65 Ferocious Lady Tong

"Good work everyone" a short farewell was given before three women of beauty excited the surgery room.

Hou Wei Yan lifted her arms and stretched with a huge smile on her face. Another surgery ended in success once more.

"Ah" she breathed a sigh of relief before glancing at Qiu Meixiu and Xie Na. "Finally done"

Qiu Meixiu glanced at her with worry before fasting her pace. They are dead beat tired, they need to eat and rest. "I'll go prepare your dinner"

"No need" a voice said out of nowhere. Fang Tao came out of the corner wearing his professional stoic face. Trailing behind him was a sturdy-looking black-haired woman.

Hou Wei Yan stared at the woman for a while and her eyes widened when their eyes met. The familiar amber eyes greeted her with a twinkle.

"Xiao Wei!" the woman exclaimed, her voice filled with vigor and excitement.

This figure, this physique, this cheerfulness, she can't be wrong. It's Tong Yixue. "Auntie Yi?"

"The one and only" Han Yixue said as she twirled around, displaying her black Aurora designer dress. After a while, she pounced at Hou Wei Yan and hugged her ever so tightly.

Hou Wei Yan returned her hug warmly. It's been so long since she felt this woman's hug. She missed it.

Han Yixue pulled away from the hug and looked at her from head to toe. Her eyes immediately shined at what she saw.

[ Truly, she's Xing Mei Yi's daughter! ]

She has the charm Xing Mei Yi naturally possesses and the undeniable beauty their bloodline owns. "Look at you. You're all grown up and looking stunning"

Hou Wei Yan chuckled at her compliment. Compared to her, Hou Wei Yan feels inferior. It's been a couple of years since she last saw her and yet her beauty never faded. She retained her youthfulness in a terrifying degree. "My beauty is dull when I'm near you, Auntie"

"You never aged" she added with all honesty.

[ How did they do that? Mother was the same as well ]

Han Yixue smiled before touching her face. "You must be kidding, this auntie is already aging because of her husband"

"Uhm, Wei Wei?" Xie Na suddenly interjected. They were talking for a while now but they are yet to know who the woman is.

"Ah, Right, Auntie Yi" Hou Wei Yan suddenly smiled at them. How rude of her to forget the introduction.

"My best friend, Xie Na and sister Qiu Meixiu" she said as she pointed at them as she mentioned their names. Xie Na and Qiu Meixiu bowed down politely to the woman making Han Yixue smile. "This is Auntie Yixue, Master Han's wife"

"Nice to meet you, Madame Han" Qiu Meixiu said with a huge smile in her face. So this is Han Yixue, formally known as Senior Xue in the Military.

Before marrying into the renowned Han Family, Tong Yixue was a military officer. Though her family mostly focuses on fashion and jewelry, Yixue chose to follow her heart and thus created the miracle soldier Senior Xue or Sniper Xue. Even till now, despite her early retirement, she's widely known in the military circle.

Han Yixue smiled at her as she remembered who her father was. "Oh, you can just call me Auntie Yi. Madame Han is way too formal"

She then turned towards Xie Na. She's as beautiful as ever like how she was when they were young. "I remember you from back then"

Xie Na smiled at her. Right, she remembers playing with Hou Wei Yan once and meeting the esteemed Tong Yixue. She can't believe how young she looks despite the years that passed. "It's nice to see you again, Auntie"

"My, no wonder this group is popular" Han Yixue exclaimed with a chuckle. She heard Hou Wei Yan was popular and it looks like her friends are as well. With this bunch always together, no wonder they attract an awful amount of attention. "You're all gorgeous"

She looked at Fang Tao and smiled at him. Despite his stoic look, Han Yixue can feel something changed. His cold charm seems warmer and his eyes now containing an undeniable shine of happiness.

[ Who could it be directed? ]

"And your guard is way too handsome" she said with a cheeky smile.

Fang Tao looked away when she said this. He doesn't need such unnecessary compliment and he doesn't like getting called handsome. It makes him itch and annoyed.

"You flatter us way too much, Auntie" Hou Wei Yan answered when she saw Fang Tao's obvious discomfort. She wants to laugh at him and tease him but now doesn't seem like the right time.

"Can I invite you for dinner?" Han Yixue suddenly said. Xie Na and Qiu Meixiu looked at one another before turning their attention back to her. "I need to console myself with pretty ladies. I'm quite tired of dealing with my husband and son"

Qiu Meixiu wanted to agree. She wanted to spend time with the Senior she looks up to. But fate doesn't aline with her wish. "I'm sorry, Auntie Yi. I already had some prior engagements. My Uncle is coming for a visit"

"Oh, it's okay. I totally understand" It can't be helped. Her invitation was too sudden so they simply can't forgo their plans.

"How about you, pretty Xie!?"

Xie Na smiled sheepishly before looking away. She can't possibly tell her where she's going. "I---uhmmmm, I have an appointment with someone"

A huge smile immediately made it's way to Han Yixue's face. [ Oh yes, a scoop! ]

"Ohooo, with your boyfriend?" she asked in a teasing manner. Xie Na blushed a little making Han Yixue grin to herself.

