Two days later, Jingdu.
Over at Thunder Horse Organization’s headquarters in Beijing where a cluster of reporters surrounded the premises.
“CEO Liang, what will Thunder Horse Organization’s next move be?” a reporter took to ask.
“CEO Liang, now that Mr Xia Lei is gone, who will inherit the organisation? Will it be his sister or his unborn child?”
Another reporter quickly followed up with another question.
“CEO Liang, is the child in your belly Mr Xia Lei’s love child?”
A little spark lit up the forest fire.
“CEO Liang, my apologies in advance for the offensive question, but our sources informed us that the child is Mr Xia’s. Thunder Horse Organization is a significant asset of our national defence, so we are truly intrigued to know who the successor will be.” The aggressive reporter went on bombarding her with borderline offensive questions.
Liang Siyao chuckled at their questions. She felt no obligation to reply to their request, and unlike two days ago, she was calm and composed. Prior to knowing that Xia Lei was alive and well, these questions would have sparked a tsunami of emotions within herself. But now, she was relieved.
Who will inherit the Thunder Horse Organization? That was not a question that had crossed her mind, because the fetus in her womb was already a major shareholder of this organisation. Regardless of which child would end up on the helms, she knew that her place was secure.
“CEO Liang, answer my question please.”
“Sure. But first, why don’t you tell me where your source is from?”
“This…” The hasty reporter was left stuttering.
Liang Siyao solemnly added, “You’re not answering my question, so I’ll do the same.”
“CEO Liang, when will Mr Xia’s funeral and cremation proceed?” Another reporter took hold of the opening as she engaged.
Liang Siyao replied, “About this, I think it’d be more appropriate if you talk to his wife, Madam Fan Fan. But here’s one thing you should know, our chairman isn’t dead.”
“Mr Xia Lei is alive?” The reporter was flabbergasted. “How is that possible?”
An uproar ensued in the venue.
“Is CEO Liang dishevelled by the news? What is she even talking about?”
“Right?”
“The news of Xia Lei’s death was broadcasted throughout the country, even the national flag was lowered in conjunction with the mass funerals and remembrance events happening in cities big and small across the country. Even schools are beginning to educate about the life of comrade Xia Lei, so how can you just give a reply this brazen?”
“She must have been shell-shocked from his passing and is still traumatised. If that’s the case, I’m certain the child in her womb is Xia Lei’s.”
“Well this is getting interesting, isn’t it. Now that Xia Lei is dead, his sister has one hand on the inheritance, along with his missing father. Then there’s his pregnant wife, and if the child in her womb is his, it’s all a ticking time bomb. This is going to be exciting!”
“Why wouldn’t it be? This is a multi-billion-dollar inheritance we’re talking about!”
“These family conglomerates sure are full of action ain’t it? I’m starting to feel thankful for my life as a simple commoner.”
Facing the commotion, Liang Siyao was unwavered. After the press’ discussions amongst one another died down, she promptly added, “I’ll repeat myself, Chairman Xia is NOT dead. So here I say before all of you if you witness the return of our chairman, don’t get too shocked.”
This time there was no ensuing discussion, for the press were all fixated upon Liang Siyao, deep down unilaterally convinced that she had gone insane.
“Siyao, time for dinner,” Another pregnant woman came into the frame, flaunting her alluring curves. The attention of most in the venue was fixated on her enticing figure, the same reason Xia Lei was captivated, to begin with.
“Got it Ruyi, I’ll be there in a moment,” Liang Siyao replied. “Alright, you guys can call it a day now. That’s all I have for today if there’s anything new we’ll hold a press conference, goodnight.”
Upon finishing, Liang Siyao shoved her way through the clusters of reporters and headed towards the main gate, looking closely at Jiang Ruyi’s shoulder. The two pregnant women seemed rather comfortable with each other’s company, akin to actual sisters.
“Who would this other pregnant woman be? And to think she’s this close with CEO Liang.”
“Huh, that’s not it. I’m sure I saw another one not too long ago,” someone added, referring to Long Bing.
“Including Xia Lei’s wife Fan Fan, wouldn’t that mean there are four pregnant women in the Peace Mansion?” Another took to ask.
“Well obviously, I saw the four of them shopping for groceries at the supermarket under the protection of a horde of bodyguards previously. Oh, now that I think of it, it was just three days ago,” the reporter added.
“C’mon, let’s check out what they’re up to. Who knows, we might actually get some newsworthy shots!” The reporter instincts quickly came to them.
The rest of the press quickly followed.
A military-grade all-terrain vehicle came steering in from the capital, almost in sync with Liang Siyao and Jiang Ruyi as they arrived at the gate, just in time to welcome the parked all terrain at their doorstep.
The doors of the all-terrain flung open and it was Tang Yuyan with a stride of her long alluring leg from the driver’s seat. She originally meant to enter the Peace Mansion but had quickly noticed Liang Siyao and Jiang Ruyi by the gate.
Liang Siyao intentionally dragged her feet as she whispered into Jiang Ruyi’s ear, “Look at that conniving bitch. How thick-skinned can she be? If the man I love just impregnated four different women I wouldn't even bother to come looking for him.”
Jiang Ruyi giggled as she rhetorically questioned, “What if it’s our man?”
“I still wouldn’t see myself looking for him,” Liang Siyao replied with a coy smile.
“Yeah right,” Jiang Ruyi was unconvinced.
“Ruyi, whose side are you even on?”
“Well of course I’m on your side. I’ll believe everything you say from here on out, is that enough?”
