Chairman Husband, Too Boorish - 146

 Chapter 146 : Bai Yan Liang, you'll be my wife for life!

Seeing him remain silent, Yan Liang took a deep breath, adjusted her tone, and skipped over the previous argument, "Xi Cheng, you've gone back to your home, haven't you? You've seen your mother, haven't you? Now I just want to know the outcome of this matter. I want to hear it from you personally."

Liang Xi Cheng frowned. All the gloom that had hung over him because of Chu Yi Sheng was instantly replaced by coldness, but his gaze towards Yan Liang was exceptionally deep.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Yan Liang watched him stare at her intently, remaining silent for a long time. Her heart sank. Anxiety, disappointment, and a wave of panic washed over her. She took a step forward and grabbed Liang Xi Cheng's wrist. "... Xi Cheng, why aren't you saying anything? Is it hard to answer?"

"Yan Liang."

Liang Xi Cheng's long, slender fingers twitched slightly, as if he hesitated for a moment, before grabbing Yan Liang's wrist in return. With a sudden pull, he drew her into his arms, holding her tightly, as if he wanted to meld her into his very being. His deep voice was filled with suppressed emotion. "... I promise you, no matter the cost, I will make sure your mother is safe. I will make sure she wakes up. I will find her the best doctor, Yan Liang ..."

"So what?" Yan Liang sneered, interrupting Liang Xi Cheng. She remained motionless, letting him hold her, her hoarse voice hard and cold. "Liang Xi Cheng, are you telling me now that you'll let my mother be alright, that I shouldn't pursue this matter anymore? That I should just turn a blind eye to everything she's endured? Or do you still believe that I was just making things up? That this whole thing has nothing to do with your mother?"

"Someone has already turned themselves in." Liang Xi Cheng paused, then said heavily, "It was the driver who drove my mother."

"Turn themselves in? To be a scapegoat, isn't it?!" She had witnessed everything; the person who pushed her wasn't a driver at all. "I'm asking you now, do you not believe me? Do you think I would intentionally frame your mother? I saw it with my own eyes, I ... I saw it with both eyes ..."

"Alright, Yan Liang, don't get too agitated." Seeing her voice rising and her eyes reddening again, Liang Xi Cheng's furrowed brows showed his heartache and reluctance. He reached out and hugged her tightly, holding her close despite her struggles. "I didn't say I didn't believe you, but that person ... is also my mother. Yan Liang, just consider it, for my sake, okay? For my sake, endure this time. I promise you, I will make sure your mother is alright. I promise you ... Yan Liang, I will never let you suffer again. Please listen to me, okay? Leave this to me."

"You lied to me! You lied to me! You lied to me!" All her emotions seemed to have reached a breaking point, unbearable—she had forced herself to endure this time because he wouldn't stand by her side. No matter how sweet the words, he wanted to watch her mother suffer all the pain, he wanted to hide the truth, he wanted to endure ...

He said he wouldn't let herself suffer any more injustice, but did he even realize that this kind of endurance and concession was the greatest injustice of all? She could no longer control her tears. Even though she truly understood that, from a child's perspective, the instinctive reaction would still be to put their parents first. But, did right and wrong no longer matter?

Yan Liang knew she had lost control. She couldn't control her emotions; she just wanted to vent her frustration, almost incoherently shouting, "... Liang Xi Cheng, you lied to me! Your so-called 'not letting me suffer' is actually making me endure the greatest injustice of my life! I can't pretend nothing happened. You're right, she's your mother, so it's only natural for you to help her. But the person lying in the ICU right now is my mother, so it's even more natural for me to help her! I'm telling you, I won't let this go! You can help, but I will make your mother pay the price. I saw it with my own eyes, that's the truth! If you don't want to get involved, I can find someone to help me. Aren't there people willing to keep their phones on for me 24/7?!"

"Bai Yan Liang!"

Liang Xi Cheng's eyes darkened, and he grabbed her wrist, increasing the force. "You dare to go to Chu Yi Sheng?"

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Yan Liang stubbornly raised her chin, completely devoid of reason at this moment. "That's right, the entire city of A probably ... No one dares to touch your Liang family, but Chu Yi Sheng definitely would. I believe he'd be happy to help me!"

