Tang Si's step-by-step plan to calculate the Zhao family was out of consideration for Shi Ran.
After all, she was carrying three children, and if anything happened, it would truly be a case of three lives lost with one life.
This was an unbearable consequence for Shi Ran, but if it actually happened, it would likely be the last straw that broke Tang Si.
"Can you help me persuade Ran Bao'er?" Tang Si's eyelids drooped slightly. "I've already spoken to my eldest brother and want to join forces with them to get rid of Huo Xiao Hua and the Zhao family. I'm just worried... worried that after everything is stable, Ran Bao'er won't want to marry me."
"I will help you guide her."
Meng Jingwei sincerely hoped the two of them could be together.
However...
She brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, straightened up, and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the rain pattering against it. The drops gathered, trickled down the glass, and under the study's lamplight, they twinkled like starlight, inexplicably making her heart feel heavy.
"Shi Ran cares most about the scar on her face," she said.
"I know." Tang Si was all too aware of Shi Ran's thoughts. "I've contacted many doctors privately, but because she has a scar constitution, such surgery is simply unfixable. But then I thought, even if it can't be completely repaired, a bit of cosmetic work, at least a little better than it is now, would be something."
Even though he thought this way, Shi Ran might not agree.
"If the surgical results are not significant, it would be a psychological blow to Shi Ran," Meng Jingwei suddenly turned back to look at Tang Si. "Last time Lian Nuo told me that the Hidden Clan has an old Chinese physician who is exceptionally skilled, using methods that most ordinary doctors have never even seen. His scar repair results are astonishing."
"Really?"
Tang Si's eyes lit up, and he shot to his feet. "Which doctor? I'll go invite him over right now."
He had sought medical help endlessly without finding a brilliant method. Now, hearing Meng Jingwei's words, he felt like he saw a glimmer of hope.
Meng Jingwei shook her head. "It's not as simple as you think. I heard that person is a former elder of the Hidden Clan. Not only is his status noble, but he is also eccentric. He never charges for treating people, but he rarely agrees to save anyone."
To put it plainly, he was not lacking money but saved people according to fate.
The last time they were in the Hidden Clan, their group had turned the place upside down. He suspected that elder would not easily offer his help.
"We won't know if it's possible until we try," Tang Si clenched the hands by his sides, his gaze narrowed as he fixed on a certain point, lost in thought.
"When A Ye returns from Nameless Island and all matters are settled, let's go together," Meng Jingwei reassured him.
Tang Si thought for a moment. "That's fine too. Ran Bao'er is pregnant now, and she still has a few months until she gives birth. Let's wait."
...
Time rewound three hours earlier.
The Huo Family.
Tang Si had not returned all night, and Zhao Wuyan, feeling dejected, went to the Huo family to find Huo Xiao Hua out of boredom.
"Why have you come over again?"
There wasn't much going on at the company today, and it was raining heavily. Huo Xiao Hua was lying in the rocking chair on the study's balcony, listening to the rain pattering on the banana leaves, sipping on premium pre-rain Longjing tea, a book on marketing management in his hand, feeling leisurely and at ease.
Zhao Wuyan, wrapped in a thick coat, listlessly shuffled in her slippers to the single sofa on the balcony and plopped down. She pouted aggrievedly, "Alas, I... I think I've upset Si Bing."
Upon hearing this, Huo Xiao Hua showed no reaction. He merely set down his zisha teacup, raised his hand to turn a page of the book, and continued reading.
"Hey, are you even my brother? Aren't you going to pay attention to me?" Zhao Wuyan, seeing Huo Xiao Hua's complete lack of reaction, angrily gave him a light kick.