Chapter 323
Sheng Wenhao’s attitude softened Lin Mengyao’s heart a bit, and her expression was no longer as cold as before. “This matter has nothing to do with you. It’s something between Xu Ke and me. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I am very grateful for this trip to America. It allowed me to see more sides of Xu Ke and made me realize that we are not suitable partners. We may not be able to spend the rest of our lives together, so in the future, if he has any issues, please don’t come looking for me. From now on, we will go our separate ways. I’ve already decided that once I’m better, I’ll go to Luocheng and never return to Shangjing in this lifetime.” Lin Mengyao casually dropped a bomb on Sheng Wenhao, leaving him in complete disarray.
“You two are getting divorced?” Sheng Wenhao’s eyes widened, and he spoke with a rough voice. He really couldn’t connect those words with the two of them; it sounded too crazy. “Weren’t you deeply in love? Why say things like this? Marriage is about two people accommodating each other to make it work. Isn’t there anything you can’t talk through? If you don’t like something about Xu Ke, tell him. He loves you so much; he’s certainly willing to change for you. Fate doesn’t come easily, and it shouldn’t be given up lightly.” Sheng Wenhao spoke earnestly.
“The situation is not as simple as you think. Xu Ke and I need some time to cool off. Anyway, I don’t want to see him right now. Tell him not to torture himself like this. My decision is set and won’t change. I’m tired and want to rest, please go out.” Lin Mengyao closed her eyes, signaling that it was time for Sheng Wenhao to leave. Seeing this, Sheng Wenhao had no choice but to leave the bedroom and turn to the study.
“Did she really say that?” Xu Ke, hunching over in his chair, bowed his head, making it hard to see the expression on his face. Nonetheless, his sadness and disappointment were palpable because those feelings had almost become tangible and enveloped him completely.
Seeing his friend in such a state because of a few words, Sheng Wenhao was almost drowning in guilt. He didn’t mean any harm; he just wanted to convey Lin Mengyao’s thoughts to Xu Ke, hoping they could reconcile. After all, he had seen with his own eyes how much his brother loved Lin Mengyao. Who could have imagined that conveying these words would not encourage his brother but have the opposite effect?
“Slap!” Without hesitation, Sheng Wenhao gave himself a slap. The red imprint of his hand appeared almost immediately on his face, quickly swelling and turning bruised. It was clear that Sheng Wenhao didn’t hold back; it was a particularly forceful hit.
Still immersed in sorrow, Xu Ke raised his head abruptly at the sound and saw the red handprint on Sheng Wenhao’s face. “What are you doing?” Xu Ke asked, eyes filled with confusion and a hint of annoyance.
“I spoke too much. If I hadn’t said those things, you wouldn’t be like this. I deserve it.” Sheng Wenhao muttered in a muffled voice.
Seeing the remorse in Sheng Wenhao’s eyes, Xu Ke felt a softening deep inside. “I deserve the blame, not you. My good brother, don’t worry about this matter. I just did a lot of thinking in the study; I have a plan now. She is my wife, the woman I’ve committed to, and I won’t let her go. Whether alive or dead, she’s a part of the Xu Family. I can’t give her up, let her marry another man, and have children with another man. I can’t do it and never will.” Although Xu Ke’s expression still showed traces of sadness, there was an unexpected determination.
“Alright, as a couple, it’s not my place to interfere. But if you need anything from me, just ask.” Sheng Wenhao patted Xu Ke’s shoulder, speaking sincerely.
“Don’t worry, I won’t stand on ceremony. Put some medicine on your face; it’s swollen.” Xu Ke urged.
“Sure, don’t forget to come downstairs for dinner later.” Sheng Wenhao said one last thing to Xu Ke before turning and leaving the study, returning it to Xu Ke, who was once again alone.
Time passed quickly, and Lin Mengyao’s cold had completely recovered. She had also bought a ticket back to Luocheng.
“Do you really have to leave? Can’t you stay here with me?” Xu Ke grabbed Lin Mengyao’s arm hanging by her side, his gaze carrying a touch of tension and hope.
Lin Mengyao built a solid ice wall between herself and Xu Ke, forcibly separating them.
“Are you really planning to let Madam leave just like that?” Housekeeper Zhao asked Xu Ke, who was somewhat distraught, while watching Lin Mengyao drive away with her limited luggage.
“Letting her cool off for a while might be a good thing. I’ll bring her back once I’ve cleared up everything in Shangjing and made sure it’s safe.” Xu Ke replied in a calm yet slightly ethereal voice.
“As long as you have a plan. Should we send a few bodyguards to follow her and ensure her safety?” Housekeeper Zhao suggested practically.
“No need, I’ve already arranged for someone to protect her. It’s fine.” Xu Ke waved his hand.
Just as Lin Mengyao left the Xu Family Mansion, a man who had been staking out nearby captured her departure. Without even waiting to finish his newly made self-cooking hotpot, he drove after her and simultaneously called Sheng Hong, who was in the middle of a board meeting.
“Sir, your phone has been ringing non-stop.” The assistant, who had worked with Sheng Hong for nearly ten years, whispered to him while stealing a glance at the phone number on the display, taking advantage of someone else’s report.
“Let’s adjourn this meeting for now. Everyone, take a thirty-minute break. We’ll continue afterward.” Sheng Hong glanced at the phone number and ended the meeting with a wave, even before the board member had finished speaking.
Standing in the restroom, Sheng Hong finally answered the call. It was the first time he proactively received a call from his subordinates since that mysterious correspondent appeared. “What’s the matter?” Sheng Hong’s voice carried a hint of urgency.
“The Lin Mengyao you asked us to monitor just left. We’re still following her, and it looks like she’s heading to the airport. Should we continue?” said the person on the other end of the line.
“Good, follow her and bring her back to me.” Sheng Hong’s eyes gleamed with excitement, even letting a hint of it seep into his voice.
“Okay, but I’ve noticed another group secretly protecting the target. With our current manpower, we can’t act rashly. Please send some support, Mr. Sheng.” The voice on the other side said.
“Send me your current location. I’ll arrange for more people. Make sure to bring Lin Mengyao back to me, and if you can’t, you won’t have to worry about living anymore. Understand?” Sheng Hong’s voice was icy and threatening.
“Rest assured, we will complete the mission.”