Chapter 4: Keeping a Mistress in a Golden House – The Tasseled Earring on the Bed

The torrential rain lasted all night.

After the rain, Hong Kong Island cooled down slightly. The villa area was lush with greenery, washed clean by the rainwater.

Indoors, the air conditioning was set quite cool. Heavy curtains blocked the light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the passage of time.

Only a sliver of light from the night lamp fell on the bed.

The light outlined Xie Qingman’s figure. Her delicate face carried a certain coolness, with slightly curled dark hair cascading down. The lines of her shoulders, neck, and back were exquisite and smooth, disappearing beneath the thin blanket.

She was trapped in a dream, sleeping restlessly.

…

Barking dogs, gunshots, flames, shadowy figures.

Everything in the dream was chaotic and blurred. She was fleeing in the darkness, running forward desperately. A strong wind rushed past her ears; she could even hear her own breathing and heartbeat.

Yet the end of her escape was a gunshot.

Bang—

…

Xie Qingman jolted awake from her sleep, gasping for air.

The ringing beside her was incessant. She raised a hand to her forehead. The moment she woke, the details of the dream began to fade, and she didn’t dwell on it, though the lingering fear and exhaustion refused to dissipate.

The preview of missed calls and unread messages was densely packed.

【When are you returning to Shanghai?】

【The latest crew schedule has been sent to you. Please confirm.】

【(Voice) When are you coming back?】

【(Voice) Why didn’t you tell me you’re back? Let’s hang out tonight.】

…

Scrolling through the messages, aside from work and school schedules, there were inquiries from close friends asking when she’d return to Hong Kong.

It took Xie Qingman a long moment to process everything. Only after reading through the messages did she gradually come to her senses. Then, belatedly, memories flooded back, and she abruptly sat up in bed—

She had been knocked out last night!

The thin blanket fell to the floor as she rose. Instinctively, Xie Qingman lifted a hand to her nape.

Wary of her surroundings, she didn’t dare turn on the lights.

But as soon as her feet touched the floor, sensor lights illuminated the ground, bringing the environment into clear view.

The bedroom was quiet, with only her inside.

She wasn’t restrained, nor did she feel any physical discomfort. Even her communication devices were still with her.

Except for her dress—it had been changed by someone, replaced by a silk embroidered camisole nightgown… Everything seemed almost normal, as if last night had been a blurry dream.

The nightmare no longer mattered.

Where was this?

In the aftermath of survival, her heartbeat raced uncontrollably. Before Xie Qingman could sort out the situation, Xiang Baozhu called again:

Ivy, where are you?

It’s a long story. Xie Qingman glanced at the Smart Control System beside her, feeling hesitant. How did you know I was back?

Have you forgotten what my aunt’s family does? I specifically asked because I was afraid you’d end up in the headlines, Xiang Baozhu said irritably. I knew the paparazzi would go crazy. Someone really was staking out the cemetery yesterday.

But strangely enough, before I could even say anything, the news was suppressed…

While the other person was talking, Xie Qingman had already confirmed her safety and opened the curtains.

The view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was fully visible.

The villa was situated in a secluded spot with high privacy. In the distance, the mountains were emerald green, the harbor curved like a crescent moon, surrounded by hills and water—a Feng Shui Layout that gathered wealth and blessings.

It just seemed too deserted, as if no one lived here regularly.

Barker Road?

Due to planning issues and certain historical reasons, Hong Kong is an extremely expensive city where land is worth its weight in gold. Barker Road is considered a gathering place for the wealthy and influential.

However, in Hong Kong, this location doesn’t quite deserve the label of most prestigious.

It’s just that years ago, a feng shui master declared Victoria Peak to be the location of Hong Kong Island’s Dragon Vein, which ultimately elevated it above Kowloon’s Kadoorie Hill and Deep Water Bay/Repulse Bay, making it a coveted area for political and economic elites.

Ironically, compared to Hong Kong’s wealthy families who meticulously study feng shui, mainland aristocratic families seem to care even more about the Dragon Vein theory.

In any case, this area remains highly valuable. Though she had no specific recollection of who actually lived there.

Are you listening? Xiang Baozhu noticed her distraction.

You just said the news was suppressed?

More than that – surveillance near the cemetery was wiped clean. All the media outlets have gone silent today, as if they’ve received some message. Xiang Baozhu sounded puzzled, I thought it might be your doing.

