After dinner, Cheng Hao finally couldn't resist Shi Lan's persistent persuasion and confessed.

It turns out that the reason Liu Jinxiang came to see Shi Lan this time was because of the incident of catching someone cheating last year. At that time, he was so frightened that he had a stroke. Although the two separated quickly after treatment at the hospital, the doctor at the hospital was very dedicated and gave him an examination. He found that his sperm motility was poor and the survival rate was low, so the possibility of successful implantation in the future was almost non-existent.

Liu Jinxiang was devastated, and before he could think of a way to salvage the situation, Liu Shizhu found out. Liu Shizhu's thinking was still stuck on the idea of ​​raising sons to provide for old age and the continuation of the family line. Upon hearing this, he repeatedly said that Liu Jinxiang was useless. Coupled with the persistent gossip around them, Liu Shizhu was both disappointed and dissatisfied with his son, and his attitude towards him worsened considerably.

Liu Jinxiang was worried that his father would strip him of his inheritance rights and leave the business to his illegitimate son who couldn't even speak yet. So he wanted to make some achievements to win back his father's favor. Therefore, he went beyond his own territory and competed in bidding for projects. In order to ensure success, he bribed the people of the competing companies to get the bid price and successfully won the project. Later, due to a shortage of funds, he cut corners and delayed paying wages, which led to him being sued.

Liu Jinxiang came to see Shi Lan, probably hoping to use her as a bargaining chip. He knew that Liu's father valued the marriage alliance with the Shi family, so he wanted to gamble on it. Perhaps Liu's father would lend him a hand out of consideration for the soon-to-be-married family. Unfortunately, Shi Lan was as firm as iron, and his wishful thinking failed.

After hearing the news, Shi Lan sighed, never expecting that her impulsive act would lead to such a result.

In a way, Liu Jinxiang's personality is very similar to that of people from ancient times. He is not very receptive to new things and can be quite rigid in his approach to certain matters. Furthermore, he holds an extremely stubborn and unacceptable view: he believes that women must be elegant, dignified, honest, and dutiful, only responsible for housework and childcare. He thinks that men can have multiple wives and concubines, indulging in pleasure and debauchery. His wives, on the other hand, should not only not be angry but should also be understanding, mediate relationships between the women, and be his virtuous helpers.

Looking at the world, women can hold up half the sky, and the more capable ones can hold up more than half. Liu Jinxiang still wants three wives and four concubines, which is truly unbearable.

Fortunately, he's not good enough now. Even if he becomes rich in the future, he won't be able to have women on both sides.

On her way back, Shi Lan was still feeling emotional. Even after a night, the turmoil in her heart had not subsided. For some reason, she suddenly remembered that secluded alley.

She suddenly felt an urge to go and take a look.

Actions speak louder than words. Shi Lan stood at the alley entrance in the morning mist, and from a distance, a tall and a short man walked out together.

Shi Lan turned slightly to the side, pretending to pass by, and walked past. Accompanying the man was a tall and beautiful woman. The two were about ten centimeters apart, and they were not overly intimate as they walked. However, the man's expression was peaceful, and the woman's eyes were gentle. There was a kind of harmonious tacit understanding flowing between them.

That's enough.

Shi Lan smiled slightly, turned around and disappeared at the end of the alley.

Back in the space, Shi Lan calmly walked to the stone platform and placed the apricot-sized stone on it.

A few steps away, Haoze looked at her quietly and said, "You've softened your heart."

Shi Lan paused for a moment, then smiled slightly, "Perhaps."

"To achieve our goal, we must be firm in our beliefs. Some sacrifices may be cruel, but they are necessary. Your hesitation will cause you to miss many opportunities," Haoze said, his eyes darkening and his handsome face showing clear disapproval.

Shi Lan tilted her head and thought for a moment. This time, she was indeed moved by that smile, which is why she hesitated to make a move. If someone hadn't intervened, she didn't know how long it would have taken to complete this mission.

"I will be more careful in the future."

Haoze nodded slightly, knowing her weakness—she was always too soft-hearted. However, seeing her obediently agree, his sword-like eyebrows relaxed.

Fine, he'll just protect her more from now on. Anyway, he's gotten used to it after all this time. If one day she really becomes as cold and selfish as the other gods and immortals, he'll probably find it hard to get used to.

"Shall we continue the mission?"

Shi Lan looked down at herself; her divine soul was slightly more solid than before. "Good."

With a wave of his long sleeves, Haoze conjured a vortex out of thin air, which quickly disappeared, carrying Shi Lan with it.

"Lan Niang is not a good drinker," a deep, pleasant voice drifted into her ears. Shi Lan opened her hazy eyes and looked toward the source of the voice with a dazed gaze.

A tall man with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes looked at her from a table half a step away. Shi Lan straightened her back and said slowly, "I'm fine, just a little dizzy."

The man nodded, raised the black-glazed three-legged wine vessel, and downed it in one gulp. He said with a hearty laugh, "Such a beautiful day, let's not waste it." He turned to look at Shi Lan and said, "Why doesn't Lan Niang dance with abandon?"

The man spoke casually and gave her orders as if it were his right, suggesting he was used to being in a high position.

Shi Lan was new to the place and didn't know what was going on. To avoid making a mistake, she responded softly and tried to support her waist, which was as soft as a noodle, as she slowly got up.

Seeing her moving so slowly, the man casually grabbed her arm and said, "Why are you being so coy? Are you asking for a reward?"

Shi Lan narrowed her eyes and tried to break free. In the struggle, the two were very close. A masculine scent wafted from her nose. For some reason, her waist suddenly went limp, and a charming moan escaped her throat. She collapsed into the man's arms as if she had no bones.

The man looked down at her. Her face was flushed, her eyes were hazy, and the flower ornament on her forehead shimmered faintly, making her eyebrows and eyes even more beautiful. Her lips were half-closed, like bright red petals suddenly appearing, and one could vaguely glimpse the tip of her tongue.

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