Sitting in the VIP lounge, the two had just taken a short rest over a cup of coffee when the sound of footsteps approached from outside. A young man in a sharp black suit, carrying an all-black leather briefcase, entered, flanked by two burly guards who appeared to be armed.

After the initial introductions, there was no need for pleasantries. The young man in black sat down on the sofa, opening the briefcase he carried. The two armed men seemed to grow more tense, subtly leveling their weapons toward Ning Yunhuan and Li Panpan.

Li Panpan was displeased. Although she rarely went out shopping herself, and many were unaware of her identity due to the meticulous protection offered by the Li family, she came from a military background. With so many gun enthusiasts in her family, no one had ever dared to point a weapon at her like this. Just as she was about to speak, a loud shout suddenly erupted from outside:

“Whatever good things you have, send them up first! I just saw your brand’s car arrive—don't think I don’t know that means good merchandise is coming. Do you even know who I am?” The voice was so loud it carried into the room. The two salesmen who had accompanied the young man froze, bowed apologetically, and stepped out. About half a minute later, they returned, looking somewhat embarrassed. “Miss Li, Miss Ning, we are truly sorry, but another guest insists on viewing this item right now. You two…”

Li Panpan was initially stunned, then a smile broke across her face. “Let them come in. I’d like to see just who dares try to snatch something from me.”

Ning Yunhuan recognized the voice immediately—it was Qin Yi. Li Panpan certainly knew it too, and now an expression of excitement and longing flashed in her eyes. She was probably still dreaming that Qin Yi might realize her fondness for jade and buy some to give her.

The woman in the black skirt paused upon hearing this, then bowed respectfully and exited.

After a pause, a succession of footsteps sounded—more than just one or two people, judging by the noise. Li Panpan’s heart sank. She stared intently at the glass door of the VIP room, and as Qin Yi’s tall figure came into view, her eyes first lit up. Then, seeing the familiar, slightly fearful and pitiable face behind him, held tightly by Qin Yi’s hand, her expression instantly changed drastically.

“Panpan?” Qin Yi had naturally seen Li Panpan as well and his eyes darted around quickly. He knew Li Panpan disliked going out shopping herself, and the little princess of the Li family certainly didn't need to procure things personally. He hadn't expected them to meet under such circumstances. Although he was confident that Li Panpan’s feelings for him were deeper than anyone else’s, seeing her witness him with the 'little pitiful one' made Qin Yi’s heart skip a beat.

Recently, although his time with Gu Yingxi began with resentment, as they spent more time together, he found himself drawn to Gu Yingxi’s pathetic fragility, innocence, and kindness. He even felt he couldn't leave her now. At first, he was only infatuated with her body, but now he even liked her personality.

Li Panpan was his first man, and he had always intended for her to be his wife since childhood. Li Panpan was attractive enough, and her family background was excellent; moreover, she was his woman, and crucially, she was exceptionally gentle and obedient to him. He did hold some affection for her and certainly never considered not marrying her. While he liked Gu Yingxi too, her origins meant she could never truly marry him.

Qin Yi had originally planned to marry Li Panpan and keep Gu Yingxi on the side; many men in their circle did so—which man didn't have a few women? Thus, although he personally felt the situation was trivial, being caught bringing another woman here made him uncomfortable. He managed a strained smile now, then pulled Gu Yingxi forward. Since I’ve been discovered anyway, Qin Yi thought, Li Panpan is very simple-minded and kind-hearted. Since I was her first man, she certainly won’t leave me. It’s better for her to meet Gu Yingxi sooner, avoiding future mutual resentment. If they get along now, I can secure my rear and focus wholeheartedly on my career.

“What are you doing here?” Qin Yi’s face immediately darkened when he saw Ning Yunhuan beside her. He had felt awkward about bringing Gu Yingxi, but upon seeing Li Panpan with Ning Yunhuan—the person responsible for crippling his leg and arm back then—Qin Yi instantly forgot everything else. His face turning ashen, he demanded, “Panpan, the weather has been hot lately. You shouldn’t go out casually, lest your father worry.”

Ning Yunhuan watched him act like this, having done wrong himself yet daring to question Li Panpan. She couldn't help but smile. “Panpan, I think he’s right. If your father knew you went out and encountered something like this, he really would worry. You shouldn’t have come.” Li Panpan’s face was cold. Since Qin Yi entered, she had been staring straight at him. When he finished speaking, she finally said, “Never mind my business first. Who is this woman next to you?”

