《Wedding Night: The Mute Wife Starts to Speak》


 Chapter 1

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°How dare you plot against me!¡± Hu Ke was awakened from her sleep by a man¡¯s angry roar. Before she could wake up from her groggy state, she was pulled up by the person beside her.


    Hu Ke struggled with all her might, but she felt sore all over and could not exert any strength at all.


    Bai Xiao did not expect that someone would dare to plot against him at someone else¡¯s funeral.


    He had been careless yesterday and did not even know that someone had drugged the alcohol he drank. In the end, a woman appeared on his bed and the two of them had sex.


    ¡°You came to my side for money and status, right? I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t even think about it!¡± He had seen too many women who wanted to use underhanded methods to climb up the ranks. Just looking at them made him feel disgusted.


    ¡°Remember to take the contraceptive pill. Don¡¯t try to threaten me with a child.¡± Bai Xiao¡¯s tone was irrefutable.


    Hu Ke wanted to distance herself from this man who did not look like someone to be trifled with, but her wrist was held tightly by Bai Xiao. There were already red marks on her wrist, and it was so painful that she cried.


    Where was she? She was at her parents¡¯ funeral. Why was she lying naked on the hotel bed now?


    Hu Ke looked at the man in front of her in fear, her big eyes filled with tears. She heard the man¡¯s question, but she was born mute and could not speak at all, let alone answer the man.


    ¡°Why are you pretending to be pitiful? Are you mute? Can¡¯t you answer when I speak to you?¡± Bai Xiao looked at Hu Ke, who did not speak and only shook her head, and felt inexplicably annoyed.


    He did not intend to negotiate with Hu Ke, so he shook off Hu Ke¡¯s wrist and found his phone in the mess. He asked his assistant to send clothes over.


    Bai Xiao walked into the bathroom to take a shower. He had been drugged yesterday and was in a daze. Now that he thought about it, he felt disgusted and desperately wanted to wash up.


    The assistant was very fast. He placed the clothes outside the bathroom partition and left without even looking at Hu Ke.


    ¡°I know your family. After they went bankrupt, your parents jumped off a building, leaving only you and your brother. Oh, right, there¡¯s also a sister-in-law.¡± After Bai Xiao took a shower, he turned to look at Hu Ke while drying his hair, his face filled with coldness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hit women, so today¡¯s matter ends here. However, don¡¯t push your luck. You have to know that your family doesn¡¯t have the ability to match me at all. I advise you to be sensible and not provoke me again.¡±


    After saying this, Bai Xiao left without looking at Hu Ke again.


    Hu Ke, who was lying on the bed, heard the door close and slowly got up from the bed.


    She was very tired. There was no part of her body that didn¡¯t hurt.


    Hu Ke picked up the clothes that were scattered on the ground. Although they were wrinkled, they could still be worn. She moved into the bathroom step by step. Every step involved the pain at the base of her thigh. The short distance took a long time.


    Hu Ke soaked herself in the water and scrubbed over and over again, but the marks on her body could not be washed off no matter what, reminding her of what had happened yesterday.


    She was originally raised by her family. Although her family¡¯s company was not as big as those big shots in the industry, it was still considered a wealthy family. However, a sudden change almost bankrupted her family. In the end, her parents could not take the blow and jumped off a building to commit suicide.


    Yesterday was her parents¡¯ funeral. Hu Lai seemed to be afraid that she would cry until she was dehydrated, so he gave her a drink. Hu Ke was not guarded against her brother and drank it directly. However, she did not expect Hu Lai to sacrifice his biological sister for benefits and send her to Bai Xiao¡¯s bed.


    Hu Ke washed herself for a long time. In a daze, she recalled what had happened yesterday. In the end, she remembered that she should go to the pharmacy to buy contraceptive pills first. At the very least, she should remedy the situation and not let Hu Lai succeed. Moreover, she did not intend to get pregnant with Bai Xiao¡¯s child.


    However, when she struggled to walk out of the hotel, she was grabbed by a few bodyguards who were waiting downstairs and they forcefully took her away.


    Hu Ke tried to struggle, but how could she be stronger than a few adult males? Her cries for help were like a broken wooden box being blown by the wind. There were only a few useless breaths.


    In the end, Hu Ke was pressed into the car. She leaned against the seat weakly and watched the car drive home. However, the anger in her heart was slowly rising.


    When they reached their destination, the bodyguards did not let down their guard. They carried Hu Ke to the living room and placed her in front of Hu Lai.


    Looking at his brother, whom he had once trusted, Hu Ke gestured angrily in sign language.


    [Why are you using me? You¡¯re my brother!]


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m your brother that I¡¯m doing this!¡± Hu Lai looked at Hu Ke and said slowly.


    ¡°You¡¯re also a member of the Hu family. Now that Mom and Dad are gone and the family is facing bankruptcy, what¡¯s wrong with sacrificing yourself? Only by getting pregnant with Bai Xiao¡¯s child can you save the family!¡±


    After saying that, Hu Lai ignored Hu Ke. In any case, she was mute and could not speak even if she was extremely angry. It was fine as long as she did not look at the sign language.


    Hu Lai said to his wife, Wang Man, ¡°Keep an eye on her during this period of time. Don¡¯t let her go out and run around. When she¡¯s pregnant, ask Bai Xiao for an explanation. Otherwise¡­¡± Hu Lai smiled sinisterly.


    He had a photo of them together yesterday.

 Chapter 2

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Wang Man did not have any moral bottom line. She just wanted to live comfortably.


    Initially, when she found out that the Hu family had gone bankrupt, she had the intention of getting a divorce. However, now that there was a solution, she smiled and walked to Hu Ke¡¯s side. She was about to help her back to her room. ¡°Xiao Ke, just listen to your brother. Think about it. If you really get pregnant and marry Bai Xiao, you won¡¯t have to worry about food from now on. You can live a better life.¡±


    Seeing that Hu Ke was ignoring her, Wang Man was not angry. ¡°Think about it. Ever since our family went bankrupt, those debt collectors have almost crossed the threshold. Can you bear to see your brother and sister-in-law being threatened? Do you want to live a poor life in the future? Work part-time and be a waitress? As long as you behave now, our lives will be the same as before!¡±


    Hu Ke shook off Wang Man¡¯s hand and glared at her and Hu Lai before walking upstairs.


    In the past, when nothing happened at home, she was raised very well by her parents. Hu Lai did not show any viciousness and doted on Hu Ke in every way. But now, everything was different!


    If the company had not gone bankrupt and if her parents had not passed away, Hu Ke would still be the cute daughter of the family. She would have grown up well, fallen in love and gotten married. She would not have been sold out by Hu Lai like a commodity.


    When Hu Ke returned to the room, the servants followed closely behind. They took away the sharp objects in the room. Even the window was sealed by Hu Lai with an iron rod.


    Hu Ke¡¯s three meals a day were sent upstairs. The servants had to watch her finish her meal, and the pregnancy test kit was also sent over.


    At first, Hu Ke threw away the food directly, but the consequence of resisting was that she was tied up in the room and forced to undergo a pregnancy test every day until two lines appeared on the pregnancy test stick.


    Seeing this result, Hu Lai heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°This girl looks useless, but I didn¡¯t expect her to be so capable.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. She¡¯s pregnant. Then we can enjoy life!¡± Wang Man looked at the pregnancy test kit excitedly. During this period of time, she was almost mentally weak from the debt collectors. Now that she heard the news of Hu Ke¡¯s pregnancy, it was as if she had seen a ray of hope.


    ¡°Hu Ke is pregnant, so the Bai family naturally has to marry her. At that time, not only will she be able to live a good life, but we will also have a lot of face when we introduce her to others in the future! That¡¯s the Bai family! The richest family!¡± Hu Lai thought of his future life and could not help but look forward to it.


    If word got out, he would be considered Bai Xiao¡¯s brother-in-law.


    When the couple thought of their future, they were so happy that they could not close their mouths.


    ¡°Pack up. We¡¯ll take Hu Ke to the Bai family!¡± Hu Lai made a prompt decision and got someone to help Hu Ke dress up. He wanted to personally drive Hu Ke to the Bai family to visit.


    Hu Ke was still sitting in the room, unconsciously stroking her lower abdomen. The next second, Hu Lai opened the door and walked in, pulling her out.


    Hu Ke shook off his hand. She glared angrily at Hu Lai.


    [What are you doing!]


    ¡°What am I doing? I¡¯m bringing you to the Bai family to demand an explanation. Let them know that their good son has impregnated someone else¡¯s young lady outside!¡±


    Hu Ke was stunned. She had been thinking about it for the past few days, but she could not figure out why a person would change so much in such a short period of time. When he was young, he would clearly bring her all kinds of new things to coax and pamper her, but now, he seemed to have become a different person.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t leave, I¡¯ll post the photos of you fooling around with Bai Xiao. Anyway, the family has a lot of debts now.¡± Hu Lai looked at Hu Ke, who was still unwilling to move, and spoke.


    In order to blackmail Bai Xiao and make him marry Hu Ke, he had already arranged everything. Whether it was the drugged water or the last room he stayed in, he had made sure that nothing went wrong. Not only did he have photos, but he also had videos.


    Hu Ke stared at Hu Lai in disbelief. Seeing that she was unwilling to believe it, Hu Lai took out a few photos and handed them to her. When Hu Ke saw the contents of the photos, she let out a short scream and tore the photos in her hand into pieces.


    ¡°Do as you wish. I still have many of them. Hu Ke, you have to know that our family¡¯s current situation is very bad. If you still don¡¯t cooperate, then we¡¯re finished together!¡± Hu Lai no longer had that smiling expression. He stared coldly at Hu Ke, waiting for her answer.


    In the end, Hu Ke gave in. She changed her clothes and got into the car, following Hu Lai to the Bai family.


    The Hu family¡¯s house was built by a developer, but the Bai family was different.


    The Bai family bought a piece of land in the suburbs and built a manor.


    Although Hu Lai claimed to be from the ¡®upper-class¡¯, he was still shocked when he brought Wang Man and Hu Ke into the Bai family¡¯s courtyard.


    Every step was a scene, and flowers bloomed all the time. Coupled with the perfect combination of Chinese and Western, Hu Lai was speechless as he walked, sighing at how rich the Bai family was.


    After entering the main residence, Hu Lai restrained his arrogance and politely greeted the old butler, asking if it was convenient for the Bai family¡¯s head, Bai Wen, to receive guests.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Hu. My master is not at home now. You can come and visit another day.¡± The old butler was obviously experienced in rejecting people. He answered Hu Lai and Hu Ke politely, showing no intention of letting them in.

 Chapter 3

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°I came uninvited today because there¡¯s an urgent matter. Can you make an exception and let us see Mr. Bai?¡±


    Perhaps it was because his attitude was too humble but the old butler hesitated for a moment before telling him, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to let you in, but there¡¯s something wrong with the old man¡¯s health. Sir and Madam have already gone to the hospital. He¡¯s indeed not at home.¡±


    After Hu Lai received the useful information, he did not pester him anymore. He politely bade farewell and drove to the City Hospital.


    He had long heard that Old Master Bai¡¯s heart was not good. Since he did not call the Bai family¡¯s private doctor to come and see him, he could only be at the city hospital where the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were best handled.


    ¡°When we reach the hospital later, you¡¯ll go up with me. Just stand by the side. Don¡¯t cause trouble and don¡¯t run around. Otherwise, you know the consequences!¡± On the way, Hu Lai didn¡¯t forget to threaten Hu Ke.


    Hu Ke only lowered her head and did not reply.


    At this moment, other than Bai Wen and his wife, Yu Wei, standing at the entrance of the operating theater, there was also a young man who was panting heavily. It was Bai Xiao.


    Bai Xiao had obviously rushed over from the company. His suit was slightly wrinkled. He walked straight to Yu Wei and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Grandpa?¡±


    Yu Wei frowned and looked worriedly at the flashing signboard that read ¡°Surgery in Progress¡±. She shook her head gently at Bai Xiao. ¡°He¡¯s still being resuscitated. The old man suddenly fainted.¡±


    Hu Lai drove the car over in a flash. As soon as he parked the car at the hospital, he pulled Hu Ke in. After asking about the Bai family¡¯s current location, he hurriedly walked towards the operating theater.


    At this moment, at the entrance of the operating theater, the doctor was conversing with Bai Wen.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we tried our best. The patient is conscious now, but he won¡¯t be able to hold on for long. If you have anything else to say, go in and talk.¡±


    The doctor¡¯s words were the final verdict. Bai Wen barely composed himself and thanked the doctor with red eyes.


    Bai Xiao stood on the spot expressionlessly, but upon closer inspection, his hands were trembling uncontrollably.


    The nurse pushed the bed out. The old man lying on it had clearly reached the point of exhaustion and was only relying on his last breath to hold on.


    ¡°Grandpa¡­¡± Bai Xiao did not expect his grandfather¡¯s condition to be so bad. He walked to the bed and squatted down, burying his face in the old man¡¯s withered palm.


    ¡°Little brat, you¡¯re here¡­¡± Bai Zheng smiled weakly.


    ¡°Grandpa might be dying soon. Don¡¯t be sad¡­¡± The old man was interrupted by Bai Xiao halfway through his sentence.


    The young CEO, who was the boss of the company, no longer looked so mature. Instead, his eyes were red as he shook his head in a panic like a child.


    He held the old man¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t spout nonsense. The doctor just said that you¡¯ll get better.¡±


    Bai Zheng sighed slightly and gestured for Bai Xiao to listen to him. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. I know my body very well. Don¡¯t be sad. Grandpa doesn¡¯t have any regrets in this life. I just didn¡¯t see you get married and have children. If you have someone you like in the future, you must bring her to Grandpa to take a look, okay?¡±


    The old man on the bed only said a few words before he began to pant heavily. He had experienced too many storms and knew that he did not have many days left.


    During this period of time in the hospital, President Bai Zheng recalled the past and suddenly realized that he had long let go of those things that he had thought he would never be able to forget in his life. He only wanted to see his family safe and happy.


    Hu Lai rushed upstairs with Hu Ke and happened to see this scene. When he heard Bai Zheng¡¯s last sentence, he suddenly realized that this was an opportunity. He rushed straight over.


    ¡°Mr. Bai Zheng, you¡¯ll definitely be able to see Bai Xiao get married and have a great-grandson! Actually, Bai Xiao has good news for you today. His girlfriend is already pregnant!¡±


    Hu Lai¡¯s appearance was so sudden that no one could react.


    On the other hand, Bai Xiao seemed to have suddenly realized something. He looked up in the direction of the elevator and met Hu Ke¡¯s gaze.


    Bai Zheng was obviously shocked. He looked at his grandson as if seeking confirmation.


    Bai Xiao did not deny what Hu Lai said and only nodded at him.

 Chapter 4

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°What he said is true. Look over there, the girl standing there is your future granddaughter-in-law. So you have to recuperate and carry my baby in ten months,¡± Bai Xiao replied firmly.


    Bai Wen and Yu Wei did not believe this excuse, but looking at Bai Xiao¡¯s determined appearance and Bai Zheng¡¯s weak appearance, the two of them did not refute. They planned to ask what was going on later.


    ¡°Alright, Grandfather, take care of your health. At least you¡¯ll see your great-grandson.¡± Bai Zheng laughed a few times and looked much more energetic.


    Bai Xiao heaved a sigh of relief. He told the old man some things to take note of and gave him a few more instructions before letting go of Bai Zheng¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Send Grandpa to the ward first,¡± Bai Xiao instructed the nurse standing at the side.


    The young nurse was a smart person. She could tell that the atmosphere was not right and hurriedly pushed the bed to the ward that had been prepared beforehand.


    After confirming that Bai Zheng had left completely, Yu Wei went forward and pulled Bai Xiao over. Her face was filled with confusion as she asked, ¡°Bai Xiao, when did you fall in love? You even got her pregnant?¡±


    Bai Xiao did not answer her question. Instead, he looked at Hu Lai, who was still standing at the side. ¡°Is this your goal?¡±


    Hu Lai¡¯s face was full of smiles as he rubbed his hands and greeted them. ¡°Young Master Bai, you must be joking. What goal? It¡¯s just that as an elder brother, I want to find a good marriage partner for my sister. Moreover, you¡¯ve already admitted that my sister is pregnant with your child, right?¡±


    Bai Xiao looked at Hu Lai with a cold smile and did not respond.


    However, Yu Wei accurately distilled the key point. ¡°You found a good opportunity to marry into my Bai family? Mr. Hu, your plan is really good. Where did you get the news that my old man is recuperating in this hospital? Where did you find out that he wants to carry a great-grandson? Could it be that your sister was pregnant by a wild man and you want to cling to my son? Where¡¯s the evidence?¡±


    Hu Lai seemed to have expected all of this. He calmly took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it over. It was filled with photos of Hu Ke and Bai Xiao.


    ¡°I naturally know that words are useless, so please take a look, Madam. These are the evidence.¡±


    Yu Wei opened it and took a few cursory glances. Her beautiful and noble face was filled with disbelief.


    Before anyone could react, Yu Wei ran to Hu Ke angrily and raised her hand to slap her.


    ¡°You b*tch, you actually seduced my son and took photos? You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    Before Hu Ke could react, she was slapped so hard that she staggered. Bai Wen was the first to react. He pulled Yu Wei, who was about to hit her again, and said, ¡°Enough. We¡¯re still outside. Don¡¯t make a scene.¡±


    Hu Lai was also shocked. He looked at Hu Ke¡¯s rapidly red and swollen cheek and was glad that the slap did not land on his face.


    Yu Wei¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. It was obvious that she was furious. She pointed at the tip of Hu Ke¡¯s nose and fiercely told her to get lost. She would never marry into the Bai family, but she was stopped by Bai Xiao.


    ¡°Mom, calm down.¡± Bai Xiao and Bai Wen helped Yu Wei calm down.


    Before Yu Wei could calm down, she heard Bai Xiao say again, ¡°Is she really pregnant?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s absolutely true. If you suspect that the child isn¡¯t yours, you can wait for her to give birth to the child and do a paternity test. If it¡¯s not your child, then you have the final say in all the compensation conditions,¡± Hu Lai quickly replied when he saw that there was a chance.


    ¡°What¡¯s the condition?¡± Bai Xiao knew that Hu Lai would not simply send Hu Ke here. He must have a request. He did not intend to beat around the bush. Since it had already developed to this point, he might as well settle everything.


    ¡°Young Master Bai is indeed a straightforward person. I¡¯m not greedy. I just hope that my sister can have a good family. How about this? You and my sister can go and get the marriage certificate today before the Civil Affairs Bureau gets off work. The wedding needs to be prepared in two weeks. The betrothal gifts have to be given. Our families can be considered wealthy. Although my family has fallen, we can always make a comeback. I want ten million in betrothal gifts to help my company for a year. My family¡¯s dowry will be a small company.¡±


    Yu Wei was so angry by their conversation that her heart ached. Before she could say anything, Bai Xiao nodded and agreed to the ridiculous conditions. He was so decisive that everyone was dumbfounded.

 Chapter 5

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°I agree to your conditions. I don¡¯t like your lousy company either. Forget it. Just give me some gold jewelry for the dowry.¡± Bai Xiao decisively took out a check and signed it.


    ¡°Bai Xiao, are you crazy? What good can that woman be? I won¡¯t allow such a person to marry into my family!¡± Yu Wei resisted the urge to curse at her son. She wanted to hear Bai Xiao¡¯s plan.


    ¡°I¡¯m not crazy. We did have sex. Grandpa was obviously very happy to hear that she was pregnant. The doctor also said that a happy mood is good for her condition to improve. In that case, we¡¯ll bring her back first and let her leave after she gives birth.¡±


    Yu Wei looked at Hu Ke in disgust. She did not want to be a mother-in-law to such a person at all, but Bai Xiao had already thought of everything. It was useless for her to interfere, so she could only glare at Hu Ke when she passed by.


    Bai Wen chased after his wife and left with her. He did not even look at Hu Ke.


    Bai Xiao did not seem to be affected at all. The family walked out one after another. Hu Lai left after receiving the check and did not care about Hu Ke at all. Hu Ke did not know where to go and could only follow behind Bai Xiao.


    However, she had only taken a few steps when someone pinched her chin and forced her to raise her head.


    ¡°You¡¯re really bold. You¡¯re the first woman who dares to scheme against me.¡± Bai Xiao looked at the person in front of him with disgust.


    ¡°Generally speaking, those who scheme against me will not have a good ending. However, you¡¯re considered lucky. At least you¡¯re still useful to me, so I¡¯ll marry you. However, don¡¯t even think about using such dirty methods to be Young Madam Bai for the rest of your life. After giving birth to this child, get lost and don¡¯t appear in front of me for the rest of your life!¡±


    After saying that, Bai Xiao shook off Hu Ke¡¯s face.


    He took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped his hands clean. As if he had touched something disgusting, he frowned and threw the handkerchief into the trash can.


    Hu Ke rubbed her chin that was hurting from being pinched. She naturally knew that Bai Xiao despised her, but she did not understand what was wrong with this person. Since he despised her, he should not touch her. Now that he had pinched her, who was he pretending to be a clean freak for?


    Bai Xiao turned around and walked towards the door, but he was the only one who heard footsteps.


    Bai Xiao turned around impatiently and looked at Hu Ke, who was still standing at the same spot. He said coldly, ¡°Are you planning to let me invite you to leave with me? Or do you want to welcome me at the entrance of the hospital?¡±


    When Hu Ke heard him say this, he quickly followed.


    Bai Wen and Yu Wei had already left in a car. There was a Maybach parked at the entrance of the hospital. The driver respectfully opened the car door for Bai Xiao.


    Bai Xiao got into the car. The driver looked at Bai Xiao awkwardly and then at Hu Ke. In the end, he said, ¡°Miss, please get in.¡±


    In the afternoon, the two of them went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get their marriage certificate. The one-inch photo on the certificate showed their stiff and distant faces.


    After registering their marriage, Bai Xiao asked the driver to send him back to his residence. Hu Ke could only follow him. At that moment, she suddenly realized that she was no longer the happy little girl from before. She had lost her parents and had no home.


    Hu Ke followed Bai Xiao into the car. She was still holding their marriage certificate.


