chapter 1: Terrified by You

"Stop! If you dare to step out of this house today, don't ever come back! As far as I'm concerned, the Huo family has no son like you!"

A voice filled with threats woke Ye Leyao from his sleep.

Ye Leyao opened his eyes and looked around in confusion at the few people present before him, quickly regaining his senses.

Eighteen years ago, Ye Leyao had transmigrated into this world. Just now, his memories had awakened.

Originally, he was a college student who, after staying up for two consecutive nights reading novels, accidentally died from overexertion. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a world where multiple novels had merged.

A flood of memories rushed into his mind, making Ye Leyao's head spin and his eyes bulge. Before he could sort through them, he fell asleep on the sofa.

Before Ye Leyao could ponder further, an angry voice sounded from the doorway—

"The same old trick again. Dad, is threatening me all you know how to do? I..."

Ye Leyao lifted his gaze and recognized the person in front of him—his second older brother, Huo yan.

Before Huo Yan could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the young man beside him, who said with a slightly aggrieved tone, "It's all my fault. Uncle and Auntie, please don't blame Brother Yan. Brother Yan, don't argue with Uncle and Auntie because of me... I... I can take care of myself."

Ye Leyao sized up this unfamiliar man. He wore a loose, thin shirt, and on his refined face were tear tracks that hadn't yet dried. His eyes were red-rimmed, and a red teardrop mole at the corner of his eye stood out, giving him an appearance of suppressed grievance.

In an instant, Ye Leyao understood the man's identity—

Wasn't this the main character of 'Running Away Pregnant, the Old Love Regrets Later'?

The red teardrop mole at the corner of his eye was described from beginning to end by the novel's author, leaving a deep impression on Ye Leyao.

If Su Rui was here, then...

Ye Leyao's gaze slowly shifted to Huo Yan beside him, his pupils widening slightly.

Could it be what he thought it was?

Huo Yan couldn't bear seeing Su Rui's tears. Seeing his beloved in such a pitiful state, his heart ached unbearably. "Xiao Rui, this has nothing to do with you; you don't need to feel guilty. I never wanted to get engaged to the Chi family anyway. It's better if we can use this opportunity to break off the engagement."

"How could it not be related to me?" Su Rui's eyes were red, his voice small and aggrieved, one hand gently touching his small belly. "If it weren't for the child in my stomach... how could things have escalated like this between you and your family?"

Huo Yan's gaze fell on Su Rui's abdomen, the pain in his eyes intensifying. At the same time, he seemed to have made up his mind as he spoke, "Xiao Rui, rest assured, I will take responsibility for you and the child."

Upon hearing Huo Yan's words, Father Huo became even angrier, his chest heaving violently.

Mother Huo also showed anger on her face, but her good upbringing prevented her from saying anything harsh. Instead, she turned her gaze away in frustration and annoyance.

Huo Jing, the eldest brother of the Huo family, who had been sitting silently on the opposite sofa without speaking, finally spoke up at this moment, "Second Brother, breaking off the engagement with the Chi family is a minor matter, but are you really going to sever ties with the family because of a man?"

Connecting several key words, Ye Leyao finally understood what was happening today!

Good news: his current identity was the adopted son of the wealthy Huo family, ensuring a life of no worries about food or clothing.

Bad news: the entire Huo family were villains in the novels, each meeting a miserable fate!

And the scene unfolding before him was precisely an important plot point from the novel 'Running Away Pregnant, the Old Love Regrets Later'.

'Running Away Pregnant, the Old Love Regrets Later' was a novel from Lüjiang about a husband regretting his actions.

This type of novel had a melodramatic and cliché plot, but it was irresistibly entertaining!

'Running Away Pregnant, the Old Love Regrets Later' was no exception.

The story first tormented the victim before tormenting the perpetrator, ultimately leading to a bittersweet happy ending for both.

When Ye Leyao read the novel, he did so merely to pass the time. Little did he expect that the deeply affectionate male supporting character would become his opportunistic second brother.

Whether in films or novels, the role of the male supporting character often revolved around the word "affectionate."

Naturally, Huo Yan was no different.

At this point in the plot, the main characters were having a falling out, and Su Rui, the main victim, was at a dead end. He sought help from Huo Yan, who had harbored feelings for him since university.

And Huo Yan lived up to his reputation as "affectionate." Not only did he break off his engagement with the Chi family for his white moonlight, but he also clashed with the Huo family and even gave up his flourishing acting career, all for the sake of keeping his white moonlight, Su Rui.

