ATLAS TRANSLATES

Guo Min was naturally materialistic.

But when looking at someone, you can’t judge them entirely based on one aspect. In fact, her being blinded by money mainly stemmed from her family’s urgent situation. They were increasingly pressuring her. Her father had been scammed in a gambling scheme and owed a huge amount in high-interest loans. Despite this, her parents still supported her studies in the capital. If these loans weren’t repaid soon, they would face financial ruin, or worse. This semester, Guo Min received threatening messages from loan sharks almost daily. Only she knew how terrifying these messages were.

So she didn’t hesitate to get involved in this mess, accepting Zhou Xue’s first hush money payment of 8 million.

After that, one wrong step led to another.

As an eyewitness who had decided not to report the killer, Guo Min and Zhou Xue were now in this together.

Zhou Xue seemed to realize this. After killing Zhou Chao, she fell into extreme anxiety, growing suspicious of everything and everyone. She would wake up in the middle of the night almost going insane. She feared the police would come back to her if they couldn’t find the killer. After much thought, she approached Guo Min again.

She asked Guo Min to take the blame: “The police will definitely investigate you. You were the last person to have significant contact with Zhou Chao before his death, so you’ll be their main suspect. Since that’s the case, you might as well confess that you killed him. After it’s done, I’ll give you another 20 million.”

Zhou Xue knew she needed this money.

Moreover, 20 million was an incredibly tempting amount.

As expected, after some internal struggle and hesitation, Guo Min finally nodded.

The previous 8 million plus this 20 million.

It would be more than enough to pay off the high-interest loans, with plenty left over for her parents to live a comfortable life.

She thought it was better for her alone to go to prison than for her whole family to be harmed.

But Zhou Xue never expected that all her careful planning would backfire, quickly and directly exposing herself.

Jian Huai lazily raised an eyebrow. While not feeling particularly heavy-hearted about everything Guo Min had confessed, he was somewhat moved. But being moved didn’t stop him from labeling Guo Min as “legally ignorant.”

When the interrogation ended, the bright lights suddenly went out. Jian Huai stretched, instructed his colleague to take her away, then picked up his teacup and strolled out, heading to the observation area of another interrogation room to check on Zhou Xue’s situation. Coincidentally, Qiao Fei was there too.

“Did she confess everything?” Jian Huai spoke from behind Qiao Fei.

Appearing out of nowhere, Qiao Fei jumped in surprise. Turning around with a smile, she said, “Yes, she confessed. It was an impulse killing.”

“Oh?” Jian Huai glanced inside, seeing Zhou Xue covering her face and crying with shaking shoulders.

Qiao Fei explained: “How should I put it… she thought Zhou Chao always caused trouble. I guess she got tired of cleaning up after him.”

Hearing this, Jian Huai’s eyebrows twitched.

Qiao Fei pressed her lips together and continued calmly: “She believed Zhou Chao was the reason she and her husband Huo Qidong were growing apart. Just because during an argument, Huo Qidong pointed at her and said ‘Do you know how much trouble your brother has caused me?’ Then she thought it would be better if Zhou Chao disappeared from this world. After that came the process of her killing Zhou Chao.”

“Sigh.” She exhaled, dropping her shoulders. “She really thought things would go back to normal with Huo Qidong once Zhou Chao was gone. I don’t even know what to say.”

Zhou Xue was arrested at Huo Qidong’s company.

At the time, she was acting like a complete shrew, beating and cursing someone who supposedly was the third party who ruined her marriage. The company employees, considering it was their boss’s personal matter, didn’t dare gossip openly but still craned their necks to watch the drama.

Men care about face, especially those in high positions. With Zhou Xue behaving this way, it would be strange if Huo Qidong wasn’t disgusted.

“…” She must have lost her mind.

Jian Huai narrowed his eyes, keeping his gaze on Zhou Xue for a while before asking: “Then why did she have Guo Min throw mud at Yan Cheng?”

