Chapter 214: Aunt Shen Who Cannot Escape the Calamity

"What is it?"

"The subsequent update of Heavy Case Six Group."

"The Eight Women Case made everyone both scared and thrilled, and ever since then the editorial department has nonstop received reader letters urging updates."

"Especially over the past few months, the readers have been urging you more and more urgently when they see you haven't updated."

"Sss... so that's the matter."

After hearing Wang Chaoyin's explanation, Xu Yuexin mused.

He originally wrote books mainly to solve his financial source problem.

But now, he has become a billionaire.

So a new question arises: does he still want to keep writing? For Xu Yuexin, this truly calls for serious consideration.

"You don't want to update anymore, right?"

Wang Chaoyin, seeing that Xu Yuexin did not answer, asked, "That's fine. After all, the novel itself is in an episodic format, it can end whenever."

"If you really don't want to write, we'll just issue a conclusion notice for you."

"No, I will keep writing later; I've just been too busy recently."

Xu Yuexin immediately denied.

The books still have to be written; a literary giant's reputation must absolutely be maintained, and he must strive for further progress.

This is not only a matter of original intention, but also concerns Xu Yuexin's wealth.

The novels Xu Yuexin is publishing now earn him per‑thousand‑character manuscript fees and print‑run manuscript payments.

But what about later?

When the cultural and entertainment industry grows strong one day, the novels he has written will become valuable IPs, and their value will then be incalculable.

In a word, it must be written!

"Oh, if you're really busy, there's no need to rush."

Wang Chaoyin thoughtfully said, "First take care of the matters at hand, then we'll talk."

"Alright, when it's finished, I'll tell you right away."

Xu Yuexin nodded.

After leaving People's Literature and returning home, he immediately began planning the next chapter of Heavy Case Six Group.

Heavy Case Six Group contains many classic cases, and Xu Yuexin intends to select from them.

First, he must eliminate those that don't fit the current era's background.

For example, the "Tiger Skin Case"—the Wildlife Protection Law hasn't been enacted yet, and purchase stations across the country are still regularly buying tiger skins and leopard skins.

Also the "Little Crab Case", whose background is around the year 2000 when crosstalk as a traditional performing art faced huge difficulties, but currently the early 1980s crosstalk is still thriving.

Cases like this belong to the kind that cannot be adapted at present.

So just set them aside for now.

Xu Yuexin thought it over and finally decided to write a kidnapping case.

In the early 1980s, there were fewer rich people in society, and kidnapping cases were relatively rare.

Precisely because of this, writing a kidnapping case would more easily capture readers' novelty, making the novel more best‑selling.

Moreover, given the era, since kidnapping is profitable, it is logically consistent for criminals to have a motive.

Xu Yuexin made up his mind and, using a case from Heavy Case Six Group as a prototype, began creating.

To fit the era, he changed the kidnapped Meat Ticket's identity from a big entertainment venue boss to a ten‑thousand‑yuan household.

At the same time, to heighten conflict, the perpetrator was changed to the ten‑thousand‑yuan household's younger brother.

Having settled the direction, Xu Yuexin buried himself in writing.

Having not written for a long time, when Xu Yuexin wrote a novel again, he felt a familiar yet strange wonderful sensation.

As he threw himself fully into writing, the bedroom became exceedingly quiet for a while.

In the days that followed, aside from meeting editors from various Magazine Offices to discuss publishing matters, Xu Yuexin spent the rest of his time on writing.

When the writing of Heavy Case Six Group: The Great Kidnapping Case was completed, it was already early summer.

Seeing his work, Wang Chaoyin's first reaction was novelty.

"Kidnapping case? Quite fresh."

In the Deputy Editor-in-Chief's office, Wang Chaoyin held the manuscript, looking rather interested.

He had only seen kidnapping cases in foreign novels; he hadn't heard of such a case in reality.

Xu Yuexin actually managed to think of writing this.

Wang Chaoyin nodded and, after a pause, said.

In no time, he finished flipping through the entire novel.

"Well written, the plot is twisty and bizarre, with ups and downs."

"The investigation process is also brilliantly written."

"Just right?"

Wang Chaoyin set down the Manuscript Paper and asked Xu Yuexin.

"Fine, it's been a long time since I've written something for publication."

"I also want to see it released sooner."

