Chapter 856: 858 (2nd Update)

Mo Qingyi step by step moved forward, trying to pull Lin Xiyuan back from the brink of death.

Lin Xiyuan was too foolish, actually choosing to end her own life over a man.

This rooftop was very high, totaling 58 stories—if she really fell, the consequences were unimaginable.

Lin Xiyuan watched Mo Qingyi, with her lips tightly pursed and tears streaming down her face.

Duanmu Zhe looked at Mo Qingyi’s back, his eyes filled with worry.

"Don’t come any closer!" Just as Mo Qingyi was about to reach Lin Xiyuan, Lin Xiyuan suddenly raised her arm, "If you come any closer, I’ll jump down!"

Mo Qingyi immediately halted, retreating several steps, "Calm down, I won’t come any closer."

Lin Xiyuan looked up at Lin Hong and Lin Lan, her voice hoarse as she spoke, "Mom and Dad, I’m sorry! Pretend you never had a daughter like me." As she finished speaking, Lin Xiyuan spread her arms, leaned back, and fell straight down towards the ground.

An exclamation rang out from the surroundings.

Lin Hong collapsed on the ground, his heart utterly chilled. At this moment, he felt as if he was no different from being dead.

It was then that Duanmu Zhe leaped into the air, his figure disappearing from people’s view.

In the blink of an eye, one could see Duanmu Zhe grabbing Lin Xiyuan’s hand with one hand, while the other clung tightly to an outcrop on the edge of the rooftop.

His entire body hung in the air above the 58-story building, as if he might fall at any moment.

This caused the crowd below, who had gathered to watch, to let out gasp after gasp.

"Little Zhe!" Zhou Jin also exclaimed.

Lin Xiyuan, looking at the man who was holding her right hand, had her eyes flickering with shining tears.

She had gambled correctly.

He had come to save her.

If she couldn’t be with him in life,

then in death, he would surely be with her.

With this thought, a glint of light flashed across Lin Xiyuan’s eyes.

At that moment, Duanmu Zhe looked down at Lin Xiyuan, gritting his teeth, "Hold on to me tight, don’t let go."

The veins on the hand Duanmu Zhe had on the rooftop’s edge were popping out.

The strength in his body was gradually depleting; he might not be able to hold on much longer.

Beads of sweat were also breaking out on his forehead almost instantly.

Just then, a black whip, like a swift serpent, coiled tightly around his hand.

The voice of Mo Qingyi came from above, "Duanmu, hold on to the whip!"

Duanmu Zhe nodded his head and then, with a surge of strength, he managed to use it to bring himself and Lin Xiyuan safely to the ground.

As soon as they landed, Lin Xiyuan held Duanmu Zhe tightly, crying, "Big Brother Duanmu!"

Duanmu Zhe slightly furrowed his brows, wanting to push Lin Xiyuan away, but he was afraid she might not think straight and attempt to jump again.

It was normal for someone who had been pulled back from the edge of death to be a bit emotional, especially since Lin Xiyuan had just experienced heartbreak, so Mo Qingyi didn’t think much of it.

Lin Lan ran over and grabbed Lin Xiyuan, "Yiyuan, you scared Mom to death!"

It was then that Duanmu Zhe gently pushed Lin Xiyuan away and walked over to Mo Qingyi.

"Little Zhe, I really can’t thank you enough for today!" Lin Hong said excitedly as he grasped Duanmu Zhe’s hand.

If it weren’t for Duanmu Zhe, Lin Xiyuan might not have been so fortunate today.

"Uncle Lin, there’s no need to be polite, please go comfort Xiyuan," Duanmu Zhe said very politely.

Hearing this, Lin Hong immediately went over to Lin Xiyuan.

Lin Xiyuan and Lin Lan embraced each other, the mother and daughter’s weeping resounded, creating a truly moving scene.

Right now, Lin Xiyuan’s emotions were the most important.

