Spring returned to the earth, and C City was exceptionally warm. Huo Xu went to visit the Bei family.

The one who opened the door was a sturdy little boy. Huo Xu looked down—the little boy had round eyes, features more delicate than other children, and his gaze held exceptional spirit.

The little boy resembled Bei Yao by about thirty percent. Huo Xu glanced at Bei Jun twice, thinking of that captivating young woman, and couldn’t help wanting to reach out and pat his head.

Bei Jun remembered what his mother had taught him about not interacting with strangers and dodged Huo Xu’s hand.

Huo Xu wasn’t petty enough to argue with a child, so he didn’t get angry.

Zhao Zhilan wiped her hands on her apron and came out from the kitchen asking: “Who is it?”

Upon seeing Huo Xu, Zhao Zhilan’s expression wasn’t good, but ultimately he was a guest. Although he had “helped” in an unwelcome way last time, Zhao Zhilan couldn’t very well chase him out: “Sit down. The house is a bit messy—don’t mind it.”

Before Zhao Zhilan came out, Huo Xu had already roughly surveyed Bei Yao’s home.

It was a very old house, lived in for nearly twenty years. There was even a leak in the living room ceiling, leaving mottled traces on the white walls.

The furniture was all cheap secondhand goods—the entire house wasn’t worth as much as one of his family’s sofas.

Huo Xu had seen in the files that the Bei family was poor, but facing it directly was still different. He made mental calculations and politely greeted Zhao Zhilan: “Auntie, Uncle.”

Zhao Zhilan knew this was a wealthy person. Though she wasn’t nervous, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable as she poured Huo Xu a glass of water.

Bei Licai was also there, but he wasn’t good at socializing. He nodded and went to sit in a corner.

Huo Xu said: “I apologize for what happened before—I didn’t handle it well. Aunt Zhao, you’ve probably noticed that I really like Bei Yao.”

Zhao Zhilan’s expression wasn’t good: “Young people’s affairs aren’t for our generation to manage. Don’t you all have free love nowadays?” The implication was: if you truly like her, then pursue Yaoyao—what are you doing coming to us?

Huo Xu said: “I’ve been pursuing her all along, but Bei Yao hasn’t accepted me. I only recently learned that she has a boyfriend.”

Zhao Zhilan’s eyes widened.

Huo Xu thought to himself that her parents indeed didn’t know.

Huo Xu continued: “Her boyfriend is called Pei Chuan. When he was young, his lower legs were severed by kidnappers. I don’t mean to look down on disabled people. But he only recently got out of prison. I sincerely like your daughter and fear she’ll be harmed. After all… someone who has committed crimes…”

Having said this much, Huo Xu didn’t need to say more.

When Zhao Zhilan heard the name “Pei Chuan,” her face had already turned dark as water.

Huo Xu said: “My family has some standing in B City. If Bei Yao could become my wife, I would definitely take good care of her.”

Bei Licai, who had been sitting in the corner, frowned and spoke: “Mr. Huo, these are other people’s family matters. My wife is right—whoever Yaoyao likes is her freedom.”

Actually, Bei Licai and Zhao Zhilan were also angry inside. They weren’t satisfied with Pei Chuan, but this didn’t mean they could immediately accept Huo Xu. Pei Chuan’s matter could be settled later—what right did Huo Xu have to interfere?

Huo Xu frowned.

Having been accustomed to being heaven’s favored son since childhood, being rejected by this family all at once made him somewhat angry. He had already been patiently discussing with her and her family, yet they were completely ungrateful.

If he could win Bei Yao over, would he come here!

Huo Xu could no longer maintain his gentlemanly polite smile: “Perhaps you’ve misunderstood something. I didn’t come here today to discuss with you. I want to marry Bei Yao. Her being with a cripple is what would ruin her whole life. You two might want to learn more about the Huo family. Since we can’t come to an agreement, I’ll speak directly. May is nice—you two can just come attend my and Bei Yao’s engagement.”

Zhao Zhilan had never encountered such a person! These small-town citizens were being threatened like this for the first time.