Don’t be ridiculous, Xie Qingman laughed self-deprecatingly, If I had that kind of influence, would I have fallen to this state?

Hong Kong’s four major families – Li, Huo, Xiang, and Lin – each had their own rags-to-riches stories, but essentially they all accumulated wealth over generations, benefiting from historical opportunities to achieve their glory. Desire for power and fame forms an intricate web, with various forces intertwined in complex relationships—

Over the years, she had been both constrained and benefited by this system.

Unfortunately, times had changed. She had been pushed out of the game. Among her former acquaintances, aside from Xiang Baozhu, everyone else kept their distance.

They feared she might ask for favors, and worried that fortunes might shift again.

When people reach a certain status, their thoughts and actions become polished and circumspect. Their refusal to kick someone when they’re down doesn’t necessarily mean they want to offer help in times of need.

As long as no interests were involved, the various devils and monsters entrenched in Hong Kong could still show her some courtesy, politely addressing her as Miss Huo.

But the underlying contempt and malice kept growing after the situation settled—this thin veneer of respect was nearly exhausted.

However…

Xie Qingman scanned the room’s layout and sighed, I think I understand what’s happening.

The bedroom’s furnishings were tasteful and expensive.

The dragon-pattern parquet floor beneath her feet was custom-made by Italy’s Berti, the crystal chandelier overhead was designed by Barat, and even the vase casually placed on the low cabinet was last year’s final spot at Sotheby’s auction—an official kiln Song porcelain that hammered at 85 million. Considering last night’s Beijing A license plates—

It was perfectly clear who had the capability to resolve the situation overnight.

Huh?

Before Xiang Baozhu could process this, Xie Qingman continued: It’s complicated to explain right now. I might need to trouble you to investigate someone.

Just a background check? Why so formal with me?

Who lives at Barker Road… Number ? Xie Qingman didn’t stand on ceremony.

There was an oddly silent pause on the other end, followed by slightly hesitant tone, Why are you asking about that?What, is it inconvenient to say?Not exactly inconvenient, Xiang Baozhu paused, Actually, people have been inquiring about this property for a while. But nothing could be uncovered.

She lowered her voice, They say it changed owners early this year, but it’s actually always had the same owner. The public owner is just a front, you understand?

The pine scent in the air was refreshing, and so were Xiang Baozhu’s words.

The upper-class circle is just that small—any slight stir spreads like wildfire. If nothing can be uncovered, there’s only one possibility:

The other party’s background runs too deep.

So deep that it renders their identity invisible.

“Later, I even asked my dad, and he told me not to meddle.”

Once things had reached that point, there was no need to press further.

The Xiang family’s guarded attitude confirmed it—these waters ran too deep for her to wade into.

Between circles, there are layers upon layers of hierarchies. The so-called top-tier wealthy circle is built on wealth alone, with countless outsiders lingering at the fringes, unable to grasp the full picture.

Some people’s origins are best left unexamined.

And there was no time for her to dwell on it—a sudden knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

Knock, knock, knock—

Xie Qingman ended the call and saw the butler standing outside, nodding slightly in greeting.

“Miss, it rained last night. When Sir brought you back, your clothes got wet. They’ve been washed and dried now.”

Outside, the Filipino maids bustled about. Two of them followed the butler, carrying trays with her clothes neatly arranged. The servants were so disciplined, almost mechanical, showing no unnecessary curiosity about anything in the room—including her.

“Sir?”

The butler ignored Xie Qingman’s question. After receiving her silent consent, the maids placed the trays by the bedside.

“Sir said that once you’ve woken up, if there’s nothing else you require, you’re free to go.”

It was a clear dismissal.

Xie Qingman had no intention of staying long anyway. Let it end here, she thought.

Last night’s farce was likely a misunderstanding. Even if it wasn’t, she wouldn’t make a fuss.

The offense outside the cemetery yesterday and the resolution of today’s situation balanced each other out—compared to a favorable outcome, the truth was irrelevant, and she didn’t care.

Moreover, the fact that he dared to bring her back proved that any consequences she could imagine wouldn’t affect him in the slightest.

Digging deeper would only lead to humiliation.

There was no need.

Xie Qingman changed out of the nightgown.

Between the partition and the bathroom stood a tall, full-length mirror, reflecting her graceful figure.

She studied her reflection—strikingly pure yet intensely captivating—but her thoughts drifted back to her conversation with Xiang Baozhu, then uncontrollably to the man from last night:

A fleeting glimpse in the dim light had left her heart racing. All she remembered was his profile—brooding and severe.

