Chapter 122: Confirmation (Slightly Revised)

"Cheng Hui is eighteen now. How could you make such a decision without asking for her opinion? Mom, aren't you afraid she’ll cause a scene?"

Mrs. Cheng gave a cold, mocking laugh. "Even if she is eighteen, she is still my daughter. She must listen to what I say. In this matter, she has no right to choose; she must follow my arrangements."

It was rare for Mrs. Cheng to be this unyielding and unwilling to listen to reason.

The housekeeper, who had been standing at the doorway, saw the mother and son on the verge of a quarrel over Cheng Hui and quickly stepped in to soothe Mrs. Cheng.

"Ma'am, please calm down. Don’t get worked up. The doctor said you shouldn't experience extreme joy or sorrow, and you must avoid anger—it's very bad for your health."

Cheng Jiu saw that it wasn't the right time to talk to Mrs. Cheng. "Mom, please don't be angry."

"If you want me not to be angry, it’s simple: go tell Cheng Hui to get ready. As soon as we find a school, she is to leave the country immediately."

...

Xin Gan happened to be going upstairs and saw Cheng Jiu coming out of Mrs. Cheng's room with a dark expression. There was no need to ask; she guessed the conversation hadn't gone well.

Cheng Jiu walked over and stroked her hair, his eyes softening. "Are you tired?"

Xin Gan shook her head. "How did it go with Mom? Is she still set on sending Cheng Hui abroad?"

"Yeah." Cheng Jiu collected his thoughts, not wanting to dwell on the subject. Mrs. Cheng had already made up her mind, and she wouldn't even let him intervene.

Xin Gan couldn't help but feel deeply worried. "Does Dad know? Does he agree?"

"He agrees. I expect the arrangements for her departure will be made soon."

Xin Gan's eyelids flickered violently. "How could it have gotten this serious... If He Chuan finds out, won't he..."

Cheng Jiu gripped her wrist and said in a low voice, "Let's not talk about this. You go back to your room and rest. I’m going to check on Cheng Hui."

Xin Gan nodded.

...

Cheng Hui was in her room reading a book. She was furious, yet felt utterly powerless. She had no way to defy Mrs. Cheng; every time they argued, she lost. She hated her own helplessness and detested Mrs. Cheng's unreasonableness.

A knock at the door sounded. Cheng Hui snapped out of it, hastily wiping the tears from her face. She pushed the book aside and saw Cheng Jiu enter, then quickly covered her face with the book again, not wanting him to see her in such a disheveled state.

Lately, she had done nothing but cry, and she couldn't help He Chuan with anything. She felt powerless, especially after Mrs. Cheng said she would be sent abroad. She didn't want to go abroad, and she certainly didn't want to leave He Chuan. She had already bowed down to Mrs. Cheng once before regarding the incident with Tang Que; this time, she absolutely would not yield.

Cheng Jiu sat on the edge of the bed and patted the sheet. "Cheng Hui, are you asleep?"

Cheng Hui’s throat was hoarse, and for a moment, she couldn't speak. It took a great effort for her to utter a few sounds. "N-no."

Cheng Jiu frowned at the sound of her voice. "What's wrong with your throat?"

He snatched the book away from her face and dropped it on the floor. Without the book blocking his view, he saw Cheng Hui’s eyes, red and swollen from crying. He knitted his brows and demanded, "Speak."

Cheng Hui tried to speak, coughing hard, but her voice remained raspy. "I don't want to go abroad."

As soon as she finished, she froze, reaching up to touch her throat. "My voice..."

"Is it inflamed again?"

It wasn't visible to the naked eye, but she had undergone surgery on her vocal cords in the past and suffered from complications. Not knowing if it was another inflammation, Cheng Jiu quickly pulled her out of bed. "Let's go. We're going to the hospital for a check-up."

Cheng Hui wanted to speak, but Cheng Jiu cut her off immediately. "Don't speak. Let's get to the hospital first."