Zhao Zhilan couldn’t tolerate it: “Get out! So what if your family has money and power—I don’t believe you can cover the sky with one hand.”

Huo Xu sneered coldly: “Then let’s try.”

~

Pei Chuan had bought back the old apartment and was currently drinking tea.

When Zheng Hang learned he was released from prison, he had also come to see him once. But Zheng Hang had already started taking over his family’s company, so only Jin Ziyang had plenty of free time. Worried that Pei Chuan facing Huo Xu might be dangerous, he came by from time to time as a news reporter.

“Brother Chuan, Brother Chuan! Aunt Zhao and them were fired by their company!”

The Bei family had no money left. When Huo Xu applied pressure, the first thing was to cut off the family’s financial source.

Jin Ziyang said: “Aren’t you helping?”

Pei Chuan said: “Mm.”

Pei Chuan’s fingers rubbed against the teacup. He knew he was despicable. But he couldn’t go now—he had to wait a bit longer. It still wasn’t enough.

When Zhao Zhilan and Bei Licai were both laid off, they finally understood what having power and influence truly meant.

They could indeed cover the sky with one hand. After twenty years at the company, they could be fired without any consideration in the blink of an eye.

Both Bei Jun and Bei Yao were in school. Looking at the empty bankbook, Zhao Zhilan felt anxious. This was the first time she hated someone this much.

However, having no money didn’t make her compromise.

Her daughter was a priceless treasure. Who hasn’t lived through poor days? At worst they’d slowly look for work.

But after searching for several days, not a single place was willing to hire her. Zhao Zhilan finally gritted her teeth and asked if they needed janitors. The first day they agreed, the second day she was dismissed.

After running around all day, Zhao Zhilan was exhausted at night, and Bei Licai was tired too.

Their home phone rang. On the other end, Huo Xu said unhurriedly: “Auntie, have you thought it through? You have betrothal gift customs there—I’ll prepare everything properly.”

Zhao Zhilan was so angry she immediately wanted to hang up.

Huo Xu said coldly: “Looks like you still haven’t thought it through! I see your son is quite cute—why don’t I ask if he’s willing to acknowledge me as his brother-in-law?”

Zhao Zhilan’s hands were trembling: “What are you going to do! What exactly do you want to do!”

This time it was Huo Xu’s turn to hang up.

Since childhood, Zhao Zhilan had taught her daughter that people must have backbone, hold their heads high, and never bend. But only now did she understand how cruel this world was. Because of that phone call, because of being driven into a corner by Huo Xu recently, she was so afraid she wouldn’t let Bei Jun go to elementary school anymore. The whole family stayed indoors, remaining in the house.

The money was gone, and the child might also be in danger.

That resilient string in Zhao Zhilan’s mind finally snapped.

It was at this time that Pei Chuan went to the old residential complex.

The evening wind was very cool. This complex had also been where he grew up.

He stepped forward and knocked on the door. Zhao Zhilan asked warily: “Who is it?”

Pei Chuan said: “Aunt Zhao, it’s Pei Chuan.”

Zhao Zhilan ultimately opened the door for him, though her expression wasn’t good.

Pei Chuan remained silent. He directly showed Zhao Zhilan the information he had brought.

After Zhao Zhilan and Bei Licai finished reading, both their expressions changed.

They weren’t fools. That person called Huo Xu clearly had someone he liked and was close to, yet still had designs on Yaoyao. This was already wrong, not to mention the Huo family’s terrifying background and complicated family circumstances, which made Zhao Zhilan’s heart tremble with fear.

The information Pei Chuan had compiled made the couple understand by the end what Huo Xu wanted to do!

He wanted a human shield wife.

Zhao Zhilan felt very desperate. These past few days, like a trapped beast, she had struggled continuously. If Huo Xu pursued Yaoyao because he liked her, even if they ultimately couldn’t resist him, Huo Xu would still treat Yaoyao well. But he actually wanted to place Yaoyao in the most dangerous position!

Zhao Zhilan covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

What should she do? How should she handle this?

Bei Licai’s face was ashen. Though he rarely spoke up at home, now he calmed down and said: “Pei Chuan, what do you mean by bringing these things?”

