Around 10 p.m., Da Zhou received word that the small company boss was currently holed up in a private booth at a bar, seemingly waiting for someone.
Da Zhou and Xiao Wu quietly headed to the bar. After meeting up with the surveillance team on site and confirming that the man was still inside, they chose a dimly lit corner, ordered two drinks, and began their wait.
Sure enough, close to 11 o’clock, Yin Hao entered the bar wearing a black trench coat and a baseball cap. After scanning the place, he walked straight into the booth.
Roughly an hour later, the two men exited separately—about ten minutes apart. Da Zhou signaled for Xiao Wu to sweep the booth while he kept watch at the door. A few minutes later, they both slipped out quickly and silently.
Inside the car, Xiao Wu held a miniature recorder in his palm, his expression blank as a corpse. “Got it,” he said flatly.
Da Zhou snorted. “After all these years with the young master, if you haven’t picked up anything else, you’ve sure mastered the art of having a poker face.”
Xiao Wu didn’t even blink. “If you’ve got the guts, say that to the young master’s face.”
At the mere thought of the young master’s glacial stare, Da Zhou shivered. “Forget it. I didn’t say anything. Play the recording.”
Xiao Wu hit play. Despite background music, the conversation between Yin Hao and the small-time boss came through clearly:
“Yin Hao, we’re old classmates. You can’t screw me over.”
“Relax. I’d screw anyone before I screw you.”
“Have you seen the newspapers about Shang Group? This isn’t looking good.”
“Don’t be a coward. Even if City Daily goes down, it won’t come back to bite us.”
“Still, those posts were uploaded from my company’s website. If they trace it back, I’m finished.”
“Relax. If that happens, just pin it on that ‘EnchantingLittleDemon’ guy.”
“But he’s one of our employees, and I did order him to post them. If this comes out, he’ll talk.”
“That’s easy—just give him some cash and send him away. Besides, with the posts being reshared all over, tracing the source is practically impossible. Don’t worry so much.”
“I hope you’re right. Still, I’ve got a bad feeling. Maybe we should just get rid of him.”
“Sure. We’ll handle it later.”
They chatted about women for a while. Just as Da Zhou thought the recording was no longer useful, the boss raised another question:
“Yin Hao, are your so-called ‘proofs’ even legit? I read today’s and yesterday’s papers… there’s a lot that doesn’t add up.”
“Tch, what do you know? My proof came from top-tier institutions. Shang Group is going down, no question.”
“So who’s really behind this? Don’t think I’m clueless. I run a business too—I know how dirty things can get.”
“Hmph. Shang Yushang is so full of himself. He needs to be taught a lesson. Once Shang Group changes hands, I won’t forget you.”
“Yeah, Shang Yushang always acted like he was better than us. Let’s see how he likes being under someone’s thumb for a change. You keep your end of the bargain, and I’m satisfied. Still… those proofs of yours really need to be verified.”
“That’s none of your business. Real or fake doesn’t matter. As long as it takes Shang Yushang down, then it’s real enough.”
Xiao Wu clenched his fists. “Zhou-ge, we can’t let that ‘EnchantingLittleDemon’ get away.”
Da Zhou smirked, a chilling arc curving at his lips. “Someone has to pay for stirring up the young master’s fury.”
That same night, under threats and bribes, EnchantingLittleDemon was quietly… “removed.”
Meanwhile, Yin Hao returned home. His grandmother was still up waiting in the living room.
“Yin Hao, you’re home.”
“Grandma? You’re still awake?”
“Waiting for you. How did it go?”
Yin Hao sat on the couch and lit a cigarette. “Don’t worry, Grandma. Everything went smoothly.”
Her face darkened. “Good. Stick close to the second young master of the Shang family. The future of the Yin family depends on him.”
“I know, Grandma.”
“Hmph. That He Changning thinks marrying the first young master gives him backing? Let’s see what he has left when the second young master takes over.”
“Don’t worry, Grandma. You’ll see that day come.”
Yin Hao’s eyes glinted with malice as he recalled his recent meeting with Shang Yuchen. Shang Yushang… He Changning… just wait. The day will come when you’re both on your knees, begging me for mercy.
Meanwhile, Da Zhou kept EnchantingLittleDemon under tight surveillance.
Xiao Qi, Shi’er, and jewelry division director Fang He began investigating the so-called fake diamonds. Every link was being scrutinized, from the supplier to the production line to anyone who had touched the products. All jewelry from the same batch as the allegedly radioactive pieces was sent to over a dozen accredited labs for inspection. The results would take three to four days.
Until then, the standoff between Shang Group and City Daily would only escalate.
That night, Shang Yushang didn’t get back to the old house until almost midnight. He wouldn’t have come back at all if he hadn’t missed He Changning so badly after days away. He didn’t want to disturb the little guy’s sleep, but… he just couldn’t help it.
