Chapter 34
Han Meng's "Give it a try" was like a gentle spring breeze, instantly dispelling the last trace of uncertainty in Lu Jinxian's eyes.
He held her hand tightly, with a gentle strength, but his eyes were firm, as if he wanted to convey all his passion to her.
Under the moonlight, the two looked at each other and smiled, many unspoken words already understood.
It was already late at night when I returned to the Han family home.
To Han Meng's surprise, Han Shangting was still waiting for her in the living room, sitting alone under the lamp, his face appearing somewhat obscure in the dim light.
"Brother, you're still awake?" Han Meng's heart tightened slightly, but she tried her best to remain natural on the surface.
Han Shangting raised his eyes, his sharp gaze sweeping over her before finally landing on her slightly flushed face, and then seemingly lingering for a moment on her slightly disheveled hair and clothes.
"I heard something happened to the Lu family. Baozhu has been found? Are you alright?" His tone was devoid of emotion.
"Found it, what a scare. I'm fine, I just helped look for it." Han Meng downplayed the seriousness of the situation and sat down opposite him. "Brother, you waited for me so late, is something wrong?"
Han Shangting did not answer immediately, but just looked at her quietly, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate her skin and reach the depths of her soul.
Han Meng forced herself to meet his gaze, but her palms were slightly sweaty.
After a long silence, Han Shangting finally spoke, his voice low and deep: "Mengmeng, you've changed too much." It wasn't a question, but a statement.
Han Meng's heart skipped a beat.
“You used to be willful and mischievous, simple-minded, and easy to read. But now…” He paused, his fingertips lightly tapping the sofa armrest, “you are shrewd and capable, meticulous, and even know how to leverage opportunities and plan. The pharmacy business, the cooperation with the Lu family, and even helping to find Lu Baozhu in the chaos tonight… This is definitely not something a pampered Han family heiress who only chases after Shen Jianhe could naturally transform in just a few months.”
Every word he said struck Han Meng's heart like a hammer blow.
She knew that her brother's suspicions had never ceased, and tonight's events had probably confirmed something for him.
“People always grow up, brother.” Han Meng steadied herself, met his gaze, and tried to make her tone sincere and frank. “After experiencing some things and seeing some people for who they really are, I naturally figured things out. Dad gave me the pharmacy, and I don’t want to disappoint him, nor do I want to live like I used to. As for tonight… I just happened to think of some possibilities, and I was just lucky.”
"Luck?" Han Shangting chuckled, a hint of mockery in his voice, but more so a complex inquiry. "Your 'luck' is far too good. You woke up from the water, completely transformed. Mengmeng, tell me, what exactly happened to you during those three days you were unconscious in the hospital? Or rather... who are you really?"
His last question, asked very softly, struck Han Meng like a thunderbolt. He had indeed guessed the core issue!
The air in the living room seemed to freeze.
Han Meng could hear her own rapid heartbeat.
Admit it? Or continue to deny it? What are the consequences of admitting it? Will I be seen as a monster? Or...?
Just as her mind was racing and she was about to succumb to his scrutinizing gaze, Han Shangting suddenly looked away, gazing at the deep night outside the window. His tone carried a hint of barely perceptible weariness and...relief.
"Forget it." He waved his hand. "If you don't want to talk about it, I won't press you anymore."
Han Meng stared at him in astonishment.
Han Shangting turned his head and looked at her with a complicated expression, which contained concern and doubt, but what settled in the end was a brother's helplessness and tolerance towards his sister: "No matter what you have been through or who you have become, what you are doing now is to revitalize the family business, to walk the right path, without harming the interests of the Han family or hurting your family. Mom and Dad are proud of you now, and I... can also see your efforts and achievements."
He stood up, walked up to Han Meng, and his tall figure cast a shadow: "I'll only ask you one question: Do you harbor any ill will towards the Han family, towards Mom and Dad, or towards me?"
"No! Absolutely not!" Han Meng replied immediately, her tone resolute.
These were her honest thoughts. She had enjoyed the warmth and wealth of the Han family and had long regarded Han Xianfei and Tang Ying as family. Although she was wary of Han Shangting, she had no ill intentions towards him.
"That's enough." Han Shangting seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, a faint, genuine smile appearing on his face. "You will always be my sister, Han Shangting's sister. As for the rest..." He gave her a meaningful look, "You need to be careful. Lu Jinxian is no simple man. Since you've chosen to 'give it a try' with him, you should be prepared to deal with everything behind him. Also, the Wang family and the Shen family, after this incident, will probably not let it go easily. You need to be on guard."
He didn't press for the most crucial secret, but instead chose to believe and accept it.
Perhaps he already knew the answer in his heart, but chose to accept it.