"Don't force me!" Liang Xi Cheng's eyes were dark, pulsating with suppressed anger.

Yan Liang was determined to provoke him, and roared recklessly, "Are you forcing me, or am I forcing you?" She flung his hand away, her face deathly pale, yet she still managed a cold smile. The sharp edge of her smile pierced his heart, but also wounded her own heart. "I don't want to see you. Leave."

Liang Xi Cheng's tall frame was tense. Beneath his well-tailored suit, his entire being exuded a menacing aura. Looking at the stubborn face before him, waves of anger, restraint, and helplessness surged through him … A feeling of powerlessness washed over him. He had always believed he could control everything perfectly, and in business, he would never fail. But now, this woman he loved, whom he wanted to protect, he found it so incredibly difficult.

An insurmountable chasm has already formed between them.

He truly couldn't abandon his mother; she was his biological mother. No matter how high he climbed, no matter how successful he became, from a child's perspective, regardless of whether his elders were right or wrong, he couldn't drive his parents to despair.

Liang Xi Cheng knew his thinking was selfish, but he couldn't help being selfish.

Leaving aside the fact that Li Yun Qin was his mother, even his grandfather, Liang Xi Cheng knew, wouldn't allow his mother to suffer such a fate. That was the most crucial point—Liang Chong Shan always valued his reputation highly and would never admit to such a thing. Moreover, the issues between Li Yun Qin and Qin Mu Hua … involved far too many things, and Liang Xi Cheng knew he only understood a part of it …

Too many complex issues piled up, making him feel like a trapped beast, the only thing he could do was wait and see.

There were many things he didn't want to say, and couldn't say, but one thing remained constant: he didn't want her to suffer any more blows.

"... Yan Liang, I understand how you feel right now. I don't need your forgiveness. You can blame me, resent me, hate me, whatever, but I will never let you go. You are my wife. When we signed our names at the Civil Affairs Bureau, you were my wife, Liang Xi Cheng's wife, for life." Sensing her turbulent emotions, and fearing it might affect the baby in her womb, Liang Xi Cheng softened his tone. "If you don't want to see me, I'll leave now. I'll come back when you're feeling better."

Yan Liang stood motionless, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her face drained of color, her dry lips pressed tightly together. Liang Xi Cheng knew she was putting on a brave face, and he knew that no matter what he said now, she wouldn't listen. He was equally troubled and didn't want to burden her with his negative emotions.

He took a deep breath, lifted his foot, and took a step closer to her.

Yan Liang, however, abruptly stepped back, stubbornly refusing to look up at him, radiating an aloof indifference.

Liang Xi Cheng had no choice but to suppress a sigh, his voice hoarse, "... Fine, I'll go. You get some rest. I'll come see you again tomorrow."

"I don't want to see you. You don't need to come," Yan Liang said stiffly, her neck rigid.

"Yan Liang, you are my wife, and I hope you understand that! You can throw a tantrum all you want, but don't expect to go to Chu Yi Sheng, and don't even think about running away from me." Liang Xi Cheng's tone was cold and unyielding. "I know I've wronged you in this matter. I promised you I would find the best doctor to save your mother. The fault lies with the Liang family. I know you don't want to admit you're part of the Liang family right now, so I'll bear this blame alone. If you feel uncomfortable or unhappy, you can take it out on me, just don't try to escape me. I won't allow it. Also, before you do anything, think about our child. He's in your belly now. I can't control your emotions, I just hope you can think more about him."

"…"

Our child? Have you thought about that?

What you're doing is like stabbing me in the heart. Have you thought about how much it will hurt me?

Things might not have turned out this way, but how could she swallow this insult?

...

After leaving the ward, Guan Jiu stood at the door and watched Liang Xi Cheng come out. Guan Jiu quickly stepped forward, "Chairman Liang, Dr. Zheng just said that Qin Mu Hua's condition is not very good. Should we tell Mrs. Liang ...?"

"No need."

Liang Xi heng clenched his large hands into fists in his trouser pockets, his refined features unusually hard. "Don't tell her anything now. She's not in a good mood. Guan Jiu, you stay here and watch over her. Don't let her wander off. I'll go see Dr. Zheng myself."