As he gently turned the doorknob, the living room light flicked on. He Changning stood there in his pajamas, worry etched across his face. He walked up and wrapped his arms around Shang Yushang’s waist.
“Jianzhi? Why are you back so late? Did you eat? You’ve lost weight…”
Pulling him into a tight embrace, Shang Yushang pressed a kiss to his brow. “I missed you. So I came home.”
He Changning led him to the sofa and poured him a glass of water. “Did you eat?”
“I did. Don’t worry.”
“You still need to take better care of yourself. How are things going?”
“Everything’s starting to turn around—and it’s all thanks to the lead you gave us,” Shang Yushang murmured as he wrapped his arm around He Changning’s waist, resting his chin on his shoulder. “Marrying you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
He Changning gave his fuzzy head a light shove. “Since when did our mighty CEO learn how to act cute?”
Shang Yushang narrowed his eyes, voice low and husky. “Changning, I missed you.”
Changning’s cheeks flushed, his voice soft. “Mm, I know.”
Suddenly, Shang Yushang sat up straight, storm brewing in his deep-set eyes. “Baby, let’s go to bed,” he said, scooping He Changning up into his arms without waiting for permission and striding upstairs.
Back in the bedroom, he locked the door behind them. Pushing He Changning down onto the bed with an urgency he couldn’t hide, his voice dropped to a dark murmur by his ear. “Changning, I want you.”
His heart skipped a beat. Every detail of that night was still burned in his memory—he remembered just how crazy Shang Yushang could get. And while intimacy between a married couple was perfectly normal, this guy could get turned on any time, anywhere. Blushing, He Changning whispered, “Okay.”
Those big dewy eyes made Shang Yushang’s blood run hot—he wanted nothing more than to devour him whole. He stripped off his own clothes, then impatiently tore open He Changning’s pajama top, buttons scattering to the floor as kisses rained down on soft pale skin, leaving trails of crimson blossoms in their wake.
After a rushed preparation, he plunged into the tight heat, taking his beloved over the edge again and again.
By the time He Changning was begging hoarsely for mercy, Shang Yushang had lost count of how many times he came before finally pulling out.
When morning light spilled through the windows, Shang Yushang held He Changning in his arms, freshly cleaned, and finally drifted off to sleep with a peaceful expression.
He Changning didn’t wake until after 1 p.m. Shang Yushang was already gone. Grinding his teeth, he cursed the man from head to toe before dragging his sore body—back nearly broken—into the bathroom.
One look in the mirror and the bruises across his body said it all—last night had been wild. Though he felt mostly clean and not in too much pain, a faint cooling sensation told him Shang Yushang had cleaned him up and even applied medicine. Still, he couldn’t stop himself from groaning, Why am I always the one getting pinned down?
But complaining didn’t change a thing. After a long hot soak, his muscles finally relaxed. Now came the real challenge: facing the old lady downstairs. He honestly wanted to wrap himself in a blanket and never come out again. But as always, life had other plans.
Just as he was debating whether or not to go downstairs, someone knocked lightly on the door.
“Ning-shao, are you awake?”
Still finishing up getting dressed, He Changning froze for a second. Then it hit him—it must’ve been Shang Yushang who arranged for someone to watch over him. His whole body went rigid. That damn man! How was he supposed to explain sleeping in so late to the old matriarch now? No need to say anything—this whole setup screamed overindulged and unable to get out of bed. And on top of that, the man left guards to make sure he got his beauty sleep undisturbed. How was he supposed to face anyone now?
He stomped his foot in frustration, but there was no hiding forever. Plastering on a composed face, he opened the door.
“Mm.”
The man outside gave a slight bow. “Ning-shao, I’m Thirteen, and this is Six. The young master arranged for us to ensure your safety. Whether you’re at home or outside, we’ll be by your side—but please rest assured, we won’t interfere in your daily life.”
Changning wasn’t surprised. Before the wedding, Xiao Wu and Xiao Seven had also secretly protected him. He’d never viewed it as surveillance—it was protection, not spying. Considering what was happening with Shang Group, caution was more than warranted.
“Mm. While I’m at home, be casual about it. But if I go out, don’t bother hiding. Just stay close.”
“Yes, Ning-shao,” both replied in unison.
A voice called from downstairs.
“Is that you, Changning?” It was Aunt Qin.
Changning descended the stairs with Six and Thirteen behind him. “Aunt Qin.”
She greeted him with a warm smile. “You must be starving. I’ve made some porridge and side dishes for you—come, sit and eat.”
He sat down on a cushioned dining chair, but as soon as he did, the corner of his mouth twitched. Damn it, even the chair had to be cushioned…
“…Where’s Grandma?” he asked.
Old Madam Shang had just returned from outside. “Changning, were you looking for Grandma?”
“Grandma, you went out?” He Changning quickly stood up.
