Chapter 320: That Man Is Not Simple

The Han family patriarch’s study had just seen off Chu Xuan and Chu Xinran, leaving the room in a serene silence. A middle-aged man sat in a custom-made ergonomic chair, deep in thought.

The Chu family had made an unexpected approach for collaboration, a stark contrast to their previous rejections of the Han family’s overtures. The Han family’s aggressive business tactics over the past few years contrasted sharply with the conservative Chu family, making a partnership seem unlikely—until now.

Today’s meeting had gone well, solidifying one of the proposed projects. Han Tianrang was pondering Chu Xuan’s parting words, feeling a twinge of confusion.

She had said, “I acknowledge the Han family’s strength, and I admire Han Xi’s capabilities as your successor. I believe she’ll excel in our project. Perhaps this is unnecessary, but I feel obliged to warn you: the man your daughter brought home is not simple. I hope our collaboration won’t be affected by him.”

With that, Chu Xuan left with her daughter.

What did she mean by that?

Han Tianrang was well aware of the injured man his daughter had brought home, whom she had been caring for diligently. She even fed him and seemed eager to do everything for him, which irritated Han Tianrang. As the future head of Han Enterprises, why was his daughter wasting her precious time on a man of no status?

Since the man’s arrival, Han Tianrang had thoroughly investigated his background. Fang Zhou was a gaming live streamer with a modest following of tens of thousands online. While he might be notable in his own field, to the Han family, he was insignificant.

As Han Tianrang mulled over his thoughts, his phone buzzed with a message from his younger brother.

“I heard Xi’er is infatuated with an internet streamer and has spent a lot of money on him. You need to handle this before it becomes public and tarnishes our family’s reputation.”

Han Tianrang chuckled coldly. He knew his brother’s intentions. Jealous that Han Xi had been chosen to lead the company over his own sons, his brother sought to stir trouble.

But an internet streamer? Could it be the same man Han Xi had brought home?

Thinking of the scandals involving streamers deceiving people and ruining lives, Han Tianrang’s impression of Fang Zhou plummeted. How could such a man set foot in the Han family’s home?

He replied to his brother, “Mind your own business and stay out of others’ affairs,” before calling Han Xi to his study to discuss the matter.

***

Meanwhile, after Chu Xinran left, Fang Zhou was thrilled to get his phone back from Han Xi. For a modern young person, a phone was a lifeline and emotional support.

Excitedly, he turned on his phone to contact Li Siming but saw numerous missed calls, mostly from Qiao Sisi. He lightly slapped his forehead, regretting the worry he must have caused her.

Deciding to call Qiao Sisi first, Fang Zhou noticed Han Xi watching him closely, as if curious about whom he would call. His instincts for self-preservation kicked in—he couldn’t mention Qiao Sisi. If Han Xi knew his first call was to her, things could get ugly.

Just as Fang Zhou was about to fabricate a harmless lie, Han Xi’s phone rang, and she left the room. Relieved, he quickly stepped outside to a secluded spot and called Qiao Sisi.

The phone rang several times before she answered, her voice weary, like someone who had endured long, grueling work.

“Hello? Who is this?”

“Sisi, it’s me, Fang Zhou.”

Qiao Sisi, who had just dozed off, immediately perked up. Seeing Fang Zhou’s name on the caller ID filled her with joy.

“Fang Zhou! You finally called! Where on earth have you been?” she cried, her voice trembling with relief.

The usually proud and independent star sounded like a vulnerable child, her voice tinged with tears. Fang Zhou could almost picture her tear-streaked face, her quick shift in emotions showcasing her natural talent for acting.

Softly, he reassured her, “I’m sorry for making you worry. I’m fine and will be back tomorrow. How have you been?”

Noticing how Chu Xinran had looked exhausted earlier, Fang Zhou guessed that Qiao Sisi must be in a similar state. She tried to sound casual, “I’ve been okay. I postponed my work, but I’ve missed you.”

In truth, only those close to her knew how distressed she had been. She had hired private detectives and stayed up waiting for news, fearing that Han Xi might do something drastic. From the moment she met Han Xi, she knew she was dealing with a formidable person, possibly even more ruthless than herself.

“Don’t worry. I’m coming back soon,” Fang Zhou said gently, his heart aching for her.

As he ended the call, he vowed to make everything right. Little did he know that in his absence, the dynamics within the Han family were shifting, and he would soon face challenges that would test his resolve and relationships.