Han Ning saw Xia Yanbing and Dong Jinsu coming down from upstairs, quickly stood up, and looked at Xia Yanbing with a gentle smile, his eyes full of admiration. He gave himself a perfect score for his performance, because he had practiced this soulful look in the mirror thousands of times; no woman could resist it.
However, Xia Yanbing felt a bit uncomfortable under Han Ning’s gaze, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, showing a hint of disgust. Just a small gesture was enough to destroy Han Ning’s confidence.
Han Ning felt a bit embarrassed. It was the first time he had seen a woman show disgust under his soulful gaze. Although he was unhappy inside, it only raised his desire to conquer.
"Xiaobing, I’m really sorry to bother you so late." Han Ning said gently.
Xia Yanbing originally planned to sit across from Han Ning, with a coffee table between them to keep some distance. Unexpectedly, Dong Jinsu sat down first, so she had to sit on the sofa next to Han Ning.
"Xiaobing looks very tired. Is it because of the company’s issues?" Han Ning asked with concern.
Xia Yanbing said coldly, "Manager Han, please call me President Xia, or Xia Yanbing."
Han Ning worked at his own company, so he held a manager’s title, which was just an honorary position to add prestige. His main role was eating, drinking, and having fun.
A flash of anger passed through Han Ning’s eyes. What’s there to be arrogant about? Once the Xia Group collapses, what are you worth? I called you Xiaobing as a favor to you. If the Xia Group falls, I’ll have you kneel and serve me.
"Xiao Han, you know the situation of the Xia Group. Xiaobing is indeed a bit tired, so please don’t mind her attitude." Dong Jinsu laughed like an old procuress.
Han Ning nodded understandingly and said, "Auntie, how could I mind? I’ve heard about the Xia Group’s situation; I just feel sorry for Xiaobing. But since Xiaobing has a husband, I dare not show too much concern, lest it leads to misunderstandings."
"Don’t mention that useless man — he’s good for nothing but freeloading. Xiaobing has had a hard life; it would be great if she had a caring and outstanding husband like you." Dong Jinsu expressed her contempt for Qin Yi.
Xia Yanbing’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Qin Yi was the husband she chose, and to insult Qin Yi was also to insult her. Unfortunately, her mother would never understand this.
Han Ning looked affectionately at Xia Yanbing and said, "Auntie, to be honest, I fell in love with Xiaobing the moment I saw her. But since Xiaobing has a husband, I can only bury my feelings in my heart. My father even told me today that if Xiaobing were my wife, he would certainly not let the Xia Group go under. But now, without a valid reason, he cannot involve himself in the Xia Group’s affairs."
Dong Jinsu and Xia Yujiang exchanged a glance, their eyes lighting up at the same time.
"Xiao Han, tell Auntie, do you really like our Xiaobing?" Dong Jinsu asked hopefully.
Han Ning replied earnestly, "Auntie, I swear to God, it was love at first sight with Xiaobing."
"Then if Xiaobing divorces that useless man, are you willing to marry her?" Dong Jinsu asked eagerly.
"Of course, my love for Xiaobing is as vast as heaven and earth, and it would not change for any reason." Han Ning looked at Xia Yanbing with deep affection and admiration.
Xia Yanbing’s brows had never relaxed; she hugged a pillow tightly and remained silent without even glancing at Han Ning.
"Xiaobing, look at how excellent Xiao Han is, and the key is that he loves you deeply. I think you should divorce that useless man; I’m doing this for your own good. Do you really want to spend your life with a cripple?"
Xia Yanbing suddenly looked up, incredulously at Dong Jinsu. Her mother had hinted before that she should divorce Qin Yi, but this was the first time she had said it so directly, catching her off guard.
Han Ning was visibly excited, greedily looking at Xia Yanbing.
Xia Yanbing said indifferently, "Mom, please don’t say such things again. I chose Qin Yi, and his leg was injured because of me. If he doesn’t ask for a divorce, I won’t divorce him."
Xia Yanbing was intelligent enough to understand Dong Jinsu’s intent. She merely wanted to use her to maintain the Xia Group’s survival and keep the comfortable lifestyle she was accustomed to. Perhaps she truly thought it was for her good, but selfishness definitely outweighed her love.
"His leg was injured saving you, but our Xia Family has supported their brothers long enough; it’s time to clear this debt." Dong Jinsu’s voice turned sharp.
"Xiaobing, if you divorce Qin Yi and marry me, I promise to find the best doctor in the world to treat him." Han Ning said with deep affection, "I’m willing to do anything for you."
A trace of wavering appeared in Xia Yanbing’s eyes. "I’m willing to do anything for you" — it was such a beautiful line that few women wouldn’t be moved. She was also a woman, not made of iron, and desired a shoulder to lean on.
Han Ning clearly noticed the change in Xia Yanbing’s eyes, feeling secretly proud. Indeed, soulful eyes combined with sweet words were irresistible to most women.
Xia Yanbing suddenly felt a burning gaze staring at her. Instinctively, she looked up, coincidentally meeting Qin Yi’s gaze from upstairs.
Qin Yi’s eyes were calm, but Xia Yanbing felt a sense of sadness within them, causing her to feel a bit guilty, like a child caught doing something wrong. She hurriedly lowered her head, not daring to look again.
Dong Jinsu and the others noticed Xia Yanbing’s reaction, looked up, and saw Qin Yi on the second floor.
"That useless man has learned to eavesdrop." Dong Jinsu instinctively cursed.
Han Ning looked at Qin Yi with a gaze full of provocation and disdain, then laughed, "So this is Xiaobing’s husband. Come down and let’s talk."
"Talk about what?" Qin Yi asked calmly, meeting his gaze.
Han Ning felt slightly cold. Qin Yi’s response surprised him; it wasn’t his first time meeting Qin Yi. In the past, Qin Yi had always been meek and submissive, but today he seemed very calm.
"Qin Yi, since you’ve heard everything, I won’t conceal it. I like Xiaobing; name your price, how much to divorce Xiaobing?"
Xia Yanbing said coldly, "Manager Han, please mind your words."
Xia Yanbing knew that such words were a grave humiliation to a man.
"Xiaobing, why make things difficult for yourself? I know it’s about repaying a favor, but are you really willing to spend your life with a cripple? You have a kind heart and don’t want to hurt him, so let me be the bad guy. I’m willing to do anything for you; let me bear the infamy. I just want to pull you out of this pit, even if you hate me."
Han Ning declared loudly, looking at Xia Yanbing with eyes full of pity and reckless love.
Qin Yi slightly lowered his head, his eyelids hanging low, masking the cold glint and sharpness in his eyes. Han Ning was really a performer; every word struck at the softest part of a woman’s heart. If he were a woman, he would surely be moved by these words.
This is why scoundrels succeed time and again, while honest men end up as backups.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