Chapter 9 — The CEO's Only Antidote

His gaze was as sharp as a blade, possessing the unsettling ability to pierce straight through to a person’s soul. Subconsciously, I took a step back, hiding behind Huo Yunting.

Is this the woman you claimed bore your children?

His voice was not loud, yet it carried an inherent authority that commanded absolute obedience.

Grandfather, her name is Jiang Shiyu, and she is my wife.

Huo Yunting pulled me forward, placing me firmly in front of the patriarch as he corrected the title with unwavering resolve.

Wife?

The old man let out a cold, sharp huff. I have not given my consent, yet you two have already gone ahead and registered the marriage?

My marriage is a decision I make for myself.

His tone was neither arrogant nor subservient; it was simply factual.

You!

The elder slammed his hand against the table with such force that the room shuddered. Have you truly stopped showing me any respect at all?

The air grew thick and suffocating. I held my breath, terrified. This was it—the full-scale confrontation I had dreaded. But just as the tension reached its breaking point, the sound of rhythmic pitter-patter echoed from the stairs.

Great-Grandpa!

Two small figures, Jiang Zimo and Huo Xuan, hurtled down the staircase like a pair of energetic butterflies. Trailing behind them was a woman of elegant grace and refined poise—Huo Yunting’s mother.

Oh, my sweet darlings, slow down!

Madam Huo followed, her eyes brimming with doting affection. The children barreled straight into the elder’s arms, colliding with him like tiny projectiles.

Great-Grandpa, we came to visit you! Did you miss us?

The old man, who moments ago had been as cold and formidable as a vengeful god, felt his iron resolve melt away like frost in the spring sun.

Oh, my heavens! My precious little ones!

He scooped one up in each arm, laughing so hard his face creased into a wide, joyful grin. Of course I did! Great-Grandpa thinks of you every single day!

He showered them with kisses, reluctant to let them go for even a second. I stood to the side, my mouth slightly agape. Wasn't this a hundred-and-eighty-degree turn in demeanor just a little too abrupt?

You are Shiyu, aren't you?

Madam Huo approached, taking my hand in hers with a warm, genuine smile. There was no trace of judgment or scrutiny in her eyes, only kindness. Yunting has told me everything. You have raised Zimo all these years by yourself—it must have been so exhausting for you.

Her palms were warm, and her sincerity was disarming. I felt a surge of emotion and found myself stuttering. Yes, ma’am… I…

Still calling me ma’am?

She teased me gently. You ought to start calling me Mother.

I blinked. Mother? I cast a desperate, pleading look toward Huo Yunting. He simply nodded, his eyes conveying a silent message: Don't worry, I am right here. My cheeks burned as I whispered the word.

…Mother.

Ah!

Madam Huo’s smile blossomed even wider. Such a good girl. From now on, treat this place as your own home. If anyone dares to bully you, you come straight to me, and I will see that justice is served!

She shot a pointed, playful glare at Huo Yunting, who merely rubbed his nose with an expression of feigned innocence. Seeing the two of them banter, a warmth bloomed in my chest. It seemed his mother was far more approachable than his grandfather.

Grandfather, Huo Yunting said, tightening his grip on my hand as we stepped toward the old man. This is Shiyu. We have already registered our marriage.

The elder, currently distracted by his two great-grandsons, glanced up and let out a dismissive snort. The marriage certificate is already signed, and only now you tell me? What is even the point of discussing it now?

Grandfather, Jiang Zimo said, wrapping his arms around the old man’s neck, his voice sugary sweet. Mommy is a wonderful person, please don't be mean to her.

That’s right! Huo Xuan chimed in. If you bully Mommy, we won't play with you anymore!

The children sang in perfect harmony, leaving the patriarch with no choice but to soften.

Fine, fine, fine! Great-Grandpa won't bully her. I won't.

He pinched their cheeks with affection before turning his gaze toward me, his expression significantly more relaxed. Since you are registered, you are a member of the Huo family. From this day forward, fulfill your duties as the Huo lady, is that understood?