Liang Xi Cheng went to see Rex.

Rex was unaware of Qin Mu Hua's car accident. Liang Xi Cheng gave a brief, evasive answer before finally asking, "We talked about going to SGA before. Could we postpone it for a few days? Can you communicate with them there?"

Rex raised an eyebrow. "Of course, that's no problem. But are you sure you still want to send her abroad? I know her temperament; you can't force her. You don't want it to backfire."

Liang Xi Cheng pinched his slightly aching nose and shook his head. "Life isn't always smooth sailing. If I don't let her go, who knows how many more things might happen? She can't handle any pressure right now. Besides, I have a lot of things to do myself. Leaving her here will distract me."

"Is the situation at the Liang family's side really bad?"

"They give me five days, and only one day left. The Ye family has been putting a lot of pressure on them. I'm thinking of flying to the US tonight. If possible, we can find a foreign company to turn the tide."

Rex wasn't particularly interested in business, but he clearly had a lot of confidence in Liang Xi Cheng. Hearing this, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Cheng, it seems like, since I've known you, you've never failed. I believe you can handle this crisis well. Of course, I can't offer you any substantial help, but if you need funds, I'd be happy to help you privately."

"Thanks in advance."

Liang Xi Cheng raised his glass of red wine, took a small sip, and leaned back comfortably on the sofa, his tall frame stretching out. He lit a cigarette, his eyes narrowed as he exhaled smoke. "I came to see you today because I do need your help with something."

Rex glanced at him knowingly, flicking his nails. "You want me to talk to Yan Liang, is that right?"

Liang Xi Cheng nodded. "Since you already know, I won't beat around the bush. Right now … I am the last person she wants to hear anything from. Whatever I say, she'll probably just throw a tantrum. But she's always respected you, so I hope you can persuade her. Going for a year and a half at SGA will be good for her."

"I've helped you so much, so you should … How can you repay me?" Rex lazily propped his long legs up on the coffee table in front of him. "I'm not exactly the kind of person who's always eager to help others. I'm always helping you like this, it's almost unrecognizable to me. Shouldn't you at least offer something in return?"

"Taking advantage of someone's misfortune is definitely your habit." Liang Xi Cheng flicked his cigarette ash, squinting one eye. "Tell me, what do you want?"

"There's a piece by Ni Sang Dashi in America that I really like. Since you're going there anyway, taking advantage of the situation should be one of your strengths."

"…"

Ni Sang Dashi, Liang Xi Cheng's lips twitched slightly. "Your taste is truly—unique."

"Thank you for the compliment."

…

Liang Xi Cheng's flight was in the evening. Guan Jiu stayed at the hospital, but there was no news from him. Before going to the airport, he called Guan Jiu, who only said that Yan Liang hadn't left her room, that the doctor had gone in to examine her, and that her condition was currently okay.

Liang Xi Cheng hung up the phone. His car had just arrived at the airport. He got out and saw Ye Sheng Ming coming out of the terminal.

Liang Xi Cheng paused, his thick eyebrows furrowing.

Ye Sheng Ming wasn't surprised to see him. A fake smile immediately spread across his fat face as he walked towards him. "Xi Cheng, what a coincidence! It's so late, and we still run into each other at the airport. Are you heading to America?"

"Hehe, thank you for your concern, Uncle Ye. But just because I'm at the airport doesn't mean I'm going to America."

"Not to America?" Ye Sheng Ming seemed thoughtful. After a moment, he said, "That's good. I thought you were going to America to discuss cooperation with companies there. Since that's not the case, I don't need to worry about it anymore. I went before you, so I just wanted to kindly remind you that even if you flew there overnight, it wouldn't matter. Nobody wants to cooperate with the Liang family. The companies there have already signed contracts with the Ye family."

Liang Xi Cheng's gaze darkened, while Ye Sheng Ming's smile widened. The two were significantly different in height, and Ye Sheng Ming exuded the air of a nouveau riche, always looking down on others with an arrogant air that he made no attempt to hide. "Xi Cheng, wouldn't it be better if you just surrendered? Why be so stubborn? I've practically handed the Ye Group to you. Do you know how many people in City A are hoping for it? I'm giving it to you, and you still want to trample on it? You're truly ungrateful! But since I'm in a good mood today, I'll say one more thing: even if you find a company willing to cooperate with your Liang Group, it's useless. If I wanted to bring down your Liang Group, it would be a piece of cake."

