The stone slabs at the entrance of the alley thumped loudly as a group of men dressed in neat short-sleeved shirts strode ahead.

Immediately following, a military green jeep slowly drove up along the gravel road, with two gleaming unloaded guns mounted in the truck bed.

The rear door slammed open, and the first thing to come out was a foot wearing only a small black leather shoe. The heel rubbed against the red cloth before a section of light pink polyester trouser leg was revealed.

The guests gathered in front of the Ling residence craned their necks, eager to see which wealthy young lady was making such a grand entrance.

When Song Yaoyao appeared before everyone in a fashionable pink outfit, her round belly protruding, the entire room fell silent for a moment. Everyone stared wide-eyed, as if they had been choked, their eyes filled with nothing but astonishment.

Almost all of Ling's family and friends present knew Song Yaoyao.

A few years ago, during the last grand birthday celebration of Grandpa Ling, the eldest son and daughter-in-law of the Ling family wanted to include Song Yaoyao in the family genealogy, but were scolded by Grandpa Ling.

That incident caused quite a stir. All the relatives who were there to celebrate the birthday witnessed the whole farce and naturally knew Song Yaoyao.

"Isn't this the adopted daughter of the Ling family? How come she's suddenly become so arrogant? Did she marry into some wealthy family?"

"My God, look at that car! It looks like a military compound vehicle used to pick up family members. Did she marry some military officer?"

"Both of the eldest daughters in the Ling family are very fortunate to be military wives, but it seems that this adopted daughter has married even better..."

The envious whispers around her reached Song Yaoyao's ears, which pleased her greatly.

Song Yaoyao glanced around and finally met the gaze of Ling Huanwu, who stood out the most in the crowd in her red dress.

"Long time no see, my dear sister!"

She strode in, her little leather shoes clicking as she walked, a victor's arrogance playing on her lips.

"Arrest her!"

At her command, the group of guards surrounded Ling Huanwu, ready to attack her.

What are you doing?

Zhou Jiuzhen quickly grabbed one of the outstretched hands and twisted it behind his back, while using his other hand to knock down another person who rushed at him.

A group of people rushed forward, and Zhou Jiuzhen was overwhelmed, watching helplessly as Ling Huanwu was forced into the car with her arms tied behind her back by two people.

Qin Jinshen rushed up from behind the crowd to help, but he was too late. He watched the car speed away in despair. When he tried to chase after it, his toes, which had no nails, tripped and fell to the ground. The pain made his whole soul tremble.

Zhou Jiuzhen pinned the last guard to the ground, grabbed his collar, and demanded to know who his master was.

The guard, however, held his head high, showing no fear whatsoever, and smiled arrogantly, "Our young master is the manager of a state-owned department store, his wife comes from a prestigious family, and his father is someone you can't afford to offend. I advise you to release us as soon as possible..."

Zhou Jiuzhen saw the license plate of the military jeep that had just sped away before his eyes, released the henchman in his hand, and clenched his fist at his side.

Ten minutes later, Zhou Jiuzhen rode his bicycle straight to the unit in the south of the city where the 26th Independent Corps was located.

He was dressed in a crisp military uniform, his body covered in medals, and rushed toward the commander's office.

When Commander Huo saw Zhou Jiuzhen, who had rushed over, he was completely taken aback.

Zhou Jiuzhen saluted him and uttered the most presumptuous words he had ever spoken in his long military service, "Reporting to the Commander, I request to see the Commander!"

*

Inside the Zhao family's old house.

Song Yaoyao walked in front, followed by Ling Huanwu, whose hands were tied behind her back like a stray dog.

Upon entering a luxurious hall with a huge crystal chandelier, Ling Huanwu was violently slammed to the ground by the guards behind her, her forehead hitting the corner of a table, instantly drawing blood.

Song Yaoyao sat on the leather sofa, stroking her belly, looking down at her with a smug expression. "Ling Huanwu, aren't you wondering how I suddenly became so successful? Living in a villa and driving luxury cars, aren't you envious?"

Ling Huanwu looked at her through the blood-red light and spat fiercely, "I was just curious why a murderer like you was released?"

Song Yaoyao jumped up from her chair, her eyes filled with anger. "You're the murderer! Have you ever seen me kill anyone?"

Ling Huanwu covered her forehead, not wanting to argue with her. She propped herself up and stood up. "Fine, if you grab me and beat me up now, you're a kidnapper. I'm calling the police!"

"Go ahead and report it. I'm the daughter-in-law of the Zhao family in Kyoto now. Do you think you can touch me?"

Song Yaoyao pulled out her household registration booklet, pointed to her name on it, and proudly recounted her recent events, showing off in front of Ling Huanwu, "Now I'm a registered daughter-in-law of the Zhao family!"

She went on and on.

Ling Huanwu then learned that a few days ago, when she was sent to an inland prison, she was actually recognized by the family of her childhood betrothed and brought back to be their young mistress.

Ling Huanwu clutched her injured forehead, utterly shocked. "You're a pregnant, married woman, and they still brought you back to be their young mistress? Are they crazy? Or do they want to..."

Just as Ling Huanwu was wondering, footsteps came from the spiral staircase in the hall, and the two of them turned their heads to look.

A look of panic flashed across Song Yaoyao's face, and she asked hesitantly, "Big brother, why are you home today?"

Ling Huanwu stared at the person coming down the stairs, frozen in place.

The middle-aged man, nearly 1.9 meters tall, was dressed in a sharp suit, exuding an imposing aura. His face was cold and angular, and the indifferent and aloof look in his eyes when he glanced at her was exactly the same as when she first met Zhou Jiuzhen. However, he had a gentle and refined temperament that Zhou Jiuzhen possessed.

Ling Huanwu's breath hitched, feeling that the person in front of her looked remarkably like Zhou Jiuzhen.

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