Liu Bo handed her his cell phone. Lin Feng and Zhang Yuxi both leaned in closer.

The surveillance video showed exactly what Liu Bo had described. After her repeated attempts to engage him were met with no response, the woman had taken the initiative to embrace him.

Then, An Lan could be seen entering.

Next, An Lan appeared on screen, assaulting the two of them with punches and kicks as she yelled, the bento box still in her hand. She looked like a madwoman.

An Lan quickly shut off the video and forced an awkward smile. "Let's… let's not watch this part."

Having proven his innocence, Liu Bo regained his confidence. "See? I was telling the truth!"

An Lan was still displeased. "Then why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to," Liu Bo replied, feeling deeply wronged. "But you never gave me the chance! After I took her to the hospital, I tried calling you, but your phone was off. You never replied to my messages, either."

An Lan pressed her lips together, defiantly tilting her chin. "So it's my fault? Tell me, what wife could possibly stay calm after witnessing a scene like that?"

Liu Bo quickly agreed, "You're right, you're right! I would have reacted the same way. Honey, it's been proven that I'm innocent. You're not angry anymore, are you?"

An Lan gave a dry laugh. "We can consider that matter over, but there are a few other things we need to sort out."

A sense of dread washed over Liu Bo. "Like what?"

"She gave you perfume, and you just accepted it? Why? Don't tell me you didn't know what she was up to."

"Honey, I didn't think much about it when she gave me the perfume. I only realized she was interested in me after I got back. I threw it out as soon as I got home, I swear. From now on, I'll only use things you buy for me."

"Hmph. You've certainly learned how to talk your way out of things. So, if you knew she was interested in you when you got back, why didn't you fire her?"

"I was planning to fire her, but she was still in the middle of a project. I figured I'd wait until she finished, pay her, and let her go."

"Hmph. You can't believe a word a man says. How do I know if you're telling the truth?"

Liu Bo wished he could swear an oath. "I really was planning to! I'm not lying to you!"

Seeing things had gone on long enough, Zhang Yuxi stepped in to mediate.

"Liu Bo, we all know what kind of person An Lan used to be. Since marrying you, she has scrimped and saved for this family, taken care of you and your child, and been a dutiful daughter-in-law to your parents. She might not be perfect, but she has tried her absolute best."

"Even I never expected she would go this far for you! You have to remember, she never wanted to get married. She only compromised because she met you."

An Lan's eyes began to well up.

She, too, was once a pampered heiress who never had to worry about food or clothing. For her family and her child, she did everything herself without hiring any help. In the past, the men who pursued her were all talented and successful, and every one of them would have done anything for her.

Liu Bo nodded profusely. "Yuxi is right. An Lan has sacrificed so much for this family. I know that in my heart, and I'm so grateful to her! Without her, I wouldn't be who I am today. I love her. All these years, and I still love her."

Zhang Yuxi then turned to An Lan. "As his wife, you should know best what kind of person Liu Bo is. He's also given so much for this family over the years; we've all seen it. He's not just responsible for you and the child; he's completely devoted! Just take a step back and let it go. If he ever truly does something to betray you, I promise Lin Feng and I will never forgive him!"

Lin Feng stepped forward. "That's right!"

Having been given an out, An Lan knew to take it. "From now on, you're only allowed to use what I buy for you. As for those scheming women out there, if you dare use anything they give you, don't blame me for flipping out."

Liu Bo said hurriedly, "It will never happen again!" He then added, "As soon as that woman recovers, I'll fire her immediately. It absolutely will not happen again!"

Hearing Liu Bo's assurances, the expression on An Lan's face finally softened.

Seeing the couple had reconciled, Zhang Yuxi urged them on. "Don't just stand there, you two should head home. It's the middle of the night; your parents must be worried sick."

"My mom and dad came?" Liu Bo asked.

An Lan rolled her eyes at him. "What do you think?"

The two talked as they put on their coats. Liu Bo helped An Lan with hers and then took her bag.

He turned to the others with an apologetic look. "Lin Feng, Yuxi, I'm so sorry for disturbing you so late."

An Lan said nothing, her expression full of embarrassment. She had just rushed over without thinking. Bothering friends, even close ones, so late at night was mortifying.

Zhang Yuxi waved it off. "Don't be a stranger. Now, hurry up and go. Drive safely."

Lin Feng added, "And don't bring this up again on the way home. Just consider the matter closed."

「In the car.」

An Lan grumbled, "So, how is that woman?"

"A broken rib."

"She brought it on herself."

"Honey, you fight fiercely. After all these years of marriage, this is the first I'm seeing of it. Looks like I'd better not get on your bad side from now on."

"If you do it again, I'll break your legs."

"I promise, there won't be a next time."

A thought occurred to An Lan. "Why did you suddenly install a camera in your office? Or was this whole thing just an act you put on for me?"

Liu Bo couldn't help but be impressed. "Honey, you have quite an imagination! I installed the camera because something went missing from my office."

An Lan leaned in. "What went missing?"

"Remember last month when my mom brought a relative to see me, and they had a fifteen-year-old kid with them?" Liu Bo said.

An Lan remembered. "And?"

The relative was someone they were fairly close with, and they had come to Liu Bo for help with getting the child into a school. An Lan generally didn't get involved in matters concerning Liu Bo's side of the family. Whether it was lending money or doing favors, she tended to turn a blind eye. Liu Bo, in turn, never interfered with her family's affairs, a silent understanding the couple shared.

"After I saw them out, I realized a gold zodiac pendant that had been on my desk was gone."

An Lan's brow furrowed. "I see."

So that's why Liu Bo's attitude toward that kid changed.

"So, I just installed a camera," he continued. "It gives me some peace of mind."

An Lan's eyes darted thoughtfully. "How about you let me connect to that camera feed, then?"

Liu Bo agreed without hesitation. "No problem at all! Of course!"

An Lan smiled. "Wouldn't that be a problem? If you ever skip work, I'd find out, wouldn't I? On second thought, maybe it's better if I don't disturb your work."

Liu Bo knew she was joking. "It's fine. A clear conscience fears no accusation."

An Lan dropped the subject.

Sometimes, when a woman makes a demand, it's not really about getting what she asked for. It's just a test of your attitude. She understood Liu Bo. He might have been tempted this time, but he hadn't acted on it. He hadn't crossed that line…

She looked at him. "Does the scratch on your face still hurt?"

Liu Bo shook his head. "Doesn't hurt. Not one bit."

"What will you tell our parents and everyone else when they see it?"

"I'll just say a cat scratched me."

"You think they'll believe that?"

"Who cares what they believe? What couple doesn't bicker and argue? Besides, our life is our business. They can think whatever they want. We'll live our lives our way."

Hearing him say that, a smile finally touched the corners of An Lan's lips.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.