Zhou Jin, who knew she owed Lin Xiyuan an apology, also went over to comfort Lin Xiyuan.

If it hadn’t been for her introduction of Lin Xiyuan and Zhou Yiheng, things would not have turned out like this.

No one noticed that beneath Lin Xiyuan’s tears, there was clearly a smile hidden.

Today’s incident seemed like she lost.

In reality, she won.

After such a shock, Lin Xiyuan was escorted to the hospital by her parents from the Lin family, accompanied by Zhou family parents.

The fact that something like this happened to Lin Xiyuan was entirely Zhou Yiheng’s fault, and by reason and emotion, they ought to accompany Lin Xiyuan. Even if Lin Lan and Lin Hong were unresponsive and cold, they had to bear it.

Zhou Jin and Duanmu Canghai went to take care of the aftermath, with Mo Qingyi and Duanmu Zhe staying to help.

"Little Zhe, you did very well today," Duanmu Canghai said to Duanmu Zhe, praising him.

If anything had truly happened to Lin Xiyuan, the three families of Zhou, Lin, and Duanmu would have surely become sworn enemies.

The Duanmu family and the Lin family had decades of friendship, which had almost been destroyed in an instant.

What a relief, what a relief.

"This is all Yi Heng’s fault! That child has yet to settle down! Who knows if this marriage will even happen! Can such a matter be taken as a joke? Playing us all for fools!" Zhou Jin’s face showed frustration and disappointment.

Duanmu Canghai turned to Duanmu Zhe, "What exactly is going on with Yi Heng? Since he did not wish to be engaged, why did he not make it clear from the start?"

Such an incident was nothing less than a slap in the face of the Lin family.

To call off an engagement in public! No wonder Lin Xiyuan couldn’t help but attempt to jump off the building!

Duanmu Zhe sighed, "I’m not very clear on the specifics, but I do know that Yan Yi seems to be pregnant."

Duanmu Canghai said with a hint of annoyance, "This is absurd! Zhou Jin! You never should have helped to reconcile them in the first place!"

Although Lin Xiyuan was unharmed, she had been humiliated. This incident would definitely leave a scar in the hearts of the Lin family, and recalling it in the future would surely bring discomfort, forever affecting the relationship between the two families.

Zhou Jin also deeply regretted, "How could I have anticipated things would turn out like this!" She had not expected Zhou Yiheng to betray Lin Xiyuan again, as she thought he had truly repented before.

Who would have thought...

Seeing his parents like this, Duanmu Zhe spoke softly, "Since the incident has already occurred, even assigning blame cannot reverse what has happened."

"Duanmu is right, mom and dad, there’s no point in spoiling your relationship over this. As long as Xiyuan is fine, that’s all that matters," Mo Qingyi also chimed in.

Duanmu Canghai and Zhou Jin ceased arguing and sighed in unison.

After taking care of things here, Duanmu and Mo Qingyi, along with Duanmu Canghai and Zhou Jin, went to the hospital to visit Lin Xiyuan.

Lin Xiyuan still looked very weak.

But thankfully, it was just emotional shock combined with a great fright, and overall, her condition was still manageable.

"Xiyuan, are you alright?" Zhou Jin asked anxiously, taking Lin Xiyuan’s hand.

Lin Xiyuan was much calmer, "Auntie, I’m fine now, sorry for worrying you."

"As long as you’re alright. Promise auntie, you can’t do anything so foolish again," Zhou Jin continued.

Lin Xiyuan nodded, "Hmm, I won’t, don’t worry. I also have to thank Brother Duanmu and Sister Qingyi. If it weren’t for them, I’m afraid..."

"No need for formalities," Duanmu Zhe said indifferently, "as long as you’re fine. Anyone would have done the same today."

After comforting Lin Xiyuan for a while, Duanmu Zhe left with Mo Qingyi.

Three days later, Lin Xiyuan was discharged from the hospital.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yiheng formally brought Yan Yi to the Zhou family.

