Chapter 19: I Am Already Married

Huang Jie ran desperately until he finally felt a bit safer.

He immediately pulled out his phone, pressing rapidly, and sent out the photo he had just secretly taken of Chen Yuyi.

“Excellent! I’ve already gotten in touch with the King of Killers. This time, I’ll pay any price to see that brat dead!” Very soon, a vicious voice came from the other end of the call—it was Zhang Kangcheng.

“President Zhang, should I go into hiding for a while?” Huang Jie couldn’t help but feel uneasy as he recalled the look in Chen Yuyi’s eyes.

“No need. The King of Killers has never failed a job. After I deal with that brat, I’ll move on to Zuo Hongshan. I want them to know the cost of looking down on me!”

“What about Wang Xinyan?”

“One step at a time. She’s from the Wang family of Shangdu, after all. But I’ll never let her go, either. Once the earlier matters are settled, we’ll deal with her slowly.”

“President Zhang, would you let me handle Wang Xinyan in the end?” Huang Jie licked his lips and asked.

“Of course, why not? In fact, I’m planning to take you as my adopted son!”

Huang Jie was instantly overjoyed. “Thank you, President Zhang—no, thank you, Father!”

…

Chen Yuyi returned home, expecting the Flood Dragon King to instruct him on how to absorb the ginseng he’d acquired, but there was only silence. He called for a long while before a languid voice finally floated out.

“What are you fussing about? It’s just a ginseng that’s not even a thousand years old. It’s not worth me exerting myself. Collect some better herbs first, then we’ll talk.”

With that, the voice faded and didn’t return.

Chen Yuyi was left extremely frustrated, but he supposed it was understandable—the Flood Dragon King was still recovering its strength. He reluctantly put away the ginseng for now.

At the same time, he realized that the older and rarer the medicinal herbs, the more useful they were to him. Clearly, he would need to focus on collecting such treasures in the future.

That evening, Shen Zhuyun returned. Her demeanor was as cold as ever, but there was a trace of worry on her face.

Chen Yuyi wanted to ask, but he didn’t know how to begin. After a pause, he finally ventured, “Have you eaten yet?”

Shen Zhuyun lifted her head and shot him a cool glance. “I’m in no mood to deal with you right now. Don’t think that just because you saved me yesterday, we’re close.”

Chen Yuyi laughed. Truly a cold wife!

He didn’t press further, and headed to his room to call Bai Lang.

“Brother Yu!” On the other end, Bai Lang’s voice was respectfully bent, as if bowing. “What are your instructions?”

“I told you to keep an eye on my wife’s situation. Did you assign anyone?”

“Of course! I’ve got people in Miss Shen’s company, and I’ve arranged for her to be protected at all times.”

“Then why is she unhappy today?”

Bai Lang, as if swallowing a large coconut, was stuck for a moment before he stammered, “Brother Yu, that... I really don’t know. But don’t worry, I’ll find out for you tomorrow, I promise!”

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Bai Lang added, “I just recalled—Miss Shen’s company seems to be having some trouble. That’s why she attended that dinner yesterday.”

Bai Lang spoke as carefully as walking on thin ice, terrified that Chen Yuyi would bring up yesterday’s incident again.

“What trouble?”

Hearing that Chen Yuyi wasn’t pursuing yesterday’s matter, Bai Lang breathed easier. “It’s a sales issue. Miss Shen’s cosmetics company is too new, and can’t compete with the big brands. Some retailers are refusing to stock her products.”

“I don’t care about the other stores, but you know what to do with your Bai Group’s outlets. Also, help me find out where I can get my hands on rare medicinal herbs.” With that, Chen Yuyi hung up.

He was about to set the phone aside when it suddenly rang again.

It was Zuo Qianhui.

“Brother Chen, am I disturbing you this late?” Zuo Qianhui asked timidly.

“Not at all, Miss Zuo,” Chen Yuyi replied warmly. Toward this young lady, he felt not only gratitude but a brotherly fondness.

“I’m out alone right now. Can you come have a bite with me, Brother Chen?” Zuo Qianhui’s tone held a hint of sadness.

Chen Yuyi was about to refuse, but concern got the better of him. “Alright, where are you? I’ll come right over!”

Zuo Qianhui gave him the name of a restaurant.

As Chen Yuyi passed through the living room, he saw Shen Zhuyun still sitting on the sofa, lost in thought.

He couldn’t help but ask, “Should I bring you something to eat?”

To his surprise, Shen Zhuyun actually stood up and said, “No need to bring anything. I’ll join you.”

“What?” Chen Yuyi’s mouth fell open.

“What, you don’t want to?” Shen Zhuyun was already putting on her coat, brow slightly furrowed.

“Of course not,” Chen Yuyi quickly replied, wishing he could slap his own mouth for speaking too much. Now he was in a bind—whom should he accompany? It was truly a dilemma.

Shen Zhuyun didn’t spare him another glance. She threw on her coat and walked out.

Chen Yuyi had no choice but to follow.

After Shen Zhuyun got in the car, he was about to open the front passenger door.

“Sit in the back.”

Left with no choice, Chen Yuyi slunk into the back seat.

Neither of them spoke during the drive.

