Chapter 492 Extra: Let Me Take Care of You From Now On

In the early morning of autumn, the chill grows stronger.

The heavy iron door of the women's prison in the suburbs slowly opened in the morning light, making a dull friction sound.

A woman in plain clothes came out, carrying an old duffel bag.

Duan Xi's hair was combed neatly, revealing a smooth forehead. There were traces of time on her face, but her eyes showed a calmness that came from a period of experience.

Years of imprisonment smoothed out her former edges and calculations, leaving behind more reflection and silence.

She was granted sentence reductions several times due to her good behavior, which allowed her to regain her freedom early.

She stood at the door, squinting her eyes slightly, adjusting to the long-lost, slightly dazzling sunlight and free air outside.

There was nothing outside the door except a road stretching into the distance.

She didn't inform anyone that she would be released from prison today, and perhaps no one would come.

Just as she took a deep breath and prepared to embark on this unknown road alone, a low-key but valuable black car slid silently in front of her and stopped.

The rear door opened, and a man in a sophisticated windbreaker and with a calm demeanor stepped out.

It’s Duan Jingyao.

Duan Xi was stunned, his pupils contracted slightly, and his fingers subconsciously clenched the strap of the luggage bag.

She didn't expect him to come.

Over the years, Duan Jingyao only visited her once. That time, he said he would wait for her to be released from prison. She was touched but did not believe him.

Because he is no longer her "nephew". He is the third young master of the Lu family and the president of Hengyi Group. He should not have anything to do with her, who has been in prison.

After not seeing him for a few years, Duan Jingyao has become more calm and steady, and his every move is somewhat like Lu Heng's.

He walked up to her, looked at her calmly for a moment, and his tone didn't reveal much emotion: "Aunt, I'm here to pick you up."

Duan Xi opened his mouth, his throat a little dry, and finally responded with a low "Hmm."

Silence stretched between the two for a few seconds.

Duan Jingyao suddenly reached out and took the heavy old luggage bag from her hand very naturally, then turned and walked towards the trunk of the car.

"Get in the car, it's cold outside." His voice remained steady.

Duan Xi stared at his back in a daze, watching him open the trunk of the car and put away the worn luggage bag that was incompatible with his current status, without any hesitation or disgust.

She followed him mechanically and got into the warm carriage.

The car was filled with the faint smell of leather and perfume, a world completely different from the one she had just left.

After a long silence, Duan Xi finally mustered up the courage and spoke in a hoarse voice: "Jingyao, thank you for coming to pick me up. But... you shouldn't have come. If Lu Heng and Lu Yi knew..."

"They've always known." Duan Jingyao interrupted her, his voice low and clear: "They respect me very much and won't interfere with my social circle."

He paused, then turned his head to look at her. His eyes were complicated, full of concern and scrutiny, but ultimately transformed into a frank acceptance.

"You've certainly done a lot of wrong things, and you've paid the price for your actions." His tone was calm, as if stating a fact. "But no matter what, you're the one who raised me. So, no matter what the outside world says, you're still my aunt, and you're part of my family."

"Although your original intention was to take revenge on the Lu family, it is undeniable that you helped me escape many hardships and gave me the warmth of family love. From now on, it will be my turn to take care of you."

Duan Xi suddenly raised his head and looked at Duan Jingyao's profile in disbelief, his eyes instantly red.

She expected to hear scolding, alienation, and even a break.

But I never expected that it would be such an acceptance that was almost a promise.

She couldn't hold back her tears any longer and rolled down like a river bursting its dam.

It was not out of grievance or regret, but because of the tolerance from her family that she had long dared not hope for.

Duan Jingyao handed over a box of tissues. His tone remained calm, yet with a subtle softening. "What are your plans next?"

Duan Xi took the tissue and wiped away her tears, trying to calm down. "I haven't made up my mind yet. After all, I have a criminal record, so whatever I do will be hindered..."

"Don't worry, take your time to think about it." Duan Jingyao said, "I have managed Hengyi Group well in the past few years, and its position in Beijing has gradually become solid. No matter what you want to do, I can support you."

Duan Xi was slightly stunned and looked at him blankly.

It turned out that he hadn't come to visit her in the past few years because he had been busy working to consolidate his power.

Only in this way can I become her strong backer when she is released from prison.

He must have suffered a lot.

As the car drove towards the city, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from desolate to prosperous.

The sunlight shines through the car window, feeling warm.

Duan Xi looked at the street scenes passing by quickly outside the window, and then at his nephew who had become mature and steady beside him. The frozen and desolate land in his heart seemed to finally be illuminated by a ray of real warm light.

In her pursuit of revenge, she lost a lot, but she also did not lose everything.

At least she still has a family that is willing to acknowledge her.

Duan Jingyao looked down at the new message on his phone.

Meng Anran: The meeting is over. Next time something like this happens, please ask your eldest brother to take your place. It's so presumptuous of you to ask me, the boss of Ruiming, to hold a meeting for your Hengyi Group! Also, remember to treat me to a meal.

Duan Jingyao: My eldest brother is on a business trip, and my second brother is participating in a competition in Country A. I have no choice but to trouble you.

Meng Anran: Tsk, try someone close to you. The information delay is too severe. Duan Xi was released from prison today. If I hadn't informed you, you'd probably be searching the streets for him tonight.

Duan Jingyao pursed his lips, and glanced at Duan Xi, whose emotions were gradually calming down, and felt a lot of emotions in his heart.

I have hated and resented, but in the end, the grace of raising me outweighed all those complicated grudges.

The eldest brother and the second brother understand him, and Meng Anran also understands him.

He thought that since the three rational and sober people did not object to his relationship with Duan Xi, he must have made the right decision.