Chapter One Hundred and Five: A Humiliating Loss

Page (1/3)

He Chuan remained silent, his gaze instead carrying a probing curiosity as he looked at Mrs. He. The phrase “very busy person” was a blatant mockery, far from a compliment. Naturally, Mrs. He noticed his expression but maintained a composed demeanor. She said, “Now that your father is ill and hospitalized, and the He family business still needs managing, if you find it overwhelming, I can have my relatives come over to help.”

Mrs. He’s relatives from her natal family were a group of incompetent individuals with no qualifications. When He Wei was alive, he had explicitly forbidden Mrs. He’s family members from working in the company—no discussion allowed. Now that He Wei was suddenly ill and lying in the hospital, Mrs. He was trying to start from He Chuan’s side. She was prepared that if He Chuan refused, she could pressure him with He Wei’s condition.

He Chuan furrowed his brow but smiled gently, “Under what capacity are you making this request?”

“I only want what’s best for the company. I’m afraid you’ll be overwhelmed, especially since you’re branching out overseas. The company cannot be left in the hands of someone untrustworthy. He Cheng doesn’t understand management, so he definitely can’t enter the company. But my family has capable and suitable people.”

To He Chuan, this meant Mrs. He had already given up hope that He Wei would recover. She was eager to insert her own trusted people into the company. The only avenue was through He Chuan; if he agreed, there would be no problem. The key was how to get He Chuan’s approval. He would not easily concede to outsiders entering the company, especially relatives from Mrs. He’s family.

He Chuan looked at her: “Let’s talk after visiting the hospital tomorrow. Besides, I’m not the one in charge here.”

Mrs. He agreed; they would discuss this after tomorrow’s hospital visit. He Chuan lingered for a while, not in a hurry to leave. Mrs. He asked, “Will you stay at home tonight or go back to your place?”

“Either is fine.”

“It’s late, so I’ll have the maid tidy up your room. Just stay tonight.”

…

The next morning, He Chuan went to the hospital with Mrs. He and saw He Wei. He Wei’s emotions surged upon seeing He Chuan. Lying in bed, paralyzed, he could move only his eyes and had awareness but could not speak properly. It was classic hemiplegia, commonly called paralysis on one side, caused by central nervous system damage. The doctors explained He Wei’s condition was due to an acute stroke. Early detection saved his life, but speech and mobility were lost—his state was essentially that of a cripple.

Mrs. He was somewhat saddened and said, “We didn’t tell you earlier because we feared it would affect your work abroad. Now that you’re back, it’s impossible to hide. Your father cannot speak or walk and can’t do anything.”

Almost implying he was a total invalid. “It was sudden and acute. The doctor said at his age, such incidents are common and normal.” The doctor had quietly left the room.

Mrs. He stood by the door and said, “Don’t be too upset. When people reach a certain age, illnesses come with them. What’s important now is to hold onto the company and prevent any trouble. As for your father’s illness, we must keep it under wraps to avoid affecting the company’s operations.”

“And about last night’s matter, I hope you’ll consider it. Given the current situation, my suggestion is the best. He Chuan, I’ve been married to your father for so many years, always doing what’s best for the He family. My family has the capability and we’re family—more trustworthy than outsiders.”

Family? He Chuan pondered her words carefully—were they truly family?

…

He Cheng had just finished filming a variety show and was resting backstage, distractedly playing games. Ah Zhou was sorting clothes nearby for upcoming appearances. A makeup assistant passing by noticed several alarming bruises on her arm and kindly asked, “What happened to your hand?”

Startled, Ah Zhou quickly covered the bruises and shook her head, “It’s nothing, just bumped it accidentally.”

“Looks serious. How did you get such bad bruises?”

“It’s my first time recording here. The place is unfamiliar and some areas are dark without lights, so I wasn’t careful…”

The makeup assistant, who knew Ah Zhou, expressed concern, “Be careful. These injuries can’t be ignored. I’ll get some ointment for you.”

Ah Zhou lowered her head, thanking her quietly, about to decline, but the assistant was enthusiastic and quickly fetched the medicine.

He Cheng sat at the makeup table facing a large mirror, staring at Ah Zhou’s reflection with a fierce, cold gaze. Ah Zhou shivered, instinctively afraid. When the other staff briefly left the lounge, she hurried over to He Cheng, bowing her head in a remorseful posture.

He Cheng glanced away from his game, “What, did you just talk to the makeup artist?”