    In a daze, Hu Ke thought that she had married someone without any emotional connection. She lowered her head and smiled bitterly, staring blankly at the marriage certificate.


    Bai Xiao ignored her and pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly, trying to relax.


    He had just arrived at the company in the morning to prepare for a meeting when he received a call from his mother. She said that his grandfather had a relapse and was in the emergency room. On the way to the hospital, his hands and feet were cold. He was terrified and wondered what would happen if something really happened.


    It was not easy for him to wait for his grandfather to leave the operating theater and receive such bad news. Moreover, he was forced into a marriage with a woman who was full of schemes. At this moment, Bai Xiao was mentally and physically exhausted.


    He thought that his marriage would be a business marriage or that he would really fall in love, but he did not expect it to be so chaotic and rushed.


    The two of them had their own thoughts as they waited for the car to arrive home.


    The car finally arrived at Bai Xiao¡¯s house. The busiest street in the city center was next to it. Bai Xiao¡¯s company was here. In order to make it easier to work, Bai Xiao had specially bought a villa here.

 Chapter 6

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Maybach finally stopped, and the driver opened the door for them.


    Bai Xiao walked in front without saying a word. Hu Ke followed behind him like a duckling.


    ¡°Young Master is back. The meal has just been prepared.¡± The housekeeper, Bian Fang, welcomed him at the door. She placed her slippers at Bai Xiao¡¯s feet and looked up to see Hu Ke following behind.


    She had long received a call from Yu Wei and learned the ins and outs of the matter. In the face of such a person, Bian Fang did not have a good expression, but because of her identity, she still gave Hu Ke a pair of slippers and placed them aside.


    Hu Ke nodded at her. After changing into her slippers, she tidied up her shoes and entered the room.


    After Bai Xiao returned home, he ignored Hu Ke and went to the dining room.


    He had not eaten all day. Now that he was hungry, he did not want to talk to Hu Ke, so he ignored her.


    Hu Ke could not find Bai Xiao after changing her shoes. It was impolite to run around in someone else¡¯s house. Hu Ke hesitated for a moment and stood quietly at the door, waiting for Bian Fang¡¯s arrangements.


    ¡°Young Master has gone to the dining room. Please come with me,¡± Bian Fang said coldly. She brought her to the dining room and left.


    After all, Hu Ke was pregnant with a child from the Bai family. It was not appropriate for Bian Fang to go overboard, but it was still fine to make the little girl feel uncomfortable.


    The table was filled with delicacies. Bai Xiao was already eating by himself, but when Hu Ke looked around, he realized that there were only bowls and plates in front of him. There were no chopsticks or spoons.


    Hu Ke hesitated for a moment and decided to sit quietly. She could not accept using her hands to grab food to eat.


    After Bai Xiao finished eating, he returned to his room and did not look at Hu Ke from the beginning to the end. Living under the roof with this woman was already his limit. He was afraid that he would be triggered if he looked at her again.


    After Bai Xiao left, Bian Fang came out to clean up the dishes. She glanced at Hu Ke without batting an eyelid and sighed in her heart. What was the young lady doing? Why did she have to get pregnant before marriage and even come here to force a marriage?


    ¡°Miss Hu, please follow me. I¡¯ll take you to the guest room.¡± After packing up, Bian Fang looked at Hu Ke, who had been waiting silently at the side, and sighed.


    Bian Fang left after bringing Hu Ke to the guest room. She held her breath and felt extremely awkward. After all, she had worked in the Bai family for almost 20 years. Although she was not a famous person, most of the time, Bai Xiao would thank her.


    However, this person only nodded. Up until now, she had not said a word. She was more arrogant than anyone else!


    Bian Fang thought about it unhappily and went to do her own things.


    Hu Ke did not realize that something was wrong. She felt that Bian Fang might have just been a little careless. Although her attitude towards her was a little cold, it was better than keeping an eye on her 24 hours a day.


    Although the guest room was not as big as the master bedroom, there was a desk and an independent bathroom. After taking a shower, Hu Ke finally felt more comfortable.


    She sat at the desk, picked up a pen and paper, and began to write something.


    By the time Hu Ke put down the pen and shook her sore wrist, almost two hours had passed.


    Hu Ke had not eaten since noon. She did not notice it when she was writing seriously, but when she was done, she realized that she was extremely hungry. Her stomach was starting to hurt.


    Hu Ke sighed, opened the door, and walked out.


    She had to find something to eat. Otherwise, she would probably have a stomachache tonight.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s place was not very big. Hu Ke found the kitchen according to her memory. She opened the fridge to find some milk or snacks, but she heard a voice behind her.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡±


    Hu Ke trembled in fear. When she turned around and realized that it was Bian Fang, she heaved a sigh of relief. She gestured with her hands. [Am I disturbing you? I¡¯m a little hungry and want to find something to eat.]


    Bian Fang looked at her seriously gesturing and recalled that she had not said a word since she entered. He suddenly realized that this girl did not seem to be as arrogant as he thought. She did not know how to speak.


    Bian Fang felt a little guilty when she realized this. She thought about how she had deliberately not given her cutlery at night, causing her to come out in the middle of the night to find something to eat. She couldn¡¯t bear it and felt a little ashamed.


    What had she done! Bullying a disabled person would send her to hell!

 Chapter 7

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Go and sit down. It¡¯s not easy to digest if you eat greasy food too late. I¡¯ll make you some porridge.¡± Bian Fang picked out vegetables and beef from the fridge and planned to make lean meat porridge for Hu Ke.


    When Hu Ke heard her say this, she smiled sweetly and took the opportunity to wash the vegetables while Bian Fang was cutting the beef.


    Bian Fang¡¯s conscience hurt even more. She wished she could slap herself back then.


    Bian Fang moved swiftly. Soon, the rice was cooked in the small casserole. Green vegetables and beef strips were mixed in the pot, and a dense fragrance filled the room, filling it with a warm smell.


    Hu Ke was starving. When the porridge was served, she couldn¡¯t wait to taste it. Tears welled up in her scalded eyes, but she didn¡¯t forget to give Bian Fang a thumbs up.


    After eating a bowl of porridge, Hu Ke finally sighed in satisfaction. After thanking Bian Fang again, she went upstairs.


    She had things to do.


    Bai Xiao was in his room dealing with unfinished company matters when he was disturbed by the rustling at the door.


    His family¡¯s security measures were very good. It was impossible for there to be thieves. Bian Fang had worked in his family for more than ten years and would be very careful when doing things. There was only one possibility¡­


    Bai Xiao suddenly opened the door. Hu Ke, who was squatting at the door, was caught off guard.


    She stood up in a panic and wanted to gesture something, but Bai Xiao, who was blinded by anger, ignored her. He had already suffered from this woman once, so how could he let her succeed a second time!


    ¡°Why? You¡¯re already pregnant and you still want to continue climbing into bed? Are you that impatient?¡± Bai Xiao said coldly. Hu Ke was stunned and continued to use sign language, as if she could not believe what he had heard.


    Bai Xiao ignored her and continued, ¡°You still want to look for me when you¡¯re pregnant? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re not pregnant at all and now you want to borrow my sperm? I know I¡¯m of good quality, but I don¡¯t like people like you! If you¡¯re lonely, go out and buy small toys or go to a nightclub to find a man to sell yourself to. Don¡¯t you have money? I¡¯ve already given your brother ten million today, but if you¡¯re willing to beg me, I don¡¯t mind giving you a little more money.¡± As he spoke, Bai Xiao returned to his room, took out a few hundred yuan notes from his wallet on the table, and threw them in front of Hu Ke.


    The red notes slowly fell to the ground. Bai Xiao crossed his arms and looked at Hu Ke calmly, wanting to see if she would pick them up.


    Hu Ke raised her hand and Bai Xiao said at the same time, ¡°Pick it up. It¡¯s not embarrassing to beg for money.¡±


    In the next second, a hand whipped over with the sound of the wind. Bai Xiao could not dodge in time and was slapped hard in the face.


    ¡°Are you crazy!¡± Bai Xiao, who had never been slapped by anyone since he was young, did not expect to be slapped by a woman.


    The left side of his face quickly swelled up, and five finger marks were clearly visible.


    Hu Ke did not care if Bai Xiao could understand it or not. She gestured quickly in sign language.


    She wrote an agreement herself and wanted Bai Xiao to see if there was anything she wanted to change. In the end, this person insulted her right away. Hu Ke couldn¡¯t take it anymore and exploded.


    [Is there something wrong with you? Are you delusional? If you¡¯re really sick in the head, I suggest you go to the doctor first and not harm other normal people! Do you really think you¡¯re very charming? Stop dreaming. Without a family background, you¡¯re just a rat in the gutter! You¡¯re as disgusting as a cockroach!]


    After Hu Ke finished gesturing, she turned and left.


    She did not want to stay in the same space as this stupid man anymore. Hu Ke returned to the guest room, took her phone, and walked out.


    Bian Fang, who did not understand what was going on, wanted to stop him when Bai Xiao shouted angrily from upstairs, ¡°Tell her to get lost! If she has the ability, don¡¯t come back for the rest of her life!¡±


    After leaving the villa area, Hu Ke took a taxi to ¡°1943¡±, a bar that she and her good friend Wen Huai opened together.


    On the way, Hu Ke sent a message to Wen Huai, telling her that she wanted to go over and stay for a while. Wen Huai naturally agreed to her friend¡¯s request.


    Hu Ke and Wen Huai were neighbors when they were young. Hu Ke was weak and pitiful, while Wen Huai was a famous little tyrant.

 Chapter 8

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At that time, someone bullied Hu Ke and called her Little Mute. Wen Huai had a hero¡¯s heart since she was young. Naturally, she could not stand people bullying the weak, so he invited Hu Ke to play every day. If someone bullied Hu Ke, she would hit them back. As time passed, the two of them became familiar with each other and their friendship lasted for 20 years.


    After graduating from university, Wen Huai did not take over her family¡¯s business. She left this burden to her younger brother, Wen Jin, and opened a bar called 1943.


    In the beginning, she had pulled Hu Ke into the group because she thought that the two of them were familiar with each other and could play together. However, she did not expect that although Hu Ke¡¯s voice was weak, her taste buds were top-notch.


    She was especially sensitive to alcohol. In just a year, she stood out from all the bartenders in Beijing. ¡°1943¡± was also famous because of Hu Ke. It became the largest and most famous bar in Beijing.


    Wen Huai was waiting for Hu Ke at the door. As soon as they met, she gave her a hug. Then, she looked at Hu Ke, who was so angry that he was like a pufferfish, and teased, ¡°Who provoked my eldest daughter? Look, your little mouth can even curl up.¡±


    Hu Ke finally relaxed in front of her good friend. She hugged Wen Huai tiredly and buried her face in her shoulder.


    Seeing her like this, Wen Huai did not ask further. She patted her shoulder and pulled her into the bar.


    ¡°You came at the right time. The new batch of alcohol I bought earlier has arrived. You can try it out and see if you can develop a new product.¡±


    At this moment, Bai Xiao was so angry that his lungs were about to explode. When had he ever suffered such a huge grievance? Someone had drugged him and caused him to marry a scheming woman. He had even compensated 10 million yuan as a betrothal gift.


    Logically speaking, this woman should thank him for marrying her and helping the Hu family. In the end? After saying a few words, he was even slapped. Bai Xiao was so angry that he spun around the room. Suddenly, the feeling under his feet became strange. It was a piece of paper.


    Bai Xiao did not remember that his things had fallen to the ground. He picked up the paper and realized that it was a handwritten agreement. The handwriting on it was neat and clean, but if one looked carefully, one could see the sharp edge of the pen.


    This was not his handwriting. Bai Xiao frowned and quickly browsed through the content. It was written by Hu Ke regarding the agreement between the two of them in the future.


    It mentioned that during the ten months of pregnancy and the confinement period after giving birth, Bai Xiao needed to provide shelter and necessities. After the confinement period, Hu Ke would immediately leave the house with nothing and leave the child to the Bai family.


    Bai Xiao could not help but laugh after reading the contract that could be said to be beneficial to him.


    He was not stupid enough to think that a woman who had spent so much effort to marry into a rich family would really give up everything willingly.


    Humans had seven emotions and six desires. How could they not ask for anything? Especially a person who could sell her body for a purpose. She did not even cherish himself. How could she willingly give up everything?


    ¡°Interesting. You were squatting at the door of my room to stuff this into it, right? Do you want to wait for me to finish watching before talking about getting along peacefully? This woman is quite good at playing hard to get.¡±


    Bai Xiao smiled disdainfully and casually threw the piece of paper to the side. The next moment, he received a message from his good brother, Zhang Rong.


    Zhang Rong: ¡°Brother Bai, what are you doing? Come out and play!¡±


    [Bai Xiao: Alright, I just wanted to relax. Where are you?]


    [Zhang Rong: Have you been possessed? This is the first time you¡¯ve been so straightforward. Bar 1943, but I¡¯ll make it clear in advance that you¡¯ll pay the bill.]


    [Bai Xiao: You asked me to come out and you want me to foot the bill?]


    [Zhang Rong: I offended the old man two days ago, so I¡¯m out of pocket money this month. Brother Bai, please treat me this time. I¡¯ll make up for it next month!]


    [Bai Xiao: Okay, double next time]


    After the two of them agreed, Bai Xiao planned to go out. He was really frustrated. Instead of staying at home, it was better to go out and relax.


    Bian Fang had been guarding the door since Hu Ke left. When she saw Bai Xiao come out, she was about to go forward and ask what was going on when she saw the injury on Bai Xiao¡¯s face.


    ¡°Young Master, wait a moment. I¡¯ll go get an ice pack.¡± Bian Fang hurriedly went to get the first aid kit, but Bai Xiao didn¡¯t think much of it. He called out to Bian Fang to stop and said that he would be going out.


    After Bai Xiao and Zhang Rong met, he realized what a mistake he had made. Zhang Rongxian stared at his face in disbelief for a long time before bursting into laughter.

 Chapter 9

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Young Master, which wild cat beat you up? Hahaha! The injury on your face is comparable to Buddha¡¯s Five Fingers Mountain!¡± Every time Zhang Rong saw Bai Xiao, he was always well-dressed. Even his hair was meticulous. In the end, when he stood in front of him with the injury on his face, it brought an inexplicable contrast and joy.


    Zhang Rong could not hold it in anymore. He pointed at Bai Xiao and burst out laughing without caring about his image.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s face turned darker and darker. Seeing that he had no intention of stopping, he turned around and was about to leave when Zhang Rong quickly pulled him back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, don¡¯t go, Young Master¡­ I won¡¯t laugh anymore.¡± Zhang Rong held his stomach that was hurting from laughing and panted. After a long while, he coaxed Bai Xiao and asked him to stay.


    Bai Xiao had never been to such a place before. Usually, he would only run around his home and company. Now, he was very curious about everything.


    Zhang Rong, on the other hand, was a regular at the bar. He called for someone to bring alcohol as soon as he sat in the reserved private room.


    ¡°Young Master Bai, don¡¯t look around. I won¡¯t let you bleed today. I have alcohol here. Just pay the sofa fee.¡± Zhang Rong leaned on the sofa bonelessly and looked at Bai Xiao.


    Bai Xiao ignored him. He felt like he had seen a familiar figure at the bar counter.


    When Hu Ke arrived at the familiar environment, the pent-up anger in her heart finally disappeared a little.


    Although she had the title of a bartender in the bar, she didn¡¯t work at the bar. She was more like a recipe developer than a bartender.


    Wen Huai dragged her to the warehouse. It was filled with her private stash.


    Bars actually paid more attention to the atmosphere. The bar was filled with more popular alcohols like whiskey or brandy. When Hu Ke developed recipes, she would always add something else special. The secret ingredients were all in Wen Huai¡¯s warehouse.


    ¡°Xiao Ke, look. This batch is the newly arrived gin and tonic and liqueur. Didn¡¯t you say that you wanted to develop a coffee-flavored alcohol last time? I even found coffee-flavored liqueur. Quickly try it and see if it¡¯s the taste you want.¡± Wen Huai rummaged through a pile of boxes and finally took out a small bottle the size of a palm.


    After Hu Ke took it, he was not in a hurry to open it. Instead, she checked the production location and alcohol level.


    At that time, she met a caffeine-addicted customer and the customer was already slightly drunk. She leaned on the bar counter and hugged a cup of Long Island iced tea as she wailed, ¡°Why! Is it wrong for me to only want coffee-flavored alcohol?¡± At that time, Hu Ke happened to be at the bar holding a glass. She suddenly realized that she was still lacking in the taste of concocting alcohol.


    Hu Ke later tried adding hand-ground coffee and instant coffee powder, but the taste didn¡¯t match. The combination of alcohol and coffee was very strange. She had her eyes on Lijiao alcohol, but she didn¡¯t expect Wen Huai to work so quickly and find it for her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you a Shaker cup and a measuring cup. You can try and see if these alcohol brands are suitable. The second box on the left is filled with various brands of coffee liqueur. You can always find the right one. The white bread slices are in the cabinet. The mineral water is there. Open the box and rinse your mouth.¡±


    As there were too many newly arrived brands, Wen Huai redesigned the layout of the warehouse. She gave Hu Ke a few instructions and went upstairs.


    Hu Ke found a tasting glass. Wen Huai had found too many types. She did not plan to try them all. She only picked out a few with different alcohol content to see which percentage was most suitable.


    Hu Ke had just finished tasting the version with 20% alcohol and swallowed it when a hurried waiter came. He looked like a university student who worked part-time here.


    When the waiter saw Hu Ke, it was as if he had found her backbone. He hurriedly said, ¡°Miss Hu, our lady boss has a conflict with a customer. She won¡¯t listen to anyone! Hurry up and take a look!¡±


    Hu Ke stood up and followed the waiter. On the way, he learned about the situation.


    It turned out that Wen Huai had gone to get her a shaker cup. In the end, a table of drunk customers was clamoring for a young lady to accompany them to drink.


    Coincidentally, Wen Huai passed by. Seeing that Wen Huai was quite good-looking, the customer thought that she was an escort and touched her butt.


    Wen Huai was also a hot-tempered person. She threw everything in her hand, and the two of them started fighting.


    At first, the customer¡¯s friend was still fighting, but after being punched twice by Wen Huai, he joined the battle. When the security guards of the bar saw the boss being beaten, they naturally surrounded them.


    When the waiter came over to call Hu Ke, the scene was already in a mess.


    When Hu Ke rushed over, the two groups of people had already been pulled away. Wen Huai was still pointing at them and scolding, ¡°F*ck you! How dare you touch me! Do you know that I own this bar? Just you wait! Don¡¯t even think about coming to 1943 again in your life!¡±

 Chapter 10

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    When Wen Huai saw Hu Ke coming over, she instantly retracted his shrewish attitude and ran over to hold Hu Ke¡¯s hand. ¡°Dear, they¡¯re bullying us!¡±


    The person opposite him was dumbfounded by the speed at which Wen Huai¡¯s expression changed. The first to react was the customer who had been beaten the most miserably.


    He pushed away the bodyguard who was pulling him and walked forward. He pulled Hu Ke up from Wen Huai¡¯s side.


    ¡°F*ck, you¡¯re her friend? Look at how badly we¡¯ve been beaten!¡±


    Hu Ke staggered when he was pulled. The person was obviously drunk. His tongue was wide open, and his words were unclear, but his grip was not weak. ¡°Look, you¡¯re paying!¡±


    Hu Ke couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with the drunk man. She struggled, but the drunk man¡¯s grip was surprisingly strong. Hu Ke could not break free for a long time.


    Just as Wen Huai was about to call the security guards for help, the drunk troublemaker was suddenly pulled away.


    Bai Xiao stared at them unhappily and did not say anything. However, his aura was especially strong. The group of troublemakers had only dared to attack because Hu Ke and Wen Huai were two women. Now that Bai Xiao stood in front of them, the troublemakers did not dare to say anything. They would run when they saw that something was wrong.


    ¡°Stop! You haven¡¯t paid the bill! You also have to compensate for the things in my shop!¡± When Wen Huai saw that they wanted to leave, she immediately got the security guards to block their way. After these people paid, they were permanently blacklisted.


    Hu Ke rubbed her wrist that was hurting from the pinch. She was about to thank the kind-hearted man who had helped him when she looked up and realized that it was Bai Xiao.


    She looked at the faint red mark on Bai Xiao¡¯s face and did not know what to say.


    Bai Xiao also stood awkwardly. When he saw Hu Ke being pestered from his seat, an unknown anger surged in his heart. Before he could think, he went over to help her pull the person away. Now that he came back to his senses, he only regretted his actions.


    In the end, he had to rely on Wen Huai to help him out.


    Wen Huai did not know that Bai Xiao and Hu Ke knew each other. After settling the mess, she ran over and thanked Bai Xiao sincerely. ¡°Thank you, sir, for helping my sister. She can¡¯t speak, so she didn¡¯t speak for a long time. I¡¯ll thank you on her behalf. Is it convenient for you to tell me your name? In the future, you can come to my place for free.¡±


    Bai Xiao rarely came to the bar, so it was normal that Wen Huai did not know him.


    However, this gentleman seemed to be shocked when he heard that Hu Ke could not speak. He quickly composed himself and shook his head at her. ¡°There¡¯s no need. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Bai Xiao turned around and was about to leave when Wen Huai secretly memorized the table number he finally sat at and nudged Hu Ke with his arm. ¡°He helped you today. Our respected bartender, do you want to mix a glass of alcohol to express your gratitude?¡±


    Hu Ke pursed her lips. It was impossible to tell what she was planning.


    Wen Huai continued to whisper in her ear, ¡°He won¡¯t accept me giving him alcohol permanently for free, but we have to return the favor. I¡¯m begging you, baby. Give me some face. You can try coffee and alcohol!¡±


    Hu Ke could not dissuade her. In addition, she was a little tempted by the final offer. In the end, she mixed a glass of alcohol and asked the waiter to send it over.


    At this moment, Bai Xiao was sitting in his seat and being teased by Zhang Rong. ¡°Young Master, why didn¡¯t I know that you liked to save the damsel in distress in the past? Have you taken a fancy to that lady? How does she look? Did you add her contact number?¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± Bai Xiao looked displeased.