Liang Xi Cheng's lips curled into a smile. "What do you mean?"

"Seeing your blank expression, I suppose your father hasn't told you about what happened twenty years ago, right? Heh ... that's right, how could he bring it up? Here's what I'll do you a favor: you don't need to take that damn plane ride. Going to America would be a waste of time. Tomorrow's probably your deadline, right? I'm not an unreasonable person. Don't say I'm not giving you a chance. You can go back and ask your father what happened twenty years ago, what leverage I have over him now, and if I'm unhappy, he could be ruined. Of course, I'll wait for your call."

As he spoke, he glanced at his wrist. "It's 7 PM now. By midnight, I think you and your father should have finished your conversation. I'll wait for your call."

***

... Yan Liang was woken up by the heat.

The room was at room temperature 24 hours a day, but at night it seemed to rise considerably. She broke out in a sweat, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She woke up and checked the time; it was already past 9 PM. Her hospital gown was soaking wet. Yan Liang got out of bed and searched the room, but couldn't find a change of clothes. She decided to ask the nurse for a new gown; she wanted to take a shower.

As soon as she opened the door, she found Guan Jiu standing there.

Yan Liang frowned. "What are you doing standing here?"

Guan Jiu looked tired. He was still just a normal person; guarding her like this all the time was exhausting. "... Mrs. Liang, Chairman Liang asked me to stay here with you."

"I don't need anyone to stay with me." Yan Liang looked at his tired face and felt a pang of pity. "Go back and rest. Don't worry, I won't wander off and cause you any trouble."

"Mrs. Liang, I'm fine ..."

"Don't call me Mrs. Liang, call me by my name."

"Mrs. Liang ..."

"Do you want me to cause you some trouble before you'll listen to me?" Yan Liang interrupted Guan Jiu, somewhat annoyed. She thought for a moment, then decided she didn't want to take her anger out on him. She sighed, waved her hand, and said, "Suit yourself. But I need to get a change of clothes now. You can go into the room; there's a living room with a sofa. Go rest there for a while."

"No need."

"Assistant Guan, since you insist on calling me Mrs. Liang, shouldn't you listen to me too?" Yan Liang frowned, using her status to pressure him for the first time. "Look at your face. I don't want people to say I'm spoiled and pampered, that a few days in the hospital has made you dizzy. You just want to keep an eye on me, right? Go rest inside; you'll see me much better!"

"I ..."

"Stop with the 'I' and 'you,' I'm letting you in, so just go in." Guan Jiu knew Yan Liang meant well, and he was naturally grateful. After thinking for a moment, he said, "... Then, Mrs. Liang, please go in and rest. I'll get the clothes you requested."

"I can go by myself."

"Mrs. Liang ..."

"Assistant Guan, do you know what size hospital gown I wear? I can get it myself. You go in, I'll be right back. Don't worry, although I'm indeed dissatisfied with Liang Xi Cheng's actions, I won't risk my health. I've never considered giving up on the child in my belly. Are you reassured now?"

...

Guan Jiu shut up. He was indeed very tired, but he was still worried, so Yan Liang walked ahead, and he followed behind, keeping a distance.

When Yan Liang passed the corner of the corridor, she knew Guan Jiu had been following her the whole time. She shook her head helplessly—he was so stubborn.

It was late at night, and most of the hospital nurses had gone off duty, with only a few on duty. Yan Liang walked around for a while before finding the nurses' station. Just as she was about to approach, a young nurse carrying a basin rushed over and bumped into her.

"Ah, I'm so sorry, so sorry ... Are you ... are you alright?"

The nurse was probably startled, and the things she was holding clattered to the floor. A small bottle fell at Yan Liang's feet, and shards of glass flew up, cutting Yan Liang's finger. She hissed, and the nurse quickly dropped what she was holding and ran over to press her hand down. "Miss, are you alright? I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean to. I was in such a hurry."

"... It's nothing."

