Indeed! They have a powerful backing!
Ye Xiaohan had a hunch. Being able to communicate with Yamen and allow Liu Wen and Yang Juanjuan to come and go, although she was skeptical about Liu Wen's claim of "letting her out," it was clear that if the backing wasn't strong enough, Liu Wen wouldn't be so confident.
This backing was not simple; could it be a rival in business? Wouldn't that be too much of a show? Peach Blossom Studio, no matter how good its business was, was just a small shop. Those who truly held power should not pay it any mind.
After thinking for a while, she still felt confused. Ye Xiaohan could only try to extract information from Liu Wen, hoping to gather as much useful information as possible. As for Yang Juanjuan's chatter, she would treat it like the barking of a dog at the village entrance.
Ye Xiaohan secretly pinched her labor palace acupoint, and the sharp pain instantly drained the color from her face, causing beads of sweat to form on her forehead. She deliberately put on a weak expression and raised her head in disbelief.
“Auntie, what are you talking about? When did I ever take control of the Liu family? I’ve long since moved on; everything belongs to the Liu family. It’s just that no one can manage it right now, so I reluctantly took over. Once Liu Yang grows up a bit more, all of this will be handed over to him!”
Her expression seemed genuine, convincing everyone present, even Yang Juanjuan was half-convinced, while Liu Wen was furious.
“Bitch, don’t play games with me! Just do as I say and clearly tell me that you will hand everything over, and I might spare your life!”
Ye Xiaohan made her face even paler and forced a smile. “Auntie, look at me like this; what is there left to fight for? This place is truly unbearable. If you can let me out, I’ll give you anything you want!”
Hearing Ye Xiaohan's promise made Liu Wen hesitate; after being outsmarted by Ye Xiaohan multiple times before, she was still wary and feared there might be some trap involved. “Are you really willing to hand over the inheritance? You’re not plotting something again?”
“Auntie, all I want now is to get out. Material possessions can be earned again later; if my life is gone, then everything is lost. I’ve only just arrived here and have already been tormented like this; if I stay any longer, I fear I won’t survive.” While pretending to wipe away tears, Ye Xiaohan pressed on her tear ducts to make her eyes glisten with tears, appearing even more pitiful.
At this point, Liu Wen's wariness faded away. She believed that Ye Xiaohan had been tortured in prison, which led to her change in attitude. Her gaze swept around the room and landed on several fierce-looking inmates, making her shiver in fear as she quickly looked away.
Oh Buddha! These people clearly weren't good folks; they were terrifying!
With her worries eased, Liu Wen soon wore a delighted expression. Soon enough, the inheritance of the Liu family would be in her hands! Once she had the Liu family's inheritance, she wouldn't have to hide from debt collectors anymore; she could live like before as a lady at home.
No, it was better than before, more prosperous!
Before obtaining the Inheritance, Ye Xiaohan could not afford to die. If she did, according to the rules, she would never receive anything from the six families. Now that the six families had completely severed ties with her, it would be much harder to deceive them as before.
Thinking of this, Liu Wen's hatred for Ye Xiaohan lessened a bit. She said kindly, "If you had been this obedient earlier, it would have been much better, wouldn't it? Look at you, having to make yourself like this before realizing what's right and wrong."
"I know I was wrong," Ye Xiaohan cried out. "Auntie, I am willing to give you all the Inheritance. I promise I won't have any ulterior motives in the future. Can you really help me get out of here? I can't stay in this place for another moment!"
Yang Juanjuan saw that they were only discussing the Inheritance and quickly stepped forward, anxious. "What about the divorce? With your reputation ruined outside, do you really think you can stay in the six families as a young mistress? The six families don't want such a disgraceful daughter-in-law!"
"Juanjuan is right." Liu Wen felt that with Ye Xiaohan's assurance, half of the Inheritance was already in her pocket. Her mood improved, and she even had time to help Yang Juanjuan resolve her lifelong issue.
"Six Bei has never liked you; that's why he wrote the divorce letter before. Later, he took pity on you and allowed you back into the six families. This shows the kindness of the six families; it’s not an excuse for you to cling on."
Liu Wen's support for Yang Juanjuan had its reasons.
If Yang Juanjuan couldn't take charge of the six families, then Ye Xiaohan would have an excuse to continue staying there. As long as Ye Xiaohan remained, Liu Wen's heart would never be at ease.
Only when Ye Xiaohan completely disappeared from the six families and from her sight could she feel relieved.