    He remembered that when Hu Ke lost his temper with him at the villa, he did not say a word and only gestured in sign language.


    At that time, he was still angry and did not remember this at all. Now that Wen Huai mentioned it, he realized that his wife was mute.


    This realization made Bai Xiao even more frustrated. He did not know if it was because of the guilt he felt for speaking to Hu Ke earlier or because he was angry that he had been tricked by a mute.


    At this moment, the waiter came over with two glasses of alcohol. ¡°Sir, to thank you for your bravery tonight, this is the alcohol that our special bartender, Fox, made for you and your friend. Also, tonight¡¯s expenses are free. I wish you a good time.¡±


    The waiter put down the things in his hand and turned to leave, but Zhang Rong¡¯s eyes widened and he lost his voice. ¡°Fox mixed the alcohol? It¡¯s specially made? Bai Xiao, you¡¯re so lucky!¡±

 Chapter 11

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Is she famous?¡± Bai Xiao snorted disdainfully.


    Zhang Rong looked at him resentfully. ¡°You really don¡¯t care about what¡¯s going on outside. Why do you think 1943 became famous? It¡¯s because of this Fox! The alcohol that Fox personally brewed is hard to come by! When 1943 first opened, the first three days were filled with arena matches. All the bartenders gathered together and randomly selected a guest to let him say the taste he wanted. The bartender would make it. Fox became famous because of those three days. She won 620 rounds and never lost!¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that all 620 of them were hired by Fox?¡± Bai Xiao had never believed such rumors. There were really all kinds of methods to create momentum.


    He reached for the glass of alcohol and examined the liquid inside.


    The alcohol was layered and gradually changed. The dark brown liquid was at the bottom, and it became lighter and lighter. The top layer of the alcohol was light brown, and edible glitter powder was added. As the alcohol swayed, it shone with a faint light.


    The color of the entire glass of alcohol was very beautiful. There were even mint olives adorning the side. Even if he did not drink it, just looking at it made her feel that it was a work of art.


    ¡°On the first day of the competition, someone also raised the same doubts. In the end, 1943 stopped choosing people in the shop the next day. They asked every bar to send people to the streets to ask passersby and bring them to the bar to taste, but there were still people who said that it was fake. In the end, on the third day, they surrounded the bartender with a curtain, not letting anyone know who was mixing the drinks. They changed seats every time. Even so, that Fox still firmly beat all the bartenders in the capital. From then on, 1943 became famous and the number one bar!¡±


    Zhang Rong happily told Bai Xiao the story. Then, he picked up his portion of alcohol and took a sip happily. ¡°This is a alcohol that can¡¯t be bought with money. I want to drink it bit by bit.¡±


    ¡°You just said that 1943 and Fox became famous because of this matter. Then why did Fox¡¯s alcohol become so difficult to obtain?¡± Bai Xiao suddenly asked.


    As a businessman, he naturally knew that he had to control the amount that flowed into the market. However, if an outstanding product did not appear for a long time, it would lose its value in the end.


    ¡°After Fox became famous, 1943 released the news that Fox would only come once a week and only mix a glass of alcohol for a fated person. Many people expressed their dissatisfaction, but there would always be lucky people who received the alcohol. Moreover, there would be a VIP card for the entire year of drinks from 1943. This card could allow Fox to make a glass of alcohol every month. Therefore, many people came to try their luck. Fox and 1934¡¯s reputation spread just like that. Fox¡¯s alcohol was also known as something that could only be chanced upon by luck.¡± Zhang Rong shook his head and explained. He took another sip of alcohol and smacked his lips.


    ¡°Try it. Previously, there were rumors that Fox¡¯s alcohol could treat people without taste buds!¡±


    His friends all knew that Bai Xiao did not have a sense of taste. He was not born with it. When Bai Xiao was young, he fell seriously ill and fell into a coma for a week. When he woke up again, he did not have a sense of taste.


    Little Bai Xiao had cried before. His family had also brought him to seek medical treatment, but in the end, he could not treat this illness.


    As he grew older, he gradually accepted this fact. Food was no longer something to enjoy. To him, it was more about survival.


    When Bai Xiao heard his words, he smiled mockingly and took a sip of alcohol.


    The next second, he was stunned.


    The rich sweetness of the berries instantly exploded on his taste buds, followed by the sour taste of the lemon.


    As the alcohol was swallowed, there was a trace of bitterness from the coffee at the base of his tongue, but it was quickly covered by the rich fragrance of the alcohol, bringing with it the spicy taste of the baijiu.


    In just a few seconds, he had tasted all the sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy elements. His expression froze and he swallowed his saliva in disbelief.


    Seeing his expression, Zhang Rong also became nervous.


    Could the rumors be true?


    ¡°How is it? Did you taste it?¡± Zhang Rong finally could not help but ask when he saw that Bai Xiao did not move for a long time.


    Bai Xiao put down the remaining half of the glass of alcohol, pinched an apple from the fruit plate, and stuffed it into his mouth.


    It was a little sweet, but he soon couldn¡¯t taste it.


    Bai Xiao took another sip of alcohol. As soon as he swallowed the alcohol, he stuffed another piece of cantaloupe into his mouth.


    This time, he really tasted the clear sweetness of the fruit. However, as the fragrance of the alcohol disappeared from his mouth, his taste buds also disappeared.


    ¡°Go and invite that bartender over!¡± Bai Xiao stood up and asked the waiter to invite Fox over.


    The waiter returned quickly with a reply, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. Fox has left. She won¡¯t be coming back this week.¡±


    At this moment, Hu Ke had returned to the fourth floor of 1943. It was Wen Huai¡¯s house. It was a large flat and had a guest room specially reserved for Hu Ke during the renovation.


    Hu Ke changed into her pajamas and lay on the soft bed.


    She was really too tired and soon fell asleep.

 Chapter 12

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Hu Ke fell asleep peacefully, but Bai Xiao could not sleep at all.


    He went to look for Wen Huai and made a request to meet the bartender. However, Wen Huai rejected him on the grounds that he had no right to interfere with the freedom of others.


    In the end, Bai Xiao applied for a five million yuan card before he was considered to be the VIP of the year. Wen Huai¡¯s eyes were about to disappear from laughter. She expressed that he would definitely contact Bai Xiao the next time the bartender came and give him a special cocktail every month.


    Zhang Rong looked at the card in Bai Xiao¡¯s hand enviously and said slowly, ¡°Young Master Bai, you really have a lot of face. This card is given out to people who are pleasing to the eye. I didn¡¯t expect you to buy it.¡±


    Bai Xiao was in a good mood after receiving his card. He stood up, tidied up his clothes, and prepared to go home. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can save the damsel in distress next time. Then, you can get it.¡±


    Hu Ke spent a day and a night peacefully in 1943. She felt that this was not a bad way to live. She planned to tell Wen Huai that she would stay here for a while longer. Unexpectedly, she received a message from Hu Lai just after dinner.


    [Where are you? Come back and pack your things and bring them to the Bai family! Don¡¯t let Bai Xiao complain about you not coming home at night again!]


    Hu Ke let out a long sigh. She was really confused. What was going on in Bai Xiao¡¯s mind?


    He was the one who told her to get lost, and he was also the one who complained to her brother. Fortunately, Bai Xiao was born into a wealthy family. If he was an ordinary person with such a personality, he would have been beaten to death countless times.


    Hu Ke went home and packed her things. In fact, she only had a few clothes and some small ornaments. In less than half an hour, she was done.


    Hu Lai crossed her arms and stood at the door to look at her. When she was about to leave, he suddenly instructed, ¡°Use your methods to please Bai Xiao in the Bai family and strive to maximize the benefits you can bring. Don¡¯t stand there like a block of wood every day.¡±


    Ever since Hu Ke saw Hu Lai¡¯s true appearance, she had not given him a good look. When she heard him say this, she ignored him and rolled her eyes before getting into the car and heading towards Bai Xiao¡¯s house.


    She saw Hu Lai stomping his feet in anger and helplessness in the rearview mirror and smiled. Suddenly, she thought of a sentence: I like it when you can¡¯t stand me but can¡¯t kill me.


    Just like that, Hu Ke started a life of minding her own business with Bai Xiao around.


    Every day, Hu Ke would arrange flowers and draw, and from time to time, she would go to 1943 to take a look. Her coffee alcohol had been developed, and Wen Huai praised it after tasting it. It was also very popular in the bar after it went on the market.


    Bian Fang realized that Hu Ke was like a small animal that was easy to raise. She was not picky about food, but she did not eat much. Thinking that Hu Ke was still pregnant, Bian Fang finally could not help but tell Bai Xiao about this.


    Bai Xiao was so busy every day that he was elusive. He did not look like the CEO of a listed company at all. Instead, he looked like a tragic worker. In fact, Bai Xiao knew very well that he was avoiding all possible contact with Hu Ke.


    Ever since he found out that Hu Ke was mute at the bar, Bai Xiao had asked his assistant to help him investigate.


    The conclusion was that Hu Ke¡¯s congenital vocal cords had been damaged and she had been unable to speak since she was young.


    Bai Xiao recalled how he had mocked Hu Ke for being mute many times. For a moment, he had mixed feelings. He could not bring himself to apologize to Hu Ke, so he simply hid away.


    When Bian Fang told him that Hu Ke was pregnant but could not eat much, Bai Xiao was still in a daze.


    He suddenly realized that he had not seen Hu Ke for a week. Bai Xiao pursed his lips and looked at the time. He called his assistant and asked him to make an appointment for the next day¡¯s pregnancy test.


    Take it as a little compensation, Bai Xiao comforted himself.


    Hu Ke woke up at nine in the morning every day. After washing up, she went downstairs for breakfast and was surprised to see Bai Xiao drinking coffee with a newspaper.


    Hu Ke stopped in her tracks, not knowing if she should go over.


    Bai Xiao seemed to have sensed something. He looked up and met Hu Ke¡¯s gaze. He put down the cup and glanced at his watch. ¡°Go change your clothes and follow me to the hospital for a prenatal checkup.¡±


    Hearing him say this, Hu Ke remembered that she had been pregnant for more than a month, but she had yet to go to the hospital for a checkup.


    It seemed that Bai Xiao had already arranged everything, so she did not reject him anymore. She had just woken up and had not eaten breakfast, so it did not take long for her to take a blood test.


    The two of them tidied up and were about to leave when Bian Fang chased after them and stuffed a bottle of milk and a sandwich into Hu Ke¡¯s hands. She said with a smile, ¡°There¡¯s a lot of blood drawn during the pregnancy test. You can eat after the checkup. Otherwise, you¡¯ll easily have low blood sugar.¡±


    After interacting with her for the past few days, Bian Fang¡¯s impression of Hu Ke had changed greatly. She began to gradually like this strong and sensible girl, not to mention that she was pregnant.


    Bai Xiao looked at her actions and did not say anything. He only reminded Hu Ke to fasten her seatbelt after getting into the car.

 Chapter 13

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Due to Bai Xiao¡¯s advance appointment, the pregnancy test went very smoothly. However, there was a small mistake during the blood drawing.


    Hu Ke and Bai Xiao did not expect to have to draw 13 tubes of blood for a pregnancy test!


    When Hu Ke drew the eighth tube, she swayed and looked like he was about to faint. When she finished drawing all the tubes, she did not even have the strength to stand up.


    Bai Xiao looked at Hu Ke¡¯s pale face and couldn¡¯t bear to help her. He took out the food Bian Fang had prepared for Hu Ke to eat bit by bit.


    After finishing the bottle of milk, Hu Ke¡¯s face finally regained some color.


    She sat up and leaned against the bench. She gestured to Bai Xiao weakly. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    It took almost the entire morning to complete all the examinations. The doctor analyzed the reports one by one for Bai Xiao and instructed him to replenish Hu Ke¡¯s blood in the future. She was a little anemic and had to eat more.


    The fetus was actually parasitic on the mother¡¯s body. It relied on absorbing the nutrients of the mother to develop. If Hu Ke only ate a little in the future, it might be very troublesome to give birth in the future.


    Bai Xiao memorized it bit by bit. He glanced at Hu Ke, who was eating on the bench, and then at her flat stomach. He sighed.


    It was really troublesome to nurture a small life.


    After leaving the hospital, Bai Xiao planned to go to the company. He asked the driver to send Hu Ke back.


    As the two of them walked towards the parking lot, they suddenly heard a sharp cry behind them.


    ¡°Brother Bai, are you really married to her?¡±


    Bai Xiao and Hu Ke subconsciously turned around and saw a young girl crying. She ran over and hugged Bai Xiao¡¯s arm.


    Bai Xiao frowned and could not help but scold softly, ¡°Shu Xue, let go!¡±


    Shu Xue and Bai Xiao met in junior high school. At that time, Shu Xue fell in love with Bai Xiao at first sight and started a long pursuit.


    However, it was a pity that Bai Xiao had no interest in love since he was young. Shu Xue¡¯s love was more like a burden to him.


    After tactfully rejecting him many times, Bai Xiao finally graduated from junior high school. He chose to study at the No. 1 Private High School. Not only did that school need their students to be from a rich family background, but they also had to be in the top 100 of the province¡¯s exams.


    He entered No.1 Private High School as he wished, but Shu Xue could only go to No.4 High School.


    However, Shu Xue was not discouraged. She said that Bai Xiao would marry her in the future and that no girl in No.1 Private High School was allowed to get close to Bai Xiao. Otherwise, she would teach her a lesson.


    Most of the students in No.1 Private High School were raised as the heirs of their families. They could only study every day, let alone have the intention to fall in love. When most people heard Shu Xue¡¯s words, they mocked her, but not many people harassed Bai Xiao.


    Just like that, Shu Xue stubbornly believed that she would definitely marry Bai Xiao in the future. Who would have thought that Hu Ke would appear halfway?


    When Shu Xue found out that Bai Xiao was getting married, she seemed to have lost her soul. When her family saw that she was really uncomfortable, they sent her to the hospital for psychological treatment. In the end, she met Bai Xiao and Hu Ke as soon as she arrived. Before they could hold her back, Shu Xue ran away.


    At this moment, Shu Xue¡¯s eyes were red and her hair was messy. She did not look like a rich lady at all. She was simply a lunatic.


    She ignored the threat in Bai Xiao¡¯s tone and still held his hand tightly as she begged, ¡°Brother Bai, can you divorce her? Marry me! I¡¯m the most compatible person with you.¡±


    Bai Xiao coldly shook her off. Shu Xue¡¯s bodyguards had also rushed over. They did not dare to forcefully pull Shu Xue away, so they could only stand beside her and persuade her to leave with them.


    Shu Xue wanted to continue pulling Bai Xiao, but Bai Xiao dodged her. He looked at Shu Yu, who was late, and said, ¡°Take care of your sister. She¡¯s been pestering me for too long. She¡¯s already annoying me. If there¡¯s a next time, you can go to the police station to get her.¡±


    Shu Yu nodded repeatedly and pulled Shu Xue towards the hospital.


    Bai Xiao no longer cared about this farce and led Hu Ke towards the car.


    Shu Xue looked at Hu Ke, who was following behind Bai Xiao, with a vicious expression.


    She did not know why Bai Xiao suddenly wanted to get married, but it must be related to this woman.


    Watching the two of them slowly walk away, Shu Xue suddenly broke free from Shu Yu and rushed up to push Hu Ke fiercely. She shouted, ¡°Go to hell, b*tch! You were the one who seduced Brother Bai!¡±

 Chapter 14

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Shu Xue¡¯s actions were too sudden. Hu Ke could not dodge in time and was about to fall to the ground.


    She subconsciously covered her lower abdomen with her hand, thinking that she must not let the baby get hurt. However, Bai Xiao¡¯s reaction was faster than hers. He grabbed Hu Ke¡¯s arm and pulled her up forcefully before walking towards Shu Xue.


    Shu Xue was trembling abnormally, and she looked crazy.


    Seeing Bai Xiao walking towards her, she suddenly laughed and reached out to hug him.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s face was filled with disgust. He looked at her and said, ¡°You¡¯d better not appear in front of me.¡±


    Shu Yu ran over with her bodyguards and heard Bai Xiao¡¯s emotionless words.


    Shu Yu instantly broke out in cold sweat. He pulled Shu Xue behind him and let the bodyguards catch her. Then, he bowed deeply to Hu Ke and Bai Xiao.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I didn¡¯t take good care of my sister and frightened the two of you. Mr. Bai knows my contact information. If you need to check or have any problems later, please contact me. I¡¯m willing to bear this responsibility.¡±


    Bai Xiao did not answer him and left with Hu Ke.


    Shu Xue looked at his back as he shouted Bai Xiao¡¯s name.


    The driver sent Hu Ke home, and Bai Xiao took a taxi to the company. The two of them separated just like that.


    Hu Ke touched his lower abdomen with lingering fear.


    She did not expect Shu Xue to be so crazy.


    After returning home, Bian Fang welcomed her. On the way, Bai Xiao sent her a message, asking her to make more food to replenish her blood. He also hired a nutritionist to arrange food for Hu Ke every day and asked Bian Fang to record if Hu Ke had eaten well.


    Hu Ke¡¯s health was not important. What was important was to protect the child and make Grandpa happier.


    Hu Ke had also heard what the doctor had said in the hospital. She forced herself to eat more and returned to her room.


    Over the past few days, she had also done a summary of her assets. She had 7.5 million yuan in cash on hand. Wen Huai had given her 2.5 million yuan a few days ago. She said that Bai Xiao had specially applied for an annual card to meet the bartender. They would split the 5 million yuan each.


    Hu Ke calculated in her heart and contacted Wen Huai to ask her to help see if there was a suitable house for her to move into. She would leave the Bai family after giving birth. It would only take a year. She had to leave a way out for herself as soon as possible.


    After she was done, Hu Ke turned on her computer. She did not know where Bai Xiao had thrown the handwritten divorce agreement. She was prepared to write a new one and send it to Bai Xiao.


    These days, the two of them had indeed less friction and conflict, but when Hu Ke thought of what Bai Xiao had said that night, she felt disappointed. She had to settle this matter as soon as possible to avoid being gossiped about.


    She still had to think of a way to save some money. Her brother had received ten million yuan from the Bai family as a betrothal gift. When the time comes, the divorce might be repaid. Hu Lai definitely could not take it out. She had to be fully prepared in case the Bai family used this as a threat to make her do something else.


    Hu Ke typed on the keyboard and wrote the agreement. Bai Xiao suddenly sneezed. The assistant beside him immediately turned up the temperature of the air conditioner and gave Bai Xiao a cup of hot water.


    Bai Xiao rubbed his nose. He felt that someone was talking bad about him.


    This was the first time that Hu Ke had been drained of so much blood. After resting at home for a few days, she finally recovered, so she started visiting 1943 again.


    As soon as Wen Huai saw her, she showed her the house he had found. It was not considered the city center, but the surrounding transport was convenient. It was a small bungalow with a total of three floors and a garden and garage. The intermediary had offered seven million yuan, which was exactly the price that Hu Ke could accept.


    Hu Ke nodded in agreement. Wen Huai helped her sign the contract tomorrow, and Hu Ke heaved a sigh of relief.


    Bai Xiao finished his work for the day. As soon as he turned on his phone, he received a message from 1943.


    [Hello, Mr. Bai. Fox is coming to the shop tonight. Do you need a private room prepared for you?]


    Bai Xiao paused for a moment and asked the driver to drive to 1943. After replying, he did not forget to tell Bian Fang that he would not be going back tonight and asked her to take good care of Hu Ke¡¯s food.


    Soon, he received Bian Fang¡¯s answer.


    [Okay, Young Master, but Madam went out in the afternoon and hasn¡¯t returned yet.]

 Chapter 15

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    She hadn¡¯t come back since she left the house in the afternoon? Where could a pregnant woman like her go?


    Bai Xiao looked at the reply on his phone and narrowed his eyes. He wanted to send a message to Hu Ke to ask where she was, but he realized that they had not exchanged contact information until now.


    Bai Xiao replied to Bian Fang in frustration, [I understand.] Then, he put down his phone.


    He hesitated for a long time, but in the end, he didn¡¯t ask Bian Fang if she had Hu Ke¡¯s contact information. Compared to his wife, who had mysteriously appeared, he hoped to see Fox today and ask if she could specially serve him.


    When Bai Xiao arrived at the bar, a waiter immediately came to receive him.


    Someone who had an annual membership in 1943 was also a key client.


    Bai Xiao was led to his seat. As soon as he sat down, someone handed him a drink list. On it were the drinks that Fox would make today. He could choose one on it.


    Bai Xiao casually pointed at Gimlet. He remembered that this alcohol best displayed the fragrance of gin. After hesitating for a moment, he asked the waiter if he could add another cup of coffee alcohol.


    The waiter smiled and said that Gimlet could be made by Fox, but the coffee alcohol could only made by other bartenders. Fox¡¯s rules could not be broken.


    Bai Xiao agreed.


    He wanted to experiment once. Was it only the alcohol made by Fox that could treat his taste buds, or was it just the coffee-flavored alcohol?


    The two glasses of alcohol he ordered were quickly delivered to him. At the same time, there was also a snack and fruit plate. Bai Xiao hesitated for a moment and chose to try the coffee alcohol first.


    The color was the same as the last time he drank it. Bai Xiao drank it in one gulp and realized that he did not taste the taste of the alcohol.


    He took a piece of watermelon and placed it in his mouth. Other than the full juice, he did not taste any sweetness.


    Could it be that only Fox¡¯s alcohol was useful?


    Bai Xiao picked up the glass of Gimlet. The opaque alcohol swayed slightly in the glass, emitting a faint fragrance.


    Bai Xiao took a sip cautiously. In the next second, the fragrance of the golden alcohol filled his entire mouth.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s eyes lit up. He quickly put another piece of watermelon in his mouth and began to count how long his taste buds could last.


    Five seconds later, the fruit in his mouth became tasteless.


    Bai Xiao picked up the cup. This time, he drank half as much as the first sip. His sense of taste lasted for almost ten seconds.


    Bai Xiao made up his mind and drank the remaining two-thirds of the alcohol in one gulp. This time, his sense of taste lasted for almost two minutes.