It was just a small cut, and Yan Liang didn't take it to heart. She shook her head. "I didn't see you coming out when I was walking. Don't worry, it's just a small cut. I'll go to the restroom to wash it off. It'll be fine soon."

"Mrs. Liang, are you alright?" Guan Jiu rushed over, his face grim, startling the nurse so much that she sat down on the floor, frantically apologizing, "... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to ...I'm so sorry ..."

"It's alright, it's alright." Yan Liang tugged at Guan Jiu's sleeve, stood up, shook her hand, and said, "Don't scare the nurse, I'm fine, I'm going to the restroom now."

"But, Mrs. Liang ..."

"I said I'm fine." Yan Liang said this, shaking her head in exasperation, and turned to go into the restroom.

Actually, it was just a very small cut, with a little blood seeping out. Yan Liang rinsed it with cold water for a while, then held it in her mouth for a few minutes, and only left the restroom after seeing that the bleeding had stopped.

Guan Jiu was still waiting impatiently at the restroom door. Yan Liang was already exasperated, shook her head, walked past him to find a nurse, got a new set of clothes, and then returned to her room.

She let Guan Jiu in and told him to rest on the sofa in the suite's living room. She went into the bathroom, took a shower, and when she came out, asked the man sitting solemnly on the sofa, "I'd like to see my mother now. Do you need to arrange that?"

Guan Jiu immediately stood up. "Mrs. Liang, it's actually quite late now, and it's not convenient to go to the ICU."

"What's inconvenient about it? Just put on some clothes."

"Mrs. Liang, how about tomorrow?" Guan Jiu thought that Liang Xi Cheng should be back tomorrow, and Qin Mu Hua's condition wasn't very good. He wanted to buy himself some time. "Tomorrow, when Chairman Liang comes ..."

"Even seeing my mother requires Liang Xi Cheng's permission?" Yan Liang frowned, gave a cold laugh, and lost all desire to speak. "Whatever. If you want to sleep, sleep here. I am inside, can't escape."

...

It was 9:30 PM.

When Liang Xi Cheng's car pulled into the Liang residence, the lights were still on. Liang Jing Shan had returned today. Li Yun Qin was watching TV in the living room with her daughter. Liang Jing Shan was almost six months pregnant, and her mood had calmed down considerably recently. However, she hadn't expected Liang Xi Cheng to return today, and her expression changed the moment she saw him.

In the end, she still blamed Ning Zhi Yuan's situation on him. Liang Jing Shan awkwardly put down the half-eaten apple in her hand and said to Li Yun Qin, "Mom, I'm going to the bathroom."

Li Yun Qin watched her daughter's hurried departure and gave her son a stiff smile. "... Xi Cheng, why are you back so late?"

Although Qin Mu Hua's matter was now settled, Li Yun Qin was still worried that her son might know something. The police had already told her that Bai Yan Liang claimed to have witnessed everything, and her son had always doted on that woman. How could he not believe her?

And in the past few days, she had clearly sensed that Liang Xi Cheng had become somewhat distant from her.

Liang Xi Cheng's gaze didn't linger on Li Yun Qin for long. Perhaps sensing his mother's stiffness, he listlessly loosened his tie, took off his coat, and draped it over his arm. "I came to see Father. Is he resting?"

"... Oh, he's in his study upstairs."

"Okay, I'll go up now."

"... Xi Cheng." Liang Xi Cheng, already on the stairs, paused upon hearing this. He didn't turn around, but merely shifted slightly to the side. Li Yun Qin took two steps forward, then stopped halfway. A certain distance separated mother and son. Some words seemed to be on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them back. After repeating this countless times, she finally said weakly, "... Nothing, just asking if you're staying home tonight? Mom will tidy your room."

"No need."

"..."

Li Yun Qin watched her son's retreating figure as he went upstairs, growing smaller and smaller until he disappeared from her sight. Her heart sank into an abyss.

She clutched her chest, her slender brows furrowing tightly.

Actually, she wasn't feeling well either. These past few days, she hadn't had a single night without nightmares, afraid she'd talk in her sleep and Liang Qi Cheng would hear. Although the police situation had been completely resolved, and Shen Ming would never betray her—and when the verdict came, it would only be considered collateral damage, nothing serious—

Her conscience would constantly remind her, day and night, hour and hour, of what she had done, who she had wronged …

***

Upstairs in the study.