Qin Yi then remembered Gu Yingxi, rubbed his nose, and smiled, pulling Gu Yingxi toward Li Panpan. “Panpan, let me introduce you. This is your older sister Yingxi. You two must get along well from now on…”

Before he could finish, Ning Yunhuan couldn't help but shake with laughter, her shoulders trembling, hearing the tone he used, like an ancient man introducing a concubine to his primary wife. In this era, even in Hong Kong or Taiwan, marrying a concubine wouldn't be so openly announced. Even if it happened, it would only be under circumstances where the man was overwhelmingly powerful and the woman completely subservient. Qin Yi didn't look in a puddle to see what he was: a good-for-nothing who couldn't even inherit the Qin family fortune and would rely on Li Panpan for future success. How dare he pull such a stunt?

Did he fail to consider that even if Li Panpan were infatuated enough to marry him, the Li family would tolerate such an insult? Qin Yi overestimated his own standing. He was no longer the exceptionally talented individual from his past life, the one the Li family admired so much they were willing to tolerate the romantic inclinations inherent in his nature.

Li Panpan’s expression was currently very grim, and Ning Yunhuan was smiling beside her. Qin Yi was deeply awkward but dared not look at her. That first encounter where he foolishly confronted Ning Yunhuan had ruined his prospects, yet the Qin family didn't dare trouble her; instead, they ended up sending gifts just to prevent her boyfriend from coming after him. He had even been warned by his grandfather to abandon any thoughts of revenge, lest his grandfather personally break his legs again and throw him out of the house.

And regarding Li Panpan, due to her background, she had mentioned that her boyfriend had some connection to the Lin family. Taking the Lin family into account, Qin Yi suppressed the resentment boiling in his chest from being mocked by a woman. He was inherently a staunch chauvinist; even though Li Panpan's status was higher, she had always deferred to him since childhood. If he hadn't ruined his current life and made it impossible to enter the military, perhaps one day he could have grown strong enough to take revenge on this woman.

“What is my status? Is that person worthy of being called my older sister? Qin Yi, have you gone mad? If your mind isn't clear, I will suggest Grandpa Qin take you to see a psychiatrist.” Li Panpan pursed her lips tightly, her eyes growing slightly red. “Stop mentioning sisters. If you are this muddled, I think our engagement needs serious reconsideration.”

The staff at the jade boutique surrounding them now understood they were witnessing a melodramatic soap opera unfolding, so no one dared to speak, though their peripheral vision kept flicking toward Gu Yingxi. Qin Yi, already a proud traditionalist, had never seen Li Panpan speak to him so bluntly. Perhaps his deeply ingrained impression of her as soft and obedient made him fearless rather than afraid; instead, he became intensely angry. He said coldly:

“Li Panpan, if you still intend to marry into the Qin family, you will apologize properly to your older sister Yingxi, or don't blame me for abandoning sentimentality.”

Qin Yi had always held some traditional views, and Li Panpan knew he had a wandering eye behind closed doors—after all, the previous incident with Fu Yuan wasn't something one person caused alone. But he had never been foolish enough to openly oppose her. Her heart felt constricted. Looking at Qin Yi’s handsome, sharp-featured face, she felt as if she were meeting him for the first time. The words Ning Yunhuan had once said to her echoed in her ears: “…either tolerate it, be ruthless, or get out.”

She was now the only young lady of the Li family; what right did Qin Yi have to humiliate her like this? What did he rely on? Simply her affection for him? But Huanhuan was right: while three-legged toads were hard to find, there was no shortage of two-legged men! As long as she willed it, countless men would line up for her selection. Why had she wasted so many years on Qin Yi, debasing herself for such a fickle man? He dared to treat her this way in front of outsiders. For the sake of another woman, especially Gu Yingxi, Li Panpan could not stomach this insult.

Although she was inherently kind, kindness did not mean she was a pushover. Even if she would offer her other cheek after being struck on one, she would never easily forgive Gu Yingxi—a woman she had saved, nearly suffered a nightmare for, and whose repayment was stealing her fiancé.

Thinking this, malice blossomed in Li Panpan’s heart, and hatred spurred her on. She grabbed her handbag, pulled out her phone, swiped it open, and made a call. “Grandpa, regarding the engagement between Qin Yi and me, please help me call it off.” She took a deep breath. Perhaps because of the previous Fu Yuan incident, she felt less heartbroken by Gu Yingxi’s current betrayal; it was as if all her tears had been shed the last time. After saying a few more words, the old man’s booming roar of anger on the other end of the phone was loud enough for Ning Yunhuan sitting beside her to hear.