After deciding on publication, Xu Yuexin and Wang Chaoyin went together to collect the Manuscript Payment.

Heavy Case Six Group: The Great Kidnapping Case totals 84,000 characters; under the current highest standard, the Manuscript Payment is 840 yuan.

Xu Yuexin slipped the money into his pocket, exchanged a greeting with Wang Chaoyin, and left.

840 yuan is a small sum for Xu Yuexin today.

The key lies in publishing the work itself.

Only by continuously writing books can one expand one's portfolio of works, so that one day their value will explode.

After returning home, Xu Yuexin opened the money‑saving cabinet and put the 840 yuan of manuscript fees inside.

The cabinet was packed to the brim with banknotes, and the visual effect was quite striking.

Xu Yuexin wanted to verify the numbers, so he took out stack after stack of cash to count, and by the end his hands were almost cramping.

If he weren't worried about attracting attention, he would really like to buy a money‑counting machine.

After a careful count, Xu Yuexin confirmed that the cabinet held a total of 1,160,008 yuan in cash, exactly matching the ledger.

After counting, Xu Yuexin set aside 20,000 yuan separately, not putting it back into the cabinet.

He slipped the 20,000 yuan into his Book Bag, then rode his motorcycle to Xicheng District and arrived at the gate of Shen Qingru's second courtyard.

Thump thump.

Xu Yuexin stopped the motorcycle, knocked on the gate, and called, "Is Aunt Shen at home?"

"Wait a moment."

Shen Qingru's voice came from inside, and a moment later the door opened.

Today, Shen Qingru wore a mid‑length dress with a black base and white tiny floral pattern, draped with a white shawl, flat shoes on her feet, exuding a gentle and elegant aura that was very pleasant to look at.

"How's the publishing matter going?"

When Xu Yuexin pushed the motorcycle into the courtyard, Shen Qingru, at the gate, asked concernedly.

"Quite smoothly; this time I earned over three hundred thousand."

Xu Yuexin said cheerfully, parking the motorcycle nicely under the canopy.

"Great, the readers will once again be able to enjoy your masterpiece."

"This time I'm gathering the previous books together into a collection."

Xu Yuexin said, "Aunt Shen, what are you doing at home?"

"I'm watering the flowers at home."

"My classes have been light lately."

Shen Qingru shared with Xu Yuexin as they walked toward the Zhongtang, "I only learned in the past two days that my mentor's father once served as a tutor for my grandfather."

"Come to think of it, that's a long‑standing family connection."

"Oh? Then is the recommendation for you to pursue a doctorate practically guaranteed?"

"Yes. However, my mentor suggested that after graduation I first take a position at a university, and then pursue a doctorate while on the job."

"His suggestion makes a lot of sense."

Xu Yuexin nodded and said, "The most important thing is to secure a position first."

While speaking, he sat down in the Zhongtang of the Guogong Mansion Main Hall, and Shen Qingru picked up the kettle to pour water and brew tea for him.

"Fine Huangshan Maojian tea, harvested before the Qingming Festival."

Shen Qingru smiled softly as she poured the water, saying gently, "Give it a try."

Xu Yuexin placed his Shoulder Bag beside him, took a small sip of tea, and found that it truly was fragrant and refreshing.

"It's delicious."

Xu Yuexin set down his teacup and said, "By the way, I prepared some money for you."

After speaking, he took out exactly ten stacks of Great Unity from his Shoulder Bag and placed them on the table, each stack containing one thousand yuan.

"Thank you, you can take it back."

Shen Qingru hurriedly declined, saying, "I can still manage here."

"Even just to make ends meet, I guess the money isn't plentiful."

Xu Yuexin gave a faint smile and said, "Just accept it then."

A woman from an old‑money family like Shen Qingru typically has many regular expenses in daily life.

Take this tea as an example: ordinary families with limited funds might buy cheaper tea, or simply not buy any.

But for a prestigious family like hers, that's not acceptable. Even if finances become tight, they must still purchase top‑grade tea to entertain guests.

If this continues, without giving her a bit of support, the remaining assets she holds will likely be hard to maintain.

Shen Qingru, having her predicament exposed by Xu Yuexin, lowered her head slightly and remained silent.

"Later, I will make some small‑scale investments under your name, so your future daily expenses will be taken care of."

