Lan Lingyan nodded with understanding, leaning back to stretch his lithe frame into a languid yet dangerous silhouette. His lips curved in amusement as he mused, "Let this one pass for now; we'll play our games later when boredom strikes." The final words about the Mu family were spoken lightly but carried sharpened intent - if necessary, someone would eliminate them entirely. Lan's people had always executed such contracts personally whenever threats emerged from the Mu household.

Though his Lin family shared marital ties with the Mus through generations of interwoven bloodlines, he'd never held back against Mu Jinyan before. After all, he'd clawed his way to power by killing even his own brothers when needed - sibling bonds were as insignificant to him as a single strand on Ning Yunhuan's fingers. If Mu Jinyan dared show malice toward the Lan clan, he would eliminate the threat without hesitation.

Lan Biao understood these unspoken rules well enough. After brief exchanges with his master, he exited the room and only then touched the cold sweat beading at his browline. Every member of Lan Lingyan's inner circle shared this same fringe hairstyle - a legacy from his youth when he learned to mask tension by letting bangs conceal forehead perspiration during critical moments. Though now hardened by years in power struggles, the habit remained as both memorial and warning.

The crimson flicker in Lan Biao's eyes revealed his resentment toward Gu Yingxi that moment he'd once hesitated for her sake - a decision that had cost him dearly.

After Lan Biao left, Lan Lingyan ascended to the upper floor. Lan Yi was already fast asleep after exhausting herself playing with the nanny. Ning Yunhuan sat transfixed by the TV screen in the living room where lace curtains filtered sunlight into a soft glow. The space felt unexpectedly warm despite closed air conditioning, as if the presence of a woman had subtly transformed its sterile chill.

For several minutes Lan Lingyan silently observed her resting figure - chin propped on folded arms, eyes sparkling with laughter.

Ning Yunhuan finally noticed his presence after sensing an unusual shift in atmosphere. She hastily slipped from bed barefoot to meet him at the door: "Have you finished your business?"

Nothing important ever entered this home. His men were far more capable than mere employees - today's meeting was scheduled specifically for her entertainment, except for unexpected interference from the Mu family.

"Nothing serious," he murmured, adjusting her tousled hair. Having confirmed his father's improved health, his usually sharp jawline softened slightly as he added, "I've spoken to my parents. Around June they'll be available - we can finally get married. Where would you prefer?"

Unlike Lan Lingyan who managed only the whitewashed enterprises and shadow operations led by loyal subordinates since childhood, his father oversaw both legitimate and underworld affairs inherited through centuries of clan history. The elder's responsibilities were so immense that during their wedding registration last year he'd been overseas entirely.

Ning Yunhuan stiffened at this revelation: "So soon? I'm still in school!" She was only midway through her sophomore year, and mentioning the unborn Lan Yi had yet to be confessed to her parents. The thought of confronting her father about her British semester being a lie rather than an exchange program already left her speechless.

"Scared?" he asked as their proximity became suffocating. Her delicate face felt ice-cold against his calloused palms, untouched by makeup and scented with the fruit-floral perfume he'd carefully chosen for her. "Think I won't let you finish your studies? Or fear people knowing we're married?"

She had no answer. In past lives she'd died at his hands, and though this rebirth had seemingly softened some trauma - especially after believing she might actually care for him during the last semester - the recent wedding plans triggered primal resistance.

Lan Lingyan's lips brushed her cheek before she could look away: "My wife... our child... you understand we can never part." His voice was a raspy whisper against her skin.

"I'm just afraid," she admitted, "because Gu Yingxi seems to like you."

He didn't mention Mu Jinyan had already rescued his rival from the previous timeline. Instead he tightened their clasped hands and pinned her beneath him.

Ning Yunhuan knew refusal was futile now. With both parents eagerly pushing for nuptials, anxiety clouded her academic demeanor over recent days.

Fu Yuan arrived at school suddenly despite still recovering from Lan Lingyan's earlier beating. She avoided Li Panny this time - likely due to Ning Yunhuan's whispered warning having made the gullible girl suspicious. But more than Fu Yuan's humiliation mattered; she'd been publicly shamed in front of everyone for defending Gu Yingxi...