It seemed he would have to accompany his cold wife tonight. As for Zuo Qianhui, he would find a chance to explain things to her later. In any case, he had no intention of becoming entangled in any romantic affairs, whether with Miss Zuo or Shen Zhuyun. His heart was set on cultivation.

Night had fallen in earnest. Outside the car window, the city was a blur of headlights and neon in all colors. It was Chen Yuyi’s first time riding in Shen Zhuyun’s car, and he couldn’t help but feel a little out of place.

Her flawless, delicate features were even more striking under the night’s glow. Even though he could only see half her face from the back seat, his heart was unsettled.

They finally arrived at a restaurant.

As Chen Yuyi stepped out and looked up, his spirits sank.

It was the very restaurant Zuo Qianhui had named.

Shen Zhuyun ignored him entirely and went straight in.

Chen Yuyi forced a bitter smile and followed.

The restaurant was of medium-high grade, neither cheap nor ostentatious. The men dining inside were all impeccably dressed, the women elegant and refined.

Only Chen Yuyi, in his faded casual wear, seemed out of place.

He didn’t attract much attention, but the moment Shen Zhuyun entered, countless burning gazes turned toward her.

All the men who had been eating silently now raised their heads, their eyes following Shen Zhuyun.

When Chen Yuyi sat down with her, those looks turned murderous.

Chen Yuyi felt a little uneasy—not because of those men, but because of Zuo Qianhui.

He’d glanced around as he came in but hadn’t spotted her; perhaps she hadn’t arrived yet. If she came later, how would he explain? The thought gave him a headache.

At that moment, someone approached.

“Good evening, beautiful lady!” The man greeted with practiced charm, then introduced himself, “I am Gao Feng, the manager of this restaurant. May I ask what you’d like to order? I’d be delighted to serve you.”

He ignored Chen Yuyi completely.

Shen Zhuyun frowned at the menu, then looked up at Chen Yuyi. “Order what you want.”

Chen Yuyi smiled. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

Gao Feng glanced at Chen Yuyi with undisguised contempt, mocking him inwardly for not even knowing how to order.

“Brother Chen!”

Suddenly, Zuo Qianhui appeared.

She hurried over, but stopped short when she saw Shen Zhuyun.

Gao Feng was once again dazzled—what a night for beauties! Two stunning women in one evening, though both seemed to be connected to that poorly dressed pauper. The thought made him feel violent; he had the urge to stab Chen Yuyi on the spot.

“You know each other?” Shen Zhuyun raised her eyes and asked coolly.

Chen Yuyi nodded. “A schoolmate.”

For some reason, he felt his face flush. But he quickly composed himself. He wasn’t interested in getting entangled in romantic affairs; neither Zuo Qianhui nor Shen Zhuyun could sway his commitment to cultivation.

Shen Zhuyun gave Zuo Qianhui a brief look, then returned to the menu.

“Brother Chen, this is…” Zuo Qianhui pointed shyly at Shen Zhuyun.

“She’s my wife,” Chen Yuyi replied calmly.

Shen Zhuyun, her head lowered, paused upon hearing this, a fleeting trace of annoyance in her eyes, quickly concealed.

Zuo Qianhui was startled. “Brother Chen, you’re married?”

Chen Yuyi nodded serenely. “Yes. I was married a month ago.”

A mist formed in Zuo Qianhui’s eyes, and her voice trembled as she asked, “You really got married?”

“Miss Zuo, I have no reason to joke about this. I am indeed married,” Chen Yuyi said, unable to meet her gaze.

She clenched the hem of her dress tightly. After a long moment, she forced a smile. “I’m sorry to intrude.” With that, she turned and fled as if escaping.

Chen Yuyi sighed inwardly. For a moment, he almost wanted to run after her, but what would be the point? All he could do was let out a silent sigh.

Though Shen Zhuyun appeared focused on the menu, she had been watching the whole time. She felt a twinge of irritation and her expression grew complicated. This marriage, bought with her own money as a shield, was now being used by someone else. It left her with an odd feeling.

“Ahem… Miss, have you decided on your order?” Gao Feng, greatly displeased, finally spoke up. One beauty gone, and the other turned out to be that pauper’s wife. The thought infuriated him. Still, he didn’t care whether Shen Zhuyun was married—he didn’t believe that Chen Yuyi deserved such a beauty. There might be more to the story. He looked at Shen Zhuyun with heated eyes and began to boast.

“Miss, I strongly recommend our lobster today. Each one is hand-selected by me, guaranteed fresh with delicate, tender meat. Once you try it, you’ll see—it will leave you reminiscing, just like my charm. I am meticulous with food, and just as attentive to beautiful women.”

Shen Zhuyun’s brows never smoothed as she listened. She snapped the menu shut and tossed it on the table.

“Didn’t you hear? I have a husband.”

Chen Yuyi was actually a bit surprised that she would say so; he found it amusing. The man before them was as annoying as a fly—he wouldn’t mind swatting him himself.

“Miss, I doubt your husband understands you. A man who can’t even order food can’t possibly understand a woman…”

“Brother Yu!” Just as he was chattering on, a sharp-featured man in a suit hurried over, half-bowed…