When Liang Xi Cheng pushed open the door, Liang Qi Cheng, unusually wearing reading glasses, was reading a thick book. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, closed his book, and looked somewhat surprised to see him standing in the doorway.

"Why did you come all of a sudden? Is something wrong?" This was the first time Liang Xi Cheng had seen his father wearing reading glasses. Actually, after he grew up, a generation gap had already formed between him and Liang Qi Cheng. Whether in business or in dealing with people, there were aspects of his father he didn't agree with. Over time, communication decreased even more. Later, he went to EC, and then, because of his own troubles at Liang's, he returned … It seemed like only a short time had passed, yet this was the first time he realized that his father had indeed grown old.

"Yes, there's something I need to do."

Liang Xi Cheng composed himself, closed the door behind him, and sat down on the stool opposite Liang Qi Cheng. He didn't intend to beat around the bush with Liang Qi Cheng. Ye Sheng Ming's confident assertions already told him that this matter was definitely not simple, so time was of the essence, and he only wanted to clarify the situation as quickly as possible.

"I originally planned to fly to America tonight. Today is the last day. If I can't provide a solution, those people on the board of directors definitely won't let it go tomorrow."

Liang Qi Cheng's eyes flickered. He had clearly been playing the coward in the Liang family's affairs, unwilling to face the issue because he lacked the courage. But now, his son's sudden mention of it made him realize that the deadline was approaching.

He reached up, took off his glasses, lowered his eyes, and remained silent, lost in thought. Liang Xi Cheng glanced at him, his unease growing. He lit a cigarette, took a couple of puffs, and let the nicotine soothe his emotions. "Father, I ran into Ye Sheng Ming at the airport. He ... he told me some things. Of course, he didn't tell me everything, but I know there's more to what he said. So, Father, have you been hiding something from me all this time?"

Even though Liang Qi Cheng had already guessed some things, his expression still changed drastically when Liang Xi Cheng asked so directly.

"... Ye Sheng Ming, what did he say to you?"

Liang Xi Cheng reached for the ashtray beside him. "He did say something, but he told me to come back and ask you; and I'll know more then."

"... What did he say to you?"

"Something from over twenty years ago." Liang Xi Cheng raised an eyebrow, placing the cigarette between his fingers on the ashtray's edge. His voice was low. "Father, all these years I've actually been against cooperating with the Ye family. You should know very well how much money they've swindled from us. Ye Sheng Ming is a cunning and ruthless man. Now that he's so confidently saying that over twenty years ago, he had something on you, I can understand why you've tolerated him riding roughshod over the Liang family all these years."

"..."

“You never say anything, and I think you must have your reasons. But now I'm in charge of the Liang family business, so I hope you can tell me.”

Liang Qi Cheng’s fingers pressed heavily on the thick book, his voice stiff. “… I … I thought that one day you would know about this, but … I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. I wasn’t mentally prepared, Xi Cheng, I …” Liang Xi Cheng’s phone suddenly rang, interrupting Liang Qi Cheng’s intermittent words.

He took it out and glanced at the caller ID. It was Guan Jiu’s phone. He then looked at the time: 9:45. Guan Jiu calling him at this hour? Could something have happened to Yan Liang?

He hadn’t told Guan Jiu that he had returned midway, so Guan Jiu must have thought he was on the plane. Unless it was something extremely serious, he wouldn’t be calling him at this time.

Liang Xi Cheng gripped his phone tightly and stood up. "I need to take this call." He paused, then continued, "... Since you feel you're not ready yet, then prepare now. I'll come in after this call." Leaving the study, Liang Xi Cheng quickly called back.

The phone was answered after one ring. A sense of foreboding washed over Liang Xi Cheng. He frowned and spoke first, "Is something wrong with Yan Liang?"

"Chairman Liang ..." Guan Jiu's voice was filled with unprecedented panic, each word trembling slightly, "... Mrs. Liang, Mrs. Liang suddenly has a fever, it's already over 40 degrees ..."

Chapter 145        |        TOC        |        Chapter 147