Chapter 132: Harmony

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Xing Gan felt a bit embarrassed, her face flushing as she struggled slightly, but he was stronger, and he succeeded. It happened again right there on the sofa, though he was careful to avoid her wrist, not daring to be rough for fear of hurting her. Toward the end, it didn’t feel entirely satisfying; she was somewhat uncooperative, seeming to hold back a resentment, resisting him.

Cheng Jiu carried her to the bathroom to freshen up, then brought her back to bed. Xing Gan soon fell asleep, her breathing steady, paying no attention to Cheng Jiu. After drying his hair, Cheng Jiu turned and saw she was asleep. He turned off the light, climbed into bed, and held her close as they slept.

Suddenly, her phone rang. Cheng Jiu got up and, hearing the ringtone from the living room, realized it was a call from Cheng Hui. He answered, “What is it?”

“Brother? Where’s Sister Xingxin?”

“She’s asleep. Is there something you need from her?” Cheng Jiu’s tone softened noticeably upon hearing Cheng Hui’s voice.

“No, nothing. I’ll hang up now.” Cheng Hui ended the call abruptly, not waiting for a response.

Cheng Jiu sensed there was more to it, some hidden meaning. Thinking there might be something important, he dialed back. Looking at the call history, he noticed several calls without names, lasting several minutes. He frowned but didn’t say anything and called Cheng Hui again.

Cheng Hui answered, “What’s up, brother?”

“Why hang up so quickly? What’s wrong? Don’t want to talk to me?”

“No, I’m just tired. Going to sleep.”

“How have you been lately?” Cheng Jiu lit a cigarette and stepped out onto the balcony to smoke. It was night, cold outside; he wore just a light jacket and stood there feeling the wind, not noticing the chill.

“Okay, eating and drinking as usual, going to bed on time, not thinking too much.”

Not thinking too much meant not feeling upset. That was Cheng Hui’s unspoken message.

Cheng Jiu chatted with her for a bit longer, feeling reassured that she was in a good state of mind. He said, “Just think of it as a vacation, have fun. It will all pass.”

Cheng Hui acknowledged with an “Okay.”

…

Cheng Jiu had his own difficulties; Cheng Hui understood that well. She could comprehend their lack of say in the matter of going abroad. Since Madam Cheng was their biological mother, neither Cheng Jiu nor Cheng Hui could sever ties with the family over He Chuan and the others.

Cheng Hui suddenly understood He Chuan’s feelings and pressures, which she had initially been unable to grasp but now somewhat understood.

But since he had let go first, there was no need for her to keep dwelling on it.

…

Though Cheng Jiu knew Xing Gan’s phone unlock code, he never specifically checked her phone. After finishing the call with Cheng Hui, he put the phone away and returned to rest.

Xing Gan woke after a short nap, realizing she was in his arms, her head resting on his arm. He held her close. They had been married for some time, well past the honeymoon phase, but every night Cheng Jiu still liked to hold her as they slept.

Xing Gan stroked his cheek, nuzzling him with a hint of affection. But he was asleep, probably not noticing. She sighed, recalling the events of the previous day.

She had to admit she felt a little jealous—just a little.

She turned over, and Cheng Jiu woke, opening his eyes to look at her. He tightened his hold and murmured, “Why aren’t you sleeping? It’s still early, go back to sleep.”

Half asleep, he thought she was about to get up and held her tighter, not letting go.

“I want some water,” she said.

“I’ll get it. Don’t get up.”

Before she could say more, Cheng Jiu got up, climbed out of bed, and went to get water.

After drinking a glass, Xing Gan held his hand and softly asked, “Are you awake or still half-asleep?”

“I’m awake, but my eyes won’t open.” Cheng Jiu struggled to open his eyes to look at her. “Did you have a nightmare? Or did I disturb you?”

Suddenly, Xing Gan wasn’t angry anymore, the anger dissipated. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, muttering, “Sorry.”

“Apologize?”

“I saw Jiang Meng during the day.” After hesitating, she confessed.

