Chapter 112: He Is Ruthless

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Cheng Hui asked, "So, you listen to her a lot?"

Tang Que avoided the question, placing the bag by her feet. He found a somewhat cleaner stone to sit on and said, "Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, just making conversation," Cheng Hui said, feeling troubled. Because of Tang Huaihuai, she wanted to ask Tang Que if he knew anything, but since Tang Que claimed to have a good relationship with his sister, he surely wouldn’t tell her about her.

She still didn’t know if there was something improper between Tang Huaihuai and her father.

Tang Que said, "Do you hate me now?"

"Not really."

"You do. You didn’t treat me like this before." He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lit one with practiced ease, and took a drag, his posture seasoned and familiar.

Tang Que had always been a model student, a top scholar in high school, and back then, boys who smoked weren’t considered good students. Cheng Hui had known him for a long time but never seen him with bad habits—though, thinking about it, she didn’t really know him at all.

Not to mention his sister; she didn’t even really understand Tang Que himself, much less what kind of person his sister was.

Cheng Hui took a bottle of beer from the bag, opened it, and took a small sip. "Still tastes bad."

Tang Que said, "You just don’t like this flavor."

"You're right. Everyone has different tastes. But why is your sister entangled with my dad? Does she like being the other woman?"

Tang Que asked, "What did you say?"

"Don’t pretend, Tang Que. How long do you and your sister think you can keep fooling me? Do you really think no one knows what you’ve done?"

Tang Que fixed his gaze on her, expression inscrutable. "What are you saying?"

Cheng Hui stood up, holding the beer bottle, and smashed it on him, her tone calm and unruffled. "Do you think I’m stupid? Do I have to spell it out for you?"

Most of the beer spilled over him. Tang Que glanced at it and said, "I don’t understand what you’re talking about."

Cheng Hui stiffened, struggling to find words. She hadn’t wanted to cause such a scene with Tang Que, but thinking of his sister’s deeds, she couldn’t swallow the anger, couldn’t let it go.

She scoffed coldly, "Tang Que, I was blind before, liking someone like you. Luckily, I woke up before it was too late. I never want to see you again, or your sister. Your Tang family is all cut from the same cloth."

Tang Que clenched his fist, then relaxed it, suddenly letting out a bitter laugh. "Cheng Hui, you’re not only naive but laughable."

If it weren’t for her father, neither he nor Tang Huaihuai would have ended up like this.

They should have had a harmonious family, a normal mother.

Cheng Hui ignored him and turned to leave. Tang Que suddenly stepped forward to block her path. She eyed him warily, "Move."

His tone softened, "Cheng Hui, what you said earlier—I do stand by my sister. I don’t believe she would do those things. Maybe there’s a misunderstanding."

"There’s no misunderstanding. I saw it with my own eyes."

"Cheng Hui, seeing isn’t always believing. If you think I’m lying, I can show you the truth. I did wrong by you before, but it was unintentional, and I know it hurt you. About my sister, I’m willing to explain."

"You don’t want to blame your dad because of a misunderstanding, do you?"

"…"

…

Cheng Hui had never been to his home before, nor knew where he lived. This time, Tang Que took her there directly.

Seeing her hesitate at the door, he said, "I have no reason to lie to you, and I won’t hurt you. The truth you want is inside."

Cheng Hui bit her lip, torn. She did want to clarify things. Tang Que promised to tell her the truth; she was eager to know what it was.

Tang Que opened the door and walked in.

Cheng Hui hesitated for a few seconds, then followed. Inside, a strange musty smell greeted her; the air was heavy and unpleasant. When Tang Que turned on the light, she finally saw the simple layout—no unnecessary furniture, hardly resembling a normal home.

Tang Que fetched two bottles of mineral water from the fridge, handed one to her, opened the other for himself, and said, "No matter what you see later, don’t be scared."

Cheng Hui, feeling thirsty, drank a few sips after watching him.

Tang Que’s expression shifted. "Let’s go upstairs. I want to show you something."

She followed him upstairs. After a short while, she felt dizzy, her vision blurred. She steadied herself on the railing and said, "Why do I feel…"

"Cheng Hui?"

