Chapter 0443

"I don’t like hearing that. I’ve never forced you to do anything—all of this was your own choice. If you keep spouting nonsense, I might just have to force you for real."

Lin Tianba froze. He couldn’t actually refute Brother Dao’s words.

He was the one who borrowed the money, and Liu Yuemei was the one who gambled it away.

"What do you want from me?" Lin Tianba didn’t dare argue further. He was afraid Brother Dao might actually cut him down.

"Your wife owes me tens of millions. Now that she’s locked up, you’ll have to pay the rest. Lucky for you, I might even throw you some scraps."

Lin Tianba’s eyes widened. "How am I supposed to pay you back? Look at the state I’m in—you’re still squeezing me dry? Is there no justice left?"

Brother Dao smirked. "Oh, there’s justice. But justice is for people. You? You’re not even human anymore. As for how you’ll pay… let me think… How much does a heart go for these days? Kidneys have a market price too…"

Brother Dao was just trying to scare Lin Tianba. He was a bad man, but not that kind of bad.

Besides, selling Lin Tianba’s organs would be too easy. He’d much rather torment him—after all, this was the man who’d made Lin Ran suffer for years.

Lin Ran was their boss’s man. How dare this trash abuse him? Did he think he could get away with it?

Lin Tianba, oblivious to Brother Dao’s thoughts, was trembling in fear—so much so that he felt warmth trickle down his leg.

"Take him away."

Brother Dao gave the order, but his men hesitated.

Frowning, his gaze turned sharp. Were they openly defying him? Were these underlings plotting a coup?

His voice turned icy. "What’s the meaning of this?"

The men exchanged glances before Wei Xiang finally spoke up.

"Brother Dao… it’s just… Lin Tianba reeks. We’re not exactly clean freaks, but we need a minute to brace ourselves."

Brother Dao blinked. That was it?

"Idiots. If he’s dirty, wash him. Go buy a bucket of water and hose him down right here. Then stuff him in a sack and toss him in the trunk."

Wei Xiang brightened. "Brilliant as always, Brother Dao!"

And so, in the dead of winter, Wei Xiang thoughtfully gave Lin Tianba an ice-cold shower before hauling him away.

Meanwhile, in the manor, Lin Ran was deep in sleep when his phone buzzed, slowly pulling him awake.

"Who’s texting this early…?"

Beside him, Luo Yao clung tightly, refusing to let him reach for the phone.

"Which is prettier? Me or your phone?"

"Of course it’s my Yao Yao. Look at you—a sleeping beauty first thing in the morning. Stay just like that. I’m taking a picture."

Lin Ran snapped a photo and admired it in the gallery. Every detail was perfect—even the stray strands of hair fell just right.

Luo Yao pouted, feigning annoyance.

"You’re looking at the phone version of me instead of the real one in your arms."

Lin Ran chuckled, handing her the phone and pulling her close.

"Yao Yao, you’re even more beautiful in person."

The line sounded less like a husband to his wife and more like a fan gushing over a celebrity.

Luo Yao glanced at the phone and instantly smiled.

Lin Ran’s wallpaper was a photo of their candlelit dinner in Shanghai, with apps arranged in a heart shape framing their cheeks pressed together.

She scrolled through the gallery, admiring herself. "You’ve got a good eye for photography."

Lin Ran didn’t seem pleased with the praise. "Just the photography?"

Luo Yao smirked. "And good taste."

Lin Ran sighed. "Yao Yao, are you really quitting your job?"

"Not quitting. Just stepping back unless it’s urgent. I’ll hand most of the work to Liu Meng eventually. But don’t worry—even if I stop working, the money will keep rolling in. I can afford to spoil you."

Lin Ran shook his head. He needed to set her straight.

"Yao Yao, love isn’t measured by money. As long as we have enough, it’s fine. For us, money isn’t a necessity."

Luo Yao understood.

But she still wanted to give Lin Ran the best of everything.

"Money means nothing to me, and nothing to you. But it’s everything when it comes to taking care of you. If I love you, I’ll give you the best. Money can buy anything in this world—except me."

"But all I want is you. The whole world isn’t worth as much as my Yao Yao."

Her heart fluttered. She adored this side of him—completely, utterly devoted to her.

"You’re right. But I’m still giving you the best."

Lin Ran caressed her cheek. "Fine, fine. The wife’s always right. What can I do? I love you too much."

Luo Yao grinned, holding out her palm. Lin Ran paused, then rested his chin on it.

She patted his head with her other hand. "Good boy."

After a playful moment, Lin Ran remembered why he’d reached for his phone.

"Oh, who texted me earlier?"

Luo Yao waved his phone. "Should I check?"

"Go ahead. Your Lin Ran has no secrets."

She already knew that—she monitored his phone in real time. His chats, spending, locations—nothing escaped her.

But she played along, pretending to inspect it before showing him the screen.

[Wei Xiang: Young Master Lin, Brother Dao "invited" Lin Tianba this morning. How should we handle him?]

Lin Ran thought for a moment, then had Luo Yao reply for him.

[Lin Ran: Just keep him alive. Make it as painful as possible. I’ll visit him personally when I have time.]

[Wei Xiang: He keeps demanding we contact you. Says he wants you to…]

[Lin Ran: Kneel, apologize, and hand over money?]

[Wei Xiang: You know him well.]

[Lin Ran: Got it. Give him some "special treatment."]

With that, Lin Ran set the matter aside.

As long as Lin Tianba didn’t die, Lin Ran was content to let him suffer.

Suicide? Unlikely. A worthless man like him wouldn’t have the guts. Even if he tried, he’d probably fail.

But Lin Ran knew Lin Tianba too well. The man would cling to the delusion that Lin Ran would eventually save him.

Hope was a powerful thing.

Lin Ran was still recovering from his injuries. He could move around the manor, but Luo Yao wouldn’t let him leave.

"Lin Ran, wait until you’re better, okay? Then you can go."

"Whatever my wife says. Don’t worry—I’ll stay put and rest."

"Good. Now, let’s get up and eat."