Volume One, Chapter 20: Because Ye Wu Is My Wife!

After Ye Wu left, Zhou Jinghuai went to one place.

The rooftop of the Mancang Building.

The night wind howled, billowing the black overcoats of the two men like hunting raptors spreading their wings in the dark; their presence was equally formidable.

Zhou Jinghuai lit a snow-white cigarette against the wind, held it between his lips, and took a deep drag. His gaunt face hollowed out with the effort, making his features appear even more chiseled and profound.

After half a cigarette, Zhou Jinghuai looked at Gu Jiucheng, his voice cold and sharp.

"Cancel the partnership."

"Furthermore, the divorce case between Ye Wu and me no longer needs to proceed for now. If there is a need in the future, someone else will take over this litigation..."

Gu Jiucheng asked, "Why?"

Zhou Jinghuai threw the remaining stub of his cigarette to the ground and crushed it with his calfskin shoe. His voice was even colder and more indifferent: "Gu Jiucheng, you're asking me why?"

In the next second, Zhou Jinghuai threw a punch, striking Gu Jiucheng’s jaw.

Gu Jiucheng took the blow head-on.

Zhou Jinghuai stood firm, his gaze like tempered ice: "Because Ye Wu is my wife, Gu Jiucheng. You haven't forgotten that, have you?"

"Your wife?"

Gu Jiucheng lowered his head and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

That smear of blood meant nothing to him. He looked at the bright crimson and laughed: "Zhou Jinghuai, you still know Ye Wu is your wife, so where were you before? Bai Qianqian has already caused Ye Wu such distress; if she finds out the truth, do you think she will still be willing to stay by your side?"

"Keep dreaming!"

"Zhou Jinghuai, don't think money is omnipotent."

After years of partnership, Zhou Jinghuai and Gu Jiucheng fell apart.

Zhou Jinghuai fished out another cigarette and lit it with elegant movements, sneering: "Jiucheng, we are actually the same kind of people. You should know best that sometimes, money is indeed omnipotent."

He met Gu Jiucheng’s gaze: "I will not divorce Ye Wu. Never."

Ye Wu did not take the initiative to contact Zhou Jinghuai.

Even between husband and wife, when it comes to the distribution of interests, there is a game to be played. Ye Wu was not the type to lose her composure.

She heard from Annie that Bai Qianqian was pulling strings, trying to attend Mr. Chen’s banquet.

Annie was worried that Bai Qianqian would rise to power.

Ye Wu smiled faintly: "Bai Qianqian doesn't have that capability! Her ability is insufficient to support a massive project like Meiya. Eventually, she will suffer, and she will doubt herself, just like I fell into deep self-doubt during my marriage."

Her issues with Zhou Jinghuai were not yet resolved when her grandmother's health took a turn for the worse.

A brain tumor, located in a very precarious position.

If left any longer, it would compress the nerves and cause paralysis.

Ye Wu exhausted all her connections, but no doctor dared to perform the surgery. On one hand, the location was indeed difficult, and on the other, the old lady was of advanced age, making the surgical risk extremely high.

Ye Wu was anxious, and Zhou Jinghuai’s affairs were pushed to the back of her mind.

Mrs. Chen, having learned of the situation, came to the hospital specifically to visit the grandmother and bring Ye Wu some useful information.

After seeing the grandmother, Ye Wu took Mrs. Chen to the coffee shop downstairs.

In the bright café, the two sat face to face.

Mrs. Chen gently grasped Ye Wu’s hand and said with deep sympathy: "Don't worry too much. Modern medicine is very advanced; any illness can be cured. After I heard the news yesterday, I helped you inquire about it, and I actually heard something useful from Mr. Chen."

"Mr. Chen said there is a surgical master in Jing City named Fu Yu, but he doesn't come out of retirement easily."

"Mr. Chen doesn't have the clout to persuade him."

"However, this master's ancestors have always been on good terms with the Zhou family, and that connection remains unbroken to this day. I think if someone from the Zhou family speaks up, he would definitely be willing to perform this surgery."

Ye Wu’s pending divorce was something Mrs. Chen had heard rumors about, so after speaking, she took a sip of coffee to mask her expression.

Ye Wu was deeply grateful to Mrs. Chen.

