With a cold snort deep in his heart, Bai Mingyu forcibly suppressed his discontent and said coldly, "It was the boss of some influential figure, asking me for a favor to shoot a program for a company called Lan Ning. I was busy and told him to make an appointment, but instead, he had me kidnapped and even forced me to sign a contract."

Thinking of the humiliation he suffered—how they used the palm of his hand as an ashtray—a surge of venom rose in Bai Mingyu's heart. The place, already blistered and raw from the burning, now throbbed with unbearable pain.

The Tang family members all noticed his foul mood. Tang Tianhao, looking at the child he had raised since childhood, could not bear to see Bai Mingyu endure such indignity, so he stood up angrily:

"This is outrageous, utterly lawless! Father..."

"Enough." Tang Jun reacted differently; his brow furrowed, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face: "Is the boss of this influential figure's establishment surnamed Lan?"

Elder Tang was old now, and having studied traditional Chinese medicine since childhood, his temperament was naturally restrained and steady. He was not the type to frequent places of indulgence. However, the Daguangui Ren establishment was notorious in the capital; it was practically synonymous with a den of exquisite pleasure for the elite.

"I remember his name was Lan Biao." Since he was surnamed Lan, Bai Mingyu recalled the 'Brother Biao' Huo Xi had once called out. Hearing Elder Tang's question, he assumed the old man had investigated Lan Biao's background and was preparing to stand up for him. Thus, he stifled his impatience and continued:

"Grandpa, you must help me with this matter."

"Mingyu, if the owner of the Daguangui Ren club is indeed surnamed Lan—whether his name is Lan Biao or something else—it's possible you've stumbled into significant trouble." Elder Tang's expression became grave, his brows deeply furrowed. "I hope it isn't that person... but the company is called Lan Ning? Lan Ning?" The more Elder Tang spoke, the more solemn he looked, as if troubled by something deeply distressing. He stood up and began pacing the living room.

"Father, what's so formidable about someone surnamed Lan? Even if that Lan Biao has some capability, he's just a businessman..." Tang Tianhao couldn't help but interject. Tang Jun shot him a glare: "If it were just that, would I call it trouble?"

Seeing Bai Mingyu trying hard to maintain composure, and noticing his father silenced by the reprimand, Tang Xiuyuan quickly tried to smooth things over: "Grandpa, if you know who this person is, perhaps you could tell us so we can think of a solution. I'm currently holding a temporary position at Capital University, which Principal Su personally requested. This is just a small matter—asking him for a favor to annul a contract—it shouldn't be a big deal, right?" As Tang Xiuyuan finished speaking, Bai Mingyu nodded to him, but Elder Tang had already sneered:

"Principal Su? If I'm not mistaken about the person behind this, Principal Su would likely have to greet him respectfully and offer a polite smile!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Tang family was stunned. Tang Xiuyuan's previously silent uncles all rose to their feet, looking utterly disbelieving.

What Su Ying represented in Huaxia was something everyone in the Tang family understood. Tang Xiuyuan instinctively gasped, "How is that possible?"

"Why is it impossible?" Tang Jun's face darkened as he was about to speak, but his youngest son glared at Bai Mingyu with clear displeasure: "Mingyu, how could you provoke someone like that? Don't you know this could bring disaster upon our Tang family?"

The Tang family had never been a prominent political lineage; their standing relied on being extraordinary and possessing excellent medical skills, which earned them the respect of various high-ranking officials. Bai Mingyu was not a member of the Tang family. If Tang Tianhao had taken in two orphans out of friendship in the past, fine—the Tang family wasn't short of food for them. But if Bai Mingyu were to bring such a catastrophe upon them, no one would be pleased.

The Tang family was fundamentally a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Although, besides Elder Tang, the younger generations had entered other fields, this nascent family could not compare with the established families of the capital. They currently relied on Elder Tang's reputation among major powers to maintain their standing. If Bai Mingyu had truly caused trouble, given Tang Tianhao's regard for the two brothers, he would certainly handle the situation for them. While it might cost Tang Jun a loss of face among those influential figures—a loss that took decades to build—if that happened, the Tang family descendants would find no future assistance available to them.

Compared to staking one's reputation for an outsider, their own family interests naturally came first.

The youngest son's remark made Tang Jun pause, and Tang Tianhao's face showed hurt, yet he remained silent.

Seeing this situation, Bai Mingyu grew anxious. He cursed inwardly, his expression turning gloomy: "Fourth Uncle, I truly didn't know. If I had known earlier, I certainly wouldn't have come back to ask Grandpa for help." Hearing Tang Jun say Lan Biao had powerful connections, he was half-believing, half-doubting.