Qiao Fei lowered her eyelashes and said: “It was a sudden idea.”

“She said she felt guilty towards Guo Min, so she gave her this suggestion. Actually, she’s just legally ignorant. I guess she felt her failed marriage was partly Yan Cheng’s fault, so she wanted revenge. Kill two birds with one stone. This kind of person never looks for problems within themselves. Look, after Zhou Chao died, did her relationship with Huo Qidong improve? It was all her own doing.”

“Though Yan Cheng was indeed a bit reckless back then,” Qiao Fei added the last part in a lowered voice.

…

Finally, the case was over, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The continuous overtime work these past days had exhausted them. Now that they could finally leave work on time, everyone was happy and clamoring to go for a group dinner.

“I’ll pass,” Qiao Fei picked up her bag and waved goodbye to everyone.

She was completely natural about it, not minding the slightly suggestive looks from others.

The trees and buildings outside kept receding.

Night was falling bit by bit, and the evening breeze blew away all the gloom. Qiao Fei suddenly started telling Yan Chen about Zhou Xue’s case. Finally, still looking out the window, she impartially shared her own views.

While the present situation needed no further explanation, her understanding of the past was enough for her to criticize Yan Cheng.

“Of course, Zhou Xue brought this on herself.”

Yan Chen laughed, skillfully turning the steering wheel: “I admit Little Six was reckless, but Zhou Xue made the first move. Once Little Six saw through her intentions, he just played along. Don’t even mention it, this whole thing is just a dark history in Little Six’s eyes now.”

After a pause, he continued without emotion: “Besides, Zhou Xue liked Huo Qidong. In a sense, she was just using Little Six. If we’re really trying to figure out who was right or wrong, I don’t think we can.”

Many things can’t be clearly defined, and the world isn’t simply black and white – there are gray areas in between.

“Everyone has their problems, it’s just that some problems are bigger than others.”

“And now, Zhou Xue has the biggest problems, yet she doesn’t know how to reflect on herself. She only makes things worse and then blames others.”

Men typically aren’t good at gossiping about old matters.

But since this involved his brother, he inevitably had more to say, as some things needed to be said.

“In other words, even without Little Six, Zhou Xue would have found ways to marry into the Huo family, and in the end, the outcome probably wouldn’t have been different.”

“Tch, I just never expected Zhou Xue would kill Zhou Chao.”

The social circle in the capital isn’t exactly small or large. Yan Chen and Huo Qidong often crossed paths in business, so naturally, he knew some things through observation and hearsay.

Qiao Fei turned her head, looking up at the man’s profile: “What do you mean?”

“Nothing much, just that from what I know, Zhou Chao was quite good to Zhou Xue.”

“????” Qiao Fei became even more confused.

Yan Chen narrowed his eyes and didn’t explain further. Instead, he abruptly changed the subject: “By the way, want to let Little Six treat you to dinner?”

Qiao Fei was stunned for a moment, understanding his meaning. In fact, she hadn’t done much. After pondering for a moment, she shook her head, “Please don’t.”

“Don’t what? He should meet his future sister-in-law.”

“…”

---

So, at six o’clock the next afternoon.

Yan Cheng really did invite his brother and future sister-in-law to dinner.

Mainly because Yan Chen had casually mentioned it, summarizing the cause and effect, and he immediately understood.

In the restaurant, an elegant girl stood nearby playing soothing melodies on her violin, the music easily calming restless hearts.

As Yan Cheng had been innocently dragged into this, Qiao Fei thought it necessary to let him know the case’s outcome, though not in too much detail.

Yan Chen thought Little Six would immediately jump on the table, fuming with rage.

However, unexpectedly, after learning about the case’s details, including how he was almost accused of being the mastermind, Yan Cheng didn’t have much of a reaction. He leisurely picked up a piece of fish, carefully removing the bones, and said calmly: “Oh, well, it’s fine now that everything’s settled.”