But when did the deeply affectionate male supporting character in novels ever met a good end?

After a series of mutual torment between the main characters, Su Rui didn't firmly choose Huo Yan, the deeply affectionate supporting character. In fact, to escape Huo Yan's "pursuit" sooner, he even schemed with the male lead to ruin Huo Yan's reputation.

The novel's ending was that after the child was born, the white moonlight's family of three took their child to a supermarket for a variety show, coincidentally encountering Huo Yan, who was slaughtering fish at RT-Mart.

Recalling the novel's ending, Ye Leyao's expression twisted momentarily, unable to resist criticizing it inwardly:

"The ending of this novel is too cruel, isn't it?"

The sudden sound startled everyone present, causing the Huo family members to pause.

Mother Huo was the first to turn her head toward the source of the sound—Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao was the child of her best friend. When Ye Leyao was five years old, her best friend and her husband died in a car accident. The five-year-old Le Yao was taken in by Mother Huo and raised as her own son.

Although Ye Leyao had turned eighteen last month, he still had a childlike nature.

At that moment, one hand was propping up his chin while the other held his phone, his handsome brows furrowed. Clearly, he hadn't listened to a single word of their conversation, completely absorbed in his own world.

Mother Huo looked at him helplessly yet amusedly, and some of her anger toward her second son dissipated.

Naturally, Huo Yan also heard Ye Leyao's words just now, but at that moment, he had no time to spare to worry about what Ye Leyao was doing.

The reason he had notified Huo Jing to return home today was in hopes that Huo Jing could speak up for him. However, he never expected that not only did Huo Jing fail to speak on his behalf, but he also resolutely sided with their parents.

Now, he was even being pressured by his parents.

The last shred of hope Huo Yan had for his family was extinguished. He turned to look at Huo Jing, his face filled with disappointment. "Brother, it's not me who wants to abandon you; it's you who wants to abandon me."

If it weren't for the relentless pressure from Father and Mother Huo, how could Huo Yan have thought of leaving with Su Rui?

Did he not want to stay at home with Su Rui? It was because Father and Mother Huo didn't accept Su Rui...

"Ah, I said it before, love-struck people don't make sense."

That familiar voice sounded again.

This time, even Huo Jing couldn't help but turn his head to glance at the teenager on the sofa.

Ye Leyao held his phone, seemingly playing with it, but in reality, he was quickly jotting down the plot he knew in his notes app. As he listened to the gossip, he couldn't resist silently criticizing:

"The best course of action now is to perform a love-struck brain removal surgery on Second Brother. Otherwise, when he really goes to RT-Mart to kill fish and sees his first love with her family of three, he might offer to kill the fish for free."

"Oh, wait, killing fish at RT-Mart is already free. Given the Second Brother's level of being love-struck, he'd probably pay for the fish too and personally escort them out of the supermarket."

Father and Mother Huo's pupils constricted slightly.

Huo Jing furrowed his brows.

They hadn't misheard.

From just now until now, Ye Leyao hasn't opened his mouth to speak.

But that voice was indeed Ye Leyao's.

What was going on?

After Huo Yan finished speaking, he had been waiting for Huo Jing's response.

To his surprise, instead of Huo Jing's reply, he heard Ye Leyao's criticism.

Huo Yan didn't want to bother with Ye Leyao, but the words were truly unpleasant. He finally couldn't resist turning his head. "Ye Leyao, if you have nothing to do, go back to your room and read your books!"

What nonsense about first loves and RT-Mart? Why would he go to RT-Mart to kill fish?

Ye Leyao paused in his typing, innocently lifting his head, his face full of confusion.

What happened? What happened?

How did the conflict suddenly involve him?

"I didn't provoke Second Brother, so why is he spewing fire like a dragon everywhere?"

As Huo Yan wondered why he was being compared to a fire-breathing dragon, he was about to speak when suddenly, in a flash, he realized something—

Just now... Ye Leyao didn't seem to have spoken, did he?

Huo Yan's eyes widened in astonishment.

On the other side, Father and Mother Huo, as well as Huo Jing, became even more certain that Ye Leyao hadn't spoken.

Then what they had just heard—could it be Ye Leyao's thoughts?

This bold conjecture startled all the Huo's present.

The entire Huo residence suddenly fell into an eerie silence.

The Huo's silence wasn't long, but it wasn't short either.