He suspected Tang Jun might be deliberately exaggerating the situation to find an excuse to refuse his request. After all, even the most ignorant person knew Su Ying's reputation; probably no one in Huaxia was unaware of the renowned principal. Capital University graduated so many students annually, and nearly everyone in various sectors would call him 'Teacher.' It was no exaggeration to say his influence spanned the nation. Even setting aside his father, who became a head of state, Su Ying's own fame was second to none.

Although Bai Mingyu held himself in high regard, he was self-aware enough to know he could not compare to someone like Su Ying in terms of background or status.

Yet, this man—Elder Tang now claimed that upon seeing the man surnamed Lan, he would have to offer greetings and smiles? Bai Mingyu simply didn't believe it, thinking Elder Tang must have become senile.

However, on the other hand, he knew Tang Jun's character—he wasn't one to speak carelessly. If Elder Tang was telling the truth, it meant his recent arrogance had provoked an extremely formidable person. Bai Mingyu was someone who never admitted fault. While he resented Lan Biao for bullying him with his influence, he also understood that if the man surnamed Lan truly possessed the capabilities Elder Tang described, resolving this, even with his pride, would be difficult. He would still need the Tang family to intervene.

He knew that since his youth, Elder Tang had served as an indispensable physician to several major figures, and even in his old age, he hadn't fully retired, occasionally making appearances. When Bai Mingyu was younger, he and his older brother had occasionally accompanied Tang Xiuyuan on outings with Elder Tang, giving them a glimpse of true high society—unlike the bland, clear soups the Tang family favored. That elegance was deeply imprinted on his mind.

Regrettably, he never had such outings again. His older brother, Bai Mingchun, had once hinted vaguely at aspirations for an official career, but the Tang family, while outwardly appearing protective of the two brothers, acted differently behind closed doors. They rejected Bai Mingchun's ambitions, wounding his pride. Resentment brewed between the two brothers, and Tang Tianhao even forced Bai Mingchun onto the path of medicine, clearly valuing his talent to bring glory to the Tang family name!

Because of this, Bai Mingchun went abroad and never returned to the Tang family. After achieving fame, Bai Mingchun never mentioned his background or the Tang family, claiming only that he was orphaned young. Bai Mingyu himself refused to return to the Tang family. If not for his current predicament, he would never have set foot in the Tang house to beg for their help, and now, once again, he had been insulted!

Waves of resentment crashed over Bai Mingyu, but his acting skills were superb. Lowering his head to conceal his true feelings, he adopted an appearance of deep remorse and fright. He knew that Tang Tianhao and his son would not bear to see him like this. Sure enough, Tang Tianhao's voice broke the silence:

"Enough, Fourth Brother, Mingyu is just a child. Why are you being so aggressive?" Although Tang Tianhao spoke up for Bai Mingyu, the latter felt no gratitude. In his view, the Tang family's kindness was like a weasel paying respects to a chicken—they had malicious intent, and he wouldn't appreciate it! The Tang family had used him and Bai Mingchun; they owed him everything!

"What do you mean I'm aggressive? He's clearly ungrateful! How many years has our Tang family supported him and his brother, paid their tuition, covered their living expenses, and sent them abroad? Is that not money? Father is old yet still works hard. If the Bai brothers are ungrateful, fine, but after achieving success, have they ever mentioned the Tang family? Have they ever visited? Now that he’s caused such a massive problem, he expects us to clean it up..." The second brother of the Tang family also spoke up. Tang Tianhao weakly countered, "But he is, after all, one of our Tang family..."

"Big Brother, even if you still treat them like your children, they don't call you 'Dad'!" a cold voice cut in. Bai Mingyu clutched his head as if in pain, but his eyes were chillingly dark. The Tang family's harsh words deeply wounded him, making him wish he could destroy the entire Tang family and make them repay everything they owed him!

Tang Xiuyuan was unaware of the dark corruption festering in his close friend's heart. After offering a few comforting words, he wearily began mediating the argument.

Ultimately, he couldn't resist Tang Tianhao's pleading. After school that morning, Lan Lingyan received a call. They were supposed to have dinner together, but just as Ning Yunhuan was getting into the car, Lan Lingyan answered the phone.

"Go back first, I have something to deal with." When Ning Yunhuan got in, Lan Lingyan pulled her back before he could say anything else. Ning Yunhuan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief; she had genuinely feared Lan Lingyan would bring up one of those complicated matters again. Seeing that he wasn't initiating it, she quickly nodded.