Before she fainted, she heard Tang Que calling her anxiously. Then she lost consciousness completely.

Tang Que caught her as she collapsed, holding her tightly. Silently, he carried her upstairs, entering the nearest room, laying her on the bed. After calling her several times and confirming she had fainted, he sent a text to Tang Huaihuai.

…

Finding someone in Yong City was not easy, especially since the police weren’t taking it seriously at first. It was only when He Chuan used his connections that the police officially opened a case and started searching everywhere.

He Chuan was pale with worry, fearing something had happened to Cheng Hui. If tragedy befell her, he would blame himself as the culprit.

He prayed fervently that even if it cost him his life, Cheng Hui would be safe.

But after a whole day and night, there was still no trace of her.

It was as if she had vanished from Yong City.

He Chuan despised his helplessness, his frustration and suppressed emotions growing unbearable.

Meanwhile, the Cheng family was no better. The atmosphere was heavy, no one dared to speak. Mrs. Cheng cried alone in her room, full of guilt and blame.

Mr. Cheng tried comforting her, but it didn’t help. He sighed helplessly, saying, "Stop crying, or you’ll ruin your eyes. Crying won’t solve anything. Pull yourself together and wait for Cheng Hui to come back."

Mrs. Cheng didn’t want to talk. She repeatedly called Cheng Hui’s phone but it remained unanswered.

Cheng Jiu wasn’t home; he was driving around with her photo, searching places Cheng Hui might have gone. It wasn’t the best way, but there was no better option.

…

Just as everyone was losing hope, Cheng Hui suddenly returned home. When they saw her, her face was as pale as paper, her eyes vacant as she stared at them.

She went straight to her room and locked the door. The first thing she did was enter the bathroom, turn on the shower, cover her face, and cry silently and bitterly.

After crying, she washed up, changed clothes, then opened the door and apologized quietly to her worried family. "Sorry for worrying you all."

"Huihui…"

"I was just in a bad mood. I stayed at a friend’s for a few days. My phone died and was off. I’m sorry—this won’t happen again."

Mrs. Cheng felt like she was a different person now, though she couldn’t say exactly why. Strange, unsettling.

Her eyes were clearly red and swollen from crying. Something had definitely happened.

Cheng Hui’s tone was calm. "Stop standing there, it’s weird."

Cheng Jiu came back last, saw her eating like nothing had happened. The others avoided mentioning where she had been, afraid of upsetting her or stirring up painful memories.

Mr. Cheng took Cheng Jiu aside to talk. Mrs. Cheng stayed with Cheng Hui during the meal, worried she wasn’t eating enough, asking the housekeeper to cook extra.

The housekeeper worried aloud, "That’s enough food for Cheng Hui. Even if she’s hungry, she shouldn’t eat so much at once. Madam, maybe stop cooking? She’s already eaten a lot…"

Mrs. Cheng said, "Huihui, the housekeeper is right. Your stomach isn’t that big. Rest for a while, okay?"

Cheng Hui just about to answer suddenly felt nauseous. She dropped her chopsticks and rushed to the bathroom, closing the door to vomit.

Mrs. Cheng said, "This won’t do. Call the doctor and have them come check."

…

Xin Gan learned Cheng Hui was back and came to the Cheng household. She didn’t see Cheng Hui but noticed the family doctor coming downstairs, accompanied by Cheng Jiu.

After the doctor left, Xin Gan asked Cheng Jiu, "Is Cheng Hui sick?"

Cheng Jiu shook his head. "We’re taking her to a psychologist tomorrow."

"What happened?"

"Not clear. She won’t say. Probably some trauma."

Xin Gan worried. "Can I visit her?"

"Sure."

When Xin Gan saw Cheng Hui, her eyes suddenly focused. Xin Gan gently stroked her hair. "Are you okay?"

Cheng Hui nodded and shook her head. "Uncomfortable."

"Where?"

She clutched her chest. "Here."

Xin Gan hesitated. "Want to go to the hospital?"

"No. I won’t go."