This brief, strange atmosphere made Su Rui the first to feel awkward and uncomfortable. But every person in this room was someone he couldn't afford to offend.

So he could only look at Huo Yan with red-rimmed eyes again. "Brother Huo Yan... or should I leave first?"

Huo Yan snapped back to reality upon hearing Su Rui's words. Seeing the tear stains at the corner of his eye, he came to his senses slightly and was about to speak to comfort him when an ill-timed voice interrupted—

"Look! Truly a pure, flawless, delicate white flower bottom. This perfect blend of fragility and grievance is right on point, impressive acting!"

Huo Yan's rising emotions instantly fell again. He almost couldn't maintain his expression, turning his head to glare at Ye Leyao irritably.

Ye Leyao happened to be looking down at his phone, missing Huo Yan's glare.

Su Rui didn't receive any response or comfort from Huo Yan. The original sliver of grievance in his heart was suddenly amplified. He couldn't hold back his embarrassment and turned around. "I... I'll leave first..."

"Hold on—"

"Huo Yan!" Huo Jing sternly reprimanded.

Huo Yan paused, not turning back. "Brother, you don't need to persuade me. I've made up my mind. Since you can't accept Xiao Rui and my child, there's no need for me to stay at home anymore!"

With that, Huo Yan was about to chase after Su Rui.

At this moment, Ye Leyao could no longer contain his sharp outburst—

"Ahhhh—No way, no way, my love-struck Second Brother doesn't know that the child in his first love's belly isn't even his, does he?!"

"When did that become his child? It's the protagonist's child!"

Huo Yan stumbled.

There was a loud thud as he fell to the ground.

Ye Leyao was startled by the sound, his eyes widening in confusion.

"Why did Second Brother trip while walking normally?"

Father Huo/Mother Huo, Huo Jing: "……"

I'm just scared by you.

...Chapter 2: An Ear-Piercing Crash...

The design of the old Huo family residence was created by Old Master Huo when he was still alive, featuring an exceptionally high threshold in its antique-style architecture.

Huo Yan's fall left him dazed and disoriented, sprawled on the ground for a moment, unable to gather his wits.

Su Rui, who was walking ahead, heard the commotion and immediately turned around. He let out a small gasp before quickly approaching Huo Yan. "Brother Yan, are you alright?"

Huo Yan's head was ringing, the pain causing him to grimace. He struggled to get up with one hand supporting his body, only to be weakened by the pain once more.

Su Rui hurried forward, extending a hand before the butler could react.

With Su Rui's help, Huo Yan slowly managed to stand up.

The sound of the fall had been quite loud, causing Huo Yan's mother to become concerned. She hesitated before standing up.

Ye Leyao craned her neck to watch the scene, unable to resist making a comment: "Su Rui is quite concerned about Second Brother, it seems the white moonlight isn't solely after his money after all."

"I thought, when I read novels before, that he was completely using Second Brother, considering how much money it really takes for a man to have a child!"

Hearing this, Huo Yan's expression twisted momentarily.

How long would Ye Leyao continue to spout nonsense?!

A thought crossed his mind, and Huo Yan hastily looked up, relieved to find no abnormality on Su Rui's face.

It seemed that Ye Leyao's nonsense was only audible to their family.

This was good news; Huo Yan didn't want his beloved to hear such terrible nonsense.

Huo Yan's mother, who had just stood up, overheard this and exchanged a quick glance with Huo Jingfei , a plan forming in her mind.

Ever since Huo Yan first mentioned Su Rui to them, the Huo family had sent people to investigate everything there was to know about Su Rui.

Su Rui and Huo Yan were college classmates, and during their university years, Huo Yan had pursued Su Rui. However, at that time, Su Rui already had someone he loved, the "father of the child" mentioned earlier by Ye Leyao, who rejected Huo Yan's confession without hesitation.

After being rejected, Huo Yan went through a period of depression. Under Huo Jingfei's arrangement, he joined a film production, and for a long time afterward, he had no contact with Su Rui.

It wasn't until last year, when Su Rui graduated from university and also entered the entertainment industry, that their paths crossed again.

At that point, Huo Yan was already a rising movie star in the entertainment world, while Su Rui was merely a newcomer.

By chance, they ended up in the same production team, and their interactions gradually increased.

Huo Yan's mother was unaware of what specifically happened between them afterward, but she knew that following the end of this shoot, Huo Yan and Su Rui's interactions became more frequent. Yet, at this point, Su Rui was still not broken up with his partner.

