When She Stops Being Dramatic

Chapter 217: Chapter 91: Top Star of the ’60s Arts Troupe (30)

”We either become strangers and stay out of each other’s lives, or we go down in flames together. Who’s afraid?”

The roguish, untamed aura that Huo Xunchang so deeply feared emanated from him, completely undisguised. ”You should be glad my veins carry your blood. Otherwise, you’d be less than dust by now. So, feel like trying me?”

Cold sweat beaded on Huo Xunchang’s forehead. Years of accustomed superiority had made him forget just how dangerous this wolf cub was.

”I... I just came to see you all,” he stammered, not daring to say another word.

Huo Tianhao chuckled and stepped back, tucking his hands into his pockets. ”Well, since you’ve seen what you came to see, you can leave now. By the way, don’t forget to return the factory’s assets.”

”Oh, how much for this house?” he asked nonchalantly, tilting his head to look at the building.

The people living in this employee housing complex were all factory leaders of various ranks, including union members.

As it happened, the vice-chairman of the union was in the crowd. He stepped forward with a smile. ”Little Hero Huo, you’re being far too courteous. The compensation the factory gave your family has already been given. There’s no reason for us to take it back.”

”Besides, your contributions have brought the factory significant opportunities for growth. This compensation really isn’t much in comparison.”

Huo Tianhao waved his hand dismissively and smiled. ”No, that won’t do. I came back alive, so there’s no question of a death benefit. Everyone respected them as the family of a fallen hero and gave them many privileges. I didn’t know about it before, but now that I’m standing right here, it means they’ve been deceiving everyone.”

”Besides,” he said, turning to Xia Zhaoyun, ”I know everyone at the factory is grateful to me. So shouldn’t that gratitude be directed toward what I actually need?”

”Xiaxia still has to work at the factory and raise our children, so all I need is the right to purchase a house.”

The vice-chairman looked toward Huo Xunchang.

Huo Xunchang struggled to keep his composure, forcing a smile. ”We’ll do as Tianhao says. We’ll return the money and the items. As for the house, we paid for it ourselves back in the day.”

”I haven’t done much for him as a father. Consider the house a wedding gift for the young couple.”

Huo Tianhao nodded. ”That’s only right. My mother said you’re holding onto some money from my maternal grandfather’s family. We’re not asking for it back. Just consider it the cost of me taking a wife.”

”That way, there will be no more ties between us.”

”Even though you were the one who insisted on writing the letter of disownment, I still hope you can live a safe, upright life.”

Huo Xunchang nearly choked on his own anger, but he still had to smile and nod.

He had, after all, married into his wife’s family. If he didn’t go along with what Huo Tianhao said, who knew what else his son would dredge up?

Once the crowd had dispersed, Huo Tianhao ruffled Xia Zhaoyun’s hair. ”Honey, this afternoon we’ll go handle the paperwork. This house will be completely yours.”

Xia Zhaoyun was stunned. ’Is it really that simple?’

Huo Tianhao smiled and said, ”Housing from the factory is always in high demand. If we let this opportunity pass, not only would we be letting that couple from the Huo Family get off easy, but where would you and the children live?”

”Besides,” he whispered, his voice low enough for only the two of them to hear, ”when I come back to stay for a bit, am I supposed to sleep on the floor?”

Xia Zhaoyun’s face instantly flushed red. She shot him a glare and hurried toward the house.

After the paperwork was settled that afternoon, it was time for Huo Tianhao to leave.

Xia Zhaoyun tugged at the hem of his shirt. Even though they had only spent a few days together, her attachment to him grew stronger with each passing day. ”Can’t... can’t you stay?”

she asked in a small voice, her head hung so low in dejection it nearly touched her chest.

Huo Tianhao sighed softly and pulled her into his embrace. ”I want to stay too, but... are you sure you’re ready?”

”Besides, I’ve heard that once a man gets a taste of... well, you know... and his wife can’t be with him every day, it’s especially hard to get by. Aren’t you going to take pity on me?”

Speechless that his mind was always in the gutter, Xia Zhaoyun bumped her head against his chest. ”Can’t you be serious for once?”

Huo Tianhao roared with laughter. ”If I were actually serious around you, wouldn’t you start to doubt your own charms? Or wonder if I had some other ulterior motive for being with you?”

He couldn’t resist her pleading eyes, either. With their separation imminent, he held her tightly and gave her a long, passionate kiss. This time, Xia Zhaoyun was sweet and fully reciprocated.

Huo Tianhao’s muscles tensed, and he almost lost control.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck to calm his breathing, murmuring his instructions. ”After today, the Huo Family won’t be making any more trouble. You can live here with the children and not worry.”

”Call me if anything comes up. Bring the kids to visit me on your days off. Of course, I’ll come see you when I have time, too.”

”For the next month or two, I’ll probably have to travel for work handovers, so I won’t always be in the Capital City. But I’ll make sure to speak with Kun and the others.”