The turn of events did not disrupt Xia Leis research on the fighter jet and bomber plane. The only difference was that he had to do his work in the Peace Mansions study instead.

As soon as he entered the room, he worked until it was evening. Before he could leave the study, Tang Yuyan entered through the doors. The woman was dripping with exhaustion.

Xia Leis heart clenched at her state. You shouldnt work yourself too hard now that youre pregnant. You should really rest more at home. If you really cant do that, maybe its best to apply for leave.

Id like that too but I cant afford it now. Tang Yuyan continued, Lets talk about the Nigerian mine. Ive just received news from the intelligence officers. The area where the Alliance Mine is located is now under regional lock by the Boko Haram armed members. Our personnel and technicians over there are exposed to great risks. Currently, the relevant authorities are in the middle of a discussion for a rescue mission.

Tianyin mentioned that the Vientiane Group had made sure to befriend the local armed groups. They even made considerable donations to the local mosques. Its evident that theyre doing a good job managing their relationship with the locals. Nothing majorly wrong has happened throughout these years. The sudden turn of events must be under the influence of someone, Xia Lei deduced.

Tang Yuyan muttered, You mean The real person in control of the area are Americans?

Most likely. Xia Lei replied, Another possibility is that the Boko Haram group has already found out about the mines value and is preparing to dominate the area for their interests. However, the possibility is low. If the Boko Haram knew about it, how would the Nigerian government know nothing? If the Nigerian government was notified, they wouldve sent their army out. Yet, nothing has been done by the Nigerian military till now.

I share the same thought. Based on your analysis, the former scenario bears a higher possibility. The Americans had gained control over the area through the Boko Haram group. Tang Yuyan looked pissed. Theyre so barbaric! I cant believe they actually dare to shoot down our helicopters and cooperate with terrorists!

Xia Lei wrapped his arms around her waist. He smiled. Why are you so angry? Youre pregnant, you know? If you get mad and emotional, the baby might be harmed.

Tang Yuyan was still angry. ISIS is a prime example. The Americans were supportive of ISIS in the beginning, but look at how much damage the terrorists had brought upon the Middle Easterners? The final goal the Americans are aiming for is full control over the Middle East.

Everything is undoubtedly about interest. Thats enough, Yuyan. Theres no need to be so mad. Come, let me calm you down. Xia Lei pressed a palm against Tang Yuyans chest and began to caress her gently.

The technique seemed to work really well as a smile quickly bloomed across Tang Yuyans face. Hehe Oh, come on. Youre not trying to comfort me, youre literally taking advantage of my mood.

Then shall I take full advantage of you? Xia Lei whispered seductively into her ear.

Redness crept up her ears instantly. She hummed a light reply. Mmph.

And so happened that Shentu Tianyin had chosen to appear at the studys entrance when things were getting heated. Noticing their entangled form and Xia Leis palm hovering over her chest, Shentu Tianyin quickly backed away and averted her gaze elsewhere.

Xia Lei and Tang Yuyan panicked and peeled themselves apart. The former made a frantic attempt to tidy up her rumpled blouse.

Shentu Tianyin was still standing beside the door as she willed to swallow her indescribable pain. This happiness couldve been hers and only hers but Shentu Tianyin had messed it all up.

In the study, Xia Lei cleared his throat. Tianyin, is everything alright?

Dinners ready so Im here to inform you. It was only then that Shentu Tianyin showed her body from behind the door frame. She was actively avoiding Xia Lei and Tang Yuyans eyes.

Xia Lei felt like burying himself. Oh, I see. Lets go eat dinner then.

Tang Yuyan said, Hubby, you may go ahead. Ill like to speak to Tianyin for a moment.

Uh Sure. Take your time. Xia Lei left.

Though he had a dying curiosity to find out what their conversation would be about, he was decent enough to not use his X-ray vision to spy on them. He was fully capable of that but did not wish to do so. Everyone deserved to have their own privacy and that had included all of his wives.

In the study, the women lock gazes. The atmosphere was rather rigid and uncomfortable.

Tang Yuyan broke the silence. Tianyin, are you Are you alright?

Shentu Tianyin flashed her a bitter smile. What else could happen to me? Im fine, dont worry. It may have been tough after the divorce but Ive already moved on from that.

I promised that Ill help you out before. All you need to do is ask and Ill provide my assistance. Anything within my capabilities can be done for you, reminded Tang Yuyan.

Shentu Tianyin studied Tang Yuyan. So youre saying that if I wish to join this family, youre willing to help me out?

The other woman nodded. Yes. Ill agree to that and Ill even try my best to convince Xia Lei if that is your wish.

Unexpectedly, Shentu Tianyin shook her head. I can guess the circumstances you went through to marry Xia Lei. Youre experiencing tough times, so theres no need to burden yourself with my affairs. Your compliance will be met with four other resistances. It wasnt easy for you to blend into the family too. I do not wish to ruin your relationship with them and I certainly do not wish to destroy Xia Leis family. Im so glad to see you so happy now.

But you Tang Yuyan wasnt expecting Shentu Tianyins rejection.

Shentu Tianyin assured, What I desire is different from yours. There really is no need to entertain me. But Id still like to thank you for your kindness.

