Handsome CEO's Darling Wife Chapter 910 Side Story 3: LI SHEN’S PROMISE

Li Shen's gaze was fixed on his mobile phone. Another photo from his son had arrived. It showed Li Shan at an amusement park, accompanied by Mu Lan and two other attractive female cousins. A snapshot taken by Lan Ying captured Mu Lan embracing Li Shan from behind, their unrestrained laughter evident.

Gently caressing the image of Mu Lan on his phone, Li Shen's eyes softened with longing. He wished this moment wasn't confined to a mere picture, yearning for her presence as his wife, with their son by his side.

Following his initial meeting with his cousin that year, he returned to Beijing with his father to arrange his mother's final arrangements. Afterward, he immersed himself in work. He maintained a personal habit of journaling occasionally. One day, seeking a respite from his demanding schedule, he began reviewing his past entries.

To his astonishment, he discovered mentions of Mu Lan. He had encountered her much earlier, yet retained no memory of the event. Her presence in his diary was brief, with only his sentiments towards her recorded. He was taken aback to realize he harbored such profound feelings for a woman who was his cousin.

A seed of doubt began to sprout within Li Shen. Upon deeper reflection, he recognized his inability to recall any specific details, no matter how hard he tried. The realization that his mind was being tampered with started to destabilize him. He sought professional help, secretly visiting a psychiatrist.

This psychiatrist, Dr. Xue Lin, had recently concluded her advanced studies in Germany before returning to China to establish her practice. Though her petite frame suggested she could pass for a middle school student, her professional expertise was exceptionally high. Her name was Xue Lin.

Li Shen confided in her about his experiences, omitting only Mu Lan's name. After hearing his account, Dr. Xue Lin stated calmly, "You were hypnotized."

Li Shen blinked, processing her words. "Hypnotized? Who would do such a thing and why?"

Leaning back in her chair, Xue Lin provided a measured response, "Someone who perceived your presence as a problem. Eliminating you would have been simpler, but they chose a more merciful path. They went to the extent of altering your memories, which was quite an undertaking, if you ask me. Their intention seems to have been to protect you. At least, that's my assessment. What course of action do you wish to pursue?"

Li Shen lowered his gaze, lost in thought. After a moment, he looked up and declared, "I want to recover my memories. Is that possible?"

Xue Lin met his gaze directly. "It is possible. I would need to hypnotize you. However, are you certain you wish to remember? If you confront them after regaining your memories, and they discover your intentions, your life could be in grave danger."

"You needn't concern yourself with my safety. No one needs to worry about me," Li Shen replied, his eyes drifting downwards once more.

Xue Lin offered a slight nod. "Very well. Return home and contemplate this decision. Prepare yourself mentally, and when you feel ready, contact me. I will be available."

"I understand." Following her advice, Li Shen agreed to be hypnotized by Xue Lin. Upon regaining his memories, he was so profoundly shocked that he remained speechless for two minutes. Seeing his state, Xue Lin became alarmed. Just as she considered calling for an ambulance, he stirred, and she visibly relaxed.

Had Xue Lin been aware of the intricate relationship between Mu Lan and Li Shen, she might have hesitated to alter his memories further, or perhaps she would have fabricated the entire story about hypnotism.

As Li Shen pieced together the fragmented memories, he found himself uncertain how to react or proceed. He felt a surge of anger towards his mother for her deceit. Simultaneously, he experienced self-pity for allowing himself to be so easily manipulated and having his emotions toyed with. He despised himself for the pain he had inflicted upon an innocent girl. The regret of hurting the woman he loved most due to his own foolishness weighed heavily on him. He was overwhelmed by these conflicting emotions, unsure how to navigate them.

Xue Lin's therapeutic intervention proved immensely beneficial, gradually helping him regain his composure. His first step was to conduct a DNA test on his son. The results confirmed that Li Shan was not his biological child. Instead of feeling a sense of betrayal, he felt a profound sense of relief. He realized that he was not bound by blood ties to anyone in his current family.

Subsequently, he initiated divorce proceedings against his wife, unable to bear the sight of her any longer. He had already uncovered her scandalous secrets, which was more than enough reason for him to remain entangled with her until that point. He chose not to reveal the truth to Li Shan, allowing the young boy to continue believing he was his father. He felt this was the better path. The child was innocent, and it wasn't his fault. He shouldn't bear the burden of this truth.

Later, Li Shen threw himself into his work, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion, nearly losing consciousness. It was only after being admitted to the hospital that he began to accept himself. His love for his Xiao Lan was undeniable. However, he understood that she was now happy with her husband and children. He acknowledged that he had no right to approach her or to seek her affection. Despite this, he harbored a desire to do something for her, something that would allow him to pass away peacefully, even if it was a small gesture of goodwill.

A conversation took place between him and his father, Li Han, regarding the transfer of company shares to Mu Lan. While Li Han consented, Mu Lan did not. Consequently, Li Shen revised the documentation, allocating twenty-five percent of the shares to his eldest son. He harbored many intentions to do right by her, yet upon encountering her again in China, a realization dawned: he was powerless to alter her circumstances. Her happiness was complete without him.

Subsequently, he presented the first rice ball with a locket, an heirloom from his grandmother. His own father, Li Han, had bestowed it upon him during his youth. Li Han had imparted, "This locket belonged to my mother. She once instructed me to present it to the woman I would love. I was unable to fulfill this wish. Xiao Shen, when you discover the girl who captures your heart, bestow it upon her."

Li Shen found himself incapable of giving the locket to Mu Lan. However, a thought emerged: should Mu Lan receive this locket from him, she would likely pass it to her eldest child. With this contemplation, he entrusted the locket to the first rice ball, Lian.

Despite the striking resemblance of the young boy, Lian, to his sworn adversary, Mu Liang, Li Shen could not muster any animosity. Instead, a profound tenderness bloomed within him for Mu Lan's children.

Li Shen observed Li Shan's clear fondness for Mu Lan, noting his frequent visits to her and his cousins whenever his schedule permitted. He did not intervene in this young boy's actions. Li Shan consistently dispatched photographs of himself with Mu Lan during these visits, even forwarding images of the twins. One particular picture captured Mu Lan tenderly embracing the slumbering babies shortly after their birth, a moment Li Shan, out of ingrained habit, sent to his father.

A private digital folder was established by Li Shen, meticulously storing every photograph of Mu Lan. When the pangs of missing her became too intense, he would seek solace in their silent gaze. He held no genuine belief in deities, neither God nor Lord Buddha. Nevertheless, heartfelt prayers for her and her children's welfare were offered.

Rising from his seat, Li Shen approached the window. His gaze traveled outward, observing the ceaseless movement of vehicles traversing the bustling roadway.

His existence, he mused, flowed much like a vehicle. The driver of this metaphorical car was his heart, and the ever-present companion, his Xiao Lan. So long as she drew breath, he too would persist. He would continue to journey through life until the Grim Reaper granted him leave to depart. Until that fated moment, he vowed to endeavor to do whatever was within his power for those he held dear.

Such was the solemn promise he made to himself.