Chapter 8
Early the next morning, Tan Zhuo, still thinking about confronting Chao Jinyuan, got up early to do her makeup. She changed into a black spaghetti strap dress, her red lips and fair skin striking, with her ink-black hair curled into waves, casually draping down to her waist. As she leisurely descended the stairs, lifting her skirt slightly, she resembled a vivid and vibrant oil painting. The once cold and empty villa instantly came to life.
Before Tan Zhuo arrived, Chao Huai Du enjoyed peace and quiet and disliked having too many people around. The servants were so fearful of disturbing him that they spoke in hushed tones, wishing they could wear invisibility cloaks while working. Breakfast was already prepared in the dining room. Tan Zhuo's fingertips lightly brushed over the newly purchased dining table that matched her aesthetic. These were items that usually required months, even half a year, of advance booking, but thanks to Chao Huai Du's influential status, all it took was his name, and the items were delivered within a week.
The butler stood by and said, "Madam, sir is not up yet. Would you like to dine first?"
Still holding a grudge from last night, Tan Zhuo lifted her eyelashes and lazily retorted, "It's almost seven, and he's still not up? Which CEO is as leisurely as him?"
The butler dared not respond since the clock showed only six-thirty. Tan Zhuo generously said, "Let's wait for him."
Chao Huai Du came downstairs right on time. The first sight that greeted him was Tan Zhuo sitting at the dining table, her pale fingers holding an exquisitely enameled hand mirror as she pouted her lips, checking her reflection repeatedly. Though her lips had healed from the swelling, the bold, vibrant color still made them look pouty, as if she was waiting for a kiss.
The man's expression remained unchanged as he quietly took his seat. A few minutes later, Tan Zhuo sipped her soup with a spoon and seemed to mutter softly, "Even drinking soup makes the wound hurt." Her eyelashes subtly lifted as she glanced almost pointedly at the composed man eating across from her, trying to evoke what little compassion he had. That would be the perfect moment for her to make her demands.
Tan Zhuo hadn't given up on studying the sutra tattoos on his body. However, Chao Huai Du never played by the rules. He calmly instructed the butler, "Change Madam's soup to plain congee."
Tan Zhuo was taken aback. "…"
This was a carefully simmered, nourishing soup that had been cooked for hours. Who wanted to drink plain congee?
"I don't want congee!"
Chao Huai Du asked, "Still hurting?"
Tan Zhuo forced a smile. "No… it doesn't hurt anymore."
Internally, she thought, "So annoying! I'll make a note of this and settle the score with him sooner or later."
Soon after, Chao Huai Du finished breakfast, checked the time, and got up to leave for work. Seeing that he was leaving without waiting for her, Tan Zhuo, who was only halfway through her meal, panicked. She quickly set down her chopsticks and said, "Wait for me!"
Though it was late spring, the early morning still had a lingering chill. As Tan Zhuo hurried out the door, a cold breeze hit her face. To maintain an aura that would overwhelm her opponent, she had worn extremely high stiletto heels. Her skirt swayed elegantly, stunningly beautiful, but her skin was chilled to the bone.
Brrr.
Tan Zhuo's face turned pale.
Who knew it would be this cold in the morning? She had never gone out so early before.
Chao Huai Du's usual black Bentley had already pulled up, with Secretary Cui standing respectfully beside the car, ready to "receive" him. As Chao Huai Du took a couple of steps, he glanced sideways and noticed the delicate figure shivering in the cold, her slender waist looking as if it could snap in the breeze.
He paused for half a second, then gently draped the suit jacket he had over his arm onto her shoulders. His voice, tinged with a low chuckle, said, "Go back inside. With your current status, he should be the one coming to see you."
The tranquil scent of sandalwood wrapped her tightly. Tan Zhuo instinctively gripped the firm fabric between her fingers, which was infused with his presence, making her breathe a little lighter. "Huh?"
