The Heartless Alpha Just Wants to Follow the Plot - Chapter 45

The old master moved neither hurriedly nor slowly. He seemed unbothered, yet every step pressed forward relentlessly, leaving Tan Xing no room to maneuver. Forced back again and again, Tan Xing had no chance of counterattack.

Driven into a corner, Tan Xing finally called the old master. As he waited for the line to connect, his bloodshot eyes revealed sleepless nights, his whole demeanor worn and haggard, gone was the polished brilliance he had flaunted only months before.

The old master had been expecting his call, though Tan Xing proved even more impatient than he anticipated.

After letting him wait deliberately, he finally drawled, “Answer.”

Tan Xing stared at the calm, imposing figure of Su Zhentian, the contrast between them stark. Grinding his teeth, yet powerless, he knew he had only one card left to play. If the old master refused, he was finished.

Forcing himself to sound composed, he still couldn’t suppress his agitation. “Old Master Su, we’ve had no past grievances, no recent quarrels. There’s no need to push things this far, is there?”

The old master chuckled coldly. “Already forgotten what you did just days ago?”

“Do you need me to remind you of your deeds?”

Tan Xing pressed his lips together, instinctively wanting to deny everything. But under the old master’s icy gaze, the lie died in his throat. He chose to admit, “I know my thoughts toward Miss Su were misguided. I didn’t realize who she was, which led to this misunderstanding.”

“If Miss Su is displeased, I can personally apologize and beg her forgiveness. After all, we’re juniors—just a little squabble, nothing serious.”

He still resented the old master stepping in to defend Su Mo. In his mind, she had meddled unnecessarily. If not for her interference, he wouldn’t be troubled now by Tan Ya’s survival.

His words carried impatience, every nuance caught by the old master. Tan Xing lacked patience, but the old master had even less.

For such men, the best solution was to silence them permanently.

“This matter cannot be dismissed, Mr. Tan. What you’ve done is intolerable. I won’t hand over vast sums simply because you call it a petty quarrel.”

The old master’s tone was polite, but his meaning was razor-sharp.

Tan Xing hated such courtesy. Dropping all pretense, he threatened outright:

“Think carefully, old man. If you refuse me today, who knows what will happen tomorrow? Push me too far, and I’ll drag everyone down with me.”

“And even if you don’t care, does your granddaughter truly not care? She’s neck-deep in this filthy circle. Surely, she wouldn’t want to be dragged down too?”

Believing he had found the old master’s weakness, Tan Xing grew arrogant, his threats blunt and direct.

“I have plenty of things that could bury your granddaughter with me. If I go down, she’ll follow. With her beside me, I won’t be alone.”

The old master despised nothing more than threats involving Su Mo. The entire Federation knew his greatest weakness was his only granddaughter. For her, he would risk everything.

But Tan Xing still hadn’t understood why Su Zhentian had moved against him so decisively. He thought it was merely because of his attempt to frame Su Mo, and believed he could manipulate the old master.

He even dared to boast:

“You don’t have to believe me. But she brought this on herself by meddling. If you persuade her to hand Tan Ya over, perhaps we could still cooperate in the future. Don’t you agree, old man?”

“You can try.”

The old master laughed again, drained his teacup, and his once-calm eyes turned glacial. His gaze locked onto Tan Xing, sending a shiver down his spine.

Tan Xing opened his mouth to speak, but the old master no longer cared to listen. For men who feared nothing, he always used the most direct methods to teach them the gravity of their actions.

Now he was furious—truly furious. Tan Xing’s words had struck his deepest nerve.

“You’d better be strong enough to endure to the end. Otherwise, every crime you’ve committed will return upon you.”

His eyes, cold and merciless, burned with killing intent. “Remember, every crime.”

Don’t think secrets buried will remain hidden.

At first, Tan Xing didn’t understand. But when realization struck, he froze.

Su Zhentian knows?

He knows everything?

He knew that Tan Xing had murdered his own younger brother?

Yes, he must know. Otherwise, why would the police suddenly issue an investigation order?

It had to be Su Zhentian’s doing. All to avenge Su Mo. Just because Tan Xing had thought of framing her.

Before Tan Xing could plan or flee, police arrived at his home. His wife opened the door, and officers stormed in, detaining everyone inside.

They kicked open the study door, guns trained on him.

“You’ve been reported for colluding with interstellar pirates, murdering your brother and his wife, and imprisoning their only daughter.”