Qin Yi was stunned speechless by Li Panpan’s demand to dissolve the engagement. His brazenness relied entirely on Li Panpan’s love for him. As long as she loved him, he held the kite string, able to manipulate her as he pleased, and she would have to obey. But he hadn't expected that Li Panpan, who had never refused him since childhood, would refuse his demand for her to coexist peacefully with Gu Yingxi and instead demand to break off the engagement!

How could that be!

Although Qin Yi had spoken forcefully earlier, that stance was built on the premise that Li Panpan would never break the engagement. He had only meant to intimidate her with such terms. To actually cancel the marriage, he truly didn’t dare. His position in the Qin family was precarious now. After the Qin family apologized to the Ning woman for the earlier incident, his two uncles had begun to look at him with annoyance. Moreover, with his body ruined, he couldn't join the military, and all the connections he had built now benefited his second uncle’s son, as the family focused on cultivating that cousin he had always suppressed.

In the past, although Qin Yi wanted to marry Li Panpan, it was only because he was capable and viewed the high-status Li Panpan as a trophy. The feeling of being able to control someone like her, of seemingly controlling the entire world, intoxicated him. Back then, he viewed Li Panpan as his possession, knowing explicitly that she belonged to him, and because Li Panpan was utterly infatuated with him, Qin Yi never once considered that she might refuse to marry him.

If Li Panpan hadn't agreed to marry him back then, Qin Yi wouldn't be in such a passive position now. But now, crippled in one arm and one leg, unable to enter the military, the previously optional Li Panpan had become vital. He still intended to use the Li family’s influence to gain a stable foothold in the Qin family; furthermore, because the Li family doted on Li Panpan, he had certainly harbored thoughts of using her to gain leverage over the Li family itself.

He was an ambitious man, never content with the present. Even temporary setbacks were, in Qin Yi’s view, trials sent by Heaven to temper his character on the path to success. But now Li Panpan was threatening to dissolve their marriage. Qin Yi refused to agree. This dissolution proved not only that his charm was waning but also effectively cut off his future prospects. Qin Yi now looked at Li Panpan with extreme impatience, as if suppressing something, and said sharply: “Panpan, don’t be ridiculous. Is the engagement something you can just joke about? You were always so obedient before; what happened to you?”

“With a shameless fiancé like you setting the example, how could Panpan not change?” Ning Yunhuan truly couldn't stand this scumbag Qin Yi. Among Gu Yingxi's men, every one of them was utterly devoted to her. Their love was entirely focused on the female lead, so there were bound to be unfairnesses toward other women, but among these men, excluding the peculiar pair of Song Qingyun and his father, Qin Yi was the only one who was already married. Unlike Song Qingyun and Duan Lingqing who were childhood sweethearts, Qin Yi relied on his wife's influence to rise, only to ultimately betray the Li family who had helped him, for another woman. Calling him an ungrateful wolf wouldn't be an exaggeration.

“Miss Ning, I am speaking with my fiancée. This has nothing to do with you, and I hope you won't pry,” Qin Yi clenched his fists, wishing he could just deliver a satisfying punch as he did in the past. He never had any restraint about hitting women; having been in the military, he always believed in the power of the fist. But regardless of whether the person was a woman, if they provoked him, he wouldn't hold back. However, the incident where Lan Lingyan hit him last time had served as a warning. He clenched his fist, then relaxed it, ultimately not swinging.

“My mouth is mine, and I don’t need your permission to speak,” Qin Yi, one of the female lead’s official matches, was clearly entangled with Gu Yingxi now. She certainly wouldn't be polite to him. Coupled with the previous incident where Qin Yi almost hit her, even though the Qin family sent gifts of apology afterward, she hadn't promised to let Qin Yi off if he provoked her again.

“Enough, Qin Yi. This has nothing to do with Huanhuan; it's just between you and me. This Miss Gu is quite capable. I wonder how Miss Gu gained such thick skin to repay me after I saved you, only to charm away my fiancé?”

Gu Yingxi bit her lip, trembling like a sieve, and dared not speak. Seeing her demeanor enraged Li Panpan, who wished she could slash that innocent, pitiful face with something sharp.

