When Xu Haoran received the message from his father, it wasn't just a casual update—it was a challenge. His father stated that he wanted a fair business competition between Haoran and his cousin Jianhong. He would give both of them the same amount of capital, and whoever was able to multiply it the most within six months would take over management of the Xu family business.
Haoran immediately understood the implications. For years, he had stayed away from the family's legacy, but now, his father was pulling him back in. He quickly called his father to confirm the details. The meeting, his father said, would take place in Skyreach City, and all major members of the Xu family had already been informed. It would be held in 14 days, marking the beginning of the six-month trial period.
After the call, Haoran lay down, deep in thought. Everything in his life had just shifted. He would have to leave Cloudbridge soon, but Wu Yuting didn't know anything about his family, nor did she know about the burden he was about to carry. And before he could leave, he had to make sure things at home were calm—no loose ends, no crises.
Later that day, Wu Yuting invited him to escort her for some shopping. Haoran agreed. While driving to a modest shopping mall, Wu Yuting glanced at him and asked, "I've been wondering—what happened yesterday? You've been acting... different. Like a completely new person. Can you tell me the truth about yourself?"
Haoran smiled faintly and replied, "Later. Let's just shop for now." They finished shopping quietly and returned home. Haoran cooked dinner, trying to act normal even as his mind calculated plans and timelines.
---
The next morning, Haoran called Ren Daoming and asked him to finalize a contract with Wu Yuting's company. He then drove her to work. As they parked, a luxurious Rolls-Royce pulled in beside them. Ren stepped out.
Wu Yuting was surprised—Ren was her client, but she hadn't expected him to arrive in person. Ren approached her with a smile, but as soon as he saw Haoran, he paused and greeted him, "Good morning, Master Haoran."
There was a short silence.
Haoran gave him a warning look, then nodded. "Good morning, Ren."
Wu Yuting stood frozen for a second. Master Haoran? She glanced between them but didn't speak. Instead, she smiled politely and invited Ren inside for their business discussion.
Inside, they signed a second deal—this time worth $50 million. Wu Yuting was still in disbelief at how easily the contract was finalized. Once Ren left, she called Haoran to pick her up. On the way home, she couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Haoran... how do you know Ren?" she asked, her voice cautious.
"He's just an old friend," Haoran replied.
Wu Yuting narrowed her eyes. "He called you Master Haoran. That's not something people call an ordinary friend."
"You'll understand everything soon," Haoran said calmly. "I'll explain it all when the time is right."
Silence filled the car. Wu Yuting could sense the weight Haoran was carrying, but she didn't press further.
As they returned home, Zhao Ailin was already in the living room, arms crossed and frowning.
"Haoran!" she barked. "There are dirty plates in the kitchen. Clean them up. My friends and I already used them, so don't delay."
Haoran's jaw tightened. He was exhausted and mentally drained, but he said nothing. Despite how unreasonable Zhao Ailin was becoming, she was still Wu Yuting's mother. Without a word, he turned and began cleaning.
Behind him, Zhao Ailin sneered. "Just three more years... and once I collect my family inheritance, you won't be in this house anymore!"
But before Haoran could react, Wu Yuting stood up sharply. "Mom! Enough! He's still my husband. Please respect that."
Zhao Ailin scoffed and walked away, muttering under her breath.
Haoran quietly left the living room and went to take a shower. When he returned, he found Wu Yuting sitting on the edge of his bed, legs crossed, staring at him.
He leaned against the wall. "Is something wrong?"
"Can't I come to your room anymore?" she asked, avoiding his eyes.
"I'm about to sleep... unless you'd like to stay," he replied with a soft grin.
Wu Yuting's cheeks turned red. She looked away. "I didn't come here for that. I came to apologize... for my mom. She was way out of line. Please don't take her words to heart."
"I don't," Haoran said, his voice softer now. "I've stayed in this house for almost four years. And it's because of you."
Wu Yuting froze. The words hit her deeper than she expected. Was he enduring everything just for her?
After a pause, Haoran gently said, "You should get some rest."
She nodded, then quietly walked out.
Alone, Xu Haoran lay down, but sleep wouldn't come easily.
His thoughts spun restlessly—Skyreach City, the competition, the truth he owed Wu Yuting, the risks of leaving while danger still lurked.
He closed his eyes, but his chest felt tight.
Sleep finally came.
But it was shallow.