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MMLDU Chapter 73

I know very well what kind of person my wife is.

The chosen script initially had the working title Rot, a suspense mystery drama still in its preparatory phase. Filming wouldn’t start for at least another three to four months.

Pei Lang wasn’t in a rush. This period provided the perfect opportunity to rest and recharge.

He had requested Lu Lu, the assistant who had been reassigned to another artist, to return to him. This little assistant was both naive and earnest, which Pei Lang found endearing. Yan Han had no objections to the arrangement either. Since Pei Lang wasn’t joining any production crews, Lu Lu also enjoyed a paid vacation, though they would occasionally meet at the company.

Pei Lang’s days were leisurely—writing songs, livestreaming, and going on dates with Yan Han. Life couldn’t have been more carefree.

But gradually, Pei Lang became aware of an issue. He had manipulated public opinion to force Yan Xiuyuan and Pei Ziqing into marriage. The marriage had happened and the task was complete, but Yan Xiuyuan had been far too quiet.

Given Yan Xiuyuan’s mad-dog personality, even if public pressure had forced him into marriage, with his capabilities, he should have uncovered the truth behind the matter in no time. Even if he couldn’t divorce, he certainly wouldn’t let things slide so easily.

“Could something have happened that I don’t know about?” Pei Lang pondered, suspecting whether Yan Han had done something to make Yan Xiuyuan submit. But he quickly dismissed the idea.

Who was Yan Xiuyuan, after all? Even knowing he1PL had married his2YXY elder, he still clung to his obsessions and engaged in all kinds of reckless behavior. When had he ever taken Yan Han seriously? How could he possibly be obedient now?

Unless… he was afraid of something.

Could it be that his grandfather had said something?

That was the only explanation Pei Lang could come up with. While he was lost in thought, Yan Han returned from work, pushing open the door.

“What are you thinking about, so deeply?”

“Of course, I’m thinking about you.” Pei Lang snapped out of his far-off thoughts and stood to give Yan Han a big hug. “Welcome home. Dinner’s not ready yet. Want to go out and take a walk together?”

By “go out”, he naturally meant staying within the villa grounds, Yan Han’s domain.

The villa was enormous. Pei Lang often went for morning runs there. Yan Han, who had regained his ability to walk, still maintained the outward pretense of being a cold, disabled man. At work, he sat in a wheelchair; only at home did he allow himself to walk around. In the past, when he couldn’t stand, it wasn’t an issue. But now that his legs had recovered, sitting all day was unbearable. So whenever possible, Pei Lang would accompany Yan Han on walks.

“Let’s go then.” Yan Han planted a kiss on Pei Lang’s forehead. The two walked downstairs hand in hand. When they left the house, it was only then that Pei Lang noticed the absence of Aunt Lin’s usual bustle in the kitchen.

“We’re going back to the old mansion for dinner tonight,” Yan Han explained, leading Pei Lang on a leisurely walk. The scenery around them was stunning, but it paled in comparison to the smiles on their faces as they walked side by side.

“Just the two of us going back?”

“My elder brother’s family will be there too,” Yan Han replied in an even tone. Despite his calm demeanor, Pei Lang could sense his frustration.

Pei Lang didn’t know much about Yan Han’s past. The books didn’t cover it in detail, and most of what he knew came from Yan Xiuyuan’s mouth.

That lunatic could never say anything good. Everything was either slander or mockery.

If Yan Xiuyuan dared to behave like that, it was likely with the tacit approval of Yan Han’s elder brother. Or perhaps it was simply a case of corruption at the top affecting those below—there wasn’t a decent person in that entire family. Pei Lang figured that when Yan Han was born, his elder brother already had ambition and cunning, which must have made Yan Han’s upbringing especially harsh.

The thought made Pei Lang’s heart ache. He squeezed Yan Han’s hand tighter. Yan Han was taller and appeared stronger, but Pei Lang always felt that, after years in a wheelchair, Yan Han’s physical strength, despite no visible muscle atrophy, was still no match for his own.

He couldn’t help but feel protective of his husband.

“If anyone dares to bully you, I’ll teach them a lesson!” Pei Lang declared. “My dad made me practice martial arts to protect myself—and my future wife. Well, now I’m someone else’s wife, so I’ll protect my husband instead. I may not be good at scheming or playing power games, but I’ve got strong fists. If I get into trouble, my husband can always cover for me. My husband’s so amazing; he can handle anything.”

