Even after being yelled at, Cheng Leyan didn’t mind. He just laughed it off with a couple of “ha ha”s and continued massaging.

On the other hand, after shouting, Mama Rong felt a bit awkward. 

After all, he was still giving her a shoulder massage and…

Wow. This massage! It’s unbelievably comfortable! 

What’s going on; did Cheng Leyan work in a massage parlor before? He’s better than the masseuse I paid a fortune for!!!

With skills like this, why end up where he is now!?

…Wait a moment.

Thinking this far, she instantly remembered why she was here today.

She came ready to confront him, determined to throw evidence at him and send him packing. 

Who would have thought Cheng Leyan would be a different person, constantly calling her “mom” and even massaging her shoulders.

In the past, he always flattered her, but it was superficial, without any genuine feeling. Instead, he inadvertently displayed resentment, disdain, and injustice toward his current life and the Rong Family.

The problem was, he had chosen this “marriage” himself, taking all benefits, yet acting like he was wronged. Mama Rong had tolerated him for long enough.

Thinking on it, Cheng Leyan’s sudden personality change was probably because he knew he’d been found out.

Her mood cooled down instantly, and she said faintly, “No need for massages. Cheng Leyan, sit, let’s chat.”

Cheng Leyan didn’t hesitate; he said, “Sure,” and sat opposite Mama Rong, his eyes curving into smiles, “Mom, go ahead!”

Mama Rong said, “Stop calling me mom. My son is in a vegetative state, not dead. Aren’t you the one who wants a divorce? What’s with the sudden change? Do you think this marriage ends or starts at your whim?”

Cheng Leyan said, “Mom, I was just foolish before. Now I get it—divorce? No way! For the child’s sake, we can’t divorce; maybe after they finish their college entrance exams.”

Mama Rong sneered, “Spare me such tactics. Do you think I’m unaware of Xiang Jingzhou?”

Cheng Leyan was puzzled, “Huh? Who?”

Mama Rong said coldly, “Don’t play dumb. You can’t possibly spend 1 million a month; I know exactly where that money goes. Tell me, who is Xiang Jingzhou, and what have you been doing with the Rong Family’s money?”

“Xiang Jingzhou…” Cheng Leyan fell silent for a moment, recalling the phone call he received when he first got here.

He said seriously, “Mom, he’s not someone significant. In fact, he’s my enemy—he ‘killed’ my parents.”

Mama Rong’s eyelids twitched, “Hmm?”

Cheng Leyan continued gravely, “Taking away someone’s money is like killing their parents; he took my money, it’s like killing my parents. This is an irreconcilable vendetta, Mom! What should I do? How do I get the money back? Did I send it in amounts like 1314 or 520? Mom, you know?”

Mama Rong: …

She glanced at Butler Li, who nodded somberly, mouthing words.

Mama Rong oddly understood, seeing him say: “Madam, the Young Mistress has gone delusional.”

Uh…

Mama Rong’s lips twitched, but she forced herself back on track, “Stop the act. Cheng Leyan, you approached me with your birthdate and marriage proposal, didn’t you? Marrying Wangzhi was your own choice, no one forced you. This past year, truthfully, how has the Rong Family treated you, how have I treated you?

“But you? Look what you did! This villa was where Wangzhi lived before the accident. I gave it under your name to put your mind at ease, clearly stating you only had residency rights, no other rights whatsoever. Yet you mortgaged it to loan sharks!

“Cheng Leyan, this is fraud. I could have you jailed, do you realize that!”

Lastly, she warned, “You’re not the only one with this compatible horoscope. Really think I have to put up with you?”

Her words were both hard and soft.

Meanwhile, 419 in Cheng Leyan’s head said: [Found it, Host. Over the past year, the original host transferred nearly 9.82 million to Xiang Jingzhou in twenty-nine transactions, mostly with numbers like ‘520,’ making recovery difficult. Your credit card has a limit of 1 million, but you’ve got a debt of 960,000 left, all spent on him.]

Cheng Leyan hissed, jumping like his tail was on fire, lamenting, “That Xiang is a scumbag! He tricked me out of 9.8 million, that’s 9.8 million!!!

“Do you know how many months I’d have to work to earn that kind of money again! Do you know how hard it is to earn money! The jerk, screwner, and traitor—it’s bad enough he toyed with my feelings, but deceiving me for money!

“As for the villa mortgage, it must be the jerk’s doing! Mom, is the villa still ours? Is it ours? Don’t let that scumbag take our villa!!!”

The reaction was so intense that Mama Rong was momentarily stunned: “…It hasn’t been taken yet. I’ve suppressed the loan issue.”

Cheng Leyan sighed in relief, his joy evident as he rushed over to clasp Mama Rong’s hands, “Mom! You’re really my mother! My loving mother, it’s thanks to you we kept the house.”

