42: Since you can't stand my rules, there's no need to argue with me anymore.

"Do you think I'm the one who doesn't care about you, Xixi? You've been breaking my heart all these years. Four years ago, when you caused trouble at home and at work and acted willfully, I kept telling myself that you were still young and didn't know any better, that I would cover for you, and that I would take responsibility for the trouble you caused." Pei Yanxiu sat on the sofa, crossed his long legs, and quietly watched her panic and helplessness.

"Later I heard that Ruikang had problems. You were still studying in the United States and I was worried that you couldn't handle it. So before you came back, I thought of a solution. When you signed the decision to let Wanjia take the money, do you know how many people were against it?"

"Between you and me, I thought there were some things that didn't need to be said anymore, but I didn't expect to be met with your endless doubts and resentment. It's also my fault for indulging you too much over the years, which has made you more and more arrogant."

When Pei Yanxiu said this, his tone was indifferent, and he tapped his fingers lightly on his thigh, exuding a sense of detachment and indifference.

“I’m asking you, in what capacity are you coming to see me now? If it’s just a business relationship, this is my private time, my private space, and you’ve overstepped your bounds.”

"Xixi, you're an adult now. You should know that everything you do has a price. Since you can't stand my rules, there's no need to keep arguing with me."

Shang Zhi did not expect Pei Yanxiu to say such heartless words.

The incident of Lu Xingqi's miscarriage that day almost made her lose her mind. She lost her most basic judgment. Later, she thought that it was unlikely that he would do something like tampering with her brake pads.

He would never do anything to hurt her.

It was understandable that he was disappointed in her; Shang Zhi had always felt that he was someone who had a significant impact on her life. His strict discipline in her youth had inadvertently taken her to places she had never imagined. He was one of the few people in her life who disregarded her feelings and only cared about her future, rigorously pushing her to grow.

After returning from the United States and joining Ruikang, he was always there for her, and he was always there to answer any questions she had about the company and projects.

He helped her through a situation that was almost certainly fatal.

Step by step, he led her to heights she could never have reached before.

Tiancui was destined to fail. Only after she took over Ruikang did she realize that Ruikang had been a tree swaying in the wind and rain all these years, and Tiancui was supposed to be the last straw that broke the camel's back.

At least, that's how many people plan it.

But then she met him.

But he was hopelessly in love with her, regardless of the consequences or anything else.

She thought everything was the result of her own hard work, but after leaving him, she realized that the road ahead wasn't so easy.

Shang Zhi took a few steps forward, stood in the gap between his legs, bent down and squatted down, resting her head on his lap.

She clung tightly to him.

"I was wrong, Uncle Pei, please don't be angry with me. Tian Cui can't stop."

“That day, Xingxing was injured, and I was so worried that I told you those things, Uncle Pei, please don’t be angry.”

“I warned you, I told you many times that it’s dangerous outside, and I told you to stay at home. But you didn’t listen. When Xingxing got hurt, you didn’t handle it calmly. Instead, you threw a tantrum. Xixi, you’re really not like the child I raised.”

Pei Yanxiu reached out and held Shang Zhi's head, exuding the calmness of a superior. With just a gentle touch, Shang Zhi was terrified.

The atmosphere today was unusual; she could sense that he wouldn't let her off easily.

"I can give you another chance to come back."

"But you have to promise me a few things."

"First, don't go against me at every turn. From now on, there will be no equality between us. I won't explain everything to you, tell you what I want you to do and what you're not allowed to do. You have to carry out the things I ask you to do without any discount."

"Second, you are not allowed to lie or be two-faced. If you want me to manage you, you have to obey my rules and follow my regulations."

"Is it possible?"

Shang Zhi looked at him and nodded.

"That essence?"

"Third, you are not allowed to speak unless you are told to." Pei Yanxiu reached out and pinched Shang Zhi's chin.

"Go to your room and wait for me."

After watching Shang Zhi return to her room, Pei Yanxiu sat in the living room for a while longer, glancing at the servants working in the corner, but not noticing anything unusual about any of them.

The brake pad issue was definitely caused by one of these people; outsiders couldn't do it, but he couldn't say for sure who it was right now.

