"How could you say that?"
Huo Yuhao was utterly stunned by Meng Hongchen's words. A privileged young lady like her—how could she tolerate her man indulging in endless debauchery?
He had assumed Qianran must have deceived Meng Hongchen with sweet lies. But the reality was entirely different.
It turned out, even women like Meng Hongchen could accept a man having multiple wives and concubines.
It wasn't that they couldn't accept infidelity—it was mediocrity they couldn't tolerate. If a man was vastly superior to them, they'd selectively overlook some of his glaring flaws.
For someone like Huo Yuhao, however, that dream was unattainable. Even if he somehow managed to be with Meng Hongchen, it would be a case of overreaching. If he were caught being unfaithful, he'd likely have his legs broken.
"Since you've already made your decision, I have nothing more to say. But mark my words—you'll regret it," Huo Yuhao said, clenching his fists tightly.
He refused to believe Mingde Hall would let Qianran return to Shrek Academy alive. That was simply impossible.
When Qianran died, Meng Hongchen would inevitably come back to him.
Though by then, she might no longer be… pure.
"Qianran, where is she? What have you done to her?" Huo Yuhao demanded, his eyes burning with hatred.
Huo Yun'er being taken and manipulated by Qianran was a humiliation that weighed heavily on him.
As long as his mother remained under Qianran's control, Huo Yuhao would never find peace.
Not only did he want to rescue Huo Yun'er, but he also wanted Qianran dead. Only then could the disgraceful truth be buried forever, erasing the shame he had endured.
"She's doing well. She's with me, and I'm taking good care of her. Who knows, she might even give you a little sister soon," Qianran said casually, before adding in a voice only Huo Yuhao could hear, "I'll make sure to treat her well."
Qianran was, as always, a complex man.
On one hand, he disliked children and the idea of leaving behind descendants. Immortality made legacy redundant, and the thought of dealing with future generations didn't align with the carefree life he envisioned for himself.
On the other hand, he couldn't deny the appeal of seeing his beloved women carry his children, their growing bellies a testament to their shared bond. It was an image that stirred a sense of pride in him.
Caught between these conflicting desires, Qianran had yet to decide whether he wanted offspring. But using the idea to provoke Huo Yuhao? That was too entertaining to resist.
In truth, Qianran had occasionally wondered how someone like Huo Yun'er might look while pregnant. There was a certain charm in the transformation—soft yet strong, gentle yet resilient.
"You… you beast!" Huo Yuhao's finger trembled as he pointed at Qianran, his face a mixture of rage and disbelief.
A little sister? Me?
Was Qianran deliberately taunting him, or was he serious? Either way, the possibility made Huo Yuhao's blood boil. No. Absolutely not.
"Get out of my house, Huo Yuhao!" Meng Hongchen interjected, her voice sharp. "Or I'll call someone to drag you out! I don't care what issues you have with Qianran, but I won't stand for you insulting him in my home."
Without waiting for a response, Meng Hongchen raised her leg and delivered a swift kick, sending Huo Yuhao stumbling backward.
"Fine! Fine! Meng Hongchen, you'll regret this!" Huo Yuhao growled, struggling to his feet.
Already furious from Qianran's provocations, this added humiliation only fueled his anger.
Though he couldn't defeat Qianran, he vowed to make Meng Hongchen pay.
Once Huo Yuhao was gone, Meng Hongchen exhaled deeply, relieved.
"Qianran, what's the deal between you and Huo Yuhao? And his mother…?" Meng Hongchen asked, her blue eyes wide with curiosity.
Did Qianran have some kind of… peculiar taste?
"She's my personal maid," Qianran said after a moment of thought, keeping his explanation simple.
Personal maid? Meng Hongchen instantly understood.
A personal maid? Isn't that just a euphemism for a bed warmer?
No wonder Huo Yuhao seemed ready to kill Qianran.
She felt a pang of discomfort. She'd always known Qianran had many admirers, but to think his preferences extended beyond young beauties to include… more "diverse" options.
Still, the thought of Huo Yuhao helped her reconcile her feelings. At least she hadn't listened to her grandfather's suggestion to get involved with someone like him. How could someone who couldn't even protect his own mother act so arrogant?
"Hmph."
"Qianran… about us…" Meng Hongchen trailed off, her gaze fixed on Qianran's striking features and tall, well-built frame. Her heart raced.
She and Qianran had shared many intimate moments, yet the final step remained uncharted territory.
As a woman, she was just as curious as any man might be. She'd often found herself wondering about Qianran—thinking about him in ways that left her cheeks flushed and her heart pounding. But she'd always suppressed those thoughts, not wanting to come off as too forward.
Meng Hongchen gently pulled Qianran toward the bed, shrugging off her outer layer and lying down with her head on the pillow.
"Qianran, do whatever you want. I'm going to sleep," she mumbled, her face half-buried in the pillow.
In truth, she had secretly sought advice from Ke Ke the day before. But now, lying here, she found herself too shy to move or speak, her entire body tense with anticipation.
The room was eerily quiet, their breathing the only sound.
Meng Hongchen felt both embarrassed and anxious, unsure of what to do next.
Ironically, her silence and stillness made her even more alluring. For someone inexperienced, her quiet vulnerability exuded a natural beauty.
Sometimes, less was more. There were many cases where a simple, unspoken elegance outshone any attempt at flirtatious banter.
Meng Hongchen, by sheer accident, had done everything right.
Her matching lace bra and panties, paired with long black garter stockings, highlighted her curves and long legs. Lying on the bed with her back to Qianran, she seemed to be deliberately showcasing her stunning figure.
From her snow-white back to the gentle curve of her hips and the sleek lines of her legs, Meng Hongchen's beauty was on full display.
If not for the faint tremor running through her body, betraying her nervousness, Qianran might have thought she was an expert in seduction.
(End of Chapter)