Beautiful Wife: The Cold Boss is My Husband - Chapter 25

Yan Chengming, you really are clever…

Zhuo Xiao froze for a second, his face instantly turning deathly pale. The exquisite cake fell to the ground, shattering into pieces. Without bothering to deal with it, he rushed out. The waiter behind him, unaware of the situation, called out anxiously, “Sir, sir!”

The elegant and serene atmosphere was shattered. Other guests, impeccably dressed and made up, turned their heads to look.

Zhuo Xiao had barely stepped out of the café, not even having the chance to meet Yan Chengming’s gaze, when Yan Chengming’s figure in his line of sight abruptly turned and dashed in another direction, leaving only a retreating back.

Zhuo Xiao instinctively wanted to give chase but was afraid of Yan Chengming’s questioning. His feet seemed glued to the spot, his pupils unfocused, unsure of what to do. It took a long while for a flicker of awareness to return to his sweat-drenched face. Zhuo Xiao forced himself to steady his steps and return to the café, silently paying the compensation fee. His hands trembled as he made the payment.

The waiter beside him was saying something, his lips moving, but Zhuo Xiao couldn’t hear a word.

His mind was flooded with chaotic questions: “How did Yan Chengming find this place?” “What has he discovered?” “How much does he know?” “Has Zhuo Anxiong contacted him? What did he tell him?” “How will Yan Chengming see him now? Will he ask for a divorce?”

And why did he run away? Was it because he didn’t even want to see him?

Zhuo Xiao stumbled to the parking lot in a daze, rubbing his sore eyes and taking a deep breath of the chilly late-winter air. His trembling heart calmed slightly. Yan Chengming’s questioning hadn’t arrived yet—he couldn’t lose his composure. The first problem to solve now was…

He meticulously checked the car inside and out, top to bottom, front to back, running his hands over the seats. Finally, he sank into the driver’s seat, lost in thought.

The inspection revealed nothing amiss—no tracking device.

He was all too familiar with such tactics. During his time in Country Y, people often secretly planted tracking devices in his car, and some even followed him with guns.

So how did Yan Chengming find him?

Zhuo Xiao’s face tightened as he stared blankly out the car window, his thoughts slowly drifting and churning. After a long while, it seemed something occurred to him. He clicked his tongue in annoyance and tapped the steering wheel.

He shouldn’t have driven this car.

But it was also his fault for underestimating Yan Chengming’s intelligence.

How did Yan Chengming discover it?

Frowning, Zhuo Xiao pondered for a moment before dialing Chen Xi’s number. “Go check if there’s anything unusual in the villa. You can enter the bedroom, but don’t rummage around.”

When Chen Xi received the call, he felt an unusually cold tone in his uncle’s voice—a sense that if he didn’t handle things properly, he might lose his head the next second. He shuddered, every muscle in his body tensing into a state of alertness.

“Anything unusual…” Chen Xi muttered to himself, wandering around the living room like a headless fly.

Zhuo Xiao, growing impatient on the other end, pinched the bridge of his nose and said, “Forget it. Tell me later.”

Hearing Zhuo Xiao’s harsh tone, Chen Xi looked up in despair, momentarily blinded by the warm glow of the crystal chandelier. He instinctively closed his eyes and went to turn off the light.

The weather had been gloomy and cold lately, with insufficient natural light indoors, so the warm lamp in the living room had been kept on. Only after turning it off, with the direct glare gone, did Chen Xi notice something odd. Among the crystal-clear pendants of the chandelier, there was a faint black dot—barely noticeable, and only someone with sharp eyes like his could have spotted it.

“Wait! Uncle! I found it!” Chen Xi took a deep breath and called out excitedly.

Zhuo Xiao had just set his phone down when Chen Xi’s voice boomed through like a loudspeaker. Frowning, he picked it up again. “Where?”

Chen Xi glanced around. The ceiling was too high for him to reach, so he could only guess. “There’s something that looks like a camera on the living room chandelier. Don’t worry, I’ll check other places too.”

