Chapter 93

“You mother appears very strong-willed and is the one in control of the Ye family. Even if the family finances aren’t great, she should be able to handle this matter. With her keeping your father in check, he likely won’t fall into gambling again.”

In just a few short sentences, the issue that had been tormenting Ye Zhi was resolved. He finally felt a sense of relief and thought it was a great idea. Just as he was about to express his gratitude, his communicator rang again, showing Zhou Shaohui’s number.

Ye Zhi held it like a hot potato, unsure of what to do. Huo Youqiao walked over, took the communicator from his hand, and decisively hung up the call. He then put the device on silent and set it aside.

Huo Youqiao smiled at him, “There, that’s better. Call your mother a bit later.”

“Thank you.” Looking at this man, Ye Zhi felt his anxiety fade away, replaced by an unprecedented sense of security.

“You really aren’t good at refusing unreasonable demands,” Huo Youqiao suddenly said. “Do you want me to help you practice?”

Ye Zhi sat in the chair, needing to look up to see Huo Youqiao’s face. He seemed a bit dazed, “How do I practice?”

Huo Youqiao thought for a moment, then reached out his hand to hover near Ye Zhi’s cheek. “For example, if I wanted to pinch your cheek right now, you should refuse this unreasonable action.” His lips curved into a playful smile. “I’m about to pinch it, so you refuse me.”

He held his thumb and forefinger poised as if ready to pinch Ye Zhi’s cheek at any moment.

Ye Zhi, sitting while Huo Youqiao stood, would be easily pinched. Huo Youqiao’s hand gently brushed against Ye Zhi’s cheek, a familiar motion he often did with his daughter.

Ye Zhi knew this habit of Huo Youqiao’s, having seen him do it with his daughter many times. Huo Ran’s cheeks were chubby and soft, a texture irresistible to touch, so even Ye Zhi had indulged in it.

However, Ye Zhi’s cheeks were not chubby, though his skin was fine and smooth. This simple gesture, even for practice, felt extremely intimate.

Ye Zhi’s breath nearly stopped. He stared at Huo Youqiao’s features, noting the casual smile that suggested he was oblivious to the closeness of the action.

He reminded himself that to Huo Youqiao, he was just family.

His breath steadied, and Ye Zhi regained his composure. He realized Huo Youqiao was urging him, “Refuse me.”

The warmth from Huo Youqiao’s fingers felt searing against Ye Zhi’s skin, almost burning. Ye Zhi looked up at him, defenseless, lips parting but no words emerging.

Huo Youqiao’s smile faded slightly, his voice dropping, “I’m really going to pinch.”

Even when his fingers gently pinched Ye Zhi’s cheek, Ye Zhi didn’t speak up or refuse. He simply looked at Huo Youqiao with those warm, gentle eyes.

After a light pinch, Huo Youqiao withdrew his hand and smiled, “You really aren’t good at refusing.” He suppressed his inner turmoil. “Let’s head back downstairs.”

They couldn’t leave Huo Ran alone for too long.

A few steps away, Ye Zhi suddenly said, “I don’t want to refuse.”

His voice was soft, but Huo Youqiao heard it clearly, causing him to pause briefly before continuing as if nothing had happened.

Later, Ye Zhi told his mother about Zhou Shaohui’s gambling debt and high-interest loan. As expected, Ye Wan cut the call abruptly, probably to confront Zhou Shaohui. Shortly after, Ye Zhi received a barrage of abusive messages from Zhou Shaohui.

He was called heartless, a traitor, and many other vicious names.

This incident marked the beginning of the Ye family’s downfall. The delicate balance of their finances broke, exposing the rot beneath the surface. The company became insolvent, suppliers demanded payments, some even took them to court. Shortly after, the Ye family declared bankruptcy.

Their assets were seized, and even their house faced auction.