By the time she realized what had happened, Chao Huai Du's car had already driven away. After watching the car leave, Secretary Cui approached her and greeted, "Good morning, Madam."
"Good morning," Tan Zhuo responded, looking at him suspiciously. "What does Chao Huai Du mean? He's not going with me?"
Secretary Cui patiently explained, "In the Chao family, hierarchy comes first, followed by seniority. You now share the same status as Mr. Chao, so it's only appropriate for Third Master to come see you. Mr. Chao has an early meeting; I will accompany you to your appointment."
In negotiations, those of higher status always take the lead. No wonder Chao Huai Du had to make her a member of the Chao family in the middle of the night. This way, she went from being a seller of suspected fake antiques to a Chao family member and the wife of the current person in charge.
Whether the antique was fake or not, Chao Jinyuan wouldn't dare make things difficult for her. Tan Zhuo slowly pieced everything together and finally understood the intricacies involved. She snorted softly, no longer resisting the suit jacket draped over her shoulders. "This identity does come in handy."
On her way back to the living room, she couldn't help but touch her still tender lips.
It's just…
A bit hard on the mouth.
–
Meanwhile, Chao Jinyuan was "invited" off his hospital bed by Chao Huai Du's bodyguards. He had to personally bring the "fake" item to apologize in person, leaving him completely bewildered.
What the heck.
He was the Third Master of the Chao family, swindled out of 99.99 million by a fraudster, and now he had to go apologize to the scammer?
What kind of bandit logic was this?
Shouldn't the scammer be the one on their knees begging for his forgiveness?
Inside the guest room on the right side of the villa…
When Tan Zhuo saw Mr. Yuan again, he was no longer the spirited man who passionately recounted his tragic love story at the club last time. Instead, he appeared very downcast, with a purplish bruise on his face, as if it had been hit by a hard object.
Assistant Cui, who was adept at reading the room, noticed Tan Zhuo's confusion and whispered an explanation: "The old man has had a bad temper since he was young and often uses his cane to hit people."
Tan Zhuo then realized that she hadn't met any of the elders before her marriage to Chao Huai Du. If they were ruthless even to their biological sons, what if she, as a suddenly appearing granddaughter-in-law, would get beaten to death?
Feeling a slight sense of shared fate, she gestured to the butler, "Serve Third Master some tea."
Well, just a bit of sympathy—nothing more.
Chao Jun Yuan noticed how respectful and courteous Assistant Cui was towards Tan Zhuo, and seeing her confidently taking on the role of the hostess so early at Tai He Di, he finally caught on, even with his slow reactions. He pointed a trembling finger, "You... you... you and Huai Du?"
Tan Zhuo didn't play coy and spoke politely, "Hello, Uncle. I didn't expect us to be family."
Then she took the initiative, "But how could you deceive me with a fake antique?"
Now that she was married and had the title of Mrs. Chao, who would dare to question the authenticity of her family's antiques? Tan Zhuo no longer hid that she was the actual seller of the antiques.
Chao Jun Yuan's vision darkened. He looked helplessly at Assistant Cui, "She is?"
Assistant Cui replied, "She is our boss's new wife. Today, we wanted to clear up the matter of whether the vase is genuine."
Wife?!
"When did they get married?!" How could there have been no rumors about this?
Seeing his world-shattering reaction, Tan Zhuo found it amusing. She leaned comfortably into the sofa, adjusting the luxurious suit draped over her knees, "Last night."
Chao Jun Yuan fell silent.
He knew this was part of the power struggle between Chao Huai Du and the old man.
This damned vase had not only offended the old man but had also somehow gotten tangled up with Chao Huai Du. Ever since taking power, many thought Chao Huai Du's youth meant he couldn't handle the pressure and sought to take advantage, but he turned out to be no less formidable than the old man, subduing everyone with ruthless tactics. Now, everyone had to keep their heads down in his presence, including Chao Jun Yuan, his uncle.
What bad luck, really bad luck.