“No, I didn’t say anything. She just saw the bruises on my arm and wanted to bring some medicine.”

“So kind? You two know each other?”

“We met during a show, occasionally run into each other…” Ah Zhou was terrified of He Cheng. She dared not hide anything from him; whatever he asked, she answered.

He Cheng raised his tone, “Oh? Did you tell her how you got the injuries?”

“No, absolutely not.”

He Cheng smiled knowingly, “Then how did you get them?”

“I… I bumped myself, I wasn’t careful…” Ah Zhou nearly cried, emphasizing her fear. He Cheng was cruel; if she slipped up, he would torment her both mentally and physically. She dared not resist.

Unsatisfied with her answer, He Cheng said, “Come here.”

Ah Zhou seemed to anticipate what he would do next and trembled as she approached him and slowly crouched down…

The lounge door was locked; the makeup assistant with the medicine knocked and called out, “Ah Zhou? Are you in there? The door won’t open.”

Ah Zhou sat disheveled on the makeup table, with He Cheng in front of her, dressed neatly, looking down at her like a pitiful fawn. He said, “Put your clothes on properly and open the door.”

Relieved, Ah Zhou quickly got off the table, hastily tidying her clothes. He Cheng reclined on the sofa by the wall, pretending to nap.

Ah Zhou glanced at him, buttoned the last button, patted her face, and quickly opened the door.

“Shh,” she warned, “Brother Cheng is resting.”

The assistant nodded in understanding and handed her the ointment, “I have to go now. Remember to apply this and be careful next time.”

“Thank you.”

“Take care.”

After the assistant left, Ah Zhou closed the door but did not lock it.

He Cheng might have genuinely been tired; he really rested on the sofa for a short while.

Ah Zhou gripped the small medicine bottle tightly, full of grievances but too afraid to show them.

He Cheng’s cruelty escalated; he spared no mercy. Previously, he wouldn’t leave marks on her in hotel rooms, but now, wherever there was no one else, he would act on impulse, growing harsher. Bruises and scars covered her body, many still fresh and hard to fade.

The bruises on her arm were from just yesterday in the car.

Ah Zhou dared not cry, fearing that if He Cheng knew, life would only get worse.

He didn’t care if Tanya Zhuo knew; even if she did, she would turn a blind eye, having no influence over him.

…

That evening, Mrs. He called He Cheng, asking him to visit the hospital and see the ailing He Wei.

She told him, “He Chuan came by during the day. No matter how unwilling you feel, you must play the filial son role, at least for now. Son, endure it and cooperate.”

If not for the family inheritance, He Cheng would never agree.

At the hospital, He Cheng told Ah Zhou to wait in the car and not come with him.

Ah Zhou obediently agreed.

He Cheng entered the ward, found Mrs. He alone, as He Chuan was absent.

He Cheng didn’t bother pretending; he glanced at his father on the bed with impatience.

After sitting a while and watching Mrs. He massage He Wei’s limbs, He Cheng turned his face away.

Mrs. He said, “Next time you come, you can help massage your father’s muscles. People need movement; if not, muscles will atrophy.”

Unclear whether she spoke to He Cheng or He Wei.

He Wei woke up and could only move his eyes. He seemed to want to say something but couldn’t produce sound.

Mrs. He noticed, smiled at him, “Just rest well and don’t worry about anything. He Cheng came to see you, did you know?”

He Wei’s eyes teared up, helpless and pitiful. Mrs. He deliberately ignored him, covered him with a blanket, and went to wash her hands.

He Cheng then asked, “Will he get better?”

Mrs. He said, “What do you think? It suits us better if he doesn’t recover. Based on the current situation, if we unite—mother and son—and rally the other family members to push He Chuan out, how could your father possibly recover? If he did, our plans would be ruined.”

He Cheng raised an eyebrow and slowly said, “Mom, the plan is good, but He Chuan isn’t so easy to deal with.”

Page (2/3)

“So we need your help. Once He Chuan collapses, we have a chance.”

He Cheng seemed to have realized something interesting and said, “Now that you mention it, I remembered something that might be useful.”

“What is it?”

“The youngest daughter of the Cheng family, Cheng Hui.” He Cheng paused. “Mom, maybe we should start with Cheng Hui.”

Mrs. He was stunned. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t you get it? He Chuan is interested in Cheng Hui, but the Cheng family would never agree. He Chuan suddenly went abroad, probably related to this. We can test He Chuan through Cheng Hui and find out.”

