Chapter 28: A Handsome Man Is Always a Handsome Man

He had spent his entire life under his thumb, never possessing the courage to defy him. He had never imagined, however, that his own son would strike a blow so decisive as to bring the old man crashing down.

While he worried whether his father could withstand such a shock, he secretly admired his son’s actions—though, of course, that was a sentiment he dared not voice aloud.

"Big brother, has Father still not come out of the study?" A middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance to him hurried into the room, his expression anxious.

This was his younger brother, Nalan Liu.

Nalan Chuan gave a wry smile. "Ever since we returned from the cathedral, he has locked himself in the study. He refuses to see anyone and won't touch a drop of food."

"How can that be allowed? He is getting on in years. If he continues to starve himself, his health will collapse, no matter how robust he may be," Nalan Liu said, his face etched with worry.

"He won't listen to reason. It is all Che's fault; he was far too reckless this time." Regardless of his private thoughts, Nalan Chuan felt that, in this matter, Nalan Che had indeed been too impulsive.

"Sigh, one cannot entirely blame Che. Father was too impatient. How could he simply drug a groom who refused to walk down the aisle?" Nalan Liu sighed.

"You shouldn't say that. Everything Father does is for our own good. Che went too far this time; he publicly humiliated Father. Big brother, how exactly have you been raising your son?" The third Nalan daughter, Nalan Bu, swept into the room dressed like a high-society lady. Her sharp tone was aimed directly at criticizing Nalan Che, while simultaneously pointing the finger at Nalan Chuan.

"Third sister, how can you speak to our big brother like that?" Nalan Liu frowned.

"Pfft, second brother, you know my nature. I speak my mind and I don’t care who I offend. If something happens to Father, Che is the sole culprit." Nalan Bu sat on the sofa and sneered.

"Third sister..."

Before Nalan Liu could finish, Nalan Chuan cut in: "Second brother, third sister, please, stop arguing. It is my failure to discipline him that has led Che to commit such an act of insubordination. When I find him, I will certainly teach him a harsh lesson."

"Ha! Big brother, if you were capable of finding him, you would have done so already, wouldn't you?" Nalan Bu remarked with biting sarcasm.

Nalan Chuan’s complexion fluctuated between pale and ashen under her mockery, but he quickly suppressed his temper.

She was simply that kind of person; why should he lower himself to argue with her?

Nalan Bu pulled a moisturizing spray from her expensive designer handbag and spritzed her face twice before continuing. "I heard that Che was spirited away by a distant relative of the Zhao Group. Birds of a feather flock together, I suppose. That Zhao Yi is known for his chaotic private life, so his cousin can’t be any better. I truly don’t understand how Che could have let himself be ensnared by such a woman."

Her tone was thick with disdain and contempt.

Zhao Yi's cousin?

Nalan Chuan frowned, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

***

At least Nalan Che still possessed a shred of humanity; he hadn't truly intended to starve her to death.

Tong Xiaoman had eaten her fill and slept soundly. Daylight had broken, and she had been missing for two days. Her cousin must be frantic.

How could she find a way to contact him?

As the thought crossed her mind, the door was pushed open. Blinding sunlight streamed in, and she instinctively raised a hand to shield her eyes.

Looking up, she saw Nalan Che walk in, dressed in casual attire. She couldn't help but linger on his appearance—a handsome man was handsome indeed, no matter what he wore.