Chapter 2: An Ear-Piercing Crash

...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!

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