As Xi Xiaye expected, it was Wang Hui who called. It was because of what appeared in the papers, and it seemed that things were much worse than she thought.

"It's fine. I don't particularly mean anything. Come back tonight. Tell my granddaughter-in-law not to stress herself out. We'll face this together as a family!" Wang Hui's gentle voice reached them, warming Xi Xiaye's heart.

"Mmm, we'll head back now." Mu Yuchen then hung up and looked at the quiet Xi Xiaye. "Let's go back now so they don't worry."

She nodded and did not say anything. Instead, she just let him drag her ahead.

...

It was near evening when they reached the Mu Residence. Because it was drizzling outside, the air was humid.

Dinner was already served, so the couple went straight to the dining table upon entering the house.

Mu Yinan and Wang Hui were both around. However, Zhuang Shurong was on leave today while Mu Tangchuang had matters to attend to.

"Xiaye, we won't ask you what exactly happened. Your grandpa called us just now and told us about it. You really are a silly girl. We've discussed it and have decided to do a thorough investigation. Otherwise, your father might face a hard time."

Wang Hui studied Xi Xiaye preciously.

How could she believe that a strong-willed woman like Xi Xiaye would do something like that? It was obvious that she was framed!

Moreover, judging from the fact that she was the future heiress to Fuhua Properties was enough to shut everyone up. However, Shen Yue's made an odd decision to publicize her identity as his granddaughter only after her 28th birthday, and it was exactly because of this that Shen Wenna...

With Shen Wenna's pride as well as her undying love for Xi Mushan, she would never talk about that which eventually caused the tragedy after that.

Shen Yue had also been brooding over this matter, which was why he did not want to talk about it either.

Wang Hui truly understood the reason behind Shen Yue's actions. An experienced businessman like Shen Yue had seen too many kinds of people. He just wanted to protect his children regardless of whether his actions were right or wrong. It was obvious that he did not really care much about a person's family background; he preferred a man that would treat his granddaughter well.

Precisely because of this, Wang Hui investigated more about Xi Xiaye after knowing about her. The findings were satisfactory. She had always longed for a strong, kind, and positive girl as her grandson's partner.

"I heard that this matter has caused quite a negative effect, especially on your father. If it isn't handled properly, there might be an investigation into him. Recently, they've been pretty strict on governors' behavior. Your father was already pretty stressed out because of the orphanage issue, and now..."

Zhuang Shurong paused, her eyes showing concern. "Don't worry. It won't be a big issue if we're able to find out the truth. It's just that on your father's end..."

Xi Xiaye understood what Zhuang Shurong was trying to say. No matter what the end results were, her father Xi Mushan would still be affected one way or another, especially if she and Xi Xinyi were exposed. Including Shen Wenna and Yue Lingsi, it would cause a massive chain reaction! Throw Shen Yue and the current Mu family into the equation and things would be chaotic!

Xi Xiaye felt heavy inside. Suddenly, she had no idea what to reply.

Suddenly, the quiet Mu Yuchen spoke up, "It's fine. You guys don't have to do anything. Things will be clear soon enough. Let's just be as low-profile as possible and not overdo it. We'll just explain what happened to them. Ah Mo will be sending the documents to the court in a few days. After things are made clear, I'll request for a public apology from the people who handled this case in the military academy back then as well as demand punishment for the perpetrator."

As he put his chopsticks down and grabbed a napkin to gracefully wipe his mouth, he grabbed Xi Xiaye's phone and stood up slowly. "I'm done. You guys enjoy."

He then left the dining table swiftly after saying those words.

Zhuang Shurong and Wang Hui seemed a little gloomy when they saw Mu Yuchen left to sit on the sofa as if they remembered something from the past. Their eyes seemed complicated and they traded glances with each other before continuing with their meal in silence.

While Xi Xiaye was curious, she did not ask anything.

At almost 11 p.m., they went back to Maple Residence.

After a shower, she handed an envelope to him with her half-dried hair. "I'll give you these documents. I don't think I can handle them."

He looked up and glanced at her before taking the envelope. When he opened it, he saw that it was full of evidence gathered by Detective Zhang.

He slipped it back in and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her down on his lap. "Leave this matter to me in the future. Are you worried about me?"