Xu Yuexin continued.

He has a habit: when he falls in love with a woman, he acquires property in her name, ensuring she lives comfortably and feels financially secure.

"Thank you…"

Shen Qingru lightly opened her mouth, looked gratefully at Xu Yuexin and said, "I also want to change my spending habits and save more in the future."

"No need, I just like the way you spend money like a flowing stream."

Xu Yuexin gestured earnestly and said, "Just like this dress and shawl together cost at least three hundred yuan; it's not cheap."

"But wearing it is truly beautiful."

"You're my woman; when you dress nicely, the one who enjoys it in the end is me."

Shen Qingru's face flushed a little.

Xu Yuexin's words made sense, but they were too blunt.

It was hard for her delicate complexion to endure.

"Alright, keep the money safe for now; later we'll go out to eat."

Seeing Shen Qingru accept his reasoning, Xu Yuexin rose from his chair and said.

At noon, the two went to an authentic Huaiyang restaurant for lunch, and after the meal they strolled around Wangfujing.

Compared with three years ago when Xu Yuexin first returned to Jingcheng, the streetscape of Wangfujing has changed quite a bit.

The whole street has become longer; the ends that previously had no shops or buildings are now built up.

Some of the original shop entrances now have scaffolding erected for expansion.

Xu Yuexin and Shen Qingru walked into Baihuo Dalou, and he led her up to the third floor where clothes are sold.

"Summer's coming soon, let's buy a couple of clothes."

Xu Yuexin said to Shen Qingru, then picked out a skirt for her.

"How about this one?"

"Quite nice."

Shen Qingru glanced at it and said,

It's a light‑green chiffon short skirt, with a fitted cut and a neckline that's not too shallow, a style that is fairly trendy right now.

"How much is one, comrade?"

Xu Yuexin asked the sales clerk,

"Fifteen yuan.

"Alright, please give me one."

After paying, Xu Yuexin took the skirt from the clerk's hand.

At that moment, Aunt Shen examined the skirt carefully and suddenly felt a bit regretful.

Is this skirt a little too revealing? "How about swapping it for another?"

Aunt Shen nudged Xu Yuexin with her arm to remind him,

"It's fine, why change it?"

Xu Yuexin brushed it off, took the skirt, and left the counter.

"But... it's a bit revealing when worn,"

Aunt Shen, standing beside him, hesitated and said in a voice only the two of them could hear,

"I know, I bought it so you can wear it at home just for me to see,"

Xu Yuexin replied calmly,

Aunt Shen flushed a deep red from Xu Yuexin's teasing.

Turns out this kid had no good intentions from the start! After buying the skirt, Xu Yuexin took Aunt Shen to buy two qipaos, then left Baihuo Dalou and returned to Aunt Shen's home.

After arriving home, Aunt Shen entered her bedroom to try on the clothes.

After changing into the light‑green short skirt, Aunt Shen's face flushed.

Sure enough, the skirt was still too short. Facing herself in the dressing mirror, Aunt Shen shook her head and said,

She was already tall, and with this short skirt the hem rose more than ten centimeters above her knees.

The neckline design also didn't suit her.

The already somewhat deep collar, combined with her slender yet curvy figure, couldn't be covered with a single bend.

Aunt Shen glanced awkwardly at the mirror twice, then decided to put the short skirt away and never wear it again.

"Aunt Shen."

Just as Aunt Shen was about to change clothes, Xu Yuexin walked in from outside the bedroom door, "Trying on clothes, huh?"

"Hmm, it's a bit unsuitable,"

Aunt Shen hurriedly nodded, "You go out quickly, I need to take it off,"

"Why is it unsuitable? I think it's quite nice,"

Xu Yuexin walked to the dressing mirror, his hands reaching from behind to support Aunt Shen's slightly exposed shoulder,

Aunt Shen, pressed from behind by Xu Yuexin, felt a flush on her face and a nervous flutter inside.

"What's so pretty about it? It can't be worn at all…"

Aunt Shen said embarrassedly,

But before she could finish, Xu Yuexin lifted her up.

"That's because you don't appreciate yourself,"

Xu Yuexin placed Aunt Shen on the bed, kissed her cheek and said, "Look at those legs, how beautiful they look exposed…"

Aunt Shen, realizing she couldn't escape, covered her eyes and turned her face, "Hey, in broad daylight…"

……

The oppressive, undulating sounds inside the room continued until the sun was low in the west.

