Chapter 354: Helping Others Reach Their Goals

As if the universe had finally decided to humor him, the door creaked open with excruciating slowness, like a tease, and out stepped the face of Hua Zhi—the very image that had been lurking in his dreams. His heart gave a little jump, and before he knew it, he was already stepping forward, driven by a force he couldn't quite explain.

Behind him, the crowd of young men from esteemed families exchanged uncertain glances. The Hua family’s already tarnished reputation, thanks to the existence of a concubine in their ranks, was enough to make anyone cringe.

So why, of all people, was she here, personally escorting her off?

Did she think she was doing them a favor by gracing them with her presence?

And let’s be real, her track record didn’t exactly scream ‘easy conversation.’

Hua Zhi, however, wasn’t interested in any side commentary. She wasn’t one to let others meddle in her business. The only souls who dared accompany her were her loyal maidservant, Hua Yan, and Li Mama—who, judging by her sour expression, was here just to witness the spectacle unfold.

True to her character, Hua Zhi didn’t waste time on pleasantries. She got straight to the point, sharp and cold.

“They say the Hua family has a girl who admires Mr. Feng’s talent so much that she’s willing to lower herself to being his concubine. A truly ‘beautiful’ ambition, wouldn’t you say?”

Feng Changyu thought Hua Zhi was complimenting him and unconsciously straightened his chest. The people behind him couldn't help but stifle their laughter.

Talent?

Feng Changyu had talent?

Talent in sleeping with women?

Was the young lady really praising him with those words?!

"I have the desire for helping others to achieve, so I will not engage in such despicable acts. However, the Hua family cannot bear this stigma. We trouble Li Mama for her assistance."

Li Mama stepped forward, her presence unwavering, her voice smooth as silk yet carrying an unmistakable authority. "I’ve already verified earlier that Hua Yan is still a virgin. I am willing to vouch for her reputation."

Hua Zhi inclined her head slightly towards Li Mama, but her gaze on Feng Changyu was not as friendly, "I don't know where these unpleasant rumors originated from, but Mr. Feng should be clear about it."

Feng Changyu, still thoroughly baffled by the entire situation, quickly stammered, "Of course, my relationship with Hua Yan is built on mutual affection and sound judgment, no funny business whatsoever, with no overstepping."

"How reassuring," Hua Zhi replied, her voice thick with sarcasm but wrapped in that sugary sweetness. "Knowing that Mr. Feng holds Hua Yan in such high regard certainly eases my mind. Even if, heaven forbid, she’s left with nowhere to go in the future, I trust she’ll find solace in the Feng family. After all, not many would be willing to abandon their family to become a concubine for someone like you."

This sounded a bit off to everyone. The air grew heavy with tension. Feng Changyu might have been dazed, but the others were sharp enough to catch the subtle sting in those words. "If I may ask, what exactly is the eldest young miss implying?"

Hua Zhi, ever so composed, produced a neatly folded document, her fingers brushing over the edges with a calculated grace. "This, gentlemen, is a contract. From this day forth, Hua Yan is no longer affiliated with the Hua family. Consider this not only proof of her decision but also a testament, with Old Madam Zhu of the Zhu family standing as witness."

Feng Changyu’s face twisted in surprise, like he had just bitten into something bitter he hadn’t expected. His little game wasn’t about securing a mere concubine—it was about something far more complex, and clearly, the stakes were higher than he thought.

"The eldest young miss mentioned the desire to help others achieve their goals..." he began, trying to salvage some dignity.

Hua Zhi’s lips curled into a slow, almost smug smile. "Oh, I’ve fulfilled that," she replied, her tone laced with both sweetness and a hint of mockery. "But the Hua family has its rules, Mr. Feng. You see, in our household, when a girl is made into a concubine, she has to be fully supported by the man she’s tied to. No strings attached to her family. Not a single hand to reach out for help."

"... "

Feng Changyu stood there, speechless, his mind scrambling to catch up with the implications.

At this point, though, the lesson was clear to him. Hua Zhi had been playing him like a fiddle from the start. She had first made him publicly affirm Hua Yan’s purity—clearing the Hua family’s name with his own admission. Then, she’d effectively cut Hua Yan off from her family, making it clear to everyone where they stood. And finally, she had ensnared him with a perfect, passive-aggressive little trap. Even if Feng Changyu grew tired of Hua Yan later—if he found her less than desirable—there was no way out. She had stripped everything from her. Her family, her ties, her place in the world. All gone for him.

