Wen Ran continued to plead her case, saying, “Having one more person wouldn’t matter, and I don’t even need a salary.”
“You hold company shares, so of course you don’t need a salary, but I don’t keep useless people around me.” Xu Shi’an sat down on the sofa in front of the coffee table, speaking in a boss-like tone. “My Secretary must be available 24/7, ready at a moment’s notice.”
What could a young lady like her possibly do? Serve tea and water? That was simply impossible.
Worried that Wen Ran wouldn’t give up easily, Xu Shi’an added, “Does Si Yan’s mother know about this decision of yours? Would she allow you to go out and show your face in public?”
“This…” Wen Ran shook her head dejectedly.
Of course not, so she was just saying it casually. There was no way Xu Shi’an would let her stay in the company—he was probably afraid she would compete with him for his position.
The original host hadn’t worked a single day since graduating, but as long as she remained Miss Wen, Xu Shi’an could only ever be the backup heir.
Xu Shi’an watched her conflicted and pained expression, his thin lips parting slightly. The words urging her to get a divorce lingered on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them back. Wen Ran getting a divorce wouldn’t benefit him.
…
By the time Wen Ran left the Wen family and returned to the Si residence, it was just nearing dusk. The Si family’s old mansion was brightly lit, and seeing the servants coming and going at the main gate, along with two additional guards at the entrance, she knew that the person who could keep Si Yan in check had returned.
“Mom,” Wen Ran walked into the hall and saw Si’s mother directing the servants in arranging the dishes. She wore a sweet smile on her face. “You’re back.”
Si’s mother smiled at her and said, “Xiao Ran, were you bored staying home alone these past two weeks? Did you go on more dates with A-Yan?”
“Even after marriage, you should still make time for each other,” she added.
Si’s mother genuinely liked her daughter-in-law—her education, family background, and appearance were all impeccable, and her temperament was refined and courteous.
Upon hearing this, Wen Ran’s smile faded slightly before she quickly feigned cheerfulness and said, “Mom, we’re doing very well.”
Wen Ran knew that Si’s mother would surely notice this subtle change in her expression.
Si’s mother was a clever woman. She sensed something was off but didn’t press further, instead changing the subject. “Grandpa and your father are in the study. Dinner is ready—why don’t you go call them to eat?”
When Wen Ran pushed Master Si’s wheelchair out, both Si Yan and Si Huaiyu were already seated at the dining table.
As soon as the old master appeared, the two men stood up, and Si’s mother immediately went over to help settle everything.
After Master Si took his seat at the head of the table, he glanced around at everyone present and said, “Now that everyone is here, let’s eat.”
Si’s mother sat beside the old master, helping him with his food and attending to every detail. Wen Ran couldn’t help but admire her—over the years, Si’s mother’s care for the old master had been nothing short of exemplary.
She then glanced at Si’s Father beside her. As Si Yan’s father, he was the least noticeable presence in the household.
Si’s Father was in poor health and hadn’t achieved much in the company, which was why Si Huaiyu, as the latecomer, had surpassed him.
If Si Yan had been a few years older, with someone as astute as Si’s mother by his side, Si Huaiyu might never have been brought back into the Si family.
During the meal, the old master asked about matters within the group, and both Si Huaiyu and Si Yan responded respectfully.
The family maintained a facade of harmony while hiding underlying tensions. Wen Ran ate quietly, while Si Yan occasionally exchanged a few words with Si Huaiyu about company affairs.She noticed Si Yan hadn’t touched his chopsticks much and wondered what was causing the tension between these two. Wen Ran dutifully played the role of the obedient wife, picking up some food and placing it in Si Yan’s bowl.
“Eat more,” she said softly.
Looking at the large chicken drumstick in his bowl, Si Yan felt a warm current flow through his heart. He recalled how, over the past few days, Ruan Tang—despite having reconciled with him—had suddenly started growing closer to Si Huaiyu.
Originally, Si Yan’s projects didn’t conflict with Si Huaiyu’s, so they rarely crossed paths at the company. But recently, a company-assigned project required frequent coordination with Si Huaiyu, increasing his interactions with Ruan Tang.
Last time, Si Yan had even witnessed them behaving intimately, suspecting it was deliberate.
“Ding, Si Yan’s Affection points +8.”
Si Huaiyu watched Wen Ran’s adoring, heart-eyed gaze at Si Yan and felt secretly displeased.
Just as Wen Ran was about to pick up more food, someone kicked her under the table. The only person sitting directly opposite her was Si Huaiyu.
