Chapter 3 Are You All Right, My Husband

"Master!" Lin Xilan called out.

Hua Zhan was the mentor who had guided Lin Xilan during her early days at the Zhou Corporation. Over the years, he had taught her everything, from professional technical skills to the nuances of human relationships.

"Are you free? Let’s grab a coffee," Hua Zhan suggested.

"At your command!" Lin Xilan agreed readily.

The cafe downstairs was empty, save for the two of them.

"You’ve been looking haggard lately."

Hua Zhan took a sip of his coffee. Lin Xilan nodded. "Of course I look haggard. My best friend got pregnant by my husband, and after she miscarried, I had to take care of her. Could I be any more pathetic?"

Only in front of Hua Zhan would Lin Xilan drop her guard, if even just a little.

Hua Zhan gave her a thumbs-up. "Pathetic, indeed! But that’s not who you are." He paused, then added, "I thought with your personality, you would be fighting Song Qingli for Zhou Yuheng."

Lin Xilan lowered her head, her fingers tracing the logo on her coffee cup. "Fight for him? Don't be ridiculous. Fighting over a man is meaningless; fighting over a man’s career—that’s where the fun is."

Hua Zhan raised an eyebrow, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. "A student worthy of my teaching."

"But let me warn you," he continued, "Zhou Yuheng may look like a dog that has fallen into the water, but in reality, he is a dragon trapped at the bottom of the sea. Don't underestimate him."

Zhou Yuheng was an illegitimate son. No one in the Zhou family took him seriously, keeping him around merely as an idle hanger-on. Yet, those with sharp eyes knew he was no ordinary man.

Lin Xilan nodded in acknowledgment.

Hua Zhan couldn't help but ask, "So, what are your plans now? Zhou Yuheng is being blatant about his affair. This marriage, I fear..."

"I understand. But it isn't the right time yet. For now, I must continue to play the sycophant."

***

Lately, Zhou Yuheng had been occupied with Song Qingli, leaving Lin Xilan to enjoy a life of leisure. She lived in a detached villa, kept a golden retriever, and had a steady stream of income. Life was comfortable, and she prayed it would stay this way for a long time. However, it wasn't long before trouble brewed on Zhou Yuheng's side.

The Zhou family had discovered the affair between Zhou Yuheng and Song Qingli, and Lin Xilan was summoned back to the Zhou estate in the middle of the night.

Outside the study, she overheard the conversation between Zhou Yuheng and Zhou Jinsheng.

"I want a divorce," Zhou Yuheng declared.

"You scoundrel! Do you take marriage for a child's game?"

Lin Xilan had heard Zhou Jinsheng say this for over two years; she was tired of it.

Then, she heard Zhou Yuheng respond, "It is precisely because I don't take it as a game that I want to marry the woman I love."

Zhou Jinsheng pleaded earnestly, "Xilan is a good person. You could try to like her."

"What is so good about a woman who came out of a hostess bar? If she’s so great, why don't you marry her yourself?"

A moment later, a sharp, crisp sound of a slap echoed through the room. Lin Xilan closed her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. How satisfying.

After a pause, she heard Zhou Jinsheng say, "I don't care if you don't like her; the deed is done. Let this be the end of it here. If you don't restrain yourself and your grandfather finds out, I will skin you alive!"

"Cut ties with that woman outside. If you don't, I will do it for you! And don't even think about a divorce. Unless Lin Xilan is the one to ask for it, it will never happen!"

Lin Xilan was enjoying the drama when the door suddenly opened and Zhou Jinsheng stepped out.

"Ah, Xilan, you're here."

Zhou Jinsheng’s expression shifted instantly, his anger replaced by a welcoming smile.

"Good evening, Father."

Zhou Jinsheng looked at her and immediately said, "Xilan, don't worry. I’ve already disciplined Yuheng. You two should go back and live a good life, and you, keep a closer eye on him."

The weight behind Zhou Jinsheng's final remark was not lost on her. Lin Xilan understood immediately.

"I understand, Father. I haven't done well in this regard; I haven't cared for Yuheng enough. I will be more attentive in the future."

Lin Xilan’s words clearly pleased him. "You are truly the sensible one."

As Zhou Jinsheng left, Lin Xilan walked up to Zhou Yuheng. Her almond-shaped eyes widened with a touch of playfulness. "Hello, how are you doing, my dear husband?"