It wasn't until four months ago, when his partner was going abroad for further studies, that he broke up with Su Rui.

Soon after breaking up with his partner, Su Rui started dating Huo Yan.

When reading through the information, Huo Yan's mother and father had already harbored suspicions.

Prompted by Ye Leyao's reminder just now—

Huo Yan's mother slowly sat back down on the sofa, watching the intimate backs of the two as they stood close together. She inwardly sneered and spoke calmly, "Huo Yan, if you leave home today, all your cards will be suspended."

Huo Yan turned to look at his mother, disbelief evident in his eyes.

Was his mother actually believing Ye Leyao's nonsense?!

His mother gazed at Huo Yan calmly, her expression conveying that she did indeed believe it.

Huo Yan laughed in frustration.

If it weren't for Su Rui being present, he would have argued with his mother.

Taking a deep breath, Huo Yan quickly regained his composure and understood his mother's intentions.

They simply wanted to use this method to show Su Rui that he would have nothing without the Huo family, forcing Su Rui to abandon him voluntarily.

They believed that Su Rui had approached him intentionally for money and assumed that cutting off his bank cards would make Su Rui leave him.

But they were wrong.

Terribly wrong!

Without hesitation, Huo Yan looked up and said to his mother, "Alright, go ahead and suspend them."

Then, Huo Yan extended his hand toward Su Rui. "Xiao Rui, let's go—"

Ye Leyao's gaze followed Huo Yan's movements. She noticed that Su Rui paused for a second before linking arms with Huo Yan. Before leaving, he glanced back into the room.

It was this turn that caught Ye Leyao's attention, focusing on Su Rui's abdomen. She exclaimed in surprise:

"Huh, I just realized that Su Rui's belly seems to be showing a bit?"

Huo Yan: "…"

Ye Leyao recalled the original plot and understood:

"That makes sense, pregnancy usually starts to show after twelve weeks, it should be the same for men!"

Huo Yan's grip on Su Rui's arm tightened unconsciously.

Feeling a slight pain, Su Rui let out a small cry, looking at Huo Yan with concern. "Brother Yan, what's wrong?"

Huo Yan quickly released his hold. "Sorry, did I hurt you?"

Su Rui was in great pain, but he still smiled and shook his head.

"Unlimited tolerance, what a high level!"

Ye Leyao commented.

Huo Yan took another sharp breath.

Huo Jing took the opportunity to apply pressure: "I will also contact the company to terminate your contract. All ongoing engagements will be stopped immediately. Not only will you need to pay a substantial amount for the breach of contract, but for at least the next year, you won't receive any more engagements."

Huo Yan could no longer hold back his anger: "Do you really think forcing me like this will make me give in?"

Huo Jing calmly analyzed: "You currently have two top luxury endorsements, and just the penalty fees for these two alone already total thirty million."

Huo Yan gritted his teeth: "I can afford that!"

He paused before adding: "And, Su Rui isn't as shallow as you all think! I believe that Su Rui will stand by me as we rise again!"

Ye Leyao blinked: "Then why don't you ask Su Rui directly? Ask him if after paying the penalty fees, with only fifty thousand left on you, would he be willing to support you?"

Both Huo mother and Huo Jing looked at Ye Leyao with approval.

Ye Leyao, however, was too engrossed in the drama unfolding before him, completely oblivious to the change in expressions around him.

Huo Yan, on the other hand, noticed the looks exchanged between the two. He found it absurd and laughable. His relationship with Su Rui was stable; there was no need for such tests!

With this thought, Huo Yan turned to look at Su Rui beside him, almost seeking confirmation: "Su Rui...."

Ever since Huo mother mentioned freezing all of Huo Yan's bank cards, Su Rui's expression had subtly changed.

When Huo Jing spoke, his face visibly darkened.

Seeing Huo Yan looking at him, Su Rui quickly adjusted his facial expression.

But it was a second too late.

Huo Yan clearly saw the complex expression that flashed across Su Rui's face.

He was momentarily stunned. When he focused again, he met Su Rui's eyes, which were filled with concern.

Su Rui asked softly: "Brother Yan, are you feeling unwell?"

Huo Yan scrutinized Su Rui closely but found nothing unusual.

It must have been his imagination, Huo Yan reassured himself. He said aloud: "Nothing, let's go."

The two turned to leave.

Finally, Huo father spoke, pouring oil on the fire: "Huo Yan, you know we're not joking."

