Chapter 300: Clear Conditions

The two reporters glanced at each other, feeling a little uneasy. Still, they wanted to know the secret, so they asked, "What conditions?"

"Don't report on my family matters again. Otherwise, I won't be cooperating with you anymore," Chen Qingdi said coolly.

Hearing this, the two reporters couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

They had come here specifically to dig up dirt on Chen Qingdi's private life, but that now seemed impossible.

But they also understood Chen Qingdi's power and background. They knew that if they didn't agree to his terms, they'd likely never get another chance. So, they could only nod.

"Alright, we agree to your conditions," the two reporters said in unison.

When Sun Miao returned to the newspaper office, he was like a changed man. He became silent and withdrawn, holing himself up in his office for a long time. The other employees whispered amongst themselves, speculating about what might have happened.

While everyone waited, Yao Shufen was especially anxious. She paced back and forth outside Sun Miao's office, periodically peeking through the crack in the door.

Her heart was filled with anticipation. She hoped Sun Miao could help her resolve the tricky situation and make Chen Qingdi pay her a settlement.

At last, the door to Sun Miao's office opened. Yao Shufen immediately stepped inside, a charming smile on her face as she asked, "President Sun, how is the investigation going for that matter I asked you to handle?"

Sun Miao looked up at Yao Shufen, his gaze firm and resolute. He spoke bluntly.

"I've had my reporters investigate. Chen Qingdi isn't the type to stir up trouble, and he certainly isn't the type to abuse his own mother-in-law. You had better stop slandering President Chen right now, or we'll be the ones exposing *you*."

Yao Shufen was stunned. She never expected Sun Miao to speak to her like this. Her eyes, filled with confusion and terror, fixed on him as she asked, "President Sun, what's going on? Didn't you promise you would expose Chen Qingdi?"

Sun Miao answered coldly, "I did promise you, but I've changed my mind. I don't want to get into any more trouble. Go back where you came from. We want no part in your affairs."

At these words, Yao Shufen lost all composure. She suddenly fell to her knees before Sun Miao and pleaded tearfully.

"President Sun, what's gotten into you? Didn't you promise you'd help me expose Chen Qingdi? Why are you treating me like this?"

Sun Miao's brows knitted. He hated these kinds of tearful scenes.

He said coldly, "I've already told you. Go back where you came from. We want no part in your affairs. If you continue to make a scene here, I'll have security throw you out."

Yao Shufen froze, stunned. She never thought Sun Miao would treat her this way. She knew her plan had failed. Resigned, she got to her feet, wiped away her tears, and turned to leave his office.

Sun Miao watched her retreating back, his heart filled with grim resolve.

「A short time later」

Sun Miao's name and his newspaper began to make a name for themselves in the world of journalism.

His newspaper stopped focusing on fluff pieces and celebrity gossip and started covering more valuable social issues and current events.

Sun Miao also began to frequently share deep and insightful opinions in public, causing people to see him and his newspaper in a whole new light.

Yao Shufen was filled with despair. She walked out of the newspaper office and looked around. Homeless, her only option was to find a hotel to stay in for the time being.

She had no idea, however, that Chen Qingdi was aware of her every move.

Yao Shufen put on a disguise, attempting to find a place to stay in the city as just another old woman.

However, her plan was quickly foiled.

Shortly after leaving the newspaper office, she was spotted by Chen Yuan's men.

They blocked her path and spoke in a firm tone. "Where do you think you're going? If you've got nothing better to do, let's head back to the hospital. There's a special care ward there and doctors to look after you. If you were to fall ill somewhere else, getting treatment wouldn't be nearly as convenient."

At that moment, Yao Shufen's last line of defense crumbled. She understood that she could not escape Chen Qingdi's control.

She said helplessly, "Fine, let's go back to the hospital." She knew perfectly well that she was back in Chen Qingdi's hands. Her fate was sealed.

Back at the hospital, Yao Shufen was placed in the special care ward. The doctors and nurses attended to her meticulously, but her heart was filled with helplessness and despair. She stared out the window at the night sky, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Just then, Chen Qingdi walked into the room. He looked at Yao Shufen with a storm of emotions churning inside him. This woman had once been his mother-in-law, but now she was his prisoner.

He sat down and looked at her. "Yao Shufen, why did you run away? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Yao Shufen didn't answer, merely turning her head away in silence.

Chen Qingdi understood how she felt, so he changed the subject.

"Do you know why I had you brought back here? I want to help you get treatment for your illness. You're a smart woman; you should know that the world has changed. We need to cooperate to survive."

His words made her waver. She knew he wasn't wrong. The world really had changed.

But she didn't want to be anyone's puppet. She had tried to fight back before, but it had only ended in failure. Now, she no longer had the courage to try again.

Chen Qingdi saw her hesitation and pressed on.

"You can relax. I won't let you down. I'll get you the best treatment so you can get your health back. You can trust me."

Yao Shufen finally turned back to look at him, her decision made. She nodded. "Alright. I'm willing to cooperate with you."

Hearing her words, Chen Qingdi let out a sigh of relief. 'She's back under my control.'

He smiled and stood up. "Good. I'll have the doctors and nurses continue to look after you. If you need anything, just let me know." With that, he turned and left the room.

Watching his retreating figure, Yao Shufen felt a flicker of doubt. 'Did I make the right decision?'

But she had no other choice. All she could do was trust Chen Qingdi and hope for the treatment and the future he promised.

"Cyan Emperor, I... I never thought this would happen. I know my mother has offended you before, but you can't just treat her like she's mentally ill."

Over the phone, Shen Mingyue's voice trembled, clearly shaken by the news.