Hu Pan was startled. Following the advice to eat well, she hung up the phone and hid under the bed, listening to the commotion outside.
Meanwhile, Xie Sui called Du Feiyang several times, but the line was busy. He finally reached him through the hotel.
"Brother Xie, what's so urgent at this late hour?"
"It's hard to get a hold of you. Go check on Pan'er's room. I suspect someone is planning to harm her. I'll explain later. Hurry!"
"What? Who the hell is tired of living, daring to touch my girlfriend?"
Du Feiyang quickly arrived at the adjacent room. The door was locked, so he kicked it open decisively. A thud of a heavy object falling echoed from inside. The bodyguards rushed in, only to retreat in unison.
"What's wrong? Is Pan'er alright?"
When Du Feiyang went to check, it wasn't alright; things were serious. Hu Pan'er was being held hostage by a man in black, with a gun to her head.
"Calm down. Tell me what you want. I'll satisfy you. Let my girlfriend go."
The man in black was annoyed. He thought it would be a simple job, but he didn't expect the woman to be so wary, hiding under the bed.
Just as he found her, he didn't expect her to resist. She hit him on the head, but luckily, it was just a kettle, and hot water was splashed all over him. Enraged, he was about to deal with her when Du Feiyang's bodyguards burst in, forcing him to take her hostage.
Hu Pan was also terrified, tears streaming down her face. "He's here to kill me."
"We have no grudge. Why would you kill my girlfriend? I am the young master of the Du family. Are you sure you want to cross the Du family? Who hired you? I'll pay you ten times the money and help you go abroad. I mean what I say."
The killer remained silent, staring at him. Hu Pan'er's crying grew louder. "I don't want to die, wah!"
She cried directly into the killer's ear, making his head buzz. He snapped, "Shut up!"
"I won't! I'm about to die, and you won't even let me cry? I'm so miserable, wah wah..."
The killer's head ached. He raised his hand to knock her out, but seizing the opportunity, Hu Pan bit his wrist and then broke free, crouching down.
At the critical moment, the bodyguard fired, a shot to the head.
The killer collapsed, his eyes staring blankly at Hu Pan'er. He never expected to die so quickly.
"Don't look. It's over. It's my fault. I didn't protect you well. Damn it, find out who did this! I'll destroy his entire family!"
Du Feiyang was truly angry. If he didn't unleash his fury, people would forget his temper.
"Pan'er, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, but someone died. What should we do? Will they arrest you?"
Hu Pan's lips trembled, but she was still worried about Du Feiyang. Du Feiyang was touched. He held her tightly, vowing never to fail this woman in this life.
He carried her to his room in a bridal style to rest and comforted her for a long time before she finally fell asleep. However, she had two nightmares during the night, which pained Du Feiyang.
Rarely sharing a bed with a woman, he had no romantic thoughts. He simply held her, staying awake all night.
The next day, the police came to take statements. Du Feiyang accompanied Hu Pan, resuming his arrogant and unrestrained demeanor. He took the initiative, asking, "My girlfriend was almost murdered. The public security in Hong Kong is as bad as ever. How do you plan to explain this to me?"
Hu Pan was stunned. How could he speak to the police like that?
Surprisingly, the police responded well to his attitude, cautiously saying, "Madam, we apologize for the fright you received. This was our oversight. We will increase patrols in the vicinity from now on. Madam, could you please detail last night's events? We investigated, and that person was a professional killer. It's truly remarkable that you survived him."
"Ah, a professional killer? You scared me to death. I haven't offended anyone. Why would a professional killer try to kill me? Officers, you must catch the mastermind."
Hu Pan was still shaken. She had been so bold last night, relying entirely on instinct. It was pure luck she wasn't killed.
She recounted last night's experience in detail. The police were surprised and asked, "You know Mr. Xie?"
"He's my boss, isn't he? Mr. Xie introduced me to Young Master Du as well. Is there a problem?"
"No, thank you for your cooperation. Miss Hu, please rest. We will investigate fully."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Du Feiyang was furious. "Hard work? They're useless. If we rely on them to catch anyone, the sun will rise from the west."