"Alright, no hospital."

After Mr. Cheng called Mrs. Cheng away and closed Cheng Hui’s room door, he said, "We should find a chance to have her checked. I fear…"

Mrs. Cheng cut him off sharply, "Don’t say that. If word gets out, it will ruin her reputation. What will become of her?"

For Mrs. Cheng, Cheng Hui’s reputation was everything; she wouldn’t allow it to be tarnished.

Mr. Cheng sighed, seeing her resolve, and said no more.

…

Once everyone left the room, Cheng Hui whispered to Xin Gan, "Sister Xin, can you help me get some medicine?"

Xin Gan asked, "What kind?"

"Morning-after pill."

Xin Gan broke into a cold sweat. "Tell me, what happened?"

"Don’t ask. Please don’t."

Cheng Hui looked resistant, and Xin Gan didn’t press further. She quickly went out to buy it, without telling anyone—not even Cheng Jiu.

She gave the pill to Cheng Hui. "This one is good up to seventy-two hours. Taken within a week or so, it will bring your period earlier."

Cheng Hui nodded blankly, took the pill without water, tearing the package and swallowing it.

Xin Gan said, "Cheng Hui, no matter what, we’re on your side. Don’t be afraid."

…

He Chuan still came to the Cheng household to see her.

Cheng Hui forced a calm smile when she saw him.

He Chuan crouched beside her, wanting to touch her but hesitant, keeping some distance. "I heard from Cheng Jiu you’re not feeling well. What’s wrong? Do you hurt somewhere?"

Cheng Hui half-reclined on the bed, glancing at the door. "No."

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"Then where did you go?"

Cheng Hui shook her head again.

He Chuan’s face fell, and he stopped pressing, leaning over to hold her. His broad palms stroked her back gently. "If you don’t want to talk, I won’t ask."

Cheng Hui stiffened slightly, eyes shimmering with tears.

She didn’t pull away but stayed quietly in his arms.

The door was half-open.

Just as Cheng Hui was about to whisper him to close it, she heard his trembling voice.

"You scared me to death."

Cheng Hui froze, unsure how to respond. She blinked and struggled, "You’re holding too tight. I can’t breathe."

He Chuan loosened his grip and touched her cheek, resting his forehead against hers. "My fault."

He was scared, truly scared something happened to her.

Cheng Hui was speechless, only silently watching him.

She rarely saw this vulnerable side of him, never before. Her heart ached and felt unfair, but it was all her own doing.

She forced a smile, eyes dull, pretending all was well, but He Chuan saw right through her. Her worries were written all over her eyes, impossible to hide. "Cheng Hui, look at me. Look at me."

She dared not meet his gaze, eyes darting away, lowered, staring at his shirt collar instead.

He Chuan’s heart clenched. He kissed her forehead, then her eyes, treating her like a priceless treasure, careful not to use too much force.

"You don’t have to say if you don’t want to. I won’t force you."

He soothed her gently, "Tired? Then sleep. I’ll wait until you’re asleep before I leave."

Cheng Hui said, "No, my parents will see…"

"It’s okay. I’ll explain to them."

She grabbed his sleeve. "Don’t say anything. Don’t tell them. I’m afraid they’ll oppose. He Chuan, please don’t say anything."

She was truly scared of her family knowing about her relationship with He Chuan; otherwise, she wouldn’t have hidden it all this time.

She couldn’t bear the outside scrutiny, especially in her current state. She didn’t even know if there was a future with He Chuan.

If he knew…

She didn’t dare think further; it only made her chest tighten, suffocating.

He Chuan could only promise, "Okay. I won’t say a word to anyone. I promise."

Only then did Cheng Hui relax and lie down, releasing her grip on his sleeve and curling under the blanket. Before He Chuan left, she turned over, facing away.

He Chuan silently watched her back for a moment, then got up, switched off the light, and left.

Cheng Jiu had been waiting at the door for a while. When He Chuan came out, his first words were, "We need to talk."

After saying that, Cheng Jiu went downstairs first; He Chuan followed, closing the door behind him.

