Chapter 321: I Don’t Approve of Your Relationship

Even though Qiao Sisi said she was fine, Fang Zhou had a hard time believing her. He suspected she was downplaying her feelings so he wouldn’t worry. Sometimes Qiao Sisi seemed willful, but she often evoked sympathy.

Growing up in a tough environment, how could she truly be spoiled? She was more like a hedgehog, hiding her soft and kind heart behind a prickly exterior. Fang Zhou felt a pang of concern and gently reminded her, “Make sure to eat well and get enough sleep. Don’t worry too much. I’ll be back soon.”

Qiao Sisi’s eyes were still sore. She had barely slept, endlessly searching for Fang Zhou but with little success. She couldn’t reach Han Xi, and neither Qin Yun nor Chu Xinran had any news. When her manager found out, she got a scolding, reminding her that she had a film role coming up and needed to stay in top shape, lest she be replaced. The entertainment industry was ruthless; a single misstep could lead to being overshadowed by countless others waiting in the wings.

Qiao Sisi knew how important this movie was for her career. If all went well, she might even secure a Best Supporting Actress award. But her mind couldn’t stop worrying about Fang Zhou. She decided to take a couple of days off to recuperate.

Hearing Fang Zhou’s concern brought tears to her eyes, filling her with a mix of sadness and warmth. She felt guilty. “I’m sorry, it’s all because of me that you got hurt.”

Her voice was hoarse and dry, and though she tried to mask it, Fang Zhou could hear her exhaustion and felt even more worried.

“None of this is your fault,” Fang Zhou reassured her. “It’s the fault of that crazy fan. Don’t blame yourself for someone else’s mistakes. You’re a big star now—where’s all that confidence gone?”

The mention of the fan stirred a flash of anger in Qiao Sisi’s eyes. “I’ll make sure he pays for what he did. You just focus on getting better.”

She hung up and immediately called her manager, demanding the best lawyer to prosecute the fan who had attacked Fang Zhou. “Get the best lawyer and make sure he gets the maximum sentence.”

Her manager, Sister Zhu, was delighted to hear Qiao Sisi sounding so determined. It meant she was on the mend and ready to get back to work. “I’ll get right on it!” she promised.

“Oh, and Sister Zhu, sign me up for a Taekwondo class. Two hours every Monday,” Qiao Sisi added.

Sister Zhu was surprised. Stalker incidents were rare, and celebrity schedules were usually kept secret. This had been an unfortunate exception, but it had underscored Fang Zhou’s bravery in protecting Qiao Sisi. If she’d been hurt, it would have been a disaster for the agency.

“But your schedule is packed. Are you sure Monday is the best day?” Monday was Qiao Sisi’s designated rest day, essential for her to maintain her health.

Qiao Sisi’s voice was firm. “Yes, I need to learn how to defend myself. I can’t just stand there helpless if something like this happens again.”

She didn’t mention that she wanted to be able to defend herself and anyone else who might be in danger. Money could cover the costs, but anger needed to be dealt with on the spot.

***

Back in the Han family study, father and daughter faced each other in silence. Finally, Han Tianrang broke the quiet.

“When is this farce going to end? When is that man leaving the Han family?”

The steady, authoritative tone was the sound Han Xi had grown up with. It was a voice that had always made her feel small and intimidated. But now, she was no longer that timid little girl.

Looking her father in the eyes, she replied calmly, “I’m not playing games. I’m serious.”

Han Tianrang slammed his hand on the table. “What, you plan to stay with that man forever?”

Undeterred, Han Xi nodded. “Yes, I do. I intend to marry him, and he’ll get half of everything I own.”

Her words were like those of a rebellious daughter in a TV drama, but Han Xi had never been rebellious growing up. She had always been the obedient daughter.

Han Tianrang couldn’t understand this sudden defiance. “I don’t approve. He’s not fit to be part of this family. Give up on him.”

Han Xi looked at her father with disdain, then stood up slowly. “If you called me here just to say these pointless things, then let me tell you—your approval doesn’t matter. You don’t control me. Maybe you should spend your time taking care of Mom. I remember she hasn’t traveled in a while. I bought you two tickets to the Maldives. You can leave tomorrow.”

With that, she waved dismissively and walked out of the study, ignoring her father’s stern and challenging gaze. Her father, enraged, swept everything off his desk.

“Daughters are impossible to keep under control!” he fumed. He wondered if he had raised Han Xi too well, making her impossible to manage.

He didn’t consider that the new generation of leaders, like a young wolf in a pack, would never be constrained by the old ways.