90 5 Days Torture

It was already near evening when Li Wei Mansion finally settled in. After Hou Wei Yan left the house, everyone began their busy day of preparing everything their Young Master needs for his trip to America.

Gu Man who was leading everyone earlier nodded in satisfaction before he headed towards the library to inform Ji Li Zhao of their preparations. "Young Master, we have finished packing the luggage"

"Thank You, Uncle" Ji Li Zhao muttered as he glanced at him after hanging up his phone. He gently closed the book he was reading earlier before standing up to check how his men are faring with their own preparations.

"Are you not going to inform the young lady?" he asked as he followed Ji Li Zhao out of the library. Their Lady Boss is currently recruiting for her team while here they are busy packing her husband's luggage behind her back. Gu Man was worried his young master will leave without notifying his wife because there was no hint written on his face that he was thinking of how to break the news to her.

"I'll inform her tonight" Ji Li Zhao replied with a sigh. Honestly, he doesn't want to leave. He grew accustomed to having Hou Wei Yan beside him as he sleeps so this annual event is a hassle for him. This used to be extremely necessary for him in the past but now, he's beginning to think of skipping it to stay with his wife. But of course, he can't do that. Not when an emergency suddenly happened in his other company which needs his immediate response. "Ah, this sudden event is a hassle"

"This is the first time Young Master has said such displeasure" Gu Man said with a small chuckle. Displeasure was clearly written all over his face and he knew exactly why he was acting in such a way. "You only think about work in the past"

"If Master doesn't want to, you can send someone else for the trip" he added as they descended the stairs. The annual event of HILL Enterprise is something they can easily shrug off and the emergency is something they can handle with ease. If he truly wishes for it, they can finish the job using different means without him personally checking for it.

However, he is Ji Li Zhao and he knows perfectly well all the responsibilities that come with his position as the President of HILL and Tianshi Conglomerate.

"No" he answered with conviction. There are certain things that need direct attention and action, and this certain situation is one of them. Who knows, there might be a little rat slowly entering his company. As the owner, he needs to lay out the trap and finish the job as fast as possible so they can avoid damage. "This is something I need to finish myself"

Gu Man nodded his head before he opened up the car. Ji Li Zhao immediately drove away and his destination is his other Estate which houses the Palisades members. He needs to finalize the line-up of men who will join him in America to wreak havoc in his enemy's lives.

.....

When evening came, Ji Li Zhao and Hou Wei Yan began drinking tea at their usual spot. Hou Wei Yan was admiring the scenery whereas Ji Li Zhao nervously watched her. He who was practicing his lines earlier still cannot muster enough courage to tell her that he's leaving for a couple of days. He was already confident earlier because he practiced countless times but it was all futile.

He was tongue-tied and he was still unprepared.

"Wife" he called out as though whispering in the wind, but Hou Wei Yan heard it anyway. Her abrupt turn made Ji Li Zhao nervously gulp. He was about to utter the next words but his words remained inside his head.

[I can't say it yet. Damn it] he thought inside his head. He was someone who never hesitates and someone who voices out his thoughts at the right time when he needs to. However, such traits seem to disappear in front of his wife. The Ji Li Zhao everyone knows as the terrifying Emperor of Tianshi appears to be a docile bunny when in front of Doctor Hou Wei Yan.

To have enough time to calm himself down, he opened up a topic so he can proceed as planned. "I heard you received a gift from Cao Xiaolian?"

"The girls bought it for me as compensation" Hou Wei Yan said as she beamed him a smile. She liked what they gave her. Although it was quite saddening that she wasn't able to accompany them again, their thoughtfulness still made her feel warm. "They went out shopping but I was unable to go due to work"

"Hmm" Ji Li Zhao casually hummed as he nodded his head. That's not what he heard though. He heard their devious plan on the night of the sleepover. Although he didn't watch the live broadcast that Han Yu Shou organized, he still heard every jot or title of the event. "Was it to your liking?"

Hou Wei Yan nodded her head as she sipped her chamomile tea. Ji Li Zhao smiled at his adorable wife before he pulled out a small red velvet box. "Then perhaps you'll like this as well"

Her eyes were filled with confusion as her husband pushed the box close to her. Her face immediately changed color when she saw what was inside and a tiny squeak could be heard on her side.

