After Marrying the Wrong Crazy Husband, I Ran Away with His Baby - Chapter 45

The dinner gathering was held at the Tianxi Club.

No wonder their seemingly sheltered mentor had such a lively dinner with everyone—turns out he was a hidden rich guy!

For context, the private rooms at Tianxi Club start at 2,888 yuan.

Tianxi Club represented the highest level of social clubs in Xiangzhou. While the priciest rooms topped out at 9,998 yuan, ordering a couple of bottles of good vintage estate wine could easily send the night’s expenses into the hundreds of thousands—a true gold-swallowing den.

Li Zhiyuan had reserved a 2,888-yuan room. By the time Xia Yuan arrived, she was the last to join.

Since he had brought undergraduate students instead of graduate researchers, more than ten people were present today.

Some were from the same school, even the same class, and Li Zhiyuan’s friendly, casual nature made the atmosphere lively.

The chatter died down as all eyes turned toward Xia Yuan.

Is she really Xia Yuan?

How could she be even more beautiful than the campus belle?

Were the voters blind?

No wonder the campus beauty pageant was lost to Xiangzhou University of Technology—apparently, they had chosen the wrong person!

A girl from Xia Yuan’s class waved at her, “There’s a seat here.”

Xia Yuan moved over.

As she walked, she noticed something off: everyone was dressed simply—plain T-shirts and jeans, or light, fresh floral dresses.

And she…

Wore a blush-pink, satin fishtail gown that rivaled haute couture evening wear. Though it barely swept her pale, elegant ankles, it was still luxurious and understated, like a pearl glowing softly in a display case, radiating rare and delicate charm.

Sitting next to Qin Mohuai in his tailored suit, she didn’t look out of place. But surrounded by classmates and teachers, her rounded toes flexing in her shoes, the social anxiety stirred a tiny bit of awkwardness.

Beauty always came with privileges.

Someone asked if she felt cold and if they should fetch a shawl.

Another person used communal chopsticks to serve her, telling her she was too thin and should eat more.

Li Zhiyuan sat diagonally across from Xia Yuan. The last time he saw her, she had worn a pink modified cheongsam that cinched at the waist, paired with a thumb-sized pearl necklace. She had looked wealthy and delicate, like a young mistress raised in the rear courtyard of a Nanyang warlord, yet nurtured with eyes of pure clarity despite the chaos of the times.

A beauty like Xia Yuan’s needed protection from power to survive. Without it, she could easily become a target in the world of fame and fortune, pursued by everyone.

This was Xiangzhou, a city full of powerful families. Even discounting a few influential heirs, a brick falling from the sky would likely land on some rich second-generation heir.

Last time, he had only worried whether Xia Yuan had cosmetic surgery. What he really should have advised her on was to act low-key and restrain her brilliance.

Next to Xia Yuan sat her classmate Wu You, who whispered, “Did you win the lottery?”

If she remembered correctly, Xia Yuan’s family was ordinary. Judging by the shoes she used to wear—cheap brands or a pair of Converse—it was clear. But now, Xia Yuan’s nude pink heels matched her gown perfectly. No color difference. Custom-made, clearly.

Xia Yuan smiled faintly, saying nothing.

She had bet on Qin Mohuai. Wasn’t that like winning the lottery?

Wu You continued, “I buy the lottery every day, highest I’ve won is a few hundred. How much did you win?”

Although classmates, they weren’t that close. Xia Yuan could have refused to answer, but she replied casually, “Not much. Spent it all on clothes, bags, and jewelry.”

Wu You believed her. Surely this outfit cost five to six figures?

Beautiful and lucky—heaven was really biased.

The boy sitting to Xia Yuan’s left spoke up: “When a girl dresses up for herself, I think it’s a behavior worth praising.”

Unexpectedly, he had quite a high level of self-awareness.

Wu You immediately pierced through his facade. “Wang Bin, just now you were complaining that your girlfriend spends too much and doesn’t know how to manage money.”

Xia Yuan withdrew her admiring gaze.

Wang Bin launched into a long-winded explanation, but no one paid attention anymore.

After a few bites of food, Wu You couldn’t help but gossip. “Do you still keep in touch with Mu Yao? He’s the campus heartthrob, went abroad to study, and everyone follows his social accounts. Looks like he’s never had a girlfriend.”

Xia Yuan’s eyes shifted slightly. Good thing Qin Mohuai wasn’t here today—otherwise, there would definitely have been a huge scene.

The mere mention of ‘Mu Yao’ was practically a red line for Qin Mohuai. Anytime that name came up, the two of them would argue.

Xia Yuan tilted her head, staring at the golden glow of the French crystal chandelier. Wu You asked her what she was looking at.

“Nothing.”

In reality, she was thinking of Qin Mohuai, waiting for her in the top-floor suite of Tianxi Club, ready to go home together.

Wang Bin clung to Xia Yuan, trying to convince her that he wasn’t such a shallow man. Seeing this, Li Zhiyuan spoke up, “Xia, come with me for a moment. My mentor is dining upstairs. He’s studied the kind of topic you’re working on now. I’ll take you to meet him.”