    Bai Xiao looked at the numbers he had recorded and his hands trembled slightly.


    A cup of 50 milliliters of alcohol could maintain his sense of taste for about two to three minutes. If he could ask Fox to mix the alcohol for him and drink a little before every meal, would he be able to enjoy the complete meal?


    Bai Xiao left the private room and expressed to the waiter that he wanted to see their boss.


    The waiter helped him convey the message to Wen Huai. After receiving a reply, he brought Bai Xiao to the back of the bar.


    After leaving the dance floor and the bar, the space seemed exceptionally quiet. Bai Xiao sized up the surrounding decorations.


    Van Gogh¡¯s ¡°Sunflower¡± and Monet¡¯s ¡°Sunrise¡± were two imitation paintings that hung most prominently on the wall. The rest were oil paintings.


    The surrounding wallpaper was also different from the front hall. It was no longer a black absorbent color. Instead, it was an elegant Morandi color palette.


    The wall lights shone softly. If not for the DJ music coming from the front hall, Bai Xiao would have thought that he was watching an art exhibition.


    The office was on the fourth floor. The waiter brought Bai Xiao to the elevator. The moment the elevator door closed, Bai Xiao saw a very familiar figure. It was Hu Ke!


    When Bai Xiao left, he remembered the fire control map. It seemed like she was heading towards the warehouse.


    Bai Xiao frowned unhappily. Hu Ke looked gentle and quiet, but why was he so familiar with the bar¡¯s environment in private?


    Didn¡¯t the information his assistant gave him say that she was the eldest daughter who had been protected by the Hu family for more than 20 years?


    However, it made sense. If she was really so innocent, she would not have crawled into his bed back then. Now, she would not have his child in her stomach. When he thought of how he had been schemed against, Bai Xiao¡¯s expression turned cold.

 Chapter 16

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    He did not have the time to find out where Hu Ke was going. He only wanted to see Wen Huai and ask if she could introduce the bartender to him.


    The elevator rose very quickly. The waiter led Bai Xiao to the office door and bade farewell.


    Wen Huai was looking at the account book inside, calculating the profits from the last month.


    ¡°Boss Wen.¡± Bai Xiao greeted Wen Huai and sat on the chair opposite her, looking around at the decorations.


    It had to be said that Wen Huai¡¯s aesthetic taste was very good. The office was filled with an artistic aura.


    Wen Huai wrote a few words in the account book and raised his head. ¡°Mr. Bai, why did you call me here?¡±


    ¡°I would like to ask you to help me get in touch with Fox. I want to get to know her.¡± Bai Xiao smiled at Wen Huai and handed him a card. ¡°This is a thank-you gift.¡±


    Wen Huai was already good at dealing with such matters. When she first became famous in 1943, many people wanted Hu Ke¡¯s contact information, but she would show some resistance in this aspect.


    According to Hu Ke, the more people owned an item, the less valuable it would be. Wen Huai felt the same way, so she rejected many people.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Bai. Previously, many people also wanted Fox¡¯s contact information, but after asking Fox¡¯s thoughts, we decided to keep it a secret for him. Moreover, Fox is a cute young lady.¡± Wen Huai smiled politely at Bai Xiao.


    ¡°Boss Wen really respects her employees.¡± Bai Xiao was a little surprised.


    Logically speaking, if he wanted something, someone would send it over with a wave of his hand. However, he did not expect Wen Huai to be willing to protect an employee and not be afraid of offending him at all.


    ¡°After all, she¡¯s my signature money tree. Offending her won¡¯t do me any good.¡± Wen Huai was not afraid of Bai Xiao at all and smiled as he spoke to him.


    ¡°Boss Wen, if I remember correctly, you¡¯re busy dealing with the government, right? 1943 is indeed a good bar. It would be a pity if it was destroyed.¡± Bai Xiao pretended to sigh, but his words carried a threat.


    When Wen Huai heard him say this, she was almost angered to death. This President Xiao Bai was indeed as cold and heartless as the rumors said.


    Wen Huai did not intend to treat him with courtesy. She sneered and said, ¡°Then CEO Bai has really put in a lot of effort to torment me. Do as you please. I¡¯m upright and not afraid of shadows. You can investigate 1943 as much as you please! However, I¡¯ll say this first. It¡¯s not good for both of us if you want to fight to the death. Your five million yuan will be returned when the time comes. Whether you can still drink Fox¡¯s alcohol in the future depends on her mood!¡±


    Wen Huai forced herself to finish speaking. Her legs under the table were trembling so much that they were about to cramp.


    Hu Ke, Hu Ke, I¡¯m really your biological sister. Wen Huai smiled bitterly in his heart.


    ¡°Then I hope Boss Wen won¡¯t regret it in the future.¡± Bai Xiao had a smile on his face, but the smile did not reach his eyes.


    He looked at the bill that Wen Huai had made, got up, and walked out. He also called someone to investigate Fox¡¯s identity.


    At that time, the bartender competition had lasted for three days. He did not believe that no one had seen Fox¡¯s true colors.


    There was a young lady standing outside the office. She was probably afraid that he would not be able to find his way back, so she specially came over. Bai Xiao found it funny. This Boss Wen knew how to talk in front of outsiders, but what was the use?


    When the young lady heard Bai Xiao¡¯s call, she did not say a word and only quickened her pace to lead the way. Her intuition told her that this gentleman had a bad temper and did not want to cause trouble.


    Since he didn¡¯t get Fox¡¯s contact information, there was naturally no need for him to stay in the bar.


    After paying the bill, Bai Xiao drove home. What he did not expect was that someone would come back later than him!


    Hu Ke was busy developing new alcohol in the warehouse.


    Now young people are not satisfied with classical mixing. They want more.


    Hu Ke found out about the bar next door. The new mixing method was already being developed, and she had to think about how she could get better at innovation. In the end, she lost track of time when she was busy. By the time she felt tired, it was already 9:30 p.m.


    Hu Ke asked Wen Huai to send her back.


    Ever since she got pregnant, Hu Ke realized that she was becoming more and more sleepy. At first, she could stay up all night, but now, she started to feel sleepy before ten o¡¯clock.

 Chapter 17

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    After Wen Huai sent her back safely, he could not help but nag, ¡°Xiao Ke, look at you. How do you look like a young girl in your twenties? Do you have to go to bed so early?¡±


    Hu Ke waved her hand and said goodbye to Wen Huai.


    Yawning, she let herself into the house. She was so sleepy, all she wanted to do was go to bed.


    However, just as she walked around the screen to the living room, she saw Bai Xiao sitting on the sofa with a dark expression.


    Hu Ke stopped yawning. She suddenly had the strange illusion that she was like a husband who had been caught by her wife when she came home from fooling around outside.


    ¡°What time is it now?¡± Bai Xiao asked coldly.


    When he returned home and found that Hu Ke was not around, he suddenly remembered that he had seen her at the bar. He originally only wanted to wait for Hu Ke to come back and talk to her about this problem, but he did not expect to wait for three hours.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget your identity. You¡¯re completely dependent on the child now. If this child is aborted, you don¡¯t have to stay in the Bai family anymore!¡±


    At first, Bai Xiao just wanted to talk to Hu Ke calmly about her health. However, when he smelled the alcohol on Hu Ke¡¯s body, Bai Xiao felt inexplicably frustrated and could not help but complain.


    Hu Ke¡¯s face was filled with confusion. He did not know what Bai Xiao was up to again.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite bold for a pregnant woman to go to the bar every day. Are you already looking for a new home for yourself in ten months?¡± Bai Xiao could not help but mock Hu Ke, but Hu Ke seemed to be used to his words. She nodded perfunctorily and was about to go upstairs.


    What was there to argue about with a narcissistic lunatic?


    Bai Xiao looked at her attitude. It was as if he had punched cotton. He had nowhere to vent his anger. He picked up the document he had printed and threw it into Hu Ke¡¯s arms.


    ¡°I¡¯ve added a little detail to your agreement. If you think it¡¯s fine, sign it.¡±


    Hu Ke nodded perfunctorily and walked upstairs with the agreement. She was really tired and just wanted to sleep.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think you don¡¯t have to sign it just because you¡¯re running away!¡±


    Hu Ke took out her phone and typed: [I¡¯ll read it tomorrow. I¡¯m so tired today. I want to sleep.]


    Bai Xiao looked at her speechlessly, feeling that Hu Ke was mocking him.


    But Hu Ke did not care so much. After washing up, she crawled into the warm bed.


    When Hu Ke woke up the next day, Bai Xiao had already gone to the company. Hu Ke stretched lazily before getting out of bed to wash up and eat.


    She had arranged to meet the agent to look at the house this afternoon. Other than that, she had nothing else to do and could rest at home in peace.


    Her three meals a day were now strictly planned according to the standards given by the nutritionist. There had to be meat, egg and milk for breakfast, as well as vegetables and fruits. There was a small additional meal at ten in the morning and three in the afternoon every day.


    Hu Ke looked at her increasingly round face in the mirror and sighed.


    This couldn¡¯t go on. She had to register for a fitness class.


    After breakfast, she was pulled by Bian Fang to walk around the small garden a few times to digest her food. When all of this was over, she returned to her room to do her own things.


    She turned on her computer to record the mixing recipe she had prepared yesterday. From the corner of her eye, she saw the contract beside her.


    She was sleeping so soundly that she forgot about this.


    Hu Ke carefully checked the contents of the contract. Bai Xiao said that he had only changed it a little, but in fact, he had changed it a lot.


    Hu Ke had thought of countless agreements, but he did not expect it to be like this.


    To put it simply, from the effective date onwards, their financial relationship would be zero. Bai Xiao would not recover the betrothal gift from before. Every month, he would give her 100,000 yuan for her clothes, food, accommodation, and living expenses after the divorce. The only condition was that the child would belong to Bai Xiao.


    Not only did Bai Xiao not gain any benefits from this marriage, but he would lose at least 11 million yuan.


    Hu Ke could not figure out why Bai Xiao would offer such conditions. Could it really be for a child?


    At this moment, Bai Xiao, who was sitting in the conference room, explained patiently to Yu Wei over the phone, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not crazy. I¡¯m doing this once and for all. It¡¯s better to be clear it in one go than to be targeted in the future.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Bai Xiao hung up the phone and pinched his eyebrows tiredly.


    He had actually considered getting a lawyer to draft the agreement that Hu Ke had written, but some time ago, he had gone to the hospital to see his grandfather¡­


    ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m here to see you. How have you been recently?¡± Bai Xiao put down the snacks in his hand. He had specially gone to Nancheng to buy them. They were the old man¡¯s favorite.


    When Bai Zheng saw that his grandson had arrived, he could not help but smile until his eyes curved.


    He gestured for Bai Xiao to sit on the chair beside him. ¡°When is your wedding with that girl scheduled?¡±


    Bai Xiao paused for a moment. Then, he pretended that nothing had happened and poured a glass of water for the old man so that he could drink it while eating snacks.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been decided yet.¡± Bai Xiao answered this question in a low voice. He and Hu Ke had been forced to marry. It was a humiliation to him and his family.


    Bai Xiao had gotten the marriage certificate to ensure that the old man was at ease, but he still wanted to give up the idea of marriage.


    He believed that his once-in-a-lifetime marriage should only be given to the person he loved, or someone who was beneficial to his family. At least, not Hu Ke.


    How could Bai Zheng not understand his thoughts? The situation at that time was too chaotic, and he was too excited. When he calmed down and thought about it again, he realized that Bai Xiao¡¯s marriage could be said to be a complete tragedy.


    Bai Zheng sighed and chose to skip the topic.


    ¡°Then bring that girl over in a few days for me to take a look too. It was too messy last time. I didn¡¯t even see her clearly.¡±


    Bai Xiao agreed and said a few more words to the old man. Then, the old man started talking about his youth.


    ¡°At that time, our marriage was decided by our parents. The matchmaker said that before your grandmother and I got married, we barely knew each other. After we got married, I had complaints and didn¡¯t treat your grandmother well. I always felt that she had designs on me. Now that I think about it, I was really a bastard at that time. A woman couldn¡¯t resist her family and followed me. In the end, I still treated her like that. If word got out, it would be disappointing¡­¡±


    Bai Xiao¡¯s consciousness gradually became distracted by Bai Zheng¡¯s words. He could not help but relate to his grandmother and grandfather¡¯s story and think about him and Hu Ke.


    In order to let his grandfather stay by his side for a longer period of time, he married Hu Ke. Now that he thought about it, he was also bound by invisible shackles.


    However, his grandmother was different from Hu Ke. His grandmother was forced by her family, but Hu Ke chose this path herself.


    ¡°Be good to her. Even if the two of you can¡¯t go on for a long time in the future, it can still be a good relationship.¡± Bai Zheng did not notice that Bai Xiao was distracted and was still persuading him.


    Bai Xiao came back to his senses and gave a faint ¡°hmm¡± before helping the old man adjust the bed to a comfortable height.


    ¡°Grandpa, rest early. I still have something to do at the company. I¡¯ll take her to see you in a few days.¡±


    Bai Xiao sat back in the car. After some hesitation, he returned to the company and asked his assistant to contact the law firm he was working with to draft a new contract.


    Let¡¯s just treat it as¡­ forming a good relationship!


    Bai Xiao shook his head, trying to throw these things to the back of his mind.


    For the past two days, not only had he been busy with the company, but he had also been worried about Hu Ke¡¯s nutrition. The quality of his sleep was getting worse and worse. He had been suffering from insomnia for a few days. Thinking about the wedding made his head hurt even more.


    Bai Xiao pinched the space between his eyebrows and opened the communication software on his phone. He sent a message: [Hello, I want to make an appointment for psychological treatment in three days.]


    In order to go to the psychotherapist¡¯s side earlier, Bai Xiao had already settled his official business. When he finally sat down on the recliner, Bai Xiao¡¯s head was already numb from the pain.


    ¡®If only I could dig out my brain and rest alone,¡¯ Bai Xiao thought numbly.


    The therapist was already used to his situation. He lit up the sleeping incense and began to hypnotize him. Soon, there was only the sound of relaxed breathing and soft music in the room.


    When Bai Xiao woke up, it was already six in the afternoon.


    Bai Xiao did a rough calculation. He had slept for more than five hours. Although he did not sleep well and kept having strange dreams, he was already satisfied.

 Chapter 19

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Ever since Bai Zheng found out about the myocardial infarction, Bai Xiao had not been able to sleep well after taking over the company. Bai Xiao¡¯s grandmother passed away when he was five or six years old. His grandparents had also passed away early. In the early years, his parents were busy taking care of the family matters. The small Bai Xiao only had his grandfather to accompany him. To Bai Xiao, the old man was no longer just his ¡®grandfather¡¯, but his childhood.


    Bai Xiao still remembered how Bai Zheng felt when he was first notified of his critical illness. At that time, Bai Xiao felt that the sky had collapsed.


    At that time, Bai Xiao was only nineteen years old. He ran to a temple near the hospital and knelt for an entire night, hoping that God could hear his feelings and let his grandfather be fine. He was willing to exchange everything.


    Perhaps it was his sincerity that touched the heavens, but Bai Zheng survived in the end. Sadly, every since, his health had never been good.


    It was also at that time that Bai Xiao developed the problem of anxiety. Moreover, when Bai Zheng¡¯s body had problems, it would become more and more serious, eventually leading to insomnia.


    Bai Xiao did not tell anyone about this problem. He only made an appointment with the psychiatrist when he could not hold on anymore and slept there for a while.


    After the treatment today, Bai Xiao thanked her as usual and chose to go home.


    He would go back and see if Hu Ke had signed the agreement. At the same time, he would pick on her.


    Hu Ke did not know what Bai Xiao was thinking. The two of them did not have any contact information, and they were as distant as roommates who lived together.


    Hu Ke and Bian Fang were taking out the cake that they had just made. Perhaps Hu Ke had been exercising too much these few days and felt tired. After the family doctor checked her, he said that the fetus was a little unstable and prescribed two sets of pregnancy stabilizing medicine for Hu Ke.


    Bian Fang also became nervous. She was most afraid that something would happen to Hu Ke, so she also increased her supervision of her. Other than putting on clothes and sleeping, she almost never left Hu Ke¡¯s side.


    Hu Ke¡¯s cell phone and computer were both limited, saying that radiation was bad for the child.


    The moment Bai Xiao entered, he suspected that he had entered the wrong house. He even specially retreated to take a closer look at the villa number. It was indeed his house, but the layout had completely changed.


    The black, white, and gray minimalist decorations were now shrouded in orange light, adding some warmth for no reason.


    In addition to the fragrance of the food, there was also the sweet taste of butter and cream in the house. There was even some background music. It was Bach¡¯s The Well-Tempered Clavier.


    Bai Xiao vaguely remembered that the doctor said Bach was good as prenatal music.


    Hu Ke was still busy preparing the cake in the small kitchen when Bian Fang came out to pour her water. She happened to see Bai Xiao standing at the door.


    Bian Fang hurriedly put down the things in her hand and helped Bai Xiao take out his slippers to let him in.


    ¡°Young Master, you¡¯re already back. Why are you still standing at the door? I made your favorite crab meatball and beef soup tonight. Madam even baked a small cake herself. You can try it after dinner.¡±


    Bai Xiao was brought into the room numbly. He still could not believe that this was his home.


    Seeing that Bian Fang had not returned for so long, Hu Ke could not help but get up to check. Coincidentally, she met Bai Xiao¡¯s teasing and probing gaze.


    ¡°What kind of new trick is this?¡±


    Hu Ke¡¯s smile disappeared the moment he saw Bai Xiao.


    Bai Xiao watched as Hu Ke¡¯s expression disappeared bit by bit and felt inexplicably unhappy.


    What was wrong with this woman? It was already a huge concession for him to let her stay in his house. Not only did she not know how to be grateful, but she was also giving him attitude? Did he, Bai Xiao, look like a fool?


    Seeing that the atmosphere between the two of them was getting stranger and stranger, Bian Fang quickly came forward to smooth things over. ¡°Young Master, you must be tired after coming back, right? Go upstairs and change first. I¡¯ll scoop some rice and stir-fry some vegetables. Madam, don¡¯t stay in the kitchen anymore. The¡¯s a lot of smoke.¡±


    With Bian Fang giving them a way out, the two of them looked at each other and went to do their own things.


    Bian Fang smiled bitterly. These two people were really a perfect match. They were like children who needed to be coaxed.


    Bai Xiao went upstairs and returned to his room with a cold expression.


    Unlike the warm and lively outside, Bai Xiao¡¯s room was still cold and cheerless. There was no dim yellow light and no sweet smell of cakes. There was only cold white light and the fragrance of men¡¯s cologne.

 Chapter 20

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Bai Xiao suddenly felt weak as he sat in front of the table. He remembered that he had a small house like this before. At that time, his grandfather would bring him home after playing outside. His grandmother would stand at the door and welcome them with a smile.


    Bai Xiao looked at the renovation style of his room and suddenly felt the huge difference. He suddenly felt that his room was just a place to sleep. The outside world was the home he dreamed of.


    Bai Xiao changed into his house clothes and went downstairs. Hu Ke had already sat at the dining table and was drinking the chicken soup that Bian Fang had specially prepared for her.


    There were requirements for the food arranged by the nutritionist. However, if Hu Ke wanted to eat something else, she could also eat a little. It was important for pregnant women to maintain a good mood.


    Seeing that Bai Xiao was here, Hu Ke stopped drinking her soup for a moment, but she quickly continued eating.


    She was pregnant with the Bai family¡¯s child now. Even if Bai Xiao was unhappy with her, he could not torture her.


    These small actions did not escape Bai Xiao¡¯s eyes. He smiled secretly and sat down to eat.


    Bian Fang saw that the two of them were quite harmonious, so she went to do her own thing without worry.


    The two people at the dining table looked at each other in silence. It was considered harmonious.


    The change happened suddenly. After eating, Hu Ke was used to cleaning up the dishes herself. It was just a small exercise after dinner.


    After placing the things in the sink, she took two pieces of cake and was about to return to her room, but there was a piece of melted butter under her feet. It was left behind when she and Bian Fang made the cake, but no one noticed.


    Hu Ke¡¯s slippers did not have too many anti-slip patterns. The moment she stepped on the butter, her body slid out uncontrollably.


    After Bai Xiao was full, he got up and wanted to get two napkins, but he saw Hu Ke pounce on him.


    Bai Xiao, who could not dodge in time, was knocked to the ground by Hu Ke, and became a perfect human cushion.


    Hearing the commotion, Bian Fang hurriedly ran out to check. She was so frightened that her soul almost left her body. She hurriedly helped Hu Ke up and Bai Xiao up.


    Hu Ke was also shocked, but fortunately, the child in her stomach was fine.


    This time, she was careless. Just as she was about to apologize to Bai Xiao, she was stopped by the angry Bai Xiao.


    ¡°Your voice isn¡¯t good, and your brain isn¡¯t good either. Is your brain completely undeveloped? You can even fall when you walk!¡± Bai Xiao, who was used as a human cushion, held his waist that was hurting from the fall and flew into a rage. He didn¡¯t expect that he would suffer such a disaster just by standing up to take a napkin.


    Hu Ke typed to defend herself, but her typing speed could not compare to Bai Xiao¡¯s speed. ¡°Have you watched too many idol dramas? Do you fantasize about falling into someone else¡¯s arms a few more times to make them fall in love with you? What kind of seduction trick is this? You¡¯re a girl! Can you have more self-respect!¡±


    Bai Xiao was so angry that he started to speak without thinking.


    To think that he had previously thought that Hu Ke resembled his grandmother. Now, it seemed that he was gravely mistaken! A scheming woman like her was completely unworthy of being compared to his grandmother.


    Hu Ke finally finished typing patiently. She wanted to show it to Bai Xiao, but he knocked her phone down.


    Before Hu Ke could pick it up, he heard the robotic female voice begin to read the text emotionlessly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Bai. I wasn¡¯t paying attention and accidentally slipped. You¡¯re not injured, right? I¡¯m really sorry. Do you know how to speak? What do you mean by seducing people? Can you not be so narcissistic? Do you think all girls will like you? You¡¯re just a scumbag from a good family!¡±


    The emotionless female voice echoed in the dining room. Hu Ke and Bai Xiao looked at each other awkwardly.