“When Miss Gu was violated by the young master of the Dongfang family, who stood by your side?” Li Panpan was severely provoked this time and disregarded revealing Gu Yingxi’s privacy. In her indignation, she struck where it hurt most. “I nearly got into trouble for you back then, and when I was in distress, you completely ignored me. Now, you’ve even seduced my fiancé away. If you had said so earlier—that he would fancy a woman like you—I would have gladly given him to you.”

“Miss Li, please, please, please stop talking! I, I didn't, I really didn't…” Tears streamed down Gu Yingxi’s face. Every man who inexplicably ended up with her wasn't truly her choice; they always forced themselves on her. These men were increasingly domineering. In truth, there was only one man she truly loved, but the one she wanted she couldn't have, and the one she didn't want constantly pressured her. She was also innocent. If she had known this Young Master Qin was Li Panpan’s fiancé, she never would have meekly succumbed after that night, fearing his forceful demands, only to be consumed by him again and again...

The more Li Panpan looked at Gu Yingxi’s pale face, the more disgusted and repulsed she became. She looked directly at the man in the black suit. “The quality in this store is getting worse and worse. Allowing filthy, smelly people to wander in—and not considering their status! This Qin Yi is the eldest son of General Qin’s family. Unfortunately, I’m tired of playing with him now. I trust your establishment can clearly see whether someone like him should be allowed inside. If the quality of your store remains like this, I sincerely worry if you’ll even be able to operate in the capital next year.”

The young man in the black suit felt a chill. He had already discerned that Ning Yunhuan and Li Panpan came from high standing, but seeing this Miss Li so casually humiliate the proclaimed eldest son of General Qin, he instantly understood that Li Panpan’s status was likely even higher. She was clearly displeased and was now threatening him. These people were astute; they immediately stood up and moved to escort Gu Yingxi and Qin Yi out.

Qin Yi hadn't wanted to leave. As the young master, he was accustomed to driving others away when displeased, not being kicked out himself. He was simultaneously enraged by shame and stubbornly refused to go, thinking this would make Li Panpan relent and apologize to him. It was precisely this clinging tenacity that made Li Panpan see that the Qin Yi brother, whom she once viewed as a godlike figure, was merely an ordinary man who now annoyed her.

Under the menacing gaze of the two armed guards stationed at the entrance, who were supposed to be guarding the jewelry, Qin Yi, despite his dissatisfaction and reluctance to leave, was forced to retreat in disgrace.

Once the two were dealt with, neither had the inclination to shop anymore. Fortunately, the merchandise the young man delivered this time was quite good. Ning Yunhuan selected a Guifei bangle and a hollowed-out hairpin from the leather case. Li Panpan, transforming her grief and anger into drive, bought the rest.

“Huanhuan, is your radio station already broadcasting? I watched an episode; it was really entertaining,” said Li Panpan in the car, as Ning Yunhuan prepared to head to Lan Jiu’s place first, since she hadn't answered his call at noon. Hearing Li Panpan mention her television station’s variety show, Ning Yunhuan smiled. “If you like it, maybe I can have someone produce an episode for you?”

She had said it jokingly, but Li Panpan surprisingly nodded. “Okay.” This caught Ning Yunhuan off guard, but then she became interested. If she could actually produce a show for Li Panpan, who was the Li family’s young lady, she could invite several other daughters to experience life in the countryside, perhaps try cooking for themselves—it would certainly generate considerable laughs and likely become a hot topic.

Ning Yunhuan immediately grabbed her tablet and began making notes: "Fine, I won't add subtitles then. But if you really want to come, you must bring your friends. We can all go out for a spin together then." As long as there were no subtitles, who would know who they were besides those in the inner circle? Li Panpan had initially only agreed casually, but now she was quite interested. She and Ning Yunhuan negotiated the details, and by the end, she couldn't resist making several phone calls to invite more people.

These were all her usual friends. These young ladies usually spent their time learning piano or dancing. While most of their hobbies were elegant, practicing for ten or twenty years had become rather tedious. Hearing that Li Panpan was inviting everyone to a countryside trip for a couple of days to film a show immediately sparked their excitement, and they all readily agreed. In the end, Ning Yunhuan delegated the task of finding a location to Lan Biao, and when Li Panpan dropped her off downstairs at Lan Jiu’s company, she excitedly took the elevator up.