Without observing more, he knew that squeak was out of surprise!

Hou Wei Yan had long adored the sea. There was even a time when she used to be very tan because she would spend half of her day soaked in the ocean waters whenever her Grandmother Xing would bring her on a summer vacation in their seaside townhouse. Her vast knowledge of the ocean and the creatures that lurk in its domain alongside the products it produces are quite impeccable.

This is why her face was filled with nothing but surprise for she knew too well how precious and rare the product her husband offered to her.

Inside was a silver necklace with twin mermaids holding a golden and shining Pearl. It was a Melo-Melo pearl, dubbed to be the rarest pearl in the world! It's produced by a sea snail and not an oyster or a mollusk like most pearls. It's known for its bold golden color with a shimmery face and swirling patterns in the light which distinguishes it from classic pearls.

"This---"

"I heard you liked mermaids" Ji Li Zhao casually remarked with a smile. Hou Wei Yan was left dumbstruck by his words.

[Did he buy this rare pearl because of that?]

It took her a while to utter another word as she thoroughly processed what just happened. She knew he was rich but not to this degree where he would casually find a rare pearl and give it to her just because she likes mermaids. She wants to let him learn how to take control of his wallet and stop giving her such precious treasures, but based on his face…if she rejects the gift, he would likely sulk and throw the thing away.

So, Hou Wei Yan merely smiled at him. Once she finds out who he is and finally acts like a real wife to him, she would surely give him lessons in saving money.

But does, Ji Li Zhao needs such lessons? He had spent his entire life working and saving money so he could spoil his future wife. No matter who would object, he would never compromise if it comes to giving his wife the best gifts there are!

"Thank you" Hou Wei Yan mumbled to answer his hopeful gaze. "I'll treasure it"

Ji Li Zhao happily relaxed when he heard this but he became stiff once more when he remembered the purpose of bringing up the gift. He gently looked at his wife and sighed when his heart could no longer hold on to his emotions.

"Wife" he lovingly called out which made Hou Wei Yan flinch. It's been a long time since he began calling her in such a way, but no matter how long it is she could never get used to it. And the reason is his damn sexy and attractive voice. Seeing her reaction made Ji Li Zhao slightly chuckle but he turned serious once more. "I have something to tell you"

Hou Wei Yan curiously glanced at her husband. The moment her eyes landed on him, she can immediately notice his anxiousness and unease. Concerned, Hou Wei Yan turned serious and placed her cup down to cater to what her husband will say. "What is it?"

He nervously gulped down before he managed to utter the next words. "There's been a sudden incident with my business abroad. I need to go there to inspect the damages and fix every document needed"

Silence.

Hou Wei Yan is a doctor, but it's not like she's totally oblivious to business management. Before she became a doctor, she was trained to become the Hou Successor so, of course, she knew just how taxing it is when a problem arises in business. It would take weeks or even months before most problems get solved.

How many days will it take for her husband to finish his problem?

His wife blinked a couple of times in the midst of such silence, before bravely asking. "How many days will you be gone?"

"Five days at the very least" Ji Li Zhao answered without haste. His international business, HILL Enterprise celebrates an Annual Fair Festival where they publicize their new products and give way to the other businesses to display theirs as well as long as they register their names in the Fair.

The fair would only last for a day but because there was a sudden explosion in their factory, he may need a few more days to appease those injured and catch the damn culprit making a mess in his territory.

"Five days?"

"Yes" he gently nodded while carefully examining Hou Wei Yan's expression and just as he expected, his wife is sulking. "Five days"

Well, five days is quite a long time for her who is already accustomed to having him around. With this thought in mind, Hou Wei Yan began wondering how she ended up missing him when he didn't leave yet.

She did not yet name her feelings for him…but she's certain something is brewing within her. She likes spending time with him and was even flattered by everything he's done for her and he's making a mess in her mind just by going far from her.

She wanted to confirm her feelings for him but now is clearly not the right time.

