Chapter 158 The Clever Woman

Chu Yuxuan suddenly stopped and looked back at Situ Jingyao, his eyes cold. "What do you know?"

"Don't misunderstand. All I know is that ten years ago your mother was murdered, and you were kidnapped and went missing. But two years ago, you suddenly reappeared in Jiangcheng. At that time, I couldn't be sure whether it was because of the infatuation you had with Xia Zhu during school or because you were seeking revenge." Situ Jingyao gave a bitter smile. "Later, when you returned to the Chu family, I thought you had become obsessed with beauty and wealth after suffering from a broken heart. But with your recent actions, especially tonight, when Xue Can failed to kill you, I realized you are not so simple. You must have come back for revenge, right?"

Chu Yuxuan's eyes were icy as he asked, "Is that all?"

Situ Jingyao's eyes showed a hint of disappointment as she smiled wryly. "Your father couldn't make any progress after investigating for so long. Do you think I would know anything? Really… But since you want revenge, I will definitely help you investigate. So, keep the red card. If I find out anything and you want to see me but can't get into this place, that would be quite distressing, wouldn't it? Hehe…"

Chu Yuxuan's eyes darkened as he stared at the person in front of him. The news of his kidnapping had never been leaked, and the illness of Zhao Yanan hadn't been found out by anyone except for Chu Zhijing. Situ Jingyao's ability to easily find out about the intelligence collected by the Red House was evident.

"Here, take it back," Situ Jingyao said, returning the red card with a smile. "Don't look at me with such eyes, as if I'm your enemy. I know you probably don't trust me, but I genuinely want to help you. No other reason—just consider it as repaying a favor. Of course, I'm also tempted by you. If I really help you get revenge, will you… spend a night with me? Hehe…"

Chu Yuxuan pondered for a moment before abruptly asking, "Who is the owner of the Red House?"

Situ Jingyao was a clever woman and immediately understood the purpose of Chu Yuxuan's question. She gave him a look and said, "You're the first person to ask this question at the Red House. Aren't you afraid you won't be able to leave? Oh… Do you think I found out about your changes from someone behind the scenes? I swear I have no connection with them. Everything was found out by myself, all because I like you. Hmph… So suspicious, do you really distrust me so much?"

Chu Yuxuan took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, then took the red card, thanked her indifferently, and strode out of the private room.

Even though he currently had a low opinion of this woman, deep-seated hatred could be overwhelming. If she could really be of help, who knew?

Situ Jingyao leaned halfway out of the private room, watching Chu Yuxuan's gradually fading figure in the corridor. Her eyes carried a smile, but her lips held a hint of bitterness.

In truth, she initially only intended to send Chu Yuxuan a flirtatious glance and did not plan to be so extreme. But she didn't expect that the dandy would show off his affection right in front of her.

She knew that Chu Yuxuan's marriage to Zhao Yanan was merely a transaction. She recently found out that Zhao Yanan had a psychological condition and could not be touched by men. In such a situation, how could there be any feelings between them? Chu Yuxuan showing off affection was probably because he sensed her interest and was just rejecting her politely. Didn't she understand that?

Therefore, she got angry and took the initiative to approach him, also with a bit of a testing mindset—last time, she arranged two stunning beauties for Chu Yuxuan, but he didn't even move. Though he was angry at the time due to an accident and it was understandable he didn't feel like making love, it still made her suspicious.

After the small drama, she tested and found that Chu Yuxuan's flirtation was just for show. When she threw herself at him, his reaction was somewhat awkward, which didn't seem like the reaction of someone who was often surrounded by women.

But at the same time, she was surprised to find out that Chu Yuxuan was genuinely moved by Zhao Yanan. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so angry just now.

Seeing that she had annoyed Chu Yuxuan and he was returning the red card with a look of never wanting to see her again, she decided to point out Zhao Yanan's psychological condition in a rush. She wanted to show Chu Yuxuan that the Red House had considerable means in collecting intelligence and then naturally mention the events from ten years ago. This way, Chu Yuxuan would definitely take back the card and they would have more chances to interact in the future.

Feelings don't just happen with a spark; they need to be slowly cultivated over time. She didn't believe that she, with all her charm, would be worse than the cold and untouchable vase. Even if it took three years or thirty years, she doubted that the ice princess would develop any real feelings for him.

On the other side, Chu Yuxuan walked out of the Red House and headed straight for the parking lot.

Chu Zhijing was in his Maybach, video calling a young woman. Hearing the car door open, he quickly ended the video call and turned to look at Chu Yuxuan, noticing the new injury on his son's mouth, and smiled without speaking.

Chu Yuxuan glared at him and said irritably, "Give me a clear explanation. What's the deal with the Xue family?"

Chu Zhijing smacked his lips and said, "The matter is settled. Just endure it a bit longer."

"Endure?" Chu Yuxuan's anger flared. "Look at Xue Can's d*mn face. Can he endure it?"

"This time, his father will definitely discipline him well. Even if he doesn't want to endure, he'll have to." Chu Zhijing smiled. "Son, I promise you, if he dares to act up again, you won't have to do anything. I'll make him disappear. There's always a first and second time, but no third or fourth. I don't want to provoke them easily, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of them."

Chu Yuxuan found it laughable. "If he couldn't kill me this time, he'll definitely be well-prepared next time. I'm afraid I might disappear before he does."

"Are you so easy to disappear?" Chu Zhijing looked at him oddly.

Chu Yuxuan gave him a look of disdain and complained, "Chu Zhijing, when did you become so spineless? Not fighting back or retorting, is this still you?"

Chu Zhijing sighed. "I'm considering the bigger picture… Right now, we're in the crucial period of acquiring the Ye family. Xue Can's father can be quite helpful. If I tear my face with him, the first and second families will definitely seize the opportunity to approach him. At that time, the situation will be even more complicated and difficult to handle."

Chu Yuxuan's eyes flickered, and after a moment of silence, he took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. "How powerful is Xue Can's father?"

Chu Zhijing smiled and shook his head. "Don't inquire too much for now. In short, he's not insignificant."

Chu Yuxuan's voice was cold. "No matter how significant he is, if there's another time, I'll send both him and his father on their way. Removing a big corrupt official is also a way to serve justice!"

"Serve justice? Do you know what justice is?" Chu Zhijing smiled faintly. "Everyone hates corrupt officials, but if conditions allowed, who wouldn't want to be an official? Once someone becomes an official, who doesn't get corrupt? It's not just in politics; out of the 360 professions in the world, there are few scholars, but everyone in every field is greedy. The powerless criticize the powerful for injustice, and the poor criticize the rich for their extravagance. But if they were in those positions, they wouldn't necessarily be any better. It would only become worse. This is the true nature of humanity—selfishness and greed that come from deep within. If people don't act in their own interest, they would be doomed. That's the way of the world."

Chu Yuxuan didn't rebut, quietly smoking his cigarette.

The truth is always blunt, and the bluntness makes it unpleasant. But people find it unpleasant because it hits too close to home.