"This..." Ye Xiaohan put on a troubled expression, hesitating.
Her reaction only made Liu Wen feel more at ease.
Yang Juanjuan anxiously urged from the side, but Liu Wen comforted her not to rush.
Ye Xiaohan calculated that the timing was right and finally spoke up, "Well, okay then. Given what has happened, I can't stay with the Liu family any longer. If you can help me get out, I’m willing to leave the Liu family for good and never come back!"
"That's great! Just remember your words and don't go back on them later!" Yang Juanjuan said, her eyes lighting up with joy at Ye Xiaohan's agreement. She could hardly wait to pull her away to draft the separation papers.
"But," Ye Xiaohan hesitated as she glanced at them, "the situation at the shop is serious. I've already been captured; can they really let me go? Even if I do get out, if the issue isn't resolved, won't they just bring me back? In that case, it might be better to stay here."
Liu Wen and Yang Juanjuan grew anxious upon hearing this; they were worried that Ye Xiaohan might change her mind midway. "Don't worry! Since I promised you, this matter will not change. Just focus on getting out and living your life well," Liu Wen reassured her.
"But how can that work?" Ye Xiaohan replied. "I don’t want to live in fear anymore unless you can guarantee it. It's not that I don't trust my aunt; it's just that dealing with prisoners is a matter for the Government Office. With just my aunt and uncle, how could the Government Office listen to you?"
Liu Wen's face showed determination as she said, "You don’t need to worry about that; I have my ways."
As if fearing Ye Xiaohan still doubted her, she leaned in closer and whispered a bit of information: "Your uncle knows a powerful person. I've already asked him for help, and he agreed to give us this favor. As long as he steps in, you will be safe."
"Really?" Ye Xiaohan asked in surprise before whispering again, "Who is this person? They sound impressive! Auntie, please tell me so I can feel more at ease."
Liu Wen straightened up and replied, "I can't tell you that. This is a sensitive matter; if anyone finds out, you know what could happen. The fewer people who know, the better. If someone finds out and that person gets upset and decides not to help anymore, then you're finished! Do you understand?"
Ye Xiaohan nodded fearfully, "I understand! I promise to keep it a secret and won't tell anyone else! Auntie, how did Uncle get to know such an important figure?"
"You don't need to know that; we have our own ways!"
Liu Wen was concerned that Ye Xiaohan might catch on to any inconsistencies in her story. Plus, Liu Yuan had warned them repeatedly that their collaboration should remain confidential, so Liu Wen dared not openly defy his instructions.
Ye Xiaohan reluctantly gave up asking further questions and said, "In that case, I won’t pry any more. I’ll rely on you for help with this matter. However, I've already promised to hand over my inheritance to my aunt; there's nothing left I can offer as thanks to that important person."
Liu Wen laughed and said, "You fool, do you really think that esteemed person would care about your little token of gratitude? Even if it's the Liu family's inheritance, he wouldn't bat an eye."
Previously, after discussing with Yang Hua, Liu Wen and her husband had reluctantly decided to give Liu Yuan thirty percent of the Liu family's inheritance. However, Liu Yuan had rejected it outright, stating he didn't need anything from them; he only wanted to see Ye Xiaohan fail.
This action of Liu Yuan's greatly endeared him to Liu Wen and her husband. If they could help it, they wouldn't want to give a single coin to anyone else!
Thinking about the money they had regained, Liu Wen felt a surge of happiness, and a smile spread across her face.
Ye Xiaohan observed everything quietly, forming some conclusions in his mind.
Liu Wen was too tight-lipped. Despite Ye Xiaohan's several indirect inquiries, she stubbornly refused to reveal anything. He had already gathered some clues, but seeing that he couldn't pry any further, he decided to let it go.
Yang Juanjuan linked arms with Liu Wen and left triumphantly. Ye Xiaohan watched them depart from his cell, feeling a deep sense of crisis within himself.
According to Liu Wen, the powerful figure behind her was not motivated by greed. If it were a rival in business, their jealousy would stem from the success of Peach Blossom Studio; they wouldn't pass up such an opportunity for profit.
Even if it wasn't for money, there must be some ulterior motive regarding the secret recipe. As a businessman, how could one possibly engage in something without any benefit?
Eliminating the possibility of being harmed by a competitor meant that this person's goal was to target him directly.
Someone who bore a grudge against him and was intent on causing him harm—someone with power and influence—there was only one suspect.
Liu Yuan!
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