As Pei Lang spoke, his tone grew increasingly smug and his upturned face was so adorably proud that it made Yan Han want to lean down and kiss him. And Yan Han did exactly that, planting a quick kiss on Pei Lang’s lips. Warmth filled Yan Han’s heart, and a smile spread across his face, softening his typically stoic features.

Though they were already married, the two of them acted more like a pair of lovestruck newlyweds. Time with Pei Lang always felt blissful, making Yan Han feel like his previous years had been a waste. Gradually, he found himself smiling more and more. The cold and aloof CEO persona he had cultivated seemed to be nothing more than an empty facade.

Yan Han was a very reliable person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to run such a large company. In their relationship, he was also deeply attentive. Though his approach to love was clumsy, a mix of childishness and maturity that often contradicted itself, he would never repeat something Pei Lang disliked once it was brought up.

He never questioned how Pei Lang had miraculously cured his legs, and Pei Lang never exposed the childlike innocence that still lingered within Yan Han’s heart.

Occasionally, in the dead of night, Yan Han would hold the already-sleeping Pei Lang in his arms and wonder what he had done to deserve such a wonderful person, someone who had become exclusively his. He never found an answer. The only thing he knew with certainty was that with Pei Lang by his side, the coldness and malice of the world seemed to melt away, and his life was getting better and better.

When they arrived at the old mansion and sat at the dining table, Pei Lang immediately noticed all eyes fixed on him.

Several pairs of eyes, all at once—some affectionate, some mocking, some filled with resentment.

It had been half a month since the airport photo incident. The family hadn’t gathered for a meal since. Tonight, it was clear that the old issue would be brought up again. As expected, the moment they sat down, Pei Ziqing asked with feigned concern, “Big Brother, were you traveling when you were spotted at the airport last time?”

Pei Ziqing had obviously brought it up to make Pei Lang nervous.

Others might not know the truth, but how could they not? Pei Lang and Yan Han were already married, and yet Pei Lang had been photographed with another man. To them, it was shameless. Wasn’t this considered cheating? By their standards, cheating should lead to being cast out of the Yan family. But half a month had passed, and no such news came. Did Yan Han love him so much that he was willing to wear a green hat?

And now, Pei Lang had the audacity to show up at the family dinner as if nothing had happened. Shameless!

“What did you just call me?” Pei Lang feigned surprise, casually stuffing some food into his mouth and even recommending the dish to Yan Han, placing a piece in his bowl as well.

“Big Brother…” Pei Ziqing glanced at Yan Xiuyuan, who was sitting nearby. Yan Xiuyuan’s eyes were practically glued to Pei Lang, which only fueled Pei Ziqing’s resentment toward him.

“Oh, you got it wrong.” Pei Lang chuckled, his tone light but pointed. “Even though we share only half the same blood, I’ve already severed ties with your father, so I’m no longer your big brother.”

The comment carried an implicit jab at Pei Ziqing’s status as an illegitimate child. Pei Ziqing’s face immediately turned sour, and he looked to Yan Xiuyuan in a panic, only to find that the latter didn’t care in the slightest.

“By seniority, I’m actually your elder. Since you’re married to Xiuyuan, that makes you my niece-in-law. From now on, just follow the lead of my good nephew and call me Uncle.”

After finishing his statement, Pei Lang didn’t forget to bring Yan Han’s father into the mix, pulling him onto his side. “Father, am I right?”

Old Master Yan had always doted on Yan Han and, by extension, was quite fond of Pei Lang as well. Furthermore, Pei Lang had helped Yan Han regain the ability to walk, which elevated his status in Old Master Yan’s eyes to an entirely new level. Old Master Yan’s gaze was full of affection as he spoke. “Xiao Lang is right. It’s no longer appropriate for Ziqing to address him as Big Brother.”

“Yes, Grandfather,” Pei Ziqing relented, clenching his fists under the table. He dared not show any dissatisfaction toward Pei Lang, as no one at the table supported him—not even the highest authority, Old Master Yan, who was clearly on Pei Lang’s side.

Why? Why was someone who had brought shame to the Yan family by “cheating” so heavily protected by everyone?