It was late, so the hospital was less crowded than during the day. Cheng Hui followed Cheng Jiu in her slippers, watching him hold her medical records and stand in line at the registration window. His busy figure seemed to transport her back to her childhood, when Cheng Jiu was still studying in Yongcheng. Whenever she fell ill and their parents were away, it was just the two of them, and he would always be the one to take her to the hospital.

The scene was identical to back then, though He Chuan had been there too.

He Chuan would call him to go out and play, and when he learned she was sick at the hospital, he would rush over, buying her favorite preserved plums on the way.

Back then, Cheng Jiu hadn't been as attentive as He Chuan, leading her to suspect that He Chuan was her real brother and Cheng Jiu wasn't—otherwise, why would Cheng Jiu love bullying her so much?

She had undergone vocal cord surgery years ago, and because there were risks, she had suffered complications. Her recent depression had caused her throat to become inflamed again, leaving her temporarily unable to speak, necessitating a hospital visit.

While waiting for the consultation, Cheng Hui typed on her phone: *Am I really going abroad?*

Cheng Jiu took a glance. "If nothing goes wrong, yes."

*Isn't Mom being unreasonable? Does she think doing this will make me obedient? I’m not going abroad. Absolutely not.*

Her displeasure was written all over her face. Cheng Jiu gave a fleeting glance and said, "No matter how much of a scene you make, she won't change her mind."

*Are you not going to help me either?*

"Stop making a fuss. Be quiet. It'll be your turn soon."

"Next, number five, Cheng Hui? It's your turn." The nurse called out.

Before Cheng Hui could stand up, Cheng Jiu grabbed her by the collar and hauled her inside.

...

An elderly doctor with white hair and a stethoscope around his neck picked up a flashlight. "Open your mouth. Let me look at your throat."

Cheng Hui glared at Cheng Jiu resentfully and kept her mouth shut, refusing to cooperate.

Cheng Jiu, standing to the side, looked stern. "Open your mouth, Cheng Hui."

Cheng Hui pressed her lips together, unmoved. It was clear she didn't want to cooperate or be examined.

"What's wrong, young lady? Didn't you say your throat was hurting?" the old doctor asked.

Cheng Hui’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the doctor. Suddenly, she stood up, bowed, and bolted out of the examination room. Cheng Jiu followed close behind, quickly caught up to her, grabbed her by the collar, and scolded her sternly: "What are you running for? Where are you going? Are you still throwing a tantrum?"

Cheng Hui, unwilling to be caught, pursed her lips and looked away.

"And another thing, did I say I wouldn't help you? Running, running, running—that’s all you do. You’re such a coward."

Scolded again, Cheng Hui felt a fresh wave of bitterness. She glared at him, forcing her voice to work as she cursed him. "You’re not human! You watch me suffer and you don't help me!"

"Who told you to speak? Do you want to keep your voice or not? Do you really want to be a little mute? Behave yourself and keep your mouth shut."

"You... rotten... Cheng... Jiu!"

"Still cursing, are you? Fine. I’ll call Dad right now and have him pick any random school to dump you abroad so you can fend for yourself."

As soon as Cheng Hui heard this, she realized there might be a chance. She was about to speak, but a glare from Cheng Jiu stopped her. He said, "Shut your mouth. If you don't want to lose your voice forever, keep it shut and go get treated."

...

While waiting for Cheng Hui’s tests, Cheng Jiu, fearing Xin Gan would worry, sent her a text message saying he was taking Cheng Hui to the hospital because her throat was inflamed and she couldn't speak.

It was well past midnight when Cheng Jiu brought Cheng Hui home from the hospital. She had an anti-inflammatory patch on her neck, and the doctor advised her not to speak at all for a while and to get plenty of rest.

Xin Gan hadn't gone to sleep yet and was waiting for them in the living room.

Soon after they arrived, Cheng Jiu sent Cheng Hui back to her room to sleep. Xin Gan couldn't help but tell him not to be so harsh.

Cheng Jiu ran a hand through his hair, suddenly feeling a sense of sympathy for He Chuan. He wondered how He Chuan had managed to put up with her for so long, and how he had ended up falling for Cheng Hui in the first place.

