Yuan Xuan obviously knew who Shao Yibai was referring to when he mentioned “that woman”.

It seemed as though Shao Yibai’s heart had been stolen. The demon that resided stubbornly deep in his heart originated from that mysterious woman.

“So your plan was to come to Luo Hai and pursue someone?”

Yuan Xuan who had previously come here to vent about his unfulfilled desires had now switched to the role of a relationship counselor. He advised Shao Yibai, “So many years have passed. What are you going to do if she’s already married or has a new sweetheart?”

“Impossible! She’s my woman! I’ll kill anyone who dares to marry her!”

Shao Yibai suddenly spoke in a resolute manner, displaying a huge difference from his normally unruly and uninhibited self. In fact, he now displayed the iron-willed and cold personality of a soldier.

Yuan Xuan sighed, “Your conscience is really f*cking obstinate! You’re a retired officer, not a bandit chief but you’re still talking about killing people!”

“I think you are the one with an obstinate mind. Why don’t you change partner if your Little Chenyan is tormenting you so much?”

Instantly changing from his previously cold and serious demeanor, Shao Yibai sneered and became energetic talking about it. Sitting beside him, Qianqian was frightened by Shao Yibai’s sudden change of emotions that she trembled slightly and could not help but curled up her body. Perhaps she felt that the ambiguous aura surrounding him was truly terrifying.

Yuan Xuan remained calm although the secret in his heart was exposed. He said, “She’s merely throwing a tantrum because she recently discovered an old matter from the past.”

“Wow, good job, Little Chenyan!” said Shao Yibai as a gloating expression appeared on his face. “She should have punished a tyrannical overlord like yourself long ago. I was hoping that Little Chenyan would fight back until you couldn’t deal with it. Now you can’t be so arrogant anymore, right?”

Hearing this, Yuan Xuan’s heart became unhappy and he argued, “Women just have to be kept under control for their tempers to disappear. She’s unlike yours, she won’t run away just because she said so!”

It was true that men who were in love could be childish too!

Was Yuan Xuan actually bickering with his friend?!

Shao Yibai scoffed before he sneered lightly, “Don’t rejoice too quickly. When I get to Luo Hai in a few days and found her, we can compete again!”

“Are you planning to be permanently based here?” Yuan Xuan knew that their collaborative project would start after the Spring Festival. Since Shao Yibai could not take too much time out to supervise it, Yuan Xuan would need to take full responsibility for it instead. Nonetheless, the Shao Family would occasionally come over and follow up on matters given that they were representatives of the governmental side.

“Yes, I may stay permanently.” Shao Yibai smiled mysteriously. “Didn’t you say that you wanted to tighten your scope? I have to go over and lend you a hand then!”

…

The Spring Lantern Festival

When Old Mistress’ daughter Yuan Hongmin brought the Hu Family’s grandchildren to participate in the Yuan Family’s ancestral worship, the Yuan Family Mansion instantly became livelier.

Shao Yibai arrived on the third day after the Yuan Family’s ancestral worship ended. He purposely did so to avoid the East City’s Hu Family.

The Hu Family had previously asked Shao Jingshan for help when they met with a crisis. However, at the final juncture, the Shao Family in Capital City chose to take a neutral stance. This resulted in the Hu Family terminated from their government position, and they were instantly suppressed to the point that even the Yuan Family did not dare to visit them.

Due to their relationship with Yuan Hongmin, and with the intervention of some politicians, the Hu Family was reinstated later. Hence, the relationship between the Hu Family and Shao Family became strained.

One reason for Shao Yibai’s visit this time was to look for the woman whom he had previously lost. Another reason for his visit was his business collaboration with Yuan Xuan involving the oilfield in the Southeast Region’s maritime space. He had no intentions to be involved in the elder generations’ grudges, and Yuan Xuan understood why he had avoided the Hu Family.

In any case, Yuan Xuan had never been close to his aunt Yuan Hongmin either.

No one was more excited than Yuan Ran at Shao Yibai’s arrival.

This lady who had always been the obedient one in the Yuan Family and rarely stole the limelight during any functions could not contain the joy in the depths of her heart. She was eagerly attentive to Shao Yibai even in front of family members.

Old Mistress had arranged for Shao Yibai to stay in another manor that was near to the old mansion. After residing in Capital City for long, Shao Yibai was tired of the bustling, populated and noisy big city. Hence, the countryside manor was suitable and fitted his playful nature.