“And then?”

“She told me about what happened in college between you two. I was a bit upset. When you came back, I wasn’t very nice to you. I felt a little jealous. I thought I was magnanimous enough to ignore it, but I wasn’t happy after all.”

Cheng Jiu was not surprised. “No wonder you didn’t want to talk to me last night.”

Xing Gan felt a little embarrassed but smiled apologetically and kissed the corner of his lips. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

Xing Gan rarely acted coquettish, especially with him. At home, she might tease her mother now and then, but very rarely. With him, it was even less frequent.

“Still angry?”

She shook her head and smiled helplessly. “How could I stay mad so long? It’s a small matter, and it’s long past.”

“Okay, it’s past. But this is my fault. I was wrong to date her in college. I apologize.”

On a whim, Xing Gan gathered courage and asked, “Did you… with her?”

“No, you were my first.”

But his skills seemed too practiced.

Xing Gan didn’t quite believe it. “But your experience doesn’t look like…”

Cheng Jiu cut her off. After a few minutes, he let go and pinched her rosy earlobe, saying, “Which young man hasn’t watched a few videos back then?”

Alright, she just didn’t understand.

But now she couldn’t sleep. He had stirred her thoughts. She lifted her head, nestled into his chest, fingers restlessly tracing his neck and shoulder, lowering her voice. “Cheng Jiu, let’s have a child.”

“Really want one?”

“Really.”

“Aren’t you afraid having a child will change your figure?”

“Would you despise me?”

Without hesitation, he said, “No.”

Xing Gan smiled. Whether or not he was just humoring her, she felt happy hearing it. Suddenly, she felt relieved. “Then let’s sleep. I’m tired.”

Cheng Jiu rubbed her rounded shoulders. “Alright, I’ll wake you up tomorrow morning to go back home and visit your parents. As for what others say, don’t believe it. Just trust me. I won’t lie to you.”

The next morning, Xing Gan remembered Jiang Meng’s text and hesitated before showing it to Cheng Jiu. “I wanted to tell you last night but forgot.”

Cheng Jiu read it silently, then returned the phone without comment.

Xing Gan said, “I understand her actions. If it were me, I might have done the same. Nothing is more important than the life of one’s own family.”

Cheng Jiu raised an eyebrow, pausing while buttoning his shirt. “Hm?”

“I’m listening to you. Do whatever you want. I trust you.”

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Cheng Jiu stared into her eyes for a long time, then took her wrist, his gaze lingering on the scar there. “I didn’t take good care of you. I’m sorry.”

Xing Gan replied, “It’s not your fault. You’re good. Always have been. Cheng Jiu.”

…

Cheng Jiu still couldn’t bear it. After Jiang Meng’s grandmother’s surgery was completed, he handed over the evidence he had gathered to the police, asking for the case to be reopened.

The evidence he collected was all legal and aboveboard, leaving no loopholes for himself.

The He family’s company was also facing many problems. Madam He lacked the ability to handle the crisis, constantly quarrelling with relatives. The relatives weren’t going to sit idly by; they began causing trouble for Madam He and He Cheng, even using He Chuan as a pawn.

He Chuan would never make such careless mistakes. On the contrary, since Madam He and He Cheng took control, performance had plummeted, many employees had resigned or switched jobs. Those left were mostly relatives or a few loyal old employees like Lao Yang, who were holding on but probably not for long.

Funds hadn’t yet become a major issue, but if that happened, the company wouldn’t be far from collapse.

Madam He wanted He Cheng to come back to the company, but he was still dealing with a mess of his own, unable to return. Meanwhile, Madam He was constantly manipulated by relatives at the company.

She wasn’t suited for this role and had no trusted aides. She couldn’t intimidate anyone and had to bow her head, giving up some benefits to appease the relatives, which bought some peace for a while.

But giving up those benefits was painful for Madam He.

However, this was not the end.

Madam He learned that A Zhou was pregnant with her son’s child. She paid people to investigate A Zhou’s background and contacted He Cheng. At first, He Cheng denied everything, then later admitted to a fling but claimed it was just a game.