Xia Yuan got up and followed Li Zhiyuan out of the private room.

Envious gazes followed her until her figure disappeared.

“Li Laoshi is really good to Xia Yuan.”

“Well, her research topic is on par with the big shots’.”

“Beautiful and talented—if I were Mu Yao, I’d never want to leave for abroad.”

“By the way, why did Mu Yao and Xia Yuan break up?”

Back then, Xia Yuan had thick bangs, heavy black-framed glasses, and a plain wardrobe—her brilliance hidden beneath a layer of dust.

Mu Yao, the campus heartthrob of Xiangzhou Chinese University, was handsome, wrote poetry, played basketball, played violin, and even performed a martial arts routine during military training… his popularity naturally dragged Xia Yuan’s name into conversations as well, often prompting people to mock her as “the toad trying to eat the swan.”

Xia Yuan had asked the system why Mu Yao liked her during her “ugly phase.”

The system replied: “He often ate at your mother’s small restaurant and saw how cute you were as a child. That’s why he always liked you.”

Vocal!

Wasn’t Mu Yao basically the biggest fool?

He didn’t know that his childhood friend had died from an overdose; he only knew she had been swept up by a wealthy man, leaving him behind.

Xia Yuan thought: I’ve read enough tragic short stories. One popular adaptation even became a movie—I’ve written a few insert songs for stories like that. Usually, they go one of two ways: either the childhood friend works hard to win back their love, or the other awakens, leaving the childhood friend victorious.

“But in any case, Mu Yao and Xia Yuan’s story has already ended. Before Xia Yuan fell for Qin Mohuai, it had already ended at the cost of her life. Hopefully, Mu Yao will let go of his old flame and find a second chance for himself.”

Li Zhiyuan’s mentor wasn’t at Tianxi Club. Asking Xia Yuan to step out was only to remind her to stay low-key.

“Okay.” She’d worked a dozen different jobs, learned the ways of the world early, and had her own survival rules—she didn’t need anyone to lecture her.

Playing obedient was just her protective color.

Li Zhiyuan returned to the private room, satisfied, while Xia Yuan headed to the restroom.

When she came out, she bumped into a middle-aged man in a dark navy suit.

“You’re Xia Yuan, right? I’m Ouyang Jing’s father. I hope you can leave Qin Mohuai. Five million—enough? If not, I can offer more. But I want you to leave Xiangzhou and never come back.”

Chapter 46: Yuan Yuan Gets Jealous—And You’ve Even Held a Consort Selection?

It turned out he was Ouyang Jing’s father, Ouyang Hongyi.

Back when Xia Yuan lived in a rundown apartment block, ten thousand yuan felt like a fortune—nearly impossible to earn.

But that was a long time ago.

Now, as a top-tier lyricist, Xia Yuan could earn five million yuan by writing just a few songs. And as Qin Mohuai’s girlfriend? She could have as many five-million payouts as she wanted.

Ouyang Hongyi must be trying to humiliate her with this five million. If he really wanted her to leave Qin Mohuai, the offer would have been at least half a billion.

Xia Yuan, calm and unflustered, said, “Half a billion? I might just consider your request.”

With the Ouyang family’s wealth, they couldn’t even pull together a single hundred million, let alone five hundred million.

Ouyang Hongyi’s face twisted in shock. “Gold-digging woman! You’re asking for the impossible! This is extortion!”

Xia Yuan lifted her delicate, flawless chin, leaning on Qin Mohuai’s backing for the first time. Her cold, aristocratic smile carried a sharp edge. “This dress? He had it custom-made by a luxury studio, cost over a million in materials and labor. Only someone with a brain would leave Qin Mohuai for the measly five million you’re offering. Go throw it to the beggars!”

Ouyang Hongyi’s face turned dark red with anger. He hadn’t expected her to be so sharp-tongued. She had no trace of guilt as a mistress, no insecurity—only pride.

Xia Yuan pivoted to leave.

Ouyang Hongyi sneered. “You don’t know, do you? Qin Mohuai once held a consort selection banquet at the Tianxi Club.”

“He only finds you novel and interesting. When your looks fade, he’ll abandon you for something new. Businessmen—especially successful ones—never make losing deals. The money he spends on you? That’s just compensation for your youth.”

“As long as Old Master Qin doesn’t give his blessing, Qin Mohuai will never take you in. Dragging this out will turn you into an old maid. Forget five million—this cold-hearted man won’t even spend five hundred yuan on you.”

Xia Yuan provocatively tugged at her earlobe, signaling that his words were nonsense. “If your goal is to drive me away, why not kidnap me, scratch my face, or throw me into the sea in pieces? Wouldn’t that be more efficient?”

Ouyang Hongyi was dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected such fierceness from the delicate-looking girl.

“Qin Mohuai protects you like his own eyes. Even Old Master Qin hasn’t laid a hand on you. How could I dare kidnap you?”

Xia Yuan spread her hands. “Then that settles it. By the way, I won’t become an old maid. At least in Qin Mohuai’s heart, I’ll always be fresh.”