Huo Yan clenched his jaw: "Of course I know! Father, you don't have to provoke me!"

After saying this, Huo Yan glanced at Su Rui, who looked worried.

Their feelings for each other were mutual. If it weren't for the unexpected incident that night, Su Rui wouldn't have become pregnant...

Thinking about it, Huo Yan's gaze fell once again on Su Rui's abdomen.

At this sight, Huo Yan was taken aback.

A two-month pregnancy...

Could it be this big?

As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Huo Yan was startled.

What was he thinking?

How could he be swayed by Ye Leyao's nonsense!

Su Rui must have gained some weight recently!

That's good, that's good!

The fall he had taken was quite severe, and now Huo Yan walked slowly.

It took them a long while to move just a few meters away from the Huo residence.

Once they were far enough that they were sure their voices couldn't be heard from the villa, Su Rui whispered: "Brother Yan, were Auntie and Big Brother speaking the truth? Are they really planning to..."

Huo Yan looked up at Su Rui, finding nothing unusual on his face. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to be honest: "My family always means what they say."

Whether it was Huo father, Huo mother, or Huo Jing, they were people of their word. This was also the reason why Huo Yan insisted on bringing Su Rui home after learning about his pregnancy.

Without the family's blessing, Su Rui and his child would inevitably have to live in the shadows, enduring many hardships.

Huo Yan was a responsible man. He didn't want his child to be born without a complete family, which is why, despite knowing the opposition he would face, he still brought Su Rui home.

Upon hearing Huo Yan's affirmative response, Su Rui's expression suddenly changed.

However, Huo Yan had already shifted his gaze and didn't notice the sudden shift in Su Rui's expression. He continued: "I'll go to the hospital myself later. You should go home first. Once I've settled things at the hospital, I'll come pick you up. My parents are thorough in their actions. We definitely can't stay in my villa. Don't worry, I'll find a better place as soon as possible, and we'll move there. Do you still have to go to the hospital for a prenatal checkup tomorrow morning..."

Su Rui suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Huo Yan noticed him stopping and felt a sudden jolt in his heart: "Su Rui, what's wrong?"

Su Rui quickly composed himself. When he turned to look at Huo Yan again, his eyes were red-rimmed: "Brother Yan, you don't have to accompany me to the prenatal checkup tomorrow. I can go by myself."

Huo Yan's expression froze. For a moment, he thought he had misheard.

After a long moment, he seemed to come back to his senses, bearing a smile through his injured lips: "Xiao Rui, I'm the father of the child; of course, I should accompany you to the prenatal checkups..."

Su Rui suddenly released Huo Yan's arm. "Brother Yan, you should stay at home."

Huo Yan's expression darkened instantly as he took a step forward, intending to grab Su Rui's hand.

But Su Rui stepped back abruptly.

From the living room sofa, one couldn't see the situation in the courtyard. Ye LeYao, phone in hand, had just reached the doorway when she witnessed this scene. Her eyes lit up, and she couldn't resist singing out:

"Is your half-step retreat a serious move!"

"The small action deals such great harm!"

Her off-key singing instantly dominated the ears of all the Huo family members.

Huo Yan heard that distorted melody, but at this moment, he could hardly care about it. A breath was stuck in his chest, neither rising nor falling. He struggled to keep his emotions in check, looking at Su Rui with confusion. "Why? I know my family's disapproval has caused you distress, but Xiao Rui, rest assured, I will definitely..."

"But I can't break up your family because of the child!" Su Rui, as if finding his reason, suddenly lifted his head, a tear sliding down from the corner of his eye.

Ye Le Yao: "Pfft hahahaha—"

The laughter wasn't loud,

Yet abnormally piercing.

Huo Yan suppressed the pulsing vein on his forehead, looking earnestly at Su Rui. "I won't regret it, nor will I blame you. Xiao Rui, as long as you remain by my side, I..."

"But I'll feel guilty," Su Rui cried, tears falling rapidly. "I'll feel remorseful. They're still Brother Yan's family. How could I cause a complete rift because of me? Moreover... if Brother Yan really leaves with me today, what about your endorsements, your upcoming dramas, and your team? We're already adults; we can't be irresponsible! What would happen to so many unemployed people if you really disbanded the team?"

Huo Yan's lips parted, then quickly closed again. After a long while, he said, "But... am I not being responsible right now?"

Su Rui turned his head away. "This is different!"

