{“Qian Xu’s second slap had already fallen mercilessly.” 2}

“She actually dared to say that!?”

Cheng Shuangyi scoffed disdainfully. “Does she really think she can have two more children with Shen Qi?”

Initially, little Qiyue was also inexplicably terrified of this idea. However, Qian Xu had made it clear—no matter who she ended up with, that person would never be their father.

But Qiyue didn’t bother to clarify this point and instead allowed her mother to misunderstand. She thought that doing so would make her mom pay more attention to her father and herself.

It wasn’t intentional on her part, but she knew that only by making her mother feel the relationship was on the verge of collapse would she take the initiative to mend things with her father.

As expected, Cheng Shuangyi nearly crushed the dark purple fairness cup in her hand.

“Sweetheart, now I truly understand that woman’s audacious ambition,” Cheng Shuangyi said as she set the cup down and poured its contents evenly into smaller cups for her children. After this little interaction, she added, “She’s stopped trying to please you all the time because she’s looking to take another underhanded path—”

She smiled confidently. “Don’t worry. Mommy won’t let someone like that succeed.”

Shen Qinian wanted to speak up but noticed his sister already shooting him a cautious warning glance. He realized that Qian Xu had somehow become a weapon to provoke their mother. Whenever there was the slightest hint of Qian Xu encroaching on their lives, their mom’s attitude toward them would shift dramatically.

Although he deeply disliked this kind of maternal “affection,” when it was directed at him, he couldn’t bring himself to reject it.

“That woman is simply delusional.”

Just as Cheng Shuangyi was about to continue berating the audacious woman, she noticed Shen Qi suddenly standing behind her.

Caught off guard by Shen Qi’s sudden appearance, Cheng Shuangyi didn’t blame him but instead spoke in a sweet, coquettish tone. “Ah Qi, I was just missing the kids… and you.”

At this, Qiyue immediately covered her face in mock shyness and pulled her brother away to give their parents some space. However, she wasn’t willing to remain entirely in the dark about their parents’ progress, so even after leaving, she frequently turned back to eavesdrop.

—

“If I remember correctly, I didn’t invite you to my home today.”

Shen Qi loosened his tie and casually tossed it aside. He tilted his chin up but didn’t bother to properly look at Cheng Shuangyi.

“Ah Qi, can’t you understand a mother’s heart even a little?”

Shen Qi replied without hesitation, “So, your heart, which was once filthy, is now cleaned up and you think you can gift it to someone as if it’s brand new?”

“Why must your words be so hurtful?” Cheng Shuangyi had always known what Shen Qi resented. She had deliberately avoided bringing up her experiences during the years he was absent, wanting to avoid letting those trivial past events ruin the fragile bond they were attempting to rebuild.

Turning slightly, Cheng Shuangyi leaned against his arm, gazing up at his now harsher features. With deep emotion, she said, “Ah Qi, you know perfectly well that apart from you, my heart could never accept anyone else.”

Shen Qi pushed her away without hesitation. “Cheng Shuangyi, don’t you feel the least bit disgusted when you say things like that?”

“Maybe you should discuss acting skills with Cheng Shuangyu when he comes back for the New Year,” Shen Qi sneered, the ridicule in his eyes more intense than ever. “Your acting is as terrible as ever.”

Cheng Shuangyi faltered. “Ah Qi, how could you say that?”

Shen Qi’s tone turned icy. “If I were you, and had even a shred of dignity or self-respect, I’d never show my face in this house again.”

Cheng Shuangyi shot him a seductive glance, deciding to throw caution to the wind. “So, what—should I just meet you at a hotel from now on?”

“Apologies,” Shen Qi replied, enunciating each word clearly, “but I believe I made myself very clear last time—I have absolutely no interest in the current you.”