You’ve Been Deceived

The appearance of a fourth woman brought a new twist to the greenhouse situation.

Han Xi walked towards them with slow, graceful steps, exuding calm confidence.

Behind her, Chu Xinran and Qin Yun emerged from the greenhouse.

In the narrow corridor, a tense standoff formed.

Qiao Sisi squinted slightly, murmuring, “So it’s you, Han Xi.”

Chu Xinran and Qin Yun’s gazes were far from friendly.

From Qin Yun’s mentor, they learned that certain drugs, combined with hypnosis, could alter memories, replacing past recollections with new ones.

Fang Zhou must have been affected.

No wonder he remembered no one but was so close to Han Xi.

“Zhou Chong, come here.”

Han Xi ignored the other three, focusing on the man, softly calling him to her side.

However, the man who usually obeyed her stood still, watching her with an inscrutable gaze.

“She’s pregnant and unwell, she needs to go to the hospital.”

His words seemed both an explanation and a preemptive defense.

Then he began to guide Qiao Sisi out, appearing genuinely concerned.

Han Xi’s expression stiffened, her confidence waning.

She signaled to the security personnel, and Fang Zhou and Qiao Sisi were quickly intercepted.

Walking up, Han Xi said, “If you need help, the Han family’s guards can assist. No need for you to go personally.”

Her slender, fair fingers rested on Fang Zhou’s arm, not forceful but feeling like a heavy shackle.

Fang Zhou paused, motionless.

Until someone took Qiao Sisi from his grasp, ready to escort her away.

“Don’t touch me!”

Qiao Sisi snapped, her eyes blazing with anger.

“I don’t need your people; I want Fang Zhou to take me. The child is his, so he should be responsible!”

Her delivery was clear, even in anger, like a stage performance, each word etched into the listeners’ minds.

Her mention of a child made the guards hesitant, glancing at Han Xi.

They couldn’t act recklessly; a miscarriage would mean legal consequences.

Fang Zhou seemed to awaken, shielding Qiao Sisi.

“Don’t act rashly; we’ll talk when I return.”

With that, he tried to shake off Han Xi’s hand, intending to leave with Qiao Sisi.

Han Xi wouldn’t let them slip away under her watch.

“If her stomach truly hurt, would she have the strength to stand? You’ve been deceived.”

Her voice was steady, each word a hammer blow to Fang Zhou’s heart.

Qiao Sisi wavered but insisted on her pain.

“I’m just holding on.”

“Han Xi, are you stalling to cause a miscarriage?”

The tension between the women intensified, an invisible fire igniting.

Finally, Han Xi’s words swayed Fang Zhou.

“The Han family has a doctor; no need for a hospital. Take her there.”

“Alright.”

But Qiao Sisi protested, shaking her head, refusing to trust the Han family doctor, insisting on leaving.

Even Fang Zhou noticed her odd behavior.

He released her, studying her face, seeing no true panic, stepping back.

“This isn’t funny, miss.”

Qiao Sisi’s expression froze, her voice low, “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

Fang Zhou remained calm, gaze dropping to her stomach, speaking clearly, “You never held your stomach; it doesn’t hurt, does it?”

A lie exposed should bring some embarrassment.

But Qiao Sisi felt none, dropping the act.

Straightening, she said, “It hurt before, not so much now.”

Behind her, others exchanged knowing looks.

“But that doesn’t stop us from going to the hospital.”

Qiao Sisi still wanted to take Fang Zhou away.

But Han Xi wouldn’t allow it.

“Today is my father’s birthday; I won’t cause a scene. You’re welcome to stay for dinner.”

“But if you want to take my husband, I can’t allow it. Please leave.”

With a wave, Han Xi’s guards formed a barrier, separating Fang Zhou, Han Xi, and the other women.

She took Fang Zhou’s arm, leaving the corridor without a backward glance.

Chu Xinran and Qin Yun stood speechless, facing the imposing guards.

Their reproachful gazes fell on Qiao Sisi, silently blaming her, “Look at what you’ve done.”

Qiao Sisi was stunned, not expecting Han Xi’s firmness, denying even a meeting.

“Hey! I’m not finished! Don’t go!”

But it was Han Xi’s domain; they couldn’t bring their own people, forced to watch them leave, helpless.

“What now? Do we leave or stay?”

Chu Xinran looked to Qin Yun for guidance, unsure.

They’d struggled to get in, see Fang Zhou, exchange words; who knew when they’d meet again?

Qin Yun shook her head, whispering, “Let’s return to the banquet, find another chance.”

Leaving meant no chance at all.

They quickly left together, leaving Qiao Sisi to ponder alone.

Eventually, she too returned to the hall.

Elsewhere, Fang Zhou and Han Xi, who should have rejoined the banquet, were in a standoff.

“You believe what other women say?”

Han Xi was upset Fang Zhou had so readily followed Qiao Sisi.

She’d invested so much, only for someone else to reap the rewards?

Fang Zhou shook his head, meeting her gaze, “I may not believe them, but I believe you.”

“Tell me, do I know them?”

His words, carried by the wind, seeped into Han Xi like winter’s chill.