Chapter 248: This child doesn't look like the brother-in-law

Over the next half month, Li Ya went completely insane.

He spent all day hounding Mei Yingxue, pestering her to the point of madness.

Likewise.

After being rejected by Wu Jingzhong several times regarding the marriage, Li Ya's relationship with Wu Jingzhong dropped to freezing point.

He stopped pretending altogether.

After obtaining Mei Shao's consent, he formally decided to marry Mei Yingxue.

He borrowed a large sum of money through an underground bank.

As long as Mei Yingxue would sleep with him, he would throw money around in handfuls, buying cars, villas, and all sorts of jewelry.

A church for a Western-style wedding.

A bridal chamber.

A master of ceremonies.

Li Ya listed everything on a checklist and prepared them one by one.

In a word, he wanted to marry Mei Yingxue and bring her into his home before the new year.

This left Mei Yingxue, who had originally been skeptical of Li Ya, unable to tell whether the guy was acting or truly in love.

……

Evening.

A private room on the third floor of the British Club.

James, having held back for so long, could finally enjoy himself with Mei Yingxue.

"Sigh.

"Baby, you haven't really fallen for that Captain Li, have you?

"For so long, how could you bear to leave me lonely?

"Without you, every day in this godforsaken place feels like a year."

James held the beauty in his arms and complained.

It would have been fine if he hadn't brought it up, but the moment he did, Mei Yingxue was furious:

"Darling, I don't want to either; I'm having a worse time than you.

"Do you know how disgusting that guy is?

"As long as I appear in his line of sight, he acts like he's been injected with adrenaline, falling into a frenzy and demanding endlessly.

"Not to mention at home.

"At the mall, at the restaurant, even in the park, he drags me to the restroom... OH, MY GOD, I'm really going crazy.

"And he never considers my feelings, he just goes straight to it... I'm even afraid that one day I'll really get pregnant with this stupid dog's seed."

Mei Yingxue knitted her willow eyebrows, looking like she wanted to die.

She knew James couldn't possibly marry her.

For someone with his status, if he pulled this off, it was possible the royal family would grant him a title.

At the very least, he would marry the daughter of a member of parliament or a defense minister.

All Mei Yingxue wanted was citizenship.

"It seems he has already fallen in love with you?" James laughed.

"If that counts as love, I suppose so."

Regarding that sort of thing, Mei Yingxue was still very confident.

"Great.

"Public opinion is currently very unfavorable to us.

"Gu Weijun is serving as ambassador to North America and is lobbying Truman and members of Congress to secure a one-billion-dollar loan for Jiang.

"The Americans have always been willing.

"Once the loan is released, Jiang will use it to buy American-made arms; the money goes around in a circle and returns to North America, fattening those in the military aid faction, and in the end, they can even earn a huge amount of interest.

"Once this fund is approved, the momentum of the military aid faction will be even greater.

"So, my dear, you must hurry.

"If you can get those top-secret documents and persuade Li Ya to be used by us, serving as a human witness to break Jiang's false public opinion, we can cooperate with the royal family to purge the military aid forces in North America.

"It's up to you."

James slapped her perky buttocks and gave his instructions.

"Mm, I will."

Mei Yingxue nodded.

As long as she provides food and drink, Li Ya is now completely obedient to her.

The timing should be about right.

"Go back; if you stay too long, that mad dog will start suspecting you again." James still had serious business to attend to and was also a bit wary of her.

"How annoying.

"We rarely see each other, and you won't even spend more time with me." Mei Yingxue pouted in dissatisfaction.

"Baby, once we go to England.

"I will be yours every night, okay?"

James kissed her and said.

"Alright."

Mei Yingxue got up to bathe, dressed herself beautifully, and walked away, swaying her perky buttocks in her high heels.

She also had things to do.

It was aimed at Hong Zhiyou.

She didn't have full confidence in avenging her younger brother.

And time was already very tight.

But since she was back.

She still had to try; what if it worked?

As it happened, two days ago, Wu Rui returned with the baby still in swaddling clothes.

During the postpartum recovery period, they couldn't share a bed.

