith in you. I believe you’ll handle it well.”
——
Fang Erlan was secretly discharged from the hospital and moved to the mansion in the suburbs of B City.
Ever since she moved in, Xiao Chenyang had ordered for all other guests to be forbidden from checking in.
Fang Erlan really enjoyed staying there during her recovery period. Xiao Yue and the chauffeur had moved in with her too.
On the surface, Fang Erlan and Xiao Chenyang occupied separate rooms. However, in reality, he would sneak into her room every night.
Even the dimwitted Xiao Yue could smell a rat.
Recalling Xiao Chenyang’s actions, Xiao Yue further confirmed her speculations.
Hence, when Xiao Chenyang headed to the bathroom after breakfast, Xiao Yue took the chance to bombard Fang Erlan with her question, “Sis Erlan, did you already begin dating Cousin a long time ago?”
Well aware that Xiao Yue carried a torch for Xiao Chenyang, Fang Erlan hesitated before asking, “Um, Xiao Yue… did you discover something?”
After some thought, Xiao Yue answered, “I know that Cousin really fancies you.”
Fang Erlan did not wish to hide the truth from her. After all, Xiao Yue was her personal assistant who followed her everywhere she went. She also knew that Xiao Yue wouldn’t spread it to outsiders.
However, it was impossible to tell her about their previous lifetime.
“I got together with him after I broke up with Senior Yan Ge.”
Trying to force herself to smile, Xiao Yue said, “Actually, I’ve already guessed it. You guys just didn’t tell me yet. Sis Erlan, Cousin must be head-over-heels in love with you. He simply can’t take his eyes off of you. I can tell that he really dotes on you, and it was only a matter of time before you’d fall for him.”
“Xiao Yue… I know you have a crush on him…”
“Sis Erlan, from now onwards, I’ll only see him as my brother-in-law. So, it’s okay, don’t worry about me. I know that Cousin will never be interested in someone like me anyway. I’m not that thick-skinned or oblivious. Sis Erlan, you truly have my blessings, and I wish you and Cousin conjugal bliss.”
Fang Erlan held her hand and said, “Thank you, Xiao Yue.”
Xiao Yue smiled and said, “Sis Erlan, my one-sided relationship has finally come to an end. I must have a delectable feast this afternoon to make up for the emotional trauma I’ve suffered.”
“Sure, your cravings will be satisfied.”
Xiao Chenyang exited from the washroom to see that they were smiling at each other. “What are you guys smiling about?” he asked.
“Xiao Yue wants to eat some tasty food for lunch and I agreed to satisfy her desires. Shall we go out for a feast in the afternoon?”
“Xiao Yue? I think you’re the one who wants to feast. Am I right?” said Xiao Chenyang, who exposed her relentlessly.
Fang Erlan admitted, “Yes, I’m so sick of drinking soup every day. I protest. I don’t want to drink soup anymore, I want to feast!”
“Okay, we’ll have a feast for lunch this afternoon. You guys may eat to your hearts’ content.”
Joy was written all over Fang Erlan’s face. Her eyes lit up and she asked, “Really?”
“Yes.”
Xiao Yue chirped gleefully, “Terrific, Cousin, you’ve finally decided to be benevolent and cut Sis Erlan some slack. All Sis Erlan has been eating every day are eggs and soup. She’s going to throw up if you feed her any more of those tasteless food.”
“It’s all for her own good.” He handed Fang Erlan a cup of water for her to rinse her mouth with. “You must nourish your body and replenish all the blood that you had lost. Your wound is not going to heal in a few days. You must spend more time recuperating. Nothing matters more than your health.”
Fang Erlan could tell how serious he was.
Seemingly having sensed his determination to protect her, Fang Erlan smiled widely and nodded abidingly. “Okay. I’ll listen to you and adhere to your arrangements.”
Xiao Yue gasped in shock and remarked, “Sis Erlan, I’ve never seen you being so meek and compliant before.”
Fang Erlan pursed her lips and said, “That’s what happens to women once they’re in love.”
Upon discovering that Fang Erlan had revealed their relationship to Xiao Yue, Xiao Chenyang warned Xiao Yue, “You’d better not spill the beans. If not…” He pointed his finger at her as if it were a gun and continued, “I’ll…”
Before he could even finish, Xiao Yue frantically exclaimed, “Rest assured, Cousin, my lips are sealed!”
“Okay, I trust you.”
Xiao Yue chuckled. Staring at the man of her dreams who was untouchable, she could not help but envy Fang Erlan.
“Cousin, Sis Erlan, I’m going back to my room to take a nap. Call me when it’s time for lunch.”
“Got it, go ahead.”
“Hello, hello, you have a text message!”
Fang Erlan grabbed her mobile phone to see that it was a text from Director Gao, who was asking about her injury and about when she can resume filming.
After taking a glance at the content of the message, Xiao Chenyang said, “Tell her that we don’t know when you’ll fully recover and that you’ll resume work once your wound is completely healed.”
“How about next week? I should be fine by then. The season is perfect for filming this television series. If we postpone it any further, it’s going to be Autumn. What if we can’t finish filming by then…?” said Fang Erlan, who did not wish to cause any delay in the production. Noticing the sullen expression on his face, she added, “I really want to finish filming as soon as possible. Once I’m done, I’ll be able to spend time with you properly.”
Staring at her glistening eyes, Xiao Chenyang said, “Don’t force yourself to do it if you can’t. If you still can’t manage to get back to work by next week, just turn her down.”
“Okay.”
Unable to contain his joy that was derived from her obedience, he kissed her and asked, “Do you want to go out for a walk?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to bring some snacks along?”
“Yes.”
“What else do you want?”
Fang Erlan answered, “I want you.”
Xiao Chenyang smiled and said, “Your wish is my command.”
——
First thing in the morning, An Xiaoning headed straight to the room where the owner of the tomb had been kept in.