Cheng Hui was actually cheerful and kind-hearted, easy to get along with, but when her temper flared, she was as stubborn as a mule—impossible to pull back unless she figured it out herself.

She was dead-set on opposing Mrs. Cheng, but it was backfiring. She didn't understand this and insisted on fighting Mrs. Cheng to the bitter end.

Mrs. Cheng had indeed contacted a school abroad. Money wasn't the issue; the priority was cutting off her contact with He Chuan. Even though Cheng Hui was sick and temporarily unable to speak, Mrs. Cheng remained adamant about sending her abroad.

As for the school, Mr. Cheng had personally stepped in to handle the negotiations.

Cheng Hui’s departure was effectively sealed by Mrs. Cheng—it was a done deal. Regardless of Cheng Hui’s objections, there was no way to stop it.

Cheng Hui had naturally pleaded with Mr. Cheng, but he stood by Mrs. Cheng. "Your mother isn't well right now, so don't provoke her. Going abroad isn't a bad thing. Don't worry about not being cared for; we will arrange everything. Just treat it as a chance to toughen up."

Mr. Cheng wanted her to face reality and stop rebelling against her mother.

Cheng Jiu couldn't help either. Cheng Hui was at a dead end. She had no phone to contact He Chuan, and no opportunity to see him.

Fearing she might cause trouble before leaving, Mrs. Cheng hired two bodyguards to watch her every move. She could walk around the house, but she was never allowed to leave, and even when she was sick, Mrs. Cheng had a private doctor come to the house to see her.

...

Xin Gan was also powerless. She had no say with Mrs. Cheng; in fact, Mrs. Cheng didn't listen to anyone. Xin Gan returned home looking troubled, and her mother noticed. When asked what was wrong, Xin Gan listlessly shook her head.

Her mother put some food in her bowl. "What happened at the Cheng house?"

"It's nothing." Xin Gan didn't want to bring the troubles of Cheng Jiu's family home.

Her mother said, "Why can't you tell me?"

"It's not that, Mom, really, nothing is wrong."

"Still trying to hide it? Just because you married into the Cheng family doesn't mean you're not my daughter anymore."

Xin Gan explained, "That’s not what I meant. Actually, it's about having a child."

"Are you and Cheng Jiu planning to have children?"

Xin Gan nodded.

"That's a good thing. Why the long face? If you two don't have time to raise the child, your father and I have time. Your father will be retiring soon, and we can help you."

Xin Gan nodded and said she understood.

Her mother suddenly remembered something. "By the way, why haven't I seen Cheng Hui come over to play lately?"

"She’s going abroad."

"Why so suddenly? Didn't she just start her freshman year?"

Xin Gan said, "It's a family arrangement."

Her mother didn't say anything more.

After finishing dinner, Xin Gan grabbed her bag and left. On the way to the studio, she was distracted and her mind was in chaos. She felt overwhelmed, especially regarding Mrs. Cheng’s arrangement for Cheng Hui.

She was deeply worried about Cheng Hui.

After thinking it over, she decided she had to tell He Chuan. She pulled the car over and called him.

When He Chuan answered, she said, "Do you have a moment? It's Xin Gan."

He Chuan replied, "I know. What is it?"

"There's something I want to tell you. The Cheng family has arranged for Cheng Hui to go abroad. I’ve thought about it for a long time, and I felt I should let you know."

He Chuan’s reaction was calm, as if he already knew. Xin Gan found it strange—Cheng Jiu shouldn't have told him yet, so why was He Chuan so indifferent?

After a moment, He Chuan said coolly, "I know."

"He Chuan, is there nothing else you want to say? Anything you want me to pass on to Cheng Hui..."

"No, I have nothing to say to her."

Xin Gan felt she had acted unnecessarily. He Chuan’s reaction was beyond her expectations, but it was his choice. She calmed down and said, "I understand."

He Chuan hung up and sat silently in his chair. After a long time, he picked up his phone and called his assistant. "Have you finished what I asked you to do?"

The assistant replied, "It's all done, Mr. He. You can check the internet now."