"Old Tang called, said there was something urgent, and he's already down the mountain." The security around the couple's residence was extremely tight. Even when Lin Min visited initially, she didn't have a key and had to wait at the foot of the hill. Although Elder Tang was no longer a complete stranger—he had assisted Ning Yunhuan during her pregnancy and her recent cold—he still lacked the privilege of free entry.

However, mentioning the surname Tang instantly reminded Ning Yunhuan of the family in the original book whose life was ruined by Bai Mingyu. Just two days ago, she'd heard Lan Biao mention kidnapping Bai Mingyu, and now a member of the Tang family was here. Ning Yunhuan's mind clicked, and she suddenly understood: "Is this because of my issue that you're in a difficult spot?"

Every time there was a problem requiring Elder Tang's intervention, it was Lan Lingyan who made the call. Though she hadn't spoken much with the old man, Ning Yunhuan had discerned a certain unyielding dignity in his manner. Lan Lingyan held a degree of respect for Elder Tang. If he was now stepping in because Lan Biao had kidnapped Bai Mingyu, especially considering Elder Tang had helped her several times, Ning Yunhuan knew she would be troubled in the same situation.

Lan Lingyan shook his head, idly playing with her slender, onion-stem fingers. "Which family doesn't have a few unworthy descendants? Besides, if Bai Mingyu was kidnapped, so be it. He’s just an actor." He truly hadn't taken the matter seriously. Even though Elder Tang had some connection with Lin Maoshan, and he had consulted Elder Tang when Ning Yunhuan needed help, every transaction Lan Lingyan made with the Elder was strictly business; Elder Tang was compensated for his house calls. Furthermore, while the Tang family held the prestigious title of 'Imperial Physician,' in practical terms, they were considered 'pure streams'—attending to the health of the elite earned them prestige but very little tangible profit.

Although many considered the Tang family quite formidable, when it came to true wealth, they might not have accumulated as much as Bai Mingyu and his brother had over the years. The Tang family maintained their comfortable lifestyle largely due to connections like Lan Lingyan—someone outside Huaxia's direct power structure but linked to major figures like Lin Maoshan, and who was exceedingly generous. Otherwise, if ordinary wealthy merchants sought their medical services, the Tang family, maintaining their airs, would never lower themselves for mere coin and tarnish their reputation.

"I actually think highly of Old Tang. He did a great job regulating my body during my pregnancy, and later provided many medicinal diet prescriptions..." Seeing his indifferent attitude, Ning Yunhuan hesitated before pleading on their behalf. She loathed Bai Mingyu, but the Tang family, despite raising the Bai brothers, had no inherent ties to them. Moreover, the Tang family ultimately met a miserable end because they took in these two ungrateful wolves. From respected elite to degradation worse than dogs, all because of the dark, hidden desires of the Bai brothers—Ning Yunhuan involuntarily recalled her previous life. They were all pitiable souls bitten by those they trusted. Thinking of the benevolent Elder Tang, Ning Yunhuan found herself reluctant to cause them trouble.

It was the first time Lan Lingyan had seen her plead for others. When he had dealt with Gu Yingxi, he used many unsavory methods, yet she had never voiced an opinion. She was fully aware of the dealings Lan Lingyan conducted in secret, yet she never displayed a compassionate facade. Now, however, she spoke up for the Tang family. He paused. "If that is your wish. Bai Mingyu is nothing more than a nobody. If he's gone, I'll find you someone better." While he said this, Lan Lingyan mentally noted the matter, deciding to deal with Bai Mingyu later when things cooled down, just to vent some irritation.

The issue regarding the Tang family was quickly swept aside thanks to Ning Yunhuan's intercession. Meanwhile, Gu Yingxi was oblivious that the two male leads who were destined to feature in her life had unknowingly returned to Huaxia. She had been deeply troubled lately. Her sister, Gu Yingnuo, had grown up and started dating a Master's candidate who was outstanding in both character and academics. Their relationship was strong, which was wonderful news; their mother, Gu Xian, seemed much livelier because of it. Although Gu Yingnuo's boyfriend wasn't as wealthy and handsome as the men Gu Yingxi used to know, he was capable. He possessed a unique talent in chemistry, and because of him, Gu Xian was now receiving supplies from his lab—utilizing his position—to manage the anti-rejection medications needed after her kidney transplant.

This saved the Gu family a considerable sum of money, making Gu Xian even more satisfied with him.

