It was clear that the turn of events had completely exceeded Chu Chenyi's expectations. He had only intended to scare Feng Jin a little, to make her help him one more time.
He hadn't expected Feng Jin to deviate from the norm this time and simply turn and leave, not even looking back.
"No... you..."
Chu Chenyi reacted, about to speak to try and retain her, but Feng Jin was already nowhere to be seen.
"Alas, serves you right. Let's see how your schemes turn out. You've lost everything, ending up with nothing!"
Ling Mohan cast a mocking glance at Chu Chenyi, who, by his own actions, had ended up with nothing. The amusement in his eyes was unconcealed.
If he had been more sensible earlier and gone along with the situation, he wouldn't be in this predicament. Now, not only had he failed to appease Lin Yuwei, but he had also offended Feng Jin, his strategist.
"I..." Chu Chenyi's mouth opened slightly, unsure of what to say. These were indeed the consequences of his own making. Had he known this would happen, he would have taken the lifeline Feng Jin offered him earlier.
He wouldn't have put on such an act. Now, he had alienated both sides, gaining nothing from either.
Chu Chenyi's intestines were practically green with regret, but the situation had already unfolded. No matter how much he regretted it, it was futile. He could only wait for tomorrow, hoping that both their tempers would have cooled down considerably.
"Tonight, you should..."
"I'm not leaving tonight, I'm staying here!"
Before Ling Mohan could even suggest he leave, Chu Chenyi had already made his decision and stated it outright.
Given Lin Yuwei's current state, he absolutely would not leave, not even if he had to sleep on the floor in this courtyard.
"As you wish!"
Having witnessed Chu Chenyi's stubbornness, Ling Mohan, adhering to the principle of avoiding unnecessary trouble, did not try to stop him. If he wanted to stay, then so be it.
As long as Chu Chenyi's courage held and he wasn't scared away, that would be good enough.
"Let's go, why are you still standing here like a fool!"
They were already at the courtyard entrance, yet Chu Chenyi remained in a daze, standing foolishly, his gaze still fixed on the closed door.
It was only after Ling Mohan had spoken for a long time without a response that he impatiently stepped forward and pulled Chu Chenyi away.
"Why are you pulling my clothes? I'm not leaving... I want to stay here and guard!"
Chu Chenyi struggled with all his might. This was where Yuwei was most vulnerable, and he wanted to stay here to guard her.
"Shut up! Hurry up and go!" Ling Mohan exerted all his strength, dragging and pulling Chu Chenyi away, expending considerable effort.
Ling Mohan truly admired Chu Chenyi's brain. What was inside it, that he was so obtuse?
Didn't he see how angry Feng Jin was? Yet he insisted on making himself uncomfortable here. He had been given a chance to back down, and he had still been so unappreciative. Did he need Feng Jin to kick him out before he would feel satisfied?
Thus, despite his dissatisfaction, Chu Chenyi was dragged away by Ling Mohan. The once lively courtyard was suddenly deserted.
Lin Yuwei, standing by the door, heard the commotion outside subside and guessed that everyone had left.
However, she still felt a bit uncertain. Cautiously, she pulled the door open a crack to peer outside. Seeing that the courtyard was empty, she finally relaxed slightly.
She knew that Chu Chenyi's entry earlier was Feng Jin's arrangement, and she also knew that Feng Jin had done this for her own good, hoping she and Chu Chenyi could reconcile and let go of their past grievances.
But her heart still felt like there was a thorn lodged within it. When she saw Chu Chenyi, she couldn't help but recall those vexing matters, and her heart couldn't find peace.
She simply couldn't bring herself to view Chu Chenyi with a normal disposition, which was why she had been so eager to send him away. Perhaps in some time, she would be able to think things through herself.
When the barriers in her heart disappeared, perhaps the two of them could then live in mutual respect.
Living the rest of their lives in such a calm and ordinary manner would be the best outcome. She had no other desires.
Lin Yuwei sighed, her expression tinged with a hint of helplessness and resignation. Perhaps from the day she married Chu Chenyi, from the moment she stepped into the sedan chair, she should have resigned herself. Now, after experiencing so much, she had come to understand everything clearly and no longer cared about anything, thus naturally coming to terms with it.
Reaching out to touch her swollen abdomen, Lin Yuwei finally managed a faint smile. Perhaps it was only when she thought of the child in her belly that her mood could improve somewhat.
This child was her last hope for the rest of her life. As long as the child could grow up safely, she would be content.
...
"Why did you drag me here by force? I still needed to stay there. Perhaps Lin Yuwei would come out at any moment, and I could go up and say a few words!"
Chu Chenyi grumbled discontentedly. He had made up his mind to stay there, believing that this persistence, even if it couldn't move Lin Yuwei, would at least make her aware that he was there, watching over her, and show her his devotion.
"Brainless, your head is probably filled with mush!"
Ling Mohan was utterly exasperated by Chu Chenyi's thoughtless idea.
Only someone as foolish as Chu Chenyi could come up with such a futile effort that yielded no results.
Didn't he know about the counterproductive effect? Lin Yuwei already disliked him, and he insisted on pestering her shamelessly. Wasn't he afraid of truly enraging Lin Yuwei and being kicked out completely?
He was too concerned with every passing second, completely losing sight of the bigger picture. Truly brainless.
"You... you..." Chu Chenyi pointed at Ling Mohan, sputtering for a long time without being able to say anything. Finally, he slumped dejectedly onto a chair, his expression one of utter helplessness.
"I asked you to help me find a solution, but you wouldn't. Then I came up with a method, and you say it's useless. So tell me, what am I supposed to do!"
This was not his desperate measure? He had absolutely no other options and could only resort to the most foolish and clumsy methods.
Moreover, Ling Mohan and Feng Jin were currently indifferent. They were truly disloyal.