Chapter 312: Controlling Freedom in Disguise

As Fang Zhou stood by the door, he couldn’t help but notice how the relationship between Han Xi and her mother seemed far from the warmth typical of family bonds. Unlike the evident closeness between Chu Xinran and Chu Xuan, there was a distinct tension here.

Fang Zhou understood that not all mother-daughter relationships were harmonious, but what he had just witnessed wasn’t just strained—it was almost hostile.

Despite knowing Han Xi for over two years, Fang Zhou realized he knew very little about her family. He was only aware that the Han family was wealthy and their family business was highly successful. Han Xi’s father had high hopes for her to take over the family enterprise, and she had exceeded those expectations by managing and expanding the business brilliantly.

Fang Zhou had always thought that wealthy people lived worry-free lives. But now, he saw that wasn’t necessarily true.

Lost in thought, he was jolted back to reality by the sound of glass shattering and a woman’s hysterical screaming from inside. Though he couldn’t make out the words, the anger was unmistakable—Han Xi’s mother must have lost control.

Fang Zhou sighed deeply, feeling a pang of pity for Han Xi. Being berated by her own mother must hurt deeply. But as he thought about his own situation—trapped in this mansion without even his phone—his sympathy evaporated. Why should he pity Han Xi? She was rich beyond measure; he should be feeling sorry for himself.

Deciding to clear his head, Fang Zhou walked down to the front yard of the mansion. The area was lush with greenery and filled with vibrant flowers, creating a spring-like atmosphere. He noticed a small gate to the side, which wasn’t locked. His eyes lit up with the thought of escaping. If he could just get out, he could find a way down the mountain and away from this enforced captivity.

The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. He quickly unlatched the gate and was about to step through when he heard Dr. He calling from an upstairs window. “Mr. Fang, you haven’t taken your medicine today.”

Fang Zhou froze, looking up to see Dr. He smiling brightly from the third-floor medical room window. His voice was loud enough for Fang Zhou to hear clearly from below.

Within moments, two maids rushed out, looking panicked and urging him not to step on the precious flowers. They didn’t know who Fang Zhou was but knew he was someone important to Han Xi, and they couldn’t afford to upset him.

Looking past the gate, Fang Zhou realized it led only to a large garden, with an even higher wall beyond. Defeated, he closed the gate and apologized to the maids. “Sorry, I didn’t know there were flowers here.”

Changing direction, he walked back to the side of the mansion, directly below the medical room where Dr. He still stood. “Dr. He, you didn’t need to shout so loudly,” Fang Zhou said, trying to sound casual.

Dr. He, seeing through Fang Zhou’s intentions, responded with a gentle smile. “Mr. Fang, this mountain is about fifteen kilometers from the nearest road. Are you sure you want to walk that far?”

Fang Zhou’s eyes widened in shock. Where had Han Xi taken him? Surrounded by mountains, he had no idea which direction to head. Laughing nervously, he scratched his head. “I wasn’t trying to leave. Just curious about what’s behind the gate. I’ll come get my medicine soon.”

He walked back inside, but his frustration grew. Han Xi had effectively imprisoned him by taking away his phone and cutting off his contact with the outside world. She was controlling his freedom. He knew she was domineering, but he hadn’t expected it to this extent.

When Fang Zhou returned to the study on the second floor, the door was already open. Han Xi stepped out, smiling softly. “I was just about to call you.”

Fang Zhou’s gaze shifted from the broken glass inside the room to Han Xi. “Can we talk?”

His voice was calm, but his eyes held a spark of anger. Han Xi, perceptive as always, sensed the tension and led him into a nearby room.

“You’re controlling my freedom,” Fang Zhou stated bluntly as they entered. He didn’t want to be seen as naive or clueless.

Han Xi’s eyes met his, unwavering. “I’m not controlling you. I just want you to recover properly.”

“If that’s true, why not let me stay in a hospital? Why take my phone and cut off my communication with the outside world?” Fang Zhou pressed on, determined to get answers.

“This place has the best medical facilities. You’ll recover faster here,” Han Xi replied, her face expressionless.

Her response only fueled Fang Zhou’s anger. “But you didn’t ask for my consent.”

“Han Xi, do you see me as some sort of AI, expected to follow your every command? Or am I just another one of your subordinates, not worthy of having my own opinions?”

His voice, though calm, carried the weight of his frustration, like molten lava threatening to erupt.

“You know why I broke up with you?” Fang Zhou’s question hit Han Xi like a slap. She knew the answer all too well.