Tang Yuyan sighed. Alright then. But my promise is still valid. If you should require my help, just come seek me out.

Alright. Thank you so much. Now lets go to them for dinner, said Shentu Tianyin.

There was one new presence in the dining hall. Tonight, Liang Siyaos father, Liang Zhengchun was going to join them for dinner.

Liang Zhengchun was currently having a blast with Liang Jiayu in his arms.

Jiayu, when youve grown bigger, would you let grandpa teach you Wing Chun? Liang Zhengchun brandished a wide grin, his eyes glimmering with anticipation.

Liang Jiayu smacked his palms against Liang Zhengchuns lips and then tugged at the latters moustache.

Ow Ow Liang Zhengchun groaned.

Liang Siyao rushed over to spank Liang Jiayus little buttocks lightly. Jiayu, release grandpas moustache at once. Let go, now! Dont make me hit you again.

Liang Jiayu refused to release Liang Zhengchuns moustache. The baby mumbled, Ah beat beat beat beat beat

Liang Siyao was perplexed.

Yet, Liang Zhengchun was overjoyed to hear his grandson ramble. Good attack, Jiayu. Come on, continue hitting.

Liang Siyao rolled her eyes at Liang Zhengchun. Jeez, youre spoiling him rotten. If you continue to spoil him like this, Im going to ignore you forever.

Your mom sure is fussy. Lets go out and play. Liang Zhengchun carried Liang Jiayu away and brought his milk bottle along.

Xia Lei appeared in the nick of time. Master, are you not joining us for dinner?

Im not hungry yet. Im bringing Jiayu out to play for a bit. You guys go ahead, theres no need to worry about us both. With that, Liang Zhengchun whisked the little baby away.

Wheres Yuyan and Shentu Tianyin? asked Fan Fan.

Theyre right behind me, said Xia Lei.

Ill go serve the dishes now. Jiang Ruyi moved to the rice cooker.

Fan Fan reported, I have yet to receive any information on my side. The embassy marshall had escorted someone over but there are no updates from them. Weve got no military bases overseas and this situation forces us to be passive.

Xia Lei could only sigh. I think theyre not going to make it back.

Who would dare to intervene? Fan Fan wasnt convinced with Xia Leis theory.

Xia Lei explained, The Americans are probably trying to hide all tracks in Nigeria. The simplest way around that would be to kill any witnesses. Theyre bullying us for the fact weve got no military bases outside of the country. We literally have no way to protect our interests elsewhere. Im guessing that Boko Haram is controlling the area on the surface but Americas best Special Force troops have already entered the same area.

If thats the case, theyre really going over the line this time, fumed Fan Fan.

Theres only one rule in this world. The iron fist. No law can tie a fist hard enough to break through its grasp. The same applies to human hierarchy and countries, said Xia Lei.

At that moment, Tang Yuyan and Shentu Tianyin entered the dining hall.

Come on, lets eat. Jiang Ruyi offered them a smile. Lets not talk about those troubling things. The dishes are already going cold.

It was only then that the big family started to eat.

After dinner, everyone remained in the living room for playtime with the children. Shentu Tianyin joined them in on the fun. She decided that she really liked children, especially Xia Leis children.

Doot doot doot Doot doot doot

Xia Leis satellite phone began to ring.

It was a call from Giovanna.

Boss, our brothers from the Relief Society have received some information. Giovannas voice rang through. The Alliance Mine had already been surrounded by American Special Forces. But its outer ring had consisted of the Boko Haram armed members. It seems like the Americans had achieved a deal with the Boko Haram locals.

Is there anything else?

Another brother in the intel team mentioned that he has a friend working for the Alliance Mine. It is true that theyve excavated a rare metal from the site. The Americans appearance is a testament to the finding, reported Giovanna.

Understood. Make relevant arrangements. Im going to Nigeria, replied Xia Lei.,

Got it. Ill start planning now. Giovanna hung up.

Liang Siyao paced over with a worried expression. Hubby, youre going to Nigeria? That place is in chaos. Its going to be really dangerous. How are we supposed to sleep well knowing that youre there?

Fan Fan joined in. Hubby, can you not go there? I know the rare metal is important to the country but you shouldnt shoulder the danger alone. Youve got the whole country behind you and if you can give me a little more time. We will find a solution to this.

Xia Lei was firm with his stand. Theres no alternative approach to this issue. Weve got no international military bases and our army wont be able to reach the area. The only alternative I can think of is imposing sanctions but the Americans will probably ignore us. They only believe in their power. Thats why I need to show them our power.

Long Bing said, Bring me along. Ill come with you.

Liang Siyao offered, Ill go too.

Xia Lei frowned. What the hell are you thinking? The children are still so young. Can you bear to be separated from them?

Long Bings gaze fell onto Xia Long, her eyes immediately softening like butter.

Though Liang Jiayu was out of sight, Liang Siyao felt her heart clench at the thought of her son. There was no way she could make a firm decision on going to Nigeria.

Xia Lei said, Dont worry. If I can make it out from Area 51 alive, Ill be able to come back from Nigeria safely.

That seemed to silence both Long Bing and Liang Siyao effectively. They knew nothing could change Xia Leis mind.