Ye Le Yao: "What a logically consistent fallacy!"

Huo Yan found it hard to maintain the smile on his face, his expression desolate, his heart feeling like it was being pierced by needles. "Then... Xiao Rui, tell me, what should I do now?"

Having read countless novels, Ye Le Yao knew how the plot should develop at this point, shouting in her mind:

"I know! I know!"

"It's obviously staying at home and sending money!"

The sound of Ye Le Yao's voice lingered in his ears, and Huo Yan suddenly became afraid to hear Su Rui's answer.

In the next moment, he heard Su Rui, in an extremely aggrieved tone, give an answer consistent with Ye Le Yao's guess but more tactfully phrased—

"You should stay at home. Don't fall out with your parents and brother because of me; it's not worth it. The child in my belly is yours and mine, and I will definitely take good care of the child..." Pausing for a moment, he gave a fragile smile. "As for the rest, I don't have high hopes. After giving birth to the baby, I will work hard and strive to provide him with a good environment for growth."

Su Rui said, "Brother Yan, you are the baby's father. I believe you won't mistreat me and the baby."

Ye Le Yao shook her head:

"Just look! It's all about money, directly or indirectly!"

"And to think he wasn't with my love-struck Second Brother for the money!"

Su Rui had made his decision, turning to leave without forgetting to add, "Don't follow me!"

Huo Yan watched Su Rui's retreating figure with utter heartbreak, his face filled with disbelief. Until he saw Su Rui briskly walking out of the villa's courtyard, he took a step back, his body swaying unsteadily.

Ye Le Yao offered her timely commentary:

"Second Brother looks like he's about to shatter~"

Huo Yan could no longer control his emotions. His blood surged, and the breath still stuck in his chest. Due to the suddenness of his turn, his vision went black, and he fainted right there!

...Chapter 3: Stubborn as a Mule...

The Huo family was taken aback.

Huo Jing and Huo Dad rushed out first, followed by the butler and servants who helped Huo Yan up, while the resident doctor hurried over.

After a brief examination, the resident doctor concluded, "Low blood sugar combined with acute distress."

In short: Fainted from anger.

The doctor took Huo Yan back to his room and administered glucose.

After the chaos, upon learning that Huo Yan was not seriously harmed, everyone present heaved a sigh of relief.

Ye Leyao let out a long breath of relief.

Although he didn't understand why things were progressing in a positive direction without him doing anything, it was indeed something worth celebrating.

Despite today's events where Second Brother had both fallen and fainted, at least he hadn't completely severed ties with the Huo family and had seen a glimpse of Su Rui's true colors.

As long as Second Brother could thoroughly let go and separate from Su Rui, there shouldn't be any subsequent series of incidents, right?

"Thinking about it, Second Brother still had a pretty good day today. This way, he doesn't have to go to RT-Mart to kill fish!"

"But isn't Second Brother's tolerance a bit too low? Su Rui just left him, and he was already angered to fainting. If Su Rui repeatedly abandons Second Brother later on, wouldn't he be fainting every day?"

At this thought, Ye Leyao couldn't help but chuckle:

"In that case, my Second Brother is truly more delicate than the Princess and the Pea!"

Inside the room, the Huo family exchanged glances.

Was it possible that it wasn't that Huo Yan was too weak, but rather that what you said was too infuriating?

But Ye Leyao, the person involved, didn't even consider this possibility, and continued to analyse quickly in his mind:

"But I think Su Rui won't give up so easily. He's now broken up with He Shi, and for the sake of face, he definitely won't seek out He Shi. However, he has several contracts on his body, and if he wants to breach them, he needs money. And if he wants to have a child, he'll need money too. If he comes to Second Brother for money later, will Second Brother, with his love-struck brain, give it to him?"

As the glucose drip was administered, Huo Yan quickly recovered. The moment he opened his eyes, he heard these words.

Huo Yan struggled to sit up, his eyes red, staring intently at Ye Leyao, explaining slowly and deliberately, "I... Xiao Rui is not the kind of person you think! He... he must have some reason, he wouldn't do this to me..."

Ye Leyao met Huo Yan's red-rimmed eyes and couldn't help but move slightly behind Huo Mother, his face full of innocence. "Second Brother, it's no use explaining to me. The fact is that Su Rui has already abandoned you because of money."

Huo Mother couldn't resist turning around, wanting Ye Leyao to stop talking.

Then she met Ye Leyao's innocent gaze.

