Carrying Sang Biao upstairs, Lin Mo immediately sent a message to the elite Buddhist prince of the capital circle.
["You did well, kid! The emperor is pleased!"]
Shen Yihan had just returned home from overtime work and was slightly puzzled when he saw this message.
A few seconds later, he remembered the WeChat message he received from Mr. Xie at noon.
He had misunderstood Mr. Xie.
Mr. Xie hadn’t stolen his chance to shine.
It was Mr. Xie who made the purchase but credited it to him!
Though it was a bit strange, the minds of the elite were unfathomable—no point overthinking it.
He couldn’t be bothered to dwell on it; he was too thrilled!
["Sis, as long as you’re happy."]
The little kitten was now like a figurine in her hands.
Lin Mo placed it on the bedroom carpet.
She was about to take a shower but hesitated, holding her pajamas.
No, she was still too worried about Zhao Ziling.
She had to go check on her!
If she found Zhao Ziling enjoying herself, she’d just pretend nothing happened.
Not knowing Zhao Ziling’s home address, Lin Mo messaged Zhao Zixin: ["Do you know your sister’s address? Send it to me."]
Zhao Zixin had just finished showering and frowned at the message.
["My sister lives at the Huo Residence. You can find the address online. But if you’re planning to visit, be warned—they have tons of bodyguards. Most people can’t even get close to the entrance."]
Lin Mo was stumped.
Zhao Zixin sent another message: ["Goddess, if it’s something urgent, I can take you there. The bodyguards know me!"]
Lin Mo didn’t want Zhao Zixin involved—she was too young.
But right now, she had no choice.
["Alright, I’ll pick you up."]
Zhao Zixin: ["No need, I’ll take a taxi and meet you there!"]
Lin Mo then messaged the elite Buddhist prince again.
["Come pick me up at the villa. I have something to take care of."]
Having someone of his status around would be helpful.
Shen Yihan, who had just taken off his suit jacket, immediately put it back on.
Shen Ji’an, done with his tutoring, came downstairs for water and saw his older brother leaving. "Second Brother, where are you going so late?"
Shen Yihan: "Sis asked me to pick her up for something."
Shen Ji’an stepped forward. "What’s going on? I’m coming too!"
Shen Yihan glanced at him, fingers brushing the Buddhist beads on his wrist. "What’s a kid like you going to do? Go to bed."
He’d spent the whole day playing servant at school—now it was finally his turn!
Shen Ji’an fell silent.
A faint smirk tugged at Shen Yihan’s lips as he headed to the garage.
But the moment he settled into the driver’s seat, the back door opened, and someone slid in.
Shen Yihan: "..."
He sighed but didn’t argue, starting the car.
Shen Ji’an smirked to himself.
He’d messed up earlier, letting Zhao Zixin steal the spotlight.
Now that sis needed help, he’d make sure to shine.
They picked up Lin Mo.
Already changed, she didn’t explain much, just directed Shen Yihan to the Huo Residence.
The three got out near the estate.
"Goddess! Over here!"
A short-haired girl came sprinting toward them.
Shen Ji’an: "..."
Noticing the car, several Huo Residence bodyguards approached.
"No parking here."
Zhao Zixin flashed her face. "I’m here to see my sister!"
The bodyguards recognized her but exchanged glances. "It’s too late. Madam is already asleep. Come back another time."
Zhao Zixin frowned. "How do you know she’s asleep? I’m going in now."
The bodyguards remained cold. "Leave."
Lin Mo’s unease grew stronger.
Why wouldn’t they let family in?
Whether this was some twisted game or not, she had to see Zhao Ziling tonight.
Inside the luxuriously decorated master bedroom with mahogany furnishings—
Broken porcelain littered the floor, furniture overturned.
Amid the chaos, a red-clad beauty sat on the ground, her delicate face drained of spirit, fingers bleeding.
Like a rose withering away.
The bedroom door opened.
A man in a black robe stepped in, his sharp features tightening at the sight. "Zhao Ziling, had enough?"
Zhao Ziling glanced at him, too exhausted for words. "Give me back my phone. Let me out."
The mention of "out" made Huo Tingshen’s expression darken. "Out? To see Xie Guanyan?"
He wasn’t afraid of Xie Guanyan coming—the Huo Residence was locked down tight.
Xie Guanyan wouldn’t actually show up.
He was a businessman; he wouldn’t risk a fallout over a woman.
Hadn’t he let her return last night? That proved it.
Zhao Ziling had no energy left to explain.
She’d repeated countless times that she and Xie Guanyan meant nothing.
"I’ll say it one last time—there’s nothing between us. I stayed at that villa because my best friend lives there."
She hadn’t wanted to mention it, afraid Huo Tingshen would find out.
If word got out that Lin Mo lived with Xie Guanyan, the rumors would never end.
But staying silent only fueled Huo Tingshen’s delusions. Last night, he’d nearly destroyed her.
She hadn’t enjoyed a second of it.
Even after confessing the truth, it changed nothing.
He didn’t believe her.
Huo Tingshen bent down, gripping her chin. "Which best friend of yours is with Xie Guanyan? There’s not a whisper about it. Zhao Ziling, do you even think before lying?"
Zhao Ziling met his piercing gaze. "Even if there was something between us, that doesn’t give you the right to take my phone and lock me up! This is illegal!"
Huo Tingshen smirked. "Call the police, then."
Zhao Ziling let out a hollow laugh, tears slipping free. "Huo Tingshen, are you bullying me because my family won’t stand up for me? Because all my friends fear you?"
Huo Tingshen watched her tears with a cold smile. "I’m just teaching you a lesson. You dare cuckold me? Zhao Ziling, I’d be justified in killing you!"
Zhao Ziling tilted her neck back, glaring through her tears. "Then kill me! Please, I’m begging you—just kill me!"
She didn’t want to live anymore.
Seven years of marriage, controlled at every turn—
But she never imagined he’d trust her so little.
Her dignity had been trampled on for years.
He didn’t even see her as human!
Huo Tingshen’s temple throbbed. "Keep reflecting on your mistakes!"
Zhao Ziling shook her head, breaking down. "Let me out! Huo Tingshen, don’t make me hate you!"
This wasn’t the first time.
It had happened before.
Random house arrests, guards watching her around the clock.
But this was the worst—locked in her room, phone confiscated.
She felt so hopeless, so desperate to die.
The cruelest part? If she died, unless Huo Tingshen spoke up, no one would even notice.
Huo Tingshen chuckled at her words. "Hate me all you want. But until I’m satisfied, you’re not leaving this room."
He picked up the foot-soaking tub and turned to leave.
Suddenly, the window creaked open—a head popped in.
"Zhao Ziling!"
