Chapter 317: Heartbroken

The study in the Han family’s old mansion was lavish and spacious, filled with valuable items. A single piece could be worth a fortune, especially the row of porcelain on the shelf. If someone knowledgeable saw it, they would be speechless with awe. From Tang Sancai to Yuan blue-and-white ceramics, and famous pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the collection was complete.

The Han family’s immense wealth was evident in these antiques. However, to the Chu family mother and daughter, who were accustomed to luxury, these things didn’t leave much of an impression.

Chu Xuan and Han Tianrang sat on either side of the desk, discussing a potential business collaboration. Meanwhile, Chu Xinran was seated on a sofa in another part of the study, with a cup of freshly brewed Tieguanyin tea on the table before her.

Though she could easily overhear their conversation, Chu Xinran wasn’t interested. All she wanted was to find an excuse to leave and search for Fang Zhou.

Three days ago, she and Qiao Sisi had been summoned to the police station to make a statement. By the time they returned to the hospital, Fang Zhou’s bed was empty. They were stunned, and calls to his phone went unanswered, with only the busy signal and repeated messages, “The number you have dialed is not available. Please try again later.”

They learned from the hospital staff that Fang Zhou had been transferred. But even if he had been moved, his phone should still be reachable. Chu Xinran feared he might have been kidnapped; otherwise, why would he vanish so suddenly?

While they were still in shock, Qin Yun messaged them, saying that Fang Zhou was fine and had been taken by Han Xi. But when they asked where, Qin Yun didn’t know. She suggested he could be at Han Xi’s villa or a private hospital, but only Han Xi would know for sure.

Both Qiao Sisi and Chu Xinran tried to contact Han Xi through calls and messages but received no response. It became clear that Han Xi had meticulously orchestrated her actions, leaving no room for them to react.

Frustrated and worried, Chu Xinran nearly called the police to have Han Xi arrested. However, without evidence and not being Fang Zhou’s legal relative, she had no authority to do so. She returned home, using the Chu family’s connections to search for Fang Zhou.

During the sleepless nights, she dreamt of Fang Zhou asking for her help, his voice echoing in her mind, “Xinran, I’m in pain. I want to leave here. Can you save me?” She would wake up in a cold sweat, unable to go back to sleep, regretting not leaving someone with Fang Zhou and allowing Han Xi to take him away so easily.

Chu Xinran felt immense guilt and responsibility. If anything happened to Fang Zhou, she’d never forgive herself. Thankfully, their efforts paid off, and they discovered that Fang Zhou had been taken to the Han family’s old mansion.

Knowing this place was usually off-limits, she brought her mother along to ensure Fang Zhou’s safety. While her mother and Han Xi’s father discussed business, Chu Xinran felt restless. She took a deep breath, deciding to take action.

“Mom, I saw a painting in the living room that looked interesting. Can I go have a closer look?” she asked, smiling at the two discussing business.

Chu Xuan, understanding her daughter’s intention, turned to Han Tianrang to ask for permission. “That’s up to your Uncle Han,” she said.

Han Tianrang, a serious-looking man with strong features softened by his handsome face, smiled and agreed. “Go ahead. Feel free to look around. If you like any painting, you can have it.”

Chu Xinran politely declined, “Thank you, Uncle Han, but I just want to appreciate it. It’s best left where it is for everyone to enjoy.”

Han Tianrang laughed and praised Chu Xuan, “You have a wonderful daughter, Chu Xuan.”

Feelin proud, Chu Xuan replied, “I’ve spent years raising her well. She’s a credit to our family.”

With the formalities complete, Chu Xinran left the study, entering the vast mansion. As she wandered, she tried to locate Fang Zhou, but the mansion was enormous, spanning at least two to three hundred square meters, making her search seem daunting.

Moving purposefully, she explored the first floor, politely declining assistance from the maids, saying, “I’m just admiring the house. You can continue with your work.”

She eventually reached the spacious living room, its walls adorned with various artworks. Though tempted to admire them, her main goal was finding Fang Zhou, so she pressed on.

Unexpectedly, she found herself near the dining area, where she saw two familiar figures at the table. Seeing Fang Zhou, her heart leaped with joy. She was about to call out to him when she saw him feeding Han Xi. They both wore happy smiles, sharing a moment of harmony that excluded everyone else.

At that moment, Chu Xinran felt her heart shatter.