Who would've thought that the seller of the antique was someone connected to Chao Huai Du? Whether he liked it or not, he'd have to swallow this loss.
Chao Jun Yuan silently put down the "fake" vase he was holding. "So you're my niece-in-law, huh? A good acquaintance often comes out of a fight, no need to return the money; consider it a welcome gift."
Tan Zhuo frowned at this, "That's not right. Business is business. We're conducting a fair transaction here."
No longer concealing the origin of the antique, she stated directly, "This vase has undergone professional appraisal and is a Tan family heirloom. It is absolutely impossible for it to be a fake."
"If you claim it is fake, where is your evidence?"
Chao Jun Yuan had no proof. He couldn't appraise it himself; he had initially bought this vase on a whim after seeing a photo of it from the old man and learning a bit of the backstory. To win the old man's favor and secure a position within the Chao Corporation, he had spent lavishly.
"Since we're family now, I won't hide it from you. The Yongle-period imperial vase was the old man's token of love with his first love, Lady Ye. Last time I was at the old house with a gift, Ye Zhenzhen was there too, bringing an early birthday gift for the old man, and it was... an identical vase to mine."
"She's the biological granddaughter, so how could hers be a fake? Plus, the inside had a small scratch the old man had accidentally left behind long ago."
So, the old man concluded that he was trying to deceive him with a fake item. Without a word, the old man had lashed out with his cane, nearly beating him to death. It was only by feigning unconsciousness that he escaped further harm.
Tan Zhuo listened to Chao Jun Yuan's words, absentmindedly playing with the mother-of-pearl cufflinks on the suit sleeve. "Isn't it possible that that vase..."
"Is the one that's fake."
Her tone wasn't questioning; it was a firm assertion, "There is only one recorded existing vase from this period, with no identical counterparts. This genuine piece has been in my family for nearly a hundred years."
"It has passed through countless collectors and appraisers without once being identified as a fake."
Moreover, her grandfather was a skilled antique collector and appraiser himself. How could he possibly misidentify a mere Ming dynasty blue-and-white porcelain?
"What?"
Chao Jun Yuan, overwhelmed, muttered, "The old man values Ye Zhenzhen so highly, even considering making her the new lady of the Chao family. She wouldn't deceive the old man like that, would she?"
"Wait, who is Ye Zhenzhen?"
Ye Zhenzhen is the new lady of the Chao family?
And what about her?
Outwardly, Tan Zhuo still maintained her poised demeanor as a noble lady, though her enchanting eyes now quietly gazed at Chao Jun Yuan, exuding a powerful sense of pressure.
Chao Jun Yuan suddenly felt as though he were facing his formidable nephew. His already strained brain was now overloaded with information beyond what his intellect could handle. Originally, he had merely intended to be a dutiful son, hoping to secure a position within the company through flattery.
Tan Zhuo tilted her head, her delicate white arm resting on the armrest, and spoke slowly, "Isn't that easy to explain?"
Chao Jun Yuan felt utterly helpless. "Just his fiancée..."
But it seemed his hopes for the old man's wish were fading.
Oh, fiancée?
Tan Zhuo's still slightly swollen lips curved slowly, though her eyes held no mirth.
But she refused to let anyone see her displeasure, so she nonchalantly changed the subject, "In any case, my vase is authentic. Third Uncle, you can have your own expert appraise it."
The authenticity of the vase could be easily verified.
Chao Jun Yuan already believed her. He hadn't known Tan Zhuo's identity before and had assumed she was just an employee at Mei Xi Ting. Now, learning that she was part of the Tan family—a family renowned for their antique collections and appraisals—he couldn't imagine they had kept a fake vase for years without realizing it.
Since the Tan family's bankruptcy, many in the know had privately inquired about the whereabouts of the family's antiques. Most suspected they had gone abroad with Tan family elders, but it turned out they were in the hands of this young junior all along.
Now, however, this information was useless. With his formidable nephew around, who would dare challenge them?
