Chapter 36: The Advancing Little Man

Zhao Yan’er splashed her face with cold water several times before she finally felt more clear-headed. She had truly been terrified just now, but deep down, she had never doubted Zhao Kai. If he had really wanted to scheme for everything, he would have done so long ago—there was no reason to wait until now.

But with her own abilities, she truly couldn’t resolve these matters. Should she go ask her brother? No, she quickly rejected the idea. Her brother hadn’t had it easy the past couple of days—she didn’t want to trouble him.

But how could the share contracts be fake? She had drafted them herself. Could it be that the business partners, sensing the changing tides, had conspired to deceive her?

As she was lost in thought, an unpleasant voice interrupted her. “Miss Zhao seems to be troubled by something?”

Seeing who it was, Zhao Yan’er blurted out, “Get out.”

Lin Zhenting chuckled. “We haven’t seen each other for a few days, and Miss Yan’er has certainly grown rougher.”

Zhao Yan’er’s expression darkened at the sight of him. She was about to call for someone to throw him out, but his next words gave her pause.

“Miss Zhao, I have a way to help you solve your current predicament.”

Zhao Yan’er faltered but said nothing.

“I know why those contracts are fake.”

“Why?”

“Because someone betrayed you.”

Betrayed? Who could it be?

“Other than you and Zhao Kai, there was one more person who had access to those contracts.”

Lin Zhenting’s meaning was clear. Suddenly, Zhao Yan’er thought of Zhou Chengwang.

It was him! It was actually him! Why would he do such a thing?

“To be honest, I only just found out myself. And this Zhou Chengwang is no ordinary man. He approached Zhao Kai with the intent to steal everything from him.”

Despicable scoundrel—her trust and her brother’s, all for nothing.

Furious, Zhao Yan’er rose, intent on confronting Zhou Chengwang. Lin Zhenting, having anticipated her reaction, warned, “Right now, the Zhao family is in chaos, and Zhao Kai is gravely injured. If you expose him now, won’t you be sending yourself straight into the lion’s mouth?”

She hesitated, her movement pausing.

“Miss Zhao, to be frank, I have a way to help you.”

“Are you really that kind-hearted?”

“Doesn’t everyone have unfulfilled wishes? Although we haven’t gotten along, there is something I want—and you can help me get it. If you agree, I’ll steal the real contracts from Zhou Chengwang for you.”

“What makes you think you’re capable?” Zhao Yan’er sneered.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Lin Zhenting replied, producing a contract and waving it in front of her.

“How did you get that?”

After Zhou Chengwang got his hands on the contracts, Lin Zhenting had tricked him, saying that for safety’s sake, they should each keep half, in case Zhao Kai discovered everything and ruined their plans. Zhou Chengwang, unsuspecting, gave him a share. Of course, Lin Zhenting would never reveal the truth.

“Never mind how I did it. I’ve been in this business for years, I have some skills. I’ll leave this contract with you as a token of my sincerity.”

Zhao Yan’er bit down hard on her lower lip, caught in indecision.

At this critical moment, with traitors inside and swindlers outside, and her brother still unwell, she had to make a choice…

“All right. What do you want me to do?”

“It’s simple. I want Lin Fei’er.”

“You… you’re bold beyond belief!”

Lin Zhenting smirked wickedly. “I want what Zhao Kai cherishes most. He loves Lin Fei’er dearly. You send her to me, and won’t that make you happy too?”

Zhao Yan’er lowered her head, staring at her toes, torn by inner turmoil. It was as if two little devils wrestled in her mind. She recalled her brother’s cool rejection when she confessed, relived the bitterness of her secret love, and wavered. If Fei’er left, she would truly have a chance to stay by his side.

“All right.”

That single word, heavy as a thousand pounds, shattered the last defenses of her heart.

“This must remain between you and me alone,” she said.

Lin Zhenting curled his lips into a smile. “You have my word.”

Zhao Yan’er was, after all, a sheltered lady with little worldly experience. How could she know this was all part of Lin Zhenting’s scheme? He never truly wanted Lin Fei’er; what he wanted was to make Zhao Yan’er hand her over, so he would have leverage to threaten Zhao Yan’er into doing his bidding in the future. When the time came, the Zhao family would be his. And with Lin Fei’er in his hands, Zhao Kai would be far easier to deal with.

His moment of triumph was approaching. But before that, he had to get rid of the nuisance that was Zhou Chengwang.

Pleased with himself, Lin Zhenting suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head, as if struck by something heavy. He looked around, but there wasn’t a soul in sight. Still, his forehead began to swell.

Damn it, what was that…

Zhao Yan’er, absent-minded and trembling, clutched the medicine Lin Zhenting had given her. As long as she could get Fei’er to take it and secretly send her away, Lin Zhenting would hand over the contracts, and the Zhao family’s crisis would be resolved. Her brother wouldn’t become everyone’s target.

Yes, she would do it.

Gritting her teeth, Zhao Yan’er poured the medicine into a bowl.

“Fei’er, you’ve had a hard time these past few days. I asked the kitchen to make some bird’s nest soup—try it.”

She brought the bowl to Lin Fei’er, who took it without the slightest suspicion.

“Wait…” Zhao Kai, who was nearby, spoke up, making Zhao Yan’er’s eyelid twitch.

“Brother, what’s wrong?”

“This bird’s nest looks good. I’ll have a taste,” he said.

“The doctor said you can’t have bird’s nest, and you’ve already taken your medicine—it’ll clash with the soup. Let Fei’er have it instead.”

“That’s right, darling. I just gave you your medicine. Get some rest. If you want some, I’ll make it for you tonight,” Lin Fei’er chimed in.

Zhao Kai smiled. “All right.”

Zhao Yan’er breathed a sigh of relief as Lin Fei’er finished the soup. Zhao Kai, saying he felt a sour taste in his mouth, asked her to fetch some candied dates from the kitchen.

“Is your mouth sour because the medicine was too bitter, brother?” Zhao Yan’er asked.

“A bit, but good medicine is bitter. How are you today?” he asked suddenly.

“I’m all right…”

Zhao Kai rose abruptly, gazing at her intently. “I know things haven’t been easy lately. If anything happens, tell me immediately. Don’t carry it all alone.”

His words nearly brought Zhao Yan’er to tears.

“It’s nothing. If there were, I’d definitely tell you.”

Zhao Kai reached out and gently patted her hand. This affectionate gesture warmed Zhao Yan’er’s heart, but also brought a stab of pain.

“Fei’er is delicate, always cherished and protected. You’re the opposite—strong-willed and silent, never letting anything show. I worry about you. If I could, I’d protect you too, let you be willful and pampered forever.”

In just a few days, the lively and lovely young lady had become so burdened with cares that Zhao Kai felt a deep ache in his heart.

With loved ones by his side, he wanted to give them all the best, shield them from every storm. But everyone grows up, and everyone must shoulder the responsibilities their birth entailed. He couldn’t protect them forever, but he would spread his wings wide to shield them from as much suffering as he could.

She and Fei’er were the ones he would fight to protect for the rest of his life. If anyone threatened them, he would never stand idly by.