"Don't be like that. It's not their fault. They're working hard too."
"Working hard at what? They're getting taxpayer money, shouldn't they be doing their jobs? Blah blah..."
"Shut up!"
Hu Pan lost her patience and yelled. Du Feiyang immediately fell silent, shrinking back guiltily. "Don't be angry. I won't say another word, okay?"
Hu Pan smiled sheepishly. "Please excuse us. He just has a sharp tongue. I'll handle him."
"It's alright. It's not Young Master Du's fault. We'll take our leave now. If there's any progress, we'll inform Miss Hu."
The police couldn't believe it; Young Master Du was actually afraid of his girlfriend. It wasn't like him at all.
After the bodyguards saw the police off, Hu Pan'er was still angry. Du Feiyang coaxed her gently, "You can't be too polite with these people. Hong Kong is like this. Don't be angry. I'll change from now on."
Hu Pan said resentfully, "It's all your fault. Will they think I'm too fierce?"
"It's good to be fierce. You can be fierce with me. The fiercer you are, the more you care about me."
"Don't say that. I'm just driven to it by you."
Hu Pan sighed helplessly. She was such a gentle person, yet he made her yell at people.
Just as the police left, Du Feiyun arrived, followed by Fifth Madam and the Du family's head steward. A room full of people had come to check on Hu Pan'er.
Of course, Du Feiyun was just there to watch the show, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes that this woman hadn't been killed. She had a strong will to live.
"Why don't you move back to the old mansion? It's too dangerous out here."
"Auntie, I'm fine. We're moving to Mr. Xie's villa today. It's very safe there. I heard the glass is bulletproof. Why don't you come live with us?"
Fifth Madam was tempted. Living with her daughter-in-law, without the many troubles of the Du family, seemed not bad.
"Okay, let's go shopping today. I'll keep you company for a few days."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Du Feiyun's eyes flickered, and he got up to leave.
Du Feiyang watched his retreating back and sneered. It seemed he wanted to join Du Yujie as company.
Xie Sui's villa boasted the world's most advanced security technology, including electric fences, infrared scanners, alarms, surveillance cameras, and bulletproof glass. The basement even had a steel-reinforced safe room, capable of withstanding artillery shells.
The construction of this villa cost twenty million, and the security alone cost fifty million. Du Feiyang was very satisfied.
Hu Pan went shopping with Fifth Madam, buying and buying, free from any worries. No shopping could cure all sorrows.
Lin Wanwan's purchased mall was doing very well. Hu Pan bought most of her things there. It was only then she realized that Wanwan Sister, who seemed unassuming, was worth hundreds of billions. It was hard to believe.
Her own money couldn't compare to Wanwan Sister's. Yet, Wanwan Sister still lived in a simple courtyard in the county town as a housewife, just like before. Wanwan Sister was truly extraordinary.
She felt no envy, only a desire to learn from Wanwan Sister.
Fifth Madam took her for afternoon tea. The patrons were all from high society, mostly acquaintances. Many came to greet them, showing great curiosity towards Hu Pan. "Madam Du, who is this young lady?"
"She's Feiyang's girlfriend, a highly educated student from the mainland. Pan'er, this is Mrs. Huo, the wife of Mayor Huo we met yesterday."
"Oh, really? Hello, Mrs. Huo."
"Oh my, Feiyang has a girlfriend? That's rare. Madam Du is so fortunate. The young lady is so vibrant and a highly educated student. I was planning to introduce my niece to you, but it seems there's no opportunity now."
"Thank you for thinking highly of him. The children will decide their own marriage. I can't interfere. Your niece will surely find a better match."
"Thank you for your kind words. You ladies chat, I'll be going now."
"Goodbye, Mrs. Huo."
After seeing Mrs. Huo off, Fifth Madam snorted, "She didn't introduce her niece to me before. Now that he has shares in the group and is favored by the old man, she wants to introduce her. It's too late."
Hu Pan: "..."
Saying such things in front of her, wasn't it inappropriate?
"Pan'er, I'm telling you, after you marry Feiyang, you must see people clearly. None of these people are good. They smile to your face but are thinking of stabbing you in the back."