Pei Ziqing couldn’t understand it. He wasn’t inferior in any way, so why couldn’t anyone see his worth?

It had to be that Pei Lang was too good at putting on a show. He had underestimated him before.

“Why are you staring at your uncle instead of eating?” Yan Xiuyuan’s prolonged gaze at Pei Lang irked Yan Han, whose sharp remark startled him3YXY. Yan Xiuyuan quickly looked away, lowering his head to eat, though every bite tasted like wax—completely flavorless.

Yan Han held his4YXY life in his hands. Yan Xiuyuan didn’t dare defy him.

“I know my wife better than anyone else here,” Yan Han said firmly. “As the person who spends every moment by his side, I understand him more deeply than any of you ever could.”

This dinner was destined to be anything but peaceful. Everyone at the table had their own thoughts, and Yan Han had never attended these gatherings for the sake of the food. Only someone like Pei Lang, who truly enjoyed eating, could dine with such unbridled enthusiasm in such an oppressive atmosphere.

“As for the matter of the photos,” Yan Han continued, “I won’t offer any further explanations. I’d advise certain people to stop their baseless speculations.”

It was clear to everyone who those “certain people” were: Yan Xiuyuan, Pei Ziqing, and even the eldest brother, who remained silent but kept a watchful eye on every move at the table.

Old Master Yan stepped in to support them. “I trust Xiao Lang’s character.”

Despite being repeatedly mentioned, Pei Lang paid no attention to what was being said. His focus was solely on the food in front of him. Yan Tong, sensing the tension, attempted to mediate. “It’s understandable for everyone to harbor doubts since it’s been half a month without clarification. After all, this concerns the Yan family’s reputation.”

Although their relationship wasn’t yet public, it was only a matter of time before it would be revealed. If Pei Lang truly had any scandalous behavior, it would inevitably tarnish the Yan family’s reputation as well.

“Big Brother, you should focus on managing your own son and daughter-in-law before meddling in my family affairs,” Yan Han said coldly. “While we share the Yan family name, our households have long been separate.” If anyone had brought disgrace to the Yan family, his brother’s son and daughter-in-law had done more than enough behind the scenes to embarrass him as their father.

“Ah, it seems my younger brother is full of vigor again. Your health must be improving,” Yan Tong remarked with a faint smile. He feigned concern like a caring elder brother, but his eyes glinted with cold malice and the curve of his lips carried a hint of sarcasm.

Amidst the tension, Pei Lang finally looked up from his meal, his gaze serious as he focused on Yan Tong. “Big Brother, have you been skipping your health check-ups lately? Let me tell you, no matter how busy work is, you must prioritize your health. At your age, regular check-ups are a must. Honestly, your complexion looks worse than last time. Are you having liver issues?”

As soon as Pei Lang finished, Yan Tong’s expression darkened even further.

Yan Han, delighted by his wife’s sharp tongue, watched him speak with a proud smile.

“Big Brother started working in the company at such a young age. Your abilities and methods are truly admirable—I’m impressed,” Pei Lang continued, his tone laced with mock sincerity. “You must have worked incredibly hard to keep the Yan Group firmly in your grasp, especially since my husband was too young to help back then. Frequent social engagements and drinking are unavoidable in such a position. After so many years, your liver must be struggling. Honestly, the fact that it hasn’t quit on you yet is already a miracle.”

Yan Tong’s face grew darker by the second, his strained smile on the verge of collapse. To his frustration, his son, seated beside him, pretended not to hear and offered no assistance.

Pei Lang, not missing a beat, turned to Yan Han with mock urgency. “Husband, call Dr. Ge immediately and have him come over to give Big Brother a thorough examination.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Yan Tong interjected sharply, his voice raised. Realizing he had lost his composure, he forced a smile back onto his face. “I’ll make time for a proper check-up soon.”

“Alright, let’s all settle down and enjoy the meal,” Old Master Yan finally spoke, his voice steady. He waited until Pei Lang had finished before intervening, cutting off any chance for Yan Tong to retort further. Yan Tong, swallowing his words, glanced at Yan Han’s smug expression and clenched his teeth in silent frustration.


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Comment

  1. Ava says:

    Ah, this family. So messy

  2. Axe says:

    People that are too incompetent won’t even bother too improve themselves but would rather put their time in looking for others incompetence.

    What a pity~

    They should just give me their money~

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