Plunder-Chapter 321: Cousin Zhu Yating

Time flowed like water, relentlessly moving forward.

In a flash, a year had passed.

Little Nian’en also celebrated her first birthday.

That day, Chu Garden was bustling with excitement as everyone gathered to throw a birthday party for little Nian’en.

The little one was adorably chubby and, dressed in a pink puffy princess dress, she immediately became the darling of the group.

"En Jie, with the great genes you and Director Zhou have, are you really not considering having another one?"

Lin Youyou, holding Gege, moved closer to Qiao En and once again started the conversation about having more children.

Qiao En put a hand to her forehead, "One is enough for me, I don’t want to be Mother Earth."

Lin Youyou patted her protruding belly proudly, "Actually, having more children can be quite fun."

She was already six months pregnant.

In the center of the crowd, Zhou Jin’an transformed into a doting father, catching Nian’en in his arms the moment she took a few steps.

That once icy man seemed to soften amidst the trivialities of daily life, gradually taking on a more down-to-earth presence.

"You have them, and I can still play with them too, same fun," proclaimed Qiao En with a laugh.

"It’s not the same. Having children is about enjoying the process of nurturing. Look how cute Nian’en is. If you gave her a little sister or brother, she wouldn’t be lonely," she replied.

But Qiao En still didn’t want to have another child.

Even though Zhou Jin’an had discussed it with her several times.

The shadows of her childhood lingered; in a family with more than one child, there was bound to be favoritism.

She wasn’t perfect and couldn’t be truly fair.

Sister Rong suddenly rushed over to Zhou Jin’an, and from afar, Qiao En could see the urgency in Sister Rong’s expression.

Then, Zhou Jin’an put down Nian’en and quickly headed outside.

"What happened?" Qiao En asked, following his quick pace with puzzlement.

Zhou Jin’an’s brow was deeply furrowed, and his complexion wasn’t great.

"My mother had an accident, she’s in the hospital, I need to go there now."

For almost a year, Zhou Jin’an hadn’t visited Mrs. Zhou.

He would occasionally communicate with Aunt Liu over the phone to get updates.

"I’ll come with you," Qiao En offered.

Zhou Jin’an looked extremely anxious, "I’ll go by myself. Today is Nian’en’s birthday, spend some time with her."

With that, he hurried out the door.

As soon as he got into the car, another call came through from Aunt Liu, "Young Master, are you close? The Madame’s condition isn’t very good, she keeps asking for you."

"Understood," he replied coldly before hanging up the phone, yet he couldn’t help but speed up a little.

About half an hour later, Zhou Jin’an arrived at the hospital.

Aunt Liu had taken care of the hospital admission for Mrs. Zhou, who lay on the hospital bed moaning in pain.

As soon as Zhou Jin’an entered, Aunt Liu came up to him.

"Madame, the Young Master is here to see you."

Mrs. Zhou lay with her back to Zhou Jin’an, unmoving, except for the continual cries from her lips.

"Oh, it hurts so much."

"What’s the matter?"

Having not seen her for so long, the anger in Zhou Jin’an’s heart hadn’t subsided.

On the one hand, he was angry with Mrs. Zhou, and on the other, he couldn’t help but feel pity.

"The Madame has been suffering from severe insomnia lately. I accompanied her to see the doctor, but just as we arrived at the hospital, she ran into that old bastard from the Ding Family. The Madame was distressed and had a few words with him, then somehow, they got into a fight."

"Young Master, it’s all that old bastard’s fault. He slandered the Madame so she just retorted a bit, which really was nothing. You know, the Madame is frail and already felt wronged; being attacked today is truly pitiable," Aunt Liu rattled on.

Zhou Jin’an remained silent.

"Young Master, please watch over Mrs. Zhou for a moment, I will go get her medicine."

Aunt Liu found an excuse and quickly left the ward.

The room was left with only Zhou Jin’an and Mrs. Zhou, creating a somewhat strange atmosphere.

Zhou Jin’an stood not far from the hospital bed, wanting to approach, but his feet felt as if they were filled with lead, immovable.

"Ouch, it hurts so much, my old bones surely can’t take it anymore, it might be better if I just died."

Seeing that Zhou Jin’an hadn’t come closer, Mrs. Zhou started to act despondent.

"The things that happened back then are behind us, why do you still have to bear a grudge against him?"

After a long time, Zhou Jin’an finally spoke.

"Bear a grudge? Is it holding a grudge to speak a couple of words to him? Jin’an, you are my own son, who is to blame for our years apart? My perfectly good family was ruined by his hands, how do you expect me to swallow this bitterness?"

As soon as Mrs. Zhou spoke, tears began to stream down her face.

Her crying left Zhou Jin’an unsure of what to say.

"Jin’an, you have to stand up for me, this time he bullied me. I only said a couple of words to him, and he raised his hand against me, look—"

As she spoke, Mrs. Zhou parted her hair to reveal a bruise on her forehead.

"Alright, I understand."

Zhou Jin’an said, moving closer to the window, and dialed Ding Yongsheng’s phone number.

However, it wasn’t him who answered the call.