“…” Qiao Fei raised an eyebrow, thinking, either he has a big heart…

Or is he just completely carefree?

Honestly, these were all people he had long since drawn clear boundaries with. Yan Cheng had already distanced himself from them, as long as they didn’t bother him again.

This time, it barely affected him, and besides, they had gotten their comeuppance. Yan Cheng wanted even less to do with them now. All the past events, under Chen Jinyao’s previous guidance and merciless mockery, made him realize how stupid he had been when he thought about it now. But there’s no medicine for regret in this world. What’s happened has happened, and he had no reason to defend himself. Let the past be the past. Now, he could only hold his head high and look forward.

Moreover, compared to discussing Zhou Xue and this unexpected trouble, Yan Cheng was clearly more interested in his suddenly appeared future sister-in-law.

His second brother actually dating someone was something Yan Cheng never anticipated.

Secretly glancing up at the consistently calm and indifferent Yan Chen, then looking at the equally composed Qiao Fei, he found it incredible that she was actually a forensic doctor who dealt with corpses. This made Yan Cheng marvel, even thinking his second brother must be some kind of supernatural being.

…

Towards the end of the dinner, probably to lighten the atmosphere a bit, Yan Cheng suddenly and unexpectedly brought up Chen Jinyao: “When there’s a chance, we should let Jinyao meet sister-in-law. She’s a dentist, they’re both in medicine, I think they’d have a lot to talk about.”

Though Yan Cheng was a man, he could be more detail-oriented than women when he wanted to be, especially after being with Chen Jinyao for so long. He could observe certain things in daily life, and even though he hadn’t spoken about it or had heart-to-heart talks with Chen Jinyao, this matter had always weighed on his mind.

…his wife Chen Jinyao didn’t have any close friends to confide in.

Hearing this, Qiao Fei smiled sweetly: “Sure.”

After a pause, she asked: “Why didn’t you bring her today?”

Yan Cheng let out a low “ah,” instantly dropping his polite smile. He slowly lowered his eyes, also expressing regret: “She’s not in the capital these days.”

Meanwhile, without Yan Cheng’s knowledge, Chen Jinyao had quietly returned home with her suitcase.

She had come back early from Hangzhou.

She hadn’t sent Yan Cheng any messages, keeping it to herself.

It was meant to be a surprise for Yan Cheng.

However, she hadn’t expected that this fellow Yan Cheng wouldn’t be home.

In the empty house, only Duni was there to welcome her.

Chen Jinlin and Luo Xiao were still in Hangzhou.

The young couple’s flight was tomorrow afternoon.

Actually, Chen Jinyao’s early return was partly due to Chen Jinlin’s influence.

They had been at Mount Putuo and then Hangzhou for almost half a month, spending their days sightseeing. But big cities all have their similarities, and after playing for a while, there wasn’t much new to see. Plus, she had a clinic to manage, so she couldn’t continue being so carefree. Thinking about this, Chen Jinyao was quite grateful that Luo Xiao needed to go to the capital.

Otherwise, with Chen Jinlin’s love-struck brain that only had eyes for her boyfriend, who knows how long they would have stayed in Hangzhou.

Chen Jinlin strongly refuted Chen Jinyao’s statement, arguing her case.

After speaking for a while, she suddenly paused, seeming to think of something. Tilting her head in thought for a moment, seconds later, she suddenly leaned forward, “Sis, haven’t you noticed you’ve been sleeping a lot more lately?”

“????” Chen Jinyao was confused for two seconds, blinking her eyes.

Chen Jinlin didn’t notice her expression, clicking her tongue as she continued: “It was already 8:30 in the morning and we still couldn’t wake you up, you fall asleep as soon as you get in the car, and at night when I’m trying to chat with you in bed, you just fall asleep.”

“Sis, is it because you’re tired from going out and playing every day?”

“If that’s the case, your physical condition is really poor.” The last sentence was said with such disdain, it rivaled Yan Cheng’s tone.