"That's terrifying."
"Don't worry, Auntie will help you. If there's a knife, Auntie will block it for you."
"Thank you, Auntie. You're so kind to me."
"Feiyang is Auntie's only son. Who else would I be kind to? It's rare for someone to be willing to have him. Auntie is grateful to you."
Hu Pan couldn't help but laugh. It was as if Du Feiyang was some kind of trash, disdained by his own mother.
After she rested for two days, Old Master Du's health improved. He invited them back to the old residence for dinner, and she entered the old house with Du Feiyang.
The old man sat on the sofa, saying kindly, "You're back. Sit here and tell me about the hotel incident. Have you found out who was behind it? Do you need Daddy to put in a word?"
Du Feiyang was a little touched. It was the first time the old man had shown him such concern. If he put in a word, the police wouldn't dare to be perfunctory; it carried a lot of weight.
"Thank you, Dad. I'm investigating. This person hired a killer, so we still need to investigate through the underworld. I have some leads."
"That's good. If you need money, withdraw it from the family account."
First Madam was furious. The old man treated him so well, and Fifth Branch was about to surpass First Branch.
The old man then said, "Pan'er, when do you plan to get engaged? While I'm still healthy, I'll help you arrange it. By rights, I should visit your father to propose and present betrothal gifts, as is proper. However, my health won't allow for long journeys, so I'll let the housekeeper and Fifth Madam go. Please convey my apologies to your father."
Having commanded the business world for a lifetime, the old man wished to be kind, appearing as the most approachable and loving father. His etiquette was impeccable.
Hu Pan quickly replied, "You're too kind. We're not in a hurry to get engaged. We're just here to visit you this time. We'll be returning in a few days, as there's a lot of business at home."
"That's fine. You decide. I respect your decision. Everyone says I'm the patriarch, but I'm actually very open-minded."
"I can see that, Uncle. You're very kind and reasonable, a good father."
Du Feiyang pouted. You haven't seen him when he's cold. It's as if his son was found.
"Let's eat first. I don't know how many more meals the old man can eat."
Hu Pan'er helped him up promptly, acting like a filial daughter-in-law, which made First Madam's face turn green with anger.
Upon reaching the dining room, Hu Pan released his hand and subtly slipped something into her pocket. Fortunately, she was wearing jeans with many pockets.
Old Master Du's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't been the one making small movements.
Du Feiyun and the others sat down. The long dining table was laden with precious and delicious food. Du Feiyang helped her serve dishes, taking care of her meticulously.
Old Master Du smiled and nodded. His son had grown up. Indeed, he became more sensible after finding a wife.
First Madam commented, "Feiyang never served his own mother like this. It's different with a wife."
Hu Pan smiled and replied, "I'll take care of Fifth Madam. In reality, it's not about who serves whom. True care is remembered in the heart, not these superficial gestures. I'd like to invite Fifth Madam to stay in the mainland for a few more days."
"What's so good about the mainland, such a rural place? Your skin will turn bad, and the air isn't good. Sister Five, do you really want to go?" Third Madam said affectedly and disdainfully.
Fifth Madam sneered, "You're like a frog in a well. How do you know it's rural if you don't see it? My son says the mainland is quite good. I'll definitely go. Sister Three, haven't you seen many people developing in the mainland now?"
Hu Pan added, "Fifth Madam is right. The mainland can't compare to the prosperity of Hong Kong, but its rich cultural heritage, long history, endless delicacies, hardworking people, and vast land are something Hong Kong lacks. Once you truly understand the mainland, then you can comment, instead of blindly following others and using arrogance to conceal your shallowness."
Third Madam: "..."
People from the mainland were indeed not likable. That Mr. Xie was also so impolite.
Du Feiyang wished he could applaud. Pan'er was amazing. She insulted people without using a single vulgar word, leaving Third Madam speechless. She was the first to do so.
"Can't you shut your mouths even while eating? Miss Hu is a guest. Don't embarrass me."
The old man spoke, and everyone reluctantly fell silent. Only the Fifth Branch truly enjoyed the meal.