Although Zhou family parents were angry, they still accepted Yan Yi. After all, she was carrying Zhou Yiheng’s child.

No matter what, that was a part of the Zhou family.

Fortunately, Yan Yi was also pretty in a demure way, which made it easier for Zhou family parents to accept her quickly.

However, since the Zhou family was in the wrong toward the Lin family, Zhou Yiheng and Yan Yi only got a marriage certificate from the civil affairs office and did not hold a formal wedding ceremony.

Lin Xiyuan had been recuperating at home all this while and had not gone back to the military base.

She opened the door of her studio as she used to do, only to see that the small studio was plastered with portraits of the same man.

Sketches, oil paintings...

His brows and eyes, every gesture, are delineated so meticulously.

Only someone who understands that man so well could paint such a portrait.

Lin Xiyuan casually picked up a portrait, pressing it tightly to her chest, and whispered softly two words, "Duanmu."

Indeed, this person was none other than Duanmu Zhe.

Lin Xiyuan closed her eyes; she always found herself haunted by the memory of the day she fell from the building.

In fact, in that instant, she had felt a desire to kill.

She had intended to take Duanmu Zhe with her in death.

If they could not be together in life, then in death, she was determined to be with Duanmu Zhe.

Reborn into this life, she simply couldn’t bear the thought of Duanmu Zhe being happy with someone else.

Since fate had given her another chance to get close to Duanmu Zhe, she wouldn’t give up, but she hadn’t expected that after all her elaborate planning, Duanmu Zhe and the Duanmu Family didn’t care at all whether Mo Qingyi could have children, and what’s more, Zhou Jin had personally thrown away that package of herbs.

If not for these experiences, Lin Xiyuan wouldn’t have harbored thoughts of murder.

Until Duanmu Zhe’s words "Hold me tight, don’t let go!" rekindled the dying embers of Lin Xiyuan’s heart.

In this lifetime, she didn’t intend to let go again.

With this thought, Lin Xiyuan put down the portrait in her hand, walked out of the studio, put on a coat, and headed towards the Duanmu Family residence.

Duanmu Canghai was not at home.

At the moment, only Zhou Jin was home in the Duanmu residence.

Zhou Jin was engrossed in a parent-child program, "Mom Is Back," which mainly featured celebrities living with their children.

It was filled with many adorable children.

Zhou Jin was so captivated, a smile filled her eyes, and she didn’t even notice Lin Xiyuan’s entrance.

"These children are really cute." Lin Xiyuan said with a smile as she sat down on the couch.

Only then did Zhou Jin notice Lin Xiyuan, "Xiyuan, you’re here."

Lin Xiyuan nodded, "It’s quite boring just sitting at home, so I came to visit Auntie, and what a coincidence that you like this variety show too. My mom also really enjoys it, especially the chubby Xuan." Chubby Xuan was an extremely adorable child.

Zhou Jin replied with a smile, "I like it very much as well. Aunt Li, pour some water for Xiyuan."

Soon, Aunt Li came over with a cup of tea, "Have some tea, Xiyuan." The servants of the Duanmu Family were already very familiar with Lin Xiyuan, hence they referred to her directly as Xiyuan, which also reflected the Duanmu Family’s amicable treatment of their servants.

"Thank you, Aunt Li," Lin Xiyuan said with a slight smile.

Zhou Jin continued, "Xiyuan, come and visit me whenever you have nothing to do. It’s boring for auntie to be alone at home, too."

Lin Xiyuan nodded, smiling, "It would be nice if you had a child to keep you company. By the way, where’s Nian’en? Why don’t you have Sheng take care of Nian’en and keep you company?" Her tone casual.

Zhou Jin gave a faint smile, "Nian’en is with Sheng. That child is strong-willed; Nian’en simply won’t let me take care of him for even a day."