Huo Mother: "..."

Right.

Ye Leyao hadn't said anything, he just had a vivid imagination.

Huo Yan was provoked by this statement, drawing a sharp breath. When he spoke again, his voice trembled slightly: "Xiao Rui and I are deeply in love! I've liked him since college, although he was still with his ex at the time, but they've been broken up for four months now..."

Ye Leyao listened attentively, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, so the child in Su Rui's belly is also four months old, no problem!"

Huo Yan's body shook, his breathing grew heavier, and he stiffened his neck. "No, impossible! That night... that night..."

Ye Leyao seemed to remember something and quickly opened the notes on his phone. After all, he had already lived in this world for eighteen years, and having just regained the memories of his previous life, his mind was still a bit confused. Many of the novel's plots needed to be sorted out slowly, so Ye Leyao had just written down everything he could remember in the notes downstairs.

As he flipped through the notes, Ye Leyao nodded repeatedly.

"So that's how it is. On the night of the celebration banquet, Second Brother got drunk, and Su Rui helped him back to the hotel, then the two of them slept under the covers purely."

"So it turns out that not only is my Second Brother a love-struck fool, but he also lacks physiological knowledge!"

"I ask you, how can someone who's drunk out of their mind make passionate love and hit the bullseye?"

Ye Leyao put away his phone and made a definitive statement:

"I'm a clear-headed yet foolish college student, but I'm not stupid!"

With each sentence Ye Leyao uttered, Huo Yan's complexion paled a shade.

By the end, Huo Yan's mouth hung open, the last trace of color drained from his face, his body trembling slightly, still shaking his head muttering, "No... Xiao Rui couldn't have lied to me..."

Huo Dad and Huo Mom, who had been puzzled about how Su Rui became pregnant, finally understood.

Seeing that Huo Yan was still unwilling to face reality, Huo Mom signaled to Huo Dad with her eyes.

Huo Dad cleared his throat. It was indeed a bit embarrassing to talk about such matters in front of the three younger generations, but after hesitating for a moment, he still spoke up: "Pregnancy... isn't as easy as you imagine. Back when your mother and I..."

Ye Leyao's gossip-loving spirit flared up instantly, his eyes shining as he looked at Huo Dad. "What happened, what happened, what happened?"

Huo Mom glared at Huo Dad.

Huo Dad hastily swallowed the rest of his sentence and turned to look at his eldest son, Huo Jing.

His eyes signaled: Quickly, say something!

Despite being twenty-six, Huo Jing had devoted himself to his career over the years, leading an extremely ascetic private life.

Receiving Huo Dad's signal, his deep brows furrowed slightly, and the tips of his ears turned a faint red. After a long pause, he spoke somewhat awkwardly, "Second Brother, alcohol inhibits the central nervous system after getting drunk, leading to... um... cough cough... difficulties."

Ye Leyao: "Mm-hmm!"

Huo Mom added appropriately, "Think carefully about the details of that night."

What else could Huo Yan be pondering?

The only clear memory he had was of himself being tipsy, with Su Rui supporting him back to the hotel, and after that, his recollections were a blank slate.

Huo Yan's bloodless lips parted slightly, his face bearing an expression of profound defeat.

Seeing this, Ye Leyao couldn't help but remark once again, "Second Brother looks like he's about to..."

"Xiaoyao," Huo Mother interrupted Ye Leyao's inner commentary at the opportune moment, preventing him from uttering the remaining two words, "shattered again," "It's not early anymore, are you hungry?"

Ye Leyao wanted to say he wasn't hungry, just tired, mainly because the memories from his past life and this life were jumbled in his mind, and he might need some time to sort them out.

But Huo mother had already affectionately draped her arm around his shoulders, smiling warmly as she said, "Let your Second Brother rest for a bit, we'll go out first."

With Huo Mother saying so, Ye Leyao didn't want to linger any longer and followed her out of the room.

Approaching noon, the family chef had long prepared lunch.

After eating his fill, Ye Leyao felt even more drowsy.

Deciding that he should sleep first, Ye Leyao informed Father Huo and Mother Huo before heading upstairs.

Back in his room, Ye Leyao fell asleep immediately.

Although he hadn't slept for too long, the memories from his past life came flooding in like a tide. In his dreams, Ye Leyao finally sorted out the memories from his previous life.

Just like his current identity, he had been a college student in his past life, and also a college student who loved reading various popular online novels.