    Bai Xiao did not expect Hu Ke to be so bold as to scold him. Hu Ke thought that perhaps she could choose to use this method when interacting with others in the future. It felt more convenient.


    The atmosphere was strangely quiet. Even Bian Fang stood at the door, not knowing what to say.


    Hearing the commotion, the nutritionist also ran over and tried to smooth things over. ¡°Everyone, please be tolerant of each other. Girls can¡¯t have too many emotional fluctuations during pregnancy, or it won¡¯t be good for the fetus. Please understand that your husband is too tired from working outside all day. Let¡¯s be gentle and think about the problem from each other¡¯s perspective.¡±

 Chapter 21

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Hearing that it would easily affect the fetus, the atmosphere between the two of them eased a little.


    Bai Xiao turned around and returned to his room. Hu Ke sat on the sofa and took deep breaths with the nutritionist to calm herself down.


    In the future, Bai Xiao and her would live separate lives!


    Previously, Bai Xiao dealt with the company¡¯s matters every day and left early in the morning and returned late at night. The two of them hardly saw each other. Those few days, Hu Ke lived happily.


    Initially, she thought that their relationship had eased and they could get along peacefully. She did not expect Bai Xiao to look for trouble the moment he returned.


    This time, Hu Ke was really angry. She held her stomach and rested on the sofa for a long time.


    Upstairs, Bai Xiao was also sitting on a chair and sulking. When he saw Hu Ke, he felt his brain fill with blood.


    Originally, when he was working in the company, he was already annoyed by the battle of wits and courage with the old foxes of the board of directors every day. When he came back, he even had to quarrel with Hu Ke.


    Bai Xiao felt that he needed to find a master to take a look at their birth characters and see if they were natural enemies.


    Hu Ke calmed herself down and went upstairs. These few days, Wen Huai had been busy dealing with the bar and urging her to get married. She was so anxious that he could not sleep.


    Hu Ke had learned how to mix incense at home, and the materials she had bought had arrived. She planned to make some calming incense for Wen Huai so that she could at least have a good sleep.


    White chrysanthemums, acacia flowers, sandalwood, lilacs¡­ Dozens of materials were placed in a small mortar by Hu Ke to grind. She then added essential oil to mold them into the shape of a small tower suitable for lighting.


    Hu Ke looked at the remaining incense and decided to light it for herself tonight.


    Hu Ke lit the incense and fell asleep not long after. Bai Xiao was still tossing and turning in the next room, unable to fall asleep.


    After a few rounds, Bai Xiao was annoyed. He went downstairs and sat on the sofa alone to sulk.


    The lack of sleep made him more and more frustrated. In front of his subordinates and family, he was still the cold and reliable CEO.


    However, every time he was alone in the dead of night, Bai Xiao felt that there was a high chance that he would turn into a wild beast. He was so frustrated that he only wanted to kill someone.


    Hu Ke suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. She got up and looked at her phone. It was past three in the morning. Hu Ke yawned and decided to go downstairs to drink some water before sleeping.


    The water dispenser was around the corner. The lights in the villa were not turned on, and only the small wall lamp on the stairs shone to ensure that the owner would not fall because he could not see the way clearly.


    Under the light, Hu Ke could vaguely see a figure sitting motionless on the sofa.


    Hu Ke became vigilant. Although she knew that the villa¡¯s security was very good, she was still afraid of an accident.


    She approached cautiously step by step. Before she could reach the sofa, the figure spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. Stay back.¡±


    It was Bai Xiao. Hu Ke heaved a sigh of relief and put down the porcelain cup in her hand.


    She originally thought that if it was a bad person, she would use this to hit him. Now that she realized that it was Bai Xiao, Hu Ke was relieved. She planned to turn around and get some water before going upstairs.


    Bai Xiao looked at Hu Ke¡¯s back and the redness in his eyes intensified.


    He opened the living room window in frustration. The cold wind in the middle of the night blew in with the fragrance of flowers, making Bai Xiao feel better.


    Hu Ke went upstairs. Thinking of the blood vessels and dark circles in Bai Xiao¡¯s eyes, he hesitated for a moment, took a small incense tower, lit it, and went downstairs.


    Bai Xiao was blown by the cold wind for a long time before he felt his anxious emotions calm down. He looked at the gradually rising light outside the window and decided to go back to bed for a while.


    It was one thing whether he could sleep or not, but the most important thing was to conserve his energy and prepare for today¡¯s meeting.


    Bai Xiao walked upstairs and saw Hu Ke walking down the stairs. She seemed to be holding something in her hand.


    ¡°Why are you walking around in the middle of the night instead of sleeping? Checking WeChat steps?¡± Bai Xiao¡¯s tone was very bad. He still had a grudge against Hu Ke and felt that nothing good would happen once she came.


    Hu Ke could not be bothered to explain to him. She stuffed the incense plate containing the small incense tower into Bai Xiao¡¯s arms and was about to leave.


    Anyway, Hu Ke had already written the things to take note of on the paper. It was up to Bai Xiao to read it.


    However, Bai Xiao clearly did not intend to let her off so easily. He placed the small incense plate on the table and pulled Hu Ke into his arms.

 Chapter 22

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Hu Ke¡¯s body was still tainted with the scent of calming incense. The sandalwood fragrance mixed with the fragrance of flowers and plants slowly calmed Bai Xiao¡¯s anxious heart.


    Bai Xiao raised his eyebrows. This woman actually changed her perfume to seduce him? He remembered that this was not the smell he smelled previously.


    ¡°What exactly do you want? Are you still dissatisfied that you¡¯re already pregnant and Mrs. Bai? Or are you so thirsty that you want to seduce me in the same way?¡±


    Bai Xiao restrained Hu Ke¡¯s movements tightly. He liked the smell on Hu Ke¡¯s body very much and even did not want to let her go.


    Hu Ke was like a little white rabbit caught in a wolf¡¯s mouth. Bai Xiao¡¯s words reminded her of the pain she had suffered that night. She did not want to experience it a second time.


    Moreover, the first three months of her pregnancy was a critical period. She did not want anything to happen to the child in her stomach because of this.


    ¡°Why are you struggling? Don¡¯t you think so?¡± Bai Xiao looked down at the struggling Hu Ke playfully.


    Seeing that she was powerless to resist, it became a stark contrast to her sinister and cunning heart, stirring up Bai Xiao¡¯s strange joy.


    Hu Ke felt that Bai Xiao, who was smiling sinisterly, looked like a pervert. It was not like he did not know that she could not speak, but he still liked to torture her in this way for fun.


    The incense tower on the dining table was still burning, and the smell of incense filled the air around them.


    Although Bai Xiao was still holding onto Hu Ke, the strength in his hand gradually decreased.


    Hu Ke found an opportunity and pushed Bai Xiao away. She looked at Bai Xiao with a cold face.


    Bai Xiao was pushed to the sofa by her. He felt his eyelids getting heavier and heavier, and his thoughts were getting more and more out of control.


    He looked at Hu Ke and suddenly wondered if this woman had drugged him.


    ¡°What¡­ did you do to me¡­¡± Before Bai Xiao could finish speaking, he fell asleep. The last thing he saw before his consciousness disappeared was Hu Ke smiling smugly at him.


    Damn it, he had fallen into this woman¡¯s trap again!


    Hu Ke waited for Bai Xiao to fall asleep before sighing.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s pressure was really strong. His lower abdomen was still throbbing a little. Hu Ke touched her stomach comfortingly, trying to calm the baby down.


    She closed the window for Bai Xiao and hesitated for a moment before waking Bian Fang up. She asked her to find a blanket for Bai Xiao to prevent him from catching a cold.


    Before going upstairs, Hu Ke took a look at the burning situation of the incense tower. After making sure that it could burn before Bai Xiao woke up, she went upstairs to sleep.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he awake yet?¡±


    ¡°Keep your voice down. Let the young master sleep a little longer.¡±


    Bai Xiao was woken up by rustling. It had been a long time since he had slept so peacefully. Now that he woke up, he felt his entire body relax.


    Bai Xiao yawned and sat up. He looked at the clock hanging on the wall with sleepy eyes.


    After midnight, he slept peacefully for almost nine hours.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s chaotic mind gradually cleared up. He looked at the incense plate and a pile of ashes on the living room table and recalled the last look Hu Ke had given him yesterday.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s first reaction was to look at the clothes he was wearing.


    Very good. There were no signs of him being touched.


    After confirming that he was fine, Bai Xiao sat on the sofa and fell into deep thought as he looked at the ashes on the incense plate.


    The sudden drowsiness yesterday was because of the fragrance that Hu Ke gave him? Was it this?


    Seeing that Bai Xiao was awake, Bian Fang instructed the kitchen to make some food.


    Bai Xiao returned to his room to wash up. When he passed by Hu Ke¡¯s room, he stopped in his tracks and continued walking to his room.


    If it was really because of the incense, could he ask Hu Ke for more? Or buy some? He really yearned for a good night¡¯s sleep like yesterday.


    Sitting at the dining table, Bai Xiao realized that Hu Ke was not around. He asked Bian Fang, ¡°Where¡¯s Hu Ke?¡±


    Bian Fang was a bit surprised that her young master would ask about Hu Ke¡¯s whereabouts. After spending some time together, Bian Fang realized that these two were just faking a seemingly harmonious relationship, especially Bai Xiao, who didn¡¯t like Hu Ke at all. Now that he took the initiative to ask about Hu Ke¡¯s whereabouts, it was even more strange.

 Chapter 23

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Bian Fang hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully, ¡°Madam went out and said that she wanted to meet a friend.¡±


    When Bai Xiao heard her say this, he only frowned slightly and did not ask further.


    After lunch, Bai Xiao went to the office.


    It was rare for him to have a good sleep. He was in a very good mood for the entire day, and even treated his subordinates much more kindly.


    Hu Ke had already tidied up the incense tower in the morning. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to leave a portion for Bai Xiao.


    She took the portion that she had packed and went to the cafe that she had agreed to meet Wen Huai.


    ¡°Dear, you don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t been able to sleep for the past two days. My hair is almost gone.¡± When Wen Huai saw Hu Ke, she leaned over affectionately and hugged Hu Ke¡¯s arm.


    Hu Ke handed the thing in her hand to her and gestured in sign language.


    [This is the calming incense I made. It should be quite useful. The things to take note of when using it have been written on a small note. Take a look.]


    Wen Huai leaned over and kissed Hu Ke¡¯s face. ¡°I knew you were the best! You think of me all the time!¡±


    It was rare for the two of them not to go to the bar. After Wen Huai was done with her business, she planned to give her employees and herself a day off to rest.


    She and Hu Ke were chatting in the cafe and did not notice that someone was staring at them.


    Shu Xue sat in the corner of the cafe and stared at Hu Ke, who was smiling and communicating with Wen Huai.


    Ever since she had attacked Hu Ke, she had been forcefully brought to psychological treatment by Shu Yu.


    Today, she escaped when the bodyguards guarding her were not paying attention and happened to see Hu Ke walk into the coffee house.


    She followed Hu Ke in, ordered a glass of lemonade, and sat down, thinking about how to get rid of Hu Ke.


    If not for this woman, Brother Bai Xiao would have married her and they would have a happy and complete family. It would not be like now where she could only watch Bai Xiao from afar!


    When Bai Xiao was dealing with work, his right eye kept twitching. He pressed his eyelids and instructed his assistant, ¡°Arrange for a few people to find the woman I asked you to investigate previously.¡±


    The junior assistant hurriedly agreed and jogged to deal with this matter.


    The Bai family had specialized people in charge of collecting and searching for information. They quickly replied that they had already arranged for someone to follow up.


    Only then did Bai Xiao feel a little more at ease. He continued to watch the bidding for the land in South Bay.


    South Bay was a project that they had been eyeing for a long time. If they bought the right to use this land, they could open a resort hotel and a sanatorium.


    Once completed, the profits would be more than ten billion. Bai Xiao had been preparing for this piece of land for a long time. Now, he was just waiting for the auction.


    Bai Xiao verified the prepared information one by one, not daring to relax at all.


    Hu Ke and Wen Huai also stood up and walked out.


    Hu Ke sent Bian Fang a message, telling her that she was eating out with her friend today and wouldn¡¯t be coming home.


    Shu Xue, who was staring at Hu Ke¡¯s movements, also stood up and chased after her. She memorized Wen Huai¡¯s license plate number and drove after them.


    The restaurant that Wen Huai chose was a well-known grilled fish restaurant. She and Hu Ke chatted and laughed as they walked into the restaurant. Shu Xue looked at their backs and suddenly stepped on the accelerator, accelerating towards them.


    This was her last chance. She did not even need to kill Hu Ke. As long as Hu Ke had a miscarriage, she could be with Bai Xiao!


    Shu Xue, who was blinded by jealousy, did not think about the consequences and drove straight over.


    When Hu Ke and Wen Huai heard the screams of the passersby, they subconsciously turned around and saw a Land Rover rushing over. Behind the windshield was Shu Xue¡¯s distorted face.


    ¡°Go to hell!¡± Shu Xue roared.


    When Hu Ke saw the car rushing towards her, she felt his mind go blank.


    She stood rooted to the ground in a daze.


    At the critical moment, a black Land Rover rushed out from the side and knocked Shu Xue¡¯s car to the side.


    The few people who got out of the car made phone calls while controlling Shu Xue. There were also people who came to help Hu Ke and Wen Huai.


    The number of onlookers gradually increased. Seeing that there was no hope of killing Hu Ke, Shu Xue slumped in the driver¡¯s seat in despair.


    When Bai Xiao received the call from the bodyguard, he had just ended a meeting.

 Chapter 24

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    His expression became uglier and uglier as he listened to the report on the other end of the phone. As soon as he asked for the address, he immediately asked the driver to send him over.


    Along the way, Bai Xiao¡¯s face was cold. The driver did not dare to ask further. He could only drive at the speed limit and send Bai Xiao to the restaurant Hu Ke and Wen Huai had agreed on.


    As soon as Bai Xiao got out of the car, he saw Hu Ke, who was still in shock, and Shu Xue, who was pressed to the ground.


    Seeing him coming, Shu Xue immediately twisted on the ground and shouted, ¡°Brother Bai Xiao, save me!¡±


    Bai Xiao had already understood the situation from the bodyguard over the phone. At this moment, he looked down at Shu Xue on the ground and snorted. ¡°Wait for me to tell the police about this.¡±


    The police who arrived a little earlier than Bai Xiao had already completed the evidence collection.


    The dashcam in Shu Xue¡¯s car recorded everything clearly. There were also many people around who testified. With witnesses and evidence present, Shu Xue was quickly taken away by the police.


    When Bai Xiao walked in front of Hu Ke, Hu Ke seemed to have not recovered from the shock. Her hand was still protecting her lower abdomen, and she was in a daze. No one knew what she was thinking.


    Seeing her like this, Bai Xiao knew that she was frightened.


    Recalling the rare good sleep last night, Bai Xiao sighed and said in a rare calm voice, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the hospital for a checkup.¡±


    Hu Ke seemed to have returned to her senses after being called by him. She raised her head in a daze and met Bai Xiao¡¯s gaze.


    Bai Xiao thought that she did not hear him clearly. Just as he was about to repeat himself, he was caught off guard and hugged tightly by Hu Ke.


    Bai Xiao was stunned. Wen Huai and the surrounding bodyguards were also stunned.


    Bai Xiao subconsciously wanted to push Hu Ke away. His impression of Hu Ke was still stuck at the description of ¡®deeply scheming¡¯.


    Bai Xiao¡¯s first reaction was to avoid being hugged by someone he hated.


    However, before he could do anything, he felt a slightly cold liquid slowly slide down his neck. There were more and more of them.


    Hu Ke was crying.


    Realizing this, Bai Xiao paused. Other than the hotel bed where he and Hu Ke first met, Bai Xiao had never seen Hu Ke cry. Now that she suddenly cried, Bai Xiao was shocked.


    After hesitating for a while, Bai Xiao, who was about to push Hu Ke¡¯s hand away, slowly stroked her back and patted it to comfort her.


    Bai Xiao sighed and thought to himself, ¡®Let¡¯s just treat it as repaying the favor of that calming incense.¡¯


    After Hu Ke calmed down, she crawled out of Bai Xiao¡¯s arms in embarrassment and typed on her phone.


    [I¡¯m sorry, I lost my composure just now.]


    Bai Xiao shook his head, stood up, and walked out. ¡°If you can walk by yourself, follow me to the hospital to check if the child is alright.¡±


    Hu Ke nodded and took a few pieces of paper to wipe her tears. She stood up and was about to make a gesture to Wen Huai when Wen Huai stood up with a face full of disbelief.


    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant? When did you get pregnant? Who¡¯s the father? Are you married?¡±


    When Bai Xiao heard the commotion behind him, he stopped.


    He did not seem to intend to explain. He just crossed his arms and sized up the two people over there with interest.


    Hu Ke seemed to have remembered something and gasped.


    Ever since she got pregnant, she had never told Wen Huai that she was pregnant and had even registered her marriage!


    At this moment, Wen Huai was like an angry little beast. She bounced from the stool to Hu Ke and asked, ¡°Tell me! Am I still your best friend? Why did you hide it from me for so long? When did you get married? Who did you marry?¡±


    Before Hu Ke could explain, Wen Huai seemed to have remembered something and muttered to himself, ¡°That¡¯s not right. You know so few people. Why don¡¯t I know when you¡¯re in a relationship? Moreover, even if you¡¯re married and pregnant, it can¡¯t be so fast. Moreover, Uncle and Auntie have only passed away for more than a month. Don¡¯t tell me you were framed by your brother?¡±


    Hu Ke did not expect Wen Huai, who usually looked heartless, to piece together everything so quickly in just a few minutes.


    Hu Ke subconsciously looked in Bai Xiao¡¯s direction.


    Wen Huai noticed this glance again. She seemed to have been possessed by Sherlock Holmes in an instant and thought of everything.

 Chapter 25

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Wen Huai raised his hand and pointed at Bai Xiao with a trembling finger. She asked Hu Ke in disbelief, ¡°You saw him just now! You¡¯re not with him, are you? Where¡¯s the child? Is it his too?¡±


    Hu Ke looked at Wen Huai and nodded solemnly.


    The next second, she heard Wen Huai¡¯s wail.


    ¡°Ah¡ªmy child has grown up. She doesn¡¯t even tell me anything! She doesn¡¯t love me anymore!¡±


    Hu Ke hurriedly covered Wen Huai¡¯s mouth. Wen Huai was used to being carefree, but this was outside after all. It was not good to affect others.


    Hu Ke gestured as she explained to Wen Huai. In order not to make Wen Huai agitated again, she deliberately hid the fact that she had been drugged by Hu Lai. She only said that it was because her family owed too much money. Marrying Bai Xiao and having children could save them.


    Bai Xiao could not understand sign language, so he watched the two of them talk from the side.


    Wen Huai was silent for a long time after Hu Ke finished explaining.


    Hu Ke looked at her uneasily, afraid that Wen Huai would blame her for not cherishing himself.


    Unexpectedly, Wen Huai raised his hand and pulled Hu Ke into his arms. Her heart ached as he said, ¡°If only I had known about these things earlier. I would have gone home to take over the company. At least I wouldn¡¯t have let you suffer so much. You have to get married and have children so early.¡±


    Hu Ke smiled at Wen Huai. At this moment, she clearly realized exactly how close Wen Huai was to her. She also understood that she always had a solid backing like Wen Huai.


    Ever since her family went bankrupt, many of her former friends had distanced themselves from her. Hu Ke also knew that they were just afraid of being implicated, so she consciously cut off contact with many of her friends.


    It was not until later, after arguing with Bai Xiao and having nowhere to go, that she remembered Wen Huai and 1943.


    Bai Xiao was getting impatient and shouted, ¡°Are you guys done chatting?¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and go to the hospital with your husband for a checkup. Don¡¯t let the fetus be hurt.¡± Wen Huai smiled and pushed Hu Ke, urging her to leave quickly.


    Hu Ke nodded at her before walking towards Bai Xiao.


    The two of them did not speak along the way, but the atmosphere in the car was much better than before. At least, they did not draw their swords like before.


    When she arrived at the hospital, Bai Xiao had already informed the staff in advance. As soon as she entered, the medical staff surrounded her and brought her to do some checkups.


    Bai Xiao took the opportunity to send a message to the bodyguards who had gone to the police station.


    [Detain her for a longer period.]


    [Yes, boss.]


    After Hu Ke was done, she was brought to Bai Xiao.


    The director personally took the examination report and showed it to Bai Xiao. ¡°Mr. Bai, Madam¡¯s body is still fine. There are no major problems. The fetus has some signs of a miscarriage. Don¡¯t let Madam¡¯s emotions fluctuate too much for the next few days. Take good care of her. She can start eating folic acid and take note of her calcium supplement. When it¡¯s convenient for you next week, come and check again to ensure her safety.¡±


    Bai Xiao gestured for the bodyguards to put away the checklist and nutritional supplements and thanked the director.


    The director smiled and said that this was his duty, so he took his leave.


    Bai Xiao turned to look at Hu Ke and remembered the doctor¡¯s instructions. In the end, he could not say anything harsh. He only sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Grandpa wants to see you.¡±


    Bai Zheng¡¯s ward was on the third floor of the hospital, the cardiovascular department.


    Hu Ke followed Bai Xiao into the elevator in a daze. Only then did she remember that it was not good for him to visit a patient empty-handed, so she lowered his head and typed a message to Bai Xiao.


    [I have to bring a gift to see the patient. Isn¡¯t it bad for me to go empty-handed?]


    The elevator had already arrived. Bai Xiao walked out first. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just don¡¯t spout nonsense.¡±


    Then, he suddenly realized that not being able to speak might be Hu Ke¡¯s sore spot, so he added, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Hu Ke was used to such things. She obediently followed Bai Xiao to the ward.


    Bai Xiao led the way. When he saw Hu Ke¡¯s obedient appearance, he could not help but smile.


    She was probably frightened. If only she would be so obedient in the future.


