“As expected, the Ouyang family aren’t stupid. The reason for such a big change in attitude is probably because they already know something.” Zhou Zehao raised an eyebrow noncommittally, and then slowly said, “That’s why I wanted you to strike first.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen's expression instantly turned ugly; the good reputation he had deliberately cultivated could not withstand investigation.

"But I can't find a single opportunity to be alone with Qin Shengyi... Big brother, you have to help me, please think of another way!"

So he doesn't have a brain at all?

Seeing the other person's expectant look, waiting for him to speak, a barely perceptible hint of disdain flashed in Zhou Zehao's slightly lowered eyes.

If he hadn't wanted to take this opportunity to thoroughly annoy Xu Yanshu, he wouldn't have bothered with this idiot at all.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Zehao tentatively spoke up, "Since that's the case, why not put ourselves in a do-or-die situation and stage a hero-saves-the-damsel scenario?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen immediately perked up, but after listening to Zhou Zehao explain the entire plan, he couldn't help but hesitate.

"Brother, isn't this too risky? If someone sees through my disguise, won't I be doomed?"

This might indeed change the Ouyang couple's impression of him, but as the saying goes, you can't hide the truth forever.

If the truth comes out one day, the Ouyang family will definitely not let him off easily, and the entire Mu family might also be dragged down in a fierce battle and suffer the same fate.

Zhou Zehao waved his hand impatiently and said irritably, "Go away, if you're really that afraid of everything, you might as well give up now, so you don't end up with a lot of trouble."

He didn't know why he had become friends with such a coward in the first place, and if this matter were to be left unresolved, he would definitely never have anything to do with this person again.

Mu Yichen was speechless for a moment. He smiled ingratiatingly at Zhou Zehao, "Big brother, don't be angry. I know it's a good idea, but I still need to think about it some more!"

"I've come up with a solution for you. How you do it is up to you," Zhou Zehao said dismissively, then thought of the scene here that day. "From now on, show some respect to Xie Huanyu. She's not a woman you can mess with."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen's face flashed with an awkward expression. He touched his nose sheepishly and said, "Big brother, I understand."

——

Before making the call, Xu Yanshu stood alone on the balcony in silence for a long time. Only after confirming that he had to do this did he find Zhou Shengyu's number in his phone's contacts.

"Hey, Yan Shu."

For a moment, Xu Yanshu's eyes showed a complex expression, but he finally spoke, "Dad, I need your help with something."

When he first learned about his background, he was determined not to have any connection or entanglement with the Zhou family. He never expected that one day he would go to such lengths to return to the Zhou family.

But apart from this option, he couldn't find any other way to narrow the gap between himself and Shengyi for the time being.

After a moment of silence, Zhou Shengyu spoke again, his tone noticeably more excited.

"Just tell me what's wrong, and Dad will do everything he can to help you!"

“It’s nothing serious,” Xu Yanshu said, his lips curving downwards almost imperceptibly, as he gave a prepared explanation. “My landlord has decided to take the apartment back at the last minute, so I wanted to ask if you know of any good locations for rent.”

"In that case, why don't you just move back home?" Zhou Shengyu tentatively suggested.

"Is this... really okay?"

"What's wrong with going back to your own home? There's always been a room reserved for you at the manor. I'll have the servants prepare it right away!"

Having reserved a room for himself, Xu Yanshu's heart softened, and his slightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. Perhaps he could accept this matter more calmly.

"Okay, then I'll do as you say."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Shengyu still couldn't hide his excitement and looked at Shen Wei with great interest.

"Did you just hear that? Yan Shu just started calling me Dad, and he's already agreed to move back in with us."

Although Yan Shu did not intentionally resist or reject them, he did not actually agree to return to the Zhou family. He thought it would take a long time before he would hear Yan Shu call him "Dad," but he did not expect happiness to come so suddenly.

Shen Wei couldn't help but smile. "I heard you, I heard you. Look how happy you are, like a little kid."

She had never seen her husband so happy, except when they got married.

In truth, she was genuinely happy. Tears of excitement welled up in Shen Wei's eyes. To have found Yan Shu in her lifetime, and for her child to be willing to forgive them, truly felt like the happiest thing in her life.

Zhou Shengyu coughed awkwardly twice, glared at his wife arrogantly, and then spoke.

"Don't talk about me, aren't you happy?"

"Of course I'm happy that my child is willing to come back!" Shen Wei admitted frankly, her face full of joy. Then, as if she suddenly remembered something, she added, "Isn't Xiao Hao also looking forward to Yan Shu's return?"

"Should we tell him the good news?"

How could Xiao Hao genuinely hope that Yan Shu would come back?

Zhou Shengyu looked at Shen Wei with a mixture of affection and helplessness. It was rare to see her so happy, and he ultimately couldn't bear to tell her about the tense relationship between the two children at this time.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!