The scenario described in novels—being stopped by the receptionist downstairs—never happened to Ning Yunhuan. The staff here were all sharp-eyed. If they didn't recognize the wife of their direct superior, that woman was either insignificant or her superior had specifically ordered her to be kept out. Everyone at the Lan family’s company was as cunning as monkeys. When they saw Ning Yunhuan arrive, they greeted her with eager, flattering smiles.

It was lunchtime, but many in the secretarial pool were working overtime. When Ning Yunhuan arrived, several people stood up to give a polite greeting. Ning Yunhuan returned their smiles and pushed open the door directly into Lan Jiu’s office. He was leaning back in his chair, his desk impeccably clean. He was currently looking at his phone, but when a string of ringtones sounded from Ning Yunhuan’s bag, Lan Jiu turned his chair and looked toward her.

“Did you have fun?” Lan Jiu’s expression was unreadable. He simply put down his phone and gestured for her to come closer with a smile. If he had been frowning or angry, Ning Yunhuan might have breathed a sigh of relief. Unexpectedly, seeing him smile so calmly made every muscle in her body tense. She had played too happily at lunch and hadn't even answered his calls. Ning Yunhuan shuddered twice, bravely walked toward him, and wisely perched herself on his thigh, planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

Lan Lingyan’s eyes softened slightly. He reached out and pinched her waist. Though initially displeased, seeing her act so affectionately now, and noticing the subtle fear of him she had carried recently, this rare display of closeness melted away any lingering displeasure.

He reached out to brush away the stray strands of hair near her cheek. Her hair was straight and dark. Even simply tied up in a ponytail now, the wisps framing her face made her look so pure that one wouldn't believe she was already a married mother.

“Don’t ignore my calls again. You’re getting bolder, daring to go out without an escort.” Although he was lecturing her, his eyes were no longer cold and held no real threat. Ning Yunhuan knew he wasn't angry anymore and quickly tried to sit up. Lan Jiu scoffed at her attempt to cross the bridge and burn it behind her. There was no such easy transaction in the world; use closeness to appease him, then try to bolt once the immediate danger passed. He looped his arm around her waist, showing no intention of letting go. Ning Yunhuan struggled briefly, felt his change, and dared not move further.

Even though it was working hours, he hadn't put up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign when she entered. If someone walked in later, how would she ever dare come visit Lan Lingyan for lunch again?

“I brought people; they’re right behind me. I was just afraid you wouldn’t agree to me going out.” Ning Yunhuan dared not admit she hadn't heard the phone. Lan Lingyan bit her chin lightly. If she had answered the call, he truly wouldn't have agreed. This girl had learned to present a fait accompli. Lan Jiu chuckled coldly twice, “I wouldn’t have agreed. Have you forgotten what happened with Dongfang Aoshi last time?”

The mention of the kidnapping silenced Ning Yunhuan. She thought about her arrangement with Li Panpan and cautiously added, “I had Lan Biao find a place. Li Panpan said she’s gathering some people to go to the countryside for a few days. I already agreed, so why don't we go together too?” She had assumed Lan Jiu, who had seemed secretive lately with recent business, wouldn't have time to join her. But she feared his refusal, so she had suggested they go together, planning that if he claimed to be busy, she could seize the opportunity to insist on going herself, especially since the holidays were approaching soon.

“Fine,” Lan Lingyan smiled. He had set up a small trap recently, and accompanying her on a trip sounded appealing. They had known each other for a long time, but aside from the time they went abroad to marry and have children, they had never truly traveled together. She rarely asked him for anything, and Lan Lingyan actually enjoyed when she made requests. Since she had finally asked, of course, he wouldn't refuse, so he readily agreed.

Ning Yunhuan was momentarily stunned. Although she hadn't expected things to go so smoothly, seeing him agree, she couldn't help but smile too. With nothing pressing in the afternoon, she stayed in Lan Lingyan's office, emptying her shopping haul onto the sofa. She had shopped with great joy but didn't entirely remember everything she bought. Now, rummaging through it was an entertainment in itself. She occasionally pulled items out to show Lan Lingyan. The atmosphere was so warm and domestic that several times, when Lan Jiu’s chief secretary entered with documents, they stiffened, seeing the usually pristine office made a mess by the girl’s frantic searching, their mouths twitching for long moments.

