The $400K Ultimatum

Chapter 3: Confession

"Let's go to the hospital! I'll call Warm right now and have her come with you."

When it came to his mother-in-law, Han Qian was completely helpless. She wasn’t just any woman—she was like a boss in a video game who could easily s*******r players, or a max-level character dropped into a beginner’s zone. Going to the hospital was out of the question. If Li Jinhè found out he was lying, Han Qian would be in real danger.

With a sigh, Han Qian sat down in a chair and said in a low voice, "Mom, my marriage to Warm was just a transaction. Back then, I was in trouble, and my mom needed 400,000 yuan for surgery. I had no choice but to make a mistake. I begged Warm to save me, and our marriage was her way of holding leverage over me so I could help her deal with you and Dad. Now that the contract is up, I can’t keep holding Warm back from her youth."

There was no other way. Trying to be clever in front of Li Jinhè would only make things worse. He had to come clean, though he made sure to take all the blame himself.

But Li Jinhè’s attention didn’t seem to be on their contractual marriage. Instead, she frowned and asked, "Are you saying I’m old?"

"No, no, no! You’re not old at all."

Li Jinhè replied calmly, "You’re missing a word."

"Mom! You’re not old at all. People even say you and Warm look like sisters when you go out."

Li Jinhè was satisfied. Then she said, "I can consider your three-year marriage as a relationship. Warm has a lot of flaws—she’s messy but claims to have OCD, has no life skills, and aside from her education and looks, she doesn’t have many redeeming qualities. Are you saying you didn’t develop any feelings for her at all? Even if you spent three years with a dog, you’d form some attachment. Oh! I’m not saying you’re a dog. I’m talking about Warm."

This mother-in-law was truly formidable!

Han Qian’s forehead was still sweating. He wiped it off and whispered, "Mom, you know my background. If it weren’t for the leverage she had over me, a girl like Warm would never have even spoken to me. These things are about social status, right? Even if I liked Warm, it wouldn’t matter. She likes someone else."

"You mean that little brat from the Lin family? The Lin men are all scoundrels. Lin Zongheng only has his eyes on Warm’s 17% stake in Changxiang Group. Only a fool like Warm would think her 'Brother Zongheng' actually loves her. You should’ve talked to me before getting a divorce. Now what? Lin Zongheng is coming back, and Warm is going to throw herself at him like a moth to a flame. Are we just supposed to hand over Old Wen’s life’s work to the Lin family? I regret not having a son."

Han Qian didn’t dare respond to that. Nodding or shaking his head both felt wrong.

Fortunately, Li Jinhè didn’t press him too hard. She pulled out 10,000 yuan from her bag and tossed it to Han Qian.

"Since you’re divorced, so be it. I’m not some old-fashioned, rigid person. For three years, you called me 'Mom.' Even if you’re not my son-in-law anymore, you’re still like half a son to me. Warm is petty—if you have more than 10,000 yuan to your name, I’d be shocked. Take this for now. Don’t even think about leaving the city. When Old Wen and I have problems in the future, we’ll need you to help out. If you dare refuse—"

"You’ll send the army to shoot me. I won’t refuse, I won’t refuse."

Taking money from someone always came with strings attached, and this was no small amount. But Han Qian really didn’t dare refuse. He’d learned the hard way just how formidable his mother-in-law was.

As they ate, Li Jinhè suddenly asked, "Has Warm gained respect at Changxiang?"

Han Qian, shoveling food into his mouth, nodded and said seriously, "The original project plan has been completed. The department store was renamed 'Rongzhuang Nation.' We stopped renting out spaces and started selling everything ourselves, targeting the lowest prices older customers would accept. The public response has been good, and it’s given middle-aged and elderly people a place to shop. Daily revenue is around 100,000 yuan. We’re not making huge profits, but the social impact is positive. Compared to Glory Department Store, our place is much livelier. Warm has been in charge of all this, so she’s probably earned some recognition. I’ve also given her a few smaller projects, which have had decent results, but nothing major."

Li Jinhè looked at her son-in-law with increasing fondness. He was handsome, a good match for Warm, and clearly talented. She smiled and said, "How about coming back to Changxiang? I can have Old Wen make you the head of the planning department."

Han Qian shook his head with a bitter smile. "Mom, don’t joke around. If I went back to Changxiang, Warm would think I’m still chasing her. Now that we’re divorced, it’s better to keep some distance. Besides, while the employees at Changxiang don’t know about my relationship with Warm, the higher-ups have seen me. I can’t go back. Also, that guy is coming back. As Warm’s ex-husband, seeing her with another man would make me uncomfortable. So, please, spare my life, okay?"

Li Jinhè’s expression showed clear disappointment. She sighed softly. "You’ve used all your pride on us and left none for that little ingrate Warm. She’s still naive enough to think she taught you everything you know. Since you’re set on this, I won’t push you. Han Qian, you’re only 25, right?"

Mentioning his age made Han Qian pause for a moment. Then he smiled and nodded. "Yeah, 25."

"Twenty-five is still young. Don’t rush into marriage. If you meet someone you like, tell me. If gentle persuasion doesn’t work, we’ll just throw money at her. If that doesn’t work, I’ll—"

"Send the army after her, right? I’m not planning to date anytime soon. I want to settle my problems first, then buy a place in the city before thinking about relationships. Mom, you should go play mahjong. This is Auntie Zhao’s fourth call."

As Han Qian spoke, Li Jinhè’s phone rang. It was the latest iPhone 4S, a luxury Han Qian couldn’t afford. Li Jinhè answered the call and scolded, "What’s with all the rushing? Can’t I have a meal with my son-in-law without you people nagging? Just wait—I’m coming to win your money!"

"Oh? Is Xiao Qian with you? Bring him along! I want to spoil him a little. Xiao Qian is such a good cook. Oh, and my husband’s not home tonight~"

"Ugh, shameless! Don’t flirt with my son-in-law. There are plenty of stray dogs out there. Han Qian, Auntie Zhao is asking if you’re coming. Are! You! Going?"

Han Qian quickly shook his head. "No, no, Auntie Zhao, I have things to do this afternoon. I need to go buy groceries for Warm."

As soon as he said it, Han Qian froze. It seemed old habits really did die hard.

The sultry voice on the phone growled, "Call me 'sister'! Li Jinhè, come here and face your doom!"

With that, the formidable mother-in-law left, driving a modest Audi A6. Back on the streets, Han Qian’s face was bitter, but then he clenched his fist.

"A new life begins now! Time to buy some cigarettes!"