Mrs. He’s pupils contracted. “How could that be? That’s too…”

“But that’s the truth. Otherwise, why has He Chuan been in frequent contact with Cheng Hui recently?”

“That Cheng Hui girl—I should’ve known she wasn’t a good person. I once wanted to adopt her as a goddaughter, but she looked down on me. Now that I think about it, she’s no good.” Mrs. He was confident and surprised that He Chuan’s character would be drawn to a girl from the Cheng family.

…

He Wei’s paralysis and hospitalization had been well concealed; even the Cheng family had no clue.

After the wedding, Xin Gan moved out from home to live with Cheng Jiu.

Not in the Cheng family home, but in his apartment in the city.

Though the apartment wasn’t large, Xin Gan was satisfied; it was just right.

After the wedding, Cheng Jiu wore a wedding ring but kept a low profile, never mentioning his marriage. He behaved as usual.

They had a wedding, but Xin Gan didn’t want a honeymoon because Cheng Jiu’s vacation had to be applied for in advance. His work was just stabilizing, and she didn’t want to affect it. Besides, she didn’t lack time to be close with him.

They had a long time ahead to take things slowly.

Cheng Jiu picked her up punctually every day after work, stopped by the supermarket to buy groceries, then cooked at home.

Life was simple and leisurely. Xin Gan enjoyed it and hoped it would stay that way—without upheaval or storms. Life’s worst fear was turbulence and turmoil.

But Xin Gan was quite worried about Cheng Hui.

Cheng Hui had been at school lately, and they chatted on WeChat. Xin Gan didn’t notice any emotional problems and was afraid to mention sensitive topics lest it upset her. So she never brought up anything inappropriate.

One day, an unexpected visitor came to the studio—someone Xin Gan didn’t anticipate.

Yet seeing him, she wasn’t surprised.

It was He Cheng.

He wore sunglasses and a mask, bundled up tightly. Upon arriving, he removed his hat, sunglasses, and mask, revealing his captivating face. He was undeniably handsome, though not to Xin Gan’s taste.

But that didn’t stop other female teachers in the studio from screaming in disbelief. That face and figure were unmistakably He Cheng’s.

Xin Gan was blunt. “What do you want?”

He Cheng smiled, “I heard you had your wedding. I was busy those days and couldn’t attend to congratulate you in person.”

Xin Gan didn’t believe his so-called congratulations; she knew he wasn’t a good person.

“No need, thanks.”

“I insist. We’ve known each other so long. You’re married now; I have to give you a gift.”

“Mr. He, we’re not that close. No need for gifts.”

The assistant saw this and quickly cleared others away, leaving only the two of them.

Xin Gan’s eyelid twitched upon seeing He Cheng. His appearances never bode well.

She said, “Better not stay here. If you get photographed like at the last exhibition, I’d be ruined. I’m married now, Mr. He. Please respect yourself.”

Was he really unafraid of being photographed and having his career harmed?

He relied solely on his fanbase, no works or acting skills. Without traffic, he was doomed.

They had been photographed once before. Why would he come here again?

He Cheng smiled, ignoring her coldness. “Xin Gan, I’m giving you a gift. Someone’s bringing it in now. I think you’ll like it. Even if you’re married, that doesn’t stop me from treating you as a friend.”

Xin Gan fell silent.

Soon, someone brought in a box, unpacking to reveal a framed painting.

It was one of the famous abstract artworks Xin Gan had seen at the last exhibition—the one where she and He Cheng were photographed.

He Cheng said, “I went through great trouble to buy this. They originally wouldn’t sell it, but I had help. Xin Gan, you like this artist’s work, so consider this your wedding gift.”

Xin Gan frowned sharply. “Move out. I don’t want it.”

He Cheng visibly displeased, his face darkened. He never expected Xin Gan to reject him so blatantly and publicly.

She said firmly, “If you don’t move out, I’ll have security throw it away. It’s your business, but not mine.”

He Cheng’s patience was gone. He felt he had already humbled himself unlike ever before. He needed face and couldn’t always bow to her. He knew he was wrong, but Xin Gan refused to forgive him—and she married Cheng Jiu.

He Cheng held back his anger. “I gave you my patience, and you still act like this. Xin Gan, I gave you chances. Don’t say I didn’t.”

Xin Gan ignored his meaning and said, “Mr. He, live your life; I have mine. I hope you don’t forget what you’ve said before.”

She turned and returned to the office.

He Cheng stood for a moment, then left without looking back.