He Cheng shamelessly said, “Mom, don’t bother with her. Who knows if it’s even mine?”

“DNA testing can only be done after the baby’s born. The child is already five months along. Abortion now could be fatal for both.”

He Cheng couldn’t afford any more bad press.

Especially involving life and death.

This was no joke.

He Cheng sneered but said nothing.

Madam He said, “Son, calm the girl down first. Once she’s settled, we can talk about next steps. If it’s our child, we’ll find a way. If not, it’s easier to handle and you can stay out of it. I’ll take care of it.”

He Cheng agreed readily since it wasn’t his problem.

Madam He’s investigation revealed A Zhou was an orphan with only a grandmother left, a pitiful background and little education, but she seemed sensible and obedient.

Such girls were easy to control—bring her into the family to monitor her constantly. After the baby was born, they’d make further decisions.

If it was truly a He family child, the baby would stay with them. If not, Madam He wouldn’t hesitate to be ruthless.

When A Zhou learned Madam He was taking her into the He family to care for her pregnancy, she thought she was dreaming. She was delighted and moved in immediately. Whether the He family accepted her, or whether He Cheng had done something, it was Madam He who brought her home.

Madam He didn’t expose the truth but nodded ambiguously, neither confirming nor denying, speaking vaguely, “Since it’s He Cheng’s child, it’s a He family grandchild. You live here so we can take good care of you and the baby. I apologize for the earlier misunderstanding. If I hadn’t asked He Cheng, I wouldn’t have known you were pregnant with his child.”

A Zhou replied, “It’s okay, Auntie. Now that it’s clear, I’m sure it’s Cheng’s baby. I can’t be mistaken.”

“You’ve been wronged.”

“No, for Cheng, I’m willing to do anything.”

…

Tan Yazhu learned from the hospital that A Zhou had been discharged and immediately tried to contact her, but her phone was off. Yazhu then contacted the nurse caring for A Zhou, who told her, “That young girl has been taken away by someone. I don’t know who. She told me not to interfere. I couldn’t stop her.”

Yazhu was outraged. “How could you let that happen? I paid you to take care of her. Now she’s gone and I have no clue.”

“Boss, it’s not my fault. I’m just a nurse, I don’t understand much.”

“Enough. Who came to see her before? What happened?”

The nurse told all she knew without reservation.

Soon, Yazhu guessed the man who came was none other than He Cheng.

Furious, she wondered how He Cheng found out where A Zhou was. Who told him?

After asking around the hospital, she discovered it was someone from the He family who took A Zhou.

She confronted He Cheng, “Where did you take A Zhou? Where is she?”

He Cheng laughed carelessly. “You’re asking the wrong person. I didn’t take her. If not me, who else?”

“Who else but you, He Cheng? She’s young and naive. You took her away. What do you want?”

“Yajie, even if I wanted to take her, she’d have to agree. How could I take her from the hospital without her consent?”

“He Cheng, what do you want?”

Yazhu was shocked; she hadn’t considered A Zhou’s wishes. If He Cheng was right, A Zhou wanted to keep the baby from the start.

He Cheng retorted, “I want to ask you the same. A Zhou is pregnant with my child. You didn’t let her abort, but want her to keep it. Yajie, I’m curious about your intentions.”

Yazhu was devastated. She couldn’t believe A Zhou, whom she had cared for, had betrayed her trust.

“Where is she now?”

“She’s not with me. If you want to know, I can ask around, but whether she’ll return to you is another matter.”

An hour later, A Zhou called. Yazhu sat in the hospital corridor, her face pale. “Did you tell He Cheng about the pregnancy?”

A Zhou hesitated, then said, “Sorry, Yajie…”

“No need to apologize. It’s your choice. I’m not your parent. You’re free to choose your path. I thought you were being bullied, but now it seems you gave up willingly.”

