"It's an immense honor for Heyuan Group to collaborate with the Lin Group," [Xu Xiuhe] said.
"Well then, let's move to the next private room and sign the contract," Lin Zhe stood up and gestured for them to proceed.
Xu Xiuhe picked up Xu Yunzheng, while Shen Yin carried her bag. Lin Zhe led the way as the group exited the room.
Xu Zhengyang watched their retreating figures, his gaze growing increasingly malicious. He clenched the water glass in his hand so tightly, it seemed as if it would shatter any moment.
Why, why did he lose again? He was so close, just one final step away from achieving his goal. Then he would no longer be looked down upon by the company, he would have gained his father Xu Guimin's approval, he would have inherited the Xu Group.
Why the change? It was all because of that woman, damn Shen Yin. If not for her, Xu Xiuhe wouldn't have had a son. If Xu Xiuhe didn't have a son, Xu Guimin wouldn't still be fixated on Xu Xiuhe.
If this woman hadn't saved Lin Zhe's wife, he would have been the one signing the contract. None of this would have happened with Xu Xiuhe.
"That's right, it's all because of this woman, ruining my plans," Xu Zhengyang became agitated and suddenly stood up, forcefully pushing the plates off the table. Unsatisfied, he hurled the glass in his hand with all his might.
"One day, I'll make sure this woman suffers a miserable death." The man's eyes were red, his expression twisted like a demon's.
In the other private room, an air of harmony prevailed. After signing the contract, Xu Xiuhe and Lin Zhe exchanged pleasantries.
"Mr. Xu, it's getting late. You're not going back, are you?" Lin Zhe asked.
Xu Xiuhe checked his watch. It was almost 9 PM, indeed too late. Little Zheng was already yawning non-stop, it was his usual bedtime.
"No, I won't go back," Xu Xiuhe glanced at Shen Yin.
Shen Yin nodded in agreement.
"Perfect timing then, I assume you haven't booked a hotel yet? The hotel where Mrs. Xu stayed last time, the same one where my wife gave birth, they handled things quite well. I ended up acquiring it. If you don't mind, you can stay there."
Xu Xiuhe didn't hesitate and readily agreed.
"Alright, I'll take you there."
"No need, I can find my way," Shen Yin spoke up.
"It's not a problem, I need to stop by the hotel anyway, it's work-related," Lin Zhe insisted.
Upon arrival at the hotel, Lin Zhe took the lead as the owner, with the staff treating him with utmost respect.
"Prepare the presidential suite for this gentleman and lady," Lin Zhe instructed the receptionist at the front desk.
The receptionist, recognizing her boss, lowered her head and swiftly arranged for the presidential suite without a word.
Inside the suite, Xu Xiuhe was working on documents while Shen Yin had bathed little Zheng and tucked him into bed, the child sleeping soundly, not even stirring during his bath.
Relieved, Shen Yin headed for the bathroom herself, only to find Xu Xiuhe joining her, insisting they bathe together.
"Now, now, it's just bathing, don't get any other ideas," Shen Yin warned with a mischievous smile.
"What else could I possibly do? It's just bathing," Xu Xiuhe replied, grinning playfully.
Indeed, circumstances had changed, but it was within Shen Yin's foresight.
"Wife, you're truly remarkable. You casually save someone and become the wife of the Lin Group's president."
"Or perhaps I'm just lucky," Shen Yin teased, playing with Xu Xiuhe's hair.
Xu Xiuhe pondered her words. His wife's background was extraordinary, her experiences unlike any other. Even her dreams could foretell difficulties. With such good fortune, it was no surprise she had established two or three business ventures in just three or four months.
Suddenly, Xu Xiuhe seemed to remember something and asked while embracing Shen Yin, "You haven't had any nightmares lately, have you?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Yin recalled the vivid yet bizarre dream she had a few nights ago.
Vivid, as if it had truly occurred, yet bizarre because she couldn't see the face of the man harming her in the dream.
Shen Yin didn't immediately respond to Xu Xiuhe's question, causing him to grow concerned.
"You had a nightmare? What was it about?"
"Yes, I had a nightmare. I dreamt that I was kidnapped by a man, but I couldn't see who he was," Shen Yin finally admitted.
Xu Xiuhe fell silent. If he hadn't asked, would she have told him? This woman, she always tried to shoulder everything herself, to solve problems on her own. Didn't she think of him at all?
"Shen Yin," Xu Xiuhe's tone suddenly grew serious, calling her by her full name instead of the usual pet names.
"Yes? What's wrong?" Shen Yin looked at him innocently, unaware of what she had done to prompt his change in demeanor.
"I'm your husband, your spouse. We are one. We are the most intimate people in this world. You need to share everything with me. You can't bear the burden alone. Think about it, if I hadn't asked, would you have told me about this?"
Xu Xiuhe had seen through her, and Shen Yin couldn't refute his words. She hadn't spoken up because she feared worrying him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want you to worry," she apologized.
"Yin Yin, I'm your husband. Of course I'll worry when you tell me, but have you considered how I would feel if you kept it bottled up inside? A couple should trust and be honest with each other. Even if you mean well, what if something really happens to you? If I'm unaware, I'll only worry more."
Xu Xiuhe spoke earnestly, his words carrying weight.
"Oh, I was wrong," Shen Yin pouted, snuggling into Xu Xiuhe's embrace.
Seeing her expression, Xu Xiuhe couldn't bring himself to scold her further. He tightened his arms around her and gently kissed her forehead.
"I may have been too harsh earlier, but it's for your own good. Nothing has happened yet, so there's still a chance to prevent it. But if the nightmare comes true, what would I do? Little Zheng is still so young, he can't be separated from you. What would become of him?" Shen Yin's heart sank upon hearing his words.
"It won't happen again. I'll tell you everything from now on."
"That's right."
"Let's sleep now and think about this tomorrow."
Xu Xiuhe coaxed Shen Yin to sleep, but he remained awake, pondering over who could be behind this.
Was it targeting him, or Shen Yin? Shen Yin had only been here for over three months, and the enemy could only be Qi Yan. Xu Xiuhe wasn't sure whether it was her.
If it wasn't Qi Yan, then it was targeting him, his adversaries over the years - some in business, and also the mother-daughter pair of Yang Cui and Xu Zhengyang.
There was also the possibility that it was simply a kidnapping for ransom. Xu Xiuhe considered all the possibilities one by one.