And Hong Zhiyou didn't dare to go out looking for food behind Wu Rui's back at this time.

The only one who could hover in front of him was herself.

If she could hook him.

Not to mention pissing Wu Rui to death and ruining the relationship between Hong Zhiyou and Wu Jingzhong, she could also go cry to that mad dog; even if Hong Zhiyou wasn't shot in the back by Li Ya.

Just the affairs of Wu Jingzhong's family would be enough to give Hong Zhiyou a headache.

Especially when she thought about how Wu Rui, who had always been better than her in everything except her chest since they were little, would discover that the man she loved had been slept with by her.

That feeling would be simply amazing.

Of course, the most important point was that she had heard of Hong Zhiyou's reputation as a womanizer; he was quite skilled.

It just so happened that James couldn't accompany her.

And Li Ya wasn't quite up to the mark.

Playing around with Hong Zhiyou was not a bad choice.

It could make her happy and also disgust Wu Rui and her whole family.

Why not do such a thing?

Passing by a shop, Mei Yingxue deliberately bought a green towel.

She had given green socks to Li Ya.

How could Wu Rui be left out?

Arriving at the Wu residence.

Aunt Mei Qiuju and the nanny, Chou'er, were rocking the cradle to coax the baby to sleep.

"Aunt."

Mei Yingxue took off her thick mink coat, revealing her gorgeous, tight-fitting dress and her graceful, hot figure.

"Yingxue is here."

Mei Qiuju smiled unnaturally.

She used to dote on Yingxue very much.

But now, looking at her made her feel very anxious.

This girl now had hooks in her eyes and dressed so provocatively; Rui was currently in her postpartum period, and she was afraid that this playboy Zhiyou would be hooked away by her niece.

One had to guard against such disgusting behavior that corrupted family morals.

"This baby is really good-looking.

"Baby, call me Auntie.

"Such a big boy, my sister is quite capable."

Mei Yingxue gently pinched the baby's soft, pink little face.

"Indeed, he weighed seven jin and six liang when he was born; your sister was thinking of your brother-in-law, so she brought the child back as soon as she left the delivery room, refusing to stay in North America for even a day," Mei Qiuju said, her face full of heartache.

"Is that so?"

"Then that sister of yours is truly having a hard time."

"But it's a pity, it's a girl; my brother-in-law has always preferred boys."

"Back then, because my sister only gave birth to Rui Rui, there was quite a lot of trouble in the family."

Mei Yingxue smiled; she was deliberately bringing up a sore subject.

Mei Qiuju curled her lip, but she patiently smiled and said, "It's a different generation now, there aren't so many rules anymore. Your brother-in-law likes her immensely; he even wants to play with her for a good while as soon as he gets home from work."

"Oh, that's good then."

"Why don't I see the Hong family? The in-laws have always been picky; they wouldn't have developed a rift just because a granddaughter was born, would they?"

"I heard the Hong family only has brother-in-law as their one and only heir."

"If there isn't a boy to carry on the family line, they certainly wouldn't be happy."

Mei Yingxue knew her aunt had suffered plenty of grief from being caught in the middle when she was young, so she poked right at her pain point.

She was leaving anyway.

Since this family had caused her younger brother's death, there was no such thing as family affection anymore.

If she could make them feel disgusted, then so be it.

"Where, where could that be? The in-laws and the baby's aunt just left."

"Besides, your sister is still young; she can just have another one later."

Mei Qiuju's expression grew even uglier.

Inside the room.

Hong Zhiyou was feeding Rui Rui crucian carp soup.

Mei Yingxue's deliberately raised voice was clearly meant not only to provoke Mei Qiuju but also to be heard by Wu Rui inside the room.

Wu Rui, who had already been drained of vitality from the ordeal, grew even paler.

"Cheap woman."

"Don't pay her any mind."

Hong Zhiyou blew on the fish soup and gently brought it to her lips.

"Do you mind?" Wu Rui's eyes were slightly red, her expression full of apology.

In these chaotic times, the thing people feared most was the breaking of the family line.