Among the things bought today, besides toys, clothes, and shoes for Lan Yi, there was a shirt and a pair of diamond cufflinks for Lan Lingyan. Ning Yunhuan was happiest with her purchases from the jade store. She held up her wrist to admire the translucent and beautiful bangle. Although this bangle wasn't the top-tier Imperial Green, it was exquisite, making her wrist look radiant, possessing a classical beauty reminiscent of the water towns in Jiangnan.

Thinking of the bangle naturally led her thoughts back to the events in the store. Ning Yunhuan was astonished by Gu Yingxi's capabilities. Despite the unpleasant way she met Qin Yi, which even led to his current predicament, she still managed to get Qin Yi to forgive her—and even become completely devoted to her. This truly warranted praise for Gu Yingxi’s skill.

“What’s amazing?” Lan Jiu, having watched her play contentedly for a long time, now wore an expression of admiration. He couldn't suppress a smile and asked her.

“I think Gu Yingxi is amazing. She truly deserves the man she ends up with. For her and that Qin family man to end up together after everything that happened between them,” she said. Having said this, Ning Yunhuan felt her statement was disjointed and quickly added, “We ran into Li Panpan’s fiancé with Gu Yingxi while shopping today, probably to buy her gifts. Weren’t the Qin family hating her so much back then?”

Back then, Qin Yi’s mother, Zhu Susu, had sent people to deal with Gu Yingxi multiple times, yet now Qin Yi was involved with her again.

“They hated her, but a British Baron protected her.” Although the Qin family eventually apologized to Ning Yunhuan, Lan Jiu hadn't forgotten their debt. Ever since the Qin family started targeting Gu Yingxi, the Glyn family seemed to have subtly deployed a force to protect her. The two sides clashed, starting with mere testing, but after several confrontations, both sides must have truly ignited their anger. While the situation hadn't reached an irreconcilable point, the animosity between the two factions was now deep. However, even though the Qin family wasn't a top-tier clan in Huaxia, they were established local powers, meaning the British Baron’s influence couldn't fully penetrate, even with his own underworld connections.

“The British Baron?” Ning Yunhuan thought of Brugelin, whose name she had heard but who remained largely absent until now. She felt a small measure of relief. In her previous life, she hadn't interacted much with that Baron and currently didn't know his weakness. But Gu Yingxi had absolutely no foundation now. In her last life, around this time, she should have already entered the Ning family corporation and begun making inroads into the entertainment industry, slowly gaining the support of influential benefactors. But now, she had only just gotten together with Qin Yi, and Xie Zhuoyin, Ning Yuncheng, and Qin Yi himself were all crippled and could no longer help her. The Ning family’s entertainment company was now in her hands; without her guidance, Gu Yingxi would have to find an alternative path into showbiz.

But the entertainment industry wasn't so easy to navigate. She lacked connections and backing. To rise purely through her own efforts? She should wait for the next lifetime!

Ouyang Zhentian was already trapped abroad by her machinations. She intended to repay, one by one, every tactic these men had used against her in her previous life. Ouyang Zhentian now was likely still agonizing over the trouble his girlfriend was causing. He had indeed achieved fame and fortune, but the more famous he became, the more he feared his life being ruined.

He had relied on his girlfriend's financial support to achieve everything he had abroad. Now that he was successful, he wanted to break up and find a new beauty. In the past, his girlfriend couldn't fight him and had to swallow the bitter pill silently. But now, with Ning Yunhuan's help, it wouldn't be easy for Ouyang Zhentian to slip away from his girlfriend’s grasp.

Everything he possessed now was earned through his girlfriend’s past sacrifices and illicit means to fund his studies abroad—a background he could never erase. Now that he was successful, he wanted to discard the girlfriend he found distasteful and use the money, to which she also contributed, to support Gu Yingxi. Ning Yunhuan would not allow him to succeed so easily in this lifetime!

Her spies watching the Gu family reported that the reason they could now afford to rent a villa and live well was the half a million Ouyang Zhentian left when he departed. But even a large sum of money runs out eventually. Ning Yunhuan was waiting for the day those funds depleted and the Gu family fell into destitution.

Knowing that Lan Lingyan would also join the outing, Lan Biao acted with extreme speed. Within a week, he had purchased several village residences in a picturesque mountain village. Li Panpan and the others, having confirmed their plans, joyfully boarded a private jet and flew there. Life in the village was indeed quite pleasant. It was summertime, perfect for water activities. Apart from the basic necessities like rice, oil, salt, and vinegar, ingredients had to either be purchased by themselves or gathered from the wild.