Chapter 251: Unwelcome

During the day yesterday, Bian Suwen had already gotten word about her Junior being taken into custody.

She learned that the arrest had occurred because her Junior had attempted to treat the wealthiest man in Qingling, only for the condition to worsen under her care. That was why the authorities had taken her in. However, no formal charges had been brought yet—meaning there was still room to maneuver.

The crux of the situation lay with the comatose Qingling tycoon. For now, the person in charge of his affairs was none other than his wife.

Originally, Bian Suwen had intended to cure the tycoon herself to atone for her mistake. But judging by the timing, that opportunity had slipped away. The only option left was to reach a private agreement with the tycoon’s wife—to negotiate a temporary release. The rest could be dealt with later.

Once she had straightened her thoughts, Bian Suwen immediately set about mobilizing her network.

Of course, “network” was a generous term. What she truly had were three younger sisters and one younger brother.

After all, she’d been living in the Imperial Capital for years and had long severed ties with Qingling. Especially after that affair years ago, she’d vowed to forget this place entirely. So it was little wonder she had no deeper connections left.

Since the poisoned victim was a university student from the music department, Qiu Qianwei had already arrived at the hospital earlier.

Bian Suwen reached out to Ji Shuyao, Liu Yue, and Lin Chen directly.

Within twenty minutes, four people showed up.

Three of them had come at her request. The fourth was unexpected—an uninvited guest.

Wang Haoran.

His reason for showing up was simple.

Liu Yue had suddenly cut her class short, saying there was an urgent matter, and left with Lin Chen. That alone had made him suspicious.

Fueled by the thought that he couldn’t let the Protagonist be alone with the Female Lead, Wang Haoran followed them here without hesitation.

Bian Suwen was mildly surprised to see Wang Haoran, but said nothing.

She no longer held any hatred toward him.

But that didn’t mean she wanted to grow closer again. At best, she regarded him now as a casual acquaintance.

Especially at a time like this, with everything so tense, she barely spared him a glance—let alone a greeting. She simply didn’t have the mood for it.

She quickly filled Liu Yue, Ji Shuyao, and Qiu Qianwei in on her intent to meet with the tycoon’s wife.

But though the three women each held substantial influence in their own fields, none of them had any connection with someone from the tech industry—much less the woman who stood at its summit.

Bian Suwen sighed in mild disappointment.

Then, unexpectedly, Lin Chen stepped forward and said brightly, “Third Sister, I know Madam Cheng Rui. I can help you.”

“Xiao Chen, you’re not joking, right? You’re serious?” A spark of surprise lit Bian Suwen’s otherwise cold features.

“Third Sister, how could I lie to you? Every word I said is true.” Lin Chen chuckled, and right then and there, he pulled out his phone and made the call.

A few minutes later, after hanging up, he turned to her again. “It’s settled. I’ve arranged to meet her shortly.”

“Xiao Chen, you really are amazing.” Bian Suwen’s lips curled into a rare, heartfelt smile. “When and where?”

“Half an hour from now. At a café near Tianhui Clinic,” he replied.

“Half an hour? Perfect. Let’s go now.” Eagerness tinged her voice—she was clearly done waiting.

Off to the side, Wang Haoran couldn’t hold back any longer. “I know that area well. Let me come with you.”

Lin Chen’s face remained polite but firm. “Big Brother, I’m driving my Pagani. It’ll be faster. But it only seats two, so… you should stay.”

Bian Suwen gave Wang Haoran a flat look. “This has nothing to do with you. Don’t come.”

“I might be able to help,” he insisted.

“I said no. You’d be useless. Are you deaf or just annoying?” Her tone sharpened. With everything weighing on her, she had no patience left for him.

Wang Haoran’s face darkened. He wasn’t the type to grovel. “Fine. Remember what you just said.”

Lin Chen grinned smugly. “Bye-bye, Big Brother.”

Wang Haoran gave a cold snort. “Don’t get cocky. If you ever need my help, you’ll have to call me Daddy.”

“I can do anything. I’ll never need your help.” Lin Chen gave a dismissive pout.

“Let’s go.” Bian Suwen had no time for more nonsense. She turned to Lin Chen, and the two of them left quickly.

Once they were out of sight, Liu Yue gave Wang Haoran a gentle look. “Haoran, my Third Sister’s just in a hurry and not in the best mood. Don’t take it to heart.”

Ji Shuyao tapped at her phone and sent him a message. “My Third Sister has a strange personality. She instinctively pushes men away. From a behavioral psychology perspective, her hostility is a defense mechanism—not personal.”

Qiu Qianwei didn’t say anything. She just quietly sent him a hugging emoji.

Wang Haoran glanced at the two women sending secret messages and then finally responded to Liu Yue. “I don’t mind.”

Of course he didn’t. It wouldn’t be long before Bian Suwen and Lin Chen came crawling back. And by then… if anyone had to lower their head, or call someone “Daddy,” well, he’d be ready.

Liu Yue gave a teasing smile. “You really don’t mind? You’re not just bottling it up, right? Because if your Master asks me, I can’t let her think this Senior Sister of yours isn’t looking out for you.”

The word “Senior Sister” made his mood even worse.

Being demoted a whole generation for no good reason—who could be happy about that?

But honestly, given how things stood, it wasn’t entirely wrong. Online, Liu Yue called him her husband. In real life, she really did treat him like a Junior Disciple.

There wasn’t much he could do to change that for now.

“I need to use the restroom.” He found an excuse and stepped away.

Once out of sight from Qiu Qianwei and the others, Wang Haoran sent Liu Yue a message.

Call me husband.

Standing in the hallway, Liu Yue was stunned for a moment. Then, stepping out of view, she pressed record and, in a sultry whisper, murmured, “Husband.”

Good girl.

Wang Haoran immediately felt better and, with a single word reply, picked up his phone to make another call.

“So quick to call me again? What now?” Cheng Rui’s voice came through, warm and slightly amused.

“Do you happen to know a kid named Lin Chen?” Wang Haoran went straight to the point.

“How did you know?” Cheng Rui sounded genuinely surprised. “Yes, I do. Yesterday I was out shopping with my son and got separated. It was that little boy Lin Chen who found him for me.”

She paused, then added, “Actually, he just asked to meet with me today.”

Wang Haoran couldn’t help but scoff in silence.

Damn that Protagonist Halo. This little brat just goes for a walk and ends up saving the richest woman in town’s child. Now she owed him a massive favor.

How shameless could plot armor get?