Additional Inheritance - Chap 85
Chapter 85
Wen Xiaohui spent several days with his mum feeling especially relaxed, in the house where he’d grown up. It made him feel as though he’d returned to his childhood. Previously, other than wanting to be famous, his brain was filled with men, dedicating a lot of time to studying and improving his appearance. That boy was indeed vain and shallow, but he was actually happy, and nothing he could do would bring him back.
So that his mum wouldn’t suspect anything, he was full of smiles as he ate and drank every day. After his car arrived from Pengcheng, he wanted to take his mum out for a spin, but unfortunately, the air quality in the city was awful, and he would have looked like an idiot with his convertible roof down. He still helped his mum with her make up, styled her hair, coordinated her outfits, and took her shopping at shopping centres.
Feng Yuehua looked at her beautiful son beside her who was carrying loads of bags, and she secretly felt delighted. “With you walking beside me, do you think I’m like a rich lady with her toyboy? Isn’t my style unique?”
Wen Xiaohui blinked. “Mrs Feng, I1 don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Feng Yuehua laughed mockingly, “You little brat.”
Wen Xiaohui laughed, “Mum, do you feel honoured?”
Feng Yuehua nodded with pride, but after a moment, she lowered her voice and said, “Son, how much money do you make? I’m warning you, you can show off to anyone you want, but don’t act like a big shot in front of your mum.”
“You can shop to your heart’s content, Mum.”
Feng Yuehua hesitated briefly before she asked, “Tell me the truth, are you spending Luo Yi’s money?”
Wen Xiaohui automatically wanted to refute, but thinking back to how he had made one or two million from his work over the last few years, it could barely compare to the large ‘break-up fee’ from Luo Yi. He was only able to squander money so extravagantly because of that sum of money. He didn’t feel embarrassed since the source of the money was complicated, and on closer inspection, Luo Yi’s money originally belonged to him anyway, even if he never coveted it. However, he didn’t want his mum to feel uncomfortable.
Feng Yuehua knew the answer in her heart as soon as he hesitated.
Wen Xiaohui smiled as he said, “Mum, don’t think too much about it. The money I’ve made…”
Feng Yuehua interjected, “I wasn’t overthinking things. I know Luo Yi’s very rich – the set of jade he gave me must have cost a few million. You should return it if you get a chance, I really can’t keep it. If there comes a day when the two of you don’t get along anymore, it could be a headache.”
Wen Xiaohui said stiffly, “I understand.”
“You! You look clever, but deep down, you’re actually far too innocent. I’m telling you, being in a relationship is the same for everyone, even though you’re both men. He’s your man, he should be responsible for you financially, but you can’t stay idle just because he’s willing to spend money on you. You should always leave yourself with a back-up. Do you understand?”
Wen Xiaohui stared blankly at his mum – he never expected to hear these words. His mum was well and truly experienced in these matters, and put him at the forefront of her mind. How awesome!
Feng Yuehua glared at him. “Do you really understand?”
Wen Xiaohui’s feelings were complicated as he nodded.
“Luo Yi’s identity is already a bit unusual, and look what happened last time you had an argument. Who knows if something might go wrong in future? Who knows if it’ll last? That kid, Luo Yi, isn’t bad, but he may not be someone you can spend the rest of your days with. Neither of you would be willing if I told you to split up now, but you can’t survive on thin air if one day your love fades and ceases to exist. Take advantage of the help and make your business successful. Mum won’t be staying in China that often, you need to put my heart at ease.”
“I got it, Mum.” Wen Xiaohui secretly felt like laughing bitterly. He used to think about finding a rich and powerful boyfriend, so that he could quit the rat race 20 years early. How wonderful would that be? However, after starting a relationship, he discovered that his dignity, which he previously assumed would bend at the waist at the sight of money, was standing at attention. He never imagined he would turn down money; he’d rather not have met Luo Yi at all.
Sitting and chatting on the back of Luo Yi’s bicycle and feeling the evening breeze was much more precious than a luxury car, a mansion or an endless supply of money. If he told someone this, they’d laugh their heads off. A few years ago, he would have scoffed at the pretentiousness and naivety, but who would have known, after all he’d been through, he’d finally realise that some things were priceless.
The two of them strolled as they chatted, and after they became tired from all the walking, they found a cafe in the shopping centre to have a rest.
When Feng Yuehua went to the toilet, Wen Xiaohui took out his compact for a touch up. He had only patted his face a couple of times when he suddenly noticed a familiar face reflected in the mirror. His heart pounded, and in an instant, he felt a chill and froze.
It… It was Chang Xing’s bodyguard!
He wouldn’t have mistaken the man who kept him under house arrest, broke his nose, and charged at him with a knife. He absolutely wouldn’t have made such a mistake. He slammed his compact shut with a bang. His shoulders trembled uncontrollably – that person was just behind him, but he didn’t have the courage to glance back.