Though it was spring, there was still coolness outside. Now the sky had begun drizzling.

The drizzle was fine as ox hair, yet it made heaven and earth suddenly turn cold and clear.

Pei Chuan raised his eyes, looking into Bei Licai’s: “I can help you. I love Yao…”

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Zhilan, eyes red, slapped him.

This slap showed no mercy, knocking the young man’s face to the side. Pei Chuan remained silent. After a moment he turned his head back, voice hoarse, looking at Zhao Zhilan and saying: “I love Yaoyao.”

Zhao Zhilan was furious! Regardless of everything, she wanted to hit him again.

Pei Chuan stood without moving. Bei Licai was also quite angry, but at least retained his reason, holding back Zhao Zhilan: “Don’t make trouble—things are chaotic enough already.”

The sky grew silent. Pei Chuan lowered his eyes and, with very slow movements, gradually knelt down before them.

The drizzle pattered softly. In the room, Bei Jun slept soundly.

The air suddenly became quiet.

Pei Chuan had no lower legs. Two inches below his knees had been severed.

His hands braced against the ground, veins bulging on his forearms.

He knelt awkwardly, yet contrary to his awkward body was his calmness.

This was the first time in his life he had been this wretched before outsiders.

Zhao Zhilan’s anger froze on her face. Even Bei Licai stopped speaking. The couple quietly watched Pei Chuan.

Pei Chuan said: “I know I’m not qualified. I know I’m despicable for taking advantage of others’ difficulties, but I love her.”

The man spoke in a low voice. The night was very quiet, making his low, hoarse voice particularly clear: “I’m very sorry.”

Zhao Zhilan gritted her teeth and turned her head away.

Pei Chuan knew that no matter what he did, he couldn’t move them. After all, as parents, it was very difficult to accept their daughter being with a cripple.

He stood up, lowering his eyelids: “Huo Xu is very anxious. If you don’t agree with him, he’ll use any means necessary. There isn’t much time. Aunt Zhao, Uncle Bei. The only way to protect Yaoyao is to make her… married. Only then will Jiang Huaqiong believe she has no relationship with Huo Xu.”

Zhao Zhilan said angrily: “It still won’t be you!”

To her, Pei Chuan taking advantage of their difficulties was no better than Huo Xu!

Pei Chuan paused, taking things from his trench coat pocket.

The first was a bank card. He said: “The password is Yaoyao’s birthday. Five million eight hundred eighty thousand yuan total—all my current assets.”

The second was an employment letter from the National First Scientific Research Institute. Pei Chuan said in a low voice: “This is my work. I won’t let Yaoyao lose face.”

When Zhao Zhilan heard “five million eight hundred eighty thousand,” she felt like she was dreaming.

Upon seeing that scientist research institute, Zhao Zhilan was certain—she was indeed dreaming.

She admitted that for a moment she was frightened.

No—hadn’t he gone to prison and just gotten out!

Pei Chuan pushed the items across the coffee table, placing them in front of Zhao Zhilan: “This is all I have now, but I’ll give Yaoyao better in the future. I won’t let her suffer. I can protect her and solve your current predicament. Huo Xu will disappear from your lives within the year.”

He spoke such arrogant words, yet his tone was exceptionally calm, even humble and pleading.

Bei Licai wiped his face with both hands and sighed heavily.

~

When Pei Chuan walked out of the Bei home, the drizzle from the sky had already dampened the road surface.

He carefully placed Bei Yao’s household registration book in his trench coat pocket and walked out. Jin Ziyang was parked outside the complex, extremely excited: “How did it go, how did it go?”

Pei Chuan nodded.

His eyes held complex emotions—wild joy mixed with settled anxiety.

When Aunt Zhao gave him the household registration book, she still wanted to bite a piece of flesh from his body.

They were very clear that only the path of Pei Chuan remained.

Besides Pei Chuan, no one would be so reckless as to directly confront the Huo family.

Zhao Zhilan turned her face away, without any mother-in-law’s joy at seeing her son-in-law, not wanting to look at him at all: “You go tell Yaoyao yourself.”

Pei Chuan said hoarsely: “Alright.”