Yes, Grandfather, I replied, nodding obediently.

Good.

He reached out and unclasped a brilliant, translucent jade bracelet from his wrist, handing it to me. Take this. A gift for our first meeting.

One look at the exquisite jade told me it was a priceless heirloom. I panicked, too intimidated to accept such a gift.

Mom, what are you waiting for? Just take it! Jiang Zimo urged, looking worriedly at me.

That’s right, Mom! If Great-Grandpa gives it to you, you should just take it! Huo Xuan added.

I looked at these two little conspirators and couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. Under their well-meaning pressure, I reluctantly accepted the gift. The confrontation I had imagined would be a tempestuous trial turned out to be a joyous occasion, all thanks to the children.

That evening, the entire family dined together. Though the elder didn't say much, it was clear he had accepted me. Madam Huo, on the other hand, was incredibly attentive, constantly piling food onto my plate until it was a veritable mountain.

Shiyu, you are far too thin. You must eat more to regain your strength. And tell me, when do you and Yunting plan on having another child? It is just as much work to raise one as it is two, so why not try for a little princess to complete the family?

I nearly choked on my food. Another child? I frantically looked at Huo Yunting for an exit strategy, but he acted as if he hadn't noticed, calmly serving me a bowl of soup.

Mother, there is no rush for that. We will let nature take its course.

Let nature take its course? Why did I get the feeling that he was actually looking forward to it? After dinner, he led me for a stroll through the manor’s garden.

You knew all along that your grandfather and mother would accept me this easily, didn't you? I asked.

I didn't, he replied, shaking his head. But I knew how much they adore children. As long as Zimo and Xuan were there, they wouldn't make things difficult for you.

And yet you let me sit there in such a state of panic! I grumbled, playfully tapping his arm.

You looked incredibly cute when you were nervous, he said, capturing my hand and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.

Under the moonlight, his eyes glowed with an intensity that felt like a night sky full of stars.

Huo Yunting, why do I feel as though… I have walked straight into a trap you designed long ago? I squinted at him.

From the chance meeting at the kindergarten to you moving into the apartment across from mine, then winning over my son, and finally winning me over… everything had gone so smoothly, it felt like a meticulously orchestrated conspiracy.

It isn't a trap, he said, pulling me into his embrace and resting his chin on the top of my head. It is a love that has been harbored for a very long time. Jiang Shiyu, the five years you spent away… that was the greatest mistake of my life. I will never make the same mistake twice.

His voice was deep, steady, and resonated like a solemn vow. My heart swelled. It turned out that what I perceived as a plot to steal my heart was, from start to finish, a sweet trap that we were both willing to step into. And I, quite gladly, was ready to lose myself in it forever.

After returning from the Huo estate, our lives seemed to return to their normal rhythm—yet, there was an underlying shift. The most obvious change was Huo Yunting. He was no longer content with just lying in bed and talking; he began to show a much more proactive, even aggressive, affection. For instance, he would sneak kisses while I was still waking up in the morning. When I worked, he would wrap his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder as he watched me draft designs. In the evenings, it went without saying—he would find any excuse to make my heart race.

One afternoon, I was scrambling to finish an urgent design at my studio, and Huo Yunting, like a giant, affectionate shadow, pressed his weight against my back.

What are you so busy with? His warm breath ghosted against my neck, sending a shiver through me.

Stop it, I’m busy! I tried to push him away, but he didn't budge.

Is this client difficult? he asked, peering at my sketches.

Yes, I sighed. It’s an emerging brand. Their demands are endless: they want it high-end yet approachable, youthful yet sophisticated… I’ve revised it so many times I’ve lost count, and they still aren't satisfied.

I rubbed my temples in frustration.

Let me see, he murmured. He took the mouse, scrolled through the client’s requirements, and a few minutes later, said nonchalantly:

Forget this project. Don't do it.

What? Why? I asked, bewildered.

Because I just bought the company.

I stared at him, speechless.