Chapter 871: Strike While the Iron Is Hot

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

When Huangfu Ruixiang said that Zhong Yating had agreed to the divorce, skepticism clouded the faces of Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying.

“Ruixiang, are you sure about this?” Zhongyu Liuying furrowed her brow, her expression laden with doubt. “Could it be that Zhong Yating is scheming something again? She’s cunning, and her words can’t be fully trusted.”

“No, that’s not the case.” Huangfu Ruixiang shook his head, his tone defensive of Zhong Yating. “Mother, I believe she’s genuinely had a change of heart and agreed to the divorce. People can change, perhaps this event prompted her awakening. Sometimes the fruit of forced efforts isn’t sweet.”

Observing Huangfu Ruixiang’s defense of Zhong Yating, Zhongyu Liuying’s expression betrayed a hint of perplexity, harboring an ominous feeling. “Ruixiang, why does it seem like you’re advocating for her with every word? Do you have ulterior motives?”

As this statement was uttered, Huangfu Jingzhang’s sharp gaze also fixed upon Huangfu Ruixiang, as if probing for any hidden intentions.

“No.” Huangfu Ruixiang shook his head, speaking with unwavering resolve. “Mother, you’re overthinking. I’ve seen through Zhong Yating’s true nature. How could I harbor any illusions about her?”

Although they heard Huangfu Ruixiang’s reassurance, Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying continued to scrutinize him, unsure whether to believe his words.

After a prolonged silence, seeing no trace of guilt on Huangfu Ruixiang’s face, they breathed a temporary sigh of relief.

“Now that she’s agreed to the divorce, let’s proceed with the formalities as soon as possible!” Zhongyu Liuying urged, “Who knows if she’s plotting something? It’s better to settle this quickly to avoid further complications.

“We’ll handle the paperwork in a couple of days when she’s feeling better,” Huangfu Ruixiang continued, “The doctor advised her to rest in bed for a few days since she’s experiencing complications with the pregnancy.”

“It’s just a matter of handling the paperwork. What could possibly go wrong?” Huangfu Jingzhang waved his hand. “Since Zhong Yating has agreed, let’s proceed without delay!”

Sharing the same sentiment as Zhongyu Liuying, Huangfu Jingzhang couldn’t fathom why Zhong Yating had consented to the divorce. Nevertheless, the smooth progression raised suspicions.

Regardless of their doubts, now that Zhong Yating had agreed, they should act swiftly to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

“Father, I’ve already agreed,” Huangfu Ruixiang said with resignation. “Moreover, it’s only a brief delay. There won’t be any complications. Besides, regardless of anything else, the child she carries is mine. Even if I don’t consider her, I have to consider my child.”

Though Huangfu Jingzhang remained displeased, he chose not to press the matter further, silently assenting to Huangfu Ruixiang’s decision.

“What are your plans for the child?” Zhongyu Liuying furrowed her brow. “It seems you intend to keep the child, right?”

“Yes, I believe we should,” Huangfu Ruixiang responded softly. “After all, the child is mine. Moreover, the child will be raised within the Huangfu family.”

“That’s not the issue.” Zhongyu Liuying nodded before continuing, “But there’s one condition: Zhong Yating is not allowed to see the child again in the future.”

“What?” Huangfu Ruixiang was taken aback, his brow furrowing. “Mother, regardless, this child is the product of Zhong Yating’s pregnancy. It would be inhumane to deny her access to the child.”

“Since you’re getting a divorce, it should be a clean break,” Huangfu Jingzhang agreed with Zhongyu Liuying. “You can provide her with financial support to start anew, but she must not see the child again, to prevent any complications that might affect your future marriage.”

Even before finalizing the divorce, he was already planning Huangfu Ruixiang’s next marriage.

In his next marriage, Huangfu Ruixiang would undoubtedly marry a daughter of a prominent family. Hence, he could have a child, but he must not have any significant involvement with the child’s mother.

Despite the compelling arguments from Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying, Huangfu Ruixiang couldn’t shake off his hesitation.

While he acknowledged the validity of his parents’ reasoning, he had already promised Zhong Yating she could see the child in the future. Reneging on that promise felt unduly cruel.

“This matter is settled.” Huangfu Jingzhang, understanding his son’s disposition, made a decisive decree. “If Zhong Yating objects, you can inform her that I’ve made the decision.”

Though Huangfu Ruixiang felt conflicted, under his parents’ watchful gaze, he reluctantly acquiesced.

However, he harbored his own plans. He would withhold this information from Zhong Yating for now. When the time came, he would confess.

Perhaps, when the time arrived, his parents might relent. Then, he could allow Zhong Yating to see the child.

In the blink of an eye, the fifth day of the new year arrived.

Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an had returned to the Hidden World’s Huangfu family the day before. At noon, they departed for the largest hotel in the Hidden World.

This banquet was hosted at the largest hotel in the Hidden World, with representatives from all major families in attendance.

Given its significance, only prominent figures within each family typically attended. Most often, it included the family head, heirs, and elders.

Previously, it was the Grand Elder who attended. Huangfu Ruiling wasn’t particularly fond of such gatherings. Moreover, in previous years, he only attended as the head of the Enforcement Team.

This year, however, with his identity as the head of the Huangfu family now public knowledge and his engagement to Ye Leng’an, he was obliged to attend.

Although several family elders had planned to accompany them, unforeseen circumstances prevented their attendance.

Thus, only Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an represented the Huangfu family.

Their arrival was neither too early nor too late, upon entering the venue, they immediately became the center of attention. Their identities aside, their striking appearance and demeanor captured the gaze of many.