Finally, Aunt Shen weakly leaned against Xu Yuexin's arms, barely having the strength to speak.

Xu Yuexin affectionately stroked Aunt Shen's pert hips and beautiful legs, and after a while got up to take a shower.

After showering and dressing, Xu Yuexin and Aunt Shen had a simple bowl of plain noodles at home, when Aunt Shen asked him about his future plans.

Xu Yuexin didn't answer immediately.

Because Mei Naizi is about to give birth, he needs to go to Tokyo to see Mei Naizi and their child.

He hasn't decided yet whether to tell the people around him about this.

"Look, first handle the matters at hand before we talk about it,"

Xu Yuexin replied vaguely and buried his head in the noodles.

Aunt Shen read a hint of something different in his expression.

"Alright, remember to tell me if anything comes up,"

"I may not be able to take on your burdens, but at least I can analyze them with you,"

"Hmm, let's eat noodles,"

Xu Yuexin nodded.

A few days later, Xu Yuexin booked a plane ticket and took a flight to Tokyo.

After getting off the plane, he dialed Mei Naizi's phone, and the person on the other end was Huizi.

"My wife is on the third floor of the Women's Medical University Affiliated Hospital preparing to give birth; I'm at home gathering some necessary items for her, and will go over there in a while."

"You, Master, can go directly to see my wife."

Master?

Hearing this brand‑new form of address, Xu Yuexin hesitated briefly.

It seemed that Huizi already regarded him as the male head of the household.

"Alright, I understand."

Xu Yuexin said so, hung up the airport public phone, and called a taxi to the hospital where Mei Naizi was giving birth.

Upon arriving, Xu Yuexin went straight to the third floor.

After climbing the stairs, he saw the floor empty except for doctors, nurses, and a few men in black suits; there was not a single patient in sight.

Xu Yuexin tried to go in, but a suited man at the door stopped him and babbled in Japanese.

Xu Yuexin said he didn't understand, and the other switched to English.

"Sir, hello, we have reserved floors two through four."

"If you need anything, you may request assistance from doctors on other floors."

"My surname is Xu."

Xu Yuexin said calmly.

He didn't believe that Mei Naizi hadn't given any notice before reserving the venue.

"Oh… Mr. Xu?"

The suited man's expression changed instantly, he lifted the corner of his mouth, bent down and said, "Please, come inside."

Guided by him, Xu Yuexin walked into the desolate third‑floor lobby.

Giving birth directly in a privately booked hospital.

So this is the power of a conglomerate…

Of course, that was a good thing for him; he also hoped his child could grow up in a prosperous environment.

After a short while, Xu Yuexin and the suited man walked to a windowed delivery room on the inner side of the third floor.

"Please, come in."

The suited man opened the delivery room door and said respectfully.

Through the delivery room, Xu Yuexin saw Mei Naizi lying on the bed, the area under the blanket where her belly rose high, her expression peaceful and serene.

Beside her were several standing maids with hands at their sides, and nurses bustling about.

"Mei Naizi."

Xu Yuexin suppressed his excitement and hurried toward the bedside.

"Xu Jun."

Mei Naizi straightened her back, smiled, and said, "Our child will be born the day after tomorrow."

Hearing Mei Naizi's words, Xu Yuexin's brows twitched slightly.

They had originally agreed to keep it hidden from outsiders.

Seeing her today, it seemed there was no need to hide it? "Hmm…"

Xu Yuexin sat at Mei Naizi's bedside, took her hand and asked, "Are you feeling any discomfort now?"

"It's fine, just sometimes the fetal movements kick and hurt my ribs."

Mei Naizi smiled calmly, "Actually, I didn't expect you to come at first."

"Why?"

"Because a man as young and promising as you, once people know you have a child with me, your reputation will be affected."

"Never mind."

Xu Yuexin scoffed, "Let outsiders gossip; I've already taken care of you and your child."

After speaking, he took out two pairs of gold bracelets—one large, one small—from his shoulder bag and placed them in Mei Naizi's hand.

"I bought them in Xiangjiang earlier."

"One pair for you, one pair for the child."