Two grown men stood in the yard talking. Cheng Jiu handed him a cigarette to break the ice.

"When did you start liking her?"

He Chuan didn’t know how to answer and remained silent, lighting the cigarette but not taking a puff.

"Cheng Hui is twelve years younger than you. She’s only nineteen, and you’re my age. You know what will happen if you continue?"

The elder Chengs would never agree. If He Chuan was just playing around, Cheng Jiu wouldn’t stand by. But after observing, he thought He Chuan was serious. If Cheng Hui liked him too, they’d definitely be together. When everyone found out, there would be opposition, especially from the elders.

He Chuan knew the age gap was a huge obstacle. If he were only seven or eight years older, it might be easier. But twelve years was a big difference. Cheng Hui was so young; being with him meant she’d suffer more.

He took a deep drag, jaw clenched. "No matter what, I can’t let go. As long as she wants, I’ll take her away."

"Do you want her to have no family? To be homeless just to be with you?"

Cheng Jiu disapproved of such extreme measures.

"I can give her all my love. Even if I don’t have much, I’ll try my best."

Cheng Jiu said, "I might as well not have met you. You’re so extreme. She’s my sister—your flesh and blood, not a stranger."

He Chuan grinned. "Then help me. When everyone opposes, don’t stab me in the back."

Cheng Jiu punched his shoulder. "Are you crazy?"

"Crazy? Want me to get checked?"

"You really are nuts."

He Chuan replied, "Cheng Jiu, if you and Xin Gan were me and Cheng Hui, you’d be crazier than me, I guarantee it."

When Cheng Jiu once asked He Chuan about He Cheng and Xin Gan’s relationship, he already knew Cheng Jiu was hooked on Xin Gan. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked.

He Chuan said, "I know you’ve been trying to mess with He Cheng. Cheng Jiu, men don’t act reasonably when it comes to the woman they love. You know it, I know it. I don’t just love Cheng Hui, I want to give her everything. This time, no one can stop me. To be blunt, even you can’t."

He laid down the law: he wouldn’t back down as before. If Cheng Jiu also blocked him, he’d cut him off too.

Only Cheng Hui mattered.

…

Their conversation wasn’t pleasant. Afterward, Cheng Jiu went home and sat smoking in the study, mood low, unable to focus on work, constantly thinking about Cheng Hui.

Xin Gan entered, coughing at the thick smoke, catching Cheng Jiu’s attention. He quickly stubbed out the cigarette and opened a window.

"Too smoky in here. Let’s go outside."

He put his arm around Xin Gan’s waist, leading her out, closing the study door. She asked, "Are you thinking about Cheng Hui?"

He nodded, sighing. "He Chuan came back, looking for Cheng Hui. He talked to me just now. He’s not planning to give up on her."

Xin Gan said, "If Cheng Hui likes him, you shouldn’t oppose. Opposition might only make things worse. You’re not Cheng Hui; you don’t know how she feels."

Cheng Jiu recalled He Chuan’s words and said, "I get it, but Cheng Hui’s too young. Her sense of right and wrong isn’t fully formed yet…"

Xin Gan shook her head and grasped his wrist. "You underestimate her. You’re her brother, sure, but sometimes the more you interfere, the messier it gets. He Chuan isn’t a bad guy. You’re just worried about the age. I think age isn’t the real problem."

"…"

"Cheng Jiu, you’re eight years older than me, but you’re not that great either."

Cheng Jiu was speechless.

Xin Gan continued, "You treated me coldly at first, rude even. The first time I went to Beiyu, you didn’t pick me up. I thought you were so impolite, so I wasn’t nice to you. But look how good He Chuan is to Cheng Hui—he’s been there all these years, taking care of her. Whenever she has trouble, He Chuan is the first to appear. If I were her, I’d like a man who treats me like that."

Cheng Jiu was left without a rebuttal, afraid she’d call him rude again, so he stayed silent.

Xin Gan’s point was clear: don’t interfere. If their feelings are genuine, no one can stop them. Especially now, with Cheng Hui’s condition, it’s good that He Chuan is by her side, although…

Xin Gan suddenly felt dizzy. "I’m going to rest now."