Mama Rong’s mouth twitched as she pulled her hand back, “Cheng Leyan, tell me honestly, do you have any hidden mental health history? Are you having an episode?”

Those last six words were asked with sincerity.

Cheng Leyan laughed dryly, steadying his emotions.

But he knew he needed to give Mama Rong an explanation; he couldn’t just brush this off.

He organized his thoughts, saying, “Mom, to be honest, I wasn’t thinking straight in the past and made some wrong choices. I’ve done poorly at this job, and it’s understandable if you want to fire me. But I genuinely like this job and want another chance.”

Mama Rong furrowed her brows, “Job? What job?”

Cheng Leyan: “Being your daughter-in-law; that’s my job.”

Mama Rong: “So what am I, your boss?”

Cheng Leyan: “Not a boss, a deity. Mom, you give me a million a month—if that’s not godlike, what is?”

Mama Rong: …

Cheng Leyan smiled openly and candidly, “My duties include using my horoscope to bless Mr. Rong, raising his child well, and taking care of the parents and elders; unfortunately, I haven’t been doing these well.

“I feel guilty and regretful.

“If you’d give me another chance, then consider the next three months my probation period, during which I’ll report my progress to you weekly. After three months, you can decide whether to let me go based on my performance, is that okay?”

His demeanor was genuinely straightforward and serene, with sincerity. His eyes were like a clear pool, transparent and deep, easy to see through.

Plus, he was good-looking, with a small face, reflective skin, and a naturally smiling mouth—a type well-liked by parents.

Mama Rong was surprised: When did Cheng Leyan become so attractive? Why hadn’t she noticed before?

Suddenly, she remembered the warm towel he handed her, the floral tea he prepared, and his hands’ skill during the massage.

Actions over intentions.

In the end, it softened her heart a bit.

She finally said, “Fine, three-month trial. From now on, every Monday by 10 a.m., email me your weekly report. After three months, if it’s still no good, you’ll have to leave.”

Cheng Leyan replied, “You can rest easy, mom, if it doesn’t work out, there won’t be any severance pay needed; I’ll resign myself.”

Mama Rong then said, “Also, three things. First, don’t even think about the villa; Lawyer Zhao will handle its transfer back to me. Second, your black card is suspended; all expenses related to Zhuozhuo will be overseen by Butler Li. Third, your expenses will be monitored, any expenditure over 100,000 will be reviewed by Assistant Chen. Any problems with that?”

The first two were easily said; as for the third, she was ready for his refusal.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Leyan agreed without hesitation, “No problem.”

Mama Rong: “Think it over, not even on the third? You agree to the review of high expenses?”

Cheng Leyan replied mysteriously, “Mom, here’s a secret—I have no big expenses.”

Mama Rong: …

Why does this seem less like delusion and more like mania?

For now, this matter settled, Mama Rong relaxed a bit. She glanced upstairs, “Where’s Zhuozhuo? Is he in class?”

419 timely explained: [That’s the future antagonist. His full name is Rong Jishi, nickname Zhuozhuo.]

It provided more info: The future antagonist is only three years old. Normally, kids this age speak fluently, but Zhuozhuo doesn’t—he has a speech disorder, usually doesn’t say a word, not even basic terms like “mom” or “dad.”

Doctors noted his speech development was severely delayed and requires intervention. Hence, the original host hired a teacher to come daily for classes.

Meanwhile, Butler Li approached, “Yes, Madam, Little Master is in his language class.”

Mama Rong showed concern, “How’s he doing? Has there been progress?”

Butler Li frowned, “From what I observed, progress has been slow since I arrived.”

Mama Rong sighed softly, glancing at Cheng Leyan, “Your focus from now on is Zhuozhuo. In your weekly report next Monday, I expect to see progress.”

She then said to the butler, “Butler Li, you know I can’t always watch over this, but it needs attention. All aspects need attention.” That was her main reason for having Butler Li transferred, especially for Zhuozhuo.

He nodded knowingly, “Rest assured, Madam.”

Mama Rong nodded, checked the time, then stood, taking in the villa’s living room.

In her mind flashed scenes of Rong Wangzhi playing with Zhuozhuo right here.

Things aren’t the same anymore.

She picked up her bag and left in her high heels.

Cheng Leyan eagerly walked her out to the car, then returned to the living room, sitting on the sofa. He asked to be informed after Zhuozhuo’s class, then got absorbed in chatting with 419.

Firstly, he planned his finances. Turns out, the original host’s cards, along with WeChat and Alipay, had about ten thousand left, while a 960,000 credit card debt hung over him.

Just the thought of it almost made Cheng Leyan choke; he felt an urge to strangle that Xiang guy.