"Thank you, dear, they're truly beautiful…"

Mei Naizi, unable to part with them, played with the bracelets and said.

While speaking, she also slipped the larger pair onto her wrist, testing the fit.

Xu Yuexin, meanwhile, gave a signal to the nearby nurses and maids.

Since they all regarded him as the head of the household…

His orders should work, right?

The nurses and maids immediately stopped their tasks and, one after another, walked toward the ward doors.

The last maid, upon reaching the doorway, turned and performed a kneeling bow to Xu Yuexin and Mei Naizi.

"Master, madam, if you need us to come in, please ring the bell."

Having said that, the maid stepped back out.

Xu Yuexin watched their actions and felt a bit strange.

Hmm, this feeling of being able to summon or dismiss a whole group at will…

It's truly exhilarating.

Of course, he hasn't forgotten his original purpose.

"Does everyone know the child's background?"

Xu Yuexin, holding Mei Naizi's hand, said.

"Hmm, the Watanabe Family now has no way to deal with me."

"Since that's the case, why continue to hide our child's background?"

Mei Naizi smiled cunningly.

Xu Yuexin took a deep breath.

This woman truly has good tactics.

Being able to leave the Watanabe Family helpless against her is not something that can be said lightly.

"And I've decided, after the child is born, the surname will be Xu."

Mei Naizi looked at Xu Yuexin and raised an eyebrow at him, saying.

"Surname the same as mine?"

That was indeed an unexpected delight for Xu Yuexin.

Before coming to Tokyo this time, he had been worried about at what age the child could recognize him.

But now, once they arrived at the hospital, all problems were resolved.

Xu Yuexin thought, a little excited.

"What are you standing around for? Quickly think of a name for the child."

At this moment, Mei Naizi nudged Xu Yuexin, waking him from his excitement.

Xu Yuexin came to his senses and promptly nodded.

"A girl, right? Let me think..."

"You also start using your brain."

After Xu Yuexin finished speaking, he fell into contemplation.

Since Mei Naizi had done so much for herself and the child, the best name would incorporate both of their names.

But the problem is that a joint parental name often makes the child's name itself ambiguous, because two of the three characters are already taken.

After pondering, Xu Yuexin still gave up on that idea.

He finally decided to look for a name for his daughter in ancient texts.

After careful deliberation, comparison, and selection, Xu Yuexin gradually formed an idea.

"How about naming her Xu Mengdie?"

"Mengdie? Good, it sounds romantic."

"Hmm, Zhuangzi dreamed of butterflies at dawn; let's name her that."

Xu Yuexin, smiling broadly, held Mei Naizi's hand and said.

After settling the child's name, the two called the medical staff and maids back to the room to continue serving Mei Naizi.

Xu Yuexin then stayed in the ward.

The ward that Mei Naizi arranged is about 200 square meters, with complete medical and living facilities.

From later conversation, Xu Yuexin learned that the entire building had been donated by Mei Naizi.

The delivery room in front of them had been reserved by the hospital especially for Mei Naizi, and normally does not admit other mothers.

Not only can the accompanying family stay here, but they can also give birth directly inside, without being moved elsewhere.

"Hmm, that's indeed good."

After hearing Mei Naizi's introduction, Xu Yuexin thought.

As a husband, he naturally wanted Mei Naizi to enjoy the best medical conditions.

…

The day of the child's birth soon arrived.

In the early hours, Mei Naizi showed signs of labor.

The nurse on duty in the delivery room heard her moan and immediately rang the bell to summon a doctor.

Xu Yuexin temporarily stepped away, leaving the delivery room and waiting outside.

Soon, Mei Naizi's cries in the delivery room grew louder, and the medical staff could be heard speaking Japanese from time to time.

Outside the door, Xu Yuexin paced anxiously, his palms beginning to sweat.

But the mother and daughter must be safe.

He prayed inwardly, occasionally raising his wrist to glance at the time.

Half an hour, one hour, one and a half hours…

"Wuwa…"

Finally, after nearly two hours, a crisp cry came from the delivery room.

The daughter was born! Xu Yuexin was so thrilled his whole body jolted, excited enough to want to burst through the delivery rooms and rush in to see.

"Let me see my daughter quickly!" Xu Yuexin exclaimed, trembling all over, his gaze fixed on the delivery room door.

(End of chapter)