The old lady smiled warmly and gestured for him to sit. “Why didn’t you sleep a bit longer?”
He Changning’s face turned beet red in an instant. Damn Shang Yushang—did he really have to make their private matters public? How was he supposed to face anyone now?
Noticing the embarrassment and awkwardness on his face, the old lady chuckled. “I’m a seventy-something-year-old woman, and I’m not bothered. Why should you be? You’re young—why so shy? It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m not some old-fashioned fossil. If I were, how would you have married into our family?”
Changning wanted to crawl into a hole. “Please, Grandma… let’s not talk about this…”
“Alright, alright, I won’t say another word. Eat up now—you must be starving after a whole day.”
The meal came to a close with He Changning’s face red enough to drip blood. As if that weren’t enough, the old lady had the staff prepare an array of snacks and tonics “to help the grandson-in-law recover.”
Looking at the mountain of nourishing, blood-enriching, digestion-boosting, and—God help him—male enhancement supplements, He Changning really wanted to smash his head into a brick.
Meanwhile, Shang Yushang called home to confirm Changning had gotten up and eaten. He had initially planned to chat with his beloved for a bit—but the moment he heard the old lady had personally prepped a massive care package of “body-nourishing products” for the poor guy, he decisively hung up. No way. That little thing probably has a mountain of complaints stored up against me already. Better wait until he cools off before I try calling again.
For three days straight, under the intense counterattack from the ten major newspapers, Metropolitan News was overwhelmed and out of moves. Chief Editor Du finally couldn’t hold the line anymore and had to make a call for help.
“Hello? Second Young Master… What now? The public pressure is getting worse by the day—I’m barely hanging on here!”
Shang Yuchen’s face was grim. “There’s no ‘what now.’ Just stick to the story—say the poisoning and fake jewelry cases are real. Keep hammering that Shang Group is ruthless and greedy, covering up the truth, manipulating public opinion, bullying the weak. Blast it all across the front page. And don’t worry—everything I promised you, I’ll deliver.”
Reassured, Editor Du exhaled slightly. “Alright. I’ll hold the line—but I can’t last long. Second Young Master, you need to act fast.”
“Don’t worry. This’ll be over soon.”
After hanging up, Shang Yuchen turned to the man sitting in his office. “Chairman Lin, I’m sure you heard all that. We don’t have much time. What’s the status on your end?”
Lin Changqing shifted in his seat, making himself more comfortable. “Don’t worry, Second Young Master. Everything’s ready. Tomorrow’s shareholder meeting will go exactly as we planned.”
Back at Shang Yushang’s office, Da Zhou was giving a report. “Young Master, this is everything we’ve confirmed so far.”
Shang Yushang nodded. “What about Xiao Wu?”
“He’s already secured the inspection results. Also, tracing through Yin Hao led us to the person who tampered with the jewelry. I’ve already spoken to the director of that quality inspection bureau. He’ll report directly to you. As for ‘Enchanting Pixie,’ he confessed that it was his boss who told him to post everything online. He hired the internet trolls through his industry contacts—Yin Hao paid for the whole operation. He also overheard a conversation between Yin Hao and his boss, saying it’s only a matter of time before Shang Group changes hands. Some bigwig is backing this from the shadows. Once it’s over, all the juicy projects will go to his boss.”
Shang Yushang’s eyes glinted with chilling intensity. “A bigwig, huh? Looks like someone’s getting impatient.”
Da Zhou’s shoulders stiffened. “They’ve held back for a long time. Your wedding to Ning-shao was the perfect excuse—they were never going to miss the opportunity.”
“Notify the family—make sure Grandma and Changning are safe. Not even the slightest mishap is allowed. And have we heard anything from Third, the one trailing Bai Mo?”
“Yes, he reported back. The patient’s coma was caused by late-stage lymphoma. The detained doctors said the hospital administration told them what to say—they didn’t know any better. Dr. Bai’s team has already held several meetings with hospital leadership. The hospital’s now claiming they weren’t aware either, and both sides are trying to dodge responsibility. We also got word from the team investigating the patient: a week before the alleged poisoning, the patient received thirty thousand yuan in multiple transfers. The money came from a small company’s sales manager. Took us some digging, but we found out he’s a distant relative of Chairman Lin Changqing—haven’t been in contact for years.”
“All that effort just to bring me down,” Shang Yushang said coldly.
Da Zhou wiped away a figurative tear for Second Young Master and Chairman Lin. Why poke the hornet’s nest? Now you’re gonna get skinned alive…
“We already approached the man’s family. They were surprisingly cooperative—they told us everything and said they’re willing to come forward and clear the air.”
“Good. Tomorrow’s gonna be a big day, don’t you think, Da Zhou?” A bloodthirsty smile curled at Shang Yushang’s lips.
Da Zhou instinctively took a small step back. “Yes, Young Master. Tomorrow will be a very good day.”
