Chapter 108: Objection Overruled
Lounging on the sofa, Chu Yan watched as Zhou Fan and Zhang Lei stood there chatting for a bit before moving over to a nearby bench to sit down. She was extremely curious!
Based on what she knew of Zhou Fan's personality, he wasn't one to make small talk with the other man. So, driven by curiosity, Chu Yan went to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, grabbed two cans of beer, and walked over to them.
"Honey, for you!" Chu Yan tried her best to appear calm as she handed both cans to Zhou Fan.
How could Zhou Fan not see through her little scheme? Holding back a laugh, he took the beers and tossed one to Zhang Lei. "See? If things don't go as you said, I won't even have to lift a finger. My wife is still holding a grudge."
"Madam Zhou, what happened last time was my fault. Please allow me to apologize. Once this is all over, I am willing to offer up my worthless life to atone for my actions!"
Holding the beer in one hand, Zhang Lei scrambled to his feet and bowed deeply to Chu Yan, his expression one of utmost sincerity.
"Ah? I... I didn't mean it like that. I didn't even see it was you. You two just keep talking, I'll head back!" Seeing how earnest Zhang Lei was, Chu Yan was momentarily at a loss. She hastily made an excuse and tried to leave, but Zhou Fan reached out and stopped her.
"Honey, sit down. There are some things you should know."
Zhou Fan pulled Chu Yan into his arms and gestured for Zhang Lei to sit as well. With Zhou Fan's nod of approval, Zhang Lei recounted his life story and the feud between him, Chu Peiyu, and Chu Yifeng. He told them everything, not hiding a single detail—not even his original plan to use Chu Yan and Zhou Fan to get his revenge.
"So, the two of you were just talking about Chu Yifeng and Chu Peiyu?" Chu Yan was quick. After hearing Zhang Lei's story and considering Zhou Fan's willingness to sit and talk with the man, she deduced that it must be related to the Chu Family.
"Yes, Madam Zhou," Zhang Lei stood up again, answering respectfully. "According to my intelligence, Chu Yifeng has returned to Nanjiang City. We don't know where he is staying yet, but Chu Peiyu is certain to know. As for their next move, I'm afraid..." He trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.
Chu Yan understood instantly. "I'm calling Grandpa right now to warn him!" She moved to call Chu Tianxiang but was once again stopped by Zhou Fan. "Don't worry, honey. I'll handle it."
Hearing Zhou Fan's assurance, Chu Yan's anxiety subsided. She then turned to Zhang Lei, her brow furrowed. "While what you did might be understandable, why did you have to kidnap me? Do you have any idea my husband got hurt because of it? Let me tell you, even if my husband forgives you, I won't!"
At Chu Yan's words, Zhou Fan paused, and Zhang Lei's expression instantly fell.
"So, after your plan succeeds, you have to treat my husband and me to a really nice dinner. Otherwise, this isn't over!"
Huh?
Zhang Lei's head shot up in shock. He looked at Chu Yan, bewildered, then turned his equally confused gaze to Zhou Fan.
"What are you standing there for? Get going and prepare like we discussed," Zhou Fan said, waving Zhang Lei off. He hadn't expected such a move from Chu Yan either. "This might be your only chance for revenge!"
"Honey, I feel for Zhang Lei, I really do, but... if Chu Peiyu and Chu Yifeng are both killed, what will happen to our Chu Family...?" Chu Yan's voice was subdued as her hands wrapped around Zhou Fan's neck.
"Silly girl, isn't there still Xiaowen? I think he has what it takes to lead the Chu Family. Besides, if the opportunity arises, I was thinking of bringing him to the capital with me." With just the two of them left, Zhou Fan's hands began to roam again. Chu Yan's face flushed crimson. Even though they were in the private courtyard of their villa, she was still shy about him being so forward out in the open.
"You promised, honey! You have to help Xiaowen, you can't go back on your word!" Chu Yan said, trying to fend off his wandering hands as she glanced around nervously. Even though she knew no one could see them, she couldn't help but worry.
"Whether or not I keep my promise... well, that will depend on your performance, my dear wife!"
"Mmph... don't bully me. Can't we go back to the room, please?"
"Nope. Right here in the yard!"
"Ah... Honey, you're such a rogue!"
Late that night, Chu Yan finally collapsed, utterly spent, and fell into a deep sleep draped over Zhou Fan's arm. Strangely, Zhou Fan found that he wasn't tired at all. On the contrary, the power of the Bodhi Heart, which had been dormant inside him for so long, was now being stirred by the Withered Branch and had begun to circulate slowly.
"Honey, wake up!"
「The next day.」
Chu Yan found herself pinned beneath Zhou Fan, unable to move, and couldn't help but call out softly.
"I'm not getting up. Unless my dear wife..." Zhou Fan whispered without opening his eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as if he had her perfectly located.
"Dream on! No way. Last night, I already... I already..."
"Objection overruled!"