At that moment, a huge surge of warmth and guilt welled up in Han Meng's heart, and her eyes became slightly hot.
"Brother... thank you."
Han Shangting patted her shoulder: "Get some rest. In the future... if anything happens, you can talk to your brother." After saying that, he turned and went upstairs.
Watching his departing figure, Han Meng remained lost in thought for a long time.
Her brother's tolerance and trust were like a key, unlocking the biggest knot in her heart. She no longer had to live in constant fear of her identity being exposed, and could live more openly and peacefully in this world as "Han Meng," to manage her career, and to embrace her...relationships.
-
The days that followed seemed to accelerate rapidly.
After intensive preparations, "Xinglinchun" grandly opened for business.
Thanks to the publicity surrounding Lin Yi's banquet and Lu Jinxian's secret use of his connections to create momentum, the opening day was bustling with guests.
The innovative business model, comprehensive range of medicinal herbs, professional doctors, and comfortable and elegant bathing and physiotherapy services quickly earned a good reputation, and the business was even more successful than expected.
After going through life-and-death trials and being honest with each other, Han Meng and Lu Jinxian's relationship entered a stable and sweet period.
They continued to manage "Xinglin Spring" together, but their gazes now held a tender affection. Their occasional brief hand-holding or leaning on each other in private carried an unspoken flutter of emotion. Lu Jinxian no longer deliberately avoided physical contact; his care became more natural and intimate, and Han Meng gradually grew accustomed to this warmth.
As expected, Lu Jinxian kept his word regarding Wang Ao and Shen Jianhe.
Instead of resorting to violent means, he used a combination of business and public opinion.
He joined forces with several merchants who had previously suffered losses due to the Wang family's speculation and profiteering, and together they put pressure on the Chamber of Commerce. He also secretly and cleverly revealed evidence of the Wang family's tight cash flow and attempts to kidnap and extort money to the Wang family's competitors and creditors.
Suddenly, the Wang family was beset by internal and external troubles. Their business plummeted, creditors came knocking, and Wang Chunshan fell ill from anger. Wang Ao was treated like a rat in the street, hated by everyone. Finally, one night, he secretly fled the area with his valuables and disappeared without a trace.
As for Shen Jianhe, Lu Jinxian disseminated his past misdeeds—such as bullying classmates at military school and getting a maid pregnant and then shirking responsibility—through the Fengming Daily and some street tabloids. Although he didn't name names, those in the industry knew immediately. Shen Jianhe's arrogant and domineering image was damaged, and the reputation of the Shen family was also somewhat affected.
It is said that Shen's father was furious and severely reprimanded Shen Jianhe, ordering him to stay home and reflect on his actions.
Although Shen Jianhe was furious at this loss, he dared not make any rash moves in the short term due to the power shown by the Lu family and the fact that they might have more leverage over him.
With these two biggest troubles temporarily eliminated, Han Meng's life ushered in an unprecedented period of peace and fulfillment.
As "Xinglinchun" business flourished, Han Meng, after reviewing the accounts, realized that, following this trend, achieving the "impossible" profit target within the timeframe set by Han Xianfei seemed... no longer a distant dream.
That evening, Han Xianfei called Han Meng to his study.
He stared at the astonishing profit figures of "Xinglinchun" in the ledger, remained silent for a long time, and then let out a long sigh.
"Mengmeng, you did it." His tone was filled with emotion, and a hint of relief that was barely perceptible. "When I made that request, I was trying to make things difficult for you, hoping that you would back down and wait to get married. I never expected... that you not only did it, but did it so well."
He looked up at his daughter, whose eyes and brows radiated confidence and brilliance, as if he were seeing her for the first time. “Your engagement with that boy from the Lu family… if you really don’t want it, your father… can go and talk to your Uncle Lu.”
Victory was in sight, yet Han Meng remained unusually calm.
She looked at her father, smiled slightly, and shook her head: "Dad, the engagement... let's not rush it. I'll tell you my decision when 'Xinglinchun's' profits officially reach your requirements, okay?"
She needs some time to fully understand her own feelings, and she also needs a more suitable time to be honest with her parents about how her relationship with Lu Jinxian is now different.
Han Xianfei was somewhat surprised, but looking at his daughter's calm gaze, he finally nodded: "Okay, as you wish."
Stepping out of the study, Han Meng looked up at the night sky, where countless stars twinkled. The fear, struggle, striving, and excitement of arriving in this world flashed through her mind.
She is no longer the lonely soul who only wanted to protect herself and return home. Here, she has a career, friends, a loving family, and someone who makes her willing to "give it a try".
The tides of history may be irreversible, but the story of Han Meng has only just begun.
She knew that her future with Lu Jinxian might still be filled with storms, but at this moment, her heart was filled with unprecedented courage and anticipation.
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