He began wandering around again and eventually found another one by the door. This one was easier to reach. He dragged over a chair, stepped onto it, and plucked a fly-sized micro-camera from the doorframe, turning it over in his fingers. “Confirmed. It’s a camera, and it’s anti-glare.”

“Alright.” Zhuo Xiao pressed his lips together and hung up the phone. His palms were sweaty on the steering wheel. He closed his eyes for a moment, then let out a self-mocking laugh, his voice low and tinged with danger. “When was this installed? Yan Chengming, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

Yan Chengming hurried toward his car in the parking lot, phone in hand, his expression flustered. His gaze lingered briefly on Zhuo Xiao’s car nearby before he looked away, opened the car door, and got in.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, he slammed his hand against the steering wheel and raised his voice, shouting into the phone, “What do you mean Yan Rong is dying? Wasn’t he just strutting around, taunting me not long ago?!”

The butler paused, his tone somewhat unnatural. “The weather has been cold these past few days. Sir insisted on his morning exercises—we couldn’t stop him. Suddenly, he had a heart attack…”

“Then get him to the hospital!” Yan Chengming gritted his teeth, the words forced out through clenched jaws. “What good will it do for me to come home? Am I a life-support machine?”

The butler let out a long sigh. “It’s too late.”

A vein throbbed on Yan Chengming’s forehead. His chest heaved as he hung up the phone. He wiped his face, trying to calm down slightly, then abruptly slammed on the accelerator.

His feelings toward Yan Rong were complicated. Despite resenting and even hating him for his parenting style and certain incidents, Yan Rong was still family—the one who had accompanied him since childhood and provided all his material support.

He had to go see for himself. How could he let Yan Chenrui handle Yan Rong’s affairs alone?

Though it was only three in the afternoon, the sky was unnaturally dark, as if heralding the end of the world.

A cold wind howled as a black Maybach screeched to a halt in front of the villa. Yan Chengming stepped out, wrapped in a chill.

The butler came forward to greet him but was cut off before he could speak by Yan Chengming’s urgent question: “How is he?”

Yan Chengming walked briskly, almost at a run. Without waiting for an answer, he dashed like a rocket into the living room.

The living room was empty, with no one in sight. Seeing this, Yan Chengming immediately rushed toward the second-floor bedroom. But as soon as his foot touched the first step of the staircase, a familiar voice came from another direction.

Yan Rong’s authoritative and robust voice rang out: “So you finally decided to come back.”

Yan Chengming froze, turned around, and looked toward the dining room.

Yan Rong was dressed in a casual gray sweater, his hair jet black—perhaps freshly dyed—but the lines and weariness etched across his face had deepened. He sat upright in the master seat at the dining table, gazing distantly at Yan Chengming, whose face was flushed red from the harsh weather and who looked utterly disheveled.

His expression was calm, yet there was a hidden emotion beneath it, like the smug satisfaction of a superior who had successfully played a trick.

To his left sat a woman with meticulously applied makeup, appearing to be in her thirties. Nestled close to her was a high school girl with her hair in a ponytail, dressed in a school uniform, her demeanor shy. On his right sat Yan Chenrui, whose face was expressionless, though his furrowed brows betrayed his inner displeasure.

Yan Chengming opened his mouth, wanting to ask many questions, but in the end, they all lingered on the tip of his tongue. After a long pause, he simply closed his eyes and said, “…Did you lie to me?”

Yan Rong seemed indifferent to his words. He only wanted Yan Chengming to respond, so upon hearing his voice, he continued on his own: “I thought you’d grown wings and forgotten all about family ties. How many days has it been, and you never thought to come back? So even my death could move you this much…”

Yan Chengming took a deep breath, ignored him, and turned to leave.

The door had already been closed by the butler when he entered. He took two steps toward the tightly shut door when suddenly, five or six uniformed bodyguards, tall, burly, and professional-looking with earpieces, rushed out from both sides.