Lin Xiyuan laughed as well, "Sheng is probably afraid of people gossiping. After all, the fear of people’s words is potent. It would be good if you had your own grandchild..." She stopped mid-sentence, realizing she had misspoken, and quickly covered her mouth, looking apologetically towards Zhou Jin.

Zhou Jin laughed softly, indicating it was fine.

Lin Xiyuan went on, "Auntie, there’s something I am not sure whether to mention. I keep feeling that it isn’t right to keep you in the dark..." Lin Xiyuan spoke hesitantly, piquing Zhou Jin’s curiosity.

"Xiyuan, we’re like mother and daughter. Whatever it is, you can speak frankly. There’s no need to hold back," Zhou Jin said calmly.

She had a feeling that what Lin Xiyuan was about to say was of great importance to her.

Lin Xiyuan sighed, speaking with some hesitation, "Auntie, it’s like this... my doctor friend told me that Qingyi’s condition is incurable. She will never be able to have children in this lifetime. I originally didn’t want to tell you, but I can’t stand to see you disappointed, nor can I bear to let you keep waiting for nothing..."

Zhou Jin’s heart clenched fiercely at her words, and she found herself barely able to breathe.

Lin Xiyuan was a military doctor, and her doctor friends were prominent figures in the medical community. Since Lin Xiyuan had said so, it meant that Mo Qingyi truly had no chance of getting pregnant...

Zhou Jin’s face gradually turned pale, her smile freezing in place in that instant.

All of her expressions were observed by Lin Xiyuan, and a spark of light flashed in Lin Xiyuan’s eyes as she continued, "Auntie, you should tell Qingyi to stop taking the medicine I gave her. It’s pointless anyway and only causes her undue suffering..."

This older generation valued offspring above all else, and she was convinced that Zhou Jin would take the bait.

After all, as long as Lin Xiyuan was around, Mo Qingyi would never be able to conceive—let alone bear a child for Duanmu Zhe.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jin sighed, looking at Lin Xiyuan with a trembling voice, "Xiyuan, is everything you said true? Qingyi... she really can’t get pregnant?" No matter what, Zhou Jin found it difficult to accept this reality.

How could this be happening.

How could something like this happen to them?

Lin Xiyuan also sighed, a look of regret in her voice, "It’s true, Auntie, although I also don’t want to believe it, but, this matter is indeed real... You see, Sister Qingyi and Brother Duanmu are such good people, how could such a thing happen to them? Sigh..."

"But, but Lady Nine said that as long as Qingyi takes her medicine on time, she could get pregnant as she wishes," Zhou Jin chimed in.

She believed in Chu Jin’s medical skills, and since Chu Jin had said so, there should be no mistake.

Why is Lin Xiyuan saying this now?

She also trusted Lin Xiyuan.

Lin Xiyuan’s eyes flickered as she grasped Zhou Jin’s hand, asking, "Are you saying that Lady Nine also prescribed medicine for Qingyi? And said that Qingyi could conceive? It was expected that Chu Jin would be involved in this matter, but Lin Xiyuan hadn’t expected her to get involved so quickly.

"Yes," Zhou Jin nodded, "Qingyi herself told me. Lady Nine’s medical skills are so brilliant, she should not make a mistake."

Lin Xiyuan continued, "Perhaps Lady Nine’s diagnosis is correct, maybe Qingyi really does have a chance to get pregnant, but... my friend used the most advanced technology, which should not mistake, besides, Lady Nine after all is Qingyi’s family, a family will naturally help their own. Auntie, I regard you as a mother, so I’m speaking to you from my heart, the words of Lady Nine, you cannot disbelieve, but also cannot wholly believe."

This statement was rather interesting.

On one hand, it brought Lin Xiyuan closer to Zhou Jin, and on the other, it reminded Zhou Jin to be wary of Chu Jin.

It seemed like an ordinary statement, but upon closer inspection, it was filled with multiple layers of meaning.

"What do you mean by that?" Zhou Jin looked at Lin Xiyuan.

