Chapter 54: Shen Yan Is Immobilized by Pain

“Whatever you schemed to obtain, I hope you can hold on to it,” Ye Yao gave her advice.

“Yao Yao, why waste your breath on her? Just do it,” Yu Wanqing could hardly contain her urge to tear apart Ruan Ruoshui, who had the audacity to set her sights on Gu Yancheng. Truly shameless.

“Do it?” Unexpectedly, Ruan Ruoshui, upon hearing this, protectively shielded her abdomen, provoking them, “I’m pregnant. If anything happens to the child, Yancheng won’t spare you.”

“Pregnant?” Yu Wanqing doubted her own ears. Heaven above! This shameless woman is actually pregnant?

If this child is born, Gu Yancheng’s entanglement with her will never end in this lifetime.

Yu Wanqing anxiously looked to Ye Yao for her decision.

Ruan Ruoshui was indeed pregnant.

Upon hearing it, Ye Yao feigned shock, “She’s pregnant? Then let’s leave quickly, lest we be falsely accused.”

“Yao Yao, are we just leaving like this?” Yu Wanqing was unwilling, “Shouldn’t we resolve this somehow?”

Ye Yao insisted on pulling her away and closing the door behind them.

“That’s enough. We’ve vented our anger after seeing her in person. Let’s leave it for now.”

“How could she end up pregnant?” Yu Wanqing complained, “Is it possible Gu Yancheng is stuck because she’s pregnant?”

Gu Yancheng was a responsible man, so Yu Wanqing’s speculation was reasonable. But regardless, there must be boundaries, or else one is simply being used.

Just like Gu Yancheng now.

This matter wasn’t something Ye Yao and her friends could interfere with—it was Gu Yancheng’s business, after all.

Yu Wanqing couldn’t accept it, “No, I have to find Yancheng and ask him what he plans to do.”

Unable to get a reply online, she could only confront him in person.

Ye Yao stopped her again, “Don’t go. Since Yancheng doesn’t want to tell us, let’s not ask.”

“But…”

“It’s enough to know what he’s facing now,” Ye Yao patted Yu Wanqing. “Come on, let’s go back.”

For Gu Yancheng to be so obedient, it definitely wasn’t just because of a pregnancy. There must be something else Ruan Ruoshui held in her hands.

Knowing that it all started because of herself, Ye Yao felt deeply guilty. Her appetite waned for days, and she lost a noticeable amount of weight.

Ye Shen assumed it was due to overwork, so he pushed her toward the office door.

“I’m giving you a week off. For this entire week, you’re not allowed to set foot in the company.”

Ye Shen was domineering and forceful, leaving Ye Yao no room to resist.

After leaving the company, she went to the supermarket for groceries and cooked for herself, forcing herself to eat a little.

Ye Yao kept a close eye on any news from Gu Yancheng’s side, noticing his spirits had plummeted; he looked drained and listless at many events. The formerly ambitious, career-driven man had been so attractive, but now, his lackluster appearance and public romance during his professional ascent left many fans disappointed.

Gu Yancheng’s standing in the entertainment industry was rapidly declining.

Online, people speculated whether his girlfriend was an industry insider or a civilian.

The observant noticed that Gu Yancheng was sharing resources with Qin Miao, frequently bringing her to various events. Everyone suspected his relationship with Qin Miao wasn’t simple.

Ye Yao immediately deduced the interests at play.

Unable to hold back, Yu Wanqing tagged Gu Yancheng in the group chat.

“What are you doing, you rascal? Don’t you know Qin Miao is our Yao Yao’s rival? And you’re giving her resources? What, are you switching sides now? Do you believe I’ll kick you out of the group?”

Gu Yancheng left the group on his own.

This left Yu Wanqing stunned, and when she realized what had happened, she was furious.

“Yao Yao, what does he mean by this? He can’t even take criticism after making mistakes?”

“Let him be,” Ye Yao replied. There was so much left unsaid, but nothing she could say.

Now that Gu Yancheng was trapped, nobody could save him but himself.

Shen Yan went to the Ye Group building but couldn’t find her, so he waited downstairs at her new home.

When Ye Yao returned with groceries and saw him, she tried to turn and leave, but he called out.

His deep voice came, “Ye Yao.”

Was he some kind of monster? Did she have to run away every time she saw him?

Ye Yao halted, realizing she’d overreacted.

This was her home—why should she run?

So she composed herself and walked toward Shen Yan. “What do you want?”

It had only been a few days, but she looked much thinner.

Shen Yan frowned, sizing her up, thinking of the recent rumors about Gu Yancheng and Qin Miao.

Was this why she’d grown so gaunt and hadn’t shown up at work for days?

A strange feeling spread in Shen Yan’s chest.

“I’m hungry. I came to eat,” Shen Yan headed upstairs.

“Shen Yan, this isn’t a restaurant,” Ye Yao hurried after him.

He abruptly stopped, and despite her sudden halt, she bumped into his back.

Ye Yao rubbed her nose, and Shen Yan took in her every move.

He felt as if something had scratched at his heart, quelling his irritation a little.

“I can pay.”

“I don’t want your money. I’m just not letting you eat,” Ye Yao retorted.

But whatever Shen Yan set his mind to, he usually accomplished.

He settled on the sofa, crossed his legs, and treated the place like his own home.

Ye Yao escaped to the kitchen, preferring not to see him while she cooked.

Cooking was a healing process—her restless heart gradually calmed.

Of course, as she seasoned the dishes, Ye Yao made sure to add extra spice.

When the meal was ready, Ye Yao generously served Shen Yan a bowl.

The corners of Shen Yan’s lips involuntarily lifted, but when he split open the dish with his chopsticks and saw the hidden chili peppers, his smile froze.

Something was amiss.

“What’s wrong, President Shen? Does the food not suit your taste?”

Ye Yao smiled triumphantly. “Sorry, I only cook to my own liking.”

She sat down, waiting for Shen Yan to leave of his own accord.

“Feel free to go. I won’t see you out.”

Shen Yan glanced at her, then mixed the dish into his rice and took a bite.

Ye Yao raised her brow, watching his expression shift from composed to flustered.

Shen Yan wanted to spit it out, but seeing Ye Yao’s gaze, he pretended nothing was wrong and swallowed.

“President Shen, don’t force yourself.”

“Who says I’m forcing myself?” Shen Yan replied, his voice altered.

“As long as you’re not,” Ye Yao said, picking up her bowl and eating. She’d always preferred spicy food—this heat was nothing to her.

Shen Yan’s chopsticks hesitated a second time, unable to reach for more.

“Order delivery yourself,” Ye Yao said without looking up.

Shen Yan’s damned stubbornness flared up again, and his chopsticks went in regardless.

To prove a point, he ate several mouthfuls of chili, finally stopping only when his stomach hurt from the heat.

Ye Yao was enjoying her meal when Shen Yan slumped across the table, catching her attention.

“Shen Yan, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine,” Shen Yan replied weakly.

When he looked up, Ye Yao saw the sweat beading on his forehead and the veins bulging on his face.

That serious?

Ye Yao poured him a glass of milk. “Drink some milk—it’ll help with the spice.”

Shen Yan was too pained to move.