Xi Xiaye sighed as she closed her eyes, "No..."

"Then, why?" He asked.

"Because I don't want you to know about these... I kind of feel like... I'm disgraceful..." Her voice was no louder than a whisper.

He took a deep breath and hugged her tightly. "Who cares? You're mine. I'll protect you. So many people want this, yet you're not appreciating it."

"So, I'll let you handle this matter then?"

"Mmm."

She hesitated for a while before saying, "Don't trouble Father and Mother. I just want to remove the stains on me..."

No matter what, she could not just leave Shen Wenna and Xi Mushan alone. There was not much that she could hold onto anyway and she was afraid that she would have nothing left if she lost anymore.

"Of course, it'd be best if we can take Xi Xinyi down, but it seems like there isn't enough evidence. And the Yue family... about Han Yifeng and her..."

"Don't you think it's a good idea if we give these to them as their wedding gift? Also, I'm putting in so much effort for you. Can you not mention that person's name in front of me? Mmm!"

He grumbled unhappily, but before he could finish his sentence, her cold, pink lips met his!

The drizzle went on and shrouded the whole of City Z in a mist, putting everyone in a sullen mood.

Inside a quiet villa in the outskirts.

Xi Xinyi had moved into the villa ever since she was discharged from the hospital. It had been some time since then. Yue Lingsi and the Hans would visit often, but Han Yifeng never appeared there. His phone was almost always switched off. She wanted to look for him at the Han Corporation, but she was worried about getting caught by reporters. In the end, she could not do anything but coup herself up inside the villa.

Today, she thought she would be passing another boring day all by herself. Unexpectedly, Huang Ziyao and Yue Lingsi went over in the afternoon with a marriage contract!

"Xinyi, sign this. I've talked to Yifeng about it. We'll take it to the company for him to sign after you do. Then, you two will be an official pair after we send this to the Civil Affairs Bureau. The elder and the others will come over tonight to celebrate your marriage."

Huang Ziyao handed the contract to Xi Xinyi as she said, "I've ordered the servants to prepare dinner."

"That's right, Xinyi. Sign it quickly. We'll then send it to Yifeng. Hurry, we might not make it before the Civil Affairs Bureau gets off work!"

Yue Lingsi gleefully grabbed the contract from Huang Ziyao and presented it to Xi Xinyi who was startled for a moment before she came back to her senses and quickly signed it.

"Great! I've been looking forward to this day! Your grandfather asked me about your marriage with Yifeng several days ago. I gave it some thought and decided to bring your grandparents over as well, so we can celebrate together."

Yue Lingsi took the document back from Yue Lingsi and gave to Huang Ziyao who accepted it with a mixed expression on her face.

"Mother, will Yifeng be coming tonight? The baby and I miss him... Is he still angry with me? He never picks up my call..."

Xi Xinyi watched Huang Ziyao carefully with a pair of eyes full of anticipation. Her beautiful face lacked the paleness she had before, and she now seemed much better.

"He's been busy with Yueying's matters. Please understand Yifeng. Everyone is exhausted. It's really not easy for him to hold the fort down," answered Yue Lingsi.

Han Yifeng respected the decision of Huang Ziyao and the others. In fact, he was handling Yueying on behalf of Xi Xinyi, and it was not easy for him to keep the company running.

Han Yifeng still had a trick or two up his sleeves. He took back several movies that were previously canceled back as well as some huge advertisements. Besides that, he swapped Xi Xinyi out and delivered a public apology on behalf of her. On the other hand, he also managed to keep their biggest investor Qikai. With all his hard work, he barely kept Yueling alive.

During this period, as the second largest stakeholder, Xi Xiaye never appeared. Everything was handled by the Vice President of Glory World, Liu Lingyu. In addition to that, Glory World put in a lot of effort as well. They removed Xi Xinyi and selected another artiste as the new ambassador for Imperial Sky Jewellery City with many stakeholders in favor of the decision.

Xi Xinyi bit her lip when she heard Yue Lingsi. She then replied, "I got it. I'm sorry, Mother. Things must've been tough. I'll make sure to correct my own mistakes and do my best to become Yifeng's best aide!"