But this was completely contrary to his intentions! This wasn't even close to what he had wanted.

He never gave a damn about Hua Yan. No, his sights were set squarely on Hua Zhi!

"Hua Yan, just leave already. We won’t bother seeing you off," Hua Zhi said with a sneer, her expression oozing that effortless charm that made it impossible for the young gentlemen to look away. But then again, they didn’t dare let themselves be caught staring too long—who knew how it would look? Heaven forbid they give the impression they were picking on the Hua family.

And here they were, all desperately trying to make a clean break from Feng Changyu, like some delicate dance to sever ties without making a scene.

Their gazes, however, found their way to Hua Yan. And whether it was frustration, annoyance, or something else, she was flushed red, her posture stiff with defiance. Funny thing was, she looked just like Hua Zhi in that moment—same stubborn little spark, same stubborn little glare.

Several of them had the same thought at once - had Feng Changyu taken a liking to Hua Yan?

No, if he really liked Hua Yan, why did he have such a frustrated expression?

Wait!

Was this his idea?

Was the person who suggested this against Feng Changyu?

Whoever dreamed up this little scheme must have some unresolved issues with Feng Changyu, if you ask me.

And honestly, given the young lady’s fiery personality, do they really think she’d tolerate someone joker being paired up with a Hua girl—especially if someone dared to make a move on her?

Please, would she just roll over and take that?

Let’s not even get started on the idea of making her a concubine. I mean, who thought that was a good idea?

The way they all exchanged looks—no words needed—each one taking a step back like they were allergic to the whole situation, as if distancing themselves from Feng Changyu was going to make this all go away. But let's be real, they were all secretly hoping she might take a second glance at them—just not under these utterly ridiculous circumstances.

With her personal maidservant, Hua Yan carried her bundle and climbed into the sedan chair, enduring the embarrassment herself. Hua Zhi watched coldly, showing no sympathy for the maidservant. Some things couldn't be accomplished by Hua Yan alone. If she had reported this matter from the beginning, things wouldn't have come to this.

"Eldest Young Miss, I..."

Feng Changyu was unwilling to accept this result and was about to entangle Hua Zhi again, but she had already turned and entered the house, slamming the door shut with a bang, showing no patience to hear him out.

Inside the sedan chair, Hua Yan cried uncontrollably. She didn't know why she was crying. She had achieved her goal, escaped from the hopeless Hua family, and obtained the money she wanted, but she couldn't control her tears.

"It's alright. I'll be fine. I'll use this silver to buy a shop. My husband has no children, so I'll bear him a firstborn son. All the hardships and humiliations I'm endured will be worth it."

*

Hua Zhi entered the gate to find the fourth branch's old madam and the wives of each branch, including even Old Madam Zhu.

"Why is everyone here?" Hua Zhi smiled as she approached. "Do you think I've been too heartless?"

The old madam wiped her eyes. "This is the best outcome. Clearing the Hua family's name and what happened just now won't affect the other girls. We haven't withheld anything she wants to take with her, and it's our final act of kindness towards her."

"It's more than just kindness. The eldest miss may seem heartless, but she's actually been very protective of that girl from the Hua family." Li Mama, a strict and rule-abiding woman, interjected. "The eldest miss is using that young master to her advantage. As long as he cares about his reputation, that girl will have a place in the backyard. Who wants to be heartless? Even if they have to pretend, they'll put on a show of affection."

The fourth lady, Hua Yan's mother, whose eyes were swollen from crying, bowed deeply to Hua Zhi.

Hua Zhi, unable to accept a bow from an elder, avoided it and personally helped her up. Turning around, she said, "No one can stop someone who's determined to climb higher. Fourth Grandaunt, please don't blame your daughter-in-law."

The old madam, sighing as if she were far too wise for all this drama, nodded with that air of one who's seen it all and had zero energy left to care. "Of course, I understand. When ambition takes root, there's nothing too dirty to do to get what you want. Blaming anyone at this point would be... futile."

The frail and exhausted mother finally couldn't hold back her tears and wept loudly.

———TN: I won't be able to give you a translation update tomorrow, as I’ll be tied up with a full day of other things. But hey, if the stars align and I’m feeling generous, I might just manage to squeeze in a couple of extra chapters today—if that’s even allowed. It’s really all up to how the day unfolds.