Unbeknownst to her, someone was flinching and was suppressing a wave of hidden anger.

"Uhmm no. It's got something to do with the Xie Family" Xie Na immediately clarified with a smile.

"Alright, I won't push it on you" Han Yixue replied with understanding.

"Take care you two" she exclaimed before leaving alongside Hou Wei Yan. Xie Na and Qiu Meixiu bowed down and soon after, parted ways with one another.

Fang Tao obediently followed behind them. Han Yixue didn't mind him at all as she was focused on her little chit-chat with Hou Wei Yan.

She didn't mind until they reached Hou Wei Yan's car. Hou Wei Yan obediently went inside and Fang Tao wanted to follow her. But Han Yixue blocked him and frowned at his plan.

Nope. No one spoils her night. "Hey, no boys allowed"

"I have a job, Madame. I can't leave my master's side at all cost" Fang answered with seriousness and coldness. The usual front he has when in public with Han Yixue.

"Nope. Not gonna happen" she said while shaking her head. No matter his job, she won't allow him to ruin their night.

Besides, she's not incapable of protecting Hou Wei Yan. Among them, he should know best where to entrust Hou Wei Yan when trouble arrives. "You should follow what I say, so there won't be any casualties"

After stating this, Han Yixue pulled Shin out of the car and entered it. Before they could even protest, she drove away as fast as a bolt of lightning.

The sudden kidnapping of his Lady Boss immediately made him call Ji Li Zhao. "Boss, Auntie Han took Madame"

This sudden news wasn't new to him anymore. He expected it. After telling Han Yixue of Hou Wei Yan's identity, he knew she would make an immediate move on his wife. "Auntie sure isn't patient"

"Follow them but not too close" he instructed before ending the call and proceeded on signing some contract. His wife is in good hands.

So long as Han Yixue remains in the restaurant, everything is good.

.....

"So, how's your mother?" Han Yixue asked right after their order was made. Hou Wei Yan glanced her way, an undeniable smile decorating her face.

"Still energetic as ever. She's currently staying in Paris doing some fashion-related business"

Her mother is a busy buddy. She never stops thinking and working, and she never stays in the same place. Her heart is that of Dora and exploring is her nature. Right after making her idea a success, she thinks of other things to introduce in the market.

That's the type of mother she has. The type of mother she loves.

"Oh? She ventured in another business?"

"She didn't specify the brand she was making but I think it has something to do with Perfumes" she answered honestly. When she left America, Xing Mei Yi was starting a new business endeavor and as usual, she didn't tell her any details about it.

"Knowing your mother, I'm sure it will be a big hit in a month or two" Han Yixue said with a huge smile on her face. Ah, she truly misses that weirdo. Her psychotic ideas are her favorite past time during their high school days. Now, those ideas are her power no one can easily steal.

"Anyway, how are you doing lately? I hope my husband isn't bullying you"

Knowing how workaholic Han Tengfei is, Han Yixue would obviously worry over her daughter-in-law's welfare.

"No. Uncle is very nice and understanding" she interjected, worried that an argument will erupt if she doesn't choose her words carefully.

"That's good to hear" Han Yixue immediately stated. If he wasn't good on her daughter-in-law, she would give him a scolding or two.

"I was surprised when I heard your name from him. Who knew that our young Wei Wei eventually became a Doctor" she suddenly asked while looking at her face carefully. She wants Hou Wei Yan to pour her heart out today.

No matter how good she is at hiding, a mother like her can decipher her emotions. "How did that happen?"

At her question, Hou Wei Yan's beaming face suddenly turned sullen. Ah, is this because she hasn't talked to someone in a while regarding adult and emotional stuff that she suddenly feels loaded?

Her heart right now is unbearably heavy.

Perhaps it's time to let it out. [ Just this once ]

"While I was here in China, a lot of people pushed me to take up the crown from my parents. They want me to take up business for my terrifying wits. I believed that was my destiny because everyone whispered it to me"

In her life, she heard countless envious whispers directed at her. They said that being born as Xing Mei Yi and Hou Guanyu's daughter was the best. They said she was truly blessed.

She is blessed, but not in all departments.

Being born as their daughter had its consequences. People had high expectations of her and all of them are pushing her to rule just like her parents.

She once thought that was her destiny but life came punching her with the truth.

"But when I went to America, I realized that my wits aren't for business but for something greater than profits" she added with a smile.

[ I wasn't meant to rule. I was meant to save ]

"I see. After Mei Yi brought you there, I never saw you again" Han Yixue said, slightly opening another topic. "How was America?"

At the question of her stay in America got out, Hou Wei Yan felt herself stiffen in a moment.

How was her stay there?

Her stay there was something she wanted to hide from others. So as much as possible, she should keep it a secret. Especially when someone doesn't know the reason she got sent there in the first place.

"Quite normal. There was no stepsister to annoy me or a stepmother to infuriate me. I spend most of my time studying so I don't have many adventures to tell" she said with a smile—a fake smile she wasn't used to.

Han Yixue stared at her for a moment. She analyzed her, and when she didn't get an honest answer, she remained silent.