Gu Yingxi was happy for her sister, but more than half a month ago, after finally finishing a grueling night shift, she returned home heavily intoxicated. Since Daguangui Ren no longer took her in—due to a major incident when she was trying to sell herself—she now only worked pushing liquor at a nightclub, often having to drink half the bottles herself just to make sales. That night, she drank too much. She had needed the restroom on the way home and rushed straight for the toilet upon arrival.

Song Minran, who had also returned late from experiments, was already in the restroom. In her drunken stupor, she ended up having sex with Song Minran right there in the washroom. Only when they were done did she realize what she had done. Fortunately, Ouyang Zhentian wasn't home, Ning Yuncheng had been sleeping early due to feeling unwell, and Gu Shaotao hadn't returned yet after being beaten by Ouyang Zhentian. No one in the house witnessed the scene, or she wouldn't have known what to do.

Having acted recklessly, Gu Yingxi didn't dare clean herself up immediately, fearing Gu Yingnuo might discover what happened, so she quickly pushed Song Minran away and retreated to her room. Yet, this incident became the most troubling issue in her life for a period. After that night, Song Minran began watching her with those pitch-black, bottomless eyes, making her heart race with anxiety.

Just past noon, Gu Yingxi wasn't due at work until the afternoon. Ning Yuncheng was taking a nap in his room. Since his surgery, the man's health had declined significantly. He used to be able to wear her out every night until she begged for mercy, but now it was two hurried encounters at most. Gu Yingxi's body had long adapted to the vigor of several young, strong men. Last night, Ning Yuncheng clung to her for a session, but before she reached satisfaction, he had surrendered, leaving Gu Yingxi suspended in an agonizing limbo. This morning, discarding any pretense of modesty, she pestered him again, but not only did she not achieve that deep release, she felt even worse now than before.

Ning Yuncheng finally seemed afraid she would cling to him again and went to sleep in the outer living room. Previously, he was the one who wouldn't let her go, only releasing her when she begged and wept for mercy. When had she—who once innocently cried out 'No!'—become the object men actively avoided?

Gu Yingxi wept, unable to bear the emptiness in her body; the sensation was unbearable. Finally, trembling, she lay under the covers and reached down toward her lower abdomen.

Sounds of muffled crying and pain emerged. Gu Yingxi clenched her teeth and endured. At the peak of sensation, her crimson lips trembled with a moan, but a glance toward the doorway revealed it had been opened at some point. A man in a white casual suit stood there, arms crossed, his sharp eyes narrowed beneath his glasses, watching her with distinct interest.

Perhaps due to sheer shock, or perhaps because there was a thrilling sense of transgression in being seen, coupled with the fact that the man wore glasses reminiscent of Brother Lan Jiu, her shame was temporarily overwhelmed by a sudden rush of pleasure. She let out a small shriek.

"So passionate. Such a loud noise, aren't you afraid Ning Yuncheng will hear when he wakes?" Song Minran said as he entered the room, closing and locking the door behind him, beginning to strip off his clothes.

Gu Yingxi was terrified, shrinking toward the headboard: "What are you doing?"

"You!" Song Minran gave a wicked smile. Though he looked slender, his upper body, once exposed, was quite muscular, evidence of regular exercise. His formerly scholarly and ascetic face now held a distinctly rakish air. Just as Gu Yingxi moved to push him away, he caught her hand. Her palm was still slick with her own bodily fluids, carrying a faintly sweet, metallic scent.

"Doing things like this... if you truly desire it so much, why not come to me?" He used the familiar address, 'Sister,' that Gu Yingnuo used for Gu Yingxi. The fleeting intoxication brought on by his glasses vanished instantly. Her face flushed crimson, and she weakly pushed him twice: "Aren't you afraid Nuo'nuo will come back?"

She hadn't experienced true satisfaction in a long time; the last time was with Song Minran in the bathroom. Although the men Gu Yingxi had been with previously were all amply endowed, Song Minran was exceptional. Before, she had felt unable to bear it, as if she were being torn apart. But now, feeling the emptiness, the memory of that stretching pain felt vital, and a warm, sticky discharge surged between her legs.

NuoNuo is at school today and will eat lunch there. She won't be back until evening, so if you don't mention it and I don't mention it, how would she ever know?" Song Minran was genuinely fond of that charming and lovely little girlfriend; her youthful body certainly held a fascination for him. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, he found Gu Yingxi's body far more compelling. This was the very reason he couldn't stop thinking about their encounter in the restroom that last time!

My integrity is gone, my worldview shattered—I know, I know... I didn't keep my word... whimper RS