After leaving the hall, Shen Peiling immediately called the people she had previously hired to inquire about the situation.
She had been cautious about avoiding unnecessary controversies from the beginning, so she never met Mo Ming’s father in person. Instead, she had someone bring the man to Chuanhai and had a brief phone conversation with him. Only now did it dawn on her that the man who showed up in the hall earlier wasn’t the one she had arranged.
The voice was different, and he had deliberately dragged her into the mess. Once she was forced to stand on the same side as him, the man intentionally turned the tables on her. It had all been an act—his true target that night was her.
When she called to follow up, Shen Peiling found out that Mo Ming’s father had indeed been brought to the hotel, but after being handed over to the security staff, the people she hired had left. However, she hadn’t arranged for security staff in the first place.
Clearly, not only had Shen Peiling taken her own precautions, but someone else had also intervened. They had taken Mo Ming’s father and then swapped in a fake, delivering him to the hotel staff she had bribed.
Shen Peiling urgently ordered them to search for the man. How could such a person be taken away without leaving any trace? She had to get Mo Ming’s father to come and publicly denounce Mo Ming before the charity banquet ended—otherwise, the Wen family’s reputation would truly be ruined because of her.
As she anxiously waited for the call, the situation in the hall was already beginning to spread online. Finally, after about ten minutes, Shen Peiling received a call from Mo Ming’s father.
Over the phone, Qiu Fu (Mo Ming’s father) anxiously demanded to know why she had sent him to a mental hospital.
It turned out that after arriving at the hotel, someone had approached him, claiming they were going to take him to meet Mo Ming, who was willing to give him the money he wanted. Thrilled, he got into the car, only to be taken to a mental hospital on the outskirts of the city. Luckily, he still had some of his old skills from his days of petty crime and managed to escape through a bathroom window after asking to use the restroom. He ran away as fast as he could.
They had taken his phone, so he had to rely on his memory of Shen Peiling’s number, borrowing a phone from a roadside store to call her five or six times before he finally got through.
With a chance to turn the tables, Shen Peiling was ecstatic. After a brief explanation, she got his current location and immediately sent the Wen family’s driver to pick him up.
“Great, just great…”
Hanging up, Shen Peiling took a deep breath to calm herself. Not only had Mo Ming abandoned his father, but he also tried to have him committed to a mental institution—someone like that deserved to be publicly shamed.
Now it was just a matter of waiting.
Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, Mo Ming received a call from the person he had hired. He stepped into the corridor to take the call and learned that the man had escaped.
After hanging up, Mo Ming frowned deeply as he looked at the time on his phone.
The banquet was far from over, and there was still enough time for the man to make it back to the hotel. He knew that once the man was out of his control, he would definitely contact those who had planned this with him.
This matter was clearly not over.
Mo Ming put away his phone and looked up to see Shen Peiling approaching gracefully.
Shen Peiling, looking poised and elegant, had regained her composure after her earlier panic in the hall. She smiled lightly at Mo Ming, saying, “You’re really smart, you know that? No wonder Wen Ci can’t beat you. He was pampered from a young age, so how could he have the wit to outsmart someone as crafty as you?”
Mo Ming calmly reminded her, “It was you who started all this.”
“You stole Wen Ci’s boyfriend and his acting roles, and now you’re pretending to be innocent?” Shen Peiling sneered. “Don’t get too comfortable. Once your true colors are revealed, let’s see how long you can stay in the entertainment industry. Chuanhai won’t be able to tolerate you anymore…”
Mo Ming’s brows furrowed slightly with a hint of frustration.
So annoying…
These kinds of people, who just won’t learn their lesson and keep buzzing around like flies, trying to prove a point…
“The night isn’t over yet. The real show is still on the way,” Shen Peiling continued with a smirk. “Just wait and see. In a little while…”
“A little while, what?”
A cold voice suddenly cut through the air behind her, making Shen Peiling freeze. She turned around to see who it was.
Han Shao Zhou, dressed in a meticulously tailored black suit, stood in the hallway like a tall, straight spear under the lights. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his nose sharp, and his deep-set eyes, dark as ink, were fixed on her.
Shen Peiling felt a chill under Han Shao Zhou’s gaze. She forced a smile and said, “Oh, Shao Zhou, it’s you.”
“You mentioned an interesting show was on the way,” Han Shao Zhou said, his voice devoid of warmth. “What show?”