She mentioned Beiyu, which reminded Cheng Jiu of something. After she left the room, he returned to the study and checked recent news from Beiyu.

Yu Tou had been executed; Ji Bai escaped abroad and was still missing.

Some details were classified, unavailable to the public. What he could find online was scant.

He hadn’t done well on the case; superiors were dissatisfied, forbidding him from continuing the investigation. Even Captain Meng had no authority over it. Ji Bai and Jiang Tang were still fugitives; no one knew when they'd be caught.

This remained an unresolved burden for him.

…

Tang Que handed the photos he took directly to Tang Huaihuai.

She said, "Good job on this."

Tang Que was displeased. "Sis, are you going to use Cheng Hui’s photos to threaten her dad?"

"This is just a fallback. If the Cheng family doesn’t care about Cheng Hui’s reputation, that’s fine. At worst, other men will see her photos. So what?"

Tang Huaihuai suddenly asked, "Did you take precautions?"

Tang Que’s face darkened. "Yes."

"Good. Don’t leave any traces."

"…"

"If you don’t want to bother with Cheng Hui anymore, just don’t. I don’t care."

Tang Que asked, "Did this affect you at school?"

"Of course not. Even though the Cheng family suppressed this, it’s fine. My goal is already achieved. Now it depends on whether Cheng Hui can endure it. I hope she doesn’t."

Tang Que was still worried. "What if they find out it was me…"

Suddenly, Tang Huaihuai’s phone rang. The caller ID showed He Chuan. She smiled. "He’s already here."

…

Tang Huaihuai went to meet He Chuan, but not in the city—by the seaside.

From afar, she saw He Chuan’s car parked nearby, him sitting inside.

She happily opened the passenger door and got in, greeting him warmly, "Long time no see. Finally remembered me?"

He Chuan didn’t even glance at her, playing with a lighter, his voice low and smooth. "What did Tang Que do to Cheng Hui?"

Tang Huaihuai thought for a moment. "You’re quick to find out. Well, what do you expect? When a man and woman are alone, it’s consensual—they did what lovers do."

He Chuan’s face darkened instantly; his cold eyes sharpened. He breathed deeply and turned to look at her. "Say that again."

Tang Huaihuai had never seen He Chuan angry before. His expression was terrifyingly dark. She shivered but didn’t care. She had good material on Cheng Hui and wasn’t afraid of He Chuan. She laughed recklessly, "I’ll say it as many times as I want. He Chuan, stop fooling yourself. Cheng Hui only ever liked my brother. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone home with him."

The next moment, He Chuan grabbed her neck with brutal strength, forcing her head back. She struggled to breathe, her face quickly reddening. She gasped, "I-I have photos! Photos!"

He Chuan wouldn’t listen. He seemed to have lost reason, his expression terrifying, as if he truly wanted to kill her.

Tang Huaihuai thought she was dying. She struggled with all her might. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, he loosened his grip. But then he got out of the car, walked around, opened the door, dragged her out, and violently smashed her head against the car door.

She thought he’d let go, but he grabbed her hair and hit her against the door repeatedly.

Her scalp felt like it was splitting; pain made her scream and beg for mercy.

He Chuan didn’t stop until several hits later. Then he tore off her clothes. "You said you liked chasing men? Here’s your chance."

Tang Huaihuai had truly provoked him. Her makeup was ruined, hair messy, no dignity left, almost on her knees begging.

"He Chuan, calm down! Don’t do this! If you kill me, you won’t get away with it! I told my brother before coming here that if I don’t return in an hour, he’d call the police."

He Chuan sneered coldly. "Call the police? Should I also accuse your brother of some scandal?"

Tang Huaihuai coughed harshly. "I have photos of Cheng Hui being taken advantage of. If you call the police and don’t care about her reputation, I won’t object. Once they find my brother, he’ll probably be jailed for a few years. But when he’s out, he’ll still find Cheng Hui!"

He Chuan’s eyes turned bloodshot, staring fiercely. "Photos,I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.