Yan Chengming halted, anger flashing in his eyes. He turned back in disbelief and said to Yan Rong, “What do you mean by this?”

“You will sit down and have this meal today,” Yan Rong sneered. “Sit. Let me introduce you—this is your new mother and sister…”

Yan Chengming met his gaze, taking in his utterly serious expression and the woman’s meticulously made-up face, which bore an uncanny resemblance to his own mother’s. Suddenly, everything felt absurd, and he let out a derisive laugh.

Hearing his laughter, Yan Rong assumed it was mockery directed at him. His expression instantly darkened, and he slammed the table, roaring, “I told you to sit down! Didn’t you hear me?”

As the atmosphere grew tense, Yan Chenrui had just opened his mouth to speak when Yan Rong shot him a glare, his voice sharp.

“Did I say you could speak?”

Yan Chenrui: “…”

He exhaled a soft breath, suppressing the twitching muscles in his face. The last time he had helped Yan Chengming conceal his resignation, Yan Rong had discovered it and stripped him of his authority over company affairs. Now, he found himself increasingly constrained at work, and the shareholders were growing restless.

Having watched the entire scene unfold, Yan Chengming had no patience for further pretense. Without a word, he turned away. The bodyguards by the door immediately moved to surround him.

The bodyguards seemed aware of his identity, merely adopting a threatening posture while remaining cautious, as if hesitant to lay hands on him directly.

Yan Chengming sneered, his eyes locking onto the nearest bodyguard. Without warning, he swung his fist!

Shock flashed in Yan Rong’s eyes as he abruptly stood up. He seemed not to have expected Yan Chengming to so blatantly disregard his authority. Glancing at the equally stunned woman beside him, he motioned for her to take the child to the bedroom.

Then, he shouted at Yan Chengming, who was now grappling with the bodyguards, “Are you trying to destroy this family?!”

Yan Chengming paid him no heed.

Even though Yan Chengming stood at 1.9 meters tall, maintained a rigorous fitness routine, and had a history of getting into fights during his school days, he was no match for five or six bodyguards professionally trained in Muay Thai. Soon, a wound opened on his forehead, and bright red blood streamed down.

The bodyguard who struck him likely hadn’t intended to hit so hard, but Yan Chengming charged recklessly in his direction, as if he didn’t care about his own life. After causing the injury, the bodyguard guiltily glanced up at Yan Rong.

Yan Rong watched Yan Chengming’s desperate, life-risking dash for freedom—a sight more fitting for another era—and closed his eyes before raising his hand.

The bodyguards immediately retreated.

Yan Chengming wiped his face, smearing blood across his features and hands. He exhaled a hot breath and suddenly laughed.

Yan Rong’s voice was heavy and weary as he looked at Yan Chengming. “You really are exactly like your mother.”

Somehow, these words struck a nerve. Yan Chengming’s eyes turned even redder than the blood on his face as he spat out fiercely, “How dare you mention her!”

Yan Rong was equally furious. “Why shouldn’t I mention her? She abandoned you when you were eight years old to chase some so-called free and romantic life! I raised you! Without me, you’d have been an orphan long ago!”

“…” Yan Chengming opened his mouth but found no retort. Clenching his bloodstained hands, he closed his eyes and said, “But you still shouldn’t have lied to me. You know why.”

It seemed to hit home. Yan Rong fell silent.

With no further obstacles, Yan Chengming turned and strode away once more.

Yan Rong watched his resolute back and murmured, “Forget it, just forget it!”

Yan Chenrui shifted his feet toward the door, glanced at Yan Rong, who suddenly seemed decades older, and without hesitation, rushed outside.

In the flowerbed outside the villa, Yan Chengming sat wiping the blood from his forehead with an alcohol wipe. Perhaps due to adrenaline, he hadn’t felt the pain earlier, but now even the slightest touch made him grimace.