Against someone like He Cheng, conventional methods didn't work.

During this time, He Chuan had his assistant investigate the mistakes He Cheng made before he went abroad. He leaked photos online of He Cheng molesting and bullying a girl. Many years had passed, and the photos were a bit blurry, but looking closely, one could clearly identify the man as He Cheng during his high school years.

In high school, He Cheng had bullied a girl from a neighboring school. He had found her pretty, invited her out for drinks, and when he got drunk, he harassed her right there in the bar. Fortunately, there were security cameras, and the bar owner had quickly discovered it, took photos, and called the police.

It was because of this incident that He Wei had settled the matter and sent him abroad. Out of sight, out of mind. Later, after the storm had passed, He Wei had forgotten about it, and when He Cheng returned to the country on his own, He Wei didn't bother to stop him.

He Cheng was now a public figure; such negative news could destroy his image and persona, even if the incident had happened a long time ago and a settlement had been reached with the victim.

And this was only the beginning.

...

When the public outcry exploded online, He Cheng was filming a program. His phone was with his assistant, so he didn't see the news immediately. It wasn't until after filming that he heard about it from his staff.

When Tan Yazhuo saw the news, her face went dark. She never expected He Cheng to have done such a thing, but then again, considering how he treated A-Zhou, what else was he incapable of?

Tan Yazhuo had her PR team handle it, but she saw this as an opportunity to put pressure on He Cheng.

She wasn't in a hurry to contact him, waiting until the afternoon of the next day.

He Cheng remained nonchalant and unconcerned, asking Tan Yazhuo, "What? You can't handle it?"

His attitude made it clear he had no intention of resolving the problem.

Tan Yazhuo suppressed her anger and said politely, "He Cheng, this isn't the first time. It’s obvious someone is out to get you. Who have you offended?"

He Cheng didn't answer. "Offended? You’re asking the right question. But I’ve offended you too, haven't I?"

Tan Yazhuo didn't have time to joke. "So you think I'm the one smearing you?"

"That’s your word, not mine."

"He Cheng, I’m not joking. This incident is different from the others. If it isn't handled correctly, your image will be completely shattered, and no one will be able to save you."

...

The incident was the talk of the town, even among He Cheng’s own staff, especially his male assistants. They hadn't been mistreated, but they all couldn't help but think of He Cheng’s previous assistant, A-Zhou.

A-Zhou had resigned very suddenly, leaving without a word.

A male assistant suddenly remembered something. "I think I heard someone say they saw A-Zhou at the hospital, and she had a big belly... she was pregnant..."

"Who did you hear that from? A-Zhou is pregnant?"

"Yeah. I didn't believe it at first, but now that I think about it, it feels like it could be true. Could A-Zhou have had an improper relationship with He Cheng and gotten pregnant, which is why she resigned..."

"You're talking nonsense. Doesn't Cheng-ge have a girlfriend? That Tang Huaihuai. She was showing off their love online just a few days ago. Besides, would Cheng-ge even look at A-Zhou?"

They were all in the industry and knew many people, so they heard all sorts of rumors. Usually, the ones that spread were true.

...

A-Zhou had been to the hospital once and had indeed run into a colleague from the company. The colleague tried to wave at her from afar, but she ran away as soon as she saw him.

Days passed, and her belly grew larger and more visible, as did her morning sickness. Although Tan Yazhuo had arranged for a housekeeper to look after her, seeing He Cheng flaunting his relationship online left A-Zhou feeling a mix of emotions. Above all, there was a sense of unwillingness—she hated that she had to hide, hated that He Cheng was living his best life as if nothing had happened, while she had to hole up in a rental apartment, wearing masks and hats whenever she went out to avoid being recognized.

She wanted to go home, but Tan Yazhuo forbade it, insisting she stay in Yongcheng where she would have someone look after her.

When she looked up news about He Cheng online, she accidentally stumbled upon the news about his high school harassment incident. She froze, a cold sweat breaking out on her back. After reading it, she clutched her phone, her hands trembling. Soon after, He Cheng’s company issued a statement calling it nonsense and threatening to sue for defamation.