Guessing that Han Shao Zhou was likely trying to defend Mo Ming, Shen Peiling straightened up, speaking seriously, “Shao Zhou, you mustn’t misunderstand me and Wen Ci. The person who appeared earlier should have been Mo Ming’s real father, but Mo Ming switched him out midway. He’s definitely abandoned his father and was even planning to have him committed to a mental institution. If you don’t believe me, just wait. Mo Ming’s father is on his way here. You can hear it straight from him.”
Han Shao Zhou’s expression shifted slightly. “Is that so?”
“Of course. Don’t be fooled by his looks. I’ve told you before, you should send someone to his hometown to investigate,” Shen Peiling said. “He was already with men for money at the age of fifteen. He’s not only unfilial but also lacks self-respect. Comparing him to Wen Ci is just…”
“Just flattering your family,” Han Shao Zhou interrupted.
Shen Peiling choked on her words, her face turning red. She was about to retort, but when she met Han Shao Zhou’s deep, unreadable gaze, she lost her nerve. Times had changed—this man was no longer focused on Wen Ci, and naturally, he wouldn’t treat her with the respect due to a future mother-in-law.
Thinking about how Mo Ming’s father was on his way, Shen Peiling swallowed her pride and said, “Well, you’ll see for yourself soon enough…”
With that, she brushed past Han Shao Zhou and hurried away.
Han Shao Zhou walked straight over to Mo Ming.
Standing close, Mo Ming tilted his head slightly, blinking as he looked at the man before him.
Han Shao Zhou lowered his gaze, lifting his hands to adjust Mo Ming’s black bow tie. The tie was set against a well-tailored, pure white suit, looking both elegant and refined, though it was slightly askew.
Han Shao Zhou carefully straightened the tie before letting go. As he lifted his eyes, they met a face that was gentle and handsome, with thick, curled lashes and calm, clear eyes…
As Han Shao Zhou looked at Mo Ming, a sudden tightness seized his chest, a pain he couldn’t quite place. He knew that this person didn’t like him—not even a little.
In the suffocating silence, Mo Ming tilted his head slightly in confusion as he watched the man before him. He thought Han Shao Zhou was about to say something, but instead, he saw the man’s gaze falter and drop, his body sagging with a visible lack of confidence as he silently walked past him and left.
Mo Ming turned to watch Han Shao Zhou’s retreating back, his brow furrowing slightly.
Had he imagined it? It seemed like he had seen a glimmer of courage in this man’s eyes, only for it to be swiftly crushed by a wave of overwhelming insecurity.
Looking down at his now perfectly straightened bow tie, Mo Ming pursed his lips.
He had forgotten to say thank you.
Shen Peiling continued to wait anxiously, determined to avoid any further mishaps. When the driver called to say they were almost there, she went directly to the back entrance of the hotel to meet them and finally came face to face with Mo Ming’s real father.
Qiu Fu was just as rough-looking as the actor she had hired earlier, with a scar on his face and a shabby appearance. He even had two old photos of himself with Mo Ming, which Shen Peiling carefully examined, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
“Come on, let’s head to the hall upstairs. You know what to do, right?” Shen Peiling said, leading the man down a long corridor toward the elevators.
“I got it, miss,” Qiu Fu said, rubbing his hands together. “So, you said fifty thousand. Is that for real?”
“If everything goes well, you might get even more,” Shen Peiling replied.
“Great, great. For that much, I’ll do whatever you want.”
As Shen Peiling led him forward, a figure suddenly appeared from an adjacent hallway. “Shao Zhou?” Shen Peiling’s surprise and delight were evident as she recognized Han Shao Zhou. “I was just about to take him upstairs. Perfect timing. You’ll see that I wasn’t lying.”
Han Shao Zhou walked over to the wall first, carefully extinguishing his cigarette on a trash can before raising his eyes to look at Shen Peiling. “This is Mo Ming’s father?”
“Yes, definitely,” Shen Peiling replied confidently, stepping forward to hand Han Shao Zhou the two photos Qiu Fu had given her earlier. “See for yourself. I wasn’t lying. Just now, Mo Ming almost had him sent to a mental hospital. You’ll see how cruel Mo Ming really is. If you have any doubts, you can ask him anything directly. He knows it all.”
Shen Peiling gave the man a meaningful look, and he quickly stepped forward. Although he didn’t know who Han Shao Zhou was, Shen Peiling had coached him beforehand, so he knew what to say.
“I am definitely Mo Ming’s father. I…”
“Was it this woman who found you and brought you here?” Han Shao Zhou cut in, tilting his head slightly toward Shen Peiling.
The man nodded vigorously. “Yes, thanks to this miss here. If not for her, I…”
Han Shao Zhou interrupted again, “And is it true that Mo Ming tried to have you sent to a mental hospital?”