    The Bai family had plenty of money and power, and the wards they used also had to be the best.


    When the two of them arrived, Bai Zheng was watching the television excitedly. Bai Xiao was the first to enter and greeted Bai Zheng with a smile, ¡°Grandpa, I brought Xiao Ke to see you.¡±

 Chapter 26

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    When Bai Zheng heard Bai Xiao say that his granddaughter-in-law was also here, he sat up with the help of the nurse and tidied his clothes before saying, ¡°Little brat, you didn¡¯t even inform me that you were bringing my granddaughter-in-law here. Great, I didn¡¯t change my clothes or pack them. Aren¡¯t you bringing people to laugh at me?¡±


    Hu Ke had been following behind Bai Xiao. When she entered the ward, she hesitated for a moment before following him. The old man did not see her and asked Bai Xiao with a smile, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you brought her here? Where¡¯s the child?¡±


    Bai Xiao gestured for her to move closer to the bed.


    Bai Zheng looked like an amiable old man. He called Hu Ke over. ¡°This is Xiao Ke, right? The first time we met was too rushed. I didn¡¯t even look at you carefully.¡±


    Hu Ke stepped forward and greeted the old man.


    An electronic female voice came from the phone at the right time. ¡°Hello, Grandpa. I¡¯m Hu Ke. I¡¯m sorry that I¡¯m mute and can¡¯t speak, so I used this method to communicate with you. I hope you can forgive me.¡±


    Bai Zheng did not expect his granddaughter-in-law to be a disabled person. He could not help but feel a little disappointed.


    However, he quickly composed himself. However, he did not talk to Hu Ke anymore. Instead, he turned around and asked Bai Xiao, ¡°She¡¯s almost two months pregnant, right? It¡¯s quite good. You have to take care of the baby and not be careless.¡±


    Bai Xiao nodded and chatted with Bai Zheng about the company.


    Hu Ke¡¯s expression was a little ugly, but she still maintained his original posture and did not sit down.


    Bai Xiao chatted with the old man for a while. From the corner of his eye, he saw Hu Ke, who was still standing, and said, ¡°Grandpa, it¡¯s late. You should eat and rest early. She and I will take our leave first. You should rest well too. When the time comes, you still have to play with your great-grandson!¡±


    With that, he brought Hu Ke out.


    Bai Zheng naturally understood what he meant. He nodded and was about to return to the bed to lie down.


    Hu Ke followed behind Bai Xiao. Just as she was about to leave the ward, she suddenly turned around and bowed to Bai Zheng as a form of farewell.


    Bai Zheng was stunned for a moment when he saw this. He smiled and waved at Hu Ke.


    After the two of them left, Bai Zheng was the only one left in the ward.


    The nurse helped him prepare dinner. Only the tireless sound of the television could be heard in the huge room.


    Bai Zheng lay on the hospital bed and muttered to himself, ¡°The young lady is quite pretty and has good etiquette. It¡¯s a pity that she¡¯s a mute¡­¡±


    Bai Xiao left the hospital with Hu Ke and walked home. Along the way, the two of them did not speak. However, Bai Xiao received a call and he casually replied before hanging up. Hu Ke was not interested in other people¡¯s private lives and did not ask further.


    After the car drove back to the small villa, Hu Ke suddenly saw an additional car in the courtyard. She had a good memory and recognized that this was Yu Wei¡¯s car from the time her brother went to the hospital to force her to get married.


    Now that the car was parked in the courtyard, it was like a high-profile declaration of sovereignty. It said arrogantly to Hu Ke, ¡°Look, I¡¯m the mistress of this house.¡±


    ¡°My mother just called and said that she¡¯s coming over. After you go in, it¡¯s best if you don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± Bai Xiao, who was sitting at the side, suddenly spoke. Hu Ke nodded and got out of the car with him.


    Bian Fang was already waiting at the door. She quickly helped the two of them take out their slippers.


    Bai Xiao was quick. He changed quickly and went in.


    Bian Fang waited for Bai Xiao to leave before whispering into Hu Ke¡¯s ear, ¡°Madam has brought the young lady of the An family to visit. Please deal with her.¡±


    After spending a few weeks together, Bian Fang had a good impression of Hu Ke.


    She didn¡¯t trouble others. She had a gentle and polite personality and treated them well. This afternoon, Yu Wei brought the eldest daughter of the An family to the house, but she instructed the servants in the house to tidy up for the entire afternoon. Bian Fang¡¯s intuition told her that they were here for Hu Ke, and she could only give Hu Ke a simple reminder.


    Hu Ke smiled at Bian Fang and walked around the screen.


    On the sofa, Yu Wei held An Wen¡¯s hand and introduced her to Bai Xiao affectionately. ¡°This is your sister, An Wen. The two of you even played together when you were young. At that time, you played the piano and played the violin steadily. An Wen went overseas when she was in primary school. She just returned this year. Bring her to more gatherings in the circle and let her get to know a few more people.¡±

 Chapter 27

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    An Wen sat at the side and smiled, softly echoing Yu Wei¡¯s words. Bai Xiao also sat beside Yu Wei, nodding from time to time. At first glance, Bai Xiao and An Wen looked like a couple. Yu Wei was a mother-in-law who was very satisfied with this pairing.


    Hu Ke couldn¡¯t say anything. He stood at the side awkwardly, not knowing whether to advance or retreat. Fortunately, Bian Fang came out to help her out. ¡°Madam, Miss Hu is back too.¡±


    Yu Wei glanced at Hu Ke, and the expression on her face changed instantly, as if she had seen something annoying. ¡°You¡¯re back? Coincidentally, there¡¯s no water in the cup. Go refill it and wash some fruits for Miss An.¡±


    These were clearly the work of the servants, but Yu Wei had specifically asked Hu Ke to do it, completely ignoring the fact that she was pregnant. This was clearly to show Hu Ke her strength.


    Bai Xiao frowned unhappily, but he did not say anything.


    Sitting next to her, An Wen realized that the atmosphere didn¡¯t seem right. However, she had been living abroad since she was six years old. Every year, she would come back during the summer vacation, so she didn¡¯t know much about etiquette.


    She looked at Yu Wei and then at Bai Xiao. In the end, she said to Hu Ke in confusion, ¡°Thank you, sorry to trouble you.¡±


    Hu Ke did not move when she heard Yu Wei¡¯s words. She just glanced at her.


    Yu Wei was a little embarrassed. She didn¡¯t like Hu Ke to begin with, and now that she had embarrassed her in front of everyone, her expression turned ugly, and her tone became heavier. ¡°Hu Ke, go wash some fruits for An Wen and pour a glass of water. Is your throat, brain or eyes bad? Can¡¯t you hear the instructions of your elders? You¡¯re uneducated!¡±


    Hu Ke took out her phone and started typing.


    An Wen was even more embarrassed than her. She carefully recalled what the etiquette teacher had told her and thought about what she should say.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to trouble yourself. Miss Hu, please take a seat too.¡± An Wen finally found something to say that would not offend anyone but would also ease the atmosphere. Just as she finished speaking, an electronic voice came from Hu Ke¡¯s phone.


    [Since you¡¯re an elder, you should set an example for me. Mom, since you said that I¡¯m ill-mannered, please demonstrate what it means to be well-mannered.]


    Hu Ke called Yu Wei ¡®Mom¡¯ purely to annoy her. Looking at Yu Wei¡¯s even uglier expression, Hu Ke felt a little better.


    When An Wen heard the word ¡°Mom¡±, her expression turned ugly.


    The An family¡¯s main assets were overseas. They had agreed to visit Yu Wei as guests because the family wanted to expand to the domestic market. Coincidentally, the Bai family¡¯s assets were focused on the domestic market. If the two families were to marry, it would be mutually beneficial.


    However, what An Wen did not expect was that Hu Ke would call Yu Wei ¡®Mom¡¯. Her first reaction was that Yu Wei had a pair of children. However, after thinking about it carefully, she had never heard of Yu Wei having any other children other than Bai Xiao. Even if she did, it was impossible for her surname to be Hu.


    She had just returned to the country for a week and did not know anything about Bai Xiao and Hu Ke. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that something was wrong. She could not help but ask, ¡°Miss Hu, may I ask what your relationship with Young Master Bai is?¡±


    Hu Ke glanced at her and continued typing on her phone: [We¡¯re husband and wife. Do you want to see the marriage certificate?]


    Even though she had already expected this answer, she could not help but be a little shocked when she heard it.


    When she promised Yu Wei to meet Bai Xiao, Yu Wei had promised her that Bai Xiao did not have anyone he liked. But now, Hu Ke was telling her clearly that Bai Xiao was already married to her.


    The anger of being deceived swept through her brain, but she managed to maintain her outward appearance of upbringing and decency.


    She turned around and looked at Yu Wei. ¡°Auntie, I want a reasonable explanation. You told me that Young Master Bai doesn¡¯t have anyone he likes, but now he has an additional wife. If I remember correctly, bigamy is illegal, right?¡±


    Hu Ke did not expect things to turn out this way.


    At first, she thought that An Wen was on Yu Wei¡¯s side and specially came to provoke her to make a fool of herself. However, she did not expect An Wen to be an ignorant girl.


    Hu Ke sat down on the armchair at the side and waited to see how Yu Wei would explain this matter.

 Chapter 28

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Yu Wei had come this time to put Hu Ke in her place and embarrass her. At the same time, she wanted to let An Wen interact with Bai Xiao and spend more time with him.


    In the future, after Hu Ke and Bai Xiao divorced, the An family and the Bai family would join forces and their businesses would expand. Unexpectedly, although Hu Ke looked weak on the surface, she was actually not at a disadvantage at all.


    At first, Hu Ke thought that Yu Wei had brought An Wen over to laugh at her. Unexpectedly, An Wen and Yu Wei did not get a chance. In the end, she could still sit at the side and watch the show.


    Yu Wei was thinking about how to get An Wen to stand with her first, but she didn¡¯t expect An Wen and Hu Ke to look at her as if they were united.


    Yu Wei wasn¡¯t afraid of offending Hu Ke. The Hu Clan was already in a fallen state and only had a title left. However, the An Clan was different. If the An Clan and the Bai Clan became enemies in the future, both sides would suffer.


    An Wen also understood this principle, but she would not allow anyone to use this method to deceive her. An Wen did not say anything and waited for Yu Wei¡¯s explanation.


    Yu Wei was about to break out in cold sweat. She stood there awkwardly, stammering as she tried to find a suitable excuse. Finally, Bai Xiao stood up and helped her out.


    ¡°Miss Hu and I are engaged by agreement. It will automatically be dissolved after a year. That¡¯s why my mother announced to the public that I¡¯m unmarried.¡± Bai Xiao spoke, and the atmosphere naturally eased.


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡± Yu Wei hurriedly squeezed out a smile and echoed.


    With this remark given by Bai Xiao, An Wen also managed to get out of the situation.


    There were many people in the industry who entered into contract marriages for the sake of benefits. Many small families would use this method to help their companies win more attention and value, let alone a wealthy family like the Bai family.


    She accepted this explanation calmly and nodded without saying anything else.


    Now that Yu Wei had a way out, she turned around and arrogantly instructed Hu Ke, ¡°An Wen is a guest today. Although you and my Bai Xiao are engaged, you have to do your duty and greet the guests well.¡±


    On the side, Hu Ke was still as still as a mountain. She even took out her phone and typed slowly. She had no intention of following Yu Wei¡¯s instructions.


    When Yu Wei saw her like this, she was so angry that she almost laughed. She had been praised since she was young. Even though she was already old, she was still Madam Bai, who was valued by everyone. As her daughter-in-law, Hu Ke had never taken her seriously.


    Yu Wei¡¯s dissatisfaction with her grew. She wished she could get lost as soon as possible.


    ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well, so I won¡¯t accompany you any longer. As the butler, Bian Fang will take good care of the guests.¡± Hu Ke clicked on the player, and the electronic voice from the phone finished reading the words she had typed.


    Then, Hu Ke went upstairs without looking back. She did not even look at the others.


    She would not stay in the Bai family for long. She had already bought the house she liked and the contract was almost completed. After the child was born, she would have nothing to do with Bai Xiao. Why should she let herself suffer now?


    Besides, since she and Bai Xiao were engaged by agreement, and she was not the mistress of the house, why should she serve the so-called guests? The baby in her stomach was already two months old. She had to take good care of the baby and not do rough work.


    Hu Ke directly went upstairs to her room, leaving Yu Wei and Bai Xiao looking at each other.


    As a mute and Bai Xiao¡¯s marriage partner, she naturally needed the Bai family¡¯s help. No matter what, she should have given Yu Wei some face and put on a show. Who would have thought that Hu Ke would completely disregard them?


    Yu Wei¡¯s face was ashen. It was obvious that she was angered by Hu Ke. Her breathing was rapid. Bian Fang, who realized that something was wrong, hurriedly helped her to the sofa. She even poured some water, trying to calm Yu Wei down.


    ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s not worth ruining your health for such a person.¡± Sitting steadily beside Yu Wei, Bai Xiao also sat down at the side. Although he didn¡¯t speak, he stayed by Yu Wei¡¯s side.


    Yu Wei took a long time to calm down. She let out a long sigh and patted her steady hand. ¡°Good child, you¡¯re different from that woman. You came from a proper wealthy family, unlike her, who¡¯s so petty.¡±


    An Wen only smiled and did not say anything. After Yu Wei and Bai Xiao chatted for a while, she left with Yu Wei.


    She could tell that Bai Xiao and Yu Wei did not like Hu Ke very much, but she could not understand why Bai Xiao and Hu Ke still wanted to get married.

 Chapter 29

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    After An Wei followed Yu Wei into the car, she asked tentatively, ¡°Auntie, I don¡¯t think you and Brother Bai Xiao like Miss Hu very much. Moreover, I remember that the Hu family won¡¯t be of much help to your business. Why are they still getting married?¡±


    Yu Wei sighed, thinking that the An family would find out about this sooner or later. She might as well tell them the truth now. It could also be considered as repairing her reputation of lying about the marriage, so she told An Wen about the matter between Bai Xiao and Hu Ke.


    When An Wen heard that Hu Ke had used his child to force Bai Xiao to marry her, she was a little surprised.


    She had grown up in an open environment overseas and had never encountered a shotgun marriage. She could not help but ask, ¡°Then can¡¯t she just abort the child? Or give her family some hush money. There¡¯s no need to force the two of them to get married!¡±


    Yu Wei¡¯s expression turned even uglier. She shook her head at An Wen and said, ¡°It would have been easier if that was really the case back then. However, the old man is seriously ill, so this child has given him hope. If she aborts it, it will make the old man sad. Bai Xiao has always been close to his grandfather. He only agreed to get married in order to let the old man live well.¡±


    After saying that, Yu Wei seemed to have thought of something. She held her steady hand and said earnestly, ¡°But don¡¯t worry, our attitude towards Hu Ke is that she went too far. You¡¯re the daughter-in-law we¡¯ve acknowledged. When the two of them get a divorce in the future, I¡¯ll compensate you for all the grievances you¡¯ve suffered this year.¡±


    An Wen smiled sweetly at Yu Wei and made up her mind. ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear that, Auntie. I¡¯m meeting a friend for dinner tonight, so I won¡¯t go back with you. I¡¯ll visit you in a few days.¡±


    ¡­


    After Hu Ke returned to her room, she buried herself under the blanket. She was in a bad mood.


    There were too many things that had happened today. First, Shu Xue wanted to kill her with a car, then Bai Xiao¡¯s grandfather clearly didn¡¯t like her. Now, An Wen appeared. Hu Ke felt that her life was even more eventful than in television dramas.


    Before she met Bai Xiao, Hu Ke¡¯s life had been peaceful and stable. Every day, he would play the piano, draw, or go to 1943 to mix drinks. Hu Ke felt that it was really simple and fulfilling at that time.


    Hu Ke wrapped herself in the blanket and stared at the ceiling in a daze. Unknowingly, she fell asleep.


    After Wen Huai returned to 1943, she was still struggling to digest Hu Ke¡¯s pregnancy and marriage.


    She had attended the funeral of Hu Ke¡¯s parents at the time, but she had only seen Hu Ke at the beginning. When it was over and Wen Huai wanted to comfort Hu Ke, she only found Hu Lai.


    At that time, Hu Lai said that Hu Ke was overthinking and had fainted. Sge had already been sent home. Wen Huai did not ask further and only instructed Hu Lai to take good care of her. Now that she thought about it carefully, she felt that there were many doubts.


    When Wen Huai heard Hu Ke¡¯s explanation in the afternoon, she was too shocked and did not think about it carefully at all. She only felt sorry for Hu Ke for being able to bear so much alone. When she recalled Hu Ke¡¯s evasive gaze when she explained, she felt that things were not as simple as Hu Ke had explained. There must be something hidden from her.


    Before Wen Huai could figure it out, a waiter knocked on her office door and said that someone wanted to see her.


    The person who came was Zhang Rong. Ever since Bai Xiao helped them deal with the group of troublemakers, Zhang Rong had been clinging to Wen Huai.


    At that time, Wen Huai had left business cards for the two of them. After that, Zhang Rong had also come a few times. His family had made a fortune from real estate, and his major was related to venture capital. After chatting with Wen Huai a few times, the two of them hit it off at first sight. When they had nothing to do, they would gather together to discuss what they could invest in to make money.


    This time, Zhang Rong brought a great gift for Wen Huai.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been helping out at my family¡¯s company during this period of time. There are rumors that the West Coast is developing a business district. Your family happens to be in business. We can join forces and buy the land. After my family buys the land, you can invest in the Commercial Cultural Street. Moreover, the government has the intention to move there. If it¡¯s really built, our net profit will be ten billion.¡±


    Zhang Rong took out a printed document and handed it to Wen Huai as he introduced it to her.


    ¡°This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do you want to take a gamble?¡±

 Chapter 30

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Wen Huai took the document and read it carefully.


    She had earned a lot of money from 1943 in the past two years, but her father still hoped that she could return to his company to help support him.


    However, Wen Huai had always wanted to rely on herself to make a name for herself. Coupled with the fact that she had been shocked by Hu Ke in the afternoon, Wen Huai wanted to work even harder to earn money. At the very least, if something similar happened to her friend in the future, she could help.


    The more Wen Huai looked at the documents, the more she felt that this matter would succeed. If they cooperated according to Zhang Rong¡¯s method, they would be able to recover their capital in three years at most. Wen Huai took out her phone and sent a message to Hu Ke to ask how much cash she still had. She planned to make money with Hu Ke.


    Zhang Rong looked at her posture and said unhurriedly, ¡°Are you going to pull your little sister in? Let me say in advance that I¡¯ll pay the most and take the largest share.¡±


    Wen Huai nodded and continued to send messages to Hu Ke to analyze the pros and cons.


    Seeing her like this, Zhang Rong also took out his phone to send a message to Bai Xiao.


    [Brother Bai, have you thought about the business I told you about? I plan to get 1943¡¯s lady boss to invest in me. If I build a good relationship with her in the future, I might be able to get Fox¡¯s contact information. Two birds with one stone.]


    After Bai Xiao sent Yu Wei and An Wen away, he returned to his room in frustration and even opened a bottle of alcohol to drink and poured himself a glass.


    Hu Ke alone was already enough to trouble him. Now, there was peace. The An family and the Hu family were simply worlds apart.


    He did not know what his mother was thinking. Now that he and Hu Ke were still husband and wife in name, she openly brought another girl for him to go on a blind date.


    Fortunately, no paparazzi took photos of them at home. Otherwise, the Bai family¡¯s share price would definitely fall.


    Bai Xiao recalled the chaotic scene at home in the afternoon and felt a headache coming on. If Hu Ke gave birth and left a year later, and he married An Wen, how would he explain the origins of this child? Would An Wen really treat this child as his own?


    Bai Xiao felt a headache coming on. His mother had always been like this when he was young. Everything was for benefits and no other consequences were considered at all. It seemed that he had to find time to talk to her about this problem. At the very least, she should not introduce any other partners to him before the divorce.


    The more Bai Xiao thought about it, the more frustrated he became. Coincidentally, he received a message from Zhang Rong. Bai Xiao looked at the words ¡®Fox¡¯s contact information¡¯ in the message and smiled. Then, he replied to Zhang Rong.


    [You¡¯re in 1943 now? That¡¯s just nice. I¡¯ll come over and let¡¯s have a few drinks.]


    When Bai Xiao drove to 1943, Zhang Rong and Wen Huai were already sitting in the private room and discussing the development trends.


    As he had informed Bai Xiao in advance, Bai Xiao was brought to the private room by the waiter. When Wen Huai knew that he was coming, she did not show much surprise. He only waved at Bai Xiao as a greeting.


    Zhang Rong did not know that the two of them had a conflict before. After he called Bai Xiao over, he introduced him to Wen Huai attentively. ¡°This is my Brother Bai. Everyone has met him before. We¡¯ll be friends in the future. In the future, the developers on the West Coast might become partners. We have to get along peacefully!¡±


    Bai Xiao and Wen Huai looked at each other and tacitly did not mention their past unhappiness. They treated it as giving face to this heartless Young Master Zhang. The three of them ordered some alcohol and discussed their plans for the future of the West Coast.


    Zhang Rong loved alcohol. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed in the bar for so many years. This time, Wen Huai also gave him face and asked the waiter to bring the good alcohol over. Zhang Rong didn¡¯t give in humbly and drank it. Occasionally, he would say a few lines about the real estate development plan.


    Wen Huai and Bai Xiao, on the other hand, were serious businessmen who sought to minimize costs and maximize benefits. The two of them were so engrossed in their discussion that they did not notice the half drunk Zhang Rong. When the two of them finally reached a consensus, they looked up and saw Zhang Rong¡¯s red face and the smell of alcohol on his body.


    ¡°Burp, you two are finally done talking.¡±


    ¡°Boss Wen, is Fox coming today?¡±


    Wen Huai and Bai Xiao looked at each other and saw the speechlessness in each other¡¯s eyes.


    Zhang Rong was already drunk, but he still remembered to seek benefits for his Brother Bai. He staggered a few steps towards Wen Huai and sat down beside her. He looked at Wen Huai with blurry eyes and burped.