The person on the line was Ding Ruxin.

"Director Zhou, I’m sorry, my father just took his medication and lay down, he can’t answer the phone right now."

Ding Ruxin spoke very politely.

Zhou Jin’an’s eyes darkened, "What’s this about the hospital incident?"

"Director Zhou, if I told you, would you believe me?" Ding Ruxin asked.

Today, she was the one accompanying Ding Yongsheng to the hospital for treatment.

"You tell me."

Zhou Jin’an’s voice was cold as ice.

"My father was diagnosed with rectal cancer last month, and today, I accompanied him to the hospital for chemotherapy. I know my father has made mistakes in the past, but he has faced punishment. In the lobby, the aunt saw my father, first insulted him with indignant words, then physically attacked him. I must admit, my father fought back, and the aunt was injured on her forehead by my father."

"Director Zhou, I am very sorry for this incident, my father did not control his emotions. But what the aunt said was too much, she not only cursed my father to die badly, but also cursed our three Ding siblings to not meet a good end. Director Zhou, when will this vendetta end, can we reconcile? For the wrongs my father committed, I will compensate."

After Ding Ruxin finished speaking, silence fell.

So did Zhou Jin’an.

On the hospital bed, Mrs. Zhou lay on her side, but her gaze kept stealthily glancing at Zhou Jin’an.

In that moment of eye contact, Mrs. Zhou quickly averted her gaze.

"Alright, I got it."

Zhou Jin’an hung up the phone.

"When will that old dog Ding Yongsheng come to apologize to me?"

Mrs. Zhou asked arrogantly.

Zhou Jin’an frowned. He did not like Mrs. Zhou’s uncompromising attitude, but she was his mother, and he couldn’t let his disdain show.

"He’s contracted cancer."

Zhou Jin’an said flatly.

But Mrs. Zhou reacted with excitement, abruptly sitting up from the bed, folding her hands as if praying toward the window.

"Oh Lord, you have truly worked a miracle, what goes around comes around, that old dog Ding deserves a bad death!"

Zhou Jin’an now felt a need to leave the room.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going."

He suggested leaving, but Mrs. Zhou hastily stopped him.

"Jin’an, why are you leaving so soon after you just got here? Come here, I have something to tell you."

Zhou Jin’an, enduring patiently, sat down on the chair beside the bed. Mrs. Zhou looked at him with a profound gaze.

"I have something to discuss with you."

Zhou Jin’an remained silent.

Mrs. Zhou took a moment to gather her thoughts and then began, "I have a cousin sister who contacted me a while ago. She mentioned that one of her nieces just graduated from college and hasn’t found a job yet. Can you arrange for her to work at Nanchen?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jin’an’s brows furrowed deeply.

"I can arrange for her to work somewhere else, but not at Nanchen."

He decisively refused.

Mrs. Zhou’s face darkened immediately, "Jin’an, all these years, I’ve been alone and helpless. If it weren’t for your aunt who’s been taking care of me, I wouldn’t have made it to today. She’s never asked me for anything, but this time, you have to agree even if you don’t want to."

"I won’t agree."

Zhou Jin’an refused again.

Mrs. Zhou’s tears began to surge out again. "But I’ve already agreed to her, Jin’an. I know you don’t feel close to me, but we are the closest people in this world. I was wrong before, I realize my mistake now."

She grabbed Zhou Jin’an’s arm and shook it like a child.

"I’m sorry, Jin’an, I truly realize my mistake, and I dare not do it again. This past year, I’ve been reflecting, and I want to make it up to you, but I don’t know how. Jin’an, this time, won’t you help me, please?"

Her pleading look was pitiable.

The temper that Zhou Jin’an had been holding back also softened a bit.

Mrs. Zhou quickly sensed this and began to speak more softly.

"Jin’an, I miss you so much. Have you lost weight? Is it because you are working too hard? I can’t be by your side to take care of you, so you have to take care of yourself. Don’t worry about me, I have Aunt Liu and we support each other, everything is fine. It’s just that my sleep quality is getting worse, and I feel weak all over. I really don’t know when my time will come, and then you will be left all alone."

In terms of emotional manipulation, Mrs. Zhou was certainly skilled.

The indifference in Zhou Jin’an’s heart was stirred by her words and softened imperceptibly.

"I’m fine, and you should also take care of yourself. When I have time, I will spend more time with you," he said.

He stood up and walked out.

But Mrs. Zhou’s voice chased after him, "Jin’an, I’ll have Yating go directly to your office to find you. Please take care of her; she won’t cause any trouble for you."

Upon leaving Mrs. Zhou’s hospital room, Zhou Jin’an let out a long sigh.

Aunt Liu came out of the elevator carrying Mrs. Zhou’s medicine.

"Young master, are you leaving already?"

Zhou Jin’an nodded slightly, and Aunt Liu took out a small red pouch from her pocket, "Young master, today is Nian’en’s first birthday. Mrs. Zhou instructed me early to prepare a gift for the child. This is a little something from me and Mrs. Zhou."

Zhou Jin’an was surprised. He took the pouch, which contained a small gold lock.

"Thank you, Aunt Liu."

