The elder was silent about the possibility of Wei Yumeng's child being Zhan Mohan's. Even if the child was confirmed to be of the Zhan family, he would not acknowledge this daughter-in-law anymore. To prevent Zhan Mohan from getting entangled with Wei Yumeng if he found out, he decided to keep it a secret.
Being looked down upon was an uncomfortable feeling. Zhan Mohan, with a dark expression, was about to show his displeasure.
"Grandfather, I told you I would handle my own affairs, so you don't need to worry about them."
His words instantly angered the elder. "What do you mean I don't need to worry? I'm your grandfather, and you're speaking to me like this!"
Looking at Zhan Mohan now, the elder felt that he had been drugged and bewitched by Wei Yumeng. Otherwise, why would he be protecting this woman who had betrayed him so recklessly?
"Zhan Mohan, you're truly mad!"
The elder stood up and walked angrily to the door. "In short, I warn you, don't let me know you're still in contact with her, or I'll make things difficult for her too!"
With that, the elder left the study in a huff, leaving only Wen Yulan and Zhan Mohan behind.
Knowing that Wen Yulan was there to complain first, Zhan Mohan unleashed all his pent-up dissatisfaction and anger onto her.
"It seems you haven't taken my warning to heart at all."
Seeing his ferocious expression, Wen Yulan silently swallowed, but she still put on a brave front.
"Ah Han, don't be ungrateful. I'm helping you maintain family discipline. Wei Yumeng has already betrayed you; what's the use of you protecting her so much? Didn't she still betray you?"
They say revealing someone's shortcomings can be hurtful, and Wen Yulan's words were indeed sharp. Knowing what Zhan Mohan couldn't stand, she deliberately said things to make him unhappy.
She was successful. Zhan Mohan, already burdened with emotions, was completely set off here.
Zhan Mohan sneered, "I thought you were a sensible person, but now it seems your life is too comfortable. Since you refuse to heed my warning, from today onwards, you will no longer have absolute freedom. I will have the servants watch you every day, and you will have to report everything you do to me."
"Zhan Mohan, how dare you!"
She gritted her teeth, but Zhan Mohan was unfazed. "You'll know if I dare to try. As for your son, I will cancel all his cards and stop giving him any allowance. Both you and your son will pay the price for what you've done."
Upon hearing this ultimate punishment, Wen Yulan could no longer sit still. If someone were to watch her every day, she would surely break down.
"Zhan Mohan, I am your elder. How can you restrict my freedom? Also, Yi Chen is your brother; how can you stop his living expenses? How will he survive without money?"
Zhan Mohan chuckled. "He's an adult; why should he be supported by others? As for you, you'll find out soon enough if I dare to do it."
With that, he opened the door and left, leaving Wen Yulan alone in the study, on the verge of collapse.
As a lady of leisure, she had countless entertainment activities daily. If her freedom were truly restricted, it would be like taking half her life.
However, Zhan Mohan always kept his word. If he said something, he would do it; Wen Yulan knew this very well.
Emerging from the study, Zhan Mohan took several deep breaths to calm himself. He didn't go to talk to Grandpa Zhan again.
He decided to leave directly. Sitting in the car, he was unsure if he should go back to the hospital. The thought of Xin Ran accompanying Wei Yumeng in the hospital made his heart clench with discomfort.
He didn't go back and headed straight to his company.
Meanwhile, in the hospital, Xin Ran was sitting beside Wei Yumeng, listening to her recount the day's events.
"That woman is so wicked, she wouldn't even spare an unborn infant?"
Wei Yumeng gave a bitter smile. Wen Yulan's thoughts weren't new; she would do anything for Zhan Yichen.
"Yumeng, why don't I hire two bodyguards to protect you? It's too dangerous for you like this. Who knows what else that woman might do to you?"
His concern was valid, but Wei Yumeng still shook her head. "You've already helped me a lot. Don't worry, I'll protect myself well."
She didn't want to trouble Xin Ran further, as he was already bearing the burden of this child.
Understanding her meaning, Xin Ran didn't insist further but asked a more serious question.
"Have you considered the child's future? The child is Zhan Mohan's. I don't think you can hide it forever. As long as you are within his sight and in this city, he will find out one day."
Xin Ran's question plunged Wei Yumeng into silence. Hadn't she thought about these issues? But each time, she couldn't find an answer.
Her thoughts drifted back to the past. When she was carrying her first child, it was the same. Wen Yulan had tried everything to harm the child in her womb. Zhan Mohan couldn't protect her every moment, and Wen Yulan would surely seize every opportunity. No matter what, she couldn't tell Zhan Mohan the truth now.
She had to stall until the child was safely born.
Seeing her troubled expression, Xin Ran felt both heartache and helplessness. He patted her shoulder consolingly. "It's okay, think about it slowly. There's always a way when you get there. Don't worry too much."
Wei Yumeng pursed her lips and nodded. Both of them knew that these words were merely a form of comfort. The child's parentage couldn't be taken lightly, and Zhan Mohan would eventually find out.
However, at that time, what would the situation be like, and in what direction would their relationship develop?
Wei Yumeng sighed heavily and gently stroked her belly. "No matter what, this is my child with him. I must protect this child well and not let anyone harm him."
Regardless, she was determined to give birth to this child.
Watching the maternal resolve in her gentle gaze, Xin Ran could only offer a wry smile. How he wished she loved him. He also wanted to feel her tenderness, her affection, and her firm determination to protect their child.
Unfortunately, emotions couldn't be forced. No matter how much he did, it was not as impactful as Zhan Mohan doing nothing.
He suddenly remembered a phrase: "He just has to stand there, doing nothing, and I will love him."
In the end, was he and Yumeng destined to be apart? Must their connection be severed like this?
He stopped bringing up the matter and said to Wei Yumeng,
"It's getting late. Why don't you call Mu Linjing and ask her to buy you something to eat?"
"Okay." Wei Yumeng was indeed hungry.
As Xin Ran was calling Mu Linjing, Mu Linjing was already on her way to buy food with a tacit understanding.