Back then, because her mother had only given birth to her, her grandmother never forgave her until the day she died, not even allowing her to visit her grave.

When Hong Zhiyou's parents came to see the child that day, they were clearly very unhappy.

If it weren't for the fact that their own family was a cut above, they would have likely shown their displeasure long ago.

Wu Rui was usually very carefree, but the scar from that incident with her grandmother had always been buried deep in her heart.

Coupled with the exhaustion of childbirth and the influence of postpartum depression, it was even worse.

She had been suffering from insomnia and heart palpitations lately, no longer possessing her former tomboyish, carefree spirit.

"Rui Rui."

"This is our child; whether it's a boy or a girl, she is the apple of my eye."

"You know this woman; she is doing this on purpose."

"If you take it to heart, you've fallen right into her trap."

"Don't forget, you are the Wu Rui who has stepped on her like dog shit since you were a child."

Hong Zhiyou set down the bowl and looked at her pale face with immense heartache.

He was not the real "Hong Zhiyou."

Nor did he have the deep-seated ideas of this era regarding carrying on the family line.

Having lived a full life, who knows when he might go back.

Furthermore, he had dreamed of having a daughter.

He was already grateful to Rui Rui; how could he possibly be dissatisfied?

It was just that due to the limitations of the era, there were some things he couldn't explain to Wu Rui, and couldn't explain clearly either.

"You like her."

"But your parents don't; you will be in a difficult position."

"Honestly, giving birth this time felt like walking through the gates of hell. Zhiyou, I don't want to experience that feeling again."

"I am very scared."

"Do you understand?"

Tears swirled in Wu Rui's eyes.

"Rui Rui."

"I know."

"I also know that no matter what I say, you won't feel at ease."

"So, I have prepared everything."

Hong Zhiyou stood up, took a stack of signed documents from the briefcase nearby, and handed them to her.

Wu Rui opened them.

Inside were property transfer deeds signed by Hong Zhiyou.

They included a castle in Falanxi, islands in Xiangdao, red wine brands, and bank account numbers.

Even the shell company used for arms trafficking was written in.

Without a doubt, this was all of Hong Zhiyou's property.

The beneficiary was none other than her.

"Rui Rui."

"Except for the three thousand or so in pocket money in my bag, two gold bars, and thirty-some silver dollars."

"All my bank accounts, including the ones with Rong Bin."

"And all my assets."

"They are all here."

Hong Zhiyou looked at her, his gaze gentle and sincere.

"Really?" Wu Rui knew well that Hong Zhiyou was also someone who loved money as much as his own life.

Hong Zhiyou held her hand, and in the beneficiary section, he guided her hand to write the three characters "Wu Rui" stroke by stroke.

Then, he efficiently picked up the ink pad.

He grabbed her hand and pressed her fingerprint onto it.

Wu Rui let him do as he pleased, her gaze fixed blankly on his face.

"In a moment, personnel from both Xiangdao and Jinhai will come to handle this."

"Little money-grubber, do you feel better now?"

Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Zhiyou!"

Wu Rui threw herself into his arms and began to sob softly.

"Shh, keep it down, don't let Mei Yingxue hear you."

"That would damage my Rui Rui's glorious image."

Hong Zhiyou buried his chin in her hair and laughed softly.

"I haven't bathed in a long time, my hair is smelly and oily." Wu Rui laughed through her tears.

"My Rui Rui is the most fragrant and beautiful." Hong Zhiyou said.

Then, he crouched by the bed and held her hand: "Do you believe in my heart now?"

"Mm, I'll believe it if you give me money." Wu Rui lifted her chin and smiled just as she used to.

"That's right."

"This is my Wu Rui, the daughter of a Major General, a heroine who is no less than any man!"

Hong Zhiyou kissed her, and he felt happy along with her.

"I'm going out for a moment."

"That woman is poisonous; I'm afraid our mother might get hurt by her."

As he spoke, he winked and smiled.

"Thank you." Wu Rui nodded in relief.

"Mom, the baby must be hungry; I'll carry her in so Rui Rui can feed her." Hong Zhiyou walked out quickly and asked with a gentle smile.

