The country entrusted me to buy an aircraft carrier, Hou Liangping, do you dare to investigate?

As they boarded the car for the return trip, neither of them spoke; only the roar of the engine echoed in their ears, as if mocking their fruitless return.

The car finally stopped in front of the Zhong family villa. Zhong Xiaoai took a deep breath, breaking the suffocating silence in the car, "Liangping, there are some things I've been keeping from you..."

She revealed the entire agreement she had reached with the Zhao family, including how her father's company had fallen into trouble, how the Zhao family had helped her in her time of need, and how Zhao Shanhe had implied that all of this came at a price.

"So, the Zhao family was behind our escape this time?" Hou Liangping's voice was devoid of any emotion, but the veins on the back of his hand gripping the briefcase were bulging, as if he were about to crush the briefcase in his hand at any moment.

Zhong Xiaoai didn't dare to look him in the eye, but nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Liangping, I've put you in a difficult position."

"Difficult?" Hou Liangping suddenly sneered. "What I, Hou Liangping, hate most in this life is being manipulated, especially by a hypocrite like Zhao Shanhe!" He abruptly raised his head, his eyes burning with fury. "He thinks he can humiliate me like this? That he can make you change your mind? He's incredibly naive!"

Zhong Xiaoai's heart skipped a beat. She knew Hou Liangping had a very strong sense of pride, and this incident was undoubtedly rubbing salt into his wounds. She wanted to explain, to comfort him, but all the words stuck in her throat, unable to be uttered.

Hou Liangping took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger in his heart, but his tone still carried a hint of bitterness that he could not hide. "Xiao Ai, I know you did all this for me, but I hope you can understand that there are some things I would rather die than compromise with those scheming and despicable people!"

Zhong Xiaoai felt as if an invisible hand was gripping her heart tightly. She wanted to say something, but her lips moved, and no sound came out. She knew that what Hou Liangping needed at this moment was not comfort, but understanding and support.

The two stood silently at the doorway, the afterglow of the setting sun casting long, elongated shadows that also made them appear exceptionally lonely.

Zhong Xiaoai took a deep breath, finally raised her hand, and pressed the doorbell.

After a while, the door opened.

Zhao Shanhe appeared at the door, dressed in casual home clothes, yet his air of nobility was undeniable. He was tall and handsome, but his eyes and brows carried an innate arrogance, as if nothing in the world could catch his eye.

"Xiao Ai, you're here." Zhao Shanhe smiled, his gaze falling on Zhong Xiao Ai with a tenderness that seemed to melt away. He completely ignored Hou Liangping standing to the side, as if he were merely an insignificant backdrop.

Zhong Xiaoai felt uncomfortable under Zhao Shanhe's intense gaze and subconsciously took a half step back, avoiding his eyes. "Zhao..., I..."

"Just call me Shanhe," Zhao Shanhe interrupted her, his tone intimate and natural, as if their relationship had long surpassed that of ordinary friends.

Hou Liangping stood aside, taking in everything. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, but he struggled to control himself and prevent himself from lashing out. The anger and humiliation in his heart were like lava before a volcanic eruption, churning in his chest and scorching his reason.

Zhao Shanhe finally turned his gaze away from Zhong Xiaoai and casually glanced at Hou Liangping. He looked Hou Liangping up and down, a playful smile on his lips, as if he were admiring a less-than-satisfactory product.

"And this is..." Zhao Shanhe asked knowingly, his tone filled with undisguised contempt.

“My husband, Hou Liangping,” Zhong Xiaoai replied coldly, her tone carrying a hint of warning.

Zhao Shanhe burst into laughter, as if he had heard a hilarious joke. "Xiao Ai, are you kidding me? Him? He's good enough for you?"

Hou Liangping's face instantly turned ashen. He abruptly raised his head and stared directly at Zhao Shanhe, his eyes sharp as knives.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Zhao Shanhe was not afraid at all, but became even more arrogant. "Look at you, you're so poor and pathetic, you don't look like a man at all! What do you have to offer Xiao Ai happiness? Your sense of justice?"

"You..." Hou Liangping was furious and about to explode when Zhong Xiaoai grabbed him.

"Enough, Shanhe." Zhong Xiaoai's voice was surprisingly calm, but it carried an undeniable power. "This is my family matter, and it's none of your business to interfere."

Zhao Shanhe's smile gradually disappeared. He looked at Zhong Xiaoai deeply, his tone carrying a hint of warning, "Xiaoai, I hope you think it through. Some opportunities, once missed, are gone forever."

Zhong Xiaoai didn't speak, she just stared at him coldly.

Zhao Shanhe finally gave in. He sighed and softened his tone, "Alright, I won't say anything more. But, Xiao Ai, I hope you remember that I will always be your support, and no matter what happens, I will always be on your side."

After saying that, he gave Zhong Xiaoai a deep look, then turned and left.

Zhao Shanhe left, leaving behind a scene of desolation and awkwardness. Hou Liangping felt his blood boiling, as if it were burning his reason to ashes. He desperately wanted to rush up and punch that arrogant guy, to teach him a lesson in respect!

However, Zhong Xiaoai gripped his arm tightly, as if reminding him that this was the Zhong family home. He could only suppress his anger, take a deep breath, and try to calm his raging emotions.

Zhong Xiaoai didn't look at him, but simply said, "Let's go in."

The two walked into the Zhong family home side by side. In the living room, Zhong Zhengguo was sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of fragrant tea, his gaze deep and penetrating, as if he could see through everything.

Upon seeing the two enter, Zhong Zhengguo slowly put down his teacup, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

“Dad…” Zhong Xiaoai was about to speak when Zhong Zhengguo stopped her with a look.

“Liangping,” Zhong Zhengguo turned his gaze to Hou Liangping, his tone amiable, “I saw what happened just now, don’t take it to heart. Shanhe has been spoiled by me since he was little, and he always speaks and acts without thinking.”

Hou Liangping sneered inwardly. Inconsiderate? This was clearly a deliberate humiliation!

Before he could think of a reply, Zhong Zhengguo continued, "However, Shanhe is right about one thing: if you want to give Xiao Ai happiness, a sense of justice alone is not enough."

Hou Liangping abruptly raised his head, his eyes sharply fixed on Zhong Zhengguo. What did this mean? Was he implying that he wasn't good enough for Zhong Xiaoai?

"Dad!" Zhong Xiaoai couldn't hold back any longer, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction, "What exactly are you trying to say?"