After Being Betrayed I Married the Glamorous CEO-Chapter 196: Teetering on the Edge of Death, Continuously Probing!

"Brother Yun, the rest of my life is entirely in your hands. Words can’t express my gratitude. From now on, I’d be willing to work like an ox or a horse for you," Zhao Jian said, his hands trembling violently as he clung to Shen Fanyun’s. "Please, try to talk to Chen Su and get her to spare our Zhao Family. Over the years, we haven’t done anything truly heinous."

This was his last hope. If it didn’t work out, how would his parents survive? How could he go on? If he lost his nerve and ended it all, his parents would surely die.

"Help me beg the Chen Family for mercy... I... I..." Zhao Jian was overcome with grief. Just a month ago, the Zhao Family had been prosperous and carefree, but now they were reduced to this. Life was truly unpredictable; disaster could strike at any moment.

"Beg for mercy?" Shen Fanyun raised an eyebrow. There’s no need to beg. If they don’t behave, I’ll just let the Chen Family turn to dust. A family like that is a menace to society anyway. Wiping them out would have the citizens of Hangcheng City cheering.

"No need to beg?" Zhao Jian was confused.

Shen Fanyun said, "In any case, just wait until I’ve had a good rest."

"Okay, okay." Zhao Jian nodded, his mood finally lightening. He hadn’t taken care of himself for days, and his scruffy beard made him look ten years older.

Shen Fanyun said, "I’ll take you out to eat, then you need to get some proper rest."

"Thanks..." Zhao Jian scratched his head. "Right, we’re brothers. No need for thanks. I get it."

Chen Su was in high spirits after swaggering through the hospital. Seeing Yu Lan in a state worse than death had thrilled her to no end.

"Let’s go back." Hopping into her luxury van, she told the driver to take her straight home.

The Chen Family was a well-known name in Hangcheng City. They were a large and thriving clan, and Chen Su had several cousins in her generation alone. However, very few possessed her intellect. As a result, she was the darling of the family.

This time, her scheme had brought the Zhao Family to its knees, which meant a significant, indirect financial gain for the Chen Family. Once the Old Master hears about my grand accomplishment, he’ll surely praise my cleverness and business acumen. With time, I might even be able to contend for the seat of the family head. Who says women are inferior to men? Chen Su truly harbored this ambition.

"Oh? Auntie?" It had been a while since Chen Su had seen her paternal aunt. She’d heard her aunt’s daughter was in trouble and currently being detained.

Chen Su immediately wiped the excitement from her face. It would be inappropriate to look too happy, given her aunt’s troubles.

"Su Su, you’re back," Chen Wen greeted her.

Chen Su quietly sat beside Chen Wen and asked with concern, "How are things going with Ziye?"

"That man Xi Yan knows has a formidable background. He’s even made the provincial authorities hesitant to get involved recklessly. Sigh."

They had thought the combined influence of the Su and Chen families would be enough to save Ziye, but it now seemed they had been far too optimistic.

"Father," Chen Wen said, her voice wavering as tears welled up in her eyes.

Old Master Chen sat in the center of the room, silent save for his sighs. He didn’t seem to have any good ideas either. A month had passed. Ziye must have suffered greatly. That child had been so delicate since she was young; locked away in a place like that, her mental fortitude had probably shattered right away.

"Don’t be too sad, Auntie. There’s always a way out," Chen Su said comfortingly, patting Chen Wen’s shoulder.

"Thank you."

Chen Wen continued, "That man, Shen, he must have a powerful backer, most likely from the provincial government. But it doesn’t matter. I refuse to believe his backer will stay in that position forever. What goes around comes around. Sooner or later, I’ll make Shen Fanyun pay!" she vowed viciously.

Shen... what? Why does that name sound so familiar? That’s right! He was the man who went to the hospital with Zhao Jian. Before leaving, he had the gall to tell her—Chen Su, the prestigious young lady of the Chen family—to remember his name. Shen Fanyun! Yes, that was it. She hadn’t misremembered.

"Shen Fanyun? I’ve never heard of him. Is he really that impressive?" Chen Su asked, probing carefully.

Chen Wen looked crestfallen. "I may hate him to my very core, but you can’t underestimate that young man. What’s more, he’s ruthless. It’s best not to provoke him if you can help it. He’s a very difficult person to deal with."

Just then, the Old Master revealed something that plunged Chen Wen into utter despair.

"I heard that a while ago, this Shen Fanyun publicly humiliated Han Long and even injured his son, Prince Long Han Feng, right in front of him. This matter has been suppressed; no one is allowed to spread rumors or investigate it. So, this is all I know. The specifics of the grudge between him and Han Long are a mystery."

Holy hell, he’s that savage? Chen Su gasped. This Shen Fanyun is that audacious? He even beat up Han Feng?

"Grandfather, is that really true?" Chen Su asked, her heart pounding. If they’re the same person, doesn’t that mean I’m in big trouble?

Although the Chen Family held a high status, they paled in comparison to the Han Family. Shen Fanyun didn’t even take Han Long seriously, so her family—and she, Chen Su—were practically nothing to him.

"Do I look like I’m joking?" Old Master Chen shot her a cool glance.

In an instant, the hair on Chen Su’s entire body stood on end. And here I thought he was just some random nobody trying to be clever with his words. Turns out he’s a genuine monster!

Old Master Chen waved a hand, changing the subject. "Su Su, you said you had good news for me, that you were going to give me a big surprise. What is it?"

Chen Su was speechless. She had conspired with her first love to ruin the Zhao Family, nearly destroying them and driving the family of three to a dead end. In the past, Old Master Chen would have been delighted and would have gladly swallowed the Zhao Family’s assets. But now? Zhao Jian’s friend was a madman who even dared to beat up Han Long’s son. How could she possibly confess? If Grandfather finds out I provoked Shen Fanyun too, he’ll completely lose his cool.

"Grandfather, just... just give me a few more days. I’ll tell you then," Chen Su said, her voice laced with anxiety.

"Alright," Old Master Chen nodded, not thinking much of it.

Chen Su’s heart began to hammer in her chest. What am I going to do? How could that useless Zhao Jian have such a powerful backer? Should I return the Zhao Family’s assets that I seized? No! I worked so hard for this. It’s the fruit of my labor. How can I just give it back? Maybe... maybe I’ll return a small portion. That can be considered my magnanimous gesture of giving them a break!

Little did Chen Su know, at this very moment, she was toying with death itself.