Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 614: Chapter 617: Much Ado About Nothing

Since he misunderstood her, Yang Chen decided not to act like a coward. Even though he knew that apologizing at this time would only find Lin Ruoxi still angry, he had to show his sincerity. So, he disregarded the idea of grabbing the red wine and went back upstairs to Lin Ruoxi's room.

After thinking about what to say, Yang Chen cautiously knocked on the door, "Knock, knock, knock..."

There was no response from inside the room, as if no one was there. But Yang Chen could sense that Lin Ruoxi was inside, just not responding.

Yang Chen was at a loss. While he was thick-skinned, he knew better than to push his luck. If he forced his way in now, no matter how sincere his apology, Lin Ruoxi would only become more furious.

Standing by the door, Yang Chen sincerely said, "Ruoxi, I know I misunderstood you. It was my fault. Please forgive me this time. I promise I won't jump to conclusions without knowing the facts again."

There was still no response from the room. Feeling a bit dejected, Yang Chen could only say what he could and wait.

After a while with no movement from Lin Ruoxi, Yang Chen had no choice but to return to his room.

His mind was in chaos. He had no solution for Mo Qianqian's situation, and now Lin Ruoxi was too angry to even speak to him. Yang Chen suddenly felt utterly defeated.

Lying in bed all night, he thought about how to earn forgiveness. The next morning, when he went downstairs, he finally saw Lin Ruoxi sitting with Zhenxiu, eating breakfast.

Yang Chen wanted to say something, but he saw a flicker of disgust in Lin Ruoxi's eyes. She put down her chopsticks, stood up, and said to Aunt Wang, who was coming out of the kitchen, "Aunt Wang, I'm full. I'll head to work now."

Aunt Wang was surprised, "Miss, why are you eating so little?"

"I'm not very hungry," Lin Ruoxi replied casually, picking up her bag and walking out the door.

Yang Chen was left standing there, his words stuck in his throat. He didn't expect Lin Ruoxi to ignore him completely, leaving him extremely frustrated.

Zhenxiu looked at Yang Chen with her big, watery eyes, "Brother Yang, did you do something to make Sister Ruoxi angry again? She seems angrier than ever this time."

Yang Chen sighed, thinking that Lin Ruoxi had every right to be mad. He had trusted her before but now rashly doubted her character.

There's no medicine for regret. If there were, Yang Chen would give anything to get some.

Aunt Wang shook her head silently and continued serving Yang Chen a bowl of millet porridge, leaving him to figure things out on his own.

After a disoriented breakfast, Yang Chen planned to drive Zhenxiu to school. However, she refused, saying, "I don't want to see your sulky face," which left Yang Chen feeling even more conflicted.

Feeling unloved and unwanted, Yang Chen decided to go to work. He hadn't spent much time in the office since the Yulei Star event. With the company's reputation now well-established, and Wang Jie and Zhao Teng managing things, Yang Chen's job as director was quite relaxed.

When he arrived at the office, he found An Xin back at work. She was wearing a light yellow ruffled dress, with her hair neatly tied back. The fresh and elegant look gave the originally radiant woman an orchid-like grace, which surprised Yang Chen.

An Xin was sitting in Yang Chen's large director's chair, reading some documents. Compared to Yang Chen, who was usually laid-back, An Xin, with her well-cultivated upbringing, looked more like a director.

Seeing Yang Chen enter the office, An Xin looked up and smiled sweetly, "Darling, you're late."

"Am I ever on time?" Yang Chen smirked and walked over. Leaning close to her fair face, he teased, "I never knew my dear An Xin could look so demure. You're turning from a temptress into a fairy. How charming."

An Xin pouted, "I've been playing the temptress for so long that even I started believing it. To make people around you like me, I need to look more proper from now on."

Though her words sounded a bit childish, they touched Yang Chen deeply.

After meeting with Guo Xuehua, Aunt Wang, and being caught by Lin Ruoxi, An Xin felt a sense of exclusion, despite no one directly targeting her. Feeling like the third wheel and the inherent helplessness of her position, she hadn't had the heart to come to work or see Yang Chen.

An Xin's efforts to be accepted and the changes she was willing to make were not lost on Yang Chen, and it made him realize just how much she cared about their relationship.

Now that An Xin was back at work, she had no complaints. She simply changed her look, hoping that her elegant appearance would make her more accepted by others.

Yang Chen reached out and pinched An Xin's soft cheek. "Whether you're a temptress or a fairy, I like you all the same."