“That’s what sisters do. When our man returns, I’ll allow him to sleepover at your place first, how’s that?” Liang Siyao faintly pinched Jiang Ruyi on the collarbone.
“Screw you, you wouldn’t,” Jiang Ruyi responsively jabbed her on the waist.
“Alright, together then,” Jiang Ruyi teased.
“Eww, not happening,” Her cheeks instantly reddened.
The two pregnant women were in all smiles, and even though they were essentially strolling the whole time, they ultimately made it to the gate.
There was no running from the issue at hand.
“Siyao, Ruyi, good to see you both,” Tang Yuyan greeted the two pregnant women in an affectionate manner.
“Yuyan, didn’t see you earlier, what made you stop by? We were just about to have dinner. If you gave us a call we would have prepared an extra serving for you,” Liang Siyao gave a civilised reply.
Jiang Ruyi intercepted, “That’s true, I made only four servings, would you be joining us for dinner?”
Liang Siyao rolled her eyes on her statement.
Jiang Ruyi noted her signal and promptly kept her silence. It was noteworthy to mention that she was actually the most earnest amongst Xia Lei’s women.
“Nah, I’ve eaten,” Tang Yuyan replied.
“You’ve eaten? Then why are you here?” Liang Siyao had no intention of letting her in.
Tang Yuyan frowned in response, “This isn’t a good place to talk, let’s head inside.”
Liang Siyao promptly declined, “Why isn’t it convenient to talk out here? I think it’s perfectly fine, say what you need to.”
Tang Yuyan found it increasingly hard to control her temper. “Since when do you get to decide? If it’s Fan Fan I will give her a speaking chance. But you, hmph! I don’t care what you think!”
Liang Siyao was unfazed, “Well suit yourself, but right here it has always been my word that counts.”
Tang Yuyan was exasperated.
“That’s all? Well then ta-ta,” Liang Siyao turned and strode towards the house, still denying Tang Yuyan her entry.
“I’m here for Xia Lei!” Tang Yuyan burst, “I know he’s not dead!”
A simple sentence stirred up a huge row.
The reporters that were still within the vicinity hastily readied their equipment and recorders.
“Is Xia Lei really alive?”
“How is this possible?”
“This recording and photos will undoubtedly be on tomorrow’s headlines!”
“He’s alive? What exactly happened in the dark?”
“God knows! Xia Lei’s stories are all newsworthy that’s for sure!”
“Wouldn’t it be great if it was true. He’s a national hero and the shield upholding our national defence.”
Amongst the messy array of press crew, stood an unassuming photographer who had his single-lens reflex camera in his hands the whole time. He had spoken no words and no questions thus far, only photos.
By the Peace Mansion’s gate, Liang Siyao turned towards Tang Yuyan. “You’re right, he’s alive, but what does that have to do with you?”
“I’m not here to reason with you, I need to see him!” Tang Yuyan stormed towards the gate.
Liang Siyao reactively cut into her path, effectively blocking her way forward.
“You’re pregnant, don’t make me force your hand,” Tang Yuyan warned.
Liang Siyao did not react, but instead ordered, “Ruyi, go get help,”
“Alright,” Jiang Ruyi nodded and hastily headed indoors.
Tang Yuyan was anxious as she lifted her feet for a high kick to the shoulder!
Liang Siyao took a quick step back to dodge her attack, but was shaken by her actions as she blurted, “Tang Yuyan, what the hell are you doing? If anything happens to Xia Lei’s child I will destroy you!”
“Wow, so it really is Xia Lei’s child!”
“She admitted, this is going to be huge!”
“Camera, aim towards her belly!”
At the gate, Tang Yuyan did not further attack Liang Siyao. After all, now that Liang Siyao had Xia Lei’s unborn child, she’d use it to her advantage. Hurting her child would leave her to the wrath of Xia Lei!
She still had a glimpse of hope left in her. But if she caused the miscarriage of Liang Siyao’s child, that would effectively crush any chance left for herself.
Jiang Ruyi brought Long Bing and Fan Fan to the front porch.
She was first to call her out. “Tang Yuyan, what are you doing here! This is private property and you’re trespassing!”
“I need to see Xia Lei!” Tang Yuyan demanded. “This is not private, it’s business!”
Fan Fan replied, “I couldn’t care less if it’s business or private. This is my house! If you’re here to meet my husband, he’s not here so you can go now. About any other matter, feel free to meet him in the office, you’re not welcomed here.”
Tang Yuyan would go head to head against Liang Siyao. But Fan Fan is a whole other story.
She could only stare blindly at Long Bing.
Long Bing added, “He’s not back yet. If you’ve got business you can deal with me.”
Both as agents themselves, Liang Siyao and Tang Yuyan tend to allow the heat of the moment to dictate their actions, but Long Bing was characteristically calm and collected as she does in most situations. She was convinced that Tang Yuyan might have pressing matters at hand, otherwise, with her boastful personality, she would never bring herself to the Peace Mansion to be shunned by these women.
“Great, we’ll go somewhere else to discuss,” Liang Siyao noted.
“You ladies go ahead, I’ll join soon enough,” declared Long Bing.
At the Peace Mansion, the reporters were having a field day as the flashes and clicks were in abundance. A smart guess would put all four of these pregnant women into the narrative, connecting the dots.
Just as Long Bing crossed the boundaries of the gate, the peculiar reporter pointed his single-lens reflex camera, on the shutter he clicked for a rather ominous shot.