…

He Cheng missed a commercial shoot. The advertiser couldn’t reach him, so the company’s CEO called Tanya Zhuo directly.

After apologizing, Tanya immediately tried to contact He Cheng. His phone was unreachable, so she called Ah Zhou, who hesitated and said, “Brother Cheng went out on business…”

“Alone? When?”

“In the morning. I went to his room, but he wasn’t there. The hotel staff said he left early. Sister Ya, don’t worry; I’ll try to find him…”

First priority was to locate He Cheng. Ah Zhou couldn’t reach him or know where he had gone.

This was not the first time He Cheng had acted so willfully, damaging the company’s reputation and his own. Tanya had warned him repeatedly, but he kept making the same mistakes. Today was no exception.

Tanya rushed to the shoot location where Ah Zhou was waiting. After calming the advertiser, she pulled Ah Zhou aside. Before Tanya could ask, she saw Ah Zhou sweating nervously, wearing long sleeves in summer, avoiding eye contact.

Tanya adjusted her expression and asked, “Has He Cheng been associating with anyone recently?”

“No, nothing.”

“Has he been acting strangely?”

“No.”

Tanya grabbed Ah Zhou’s wrist, and with her strength, rolled up her sleeve to reveal bruises clearly caused by grabbing. Ah Zhou struggled but couldn’t pull free, quickly explaining, “These are accidental bumps.”

Tanya’s face darkened. She released Ah Zhou and stared at her, lowering her voice, “Is it He Cheng?”

Ah Zhou shook her head repeatedly, “No, really, I bumped into things accidentally…”

“Ah Zhou, I brought you here personally because I felt sorry for you and your kindness. That’s why you have this job. I know you need it, but if you don’t tell me now, there’ll be no place to cry later.”

Ah Zhou dared not speak. If she had dared, she would have confessed long ago.

Crying, she said, “Sister Ya, this has nothing to do with Brother Cheng. It’s my own problem. Please don’t look for him…”

Tanya lit a cigarette and waited for her to finish crying. Then she calmly said, “If I wasn’t confident, I wouldn’t have come to you. Ah Zhou, I told you to watch him, but you never reported. Did this start then? Did he threaten or force you?”

Page (3/3)

Ah Zhou was silent, sobbing, unable to say a word. She knew Tanya already knew; otherwise, she wouldn’t have come.

“What else did he do? Tell me, don’t be afraid. I’ll help you.”

Ah Zhou, now in tears, saw hope and asked, “Really? Sister Ya… I…”

“Tell me everything he did. Don’t be afraid.”

Ah Zhou said, “But I’m still scared… Brother Cheng will kill me if he finds out… He’s so fierce… All these injuries are from him. Whenever he’s unhappy, he vents on me…”

Tanya asked, “Anything else?”

“He took pictures… of me… Many pictures. He said if I’m disobedient, he’d send them to my friends, colleagues, and family. I’m so scared, Sister Ya, that’s why I obey him… Sorry…”

Tanya massaged her temples. “So you never told me the truth all this time?”

“Sorry. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but Brother Cheng threatened me. I had no choice…”

Ah Zhou looked pitiful. Tanya sighed, not expecting a scandal to erupt within her own talent. This could never leak out, or it would damage not only He Cheng’s reputation but also Tanya’s career and the company’s. Breach of contract penalties would be severe.

Tanya gripped Ah Zhou’s shoulder. “Don’t tell anyone about this. Promise me. Keep it to yourself.”

Ah Zhou stared blankly, confused. Just moments ago, Tanya insisted she’d help her; now, she forbade her from speaking.

“This is serious. I’ll personally deal with He Cheng. I’m giving you time off to rest at home. Your salary will continue, and I’ll give you a bonus. Trust me, okay?”

Ah Zhou had no one else to trust. She nodded, eyes vacant.

“Listen to me, Ah Zhou. You must listen.”

…

That afternoon, He Cheng finally appeared at the commercial shoot. Everyone had waited all day, and the advertiser was in a bad mood. Once He Cheng arrived, smiles returned, as no one wanted to lose money. Tanya was on-site, waiting to talk to him after filming.

He Cheng changed clothes in the makeup room, his tone indifferent. “Talk about what?”

“About our contract.”

He Cheng smirked, “What contract issues?”

“Tanya said, “He Cheng, I must remind you that as an artist, you must have contractual discipline and strictly adhere to the contract. If you act like today again, it will seriously damage your career. You can’t be reckless—this is no joke.”