An Xin smiled sweetly and then pointed to the documents in her hand. "Before you arrived, I was looking at the promotional plan for Hui Lin's new album release and concert. Do you want to take a look?"

"Hui Lin's concert?" Yang Chen was surprised. He didn't expect Hui Lin to be planning a concert so soon. Her efficiency was impressive.

An Xin nodded. "Although Hui Lin's popularity doesn't yet match some of the more established divas, she has the backing of a superstar like Christine. Her mysterious background also piques everyone's curiosity, so she definitely has the pull to hold a concert. Plus, she's from Yanjing, so having a concert there will certainly be a success."

Yang Chen smiled, knowing that the mysterious background An Xin referred to was likely related to Master Yun Miao.

Although the Lin family wasn't one of the top four families, it still had official connections. If Lin family members entered the entertainment industry, it could harm the nation's dignity. Thus, even if the media and paparazzi found out Hui Lin's true background, they wouldn't dare publish it for fear of repercussions. Any daring ones were probably dealt with swiftly.

This was why Master Yun Miao had initially opposed her granddaughter becoming a singer. But with her soft heart for Hui Lin, she silently cleared obstacles for her once Hui Lin started singing.

However, Yang Chen wasn't in the mood to look at the proposal. He lazily walked to the sofa and lay down. "If you think it's feasible, just stamp it for me. I don't understand all those operations."

Hearing the unusual tone in Yang Chen's voice, An Xin hesitated before asking, "Darling, is something bothering you?"

Yang Chen smiled bitterly. "You can tell?"

"It's the first time I've seen you so downcast," An Xin said worriedly.

Feeling there was no need to hide it, Yang Chen thought An Xin might even have some advice. He briefly explained the situation with Mo Qianqian and Lin Ruoxi and then asked, "An Xin, you're a woman. How can I get my mother-in-law to agree to me and Qianqian and also get Ruoxi to forgive me?"

An Xin stared blankly at Yang Chen, not expecting to hear that he had so much on his mind.

"Listening to you makes my issues seem insignificant," An Xin said softly. "Although I'm a woman, I'm not a mother. I can't fully understand your mother-in-law's feelings. Mothers have emotions that outsiders can't grasp."

Yang Chen remained silent. This was a key reason he couldn't find a solution—he had no grounds to persuade Ma Guifang.

"But," An Xin continued, "Lin Ruoxi being mad at you isn't hard to resolve. At least, I think Lin Ruoxi isn't someone who holds grudges."

Having interacted with Lin Ruoxi more than others, An Xin's words immediately lifted Yang Chen's spirits.

An Xin thought for a moment and said, "If you want Sister Lin to forgive you, the best way is to show her your sincerity."

"I almost knelt at her door. How else can I show sincerity? Should I stab myself?" Yang Chen smiled wryly.

An Xin rolled her eyes at him. "No wonder Sister Lin is always mad at you. You only know these blunt methods. Think about what she likes, what she wants. Don't you know anything about her?"

Yang Chen suddenly realized. How could he forget? Tang Wan had once advised him to learn about Lin Ruoxi's past. With so many things on his mind, he had forgotten. Thanks to An Xin's reminder, he finally saw the key!

He immediately sat up and took out his phone, dialing the home number.

The call was answered by Aunt Wang, and Yang Chen quickly asked, "Aunt Wang, do you remember the names of the kindergarten, primary school, middle school, and high school Ruoxi attended?"

Aunt Wang sounded puzzled. "Of course, I remember. I often accompanied Miss to school when she was young. But why are you suddenly asking this, sir?"

Yang Chen laughed. "Nothing special. I just want to know more about her. Please tell me."

While listening to Yang Chen's enthusiastic phone conversation, An Xin smiled slightly, though there was a hint of envy in her eyes. She wondered if one day this man would ask about her childhood schools.

In Yanjing, in the study of the Li family.

Li Moshen, draped in a suit jacket, sat in a Taishi chair, smiling at a middle-aged man in military uniform sitting across from him.

"So early in the morning, General Cai, what brings you here? Here for morning tea?" Li Moshen's face was kind, as if looking at his nephew, nothing like the iron-fisted ruler of the Security Bureau.

Cai Yunsheng, making his first visit to the Li family's headquarters, smiled and shook his head. Although his daughter, Cai Ning, had long been pursued by Li Yongye, Cai Yunsheng had never intended to use his daughter for advancement. Even now, as the commander of the Yanhuang Iron Brigade and halfway aligned with the Li family, he kept a certain distance from them.