Lin Xiyuan calmly said, "Auntie, you are a good person and a good mother-in-law, but often, it’s the good people who get bullied. No matter how kind Sister Qingyi is to you, she is still someone who married into the family, and one can never see into another’s heart. And Lady Nine, no matter how fair and incorruptible she is, her heart will always lean towards her own family. Brother Duanmu is already thirty-five this year, he doesn’t have many years left to delay. If he doesn’t have a child soon, it might be difficult to have one later."

Lin Xiyuan’s words were earnest and seemed to be making plans for the Duanmu Family.

However, without anyone realizing, she had drawn a line between Mo Qingyi and Chu Jin and herself, intentionally phrasing her speech such that it left Zhou Jin some space for imagination.

Zhou Jin didn’t say anything. Having dealt with the Mo family for so many years, she knew that both Mo Qingyi and Chu Jin were good people.

But what Lin Xiyuan said wasn’t any less true.

Duanmu Zhe was indeed not young anymore; he didn’t have many more thirty-fifth years to waste.

If there was no movement in Mo Qingyi’s belly, then Duanmu Zhe would miss the golden years of becoming a father.

Zhou Jin sighed, then continued, "Yuan Yuan, I understand what you’re saying. It’s fine for you to tell me this, but never mention it in front of Qingyi and Little Zhe, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Harmony in the family brings prosperity to all."

Lin Xiyuan understood the implication behind Zhou Jin’s words and replied, "Auntie, I didn’t say anything bad, I’m also considering the Duanmu Family’s welfare. Moreover, Brother Duanmu is my life-saving benefactor; I simply cannot bear to let such a good man like Brother Duanmu end his lineage!"

The phrase "end his lineage" was strikingly poignant.

Zhou Jin’s face too was filled with sorrow; as a mother, how could she enjoy watching such things happen?

She certainly didn’t want to see, after her hundred years had passed, the Duanmu family, without heirs, fall and disappear from the three realms.

"Auntie, if you don’t mind, I can have a child for Brother Duanmu, to leave a descendant for the Duanmu family." As she said this, Lin Xiyuan knelt down before Zhou Jin, her eyes full of determination.

Zhou Jin stood up in shock, "Yuan Yuan, what are you doing! Get up quickly. As of today, pretend you never said this! I will pretend I never heard it!" Wasn’t Lin Xiyuan being absurd?

"Auntie, I’m serious." Lin Xiyuan looked up at Zhou Jin, "Auntie, if not for Brother Duanmu, I would have been long dead. He saved me, and I have no other intention. He saved my life, I want to repay him with another life. Auntie, please fulfill my wish to repay my debt of gratitude."

With these words, Lin Xiyuan gently kowtowed on the ground.

Her words were beautifully crafted, logically flowing from previous events, leaving no room for anyone to find fault.

Her intention was merely to bear Duanmu Zhe a child, to repay the kindness she owed him, without involving other motives, everything seemed natural and in order.

Therefore, Lin Xiyuan had been planning this for a long time.

From meeting Zhou Yiheng, the engagement, the fall from the building, including Zhou Yiheng’s affair with another woman, all had been orchestrated by Lin Xiyuan herself.

Only if she was with Zhou Yiheng, could she naturally visit the Duanmu family as a guest without drawing scrutiny on herself.

Lin Xiyuan had always been clever.

Especially after she was reborn, her schemes became even more sophisticated.

Initially, she wanted to use Mo Qingyi’s inability to bear children as a way to break her marriage with Duanmu Zhe and then step in to take advantage of the situation, but she never expected that Duanmu Zhe simply didn’t care about the issue. Even if Mo Qingyi was infertile, Duanmu Zhe still loved her deeply.

Now, if only Zhou Jin would agree to her request, everything else would be easy to handle.

As long as she and Duanmu Zhe had a child, she would have an ongoing connection with Duanmu Zhe.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read