Chapter Twenty-Eight: Emotional Outburst

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The Prodigal Son Without a Screen – Chapter Twenty-Eight: Emotional Outburst

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Though Chief Steward Lin Jian had recounted a lengthy tale, the time that had passed was not long. Especially for Xiao Tianci, who, though he pursued the reasons behind it, responded only with a faint phrase when he finally understood, saying little more.

Chief Steward Lin Jian truly did not know; perhaps the only one who could explain Xiao Tianci’s demeanor now was Fatty—Xiao Tianci’s best friend from university, who will be mentioned later.

So, as Xiao Tianci gently opened the door and stepped into the bedroom, he saw Ni’er sitting quietly, using a towel to wipe the droplets from her hair. The carpet muffled all sound; she did not hear him enter, her head tilted as she slowly wiped, as if lost in thought.

At that moment, Tian Ni gently shook her head, lifting it just as she caught sight of Xiao Tianci standing at the doorway. Like a lotus emerging from clear water, natural and unadorned—that was the best description of Tian Ni at this moment.

What Tian Ni most wanted to know now was what truly happened during that heart-stirring wedding night. Whenever she recalled it, her heart still fluttered with unease.

“What really happened?” she asked.

Xiao Tianci smiled as he walked over, brushing aside the hair that Tian Ni held before her face. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing. Chief Steward has known for a long time and was well prepared. The matter is…”

Xiao Tianci told Tian Ni everything, including the story of his parents. Tian Ni listened, feeling deeply moved, and unconsciously gripped Xiao Tianci’s hand gently. She was stunned by the exaggerated power of the Xiao family, and touched by the story of Xiao Tianci’s parents.

Finally, Xiao Tianci held Tian Ni’s hand and said, “So, for you—the woman I love most—I will never hesitate, never hold back.”

Having just emerged from shock and emotion, Tian Ni was reminded of the things she had wanted to say but hadn’t. “Tianci… actually, I have something to tell you, too.”

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Xiao Tianci smiled, “Hmm? What is it? Go ahead.”

Tian Ni carefully explained her initial reasons for agreeing to the marriage. After she finished, she worried she might hurt Xiao Tianci, so she also wanted to express her fondness for him. Their friendship, marriage, and shared experiences gave her courage, and she said, “Actually, I think you’re pretty good, too.”

But after hearing her words, Xiao Tianci thought for a moment and replied, “Actually, your father’s company isn’t in any real trouble. Although I only manage a branch, as far as I know, his company hasn’t encountered anything major. I think he just wanted money, that’s all. But it doesn’t matter now; if he wants it, just give it to him…”

He hadn’t finished speaking when he sensed something was wrong. Tian Ni’s expression grew extremely unpleasant. Xiao Tianci, alarmed, exclaimed, “Ni’er, what’s wrong?”

Xiao Tianci had a sharp business mind, able to handle matters others could not. The first time he countered someone who schemed against him in business, he forced that person to jump from a building, which proved his abilities.

But when it came to emotions, he lacked experience and had never studied them closely. He didn’t realize he had made a grievous mistake.

Her father had deceived her for money—truly for money. Tears welled in her eyes. “You… you knew all along…”

Xiao Tianci quickly shook his head, “I didn’t know. When you mentioned a bride price, I guessed it must’ve been your father’s idea. Money is irrelevant; what matters most is my genuine feelings for you.”

“Ah…” Tian Ni jerked her hand from Xiao Tianci’s grasp and stood, stepping back as if shocked. Suddenly enlightened, she realized how she had fallen for such a simple trap without even verifying it. The anger consumed her, eclipsing her fondness for Xiao Tianci and all the words she had meant to say.

Xiao Tianci stepped forward, “Ni’er…”

“Stop… don’t… come any closer… stay back…”

Seeing how agitated she was, Xiao Tianci quickly raised his hands to his chest, “Alright… alright… I won’t approach you. Just listen…”

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“No… I won’t listen to anything… you bastard… you’re all the same… what do you take me for… a commodity?”

How could he be lumped together with Tian Hao? Xiao Tianci hurried to explain, “Ni’er… the matter… actually…”

“Don’t say anything… you men are all alike… money… money…”

Her reaction pained Xiao Tianci deeply. At that moment, he suddenly thought of his father—a man who could spend a lifetime without marrying another woman. His father would never sacrifice love for money or power; it was a sense of responsibility. Perhaps his mother had similarly refused to listen to his father’s explanations.

Now, Tian Ni felt betrayed by her closest kin, and the man she had just begun to care for had wounded her further. Her emotions were spiraling out of control.

Watching Ni’er, Xiao Tianci felt wretched. She knew nothing of his heart or intentions. Perhaps he wasn’t entirely blameless, but he wasn’t what she accused him of being.

Xiao Tianci’s fire burned. When facing enemies, he seldom grew angry; even if he did, he quickly calmed himself. Years of training taught him to record and accumulate grudges rather than waste emotion on adversaries.

But such business tactics were useless now. Xiao Tianci’s anger only grew. He strode forward in two steps and firmly seized Tian Ni’s arm. “Listen, I don’t know about others, but for me, I want to give the woman I love happiness, the safest harbor. And with all you’ve said—if I were truly a beggar, a pauper, would I have any chance? Don’t tell me it’s the same, not the same! I’ll tell you, if I were an ordinary man, I wouldn’t even have the opportunity to be near you, to pursue you, to make you like me, to give you security.”

He had suppressed his feelings for years. “I can tell you, from the time I opened an accessory shop back in school, I liked you. That’s the best proof. I couldn’t even get close to you. And tell me—would you like a man with no career? Everyone says it’s the same—look at those celebrities, they say they marry tycoons, but do ordinary people have the chance to meet them? Can ordinary people afford them?”

Xiao Tianci’s eyes were red. His outburst drowned out Tian Ni’s sobs. But it wasn’t over; the genius and dominance he displayed in his career were now merging with the emotional ignorance and clumsiness he had long suppressed, and his feelings finally erupted.