Cai Yunsheng took a sip from the porcelain bowl brought in by Li Yunpeng, the eldest son of the Li family. Dressed conservatively in a Zhongshan suit, Li Yunpeng, though about the same age as Cai Yunsheng, stood quietly by Li Moshen, not saying a word.

Interestingly, Li Yunpeng, despite being the eldest son, always seemed more like his father's assistant, rarely showing prominence. His son, Li Dun, was famous among the younger generation in Yanjing, known as one of the "Two Kings of Yanjing" alongside Yan Buwen.

"It's strange, but the Li family seems to have transitioned directly from Li Moshen to Li Dun, with Li Yunpeng acting only as a bridge."

But anyone with a brain would not underestimate the low-key Li Yunpeng, for a man who could remain unassuming in such a family surely possessed great inner strength.

"Director, if it weren't for something important, I wouldn't dare disturb your leisure," Cai Yunsheng said directly.

Li Moshen squinted. "The Yanhuang Iron Brigade may be under the Security Bureau, but it has always operated independently. What requires my involvement now?"

Cai Yunsheng hesitated, his fingers tapping the armrest unconsciously. "There's been a situation in Zhonghai."

Li Moshen's face remained unchanged. "Is it about that boy from the Yang family?"

"Yes," Cai Yunsheng smiled slightly. "Our operatives watching him reported that Yang Chen had a conflict with the White Wolf Society and the Zhu family in Jiangsu Province. The detailed report is in the archive for your review."

Li Moshen nodded, signaling to his son, Li Yunpeng, to access the archive from a rarely used laptop.

After skimming through the report, Li Moshen's face darkened. "The White Wolf Society has deep roots in Jiangsu, and its ties with the Zhu family are longstanding. Any action against them will cause significant disruption."

Cai Yunsheng sighed. "I think so too. The Zhu family's power in Jiangsu is substantial, and the White Wolf Society includes many retired special forces. They have kept the underworld in check. We left them alone because it was mutually beneficial. But now, Yang Chen seems determined to wipe them out. He's not one to back down once he's made up his mind."

Li Moshen frowned. "Doesn't he care about 'Hongmeng'?"

"According to our operatives, Yang Chen plans to destroy the White Wolf Society regardless of Hongmeng's involvement. If we don't act, he will use his overseas forces."

Li Moshen suddenly laughed, invigorated. "As expected of Yang Gongming's grandson. I thought he would continue to endure, but it turns out he'll do whatever he sets his mind to. Fine, let the White Wolf Society suffer."

Cai Yunsheng, seeing Li Moshen's quick decision, frowned. "Director, if we act against the White Wolf Society, the underworld in Jiangsu will be thrown into chaos. And if we move against the Zhu family too, it will necessitate a reshuffle of Jiangsu's power structure. The repercussions won't be easy to cover up."

Li Moshen waved his hand southward. "That boy from the Yang family is already determined. Without Hongmeng's intervention, our Security Bureau and the Yanhuang Iron Brigade combined might not be as powerful as his mercenary groups. Even a few of his zero assassins would be beyond our capacity to handle. We might as well handle this ourselves and prevent worse chaos."

Realizing the wisdom in Li Moshen's words, Cai Yunsheng expressed his admiration. "You have great insight, Director. We'll handle this quietly. The Yanhuang Iron Brigade is better suited for covert operations."

Li Moshen smiled. "General Cai, you should visit our Li family more often. My nephew Li Yongye is set to marry your daughter Hua Yu. We'll be in-laws soon. Let's strengthen our ties."

Touched by these words, Cai Yunsheng thought about his elder daughter, Cai Ning. He felt guilty but knew only the Li family could save her. He nodded and took his leave.

After Cai Yunsheng left, Li Yunpeng asked, "Father, are we really going to uproot the White Wolf Society and the Zhu family? It will disrupt half of Jiangsu."

Li Moshen, half-closing his eyes, replied, "It's all because of Yang Chen. We have no choice. If something goes wrong, it's not our fault."

"But," Li Yunpeng hesitated, "doesn't Yang Chen fear a response from Hongmeng?"

Li Moshen laughed. "Yang Gongming isn't worried. Why should we be?"

Li Yunpeng smiled sheepishly. "I just wonder why Yang Chen, with all his advantages, keeps pushing boundaries instead of enjoying a peaceful life abroad."

Li Moshen looked out the sunny window and sighed. "The fact that Yang Chen survived these past decades is a miracle. You can't judge his actions by normal logic. He's an unpredictable variable that no one can fully control."

Li Yunpeng pondered his father's words, trying to grasp their meaning.

"Yang Gongming," Li Moshen murmured, "I even admire you a bit now."