"Are you done packing? Do you need any help?" she asked kindly making Ji Li Zhao smile.

"Uncle Gu already prepared everything" he said before he stretched out his hands to hold hers. He gently stroked it and worriedly glanced at her. Ji Li Zhao was worried that his wife is masking her sadness with a smile. "Will you be fine?"

"Hmmm" Hou Wei Yan hummed before looking away. She sighed and stood up. As she looked straight into Ji Li Zhao's eyes, he could feel her warmness and was instantly relieved that she was fine. She offered her hands to him with a huge smile. "I'll be fine if you compensate me well"

He smiled back at her as he accepted her hands. "Do you want any souvenirs?"

"I'm okay" Hou Wei Yan instantly answered. The Melo-Melo pearl was more than enough for her. She doesn't attend that many parties so giving her more jewelry will only fill her wardrobe and they will only become displayed goods. "As long as you come back safe then I'm okay"

Moved by her words, Ji Li Zhao felt his heart throb faster. He pulled her closer to him and placed a kiss on her forehead. "You're too good to me"

"I'll continue being good to you" Hou Wei Yan answered as she kissed his cheeks. When she pulled away, Ji Li Zhao stood there frozen on his spot. After a few seconds, he blinked and smiled at his wife.

Ah…now he doesn't want to leave even more.

.....

It was daybreak, Hou Wei Yan woke up feeling a bit gloomy. As she looked around the room and saw no one but herself, she finally knew why.

Her husband is gone and will return in five days.

And today was Day One.

She continued her morning routine and bowed with respect to the Seniors who walked past her toward her office. She was smiling at them but her smile was only half of what it used to be.

Fang carefully observed her actions but didn't question why she was acting in such a way because he knew very well why she was feeling this way.

She was the one who opened up the door of her office and to her utter surprise, an idiot was sitting on her couch while eating what seems to be gifts from her suitors. He must have shamelessly accepted the gifts again stating that he will give them to Hou Wei Yan without getting confiscated by Fang Tao. Thinking about how he scammed those innocent people, Hou Wei Yan can't help but feel angry at him. "Han Yu Shou!"

"Oh, Little Sister you're here" he said as he ate a chocolate whole before he stood up. He then opened up his arms with a huge smile on his face, his teeth filled with chocolates making Hou Wei Yan annoyed more than ever. "Come! Give this brother a hug"

"Get away you weirdo" Hou Wei Yan angrily yelled as she walked towards her table using the corner of the room to escape Han Yu Shou's clutches.

Fang shook his head at their little show. He slowly took a few table napkins in the kitchen before he threw them right at him. Han Yu Shou nodded his head in thanks before he glanced at the door. "Where's Yun? He won't be coming here anymore?"

"That kid disappeared without a word. I don't know where he is" Hou Wei Yan answered with a sigh. She was already accustomed to this little habit of his so she wasn't all that fazed when he disappeared. "But I'm sure he'll appear again"

She placed down her bag and began looking around the room once more. The more she looks around, the angrier she gets. There were peeled fruits on the other table and some candy wraps on hers. His white coat was sprawled on the couch alongside the basket now half-filled with goods. "Did you come here just to make a mess!"

"No!" he remarked seriously before grinning like an idiot. "I came to shower you with my love"

"Han Yu Shou" she called out, her face devoid of any affectionate or kind emotion. She was clearly not happy and it's evident why. "Your love looks disgusting"

After a few seconds, when she only got a grin from Han Yu Shou as a response, she gave up and sigh. She gathered the candy wrappers and threw them at the trash can before whipping her head towards him with a glare. "Where is Sister Qiu?"

"She went to Doctor Ashraf" Han Yu Shou said as he sat back down on the couch and unwrapped another chocolate from the basket. After popping it in his mouth, he looked at Hou Wei Yan and pouted. "Little Sister, I heard from Dad that you're creating your own surgery medical team"

His voice sounded so dejected; Hou Wei Yan almost felt sympathetic towards him. But of course, she would never tell him this because she knew he would only use it against her.

"That's right" she casually answered as she tidied up her place.