She looked up. Si Huaiyu across from her was lowering his head, eating without any particular reaction. If not for the heavy kick she’d just received—which couldn’t possibly have been accidental—Wen Ran might have thought she was overthinking it.
Noticing her gaze, Si Huaiyu shot her a half-smile. “Niece-in-law, why are you staring at me instead of eating?”
Wen Ran hadn’t expected him to call her out in this situation. Flustered, she dropped her chopsticks. The noise drew the attention of everyone at the table.
Sure enough, this man was doing it on purpose.
A servant nearby handed her a new pair of chopsticks. Wen Ran quickly took them and buried her head in her meal. “I… I just happened to glance over…”
Si Yan frowned slightly, casting a displeased look at Si Huaiyu. “Uncle’s focus is quite particular.”
“Particular?” Si Huaiyu set down his chopsticks. “You’re one to talk, kid. Weren’t you always bringing outsiders home a few days ago? Hard not to notice.”
At his words, Wen Ran feigned surprise on the surface but was inwardly delighted.
Si’s mother almost immediately changed her expression. After glancing at Master Si’s face, she said to Si Yan, “A-Yan, I know you like making friends, but your grandfather doesn’t like too many outsiders visiting. Be more careful in the future.”
Si Yan nodded. “Understood, Mom.”
“Heh.” Si Huaiyu let out a cold laugh. “As expected of Sister-in-law, always so tactful with words.”
Si’s mother deeply loathed this brother-in-law but maintained a pleasant smile on the surface. “No matter how tactful I am, I could never match your competence, Brother-in-law. A-Yan told me the company’s financial reports this quarter are outstanding.”
Si Huaiyu wiped his mouth with a pristine napkin. “I always thought Sister-in-law only knew how to care for Father. It seems you’re quite concerned with the group’s internal affairs as well.”
Without waiting for her to respond, he turned to Master Si at the head of the table. “Father, I’m finished. I have an online meeting tonight, so I’ll take my leave.”
The old master nodded. “Go ahead.”
Under the table, Si’s mother clenched her fist tightly, crumpling the expensive tablecloth worth hundreds of thousands. Her brother-in-law simply didn’t regard her at all.
In contrast to Si’s mother’s fury, Si’s Father was much more detached. He disliked handling company matters the most and, now that he was older, only wanted to retire in peace. He believed the old master would eventually leave the Si family entirely to them.How can an illegitimate child compare to the legitimate line? Si Huaiyu was raised outside since childhood and shares no familial bond with his father.
He is completely different from Si Yan, who grew up under the old master’s care. As long as his father remains sane, Si Huaiyu will forever be just a tool for the Si family—disposable after use.
………
The meal was utterly tasteless. After leaving the dining table, Wen Ran saw Si’s mother take a phone call and then pull Si Yan aside for a private conversation.
It seemed Si’s mother had planted people around Si Yan too. The moment a clue emerged, she had already uncovered everything—impressively fast. Wen Ran wondered what would happen after Si Yan’s private talk.
Seizing the opportunity while everyone was away, Wen Ran avoided the household staff and went straight to Si Huaiyu’s door.
The man had just finished bathing and was drying his hair with a towel. Hearing the knock, Si Huaiyu frowned coldly—no one usually visited him at this hour.
When Si Huaiyu opened the door, Wen Ran gasped. The man had only wrapped a towel around his waist.
A drop of water dripped from his hair, trailing down his chest, over his abs, and smoothly disappearing into the towel at his waistline.
Wen Ran’s gaze followed the water drop dazedly. Damn, this man’s physique is impressive—what would it feel like to touch him?
“Danger, danger, danger!” Zha Zha suddenly protested, “Ran Ran, how can you be captivated by looks? Don’t forget, men are the most dangerous creatures!”
This was the conclusion it had drawn after binding with multiple hosts—falling for someone always ends badly.
“You just don’t get it,” Wen Ran said. “The goal is to have no man in your heart, not to have no man around you.”
Besides, this was Si Huaiyu—a stunning beauty. Just looking was tempting enough; what harm could a little flirting do?
“What are you staring at?” The man’s voice was low and husky as he watched Wen Ran’s dazed expression. “Want to touch?”
Wen Ran acted as if startled by his words, quickly shaking her head and stepping back two paces.
Of course she wanted to, but how could she dare? She could break anything but not her character.
Men—sooner or later, she’d get her hands on one. In Wen Ran’s mind, Si Huaiyu had long been marked as her prize.