Chapter 37: A Smile

He Haoxuan glanced at Fang Yongsheng, his face cold as he asked, “Is this membership card completely free of charge?”

Fang Yongsheng noticed He Haoxuan’s apparent displeasure and was startled once again.

He knew very well that He Haoxuan disliked owing people favors. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have spent a billion to buy Tenglong Resort himself last time.

Song Li shot He Haoxuan a glare and snapped, “He Haoxuan, what’s gotten into your head? You’re lucky enough to get a membership card at all, and you’re still thinking about getting everything for free? You should know that the cheapest membership at Starlight Club costs a million. Someone as useless as you could never get in on your own in this lifetime.”

Fang Yongsheng was so infuriated by Song Li’s words about He Haoxuan that he wanted to kick her out the door.

But seeing that He Haoxuan seemed unbothered and that the beautiful Li Qingying was standing beside him, Fang Yongsheng could only shake his head inwardly.

It seemed women could change everything—especially beautiful women, they could change even more.

Of course, what He Haoxuan did to please a beautiful woman was none of Fang Yongsheng’s concern; in fact, it could be put to good use.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come here under the pretense of looking for Li Qingying. He was afraid that if he directly sought out He Haoxuan, he’d be thrown out.

“N-no, Auntie,” Fang Yongsheng hurriedly waved his hands. “This membership card has a limit of ten million.”

He had already memorized the number on the card; he’d just have the front desk change it from unlimited to a ten-million limit.

“What? Ten million?” Song Li was so excited she could barely speak. “Is it for me?”

“No, it’s for Miss Li Qingying, as compensation for last time,” Fang Yongsheng quickly clarified.

What a joke—was he out of his mind? If he gave the card to Song Li, how could he curry favor with Mr. He’s wife?

“That’s fine too.” Song Li hurriedly handed the membership card to Li Qingying. “Here, Qingying, you take it. We can go to Starlight Club and have some fun.”

Li Dong said happily, “That’s right, I’ve heard that only the rich and powerful go to Starlight Club. Many big deals are struck there.”

The more Song Li looked at Fang Yongsheng, the more she liked him. “President Fang, how much money do you have?”

“Me? I suppose I have over ten billion,” Fang Yongsheng replied after thinking.

“What? Ten billion?” Song Li’s eyes lit up as if she was about to pounce on Fang Yongsheng.

“Enough, if there’s nothing else, you should leave. I’ll see you out,” He Haoxuan said, giving Fang Yongsheng a sidelong glance before heading for the door.

He knew Fang Yongsheng must have something to discuss, and he also wanted to ask about the progress of the elevator incident investigation.

“What are you talking about, He Haoxuan? President Fang is our guest! President Fang, don’t mind He Haoxuan, you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish. Hey, President Fang, don’t go—” Song Li stomped her foot in frustration when she saw Fang Yongsheng following He Haoxuan out.

Once outside, He Haoxuan said coldly, “If you have something to say, say it.”

“Mr. He, we haven’t found any leads regarding the elevator incident. The perpetrator’s methods are quite advanced,” Fang Yongsheng admitted awkwardly.

“If you can’t find anything, let it go. I expect they’ll try to cause me more trouble,” He Haoxuan said.

“You might be in danger. I’d like to assign some people to protect you in secret,” Fang Yongsheng said, revealing his main purpose for the visit.

“No need. I can handle it myself,” He Haoxuan waved him off.

“But, Mr. He, open attacks are easy to guard against, but it’s the hidden ones you need to beware of,” Fang Yongsheng said, still concerned.

No matter how skilled a fighter is, he can’t prevent someone from striking from behind. The elevator incident last time was just a matter of luck for He Haoxuan; next time, his luck might run out.

“You can go,” He Haoxuan said, not wanting to continue the conversation, and turned back into the villa.

Inside, Song Li was gleefully playing with the Starlight membership card, her face practically glowing with delight.

When she saw He Haoxuan come in, she immediately put on a stern face and scolded, “He Haoxuan, you need to mind your manners. You’re the son-in-law who married into the Li family—when is it ever your turn to speak?”

“Mom, could you please stop?” Li Qingying tried to calm her mother.

“Hmph, Qingying, let me remind you, your marriage to He Haoxuan is just for appearances. There are still five months left, so you should start making plans for yourself,” Song Li thought to herself as she spoke.

Li Qingying was taken aback. “Mom, what plans should I be making now?”

“I think that Fang Yongsheng isn’t bad. Sure, he’s a bit older, looks to be in his thirties, but that’s nothing. It’s perfectly normal for a man to be ten years older than his wife. As long as he’s wealthy and capable, that’s all that matters.” As she spoke, Song Li deliberately glanced at He Haoxuan.

He Haoxuan said nothing, sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, letting the mother and daughter talk as they pleased.

Fang Yongsheng, trying to steal his wife? He’d have his head kicked like a football before he got the chance.

“Mom, what are you talking about?” Li Qingying cautiously glanced at He Haoxuan, but didn’t see the anger she expected.

She felt a bit annoyed. So you don’t care about me, He Haoxuan? Fine, I’ll just make you jealous on purpose.

“Mom, let’s talk about this later. If Fang Yongsheng really wants to pursue me, he can wait until after I’m divorced,” Li Qingying said deliberately.

“He definitely wants to pursue you,” Song Li affirmed. “Otherwise, what’s he thinking, giving you a membership card worth ten million? No, Li Dong, you’re coming with me to Starlight Club tomorrow to see if it’s real.”

Li Qingying said, “Mom, didn’t Qingwan want to go to Starlight Club? Let her and her classmates go.”

“No,” Song Li shook her head. “That girl is too rebellious. We can’t indulge her. She’s always gotten whatever she wanted, and if she doesn’t, she throws a fit. If this goes on, something bad will happen. I’m going to let her cool off for a while. When she’s obedient, I’ll take her to Starlight Club to see the world. As for her classmates, they’re not going.”

Li Dong nodded in agreement. “That’s right, it’s expensive at Starlight Club. Ten million won’t last many visits. If we go often, we can meet more wealthy people, which will be good for our business in the future.”

“Fine, I’ll hold on to the Starlight membership card for now,” Song Li said bluntly, pocketing the card.

The Li couple then went upstairs. Seeing that He Haoxuan was still sitting idly on the sofa, looking indifferent, Li Qingying, annoyed, walked over and kicked him. “I’m telling you, ours is just a fake marriage. If someone pursues me or if I get a boyfriend, you have no right to interfere.”

“You’re right, I can’t interfere,” He Haoxuan nodded.

Seeing his continued indifference, Li Qingying turned to go upstairs, fuming.

“But I will deal with those men. Whoever dares to pursue my wife, I’ll break three of their legs,” He Haoxuan said fiercely.

“Barbarian,” Li Qingying shot him an angry look before heading upstairs.

Yet, a faint smile lingered on her face.

Thank you all for your rewards. I’ve been extremely busy lately and am currently attending a training session with the Chinese Writers’ Association in Beijing, so I haven’t been able to list everyone who sent gifts individually. Please remember to vote for me every day. After all, the new book is still in its free period, and I haven’t earned anything yet. I’m counting on all of you.