Just as she was hesitating, a call came from the Zhou family mansion; Elder Zhou requested an audience with Ye Wu.

The call was made by Zhou Yanli. The etiquette of the Zhou family was extremely strict, and since Ye Wu was currently a guest of Elder Zhou, Zhou Yanli, her father-in-law, spoke with great courtesy.

Zhou Yanli said: "Regardless of where you and Jinghuai stand, give the old man some face! He has always been extremely fond of you."

Ye Wu agreed.

Early winter arrived.

The courtyard of the Zhou family was filled with interest in all four seasons.

Ye Wu parked her car, and upon stepping out, she saw Zhou Yanli. He had come personally to escort her to see Elder Zhou, which showed how much importance was placed on her.

Along the way, Zhou Yanli chatted with her, strictly avoiding any mention of Zhou Jinghuai.

Ye Wu did the same.

When they reached the old man’s study, Zhou Yanli’s secretary approached and whispered a few words to him. While they spoke, Ye Wu studied the secretary’s features. After the person left, she said to Zhou Yanli: "Your secretary, I find his face familiar."

Zhou Yanli’s expression held a hint of hesitation.

After a long pause, he pushed open the small door and looked at Ye Wu: "The old man is waiting for you."

Ye Wu stopped speculating and walked straight in.

In the quaint study, the scent of tea permeated the air. Elder Zhou was sitting, drinking tea and rocking on a chair. No servants were in attendance. Hearing footsteps, the old man chuckled: "Ah Wu is here? Come over and have some tea with me."

Ye Wu walked over and sat down, respectfully addressing him as Elder.

She remained reserved.

Elder Zhou smiled again: "Jinghuai isn't here! I sent everyone else away; today, it’s just the two of us, grandfather and granddaughter, having a chat."

Ye Wu smiled faintly and leaned over to pour tea for the old man.

Among the younger generation of the Zhou family, apart from Zhou Jinghuai, Elder Zhou valued Ye Wu the most, even more than his eldest grandson, Zhou Jingyao. Of course, this special favor also made Ye Wu a thorn in others' sides, a fact the old man knew well.

The old man took a sip of tea and actually began asking about Zhou Jingyao and Su Qihong, finally saying nonchalantly: "You and Jinghuai have been married for four years; it’s time to arrange Jingyao’s marriage."

Ye Wu was startled.

She knew clearly in her heart that the old man did not care for Su Qihong. If he had approved, Zhou Jingyao would have married her long ago. The old man saying this now was nothing more than clearing the obstacles for Zhou Jingyao’s strategic marriage.

Ye Wu was shocked, but her expression remained flawless; she even smiled: "Cousin Jingyao is indeed at the age for marriage."

Elder Zhou gave her a sharp, experienced look.

This child was truly composed and discreet; she was worthy of Jinghuai.

The old man changed the subject and asked about the condition of Ye Wu’s grandmother.

Ye Wu spoke briefly about it.

The old man paused slightly: "With such a major matter, why didn't you let Jinghuai tell me? I know your heart's ailment—you feel that Jinghuai doesn't love you. But I see it clearly: if Jinghuai didn't like you at all, your marriage wouldn't have lasted until today; it would have fallen apart long ago."

Ye Wu lowered her eyes: "I know. One shouldn't talk about feelings in the Zhou family."

The old man suddenly grew angry: "That must be the rubbish Jinghuai told you! That bastard—if there were no feelings involved, how could his parents have given birth to him? Wouldn't that just be the mating of animals?"

Ye Wu involuntarily thought of Zhou Yanli’s secretary; that elegant beauty was certainly no coincidence.

Of course, she kept her silence.

Elder Zhou spoke for a long time and grew weary: "In any case, I will arrange for your grandmother’s matter. You and Jinghuai should keep working on your relationship; people always say that even one night as husband and wife creates a bond for a hundred days."

Ye Wu nodded and retreated, carefully closing the door.

As she turned, she accidentally collided with a solid, warm embrace.

Ye Wu was startled and instinctively tried to pull away, but the man reached out and wrapped his arms around her, pressing her small face against his shoulder. The man’s voice was low and husky: "How did it go with the old man? Have you considered it?"