A dark shadow fell over him. Yan Chengming stiffened, suppressed his pained expression, and put on a hard, unyielding facade. He glanced coldly at the newcomer. “What are you doing here?”

Seeing that Yan Chengming was already tending to his wound, Yan Chenrui quietly tucked a pack of wipes he’d been holding into his pocket. Without any preamble, he launched into an explanation: “That woman is from the Gao family. After marrying Father, the Gous will provide financial support to Yan Corporation. At first, I didn’t understand—the Gous aren’t a particularly prominent enterprise, and their help would be a drop in the bucket for Yan Corporation’s financial crisis. Why would Father agree? Then I saw what she looks like.”

He paused here. “Actually, he called you back today to discuss the cooperation between Mingyu and Yan Corporation as well.”

Yan Chengming scoffed. “Aren’t you the one who never knows how to say anything nice? Why are you speaking up for him today?”

Yan Chenrui lowered his gaze. He was wearing casual home clothes today, his hair unstyled and smooth, making him appear much more approachable.

But in this state, he said, “This is a neutral account. I haven’t added my subjective evaluation. It’s not speaking up for him—you should study a bit of logic.”

That sounded more like him. Yan Chengming let out a deep, hot breath.

He asked, “Did you know beforehand that he lied to me?”

Yan Chenrui shook his head. “I only found out half an hour ago.”

Yan Chengming fell silent.

It took him a long while before he finally spoke. “I will cooperate with the Yan family, just not now. Although Mingyu is currently on a strong upward trajectory, it’s unstable. I know that without the Yan family, I wouldn’t have lived such a glamorous life all these years. He raised me with the support of the Yan family, gave me a comfortable life—I’ll repay him for all of it.”

As if on cue, his phone buzzed just as he finished speaking. Yan Chengming wiped the blood from the corner of his eye and glanced at the screen.

[Assistant Liu: Mr. Yan, here’s the location for the company dinner [location pin]]

With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, the company had planned an employee dinner before the break, something that had been arranged well in advance.

Yan Chengming put away his phone and quickly wiped his hands. “I’m leaving.”

Yan Chenrui’s gaze swept over the wound on his forehead. “Get it treated at the hospital as soon as possible.”

Without looking back, Yan Chengming strode toward his car, merely waving a hand to acknowledge he’d heard.

Only when he reached the car did he turn around, his expression complicated as he looked at the villa shrouded in a hazy, gray mist. This place, where he had grown up, felt like a cage that trapped many, including himself.

Suddenly, the bright and beautiful face of a woman flashed through his mind, accompanied by a gentle voice: “Xiao Ming, come with Mom.”

His heart clenched with a sharp pang of pain.

Without hesitation, he opened the car door, started the engine, and the black Maybach shot out like a meteor on the road, perhaps never to return.

As the New Year approached, the restaurant was adorned with bright red festive lanterns that flickered in the dark night. To match the lively atmosphere, Assistant Liu had chosen this Northeastern cuisine restaurant for the company dinner.

Outside, heavy snowflakes drifted down like goose feathers. Assistant Liu stood at the entrance, hands tucked into his pockets, stomping his feet and muttering, “Why isn’t he here yet…”

No sooner had he spoken than the black Maybach appeared like a phantom, pulling up right in front of him. Yan Chengming stepped out.

At first, Assistant Liu thought the red glow from the lanterns was casting a reddish tint on Yan Chengming’s face. It wasn’t until he led him inside the restaurant, under the fluorescent lights, that he saw clearly and gasped in shock.

That wasn’t the red glow of lanterns—it was dried blood!

Seeing the fresh, sizable wound on Yan Chengming’s forehead and the still-damp bloodstains on his collar, Assistant Liu began to stammer, “Mr. Yan, wh-what happened? Shouldn’t you get that treated?”

As he spoke, he pointed to his own forehead with his finger, his eyes signaling. Seeing Yan Chengming’s indifferent expression, Assistant Liu worried he might not even realize he was injured.