Zhou Jin’an thanked her and was about to leave when Aunt Liu stepped closer, "Young master, when you have time, please visit Mrs. Zhou more often. She misses you. She has regretted what happened last time ever since. There’s no overnight hatred between mother and son. Mrs. Zhou did what she did for your sake. She’s old now, doesn’t sleep well, and isn’t in good spirits. She’s been feeling uncomfortable with the weight of her burdens."

"Right, I understand."

Zhou Jin’an nodded in response.

Returning from the hospital, Nian’en’s party had already ended.

Sister Rong was coaxing Nian’en to go play on the swing in the backyard. He entered the house and was changing shoes in the entryway when Qiao En noticed Zhou Jin’an’s unusual expression at first glance.

"How is mom?"

She moved forward and took off his coat, hanging it on the rack.

"It’s nothing serious."

Zhou Jin’an replied listlessly.

"Why don’t we bring Nian’en and visit her together someday?"

Qiao En suggested.

Zhou Jin’an leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes, "Let’s talk about it later."

He replied in a flat tone.

All the events of the past were clear in his mind.

Ever since he could remember, Mrs. Zhou had been absent; she never showed up for his birthdays or many other special days.

Once, when he was crying for his mother, Sister Rong secretly took him to see Mrs. Zhou. However, she chose to avoid him and did not show up.

That incident was so long ago that it felt like a dream to Zhou Jin’an.

But the feeling of anticipation followed by disappointment was like a shadow that lingered over his heart.

Forgiveness was easy, but trust was too hard.

Qiao En walked behind him, her delicate fingers gently massaging his head.

"Let the past be in the past. Isn’t that what you always tell me?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Yeah," Zhou Jin’an simply acknowledged.

Qiao En wrapped her arms around his neck, "You, you are just too confused."

He buried his head in Qiao En’s embrace, like a child.

Only at this moment could the love-starved child within him feel momentarily satisfied.

"En’en, thank you."

He said softly.

Qiao En patted his back, "No need to thank me, everything will get better."

The next day, just as Zhou Jin’an arrived at the company, Mrs. Zhou’s call came through.

"Jin’an, Yating is already here. Can you arrange a position for her? Just do it as a favor to mom, okay?"

Mrs. Zhou still had that pleading tone in her voice.

Zhou Jin’an felt impatient, but he held it back, "Understood."

"Jin’an, mom knows it’s a hassle, and I thank you for that. I won’t bother you anymore."

Mrs. Zhou finally hung up the phone.

"Director Zhou, the receptionist said there’s a Miss named Zhu Yating looking for you, she claims to be your cousin."

Zhou Jin’an rolled his eyes inwardly. What cousin was this?

"I don’t recall you having such a cousin."

Cheng Lu scratched her head, her eyes revealing a meaningful look.

"It’s not too late to find out now. Take her to the HR department and let Old Zhang handle it."

Zhou Jin’an ordered.

Anyone related to Mrs. Zhou instinctively made him keep his distance.

However, things did not go as Zhou Jin’an wished.

That day, Zhou Jin’an had just entered the CEO’s private elevator with Cheng Lu.

Suddenly, a woman dressed in a beige business suit rushed over.

"Wait a moment."

She ran quickly and messily in her stiletto heels.

Then, she dashed into the CEO’s private elevator as swift as lightning.

"Miss, please step out."

Cheng Lu said coldly, facing her.

The woman was bent over, gasping for breath, her loose hair covering her delicate figure.

"Please let me go up, I’m going to be late. I just started working here, and they’ll dock my pay if I’m late," she said breathlessly.

"Which department are you in?"

Zhou Jin’an asked.

The woman slowly straightened up, "Cousin, it’s me, Yating. I’m working in the development department now. Thank you for arranging the job for me, I really like it," she said, with a sweet smile, her eyes curving into crescents.

A frost spread across Zhou Jin’an’s face.

Without a word, Zhu Yating moved closer to him, "Cousin, are you free tonight? I’d like to take you out for dinner to express my gratitude. You can’t refuse me. If you do, I’ll be very sad," she said in a cloying voice, echoing in the elevator.

Cheng Lu felt a chill, and she looked at Zhou Jin’an, whose face was turning as dark as coal.

"Director Zhou is not free tonight."

At such times, as the assistant, Cheng Lu had to shield Zhou Jin’an from trouble.

Zhu Yating pouted, looking unhappy, "What about tomorrow night?"

"He’s not free tomorrow night either. Miss Zhu, you should focus on your work and try to become a regular employee as soon as possible. The assessments at Nanchen are very strict."

"Assistant Cheng, can you not scare me, please? I’m easily frightened and don’t handle scares well. Besides, my cousin definitely won’t treat me the way he treats others. We’re family, cousin, aren’t we?"

Zhu Yating said, then looked at Zhou Jin’an with soft, dreamy eyes.

"No."

Zhou Jin’an stated coldly.

However, the elevator stopped at the development department.

Zhu Yating walked out with a beaming smile, "Cousin, I’ll be waiting for you!"

As the elevator doors closed, she didn’t forget to turn back and throw him a seductive wink.