The man nodded even more emphatically, spitting out his words with confidence, “That brat. When I see him, I’ll beat him senseless with a belt.”
The hallway lights failed to reach the depths of Han Shao Zhou’s dark eyes as he said, “Good. Then I’ll do what I need to.”
Qiu Fu and Shen Peiling were both confused and about to ask what he meant when three men in black uniforms suddenly appeared from the side corridor.
They moved with lightning speed, giving Qiu Fu no time to react. One man rushed forward to cover Qiu Fu’s mouth, another pinned him down, and the third plunged a needle into his arm, slowly injecting the liquid.
Qiu Fu’s body convulsed twice before his eyes rolled back, and he passed out.
The three men swiftly bundled Qiu Fu into a sack and carried him down the hallway, where they loaded him into a van and drove off.
The entire process was seamless.
Shen Peiling’s legs gave out, leaving her trembling and frozen in place. It was as if she had just witnessed a murder. “I remember telling you not to do anything against Mo Ming,” Han Shao Zhou said coldly, tearing the photos in his hands into tiny pieces until they were no bigger than a fingernail. “But you still did.”
Shen Peiling snapped out of her shock, her lips quivering. “I…I didn’t lie to you. That really was Mo Ming’s father. Mo Ming, he…”
The shredded paper fluttered down into the trash can, and Han Shao Zhou’s lips twisted into a self-deprecating smile. “No matter what his background is or what he’s done, the only one being looked down on here is me.”
Han Shao Zhou looked up at Shen Peiling. “Get lost.”
“Shao Zhou, how can you speak to me like that? I’m…”
“Who do you think you are, calling me Shao Zhou?” Han Shao Zhou snapped. “If you weren’t a woman, I would have dealt with you long ago.”
Shen Peiling stood there, her mouth open in shock. She could no longer connect the man before her with the one who had once showered her with millions in jewelry, trying to win her favor. They were completely different people.
“What about Mo Ming? He…”
“Who he is, I don’t need you to tell me.”
“……”
“Get out of Chuanhai.” Han Shao Zhou turned and walked away. “You won’t have any more good days here.”
Wen Ci had been sitting alone in the lounge for a long time. At this point, everyone else was in the hall, leaving the large room empty except for him.
Slumped on the sofa, Wen Ci buried his face in his hands, too afraid to check his phone. The thought of the criticism and hatred that was sure to flood the internet made him feel deep regret.
He couldn’t even begin to imagine how Han Shao Zhou would see him from now on, having witnessed everything that had happened.
After wrestling with his thoughts for what felt like forever, Wen Ci finally picked up his phone and called Han Shao Zhou.
“Han ge…can we meet?” Wen Ci’s voice was hoarse. “I have something I want to say to you.”
He knew Han Shao Zhou must despise him at this moment.
Han Shao Zhou’s voice was cold, but he agreed quickly, which surprised Wen Ci.
Before long, Wen Ci found himself standing on the rooftop terrace, face-to-face with Han Shao Zhou.
Han Shao Zhou stood at the railing, looking out at the night cityscape, a long, elegant cigarette held between his fingers. He had tried to quit smoking earlier, but after his visit to Mo Ming’s hometown, he suddenly didn’t see the point anymore.
“Han ge…” Wen Ci’s voice was thick with emotion as he stood behind Han Shao Zhou, his expression conflicted. “About tonight and Mo Ming, I…”
“Let’s not talk about tonight or Mo Ming. Let’s talk about you and me.” Han Shao Zhou turned to face him, his gaze as cold as the night air. “This will be the last time we meet on purpose. It’s also the last time I’ll make my position clear to you.”
Wen Ci clenched his fists. “Do you hate me now, Han ge?”
“To be precise, I don’t want to waste a single bit of emotion on you.” Han Shao Zhou said. “If there’s anything you want to say, say it now.”
“Han ge, I like you…” Tears streamed down Wen Ci’s face, blurring his vision. He didn’t even try to maintain his pride in front of this man anymore, choking out his words. “I just didn’t realize my feelings sooner. But now that I do, does that mean you won’t want me anymore?”
Han Shao Zhou didn’t respond, just continued to stare out at the city lights.
“Of course, I can’t compete with Mo Ming. You used to like me so much, spoil me so much, I never had to worry about fighting with others. But now, no matter how hard I try to get what I want, I can’t seem to do it… If only I had Mo Ming’s cunning, maybe tonight wouldn’t have gone so badly.”