Xie Qingman let out a soft laugh, tinged with something like self-mockery.

Ding—

The vibration of her phone on the bed snapped her out of her reverie. A preview of a message popped up, just two brief words:

【Lee: Talk?】

A few seconds later, the screen lit up again:

【Lee: My dear sister.】

Xie Qingman picked up her phone but didn’t rush to reply. Adjusting her shawl, she left the room directly.

A glimmer of light fell from her earlobe.

As she turned, a fringe earring slipped off, silently left behind on the bed.

A few hours earlier.

The fourth meeting between Ye Yansheng and the CEO of Xingrong Pharmaceuticals took place at the Red Harbor Club, an elite establishment founded in 1846.

In Hong Kong’s prime, densely packed location, this social and leisure venue was a world of its own. The building retained a retro, elegant style from the last century, filled with antique furniture and ornate decorations—gilded and carved, opulent and grand. The exorbitant membership fees and stringent background checks kept countless people out, ensuring the highest level of privacy.

The intermediary spearheading this meeting was rather special, with past favors involved, so Ye Yansheng obliged and attended the gathering.

Everyone had long been waiting there, rising to their feet one after another. Naturally, Lin Zongming was the first to step forward.

Young Master Ye, you truly are a busy man. It’s rare to have you grace us with your presence.

Lin Zongming quickened his pace toward Ye Yansheng, greeting him with a hearty laugh. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to see you—almost to the point of wearing out my eyes.

President Lin, you flatter me, Ye Yansheng replied, shaking his hand lightly with an indifferent demeanor. I simply lack the noble inclination to help others for the sake of pleasure.

This was a clear insinuation that Lin Zongming was meddling in matters unnecessarily.

Lin Zongming paused briefly, then chuckled awkwardly. In business, isn’t it all about making more friends to open more paths? Young Master Ye, please.

Originally, Lin Zongming had intended to sound out Ye Yansheng’s stance and approach the topic indirectly. Unexpectedly, this young master cut straight to the point, leaving him at a loss for how to respond.

Some time ago, Xingrong Pharmaceuticals and Noke had almost simultaneously achieved breakthroughs in new technology, developing a PD-1 monoclonal antibody biologic—a novel targeted therapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With comparable indications and dosage requirements, whichever company secured regulatory approval and launched first would gain a critical advantage, squeezing the competitor’s market share.

In the biopharmaceutical industry, commercial warfare isn’t just about price and patent battles—it’s also a race against time.

However, drug approvals require extensive applications and cumbersome clinical trial procedures. To outpace their rival and establish market dominance early, Xingrong Pharmaceuticals needed a powerful backer with substantial influence, ideally one with far-reaching connections. Noke was backed by an overseas consortium, which was precisely why Xingrong’s representatives had been pulling strings everywhere, even resorting to seeking Lin Zongming’s help to get in touch with the Ye family.

Lin Zongming had agreed to wade into these muddy waters and act as the intermediary for Xingrong, undoubtedly having received considerable benefits. Yet, deep down, he felt uncertain.

In Hong Kong’s top-tier elite circles, aside from the Li family—whose members straddled both political and economic spheres with global industries and the highest prestige—several other families showed signs of decline.

The fallout from the Huo Family’s internal strife had yet to dissipate. The Xiang family had managed to recover some lost ground after Xiang Qiheng was elected as a legislator. As for the Lin family—

Misjudgments in earlier years had caused them to miss crucial opportunities in the mainland market. Now that Lin Zongming had entered the company, attempting to extend their reach back into the mainland and take over as the decision-maker of the entire conglomerate felt increasingly challenging. After all, the Lin family was currently controlled by his second uncle, Lin Hechuan, and the competition within his generation was fierce.

Fortunately, Ye Yansheng seemed to be in a good mood today and was unusually approachable.

The post-rain sunlight over Hong Kong Island was less intense, lending a refreshing coolness to the air. The group played a few rounds of golf on the course.

The golf course at the Red Harbor Club was nestled between mountains and water, with the front nine holes bordering the sea and the back nine nestled against the hills. Rolling landscapes and lush green lawns stretched out before them. During the initial holes, the conversation remained light and trivial. It wasn’t until they returned to the lounge that the discussion turned to serious matters.