The perceptive Hou Wei Yan immediately noticed her reaction. She doesn't believe her.

[ Could it be she knows something? ]

"Uhmmm, did Mom say something to Auntie before we left?"

Han Yixue took hold of Hou Wei Yan's hands. The warmth she was emitting made her remember her mother.

They called her Ferocious Lady Tong, but in truth, she's a warm person and a great mother figure to her.

"It's okay, I know everything. You can tell me whatever it is that you want to let out"

When Han Yixue said this, Hou Wei Yan released a sigh. That's right, honesty is one of her virtues and moral she always upholds. "To be honest, Auntie...my stay there was chaotic"

As she remembers those days, Hou Wei Yan can no longer control her voice. Suddenly, she turned melancholic.

"Every single day, I was surrounded by worried relatives, curious doctors, and some hypocritical businessmen. I don't remember a day where I wasn't monitored or was attached to the machine for at least an hour or two"

Her treatment there wasn't a piece of cake. She thought she was going crazy, she had recurring nightmares of a shadow glaring down on her and killing everyone around her. She had to run into a series of test and since she refused to eat often, her health plummeted. Those days when she can freely go around was reduced and she had to rely on a machine to get her mental health in check.

But that was all before she met someone who helped her enter the medical field she now deeply treasures.

"When I forgo my roots by taking on medicine, the people surrounding me slowly disappeared. One by one, they left me alone. I don't know if my mother was behind it, and, this may sound harsh but I was relieved" she confessed with all honesty.

"That's why my stay there was chaotic in this sense and the others"

When she heard this, Han Yixue's heart tightened. It must have been a horrible experience. Even if Xing Mei Yi was there, Hou Wei Yan still had to suffer all those treatments.

She got freed from that cage by becoming a doctor but now she's back in the cruel society once more. By marrying Ji Li Zhao, she's bound to get surrounded by those people again.

"Now that you've returned, that freedom might get stripped off from you. Are you okay with that?"

Hou Wei Yan can't help but smile at this question. [ Was I okay with it? ]

Of course not. She hesitated coming back knowing what lies before her. But that was before she got unexpectedly married to her mysterious husband.

Thanks to him, the road doesn't look as grim or as dim as it did before.

"At first, I was terrified to face my reality but something changed that. Somehow, I'm not afraid anymore and I surely won't back down if someone begins to threaten what I treasure"

"That's more like it" Han Yixue exclaimed. A lady like her with so much potential should protect themselves and show that women have a fierce side no one should easily set aside. "You must never let others push you around. If those steps decide to take dirty actions, just tell Auntie, okay?"

"I will beat them for you" she casually said, but her voice contained imminent danger. Fe Rou Chao is shameless and her daughter is no better. If they decide to bully Hou Wei Yan she will counterattack for her sake.

Hou Wei Yan can only chuckle at her Auntie. She's as ferocious as ever when it comes to fighting but she's not the only one in her life who has the same vigor when it comes to that. "Auntie is already second in line. Before I left, Mother took the first spot"

"If both of you attack, I'm not sure if they will live" she honestly stated with laughter. Fe Rou Chao is but a tiny ant to her. The last time they meant, she even easily handled her with her acting.

If her mother and Han Yixue enter the fight, it would be a massacre.

"Right, Auntie. How's Rena?" Hou Wei Yan suddenly asked, concerned about her big sister playmate in the past.

This time, Han Yixue turned quite sullen. Han Yu Shou is her baby, but before him, there was Han Rena.

Her little adorable princess.

"She doesn't contact us much. Rena decided to become a wildlife photographer so she's probably somewhere in a forest" she said, with a sulking voice. Honestly, she misses Rena. But she can't casually visit her all the time. "I visit her sometimes whenever we manage to contact her"

"What happened? I remember Rena was very attached to you" she asked in surprise.

Rena was like a monkey, she always clings to Han Yixue in the past. To think she would leave her mother for the wild.

"When she was young, yes. But when she got older, Rena refused our special treatment of her. She didn't like to get pampered which lead to her decision of leaving" Han Yixue replied while shaking her life. She loved Rena way too much, perhaps she got full of it.

But Han Yu Shou is different. Some people called him crazy and weird, and his mother testifies to that. He never gets tired of getting spoiled. In fact, he loved getting spoiled. That's why all of Han Yixue's attention is on him.

"So now, I'm focusing all my attention on my two sons"

"Wait, Auntie has two sons? You only had one when I left" Hou Wei Yan exclaimed in surprise and excitement. She had another son after Yu Shou?

Han Yixue chuckled when she saw Hou Wei Yan's surprised face. What kind of reaction will she make when the truth finally comes out? The son she's keeping is none other than her husband after all. "He's not my biological son nor was he adopted, but for us, he is family and I raised him when everyone refused to"

"I see. Well, I hope I can meet him someday" Hou Wei Yan simply said, excited to meet the man her Auntie raised. She played with Han Yu Shou in the past and he was weird back then.

Could it be the other son is weirder than him?

"Oh, no worries. You'll meet him soon enough" Han Yixue assured before glancing at the waiter bringing in their food.

[ Yes, soon ]

[ Very very soon ]