He had a technique for how he addressed people.

When Wu Jingzhong was not around, he called Mei Qiuju "Mom."

He knew this mother-in-law truly doted on him, and he called her that from the bottom of his heart.

When Old Wu was present, he called her "Master's Wife."

Old Wu was quite rigid; if he called Mei Qiuju "Mom" in front of him, Old Wu would get serious and start urging them to get married.

Hong Zhiyou and Wu Rui were not yet prepared for marriage.

These matters involved too much and could not be decided rashly or hastily in a short time.

"Alright, hold her gently."

Mei Qiuju carefully picked up the eldest grandson and handed him over.

"Brother-in-law, congratulations."

"Becoming a father by surprise."

"Have you picked out a name yet?"

"Is it going to be Wu something?"

Mei Yingxue's opening remark was a killing blow.

Mei Qiuju's expression turned extremely ugly.

It was a fact that Hong Zhiyou had climbed the social ladder by attaching himself to their family.

But times had changed; he had established his own power base, and even old Wu had to give him some face.

To bring up the idea of him being a live-in son-in-law at a time like this was simply slapping Hong Zhiyou in the face.

She really wanted to tear that little bitch's mouth apart.

It was just that, hindered by family ties and status, she couldn't vent this anger.

"Yingxue, watch your tongue."

"Hong Zhiyou's child will naturally take the surname Hong," Mei Qiuju said, frowning.

"Oh."

"The rumors outside all say that brother-in-law is a live-in son-in-law who married sister by sucking up to uncle, so I thought the child would take the surname Wu."

Mei Yingxue said.

"You girl, talking nonsense."

Fearing she wouldn't be able to resist slapping her, Mei Qiuju suppressed her burning rage and went to the kitchen.

"Brother-in-law, let me hold the baby," Mei Yingxue said with a smug look, puffing out her chest and casting a flirtatious glance.

"No need, I'm afraid you're poisonous."

Hong Zhiyou rolled his eyes at her and carried the child into the bedroom.

"If I'm poisonous, I'm a rose with thorns."

She followed behind Hong Zhiyou, giggling softly.

They reached the bedroom.

Wu Ruirui was reading a book, as relaxed as ever, with a sense of aloof pride deep in her bones.

"Sister, you say you're so tired after giving birth, why not recover in North America?"

"Look at you, your face is as pale as a ghost."

"I almost didn't recognize you."

As soon as they met, Mei Yingxue went full throttle.

"Whether you recognize me or not isn't important."

"As long as the child's father does."

Wu Ruirui smiled faintly.

"That's right, a beautiful soul is always a hundred times more beautiful than an empty shell," Hong Zhiyou chimed in.

One had to admit it.

In terms of looks, Mei Yingxue, who possessed the beauty of Fan Ye, could indeed crush ninety-nine percent of the women in Jinhai City.

Including Ruirui, Wanqiu, and even the great beauty Ji Qing.

Mei Yingxue acted as if she hadn't heard, her gaze falling on the child:

"Sister, our niece looks so much like you."

"She doesn't really look like brother-in-law."

"Brother-in-law, North America, I hear it's very chaotic over there."

Damn it.

The baby was almost a carbon copy of Hong Zhiyou.

This bitch was simply lying through her teeth.

Hong Zhiyou and Wu Ruirui looked at each other, both unable to help but laugh.

Their laughter made Mei Yingxue's blood run cold.

"What are you laughing at?"

"I was just telling the truth," she said, pouting in boredom as if her punch had landed on cotton.

"Ruirui, the soup is here."

Mei Qiuju walked in carrying a tray.

"Mom, didn't I just drink some?" Wu Ruirui said coquettishly.

"Those few sips don't count."

"Crucian carp soup, it's nourishing, otherwise the baby won't have enough to eat."

Mei Qiuju gave her a loving, sidelong glance.

"Mom, let me feed her."

Hong Zhiyou stood up and said.

"Brother-in-law, your shirt is pulled tight, how can you move your hands? Be careful not to drop the bowl."

As she spoke, Mei Yingxue walked to Hong Zhiyou's side and gently rolled up his shirt sleeves for him.