Seeing how she's casually cleaning without treating him seriously, Han Yu Shou stood up and placed his face near hers. "Why didn't you ask me to join? I will be a big help, Little Sister"

"I know you" she said with a smile before shoving his face away from hers. She would never risk surgery so having Han Yu Shou as far as possible is the best course of action. "I don't want to see you in the operating room. I might lose my composure and stab the scalpel in your hands instead"

"Stab me please!" he suddenly blurted out much to Hou Wei Yan's surprise and disgust.

"You pervert!" she said as she made face. She felt utterly disgusted that she's friends with him. If there is any way to unfriend him, she would do it in a heartbeat! "Urgh, you seem too relaxed to me. Don't you have a job to do!"

"I'm free! Totally free for the---"

Before he could finish his words, the door was forced open. With a loud bang, a man wearing quite a formal suit and glasses barged in with a frown on his face.

"Young Master!" he called out quite angrily with his face scrunched up and his onyx-colored eyes glaring at him. "Ah! I knew you'd be here!"

"Free huh?" Hou Wei Yan immediately questioned making Fang Tao shake his head in embarrassment.

Han Yu Shou is a part of Palisades Crowns…and he's by far the most annoying leader there is. He had given them plenty of headaches and the little devil would deliberately lie just to free himself from his responsibilities. And whenever he finds himself in a pinch, he wouldn't hesitate to contact them for help!

His shamelessness knows no bounds and that's the fact amongst facts!

Han Yu Shou sheepishly smiled as he rubbed the back of his nape. "Zhao Qiao! You found me!"

Without hesitation or warning — and even though he knew it was quite inappropriate considering their difference in status, Zhao Qiao strode towards his Young Master and pulled his ears in anger. "I'm done playing hide and seek! There's still plenty of work to do!"

"Aiya! Zhao Qiao don't humiliate me in front of Little Sister" Han Yu Shou yelled out desperately as he tried to reach out for Fang Tao. But of course, the mighty wolf was swift enough to dodge his movements.

Hou Wei Yan smiled at him before facing Zhao Qiao who was still clearly angry at his Young Master. "Zhao Qiao, is it?"

"Doctor Hou Wei Yan" he politely called out before giving her a slight bow. Han Yu Shou followed his little movements, afraid that his ears would rip apart if he doesn't do so.

Hou Wei Yan grinned widely as she slowly walked toward them. "Shall I help you humiliate him?"

Zhao Qiao was taken aback by her sudden offer. He remained silent for a few seconds but then his laughter filled the room. It was boisterous and was clearly not a good match for his handsome face. "Please. Don't hesitate"

Their agreement made Han Yu Shou flinch and he immediately run for it when he saw both of them looking at him deviously. "Now that I remember, I still have a lot of work! See you later Little Sister!"

The moment his figure was out of sight, Zhao Qiao sighed. He's been an attendant of the Han Household for years now under the Head Butler's supervision. He long knew Han Yu Shou is weird but to actually witness it on a daily basis is something beyond him.

He took a bow at Hou Wei Yan before he left her office. The moment he left; peace finally returned to her office making her breathe a sigh of relief.

"That coward" she slowly mumbled referring to Han Yu Shou who took off like a headless chicken. She shook her head before looking at Fang Tao.

"Long Lee has accepted the offer and even managed to recruit Yu Lanfen and Jiang Guiren so our Scrub Nurses is already fine" she remarked as she flipped through their information which Qiu Meixiu prepared beforehand. "He Lan also accepted and even convinced Nurse Yi Xiuying to join as our Nurse Anesthetist"

"I managed to contact He Lan's little brother who was on leave. He agreed to join as the Circulating Nurse" Fang Tao added as he handed her, He Zihao's information. Hou Wei Yan accepted it without hesitation and nodded her head when she saw his achievements and his work ethic.