A-Zhou couldn't sit still. She picked up her phone and called He Cheng. It rang for a long time before he answered.

A-Zhou called his name tremulously. "Cheng-ge..."

He Cheng asked, "Who is this? How do you have my number?"

How could he have forgotten her voice after such a short time?

A-Zhou felt a wave of despair. "Cheng-ge, it’s me, A-Zhou."

He Cheng seemed to recall who she was and let out a cold laugh. "A-Zhou, it's you."

Hearing his voice, A-Zhou bit her lip, suppressing her emotions. "Cheng-ge, you still remember me..."

"You resigned and went home, didn't you? Why are you calling me? What is it this time?"

"Cheng-ge, I saw the news online... I..."

"Oh, and what do you have to say about it?"

He Cheng wasn't entirely unconcerned about the news. Few people knew what he had done in high school, and it had been so many years that no one should have known. The strange thing was that it had surfaced now.

A-Zhou said, "I believe you’re not that kind of person, Cheng-ge. You wouldn't do something like that..."

"You idiot, what does it have to do with you? Who asked for your opinion?" He Cheng cursed viciously. "My business has nothing to do with you. Don't come looking for trouble."

A-Zhou was in tears. "How can it not have anything to do with me? Cheng-ge, I am currently... currently... pregnant with your child... please don't be with other women, can you?" She pleaded, unable to stop herself from revealing her pregnancy.

He Cheng was silent for a moment. "Pregnant?"

She suddenly found the courage—maybe if she told him about the baby, he would change his mind about her. She couldn't help but touch her rounded abdomen; the life inside was his flesh and blood. "Cheng-ge, you didn't hear wrong. I'm pregnant. It's yours."

He Cheng’s expression turned ferocious. "Say that again?"

"Cheng-ge, I'm telling the truth. I'm pregnant. The baby is yours." She had acted on impulse, blurting out the news.

He Cheng smiled. "You've got to be kidding me, A-Zhou. You have no self-respect, so why are you trying to pin this on me? Are you sure the child is mine?"

"I've only ever been with you. If the child isn't yours, whose could it be?"

He Cheng knitted his brows and laughed coldly. "You're trying to latch onto me, aren't you? Did Tan Yazhuo put you up to this? You're quite something; I underestimated you."

Hearing the disgust in his tone, A-Zhou covered her mouth and hung up. The moment the call ended, she slumped to the floor, all strength drained. She stroked her belly and sobbed, "Baby, I'm sorry. Your father doesn't love me, but I still can't let him go..."

He Cheng was A-Zhou’s first man. She couldn't forget him, and she even longed to return to his side. But that would have to wait until after the baby was born.

...

Tang Huaihuai had also noticed the scandal surrounding He Cheng. She joined in the chaos online, posting some "leaks" alleging that He Cheng had sadistic tendencies, even posting some blurred photos. Of course, they were mild and didn't attract much attention.

Tang Huaihuai lit a cigarette, feeling quite pleased. But just then, she received a call from Tang Yao.

"Sister Huai, Tang Que is sick. He’s in the hospital. Can you come over?"

Tang Huaihuai: "What's wrong with him?"

"The doctor says it's spondylitis."

...

Tang Yao hadn't seen Tang Que for a while. Seeing him lying in bed, suffering from pain and looking unusually pale, she felt a pang.

Tang Yao wanted a cigarette, but remembering she was in a hospital, she put the lighter back in her bag. "You said you had a minor surgery last year, also on your spine. Was it because of this condition?"

Tang Que had been awake for a while. Hearing her, he nodded.

"Why didn't you tell me at the beginning?"

"What good would telling you have done?" Tang Que said, his tone devoid of emotion.

"It wouldn't have done any good, but we were together once. I didn't want the next thing I heard about you to be that you were dead." Tang Yao took a deep breath, walked to the window, and opened it. "If your roommate hadn't called me, I wouldn't have come to see you. Tang Que, don't pin your hopes on me."

Tang Que shook his head. "I don't. I don't have any hopes pinned on you."