Because she would die at her most beautiful, when Qin Mohuai loved her the most—becoming the untouchable white moonlight in his heart.

Dead people don’t age.

But… what’s this consort selection banquet about?

The Tianxi Club seemed respectable, because ordinary people couldn’t make it indecent. A young master from a century-old noble family like Qin Mohuai could throw a wild party there, and the outside world would never know.

Xia Yuan could pretend nothing had happened—she didn’t even love Qin Mohuai, after all. But still, it left a bad taste in her mouth. She immediately blocked him on WeChat.

Fairy defiled by a filthy dog 🙂

Mood thoroughly ruined.

Tianxi Club, top floor.

A whole floor of luxurious private rooms, with a dozen staff catering to the young masters inside.

Qin Mohuai sat at the center, lounging lazily. His jet-black suit gave him a calm, businesslike presence, while his ash-blue short hair hinted at his rebellious, untamed nature.

Pei Jinchen asked, “Not drinking?”

He noticed the Baccarat crystal bottle in front of Qin Mohuai remained untouched. Smiling, he said, “Cleansing fetish kicking in? We prepared a completely unused set of glasses for you. Don’t worry—drink freely.”

Qin Mohuai replied, “She hates the smell of alcohol on me. Her nose is as sharp as a sable’s. If she knows I drank, I won’t get a kiss.”

Pei Jinchen: “……”

You absolute jerk!

Who are you trying to show off your love to?

Just you, blabbering all day.

Pei Jinchen’s sharp facial features gave him an almost predatory look—long brows, fox-like eyes, a face both exquisite and devilishly charming. But when jealousy took over, his expression hardened into cold indifference.

“What are you talking about?” Zhou Xuan slid into the seat beside Qin Mohuai. He had been studying abroad, but upon learning that his father planned to legitimize a pregnant mistress, he returned to deal with the situation.

He didn’t mind gaining another little sister or brother—but that woman was too domineering. If she entered the Zhou family, who knew how much chaos she might stir?

And if the person he truly liked knew his family carried a gene for infidelity… well, that would certainly complicate his own chances at love.

Pei Jinchen yawned lazily. “You’ve been back for days and haven’t come out to hang. Family matters giving you trouble?”

Zhou Xuan: “Mostly handled.”

Pei Jinchen: “If you need anything, just say the word. The pulverizing machines nowadays are advanced—ten seconds and a car is reduced to dust. A person would be even easier.”

Zhou Xuan: “……”

Sometimes I feel out of place for not being twisted enough!

“That method is too vicious.”

Pei Jinchen shrugged. “I know. That’s why I’m only giving you advice.”

Zhou Xuan: “……”

Give me a break!

Both Pei Jinchen and Qin Mohuai held grudges, but Qin Mohuai was the type to act ruthlessly in silence—rarely bothered by trivialities, but when he was, it was merciless.

Pei Jinchen, on the other hand, would roll down his car window and flip off a stray dog barking at him. He never missed out on minor slights, but he rarely acted beyond that.

Zhou Xuan changed the subject, pulling out a box of rare Cuban cigars. “For Mohuai. Give them a try.”

Qin Mohuai: “You smoke, I don’t.”

Zhou Xuan: “Why not?”

Qin Mohuai: “Any scent of smoke, and I can’t kiss her. Would have to scrub my mouth clean multiple times to satisfy her little germophobia. Too much hassle.”

If it’s really that much trouble, then please—don’t pout!

Zhou Xuan held the cigar, tongue-tied, and for a moment, it felt like he was staring at a peacock spreading its tail.

“Have you settled on her? When’s the wedding?”

For heirs of families like theirs, power was already in their hands. If they truly liked someone, they would secure them quickly. Those who dragged things out for years were usually just playing around, ending with a generous breakup settlement.

Qin Mohuai: “Preparations are underway. Planning a surprise for her.”

He pulled out his phone and texted Xia Yuan: Finished dinner yet? The red exclamation mark reminded him she had blocked him again.

Qin Mohuai’s eyes darkened. He stood and said, “You guys chat. I have something to handle.”

Zhou Xuan and Pei Jinchen exchanged a glance, then stealthily followed.

Qin Mohuai called for Xia Yuan to come out. When she ignored his soft, almost singing coaxing, he didn’t hesitate—three seconds later, he barged in and grabbed her.

Xia Yuan hurried out of the private room, only to have Qin Mohuai’s hand seize her wrist, pulling her into his chest. Her voice was sharp with fire. “Blocked me again?”

“Why did I block you? Don’t you have the slightest idea? What kind of consort selection banquet are you holding at the Tianxi Club? Have you considered my feelings? Am I a commodity for you to compare?”

Through tear-filled, glistening eyes, she spotted two men sneaking nearby—they must be Qin Mohuai’s friends.

Even in front of friends, she needed to give him some face.

Xia Yuan, embarrassed yet playful, stood on tiptoe and planted a fiery, teasing kiss on him. Her mix of bratty charm and spicy temper made his heart ache with longing.

The two eavesdroppers: Wait… why is Qin Mohuai being treated so well?