“Tan Xing, you’re coming with us.”

Tan Xing pressed his lips together. Faced with guns, he couldn’t run. He couldn’t escape.

The cuffs snapped shut. His entire family was taken away.

Judgment now lay in the hands of the law.

When his subordinates reported back, the old master nodded slightly. “Well done. A little slow, but acceptable.”

“Send our findings to the police. Consider it our contribution to justice.”

He set down his teacup and rose slowly. “As for Mo Mo, tell Pu Ying. She’ll know what to do.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ying Zhong supported the old master’s arm as they ascended the stairs.

Meanwhile, Pu Ying received the news. She didn’t immediately tell Su Mo. Leaning quietly against the wall, her gaze swept over Su Mo, who was busy with costume photos. The message echoed in her mind.

Tan Xing’s family had been arrested. The old master had provided evidence of their crimes. Next would be Tan Ya’s matter.

With Tan Xing captured, Tan Ya had to step into the public eye.

To convict Tan Xing fully, the sole witness, Tan Ya must testify. She was the strongest evidence.

Recent photos from Jiang Xi showed Tan Ya had gained a little weight, but her internal injuries remained severe. She would need years of quiet recovery.

But could Tan Ya alone bear the weight of Tan Corporation?

Just as she was deep in thought, Jiang Xi sent over Tan Ya’s latest study progress.

Tan Ya truly lived up to her role as the heroine, her learning ability was extraordinary. In only a few months, under the guidance of multiple one-on-one teachers, she had already nearly mastered high school-level knowledge.

Give her another two months, and she would likely be ready to sit for the entrance exams alongside other students.

Even Pu Ying, who was herself accustomed to relentless competition, felt a flicker of pressure at Tan Ya’s pace.

She unconsciously bit her lower lip. At that moment, a cherry was held up to her mouth. She opened and took a bite, the sweet flavor spreading across her tongue.

Pu Ying: “?”

At some point, Su Mo had already finished her makeup and now stood before her, holding the cherries.

“You’re done? That fast?”

Su Mo nodded, casually eating another cherry. “The director said it’s not my turn for the promo shots yet. No rush. I’ll rest a bit first.”

After all, she only had a few minutes of screen time. Shooting would take just a handful of days.

“What were you thinking about? I called you earlier and you didn’t hear.”

Pu Ying explained Tan Ya’s situation. Tan Xing’s matters weren’t suitable to discuss here, so she spoke only of Tan Ya.

“Her progress is impressive. Even her teachers say she’s brilliant. With another two months of consolidation, she should be ready for the exams.”

Pu Ying spat out the cherry pit and asked, “Do you have any plans for her next steps?”

“No special plans. If she can keep up, let her study. If not, slow down. She’s not like other children. As long as she wants something, we’ll find it for her, do our best to fulfill her wishes.”

Su Mo added pointedly: “Mm, as long as they’re normal wishes.”

She still remembered the girl’s unusual fixation, married women. That couldn’t be indulged recklessly, or trouble would follow.

Pu Ying murmured, “You care too much about her.”

She had never seen Su Mo so invested in anyone before.

“This is different.”

Su Mo paused, then brushed it off. “Just do as I say. Things are complicated, I can’t explain clearly.”

“I understand.”

Pu Ying nodded. Though she understood, a faint sadness lingered. Everyone had their secrets; if this involved hidden matters, she couldn’t pry further.

“Su Mo, it’s your turn. Hurry over.”

Director Jiang waved impatiently.

Su Mo pressed the cherries into Pu Ying’s palm. “Hold these for me.”

Before leaving, she reached up and smoothed the furrow between Pu Ying’s brows, whispering:

“Don’t overthink. It ages you faster. You’re still young, don’t carry such heavy thoughts.”

“I’m here.”

Dressed in lavish costume and flawless makeup, Su Mo stepped away to shoot her promo photos.

Pu Ying touched the spot between her brows where Su Mo’s hand had lingered. The agitation in her heart eased, replaced by unexpected calm.

Her eyes darkened. Could she really rely on Su Mo?

Younger, more reckless, more straightforward—yet those words had made her want to laugh.

This girl had grown.

She was already reaching the point where she no longer needed Pu Ying. If Pu Ying didn’t work harder to keep up, she would be left behind. And when she finally realized and tried to catch up, Su Mo might already be too far ahead.

As she thought this, her fingers lingered on her brow, and suddenly she let out a soft laugh.

“Imagine being comforted.”