Chen Jinyao was stunned: “…”

As they say, the speaker may be careless but the listener takes note.

Afterwards, getting no response and suddenly falling silent, Chen Jinlin’s attention was drawn back to Luo Xiao. Chen Jinyao shook her head and sighed, then narrowed her eyes to gaze into the distance, unconsciously falling into deep thought.

Her long, slender white fingers involuntarily lifted and bent, bent and lifted, while she muttered something under her breath, seemingly calculating something. After several cycles of this, it wasn’t long before her eyes suddenly widened in disbelief.

Her period, which wasn’t exactly regular but couldn’t be called irregular either, hadn’t come this month.

“…”

It usually came sometime after the middle of the month,

By the end of the month, it would definitely be over.

The more she thought about it, the more ‘frightening’ it became.

Chen Jinyao took a sharp breath, barely maintaining her composure, still holding onto some hope – surely the Guanyin Buddha couldn’t be that effective?

Lost in these thoughts, she suddenly realized that when she had prayed to the Buddha, she hadn’t asked for children as Yan Cheng had thought.

This matter really couldn’t be decided for sure, and she was afraid she was just scaring herself.

But even so, Chen Jinyao started being extra careful, and as she became more careful, she wanted to talk to someone about it. The first person who came to mind wasn’t Chen Jinlin who was right beside her, but Yan Cheng who was far away.

So, she came back.

Not caring whether her sister and her boyfriend might have any issues being alone together, she returned a day early.

It was so sudden that Chen Jinlin asked in confusion: “Sis, aren’t you worried that if you leave, Luo Xiao might have bad intentions and sneak into my room at night?”

Luo Xiao’s eye twitched: “…”

Chen Jinyao laughed: “The young man seems good, I trust him. More than that, I’m worried you might sneak into his room at night.”

“…Oh.”

…

When Yan Cheng returned home, he immediately noticed the extra pair of women’s shoes at the entrance.

His face lit up with joy, and as if by telepathy, he rushed straight to the bedroom. Just as he stepped through the door, he heard the pitter-patter of water coming from the bathroom.

Looking at the suitcase placed in front of the cabinet, then scanning elsewhere, he saw clothes carelessly thrown on the floor.

And clean shorts and pajamas laid out on the bed.

“…”

My goodness, this was killing him.

Yan Cheng froze, unconsciously swallowing, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down sexily. Just thinking about what Chen Jinyao was doing in the bathroom made his eyes wander and become unfocused. Suddenly he felt his mouth go dry.

No wonder they say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Usually, he might not have such a strong reaction.

Honestly, while his face burned red, he felt extremely embarrassed inside, wanting to slap himself twice to stay dignified and clear-headed.

But thinking again, it wasn’t right – he should be passionate towards his wife.

Then the next second, the bathroom door opened.

Chen Jinyao came out wrapped in a light pink towel.

The towel wasn’t long, barely covering her bottom.

Water droplets from her hair tips slid down her beautiful neck, pooling in her collarbone.

Her face was flushed from the steam, even her eyes were watery.

They gazed at each other silently.

Yan Cheng could even feel his heart skip a beat.

His hands, naturally hanging at his thighs, unconsciously clenched into fists. Trying to maintain composure as he walked towards Chen Jinyao, he licked his lips and asked, “You came back early?”

“Mm.” Chen Jinyao nodded.

Then, when they were very close, she took the initiative to wrap her arms around his neck, tilted her head up and affectionately kissed his chin. When she spoke again, her voice was lazy and carried a smile, “Did you miss me?”

“I did.” Yan Cheng’s hoarse voice responded. His large hand held the back of her head, not content with her light pecking kisses. Instead, he truly and deeply bit her lip, forcing open her teeth, constantly deepening the kiss.

Ten minutes later.

Even though it was hard to part, they finally stopped at Chen Jinyao’s pushing and patting.

They were both a bit breathless.

Yan Cheng’s eyes were particularly predatory, but he controlled himself. Bending down to nuzzle her nose, he asked, “Have you eaten?”