“…” A Zhou was speechless, biting her lips in guilt. “Sorry, Yajie. I betrayed your trust. But the child needs a complete family. I don’t want it to be as lonely as I was—fatherless and motherless. Cheng promised me that if I behave, he won’t abandon me or the baby.”

Yazhu wanted to scold her awake, but no words came. She sighed wearily. “Where are you now?”

“At the He family. Cheng’s mother came to get me. She’s giving me and the baby an identity. Yajie, when I get better, I’ll repay your kindness. Thank you for taking care of me all these years…”

Yazhu couldn’t listen anymore and hung up.

A Zhou held the phone, tears slipping down her cheeks. Yazhu truly cared for her; she had always remembered, though only in her heart.

Madam He’s eyes showed a flicker of disgust but quickly masked it. She patted A Zhou’s hand kindly. “Don’t cry. What, do you feel wronged living here?”

“No, Auntie. I’m happy. Thank you for accepting me and the baby.”

“Silly girl, nonsense. Drink your soup, then rest. This afternoon I’ll have the doctor come to check on you. You’re so thin, you must take care of yourself.”

Grateful, A Zhou settled into the He household.

The He family home was far more spacious and luxurious than the apartment Yazhu had rented for her. Madam He treated her well, so much so that A Zhou momentarily forgot herself, truly believing happiness was near.

But during her stay, He Cheng never came home or called her, as if she didn’t exist.

She followed He Cheng’s news online, but it was never good. The company’s PR was useless; no matter how many posts were deleted, the bad information persisted.

He Cheng’s work was completely suspended.

A Zhou asked Madam He about He Cheng’s situation. Madam He said, “His matters are none of your concern. Just focus on your pregnancy and have the baby safely.”

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A Zhou was uneasy. “I’m worried about him. He hasn’t come back or given any news…”

Madam He’s expression darkened slightly. “You should be more understanding.”

“…”

Madam He left mid-sentence.

A Zhou sat on the sofa, suddenly cold all over. But she comforted herself — He Cheng must be too busy with his problems to come see her and the baby.

That afternoon, He Cheng returned, his face sullen. He showed no expression upon seeing A Zhou and went upstairs without closing the door. A Zhou followed.

He Cheng didn’t turn his head but knew who had entered. He coldly said, “Close the door.”

A Zhou was startled but obediently closed it.

He Cheng sat on the sofa, crossing his legs. “Unhappy living here?”

“No, I’m happy.”

“Then why did my mother say you were unhappy because I didn’t come back?”

A Zhou cautiously watched his expression, sensing he was in a decent mood, so she tried, “No, it’s me not used to it, my problem…”

“So you’re unhappy when I’m here?”

“Happy, very happy.” A Zhou smiled, though her complexion was pale from pregnancy. Despite taking supplements, she was thin and couldn’t gain weight, but the baby was healthy.

He Cheng didn’t care about her mood; he only asked perfunctorily. If not for Madam He’s urging, he wouldn’t have come.

“Lie down.” He Cheng’s smile disappeared, giving an order.

The meaning was clear.

“If you don’t want to, I’ll find another woman.”

A Zhou didn’t want him to go elsewhere. Better her than another woman, so she could prove she still had a place in his heart.

He Cheng ended the conversation quickly. His mood was spoiled by the growing belly. He couldn’t be reckless; Madam He had warned him. He knew, so he was more irritated.

If the child was his, fine. If not, he wouldn’t be merciful.

A Zhou didn’t live in He Cheng’s room. Madam He arranged a separate room for her, supposedly for the pregnancy. Since they weren’t officially together, it was inconvenient to share a room.

Actually, with the baby on the way, sharing a room wouldn’t matter much.

A Zhou accepted Madam He’s arrangement without much thought.

Afterward, He Cheng didn’t stay. He went to shower without a thought for her feelings.

A Zhou, enduring discomfort, got up. After he finished, she said, “Cheng, can you help me clean up?”

He Cheng’s face darkened immediately. Rudely, he said, “Who gave you the nerve?”

A Zhou was ashamed and dared not ask again. She hurriedly dressed and left his room.