    ¡°My, my Brother Bai is a good person. Boss Wen has done everyone a favor. Ask Fox to come to the bar.¡±


    Wen Huai looked awkwardly at the drunkard who was tugging at her sleeve, not knowing what to say.

 Chapter 31

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Bai Xiao pursed his lips and felt that he could not afford to lose face. Hence, he reached out and wanted to pull Zhang Rong up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Boss Wen. He¡¯s drunk. I¡¯ll take him away.¡±


    Unexpectedly, even though Zhang Rong was drunk, he was still an agile drunkard. He dodged Bai Xiao¡¯s hand and hugged Wen Huai¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Boss Wen, please do me a favor and call Fox over. My Brother Bai really needs her.¡±


    ¡°Brother Bai can¡¯t taste anything but he can taste her alcohol.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how painful it is to eat without taste! My Brother Bai has endured it for more than ten years! He finally found something that he can taste!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really painful to not be able to taste! Boss Wen, I beg you to ask Fox over!¡±


    The more Zhang Rong howled, the louder he became. In the end, he actually started crying. However, even so, he still refused to let go of Wen Huai¡¯s arm. He begged Wen Huai to call Fox over with snot and tears.


    The veins on Bai Xiao¡¯s forehead bulged. He tried to pull the drunkard away, but how could a drunk person be a reasonable person?


    Zhang Rong had already forgotten that Bai Xiao was present. He thought that the security guards had come to pull him away. As he waved his hand to chase them away, he shouted for Fox to save his Brother Bai.


    The three of them were in a deadlock in the private room. No one could get rid of the other.


    Bai Xiao did not expect Zhang Rong to be like this when he was drunk. He did not participate in social gatherings between the descendants of aristocratic families. Now that he was facing a drunk lunatic, he did not know what to do. He could only stand at the side.


    Fortunately, Wen Huai¡¯s phone rang. When Wen Huai saw the message, it was as if she had seen her savior. She struggled to pull her arm out of Zhang Rong¡¯s arms, but when she turned around, her leg was hugged again. Wen Huai was both angry and amused as he patted Zhang Rong¡¯s head and said, ¡°Alright, let go of me. You guys are lucky today. Fox sent me a message to say that she¡¯s coming over.¡±


    When Hu Ke woke up, it was already nighttime. She saw the message from Wen Huai on her phone and pondered for a moment, indicating that she wanted to go to 1943 for a face-to-face meeting.


    Wen Huai¡¯s text message had already analyzed the pros and cons for her. Looking at the assumed future income, Hu Ke could not help but be tempted. She still had a little money in her hands. If she invested with Wen Huai, she could probably get 2% of the shares.


    Half an hour later, Hu Ke arrived at 1943. Wen Huai did not let her go straight to the private room. Instead, she arranged for the waiter to take her to a private room.


    Hu Ke looked at Wen Huai in confusion, not understanding her intentions.


    Wen Huai finally managed to escape from Zhang Rong¡¯s clutches. She hurriedly went forward and pulled Hu Ke to ask, ¡°Dear, does Bai Xiao know that you know how to mix alcohol?¡±


    A huge question mark appeared on Hu Ke¡¯s head. She knew that Bai Xiao had investigated her background, but Bai Xiao probably did not know that she knew how to mix drinks. Otherwise, he would not mock her every time he saw her at the bar.


    Hu Ke shook his head at Wen Huai. He looked at Wen Huai and heaved a sigh of relief. He pulled her to the elevator. ¡°It¡¯s good that he doesn¡¯t know. Some time ago, he went crazy and asked me for Fox¡¯s contact information. I didn¡¯t dare to tell him that it was you. Today, Zhang Rong came to tell me about the investment. In the end, Bai Xiao also came. Zhang Rong was drunk and insisted that you mix the alcohol. It¡¯s fine as long as you fool him. I¡¯ll go up and see the two of them first. I¡¯ll look for you after I¡¯m done.¡±


    Hu Ke nodded and took the elevator to the cellar.


    The cellar was specially prepared for Hu Ke. Hu Ke was well protected by her parents before anything happened to her family. Even Hu Lai did not know that she knew how to mix alcohol.


    At that time, in order to avoid trouble, she specially asked Wen Huai to prepare a room for her to mix alcohol. In order to better store the alcohol she needed, she simply chose a cellar with a suitable temperature and humidity. Now, it was also convenient for Hu Ke to hide her identity to avoid being discovered.


    Hu Ke was busy mixing drinks in the cellar, and Wen Huai had returned to the private room to deal with the drunkards.


    Originally, when Zhang Rong heard that Fox was coming, he wanted to go with Wen Huai to welcome the bartender.


    Wen Huai immediately threatened, ¡°Fox doesn¡¯t like strangers. If you come uninvited, you will be blacklisted.¡±


    Only then did Zhang Rong obediently stay in the private room. As soon as Wen Huai returned, Zhang Rong leaned over and looked at her eagerly, like a puppy waiting for its master to give it a bone.

 Chapter 32

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Wen Huai could not help but reach out and rub Zhang Rong¡¯s hair. Then, he said to Bai Xiao, ¡°Fox is already here. She rejected the suggestion to meet you. She¡¯s mixing drinks at her workplace now. A waiter will send it up later.¡±


    Bai Xiao nodded slightly to indicate that he understood. The three of them sat and waited.


    In the end, Wen Huai could not hold it in anymore. She was really curious about why Bai Xiao would be so kind as to help Hu Ke.


    As far as she knew, the Bai family members were not philanthropists. Marrying Hu Ke would not bring them any substantial help. Wen Huai was about to ask when there was a knock on the door of the private room. It was the waiter who had brought the mixed alcohol over. Wen Huai could only hold back her words.


    There were three different drinks on the tray: Tequila Sunrise, Margarita, and B-52.


    Wen Huai knew at a glance that they were all made by Hu Ke. She was a little angry about not asking her to just make a cup. In any case, Zhang Rong could not taste the difference, and she could drink it whenever she wanted.


    Hu Ke was still pregnant. It would be troublesome if something happened to her if she mixed three glasses of alcohol alone.


    ¡°Mr. Bai, you can choose first.¡± Wen Huai smiled at Bai Xiao. Zhang Rong seemed to have woken up after a long time. He looked at the three glasses of alcohol without fighting for them and waited for Bai Xiao¡¯s choice.


    ¡°The bomber is ready. Zhang Rong, this kid, should drink the margarita. If he continues to drink hard liquor, he won¡¯t be able to go home tonight. His father can break his legs seeing him drink like this.¡±


    Bai Xiao was amused and reached out to take the cup of B-52.


    B-52, the most famous shot cocktail in the world. Light your drink before you drink it and drain it through a straw.


    After taking a sip, Bai Xiao began to enjoy the joy of his taste recovery. The lowest level of coffee liqueur was cold, and the coffee fragrance that slowly rose after cutting through his throat was just enough to neutralize the smell of Irish milk alcohol. The top level of citrus alcohol was lit. Unlike the base alcohol on the bottom two levels, it swept through his entire mouth with a scorching temperature, unleashing a wondrous experience of ice and fire in his mouth.


    This time, it took longer for his taste buds to recover than before. Bai Xiao, who was frustrated by An Wen and the matter with Hu Ke, finally felt happy. Only when his taste buds disappeared did he stand up and walk out.


    ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Boss Wen. Help me thank Fox for the alcohol. Zhang Rong¡¯s driver will pick him up later. I¡¯ll take my leave first.¡± Bai Xiao pushed open the door and seemed to have thought of something. He turned to look at Wen Huai.


    ¡°I hope we can work well together in the future.¡±


    After Hu Ke made the alcohol, she went to Wen Huai¡¯s office to wait for her. However, she did not know if it was because of her pregnancy, but Hu Ke, who had just woken up, started to feel sleepy again. She really could not take it anymore. After yawning, she sent a message to Wen Huai.


    [I¡¯ll go back upstairs to sleep first. I¡¯ll speak to you tomorrow .]


    Wen Huai replied very quickly.


    [Okay baby, love you, good night!]


    Hu Ke stretched lazily and walked towards the elevator. She had just taken two steps out of Wen Huai¡¯s office when she heard a familiar voice coming from behind him.


    ¡°Why are you here again?¡±


    Bai Xiao reasonably suspected that Hu Ke had installed a locator on him. Otherwise, why would he meet her every time?


    Hu Ke was also speechless. She was thinking about the possibility of getting Wen Huai to build a special passageway for her. Every time she came to 1943, she would meet Bai Xiao. It was simply an ill fate.


    ¡°Hu Ke, I told you not to use this method to try to attract my attention. I won¡¯t fall in love with you, and I can¡¯t be with you forever. If you insist on pestering me like this, we can only end up making each other unhappy.¡±


    Bai Xiao frowned. He remembered that when he went out, the door of this woman¡¯s room was tightly shut. Now that he had left for less than three hours, she met him at the bar very ¡®coincidentally¡¯.


    Bai Xiao did not think that it was an accident. Coupled with his initial impression of Hu Ke, it was directly attributed to Hu Ke wanting to constantly create coincidences to make him fall in love with her.


    ¡°Stop reading romance novels. It¡¯s impossible to fall in love with each other after a few encounters. You¡¯re already in your twenties. If you were in ancient times, you would have gone to school. Don¡¯t use such a stupid method to attract my attention.¡± Bai Xiao walked towards Hu Ke step by step and finally forced her to lean against the wall.

 Chapter 33

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Bai Xiao subdued Hu Ke almost effortlessly and easily caught her. Hu Ke remembered her previous experience and did not resist. She looked straight into Bai Xiao¡¯s eyes. Her expression seemed to ask ¡®are you ok?¡¯


    Bai Xiao looked at Hu Ke, whose expression did not change, and his heart did not skip a beat. His mood, which had finally improved, became irritable again. He realized that Hu Ke did not need to do anything to successfully break his defense.


    The private rooms on the third floor were all reserved by Wen Huai when she was negotiating with others, or they would only be used when VIP customers needed them. Therefore, the dance floor downstairs was peaceful, and the environment was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.


    ¡°How long are you going to pretend to be aloof? Don¡¯t you find it embarrassing to use such despicable methods? You¡¯re already pregnant. I hope you know what to do and what not to do.¡±


    Even though Hu Ke was already used to Bai Xiao¡¯s accent from time to time, she could not help but feel disgusted. Coupled with the fact that her stomach was already uncomfortable during pregnancy, she could not help but retch.


    ¡°Urgh¡ª¡±


    Bai Xiao¡¯s words were interrupted. He looked at Hu Ke in disdain and strode towards the elevator. ¡°Alright, come home with me. I won¡¯t be responsible if anything happens outside alone.¡±


    When Bai Xiao was a little further away from her, Hu Ke felt that her breathing was smoother. She rubbed her stomach and recalled the adverse effects of pregnancy written in the information she had read. She could not help but feel melancholic.


    She had to leave Bai Xiao as soon as possible. Being with him would only make her adverse reaction stronger.


    The driver had been waiting downstairs. After picking up Hu Ke and Bai Xiao, he drove towards the small villa.


    On the way, Bai Xiao kept sending messages to others on his phone. Hu Ke did not want to pay attention to him. She leaned against the car window and closed her eyes to take a nap. She was woken up by Wen Huai¡¯s message.


    When Wen Huai went upstairs and realized that she was not around, she almost lost her soul. She thought that something had happened to Hu Ke. After confirming that she was safe, she turned off her phone with a long sigh and reminded Hu Ke to send her a message after she left to not scare her without saying anything.


    During this time, Bai Xiao had been looking at her with interest.


    Hu Ke couldn¡¯t speak, so she would always use ¡°Mhm¡± to express her affirmation and ¡°Ah¡± to express her denial. This was the first time Bai Xiao had seen Hu Ke communicate with someone on the phone.


    After Hu Ke hung up, Bai Xiao slowly said, ¡°Are you born mute?¡±


    Hu Ke rolled his eyes at him, got out of the car, and walked upstairs. She thought to herself, ¡®How long have you been investigating me? Why are you still asking such a question?¡¯


    Bai Xiao looked at Hu Ke¡¯s back and chuckled before returning to his room.


    Bai Xiao walked to his room and seemed to have thought of something. He went down to look for Bian Fang.


    Bian Fang had just finished cleaning the kitchen. When she saw Bai Xiao coming down, she hurriedly asked respectfully, ¡°Young Master, what can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°Does Hu Ke have a record of her meals and work schedule for the past two days? Let me take a look.¡±


    In order to ensure the health of the fetus, the family hired a nutritionist in addition to Bian Fang. The daily dietary standards were matched and recorded, including morning sickness.


    Bai Xiao flipped through the week¡¯s situation and instructed Bian Fang, ¡°In the future, send her a cup of milk every night before bed. Prepare some food that suppresses nausea and morning sickness. Send it up to her later.¡±


    Bian Fang agreed and began to prepare.


    After Hu Ke took a shower, she wiped her hair and went downstairs to pour some water. She happened to bump into Bian Fang, who was bringing her milk. Bian Fang smiled gently and handed the milk to Hu Ke. She pulled her to a chair and took a hairdryer to dry her hair.


    ¡°Young Master just said that you should drink a small cup of milk every night before you go to bed. This is freshly heated. There¡¯s also sugar added to increase your immunity and it¡¯s good for sleep. Drink it first. I¡¯ll help you dry your hair.¡±


    Hu Ke was stunned for a moment. She did not know what Bai Xiao was up to. He had just said that she had evil intentions, but in the next second, he asked someone to heat up milk for her to drink.


    Was Bai Xiao suffering from schizophrenia?


    Hu Ke considered the question doubtfully, but drank the milk.


    The milk with sugar was warmed by the small stove. After drinking a cup, her entire stomach felt like it was ironed.


    Bian Fang helped her blow dry her hair. Under the warm yellow light, there was only the buzzing of the hairdryer. Her scalp was also massaged by someone with moderate strength. Hu Ke closed his eyes in satisfaction and enjoyed it.


    By the time her hair was dry, Hu Ke was about to fall asleep. Bian Fang gently woke Hu Ke up and urged her to go upstairs to sleep.


    Bai Xiao sat at his desk and looked at the best investment plan that he had discussed with Wen Huai at the bar.

 Chapter 34

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    He had to admit that Wen Huai was a natural-born businessman. She had an extremely sharp intuition when it came to investing. After more than an hour of conversation in the bar, she had come up with three different plans, and each of them was commendable. Bai Xiao took a pen and wrote comments on those plans, comparing their advantages and disadvantages.


    The construction of the business circle on the West Coast was already set in stone. What Bai Xiao needed to do now was to choose the best plan and inform the other shareholders of the Bai Corporation during the meeting.


    Although he now held the largest shares and could almost be said to have the final say in the shareholders¡¯ meeting, it was still necessary to let those investors see where the money was spent so that no one would be dissatisfied.


    The entire villa was shrouded in darkness, and only Bai Xiao¡¯s room was still lit. After everything was settled, Bai Xiao stood up and hammered his sore neck and shoulders.


    Bai Xiao glanced at the clock on the wall. It was two in the morning. He yawned, grabbed his pajamas, and went into the bathroom. He took a comfortable hot shower, turned off the lights, and went to sleep.


    At four in the morning, Bai Xiao lay peacefully on the bed, his breathing steady. If his eyes were not still open, he would have looked like he had fallen asleep.


    He had insomnia again.


    Realizing this problem, Bai Xiao let out a long sigh. He suddenly missed the incense that Hu Ke had given him last night. The feeling of losing sleep after a night of sleep was simply like a thousand cuts.


    Bai Xiao tossed and turned and suddenly began to think. He wanted to ask Hu Ke if it was feasible to buy some of that incense.


    Hu Ke had no idea that Bai Xiao had not slept the entire night. She had given him the incense yesterday as a form of repayment. Now, Bai Xiao¡¯s sleep quality had nothing to do with her. It was fine as long as she slept well.


    When Hu Ke woke up the next day, she went downstairs for breakfast and was surprised to see Bai Xiao who had yet to leave.


    Bai Xiao sat upright at the dining table. After Bian Fang placed the breakfast she had prepared on the table, she went to clean up. Seeing that Bai Xiao had no intention of leaving, Hu Ke did not intend to suffer. She washed her hands and sat down to prepare to eat.


    To her surprise, Bai Xiao, who had never bothered to eat at the same table as her, also picked up his chopsticks and started eating.


    The nutritionist¡¯s breakfast for Hu Ke was very sumptuous. There was chicken porridge with bamboo shoots, tea eggs, tuna sandwiches, and a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice. This breakfast was very nutritious.


    Hu Ke ate happily, and even Bai Xiao ate a few more mouthfuls.


    Realizing that she had eaten half of a sandwich, Bai Xiao finally remembered his goal. He wiped his mouth and waited patiently for Hu Ke to finish her breakfast.


    [If you have anything to say, just say it. Stop looking at me.]


    Hu Ke originally thought that Bai Xiao just woke up late and would go to work after breakfast. Unexpectedly, Bai Xiao had already put down his chopsticks and did not intend to move. He just watched her eat. Hu Ke felt nauseous from his gaze and could not help but take out his phone to type.


    ¡°I want to ask if you still have the incense you gave me that day?¡± Bai Xiao looked at the words on the phone she pushed over and coughed awkwardly.


    Hu Ke raised her eyebrows. She did not expect the workaholic Bai Xiao to be willing to lower himself to eat with her for this matter. Hu Ke took a sip of freshly squeezed juice and continued typing.


    [I can make it if you still need it but I can¡¯t give it to you for free. You have to buy it.]


    Bai Xiao looked at the phone that was pushed over this time and heaved a sigh of relief. As long as he could buy it, it was fine. He was afraid that Hu Ke would take the opportunity to take revenge and refuse to sell it to him.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take all of the rest. Name a price.¡±


    Hu Xiao did not expect Bai Xiao to agree so readily. She estimated that she still could make a hundred with the materials in her hands.


    [I can still make more than a hundred with the ingredients. I¡¯ll make a hundred. Do you want all of them?]


    ¡°I want them all. Five million.¡± Bai Xiao said firmly.


    A good night¡¯s sleep for Fragrance. It cost 50,000 yuan to see a psychiatrist for three hours. Five million yuan for three months of peaceful sleep was not a loss at all.


    [Deal!]


    Bai Xiao took out a check and signed it readily. Hu Ke finished the rest of the breakfast in two to three bites and prepared to go upstairs. She did not forget to type a promise to Bai Xiao.


    [I¡¯ll start now. I can probably make fifty today. I¡¯ll be done in two days.]


    Bai Xiao nodded, put on his suit jacket, and went to work.


    Bian Fang finished cleaning the second floor. She looked at the unexpectedly harmonious two people this morning and smiled.


    It seemed that Young Master and Young Madam could get along peacefully.

 Chapter 35

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Hu Ke had been busy making incense the entire morning and did not even leave her room. Bian Fang went out to buy fresh vegetables that the nutritionist wanted. The entire villa was surprisingly quiet.


    An Wen found Bai Xiao¡¯s villa according to her memory. The servant who was watering the flowers and weeding the plants in the garden remembered her and quickly greeted her. An Wen greeted her with a calm smile and chatted with her.


    It was lunchtime by the time Hu Ke finished making the fifty incense towers that day. She stretched her shoulders and went downstairs to wash her hands and eat.


    In addition to the usual staple food and side dishes, there was also a soup for lunch today. Hu Ke turned her head to look at the food that the nutritionist had prepared, but she did not find this soup on the list.


    The servant at the side seemed to have noticed her confusion and explained to her, ¡°This is extra. Young Master saw your record yesterday. You have to replenish your protein during this period of time, so he added some soup. This crucian carp soup has been boiling for three hours. It¡¯s good for your skin.¡±


    Hu Ke thought of the milk she drank for no reason last night and started eating without thinking much. The fish soup was different from what she usually drank. It had a slightly bitter taste. Hu Ke frowned and took another sip. She took out her phone and typed.


    [The soup is a little bitter. Was the fish not prepared well?]


    The servant at the side saw the words on it and quickly explained, ¡°No, we seriously remove the internal organs and fish scales. It should be because we added Chinese medicine. Young Madam, if you don¡¯t like it, we¡¯ll pay attention next time.¡±


    Hu Ke accepted this explanation and nodded before continuing to eat.


    After dinner, Hu Ke returned to her room to continue her incense making business. Naturally, she did not see the servant throw the remaining residue of the soup into the garbage processor. The remaining soup was also flushed into the sewer.


    Hu Ke was busy making incense the entire day and only went downstairs at dinner time. After she finished eating, Bai Xiao returned home and went straight upstairs to his room.


    His work was far more stressful than he had imagined. The bidding for the West Coast project would begin in a week. During this period, Bai Xiao needed to be fully prepared because they were not the only ones fighting for the project.


    Hu Ke and Bian Fang walked a few rounds in the garden before returning. The servant who stayed in the room worriedly came over and told Bian Fang that Bai Xiao had not left the room since he returned home, nor had she eaten dinner.


    Bian Fang frowned slightly. After sighing, she turned around and entered the kitchen. She made a bowl of Yang Chun noodles for Bai Xiao and even added a soft egg.


    ¡°When Young Master was in university, he didn¡¯t eat regularly and had gastric problems. Now that he was working, he was still the same. If he ate a little more at night or ate something that can¡¯t be digested, his stomach would hurt too. He can¡¯t drink alcohol either. If he drank too much, his stomach would hurt too,¡± Bian Fang cooked noodles and said gently to Hu Ke.


    ¡°Actually, Young Master is a very nice person. When my daughter was in her second year of junior high school, she got into a car accident. At that time, I was working in the Bai family. When I received a call from the hospital, I was about to go crazy. But at that time, I was not allowed to use my master¡¯s car. Young Master specially instructed the driver, and he brought me to the hospital. He even donated blood to my daughter.¡±


    Fragrance wafted out of the kitchen. Bian Fang put two vegetables into the water and continued to look at the fire. Through the dense dog, Hu Ke could not see the expression on Bian Fang¡¯s face, but she suddenly felt that a part of her heart was touched.


