Chen Yutong felt a touch of annoyance, a feeling she knew was somewhat unreasonable, yet she couldn't quite control her emotions. She clenched her fists, finally managing to pull her thoughts away from the jealousy and unease. She kept telling herself that Old Master Zhan had his reasons for acting as he did, it wasn't simply a matter of favoritism. She mustn't let her thoughts stray towards the worst-case scenarios. She took a deep breath, finally calming herself.
Just then, she heard the sound of the door opening downstairs. She knew it was Zhan Yangyi returning, but she hadn't expected him to be back so early. Chen Yutong still got out of bed and walked downstairs. She saw that Zhan Yangyi looked tired, his complexion was terrible, and there was a hint of anger in his expression.
"Yangyi, what's wrong? Why do you look so ill?" Chen Yutong remembered that Zhan Yangyi hadn't looked this bad when he left that morning; he had even given her a good morning kiss.
Zhan Yangyi sighed and looked at Chen Yutong. "It's nothing, just a few minor issues at work. You don't need to worry."
But Chen Yutong didn't think so. While Zhan Yangyi's capabilities were slightly less than Zhan Mohan's, there weren't many situations that could trouble him to this extent. This was the first time she had seen him like this since marrying him.
"Yangyi, what exactly happened? If you keep it from me, I'll just worry more."
Seeing Chen Yutong's persistent gaze, Zhan Yangyi finally relented. "The company had a collaboration with an overseas enterprise, and unfortunately, their project encountered problems. It might implicate our company. This is quite a troublesome matter."
Chen Yutong was startled. She suddenly recalled a news report she had inadvertently seen on her computer earlier. It mentioned that a foreign pharmaceutical company had been found to contain prohibited substances, had been sealed off, and was facing astronomical compensation and penalties.
"Could it be..." Chen Yutong dared not believe it. If this matter truly involved them, their company might not survive. "Yangyi, tell me, is it the pharmaceutical company that was discovered to have prohibited substances?"
Zhan Yangyi was momentarily taken aback, surprised that Chen Yutong knew. Seeing his reaction, Chen Yutong knew her guess was correct. If this was the case, their future would be difficult, and they might face even greater trouble. Pharmaceutical production was subject to strict national inspections and regulations. Such an incident would undoubtedly result in severe punishment.
"I'm sorry," Zhan Yangyi could only say. "I never imagined that company would do such a thing. Now they are clinging to us, claiming we were involved."
Chen Yutong also realized the gravity of the situation. The suddenness of this event made it seem deliberate. "Yangyi, let's go talk to Mohan and the others. Maybe there's another way, or we can find out who is orchestrating all of this."
Zhan Yangyi shook his head. His company had always been his responsibility, and it had no connection to the Zhan Group. If he relied on Zhan Mohan or Zhan Yichen now, he might drag them down with him. "I can't do that."
"Then... what do you plan to do?" Chen Yutong asked.
Zhan Yangyi shook his head. "I don't know..."
"Then..." Chen Yutong was about to ask more, but seeing Zhan Yangyi's expression, she ultimately said nothing more. Zhan Yangyi was already burdened enough; she shouldn't add more pressure.
"I'm sorry," Chen Yutong said softly. "No matter what happens in the future, I will always be by your side."
Zhan Yangyi finally looked up at Chen Yutong. "Thank you." His eyes were filled with emotion and tenderness.
Chen Yutong gently hugged him. "We're husband and wife, what's there to thank?"
Zhan Yangyi's voice was slightly hoarse. "Yutong, if I can no longer provide you with a comfortable life in the future, will you hate me?"
Chen Yutong paused slightly. She hadn't expected him to ask such a question at a time like this. "I've already said it, no matter what happens, I won't leave you, and you're not getting rid of me."
Zhan Yangyi fell silent and embraced Chen Yutong.
Zhan Yangyi only stayed home for a short while before receiving a call and rushing off. Although Zhan Yangyi had asked Zhan Mohan and Zhan Yichen not to help, Chen Yutong knew that Zhan Yangyi alone couldn't resolve this matter. She finally picked up her phone and called Wei Yumeng.
Wei Yumeng was with Mu Linjing, and they were chatting, completely unaware of what was happening at Zhan Yangyi's home. Seeing Chen Yutong's call, Wei Yumeng answered without much thought.
"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?" Wei Yumeng's voice carried a hint of concern, fearing that Chen Yutong might have encountered something at home while Zhan Yangyi was at work.
Chen Yutong's voice came from the other end of the phone. "Yumeng, I need to ask you for a favor. Besides you, I don't know who else to turn to."
Upon hearing Chen Yutong's words, Wei Yumeng glanced seriously at Mu Linjing, who also sensed that something might have happened. "Yumeng, Yangyi's company is in trouble, and he's about to collapse. I hope you can ask Mohan to help him."
Wei Yumeng comforted her. "Okay, tell me. If we can help, we definitely will."
Chen Yutong briefly explained the situation to Wei Yumeng over the phone. After listening, Wei Yumeng also grew serious. She knew this was no small matter; even the Zhan Group would struggle to emerge unscathed if involved. After all, once a company is embroiled in a lawsuit, its future development is usually jeopardized.
"Don't worry, I'll tell Mohan about this and see if he has any solutions."
"Thank you, Yumeng." Chen Yutong hung up the phone. She knew how Zhan Yangyi would react, or how he would blame her, if he found out she had asked Wei Yumeng for help. But she had no other choice; she was only trying to help Zhan Yangyi.
"What's wrong?" Mu Linjing asked worriedly, having not heard the conversation.
"Sister-in-law and big brother are in trouble. We need to help them," Wei Yumeng said, frowning. Chen Yutong was still pregnant, and this situation had come at a most inopportune time. Without further thought, she immediately picked up her phone and called Zhan Mohan, as every minute counted in helping Zhan Yangyi.
After waiting for a long time, Zhan Mohan finally answered.
"Madam, are you looking for Mr. Zhan? Mr. Zhan has just gone to handle some matters. Is there anything I can help you convey?" Fang Xun said.