Was the bodyguard tailing him? What was he after? Wen Xiaohui immediately wanted to call Luo Yi. Even now, Luo Yi was the only person he could think of. However, he didn’t dare to act without careful consideration, and with a hopeful heart, he wished that it was just a coincidence. Maybe the bodyguard hadn’t noticed him at all – his hair style was very different from before and he might not recognise him even if they met face-to-face. He tried to come up with all sorts of reasons, he was unwilling to believe that he was under surveillance because he was with his mum. He couldn’t allow anyone to harm his mum.
Wen Xiaohui clenched his fists and sat rigidly. He didn’t know what to do.
However, he didn’t have a chance to ponder when he heard the approaching footsteps behind him, a step at a time. He felt as though the bodyguard was treading on his heart.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a dark shadow. Afterwards, a man filled the seat opposite him where his mum had been sitting.
Wen Xiaohui instinctively leaned back. Feeling terrified, he looked around and noticed how there were a lot of people in the cafe. Surely he’d be safe?
The bodyguard sneered at him. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything to you. I just want to have a chat.”
Wen Xiaohui asked in a quivering voice, “What do you want?”
The bodyguard stretched his arm out, highlighting the hideous scar across his wrist that looked ghastly. He held a glass of water in one hand and took a sip. His gaze was fixed on Wen Xiaohui. “I can now use this hand to pick up a glass of water.”
Wen Xiaohui gulped. Under the table, his fists were firmly clenched.
“I don’t blame you though. You’re not my enemy, I’m only doing this for money, and you consider it a work-related injury. Your nose isn’t my fault, you only have yourself to blame for being rash.”
“What do you want?! Wen Xiaohui stared at him as he felt a niggling pain in his nasal bridge. A surge of hatred rushed to his chest.
“Our boss is keen to know what you’ve been up to. Luo Yi hid you away for two years, he did a good job of hiding you. It’s a shame you’ve let your guard down.”
“Luo Yi wasn’t hiding me. I relocated for work.”
The bodyguard laughed. “Don’t make me laugh, I’m not going to talk any more nonsense with you. Let’s be blunt, I know you want to leave Luo Yi and can’t get rid of him. How can you force yourself when it comes to love?” he lamented.
“Our relationship is none of your business.” Wen Xiaohui kept looking at the door, worrying that his mum could come back any minute.
“It’s clearly our business. Luo Yi’s every single move concerns my boss. Mr Wen, do you really think Luo Yi can keep you safe?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve looked into your friends, family, colleagues, and everyone else around you. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to them because of you.”
Fuming, Wen Xiaohui gritted his teeth. “I’ll kill you if you dare!”
A nasty grin appeared on the bodyguard’s face. “Not bad, I’m well acquainted with this expression. Last time, you were like an anxious little rabbit when you tried to escape – even if you’re brave, you’re still a rabbit. You can’t win against a beast. Mr Wen, you have a chance now to protect your friends and family and receive a large sum of money. You’ll also be able to free yourself from Luo Yi completely. You can kill two birds with one stone, just by doing something simple.”
“No matter what it is, I refuse.” said Wen Xiaohui2 without any hesitation. If Chang Xing wanted him to do something, it couldn’t be anything good.
“Oh, you still care about Luo Yi a lot.”
“It has nothing to do with that. Whatever Chang Xing has in mind can’t be good. If something happens to my friends and family, I’ll call the police straight away.”
“Do you think I’d show up here if the police were any use?” The bodyguard chuckled, “There’s a warrant for my arrest, except they can’t find me.”
Wen Xiaohui was shocked. Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.
The bodyguard leaned over to draw closer to him and said, “Frankly speaking, Wen Xiaohui, I’d lose all financial support if something happened to my boss. I don’t have any particular skills, so I’d end up desperate and willing to take risks. Now or later doesn’t make a difference. You should do as I say or you’ll regret it.”
Wen Xiaohui’s eyes widened, making them look perfectly round and bloodshot. Fear and anger nearly overwhelmed his rationality, and he wished that he had a knife in his hand. He’d stab the man in front of him without hesitating.
At that moment, his mum came back. His complexion paled, and the bodyguard also realised that something was wrong. He quickly added, “I’ll get in touch with you. You know the consequences if you tell Luo Yi.” When he finished speaking, he got up and left without looking back.
Feng Yuehua came back, asking in alarm, “Who’s the man that was sitting here?”
“He was promoting some kind of multi-level marketing.” Wen Xiaohui pinched himself in the middle of his palm, forcing himself to stay calm.
“That man’s got some cheek!” Feng Yuehua put it out of her mind, and continued to eat her afternoon tea.
Wen Xiaohui’s brain was in complete disarray. He stared at his mum until his eyes eventually became unfocussed.
What should he do?
His initial response was to tell Luo Yi. He didn’t know when he started relying on Luo Yi to solve every problem, just like Luo Yi had said. However, he didn’t trust Luo Yi, and he wasn’t willing to risk the consequences of making the wrong move.
Footnotes:
Wen Xiaohui uses the third person (伦家) to refer to himself. It’s internet slang used by females to refer to oneself in a cutesy way.
The original text says Luo Yi, which I assume is a typo as he doesn’t appear in this chapter.