Yan Chengming paused for a moment, still somewhat dazed after the draining argument and physical altercation. It was a miracle he hadn’t gotten into an accident on the way here.

“It’s fine,” he said, but he tightened his collar, as if afraid someone might see the bloodstains and be frightened.

Assistant Liu gave him a few more concerned glances. “Are you sure?”

Yan Chengming shook his head again.

Seeing his firm resolve, Assistant Liu reluctantly let it go, and the two continued toward the private room.

Yan Chengming’s company was large, with several departments, so multiple private rooms had been reserved. To avoid making the general employees uncomfortable, Yan Chengming shared a room with those he worked closely with.

When the employees saw the large gash on Yan Chengming’s forehead, they were visibly startled. But after catching Assistant Liu’s meaningful glance, they refrained from asking.

A smooth-talking person immediately stepped in to lighten the mood: “President Yan is here! Everyone can start eating!”

While Assistant Liu and another employee were helping pour drinks and wine, they deliberately skipped Yan Chengming, saying, “Ah, I remember President Yan doesn’t drink.”

He thought this was just a polite gesture, letting Yan Chengming know he wasn’t intentionally ignoring him but had considered his preferences. Unexpectedly, Yan Chengming handed over a glass: “It’s fine, I’ll have a little today.”

Assistant Liu was taken aback. He glanced several times at the scar on Yan Chengming’s forehead, but under Yan Chengming’s gaze, he finally gave in.

He poured a little.

But just that little bit was enough to set things in motion. Assistant Liu’s bad premonition was finally confirmed—Yan Chengming drank more and more, clearly showing he was dealing with something.

Assistant Liu tried to stop him several times but couldn’t. He had no choice but to call Gu Yu while helping Yan Chengming to the bathroom to vomit.

Gu Yu happened to be on leave today and was at home.

Assistant Liu sighed several times, watching Yan Chengming hunched over the sink, retching. He spoke into the phone: “Vice President Gu, could you come over? We’re having a company dinner today, and President Yan has been drinking nonstop for some reason. None of us employees can talk him out of it…”

As he spoke, Yan Chengming began sobbing again, wiping tears while making quite a commotion. He had been holding back in the private room, overwhelmed by thoughts of Zhuo Xiao and family matters. Now, in the bathroom, he couldn’t hold back anymore.

Assistant Liu glanced at him, holding the phone between his head and shoulder as he gave Gu Yu the address and handed Yan Chengming tissues.

Gu Yu arrived quickly. As soon as he entered, he headed straight for the bathroom, frowning as he looked at Yan Chengming, who was unconscious and utterly disheveled. He couldn’t rouse him no matter how hard he tried.

Drunk and dazed, Yan Chengming kept muttering: “Let’s have another drink! Drink today, be merry today! No worries at all!”

Gu Yu rubbed his temples. Even with all his efforts, he couldn’t handle this monkey-like drunkard. Out of options, he asked Assistant Liu, “Do you have Zhuo Xiao’s number?”

Assistant Liu paused for a moment: “Ah, you mean President Yan’s…”

He trailed off, hesitating as he searched for the right words. As a heterosexual, he wasn’t familiar with matters related to same-sex relationships. Even though he knew Yan Chengming was married to a man, he wasn’t sure how to refer to him. Could the terms used for heterosexual relationships apply here?

Gu Yu understood what he meant and nodded before he could find the right words: “Yes, that’s him. The only person who can handle him right now is Zhuo Xiao.”

Assistant Liu quickly flipped through his contacts, saying, “Yes, I have Mr. Zhuo’s number. President Yan gave it to me.” Then he dialed the number.

“Brother Zhuo? This is President Yan’s assistant. Um… we’re having a company dinner today, and President Yan has had a bit too much to drink. Could you come pick him up? Also, he has a big wound on his forehead. I’m not sure how it happened and it needs to be treated.”

There was a long silence on the other end of the line before a cold, hoarse voice finally replied: “Alright.”