"All that's left is one more Nurse and a Surgical Technologist" Hou Wei Yan blurted out after going through her checklist. She already had someone in mind for the position but she was yet to ask them. The Nurse is as good as done but the Surgical Technologist is a hard one to catch so she may spend this whole day searching for him in this huge hospital. Thinking this, she can't help but sigh. "Ah, Master Han said to finalize it by today and present the team to him tomorrow"

"Don't worry too much, Madame" Fang Tao said in assurance. "We still have time"

"The day is still long" she remarked out of the blue as she leaned back on her chair to relax. [Too long in fact]

Fang Tao could already guess what was in her mind. He slightly smiled before he turned his gaze towards the window. "I'm sure the boss has arrived by now"

…..

(HILL Enterprise, Washington DC. 9:45 AM)

The moment the engine stopped in front of HILL Enterprise, Xiong Chongan who was assigned to accompany Ji Li Zhao for the trip in Huang Xun's stead immediately walked out of the car and opened it up from the other side. "We're here, Boss"

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head before he closed his tablet and took a step outside of his car. The moment his feet reached the pavement, the employees bowed down their heads in respect and none of them dared look him straight in the eye. Their voice was filled with politeness and gentility filling to greet royalty. "Welcome Back, President"

He watched as all of them paid their respects before he raised his hands to make them raise their heads. They did as they were ordered and Ji Li Zhao began walking inside his company under the scrutinizing gazes of the other Directors watching him inside the building. Ji Li Zhao scoffed before he called out his Grand Secretary assigned to watch over HILL. "Stefano"

"President" Stefano Estevan immediately bowed down with respect. "The Directors are waiting"

"I did not come here to listen to their excuses. I came here to fix their mess so escort them out of my company" Ji Li Zhao sternly ordered. He had always been lenient towards them. They began baring their fangs the moment he left to handle Tianshi Conglomerate. His absence made them too haughty for his liking. He's finally had enough of their insolence!

"Yes, President" Stefano answered enthusiastically, unable to hide his smile. He had to patiently deal with them as ordered, but now that it was changed, he can finally remind them where they belong!

"If they make a ruckus, don't show them mercy anymore" he remarked when he noticed Stefano's grinning face. After a few seconds, his expression changed when he remembered the main issue. "How're our men?"

"They are given the best treatment in our facility. Luckily, no one died and the explosion was minimal" Stefano reported seriously. They were honestly caught off guard. They placed too much effort and attention on the Fair Festival. They were unable to intercept the attack because of this. "The full report of the accident is already on your desk, Boss"

"Makio is analyzing the CCTV footage. His report will be done later this evening" Xiong Chongan said after receiving Makio's text. Their IT genius is already on his turf inside Ji Li Zhao's property in America alongside his team and the other King of Kings.

"If this is just a malfunction, the fair will proceed. But if not, make sure to cancel everything. We won't stop unless the culprit is caught"

"Yes, Boss!"

"I have to return in five days' time so fasten the pace" he blurted out as he gazed at the sky. The clear sky made him slightly smile as he remembered his lovely wife. "I promised her I would return"

After blurting this out, Ji Li Zhao walked inside his office and the two Grand Secretaries decided it was best to leave him alone in the meantime. Xiong Chongan fixed his tie before he looked at Stefano seriously. "I'll talk to the injured men again"

"Hey wait!" Stefano yelled out when Xiong Chongan left him there without even saying a proper goodbye. When the man refused to acknowledge his calls, he smirked and decided to call him using an annoying way. "Chong!"

As if a stop button was pressed, Xiong Chongan stopped in his tracks and clenched his fist in annoyance. "Stop calling me that already!"

"Have you already met Lady Boss?" Stefano asked as he flung his arms in Xiong Chongan's shoulders. The latter immediately squatted it away and took a step back to distance himself from Stefano.

"Not personally" he answered knowing that Stefano would never leave him alone unless the question has been answered. "But I've been monitoring her for a while now. Why?"

"What is she like?"