Everyone now understood that the final deadline Huo Xu had given was May. It was already April now—there were twenty days until May, so within these twenty days, Pei Chuan and Bei Yao had to get married. The wedding could be postponed, but the marriage certificate had to be obtained.

Pei Chuan knew he had won this time.

He had won the most precious thing in the world, now securely held in his palm.

Pei Chuan got in the car. Only then did Jin Ziyang see Pei Chuan’s face: “Brother Chuan, your face…”

The handprint still hadn’t faded. Zhao Zhilan’s blow had shown no mercy whatsoever.

Pei Chuan pressed his lips together.

To seek someone else’s precious treasure in marriage, these things were nothing.

When he came to see Aunt Zhao and them, he had known there would be such consequences. So he had remained quite calm throughout.

However, the matter Pei Chuan had to face next made him unable to remain calm. He lowered his eyes and clenched his fists.

How should he broach the subject with Yaoyao, asking her to marry him now?

Bei Yao was only twenty-one years old, still at an age to curiously explore the world. Her peers were all studying and dating. How should he bring it up with her—that he had allowed Huo Xu to drive her parents into a corner with no way out, all to beg her to spend her life with him?

She hadn’t even finished university yet.

However, what Pei Chuan had to face, he still had to face.

~

This was Pei Chuan’s second time coming to B University campus. The first time he came to the school, snow was still falling from the sky and the lake surface was frozen. She had been seventeen years old then, her eyes full of innocent smiles.

At that time, Pei Chuan had come with a farewell mentality to accompany her watching that snowfall.

But now spring had arrived, and the campus was full of vitality. University students shuttled through campus, occasionally glancing at the young man beneath the apricot blossom tree.

Pei Chuan was about their age. Because of his cold eyes, his refined features became seventy percent stern.

It was just that his aura was different.

Different from those who came from greenhouses, still full of longing and aspirations for life. He was quiet and silent, his pupils pitch black. In any case, it was a strange feeling—one could tell at a glance he wasn’t a student in school. Pei Chuan appeared far too mature.

Pei Chuan was waiting for Bei Yao.

When Bei Yao came out, she spotted Pei Chuan at first glance.

Bei Yao stood on tiptoes, her voice very light, eyes carrying a smile: “Lower your head a bit.”

He paused, then lowered his head.

Bei Yao gently removed apricot blossom petals from the top of his head. The pink-white flowers lay in her palm. She blinked and teased him: “Spring day wandering, apricot blossoms blown full upon the head. On the path, which family’s youth overflows with charm.”

He suddenly raised his eyes to look at her, his heartbeat abruptly accelerating because of Bei Yao’s casual line of poetry.

She was reciting Wei Zhuang’s “Thinking of the Imperial Capital: Spring Day Wandering.”

Pei Chuan’s throat was dry as he asked her: “What’s the next line?”

She thought about it. When she was thinking, her eyes rippled like water. Recalling the meaning of the next line, Bei Yao felt somewhat embarrassed.

She thought that after sitting in prison for several years, Pei Chuan truly didn’t know the next line of this poem.

Bei Yao didn’t think much of it, using an educational tone to seriously say: “The next line is ‘This concubine intends to give herself in marriage for life. Even if heartlessly abandoned, I cannot feel shame.'”

He knew she didn’t know anything yet, yet he cherished the warmth and emotion her unconscious words brought at this moment. Pei Chuan’s hand lightly touched her cheek: “Mm.”

Bei Yao said: “Do you know what it means?”

Pei Chuan said: “I know.”

Bei Yao bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. That poem told of a woman seeking marriage, never regretting her story. She had originally thought Pei Chuan didn’t know. She felt somewhat shy and afraid he’d misunderstand, softly explaining: “I was just reciting poetry, poetry written by others. It doesn’t have any other meaning.”

She felt she couldn’t pressure her sensitive boyfriend. Besides, a lifetime was so long—right now was still very early.

His heart felt slightly bitter. As the expectation dispersed, it made him sober up somewhat, flooding with fineness wrapped in honey-coated bitterness.

She didn’t want to marry?

How truly sorry, Yaoyao.