However, he performed his broken-wing act well today. Shang Zhi was terrified. Everything that happened today should reach Pei Qing'an. He was misled, so he could secure peace. After a few more days, when the underground cavern is completely filled, it will be useless for Pei Qing'an to do anything.

As long as these last few days can be passed safely.

Taking a deep breath, Pei Yanxiu turned the doorknob and entered the room, where the people inside visibly shrank back.

He almost laughed. She was clearly a coward, yet she always acted like she was determined to see things through to the end.

He placed the sandalwood ruler beside her; the dark ruler emitted a sinister light, and Shang Zhi wanted to cry when she saw it.

"Come here." She reluctantly moved closer to him.

Pei Yanxiu grabbed her waist in an instant and pressed her to the foot of the bed. Shang Zhi felt a chill behind her as the clothes covering her skin disappeared, and the sandalwood ruler hit her buttocks with a gust of wind.

A mournful howl instantly erupted throughout the villa.

"Uncle Pei, I was wrong, I was really wrong." Shang Zhi cried hard. Although she had been punished by him before, it had never been as severe as today. She felt that she was about to reach her limit.

Pei Yanxiu felt sorry for her when he saw her cowering and helpless, but he still hardened his heart and slammed the knife down again. Pei Qing'an was watching them intently. She couldn't afford to cause any more trouble now. If anything went wrong along the way, it would really be the end for her.

A few slaps like that will keep her in line for a few days. Catching Pei Qing'an off guard is enough.

Shang Zhi was in unbearable pain and tried to move aside, but he stopped her, saying, "Did I tell you to move?"

Shang Zhi looked at him, hesitated, and finally gave up all struggle. She gripped the sheets tightly with both hands, letting him layer the colors behind her.

She stopped shouting. At this moment, she had to admit that leaving him was like a fish out of water; she needed him by her side.

Besides him, there is no one else I can trust.

"Give me a little more time, Xixi, it'll be soon." He gently stroked her back as he applied the medicine.

There are too many things that can and cannot be said, and he feels that this is enough.

Having been punished by him, Shang Zhi felt relieved. Although she didn't know what he was planning, she believed he had his own plans and wouldn't abandon her. He wasn't violent; he only disciplined her because he considered her his own. If he didn't want to care about her, he would have kicked her out of the house long ago and wouldn't have gone to such lengths to punish her.

This time, however, the pain was so intense that for several days she was terrified of him, like a mouse seeing a cat.

Pei Yanxiu visited Pei Qing'an once during the process. Pei Qing'an seemed to be in a good mood and told Pei Yanxiu that the press release was ready and the plan could be implemented smoothly soon. He asked Pei Yanxiu to prepare the funds in advance to acquire Ruikang. Pei Yanxiu remained calm. Looking at the message Mingyu sent him, he learned that the construction of the cave had been completed ahead of schedule, and he silently breathed a sigh of relief.

They beat Pei Qing'an to the punch by releasing information to the outside world, detailing Tian Cui's handling process, and inviting professionals to explain and dispel the doubts of various groups.

When Shang Zhi saw the news, the weight that had been hanging over her for so many days finally lifted. She felt a pang of guilt towards him; she should have believed him, not doubted him.

Pei Qing'an vented all his anger on Liang Shuyin.

"This is the good son you raised! He doesn't even listen to his father, and his heart is entirely on that woman! I think if Wanjia continues like this, it'll be finished sooner or later! Both of your sons are good-for-nothings!"

Liang Shuyin didn't want to argue with him; arguing would only make him more agitated.

“Yanxiu may seem obedient, but he has his own ideas. Perhaps there are some things we shouldn’t interfere with anymore.”

"Why not make money if he has the chance? Does he think he's a saint? This useless brat is nothing like my son! I think he should..."

"Honey, let's not get involved in their affairs. In this society, it's really not easy to meet someone you like. Yanxiu likes Xixi, so he protects her at all costs. We should..."

With a snap.

Before Liang Shuyin could finish speaking, Pei Qing'an slapped her across the face. He grabbed her cheek, and Liang Shuyin was instantly speechless.

"The person you like is sincere? Don't you think it's ridiculous to tell me this? I gave you all this back then, but you taught me a lesson, didn't you?"

"Sincerity? There is no such thing as a heart in this world. How ridiculous."