Having been burdened with massive debts before, he couldn’t stand owing money; that credit card needed to be repaid ASAP. After using today’s million-yuan check, only 40,000 would remain—a return to square one.

Yonghe Temple, oh Yonghe Temple, is this your idea of “getting rich”?!

Retrieving the money from Xiang Jingzhou would take time, moving cautiously, avoiding empty efforts.

He needed more money. Life without savings unsettled him. 

While pondering this, the nearby elevator opened, and a smiling nanny emerged holding a small boy.

Reaching his side, the nanny set the child down, gently nudging him forward, “Young Mistress, Little Master is done with class.”

The child stood still, silent. Nervously clinging to his pants, his long eyelashes slightly trembled with anxiety.

His hair was black, lips rosy, teeth white, and his long eyelashes were almost unreal. His large eyes were dark and round, like beautiful black grapes. When he pursed his lips, two little dimples appeared on his cheeks.

This little one would become the future antagonist with legal troubles.

Cheng Leyan’s heart skipped a beat: [He…he…]

419 was nervous: [What about him? What’s wrong?]

In his mind, Cheng Leyan squealed like a ground squirrel: [He’s so cute! So adorable!!! Super cute!!! Oh, 419, why didn’t you tell me earlier he’s this young and cute! Look at his lashes! Look at his dimples! Look at those big eyes! He’s insanely cute!!! I can’t handle it; I want to hug him, snuggle him, hold him!!!]

419: [Control yourself! Dog cage warning! Dog cage!]

Cheng Leyan refused: [I don’t believe it! How could such a cute little one ever do something so deranged! I don’t hear you! I don’t hear you!]

Unable to hold back, he rushed toward the little one.

The child’s body tensed all over.

He knew the routine, the stepfather might slap him, kick him, pinch him, or grab his hair and slam him into something.

He was familiar with that pain.

He had endured it many times, determined this time not to cry or shed a tear.

He told himself: I am Iron Man; I won’t feel pain, I won’t feel fear.

He—

Huh???

The child’s eyes widened in shock.

Because this time, the stepfather didn’t hit him but instead scooped him up, hugging him tightly.

In the stepfather’s embrace…it was warm and soft, and the scent was pleasant. He’d never felt anything like this could be; it was as if nestled inside a fluffy cloud of cotton candy.

Then, the stepfather pressed his face against the child’s cheeks, nuzzled him, kissed his head multiple times, and even lifted him up.

He was so scared, thinking the stepfather might drop him to his death—however, that didn’t happen. The stepfather lifted him high and securely settled him back down, chanting “Oh ho, oh ho” as he did.

He had heard of this.

This was called “The High and Lift.”

Being lifted by the stepfather, his heartbeat swayed with the motion, his bangs got blown upwards. Despite the fear mingled with curiosity, “Oh, so that’s how fun the high and lift is.”

But it didn’t last long; the stepfather stopped.

Just as disappointment rose, he heard the stepfather asking someone, “Do you have a dollar? Could you lend me a one-yuan coin?”

The nanny quickly fetched a coin.

The stepfather placed it in the child’s palm, smiling brightly, “Here we go, little one, put this coin in my pocket.”

The child was utterly confused, unclear about the stepfather’s intention, unsure of what was happening.

However…the stepfather used to talk to him with furrowed brows, eyes looking as if seeing something dirty—now it was different.

The stepfather smiled at him, and his eyes sparkled.

The child was very bewildered, clutching the coin tightly, his heart pounding wildly.

He repeated to himself: I am Iron Man; I won’t hurt, I won’t fear.

So getting hit doesn’t matter. I want…to see what he does.

Thus, timidly, he slipped the coin into the stepfather’s pocket.

The next second, the stepfather started swaying.

As he rocked, he rhythmically sang, “Doo doo doo, the kiddie ride’s starting! Dad’s dad’s known as grandpa, Dad’s mom’s called grandma~ Mom’s dad’s grandpa, Mom’s mom’s grandma~”

The child: …

He was dazed, swayed, listening to all his relatives’ titles drifting slowly into his ears.

Soon reaching, Auntie’s seventh brother known as grand uncle.

In that moment, he suddenly recalled his grudge notebook.

Yes, he had a grudge notebook.

Before today, his section on the stepfather was filled with crooked swords. Every time the stepfather hit or scolded him, he’d draw a sword in the notebook, vowing revenge one day.

For the first time in his life, he didn’t want to draw any sword there, but instead…

He wanted to draw a big pill.

The child thought rationally: Clearly, the stepfather’s brain is sick.

Beside, the stepfather went on: “Toot toot! Little friend, your kiddie ride time has ended! Feel free to invest more coins. I can sing, watch cartoons, and rock; come play with me, little one!”

The child continued thinking logically: Clearly, one big pill isn’t enough.

He needs to fill a whole page with big pills.

All saved for the stepfather.