Xi Xinyi's eyes were filled with confidence when she spoke. Having graduated as a business major back in university, she had also been learning a lot about business after shadowing Han Yifeng around for the past few years.

She believed that she would not become any worse even after she left the entertainment industry, definitely no lesser than Xi Xiaye anyway. She had never lost to Xi Xiaye in anything ever since they were children. Whether it was studies or relationships with others, she had always been way, way ahead of Xi Xiaye.

After doing some thinking on her own, she decided she would quit her acting career and pick up her business management knowledge again. She wanted to become Han Yifeng's best aide so that she could win his heart again.

If she could take him away from Xi Xiaye many years ago, she could make Han Yifeng let go of this negative rut and accept her again now. After all, they still had feelings for each other, did they not?

It was slightly past lunch time when Huang Ziyao got someone to deliver the marriage contract to the Han Corporation. Secretary Wang knocked on the door moments after Han Yifeng sat in his chair.

"CEO Han, Madam sent this over. Ms. Xinyi has signed it. Madam wants you to sign it as soon as possible so that I can submit it to the Civil Affairs Bureau today."

Secretary Wang lay the document open right before Han Yifeng.

A marriage contract...

Han Yifeng narrowed his eyes and then glanced at Secretary Wang coldly. His gaze then stopped on the document right in front of him. He was suddenly reminded about what Huang Ziyao had spoken to him about before.

"CEO Han, Madam asked the elder to have dinner at the villa in the south tonight. CEO Deng and the others will be going as well. They'll all be there to celebrate your marriage with Ms. Xinyi, so..."

Han Yifeng's head felt heavy as he kept on listening. Before taking the document, he took a deep breath.

After a while, Han Yifeng said quietly, "How's the thing I asked you about going?"

"CEO Han, we can't check the DNA for now, but I've checked Ms. Xinyi's whereabouts during that period of time. Ms. Xinyi is really... I'm sure you know it best, CEO Han. Ms. Xinyi has been very pale in the past few days. It's pretty obvious that she cares about you, CEO Han," Secretary Wang said carefully.

Han Yifeng pinched the space between his eyebrows, feeling immensely exhausted. He put the document away. "We'll talk about this in the future."

"But what should we do about the dinner tonight?" Secretary Wang looked at Han Yifeng hesitantly.

"I'll head over after I'm done with work. You should pay Qikai a visit. The proposal for the South River project needs to be submitted soon. Hand these to Vice President Qi, and say that Yueying has decided to swap Xinyi out." Han Yifeng handed Secretary Wang a set of documents impatiently.

"Yes, CEO Han!" Secretary Wang did not want to stay any further as he noticed that Han Yifeng did not seem pleased. Taking the document, he quickly turned around just as he was about to leave, but Han Yifeng suddenly called out to him, "Wait!"

"CEO Han?"

"Have you investigated Xiaye's news on the Economy Times? Who released them?" Han Yifeng suddenly demanded.

Because the issue caused such a huge ruckus, naturally Han Yifeng followed it closely too.

Back then, not many people knew about the incident. Had it been someone without malicious intentions, they would not have dug this matter up. When he made Secretary Wang investigate this, Xi Xiaye's face had actually been flashing through his mind from time to time.

He remembered that back then, Xi Xiaye had also tried very hard to explain to him, but he had merely responded with silence. He could not explain how he felt then. He did not know whether he should believe her or not!

However, now, if he was asked whether Xi Xiaye would do such a thing, he would definitely say frankly that she would not!

"I'm sorry, CEO Han. We haven't found out for now. The people at the Economy Times aren't willing to reveal anything. This matter has already been suppressed by Chairman Mu, while this incident has also affected Mayor Xi, so I didn't dare ask too much," Secretary Wang answered softly, studying the brooding Han Yifeng. He could not help but say again, "CEO Han, I'm not sure if I should inform you about something."

"What is it?" Han Yifeng asked gruffly.

"Miss Xinyi has been asking me to get her books on management these past few days. She says she wants to start fresh and return to your side with a new identity. She's decided to quit the showbiz industry and will let you manage Yueying. She wants to be your helpful assistant just like Chairman Mu and Miss Xiaye.