Xingrong has invested heavily in R&D upfront. If Noke manages to secure approval and launch first, it would be like a fishmonger trying to wash himself clean—a futile effort.

Uncertain of Ye Yansheng’s stance, Lin Zongming didn’t overcommit, merely suggesting, But if Young Master Ye could just lend a hand…

Tap—

The sound of the teacup being set down was soft, yet the private room fell into abrupt silence.

President Lin, you seem rather impatient, Ye Yansheng remarked with a light laugh.

He remained leisurely seated in the carved wooden chair, his expression unreadable, as he casually placed his teacup on the table.

Following his cue, the chief assistant handed a document folder to Lin Zongming.

Lin Zongming didn’t understand the meaning at first, but after flipping through a few pages, his expression gradually darkened.

Well done, Xingrong’s bunch of bastards, setting traps right under my nose.

Lin Zongming wanted to explode, but in front of Ye Yansheng, he was more anxious about how to clear himself. Young Master Ye might not believe this, but I was dragged into this too. I truly had no knowledge about the financial fraud or the falsified clinical data…

It was like capsizing in a sewer ditch.

When it came to biopharmaceuticals, he was an outsider and didn’t know how much the data could be manipulated. But from financial fraud to falsified clinical data—this whole mess—and they still dared to pull him in to endorse Xingrong? Clearly, they were treating him like a fool.

Being tricked was embarrassing enough; he couldn’t possibly take the fall for it too.

No need to explain to me, Manager Lin. Ye Yansheng curled his lips slightly. I’m not interested in Xingrong’s messy accounts. I’m just giving you a heads-up.

His slender fingers landed on a newspaper, tapping it lightly. His smile was neither warm nor cold, showing no trace of anger.

Actually, these things aren’t hard to uncover. If your people would devote even half the energy they spend on gossip news to the project, there would be far fewer troubles.

He had said just enough.

The speaker’s tone remained unchanged, but the listener’s expression shifted.

Lin Zongming was taken aback.

Everyone present was shrewd. Although Ye Yansheng hadn’t explicitly stated anything, they all understood that this young master wouldn’t bring it up without reason.

The media industry in Hong Kong was almost entirely funded and controlled by the Lin family, meaning the Lin family indeed held sway over Hong Kong media.

But aside from trivial news, the most eye-catching items on the newspaper page were the scandals of a popular actress and the news about the Huo Family’s internal strife and the disappearance of the eldest Miss Huo.

None of it had anything to do with the Ye family.

Surely, there couldn’t be someone connected to Ye Yansheng in there, could he?

Lin Zongming’s mind stirred, but he couldn’t ask directly. He simply smiled and agreed:

Young Master Ye is right. It’s hard to avoid oversights when subordinates handle matters. I appreciate your understanding.

With that said, Ye Yansheng had no interest in lingering any longer. When he decided to leave, no one dared to stop him.

Look at the trouble today—it’s my fault for being too careless, Lin Zongming stood up to see him out. I’ll make sure to handle this carefully when I return.

It’s a small matter, not worth mentioning. Ye Yansheng smiled faintly. I also hope that more friends mean more paths.

He said more friends mean more paths.

But if things went wrong, it would be easy to make an enemy and hard to reconcile.

After seeing off the formidable presence of Ye Yansheng, Lin Zongming’s gaze fell on the newspaper. He frowned and remained silent for a long time.

A strange thought crossed his mind:

Most scions of powerful families in the capital were surrounded by flocks of admirers, let alone someone from the prominent Ye family. After years in the social scene, encountering all sorts of tricks was hardly surprising. Yet, over the years, through all the beauties—plump and slender, every type—arranged encounters, countless approaches, and efforts to please, no one had ever seen Ye Yansheng develop feelings.

Over time, everyone concluded that this scion of the Ye family was cold-hearted and unfeeling, not one to cherish beauty, and eventually gave up.

But then again, what if this young master suddenly took an interest and started keeping a mistress in a golden house?

Heaven forbid his subordinates had carelessly offended some lover of Ye Yansheng’s—he wouldn’t even know how he died.

At this thought, Lin Zongming’s face was far from pleasant.

Go, have the headlines about these people removed from the layout, and replace all unpublished news as well.

Remove all of them?

Not a single one left.

Whether intentional or not, the Ye family ancestor simply couldn’t be offended. Lin Zongming dared not fail to handle this matter properly.

Any negative news about these individuals in the near future must not appear in media funded by the Lin family.

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