"She's someone we should pay great respect" he answered politely before he walked away. Stefano, of course, followed closely behind him, eager to listen more about their Lady Boss. "Not simply because she's our Lady Boss, but because she's a good doctor and a great person who values life"

Stefano hummed as he listened intently to his words. After a good few seconds, he remembered a report that was passed on to him. "Oh, by the way, I heard Yi Lan will be accepting a few foreign doctors"

"That's right" Xiong Chongan answered while nodding his head. Ji Li Zhao wanted to ease the workload of Yi Lan's doctors so he decided to employ more doctors with promising achievements and work ethics. Since this is their first time venturing into the medical field, Ji Li Zhao decided to hand down the decision-making of who to employ to Han Tengfei. "But that matter is left in the hands of Master Han and his son"

"Han Yu Shou?" Stefano asked as he halted from his tracks. There was clearly confusion in his eyes and he stared at Xiong Chongan as though he was crazy or something. "Are you sure that's okay? You know how simple-minded that idiot is. Last time, he chose our men using spin the bottle"

"I'm sure it will turn fine this time" Xiong Chongan mumbled before he crossed his fingers. "Hopefully"

Meanwhile, inside Han Yu Shou's designated office, Zhao Qiao is undergoing another heap of torture from his Young Master's annoying voice. He was having a tantrum the moment he saw the pile of paper containing the information of the Doctors who applied for Yi Lan's foreign employment project.

"Zhao Qiao! Can't you just choose who to employ? I would much rather annoy Little Sister than sit here" he said as he slumped back in his seat. His face screams the expression of exhaustion…when actually, all he did was flip through it without looking carefully.

For every 5 papers he checks, he would take at least 10 minutes break before he proceeds again! If he continues at this pace, it would take them a whole week before they could finish their assigned tasks!

"That's your job, Young Master" Zhao Qiao said with a poker face. "Please don't throw your duties on someone else. You will look shameless and unreliable"

"What?" Han Yu Shou abruptly asked as he glared at Zhao Qiao.

"Ah" Zhao Qiao exclaimed as he clasped his hands together as though he said something utterly ridiculous. He smiled in apology towards Han Yu Shou which made him irked because what he said next was quite annoying…and awfully true. "You are already shameless. Sorry I forgot"

"Fine" Han Yu Shou mumbled before he ran his fingers through the long pile of papers. He then smiled and nonchalantly chose the paper at the bottom of the pile. He waved it a few times before he handed it to Zhao Qiao who was petrified at what he had just done. "Here, I choose this one"

"Young Master, please do this properly" he said as though begging him to take his job seriously. Even choosing the right Pokemon for a battle takes more consideration than what he's doing right now!

"What? This list is already filtered. The people here are all good candidates. We just can't employ all of them. This way, it won't be biased at all!" he answered quite logically. Zhao Qiao even nodded his head but then he shook it again when he figured out that it was still not entirely right.

They were asked to skim through it, PROPERLY! And this way of deciding who to employ is in no way proper at all!

Zhao Qiao sighed before he placed the paper back on the table. Han Yu Shou glared at him before he pushed it towards him again making Zhao Qiao exasperated. "Young Master"

"You asked me to choose so I chose" he remarked with conviction. When he said this, Zhao Qiao can't help but sigh again. He was indeed asked to choose but not in such a way! "I only need five more, right?"

"No" he instinctively answers. He no longer has enough energy to begin an argument with him or correct his quite twisted way of doing his job. "You only need one more. You only get to choose two. Master Han and the others already chose the other eight"

"Fine" he answered once more as he pulled out the middle paper of the stack. He then handed it to Zhao Qiao who had no choice left but to accept it. "Here"

"So you chose---"

"Don't read it anymore" Han Yu Shou blurted out as he yawned. Zhao Qiao was left petrified again by his words. He never takes anything seriously! "Send it as my final candidates"

"But---"

Han Yu Shou immediately stood up before he runs outside of his office. The shameless and uncaring man even looked back and waved his hands at Zhao Qiao with a grin on his face. "I'm going to Little Sister! See you, Zhao Qiao!"

"Urgh!" he exasperated once Han Yu Shou left his line of sight. He nearly punched the wall in annoyance. This job is making him so stressed out right now!

"Why in the world am I suffering like this!" he yelled out before he took a glance at the paper Han Yu Shou chose. He clicked his tongue before he headed it out to send it to Han Tengfei. "He should at least check their names"

That's right. He should have checked their names. If he did, he wouldn't be wounded in the future for such a lousy mistake.

Han Yu Shou has allowed another Lion in the den.