"She cried and begged me that she didn't want anything. She just hopes that you can give her one more chance. CEO Han, forgive me for speaking up. Actually, I can tell that Miss Xinyi really loves you. If she can really changes for you this time, maybe you should give her a chance. After all, it's very hard to meet someone that matches you in this world. All these years, haven't you been living happily with Miss Xinyi, CEO Han?"

Secretary Wang could not bear to see Xi Xinyi so weak and pitiful. After he thought about it, he decided to say a few kind words in the end.

When he heard this, Han Yifeng was stunned too.

Indeed, these past few years they had been living happily together, and he was contented too, so why was it that everything had changed once they returned?

'What I want is very simple. If he can treat me well, I don't care about anything else.'

'We're back to our starting point now. Now, we can leave each other alone. I don't want to look back at our past anymore.'

'Just like how you wanted me to let go of you and Xi Xinyi... You told me yourself that your love for Xi Xinyi is true love...'

Xi Xiaye's every word suddenly seemed to harshly knock on his heart like a heavy mallet. He could not help but feel a numbing pain as his head was filled with her condescending and mocking gaze at the South River that day.

True love?

...

As if the air all around him was instantly sucked away, he suddenly felt a little suffocated. A while after that, he waved his hand for Secretary Wang to leave.

Secretary Wang then retreated quietly.

...

Inside the Chairman's office of Glory World Corporation.

When he received Ah Mo's call, Mu Yuchen was sitting leisurely on the recliner under the book shelf, he was flipping through a book, his fingers even casually had half a cigarette.

"Master, I've finished arranging the information. This time, we can definitely make Yang Jianfeng pay the price and return Missus her innocence!"

Mu Yuchen had always felt assured by Ah Mo's work. As someone who shadowed him by his side, Ah Mo's capabilities were stellar.

As he listened, Mu Yuchen's still eyes turned slightly cold. He casually released a puff of smoke and said calmly, "Just send it straight to the court. I've already handled it over there."

"Yes, Master!" Ah Mo answered in a low voice, "Right, Master, I have news."

"Hmm?"

"I heard that Han Yifeng's mother, Huang Ziyao, has already made Xi Xinyi sign the marriage contract, and then it was sent straight the Han Corporation for Han Yifeng to sign in the afternoon. However, Han Yifeng seems to be hesitating..."

"Hesitating? Why's he hesitating?"

The corner of Mu Yuchen's lips curled up with disdain, yet his eyes were gloomy. "Find a way to make him sign it. Does he have no right to stay out of this?"

"Don't worry, Master, I'll get it done. Now that he's temporarily handling Yueying, I'm worried that on Missus' end..."

"I already knew that they'd do that. Your sis-in-law isn't managing Yueying now. She's only handling the South River matters."

"Master, you are wise." Ah Mo could not help but smile. No wonder he had given all the South River project work to Missus, allowing her no time for other things. In fact, when Vice President Liu wanted her to go to Yueying, Master had rejected without hesitation. He was too obvious.

He did not want to let the Missus and Han Yifeng have any chance of bumping into each other!

Now, he was even...

Really going to let Han Yifeng get married to Xi Xinyi?

"Master, wouldn't this be too convenient for Xi Xinyi?"

"Convenient?"

Mu Yuchen smirked, calmly extinguishing the cigarette in his hand. "If he doesn't get married, how can I send out the gift I prepared?"

"I want to take over the entire Yueying and give it to your sis-in-law as dowry, and not an empty rack. Han Yifeng's pretty capable, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he recovers Yueying. That'll save us a lot of effort too."

When Mu Yuchen said this, Ah Mo already understood the meaning behind his words. He then grinned. "Yes, Master, I'll find a way to make him sign it."

...

When Xi Xiaye brought the documents over, Mu Yuchen had just hung up on the call with Ah Mo. His face was still infected with a smile and he looked a little mysterious.

"What's up? Smiling so evilly?"

Xi Xiaye squinted and looked at him with her plain eyes. She handed the documents over. "This is all the material about Imperial Sky Entertainment Club. Take a look. If there're no problems, then sign it for me."

He stopped smiling and reached out to take it. Flipping the document open, he said, "Missus, do you have any particular prejudice against me recently? Do I look like the kind of person who'd smile evilly?"

She shot him a side look and handed him a pen. "What do you think?"