He Cheng remained indifferent, “Oh.”

He asked, “What about Ah Zhou?”

“She’s on leave starting today. She’s tired and needs rest.”

“And my assistant?”

“She’ll be replaced by a boy—diligent and smart. You can trust him.”

He Cheng finally turned to look at her. “Do as you please. You’re the boss.”

On the way back to the company after work, Tanya stressed the terms of the contract again.

“If you have any negative scandals this year affecting your work—losing endorsements or business—you can’t handle the consequences alone. Understand?”

Tanya was genuinely worried, having neglected proper supervision, leading to these issues.

“You know what happened better than I do. Ah Zhou is resting at home now. The new assistant arrives tomorrow. Cooperate with him. I don’t want a repeat of today.”

He Cheng was indifferent, his head down playing games.

“Also, where were you today?”

He asked, “Can’t I have private affairs?”

“We are partners and must trust each other.”

…

That day’s chaos made the studio staff aware that the owner had a big celebrity friend. Teacher Song even asked Xin Gan if she could get He Cheng’s autograph.

Xin Gan refused, saying it was inconvenient and that they weren’t really friends.

Teacher Song was a fan of He Cheng. Seeing Xin Gan refuse, she left displeased, suspecting Xin Gan was deliberately unhelpful.

At dusk, after a rain, Xin Gan received a call from Cheng Jiu. He was downstairs, inviting her to dinner. His college classmates were meeting, and he wanted to bring her along.

Xin Gan agreed, though a little nervous, knowing nothing about his college friends, and he had never mentioned them.

…

Cheng Jiu’s car was parked by the roadside. He leaned against the hood, smoking. Upon seeing her, a roguish smile appeared, and he opened the passenger door.

From upstairs, Teacher Song watched Xin Gan get in the car, her face twisted with disdain, snorting coldly—still bitter about Xin Gan not getting her He Cheng’s autograph.

Cheng Jiu’s car quickly drove away. Teacher Song couldn't see it anymore and returned to class.

But her lesson was a disaster: poorly drawn drafts with wrong proportions and messy lines. Students pointed out her mistakes.

She exploded, pointing at a student, “Who’s teaching here, you or me? If you’re so talented, why are you still in my class? Go home! Stay home!”

A male classmate couldn’t take it, “But teacher, she was right. You messed up. We’re not stupid.”

Teacher Song refused to admit fault, “Where did I mess up? Are you better than me? Who’s the teacher here?”

…

During rush hour, the roads were jammed. Xin Gan chatted with Cheng Hui in the passenger seat.

Cheng Hui cautiously asked, “Sister-in-law, do you have money? Can you lend me some?”

Xin Gan glanced at Cheng Jiu, “Sure. How much?”

“Five thousand.”

Xin Gan didn’t ask why and said, “Check your phone later.”

“Sister-in-law, one more thing. Don’t tell my brother. I promise to pay you back soon.”

“No rush. Take your time.”

After hanging up, Xin Gan quickly transferred 5,000 yuan to Cheng Hui’s Alipay.

She didn’t ask what it was for; if she wasn’t really in need, she wouldn’t ask.

Cheng Hui immediately messaged thanks.

Xin Gan typed back, “Can you tell me what you’re using it for?”

Cheng Hui replied, “A friend is sick and can’t afford treatment. I’m helping pay first.”

Xin Gan felt relieved, “Okay. Let me know if you need more.”

Cheng Jiu heard her phone constantly ringing and asked while driving, “Who are you chatting with?”

“No one. Just chatting.”

He didn’t ask further. Xin Gan sighed but didn’t understand why Cheng Hui couldn’t tell Cheng Jiu if she was borrowing money for medical bills. It wasn’t shameful, was it?

But Cheng Hui was already eighteen and probably had her secrets. Xin Gan couldn’t pry but hoped she knew where the money was going.

They arrived at a private club.

In a top-floor private room, some guests had already arrived. Xin Gan felt nervous before entering.

“Will my coming ruin your gathering?”

“No, they know you. I told them.”

Cheng Jiu smiled reassuringly, holding her hand intimately.

Xin Gan pressed her lips and asked, “Is my makeup okay? Not smudged?”

“Why so nervous?”

“Afraid I’ll embarrass you.”

Cheng Jiu’s eyes were full of affection. “You won’t, silly.”

They opened the door and were warmly greeted by guests calling Cheng Jiu’s name.

He kept holding her hand, giving her a sense of security.