“Han ge, you’ve changed me. You made my life smooth and easy from the age of fifteen or sixteen. You made me someone everyone envied. I stood on top of the pyramid you built for me, maintaining my proud and elegant posture, even growing used to it. It was with this perfect image that I was able to win Gao Chen over… Gao Chen really loved me, too. His love was like the midnight stars, romantic and brilliant, but I had already gotten used to basking in your sunlight…”
During his years with Gao Chen, Wen Ci had written a book under a pseudonym, but it didn’t sell well.
He also wrote a memoir before leaving the industry, recounting his journey in showbiz, and that book sold remarkably well.
Later, he learned from the publisher that, in addition to the support from fans, Han Shao Zhou alone had bought nearly two-thirds of the copies.
He had been a little annoyed at the time, but since Han Shao Zhou didn’t mention it, Wen Ci pretended not to know.
What really hit him hard was about a year ago when he took a friend’s advice and appeared in a film by a famous foreign director.
The film received lukewarm reviews and wasn’t even released domestically, so few people knew about it.
Wen Ci had only a few minutes of screen time, but the day of shooting had been torturous.
The director wasn’t satisfied with his performance, making him do take after take, and finally, the frustration on the director’s face was unmistakable.
No one on set said anything nice to him, and Wen Ci had to fight back tears.
He had acted in so many films, always the favored star on set, with every director treating him with respect.
Han Shao Zhou would often visit him on set, and wherever he worked, Han Shao Zhou made sure the food, accommodations, everything was upgraded to the best.
But on that set, he felt as insignificant as a pebble by the river.
It was the first time Wen Ci realized he was no longer a star but just an ordinary person named Wen Ci. The gap between who he had been and who he had become was suffocating, which was why that year he sped up his falling out with Gao Chen.
“You made me used to your love, then you abandoned me…”
“You even changed my parents. They were once artists who loved their craft and cared little for fame or fortune. But when you casually bought one of my father’s paintings, it made waves in the art world. When you gave my mother a set of jewelry, it was worth more than ten years of her salary. You changed their values with your extravagance, turning them into greedy merchants. They didn’t know the first thing about business, but you made them rich beyond their dreams, and now they’re in too deep… They’ve almost forgotten who they really are and think they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Han family. And now you’re about to bring them back down to reality…”
“I hate Mo Ming for appearing. If it weren’t for him, what happened between you and me would just be a story of us getting back together…”
If not for Mo Ming, returning to Chuanhai would have meant returning to three years ago. He could have continued to be proud, continued to be elegant, without resorting to those despicable tricks, always maintaining that perfect image he had at the start…
But all because of Mo Ming…
As the night wind blew, Han Shao Zhou lowered his gaze, flicking the ash from his cigarette. The breeze brushed past his cold, sharp features as he said, “I had already let go of my feelings for you before I fell for Mo Ming. You don’t need to hate him. I didn’t even realize I liked him until after you came back to Chuanhai…”
Wen Ci bit his lip. “I…I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t need you to believe me.” Han Shao Zhou turned to face him. “And by the way, I don’t regret spending all that money on you and your family. Even though I didn’t win you over in the end, the fact that you now blame your family’s downfall on me for giving you too much before and for not giving you anything now…”
Han Shao Zhou paused, looking down as he took a long drag on his cigarette before exhaling slowly. “That really disgusts me.”
Wen Ci felt as if he had been slapped, his face burning with shame. He couldn’t believe Han Shao Zhou had actually used the word “disgust” to describe him.
“Anything else you want to say?” Han Shao Zhou asked.
Wen Ci opened his mouth, his voice so faint it was almost lost in the wind. “No.”
“Then it’s my turn.” Han Shao Zhou took two steps closer to Wen Ci. “I have just two things to say.”
“Wh…what?”
“If you ever try to pull anything against Mo Ming again…” Han Shao Zhou pointed at him with the hand holding the cigarette, his face expressionless as he said, “I’ll beat the crap out of you.”
Wen Ci stood frozen, his face drained of all color.
He had always known that deep down, Han Shao Zhou had a rough, unruly streak, a wildness born of a childhood starved of love and filled with reckless abandon. But he had always believed that this man would never show that side of himself to him. Now, though…
The golden, warm memories in his mind shattered into a million pieces, and Wen Ci felt as if he were falling into an endless void as he stared at the cold, indifferent man before him.
It was really over…
Han Shao Zhou turned and walked away, not sparing Wen Ci a second glance.
Author’s Note: There will be occasional descriptions of the Wen family returning to their original state, but the plot is now moving on to the next phase…
This whole Wen Family is so shameless.
And WC didn’t even like HSZ, he just like qhat HSZ could give to him.