Chen Jinyao obediently nodded.

Seeing this made Yan Cheng’s heart warm again. He raised an eyebrow, “I was planning to clean up and wait for you to come back, but you cleaned up and waited for me instead.”

As he finished speaking, he raised his hand and lightly patted her bottom twice.

It was quite suggestive, indicating he wanted to continue.

“…”

Chen Jinyao blinked, “Wait a moment.”

She pushed away his mischievous hands, then patted his face, holding it still to maintain distance from her own. She squeezed his cheeks left and right, and after she had enough fun, she looked seriously into his eyes, “I have something to tell you.”

“Hmm?” Yan Cheng patiently waited, raising his eyebrows.

Chen Jinyao pressed her lips together, her gaze unwavering as she stared at him for a while. Being direct, she said: “Honey, I haven’t gotten my period this month.”

Her fingertip traced the man’s features. After a two-second pause, she calmly but uncertainly said, as casually as saying “I’ve eaten”: “I think I might be pregnant.”

Yan Cheng: “????”

Yan Cheng: “……………..”

Yan Cheng: “!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Chen Jinyao kissed the corner of his lips, “Though it’s probably too early to test for it now.”

Yan Cheng had lost six of his seven souls, his large hand resting near her navel still trembling. It felt so unreal to him.

He even felt that holding Chen Jinyao in this position right now made him absolutely beastly.

All his desire was extinguished, and he stood there dumbfounded, “Oh, then we’ll wait a few days to check.”

After a moment of silence.

Yan Cheng suddenly let out a very girlish “Oh!” that gave Chen Jinyao goosebumps, then heard him ask with extreme excitement: “It’s a girl, right?”

Chen Jinyao was ruthless: “Not necessarily.”

“…”

…

In the following days, at the prison.

Huo Qidong found a lawyer to see Zhou Xue.

Of course, not to defend her, but hoping Zhou Xue would quickly sign the divorce agreement.

However, the result wasn’t as expected. Zhou Xue said she would drag Huo Qidong down with her. She wouldn’t cooperate, and the lawyer had no way to proceed. After several days of this deadlock, Huo Qidong went to see Zhou Xue himself.

It had been a long time since she’d experienced it, and experiencing it again made Zhou Xue feel disoriented.

She felt this was the most calm and composed Huo Qidong had been when talking to her in the past six months or more, rarely showing the face of a resentful spouse.

Yet his rare calmness was while discussing divorce with her.

This made Zhou Xue struggle to accept it, and just as she was about to become hysterical again…

Huo Qidong said: “Zhou Xue, Zhou Chao was your brother.”

She froze for a moment.

“You’re ruthless enough to even kill your own brother.”

For a moment, she felt he had no right to criticize her.

However, Huo Qidong still spoke, using an almost mocking tone to tell her just how cold-blooded she was, “You don’t know this, but every woman who had any connection with me would soon be threatened by Zhou Chao.”

His finger lightly tapped the table as he spoke without any emotion: “Zhou Chao would threaten them to leave me, saying you were the real Mrs. Huo.”

“Also, Zhou Chao told me this himself – he blamed all the reasons for Yan Cheng distancing himself from you on Yan Cheng, wanting to destroy Yan Cheng. But after all, Yan Cheng was from the Yan family, and he simply didn’t have that ability…” Huo Qidong suddenly laughed, as he had just discovered this, “How foolish – before his death, he had been gathering people to do drugs at Er Restaurant, trying to use this method to at least destroy the Er Restaurant that Yan Cheng had worked hard to build. But look at yourself, you turned out to be his killer.”

“Alright, about the divorce, I hope you can agree quickly.”

“I’m being unusually kind-hearted to show you sympathy and try reasoning before forcing.”

…

As the sun set, Huo Qidong drove away without looking back.

Meanwhile, Zhou Xue crouched in the corner, stunned. After who knows how long, she finally broke down in tears.