Hong Zhiyou hadn't expected her to be so shameless; he didn't react in time, only feeling a fragrant breeze hit his face, seeing snow-white skin swaying before his eyes, and Mei Yingxue's watery, charming, electric gaze.

Mei Qiuju glanced at her daughter from the side.

She made a gesture behind Mei Yingxue's back as if to slap her.

Seeing her about to roll up Hong Zhiyou's other sleeve, Wu Ruirui quickly leaned over and rolled it up for him:

"Xue'er, your hands are too delicate."

"If you touch him a few times, I'm afraid he'll wet his pants."

"Brother-in-law is a veteran of the love scene, surely not," Mei Yingxue laughed.

"Your brother-in-law is, after all, a mere mortal; it's always best to be careful when encountering a vixen," Wu Ruirui said, glaring at the slightly dazed Hong Zhiyou.

"Not at all."

"My brother-in-law is like the Monkey King, a famously shrewd man."

"He's more likely to beat a vixen to death."

Mei Yingxue refused to yield an inch.

In any case, she was backed by the British now.

Even old Jiang feared the British and Americans, so what did it matter to challenge Wu Ruirui?

"Alright, alright."

"You two sisters have been bickering every time you meet since you were little."

"Xue'er, you go out first."

"Ruirui needs to feed the baby and get some sleep."

Mei Qiuju couldn't listen anymore and dragged the vixen out.

Hong Zhiyou closed the door.

"Is she pretty?"

"Is she fair?"

Wu Ruirui pouted and teased Hong Zhiyou.

"Ahem."

"She was just trying to provoke you, don't fall for it."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I wouldn't get angry."

She smiled and tore the contract in her hand to shreds.

"Why did you tear it up?"

"I really wasn't looking at her."

Hong Zhiyou thought she was jealous.

Seeing his anxious look, Wu Ruirui burst into laughter.

"After that scene she made, I feel like I've come back to life."

"As for money, I already have enough; the family fortune saved by the child's grandfather is enough for him to spend for three lifetimes."

"I see your heart."

"I am willing to bear this child for you."

Wu Ruirui held his hand and smiled.

"Ruirui, how should I treat you well enough?" Hong Zhiyou said affectionately.

"I'm doing just fine right now."

"I lack nothing."

"A child, a lover, family, and endless money."

"It's perfect just like this."

"If it gets any better, I'll start to panic."

"I am always afraid that one day, Heaven will see me as too happy and accidentally take something away."

The light of days past returned to the eyes of Wu Rui.

"Mei Yingxue came at the right time today."

"Thank her for opening up your Ren and Du meridians!"

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Hateful."

"This woman is very dangerous; Father didn't sleep all night, it must be that the higher-ups are applying pressure."

"The tug-of-war of public opinion is just about finished."

"It is time for your side to take action."

Wu Rui said.

"Hmm."

"This woman is already showing signs of being a cornered dog jumping over a wall; I reckon Li Ya will succeed on his end."

"The key now is that the Americans want to kill James."

"Li Ya is not stupid; he might not necessarily make a move."

"Father is afraid that if Li Ya achieves this earth-shattering merit, he wants Li Ya to kill James so he can use it as an excuse to get a hold on him, saving Jiang Jianfeng from promoting Li Ya."

"We must set up a situation where Li Ya can see James and also kill James, while pinning the blame on him."

"Moreover, this James is very cunning."

"Except for going out for research or attending meetings, he spends most of his time at the British Club and does not come out."

"Never mind creating the desired scenario."

"Even assassinating him openly is very difficult."

Hong Zhiyou said, troubled.

Wu Rui pondered for a moment, thought about it, and said:

"Didn't you say Li Ya praised Mei Yingxue for being peerless in that regard?"

"Since that is the case, and James is her lover."

"The only one who can make him leave the club is Mei Yingxue."

"As long as you can restrict James so he cannot stay at the British Club, he might go to another place to be alone with Mei Yingxue."

As she spoke, her eyes brightened, and she laughed, whispering:

"I think you could completely do this..."

(End of chapter)