—
When Assistant Cui personally escorted Chao Jun Yuan out, he reminded, "By the way, about Mrs. Chao, please keep it confidential. The boss plans to surprise the old man during his eightieth birthday celebration."
Was this a surprise or a scare?
Nevertheless, Chao Jun Yuan's eyes lit up. He could prepare an emergency response team in advance, ready to stand by, and seize the opportunity to earn some favor as a dutiful son.
Feeling suddenly uplifted, he assured, "Rest assured, my lips are sealed."
Assistant Cui said lightly, "Hmm, Mr. Chao said that if they're not sealed, they can be sewn shut."
Chao Jun Yuan almost swore an oath.
"Absolutely sealed."
Knowing his formidable nephew, he knew better than to defy him.
Switching gears, he asked, "And this vase?"
"Mr. Chao has bought the vase, and the money has already been transferred to your personal account."
Chao Jun Yuan, being tightly controlled by his wife, rejoiced at having some personal savings returned to him. He left with a beaming smile after praising both Chao Huai Du and Tan Zhuo.
Assistant Cui, meanwhile, felt a headache coming on as he watched the radiant and haughty beauty step out with a cold expression.
Third Master was easy to deal with, but this lady was not.
At the moment, Tan Zhuo's alluring eyes seemed to be filled with icy frost. "Take me to your company."
Chao Huai Du, that scoundrel!
To think he had a fiancée in the old house while keeping another in his villa. Such things weren't unheard of in prominent families, and Tan Zhuo had heard of them, but she never expected it would happen to her.
So infuriating.
In her anger, she accidentally bit the sore spot on her lip again.
The pain doubled.
Tan Zhuo's lashes fluttered several times as if tears were about to spill from the pain.
Assistant Cui recalled Mr. Chao's words about delicately tending to a precious flower.
Facing Tan Zhuo was a real challenge.
**Tentative:** "President Chao has accumulated a lot of work from his week-long business trip, and he might not be able to see you right now. How about waiting until tonight…"
Tan Zhuo gradually calmed down. She leisurely tugged at the highly recognizable suit draped over her shoulder. "It's windy today, and I'm worried my husband is dressed too lightly, so I'm bringing him a jacket to keep him warm."
Her tone slightly rose, "Is there a problem with that?"
Secretary Cui: "..."
The look in your eyes doesn't seem like you're bringing warmth to the boss; it's more like you're bringing him a funeral…
**On the way to the Chao Group Tower,**
The cold voice of the young lady sounded again: "Don't tell him beforehand, okay? I want to give him a 'loving wife surprise.'"
Secretary Cui, who was just about to warn the boss in advance, froze with his phone in his hand.
---
Under Secretary Cui's guidance, Tan Zhuo went straight to Chao Huai Du's office.
**Along the way,**
Her face, which was almost ostentatiously beautiful, naturally attracted countless gazes.
Tan Zhuo was naturally very stunning and striking, and today she had on full makeup. The pink eyeshadow was slightly elongated, like petals falling, brazenly exuding her allure.
On the way, a female employee mustered the courage to ask Tan Zhuo about her makeup, wanting to recreate her look.
Tan Zhuo gently brushed a stray lock of hair off her shoulder, her red lips slightly parted, and slowly replied, "Makeup for beating up a scumbag."
Only Secretary Cui could see the dangerous glint in Madam's eyes: "..."
He wanted to explain on behalf of his boss, but was afraid of further provoking this temperamental person.
After all, this was a family matter of the Chaos.
Upon reaching the top floor,
Secretary Cui gestured towards the heavy black double doors across the hall, "That is President Chao's office."
"You need to knock…" on the door.
Before he could finish his sentence,
Tan Zhuo, already wearing high heels, forcefully pushed open the doors and strutted inside, her flamboyant skirt trailing at the entrance.
There was also a loud bang from slamming the desk, accompanied by her sharp words:
"Chao Huai Du, just how many fiancées do you have?!"