    ¡°Young Master grew up with Old Madam and Old Master. At that time, Old Madam and Old Master were busy doing business. Young Master was bullied by ignorant brats who said that he didn¡¯t have parents. It was Old Master and Old Madam who protected him. So Miss, you have to know that Old Master has a different weight in Young Master¡¯s heart.¡±


    Hu Ke didn¡¯t make a sound. She knew what Bian Fang wanted to say and just listened quietly. The two of them were exceptionally harmonious.


    The noodles were finally cooked. The snow-white Yuan Chuan noodles were soaked in chicken soup, covered with a tender egg and had two green vegetable stalks. They were warm and steaming. Bian Fang placed the noodles on a tray and planned to send them to Bai Xiao.


    ¡°Therefore, Miss, although your marriage with Young Master is probably an act, I sincerely hope that you can continue to get along with Young Master, even if it¡¯s fake. This is Old Master¡¯s wish.¡±


    When Bian Fang was about to leave with the tray, Hu Ke also stood up. She took the tray from Bian Fang and walked upstairs.

 Chapter 36

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Hu Ke did not know why she did this. She was probably touched by Bian Fang¡¯s words. She suddenly felt that her understanding of Bai Xiao was too one-sided and wanted to take this opportunity to have a good chat with him.


    Bian Fang didn¡¯t refuse Hu Ke. After handing the tray to her, she even instructed her not to be scalded. Bian Fang looked at Hu Ke¡¯s figure and sighed. ¡°You and Young Master are both good children. I know that these words shouldn¡¯t be said by me, but you¡¯re about the same age as my daughter. You shouldn¡¯t be trapped in the room like a canary. Miss, if you have anything to say, you should have a good talk with Young Master. The misunderstanding still has to be resolved. It can¡¯t continue like this.¡±


    Hu Ke nodded and went upstairs with the bowl of noodles.


    According to the servant, Bai Xiao should be in the master bedroom now. Hu Ke knocked on the door, but there was no response. Hu Ke waited patiently for a while, but there was still no movement from Bai Xiao.


    Could it be that he had worked too much overtime and died from overwork?


    Hu Ke thought of the social news he had seen in the past two days and suddenly became worried. Bai Xiao had insomnia to begin with, and he had been busy with the matters on the West Coast for the past two days. What if he suddenly died?


    When Hu Ke thought of this result, she suddenly panicked. She did not knock again and turned the handle to walk in.


    There was no sign of Bai Xiao on the desk opposite the door. Hu Ke turned around and met Bai Xiao¡¯s gaze, who was standing at the bathroom door with only a towel around his waist.


    ¡°Who let you in!¡± Bai Xiao did not react when he saw Hu Ke.


    His muscles were sore from reading, so he went to take a shower to relieve them. He left his pajamas outside and did not bring them in. Bai Xiao did not expect anyone to enter and leave without his permission. In the end, he met Hu Ke¡¯s gaze.


    Hu Ke was also scared out of her wits. Now that she was called by Bai Xiao, she realized the problem. Her face turned red all the way to her neck. She hurriedly placed the noodles on the table and was about to run out.


    Bai Xiao wrapped the towel tightly around himself and looked at Hu Ke¡¯s fleeing back. After he was gone, he let go of the towel and walked to the cloakroom to change into his pajamas.


    Hu Ke ran back to her room in a panic and slammed the door shut to calm her breathing.


    She patted her burning face and slowly slid down against the door.


    Bai Xiao sat at the table in silence after putting on his clothes. He looked at the bowl of Yang Chun noodles and finally picked up his chopsticks to eat.


    His stomach was indeed beginning to hurt. When he was in the company, Bai Xiao had barely eaten anything and had only drunk two cups of coffee in the afternoon. He was like a spinning top, busy running around every meeting room. Now that he smelled the fragrance of the noodles, his stomach started to growl.


    After eating a bowl of steaming hot Yang Chun noodles, Bai Xiao¡¯s expression improved a little. He cleaned up the dishes and sent them downstairs. When he passed by Hu Ke¡¯s room, Bai Xiao stopped for a moment, but in the end, he did not knock on the door and returned to his bedroom.


    Hu Ke did not know how to face Bai Xiao. Based on his personality, he would probably mock her again and say that she wanted to seduce him in this way. Hu Ke sat on the bed and stared at her phone in a daze. When the sleep notification on her phone popped up, Hu Ke woke up and ran to wash up in a panic.


    When Hu Ke changed into her pajamas and was about to sleep, she suddenly remembered that she had not sent the incense over. Looking at the incense that she had already wrapped up, Hu Ke sighed and resigned to her fate. She put on her jacket, picked up the bag, and walked towards Bai Xiao¡¯s bedroom.


    She had already accepted the money. She couldn¡¯t possibly make him lose sleep and stay up late, right?


    Hu Ke did not intend to hand the calming incense to Bai Xiao in person. That would be too awkward. She put all the incense into a bag and sneakily ran to Bai Xiao¡¯s room. She placed the bag on the ground and knocked on the door before running back to her room.


    Bai Xiao sat at his desk and pinched the space between his eyebrows tiredly. He was too tired and had not slept for thirty-six hours. This might not have been a problem for Bai Xiao in the past, but ever since he used Hu Ke¡¯s incense, Bai Xiao felt that insomnia and staying up late was a very painful thing.


    It could be said that it was extremely difficult to return to the previous life.

 Chapter 37

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    When someone knocked on the door, Bai Xiao happened to yawn. His intuition told him that it was Hu Ke, but it was already 10:30 pm. According to her schedule, she should be sleeping. It was definitely not a good thing to knock on the door now.


    Bai Xiao did not plan to deal with it. He waited calmly for Hu Ke to push the door open and enter again. However, ten minutes had passed. Not only did no one enter, but there was also no more knocking on the door.


    Bai Xiao raised his eyebrows, but he still could not suppress his curiosity. He walked forward and opened the door.


    There was no Hu Ke outside the door as Bai Xiao had imagined. There was only a lonely package on the ground. There was even a bow on the pink bag. Bai Xiao felt like he had been tricked, but he still picked up the bag and brought it back to the room.


    A faint fragrance came from the pink bag. Bai Xiao suddenly remembered the calming incense he had bought from Hu Ke in the morning. He opened the packaging and saw that there were also small incense sticks in independent packaging inside.


    Bai Xiao took out a matching incense plate and lighter, opened it, and lit it. A refreshing smell spread in the air bit by bit. Bai Xiao took a deep breath and let it out.


    He was indeed much better. At least his head didn¡¯t hurt so much anymore.


    Bai Xiao closed his eyes and leaned against the back of the chair. Thinking of the bowl of Yang Chun noodles that night and the incense that was sent over, Bai Xiao magnanimously decided not to pursue the matter of Hu Ke barging into his room.


    Downstairs, Bian Fang had finished heating milk. As usual, she added a spoonful of sugar and was about to send it upstairs. She had to do what the young master had instructed her to do. Coincidentally, it was time for Hu Ke to sleep. It would not be a bother to send it up.


    ¡°Nanny Bian, is this for Young Madam? I¡¯ll send it up for you. Rest early.¡± Guo Wen took the cup from Bian Fang¡¯s hand and smiled sweetly at her.


    Guo Wen was a university student who worked part-time. She happened to see that Bai Xiao¡¯s villa was hiring servants, so she came over. The only thing she had to do every day was to help to weed the garden and plant trees.


    She was a student in the gardening department, so she took on this job. Other than that, she took turns doing housework with another university student every day. One of them was in charge of mopping the floor, and the other was in charge of sweeping the floor. The work content was idle and the salary was high, so Guo Wen worked in Bai Xiao¡¯s villa for two months.


    Bian Fang had a good impression of her. This child could endure hardship and was good at gardening. Bian Fang did not have any vigilance against her. When she heard Guo Wen wanting to take the initiative to deliver milk for her, she handed it to her and returned to her room to rest.


    Guo Wen carried the milk upstairs. She took out a packet of powder from her pocket at the corner of the stairs and secretly poured it into the milk. After the powder completely fused with the milk, she knocked on Hu Ke¡¯s door.


    ¡°Young Madam, I¡¯m here to bring you milk for tonight.¡±


    Hu Ke opened the door. It was the servant who brought her fish soup again. The little girl looked about the same age as her. She should be a part-time student.


    Hu Ke finished the entire glass of milk in front of her, handed the glass to her, and climbed back into bed to sleep.


    It was a good night¡¯s sleep.


    Hu Ke and Bai Xiao returned to their initial interaction. Bai Xiao was busy going to the company every day to inspect the West Coast project. He left early and returned late, so he did not meet Hu Keyu. Hu Ke, on the other hand, was at home recuperating in peace. Wen Huai had also been busy with the planning with Bai Xiao and the others during this period of time. Without her, 1943 could still operate normally. It was just that Hu Ke did not go over to mix drinks.


    Although some regular customers expressed their dissatisfaction, Wen Huai told them that Fox was not feeling well. In order to ensure the quality of her cocktails, she had to wait until she recovered before making a comeback. Therefore, although some people were dissatisfied, most people still chose to understand and wait.


    Bai Xiao also had enough sleep under the effect of Hu Ke¡¯s calming incense. In the bidding competition a week later, he suppressed the others and obtained the commercial development rights of West Coast.


    After the results were announced, Bai Xiao finally heaved a sigh of relief. Amidst the congratulations from the surrounding people, Bai Xiao smelled the calming fragrance on his clothes. He suddenly felt that he had to buy a small gift to reward Hu Ke.

 Chapter 38

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°What¡¯s a gift suitable for a twenty-four or twenty-five-year-old girl?¡± Bai Xiao asked his assistant. He remembered that his assistant had a girlfriend who was about the same age as Hu Ke. He should be more experienced in choosing gifts.


    ¡°Who do you want to give a gift to? If it¡¯s someone you want to pursue, it¡¯s best if it¡¯s flowers and jewelry, or cosmetics. I give my girlfriend lipstick and so on.¡± When the assistant heard the boss¡¯s question, he didn¡¯t react for a moment and replied casually.


    When Bai Xiao heard him say that, he started to think.


    It seemed that pregnant women could not use cosmetics well. It was not good for the fetus. It was fine to give flowers and it seemed that it was rare to see Hu Ke wear jewelry. Why not give flowers and a necklace?


    The assistant at the side packed her things and suddenly said casually, ¡°You still have to give her what she likes when you give her a gift. Boss, ask her what she likes.¡±


    Bai Xiao nodded to indicate that he understood. He left the venue with everyone who participated in the bidding. Wen Huai was also present this time. She was discussing with Zhang Rong if they should go for a meal later.


    Previously, Wen Huai and Zhang Rong were only acquaintances, but after this collaboration, their relationship had developed to the extent of putting their arms around each other¡¯s shoulders.


    Wen Huai had always been a carefree person who could hang out with anyone. Zhang Rong was also the type of person who would hang out with the young masters of aristocratic families. The two of them hit it off immediately and said that they regretted not meeting sooner, not caring at all about the existence of Bai Xiao beside them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat Western food tonight! It¡¯s my treat! Let¡¯s celebrate everyone winning the project!¡± Zhang Rong was so excited that his face was flushed. He shouted that he wanted to eat a big meal, but Wen Huai slapped him on the back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s celebrate and eat Western food! Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go straight to 1943. Today, we won¡¯t entertain anyone else, but us! I still have a barbecue grill over there. We can roast meat ourselves!¡±


    As soon as Wen Huai said this, everyone became lively and crowded towards the parking lot. Bai Xiao took the opportunity to squeeze to Wen Huai¡¯s side.


    ¡°Wen Huai, do you know what Hu Ke likes?¡±


    Wen Huai was shocked by Bai Xiao¡¯s sudden appearance. When he heard him ask this, Wen Huai was stunned and subconsciously asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t Xiao Ke¡¯s birthday next month? Why are you preparing so early?¡±


    Bai Xiao did not say anything about his plan. He nodded in accordance with Wen Huai¡¯s words and looked at Wen Huai sincerely. ¡°Yes, so what gift should I prepare?¡±


    ¡°If we¡¯re talking about something she likes, Xiao Ke would probably want a piano. She learned how to play it since she was young, but then something happened to her family, and her Steinway was sold to pay off their debt. If you really want to give her a gift, it¡¯s a good choice.¡±


    Bai Xiao made a mental note of this option and planned to buy a piano in a few days.


    He realized that the information regarding Hu Ke that he had asked someone to investigate at that time was not comprehensive. It only recorded some important events and did not mention her hobbies or situation. However, this was indeed the limit of what those private investigation teams could do.


    Hu Ke¡¯s information was protected very well. There was no news revealed about her to the outside world before she became an adult. Bai Xiao felt that he might have to spend more time with Hu Ke and see what else he did not know about her.


    The group of people arrived at 1943. On the way here, Wen Huai called and instructed that 1943 would not receive outsiders today, so the waiters had also tidied up the hall and turned it into a large indoor barbecue stall.


    1943 was quite famous in the Beijing circle. Most of the people who came had heard of 1943¡¯s name. Of course, the most famous person was still the bartender, Fox. After a group of people ate, drank, and played for a while, they made a bold suggestion. ¡°Brother Wen! Everyone is celebrating winning the project today. Can you ask the 1943 gold star bartender, Fox, to show us her skills?¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a stone stirring up a thousand waves. Everyone began to agree.


    Wen Huai could not dissuade them, so he could only take out his phone to send a message to Hu Ke. He even comforted everyone, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry! I¡¯ll ask Fox if she¡¯s willing to come! She¡¯s not an employee I hired, she¡¯s a shareholder!¡±


    Everyone was cheering. Wen Huai sent a message to Hu Ke.

 Chapter 39

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    [Xiao Ke, we¡¯ve won the West Coast project. We are celebrating at 1943. Do you want to come as Fox?]


    Hu Ke replied very quickly.


    [Congratulations on winning the project! I was bored to death during the week you weren¡¯t around. I¡¯ll be right there!]


    After Wen Huai spread the news, the audience cheered with wild shrieks and howls.


    Zhang Rong was also so excited that he cried out. He pulled Bai Xiao and whispered, ¡°Brother Bai, look. I told you that if you build a good relationship with Wen Huai, you might be able to get to know Fox! This time, you must seize the opportunity and try to get to know her.¡±


    Bai Xiao suppressed his excitement and still looked calm on the surface, but he would glance at the door from time to time.


    He was also looking forward to getting to know Fox.


    When Hu Ke arrived, she was not in a hurry to enter. Instead, she took out a fox mask and put it on. She knew that Bai Xiao had also taken the lead in this project. Although she was not sure if he would participate in such a celebration banquet, it was better to hide herself.


    She didn¡¯t want this man to say that she was following him again.


    After Hu Ke packed up, she sent a message to Wen Huai asking her to pick her up. Wen Huai quickly ran out and gave Hu Ke a hug.


    ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t seen my baby in a week. Hug, hug, hug!¡± Wen Huai hugged Hu Ke in his arms. After letting go, she carefully sized her up and reached out to pinch Hu Ke¡¯s face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve finally gained some weight. Previously, you were as thin as a skeleton. I was afraid that you would run away if the wind blew. Today, you can just make one glass of cocktail. Leave the rest to other bartenders. Not many people have drunk Fox¡¯s cocktail anyway. Just give one glass to Bai Xiao. He contributed the most. The rest is up to you. I won¡¯t tire my baby out.¡± After saying that, Wen Huai pulled Hu Ke inside.


    When Wen Huai went out to say that he was going to pick her up, many people noticed. Now, they were all staring at the door, wanting to see who this famous bartender, Fox, was. In the end, one or two of them were about to have cramps on their necks. They were waiting excitedly like fans but they didn¡¯t see Wen Huai and Fox come in.


    ¡°The lady boss won¡¯t run away, right?¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be. Our Brother Wen is so generous. She won¡¯t run away for a few glasses of alcohol.¡±


    ¡°He can run, but he can¡¯t hide. Boss Wen won¡¯t abandon 1943.¡±


    ¡­


    Everyone discussed animatedly, but there was still no movement at the door. Finally, a few impatient people could not sit still anymore. When they wanted to go out to look for them, the lights in 1943 suddenly went out. Before anyone could react, a spotlight shone on the center of the stage.


    The original DJ station was filled with glasses. It was unknown when they were made, but they were shining under the spotlight. A masked person was holding a shaking cup in his hand and flipping it up and down. It was a dazzling sight.


    There was an entire row of beer glasses on the long table. They were filled from the head of the table to the end of the table. There were small shot glasses beside every two beer glasses. The masked person would pour the alcohol in the glass in his hand into the shot glass from time to time. Her movements were smooth and beautiful, as if she was dancing.


    Finally, the last shot glass was filled with alcohol, and the background music stopped. Everyone held their breath and stared at the person on the stage. A few playful people saw the trick and communicated below.


    ¡°This is used to make a bomb shot, right?¡±


    In the next second, the masked person gently hit the first shot glass with the bottom of the shaker. The shaker fell and hit the second shot glass. The next cup fell into the beer cup like dominoes. At the same time, the bgm sounded again, accompanied by fireworks on the stage and Wen Huai¡¯s impudent and hearty laughter.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, let the party begin!¡±


    Hu Ke had to admit that Wen Huai was an innate expert when it came to hyping the atmosphere. Everyone present swayed along with Wen Huai¡¯s words.


    The entire 1943 was in an uproar. At this moment, Wen Huai raised the microphone again and announced loudly, ¡°Everyone, this is a cocktail personally concocted by Fox! Due to the limited number, we will use a game to decide who can have it!¡±


    The people below naturally cheered and agreed. Everyone knew that Fox was 1943¡¯s special bartender, so they naturally couldn¡¯t let everyone have a glass.


    Their gathering was originally just for fun. It was even more of a surprise that Fox could come.

 Chapter 40

    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Everyone was happily participating in the game. Only Bai Xiao frowned as he looked at the bartender on the stage. He did not know if it was an illusion, but the more Bai Xiao looked at that figure, the more familiar she was.


    Hu Ke did not realize that someone was staring at her. She had already finished her performance, packed her things, and walked down the stage.


    In any case, Wen Huai was around and she would take care of everything. Hu Ke left the stage in relief and wanted to stay in the cocktail room for a while.


    Moreover, when she came, Wen Huai mentioned that she only needed to prepare alcohol for Bai Xiao alone. Now, this performance was done by Hu Ke to boost Wen Huai¡¯s reputation.


    After completing her mission, she wanted to be alone now. Hu Ke planned to send a message to Wen Huai when she arrived at the cocktail room.


    Wen Huai was still hosting the event at the side. Her back was facing Hu Ke, but the people who were enthusiastically participating in the game below the stage could see it clearly.


    A few people who were familiar with Fox wanted to befriend her. One of the sharp-eyed people noticed Hu Ke, who was about to slip away, and hurriedly shouted, ¡°Fox, you¡¯ve worked hard. Do you want to play with us?¡±


    That person¡¯s voice was very loud. When he called out, almost everyone¡¯s eyes were focused on Hu Ke.


    Hu Ke¡¯s movements suddenly froze. She could neither advance nor retreat.


    At this moment, Wen Huai also reacted. She used her eyes to ask Hu Ke if she wanted to stay. Hu Ke shook his head slightly and still wanted to leave.


    Hu Ke was not used to such a lively occasion. She rarely stayed with so many people and only felt uneasy. Moreover, she was already two months pregnant. If anything happened to the child, it would be troublesome.


    Wen Huai understood and immediately began to maintain the situation. ¡°Everyone, we all know what foxes are like, right?¡±


    The people below the stage did not know what was going on, but they still supported her enthusiastically. ¡°We know!¡±


    Wen Huai nodded and pretended to be mysterious. ¡°This is our most important game tonight. Fox will hide while we¡¯re playing the first game. After we distribute the bomb shots, we¡¯ll start the last game, Search for Fox. Everyone knows that foxes are cunning, but! As long as someone finds Fox, they can directly obtain a one-year membership of 1943. Moreover, they can spend half an hour alone with Fox tonight!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar.


    1943¡¯s membership was rare, so everyone naturally rubbed their palms together in high spirits. Wen Huai struck while the iron was hot, indicating that Fox would not change her clothes or take off her mask. They would just use these two characteristics to find her.


    Hu Ke also heaved a sigh of relief. After bowing and saying goodbye, she left the stage and ran towards the cocktail room.


    Bai Xiao narrowed his eyes and looked in the direction where Hu Ke left. The more he looked, the more familiar the figure looked, but he could not remember who it was. It was not until Hu Ke¡¯s back disappeared that Bai Xiao turned around and finished the alcohol on the table in one gulp. He planned to join the game.


    After all, it was a drink concocted by Fox, which could restore his taste buds. Humans were always greedy. He had already tasted sweetness a few times, and now, he felt that he could not live without this alcohol.


    At first, he only thought that it would be great if he could recover his taste buds even if it was just for a minute. After a minute, he wanted another hour. After the time he had his taste buds extended again and again, Bai Xiao wanted to have Fox¡¯s contact information even more now.


    Search for Fox was his way to get Fox¡¯s contact information.


    On the stage, under Wen Huai¡¯s control, everything proceeded in an orderly manner. Hu Ke also successfully ran to the cocktail room. After closing the door, she heaved a sigh of relief and took off her mask.


    Wen Huai¡¯s offer was very tempting. Everyone¡¯s attention would be attracted. However, 1943 was too big. As long as she did not go out, no one would be able to find her.


    Hu Ke relaxed, poured himself a glass of water, and leisurely played with her phone.


    The game on the stage was also ongoing. From Carrot Squat to Stool Snatch to King¡¯s Game, many people had obtained a bomb shot. However, Bai Xiao did not obtain the alcohol until now. It was unknown if it was because his luck was too bad or his strength was not good.


    During the intermission, Bai Xiao stood up and walked to the washroom. He wanted to ease his mood.


    Hu Ke had drunk a lot of water in the bartender¡¯s room and couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. She quietly opened the door and walked to the washroom when she realized that no one was around.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Walking alone, Hu Ke was shocked by the sudden voice. He turned around and saw Bai Xiao standing in front of him.


    Bai Xiao was also surprised. 1943 did not receive outsiders today. Why was Hu Ke here?


    ¡°Could you be¡­¡± Bai Xiao looked at Hu Ke, his gaze sizing up her clothes.


    Hu Ke¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Bai Xiao had discovered that she was Fox?