His words were harsh, especially after being intimate.

Back in her room, A Zhou felt miserable. Pregnant women’s emotions were fragile; she lay on the bed and couldn’t help but cry, feeling wronged.

He Cheng came looking for her. Hearing her cry, he held back his disgust and said, “What’s there to cry about? Don’t like hearing criticism? Have you ever seen me clean up after any woman? Can’t you do it yourself?”

A Zhou looked up, sobbing, “But I’m pregnant. Can’t you help me?”

He Cheng was annoyed, “Being pregnant isn’t a big deal. When my mother was pregnant with me, she did everything herself. You’re so delicate? Can’t you be more independent?”

A Zhou didn’t argue. She lowered her head and walked to the bathroom, holding her waist.

He Cheng followed silently, fetched a towel, and said, “Stop crying. What’s there to cry about? If you’re so miserable, you can leave. I didn’t keep you here. I already have enough trouble. Don’t make it worse. I didn’t come back to see you crying, understand?”

…

He Cheng had treated A Zhou as just a fling but never expected to bring her into the family. It was an accident. He never regarded her as an equal, only as an outlet.

So when he came back, he had no patience. After one night, he left again.

Madam He said nothing. After he left, she talked seriously with A Zhou. “Why can’t you keep a man’s heart? He just came back. You don’t spend time with him but push him away?”

A Zhou protested, “Auntie, I didn’t…”

“Then why did he leave so quickly? It’s not easy to get him back.”

A Zhou panicked, thinking maybe she hadn’t taken care of him properly. She took the blame and said, “I won’t do it again. Sorry…”

“The He family needs a daughter-in-law who doesn’t just cry and cause trouble. You have no background, no family to support you. I don’t blame you, but don’t bring trouble to He Cheng. We don’t want a troublesome daughter-in-law. Hope you understand.”

A Zhou almost broke down but apologized again, promising it wouldn’t happen again, hoping Auntie wouldn’t be angry.

Madam He softened. “Alright, silly girl. I didn’t mean to be harsh. Just want you to understand. If you’re obedient, I’ll make sure you marry He Cheng.”

“Okay, thank you, Auntie.” With Madam He’s promise, a faint smile appeared, and a heavy burden lifted.

…

The police investigation was reopened but would take time. Cheng Jiu’s patience was wearing thin, but he had to wait.

Meanwhile, He Cheng was summoned multiple times. Each time he went to the station, his whereabouts leaked. Reporters swarmed the entrance, bombarding him with questions when he came out.

He Cheng remained silent, low-profile, and left under guard.

Xing Gan saw the news and glanced at her wrist without reaction.

She knew it would be hard to make He Cheng pay. The He family was influential, with many relatives. He Cheng was still the heir to the family business; they would do everything to protect him.

Sure enough, Madam He contacted Xing Gan.

Madam He went directly to the Xing family and met Xing Gan’s mother.

After learning of He Cheng’s actions, Xing Gan’s mother’s opinion of Madam He soured. She asked why things had escalated to the police.

Madam He feigned surprise. “Mrs. Xing didn’t know? Xing Gan accused He Cheng of restricting her freedom. The police have been investigating for a long time. Didn’t Xing Gan tell you?”

Xing Gan’s mother quickly caught on. “Then why are you here? If it’s slander, the police will investigate. What’s your purpose?”

“Though it’s slander, we don’t want to make a fuss. That would only damage Xing Gan’s reputation. She’s married now and cares about her reputation. If it spreads, there could be bad rumors.”

Xing Gan’s mother smiled coldly, her gaze heavy. “So Madam He is threatening us? Suggesting this is Xing Gan’s fault?”

“This is still under investigation. I believe it’s a misunderstanding. Let’s not escalate. Harmony brings wealth, harmony brings wealth.”

Xing Gan’s mother had long despised He Cheng’s behavior. She sneered, “Madam He, since the police are investigating, let’s wait for the results. As for slander, I trust my daughter’s character. If He Cheng never did it, what’s there to fear?”