After staying up all night for two days straight reading novels, he died suddenly. After death, he found himself transmigrated into this world composed of multiple novels, becoming a child of the Ye family.

Unfortunately, his biological parents passed away in an accident when he was five years old, and since then, he had been taken in by Father Huo and Mother Huo and raised in the Huo household. However, the entire Huo family were villains in the novel, while he himself was an unnamed extra in the story.

After over a decade of living together, in Ye Leyao's heart, Father Huo and Mother Huo had become his parents. Although his relationship with his three older brothers was still average, Ye Leyao didn't wish for them to meet the tragic endings described in the book.

Upon waking from his dream, Ye Leyao took advantage of his still vivid memory of the plot and recorded everything he could remember in his notes.

As he documented, he couldn't help but sigh repeatedly—

"Huo Mother is actually this kind of person..."

"It's too much, how could Father Huo..."

"I can't let this happen, I have to find a chance to warn third brother..."

The other members of the Huo family downstairs: "..."

Was there no limit to the range of these thoughts?

The three members of the Huo family on the sofa exchanged glances, all feeling as if something was tickling their hearts. Why didn't Ye Leyao finish his sentences this time?

What exactly was he leaving out!

Huo Mother glanced at Huo Father.

Huo Father reflected inwardly, although he really hadn't done anything, there was a vague sense of guilt for reasons unknown.

During the time Ye Leyao was sleeping, the Huo family held a small family meeting.

Naturally, the meeting revolved around the sudden ability to hear Ye Leyao's thoughts.

When they first heard Ye Leyao's thoughts, they were indeed startled.

Even Huo Mother had suspected whether Ye Leyao had been "possessed," but after a brief observation, she confirmed that the child in front of her was indeed Ye Leyao. Could she not recognize the child she had raised?

Although they didn't understand what had happened to Ye Leyao or where he had obtained the so-called "plot," as long as Ye Leyao was healthy and safe, they were relieved.

The only thing that needed careful consideration was—

Whether the "plot" Ye Leyao spoke of was true.

In fact, after the incident with Su Rui in the morning, Huo Father and Huo Mother were already inclined to believe it somewhat. However, without concrete evidence, they couldn't make any definitive statements.

And the most pressing question now was—should they tell Ye Leyao about their ability to hear his thoughts?

If they told Ye Leyao about their ability to hear his thoughts, would it affect the subsequent "plot"?

No one could rashly make a judgment, nor dare to evaluate the unknown consequences of the butterfly effect.

Ultimately, after a family discussion, they decided to temporarily not inform Ye Leyao.

By the time Ye Leyao finished recording the entire plot, the sky had darkened.

He descended the stairs with his phone in hand, coincidentally encountering Huo Yan who had just emerged from his room.

At this moment, Huo Yan resembled an eggplant that had been beaten by frost, his entire being listless and his eyes devoid of spirit.

Upon seeing Ye Leyao, a fleeting emotion flashed across his eyes before being quickly suppressed.

Ye Leyao blinked uncertainly, hesitating before asking, "Second Brother, are you alright?"

Do you need my comfort?

Huo Yan turned his head, not wanting to look at Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao remained silent, but couldn't resist thinking, "It seems Second Brother truly loves his first love, alas, he only loves money."

Huo Yan gritted his teeth, his chest heaving violently. Remembering Huo Mother's instructions from the afternoon, he took a deep breath and decided not to argue with Ye Leyao, turning to descend the stairs.

Ye Leyao followed him downstairs. As the two reached the stairwell, they overheard Father Huo and Mother Huo discussing:

"Still refuses to believe it?" Mr. Huo asked.

Mrs. Huo said, "Your son is as stubborn as a mule, you know that better than anyone."

Mr. Huo sighed, "What can we do then?"

Mrs. Huo: "Haojing will talk to the Chi family about calling off the engagement tomorrow. As for Su Rui..."

Mrs. Huo hesitated, clearly finding this particularly tricky.

Even if they wanted to conduct an amniocentesis to test the DNA, they would need Su Rui's cooperation...

Hearing this, Huo Yan could no longer hold back. Just as he was about to step forward and speak, a voice sounded from behind him—

[What's so difficult about this! Su Rui just wants money. To stop Su Rui from bothering Second Brother, Mrs. Huo can simply throw a check at him, then say domineeringly, "Here's ten million, leave my son alone!"]

Huo Yan felt a sudden tightness in his chest.

Mrs. Huo's eyes lit up.

Good idea!