Chapter 11: Not Divorced

On the sidewalk outside the technology park at University A.

Chi Xiao had only taken a few steps forward when he heard the sound of girls playfully arguing behind him.

He turned around and saw Ming Can chasing after her friend, laughing and scolding her. The gentle light of the setting sun bathed them, dancing in their dark hair.

Chi Xiao looked away and continued walking toward the dormitory.

Another call came in. He glanced at the caller ID, frowned slightly, and answered.

A deep, resonant male voice came through the phone: “Come home for dinner tonight.”

It wasn’t a question or a suggestion—it was a command.

Chi Xiao: “I don’t have time.”

“How long has it been since you came home?” Chi Yanpeng said. “Ah Yao comes home once a week. You should come back at least once a month, shouldn’t you?”

Chi Xiao: “Then I’ll come back next month…”

“Chi Xiao!” Chi Yanpeng interrupted him sharply. “How old are you? Are you still holding a grudge against your younger siblings? They’re just kids. Even if they accidentally broke something in your room, it wasn’t on purpose.”

Chi Xiao stopped walking: “Who told you that’s why I’m not coming home?”

Chi Xiao had always been quiet and reserved, preferring to stay in his room and work on crafts. His bedroom was filled with wooden and ceramic pieces he had made since childhood. Over two months ago, Chi Heng and Chi Yue had inexplicably barged into his room to play and ended up breaking several ceramic pieces and a handmade ukulele. Chi Xiao happened to be home that day, and his stepmother, Duan Hanyan, dragged the two younger siblings over to apologize. Chi Xiao hadn’t said a word, but the siblings burst into tears, causing chaos in the house.

After that day, Chi Xiao never returned home.

That incident had long passed.

He didn’t believe his father, who was always busy with important matters, would still care about such trivial family drama after all this time.

“No one told me,” Chi Yanpeng said. “As the older brother, you need to be magnanimous. Don’t hold grudges against your younger siblings over small things.”

Chi Xiao: “Oh.”

Chi Yanpeng: “Do you understand?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Chi Xiao replied. “And please tell your son and daughter that there’s nothing valuable in my room. They can smash whatever they want.”

In a family like this, speaking up felt more exhausting than rock climbing with a heavy load.

That’s why he spoke less and less as the days went by.

But sometimes, even when he wanted to stay silent, someone would always force him to say something hurtful.

“…” Chi Yanpeng fell silent for a long time, as if caught between anger and helplessness. Finally, he abruptly changed the subject: “I’ve already sent a car to pick you and Ah Yao up. Your uncle and aunt haven’t seen you in a long time. Don’t embarrass them.”

With that, he hung up.

The first glimmer of twilight fell at that moment.

Fifteen minutes later, in the car.

“Thank goodness you came, brother.”

Chi Yao climbed into the back seat and slumped down like a boneless heap.

The atmosphere in the car had been heavy, but now it lightened slightly.

Chi Xiao tugged at the collar of his hoodie and glanced over to see Chi Yao fasten his seatbelt, pull out his phone, and immediately start playing a game.

A few minutes later, Chi Yao answered a call from his dad.

“We’re on the way. Brother? He’s right next to me.” Chi Yao kept his eyes glued to the phone screen, his tone impatient. “I’m in the middle of a game. Stop talking, you’re messing with my focus.”

…

“Ugh, I get it, Dad. I really don’t have time right now. Bye.”

Chi Yao was just as curt with his father, hanging up the call and returning to his game.

Even though they were from the same family, the atmosphere in their households couldn’t have been more different.

Chi Xiao had always envied Chi Yao—his harmonious family, his carefree upbringing, his ability to speak and act without restraint.

Maybe that’s just how fate was.

The car drove into a villa estate beyond the South Fifth Ring Road, following the internal road uphill to the most secluded area.

The villa’s gate was open, and the car pulled in and parked. Chi Xiao and Chi Yao got out, one after the other.

“What the…” Chi Yao stared at the crowd of children gathered on the lawn, shocked. “Did this place turn into a kindergarten? Let’s go check it out.”

Chi Xiao: “Go by yourself if you want.”

Over on the lawn.

The Chi family’s nanny rushed over and picked up Chi Yue, who had been reduced to tears by Ming Miao’s retort.

Perhaps fearing that the adults would blame Miaomiao, his classmates chimed in one after another: “She started it by picking on Miaomiao.” “Yeah, just because someone cries doesn’t mean they’re right.” “Miaomiao didn’t even insult her—he was just telling the truth.”

Chi Yue cried even harder, and her twin brother, Chi Heng, shouted, “All of you, get out! Take your black dog with you! If Xiao Yu gives birth to a bunch of ugly puppies, I won’t let you off!”

Zhao Zihao: “Your dog’s pregnant? No wonder it’s so fat.”

Chi Heng: “It’s not fat! Your dog’s the ugly one, all black and gross, polluting our Xiao Yu!”

Zhao Zihao was getting angry now: “German Shepherds are so smart, and Samoyeds are so dumb. Who’s polluting who here?”

The argument grew even fiercer, and the situation spiraled out of control until Zhao Zihao’s mom stepped in. She pulled Zhao Zihao out of the crowd like a warning to the others: “Stop arguing! This is someone else’s house. Where are your manners? Everyone, go home!”

The Chi family ranked among the top three on the city’s wealthy list, and offending them wasn’t an option. Today, they had to take the dog and the kids away, but they’d have to come back another day to mend the relationship.

The garden quieted down as the dozen or so children trudged out, heads hanging low.

Zhao Zihao held Ming Miao’s hand as they walked ahead.

Not far in front of them, two tall older brothers were heading toward the main villa.

Zhao Zihao looked up at them, thinking to himself that he wanted to grow that tall someday.

Just then, the hand in his grip suddenly slipped away. Ming Miao had seen something and shot forward like an arrow.

“Dad!” Ming Miao shouted as he ran. “Dad! Wait for me!”

He remembered now.

This was Grandpa’s house. He had been here two or three times before. Because Grandpa owned so many houses, this villa had changed a bit from what he remembered, so he hadn’t made the connection right away.

As for the tall, long-legged guy in the black jacket with the cold, detached expression—Ming Miao would never mistake him.

“Who’s calling for their dad?” Chi Yao turned his head. “Oh, a little kid’s running over.”

Chi Xiao remained indifferent, only glancing briefly in the direction of the voice.

A tall figure stepped in, blocking his view. Chi Xiao only caught a glimpse of a pair of dark eyes, like black grapes freshly plucked from water—shiny and bright.

Zhao Zihao’s dad, having just finished talking with the homeowners, walked out of the villa and caught Ming Miao mid-run: “Miaomiao, what’s wrong?”

“Dad, my dad’s over there!”

Ming Miao struggled, trying to break free from his arms.

Zhao Zihao’s dad glanced around. Aside from himself, there was no one else here who could reasonably be called “dad.”

He assumed Miaomiao had been bullied by the other kids and was now upset, wanting his dad. He quickly picked Miaomiao up and comforted him: “It’s okay, it’s okay. Uncle’s here.”

“Dad…”

Miaomiao called out again, his voice tinged with tears, as he looked toward the villa entrance with confusion.

Chi Xiao hadn’t paused for even a moment, his back radiating indifference. By now, he had already stepped into the villa’s foyer without looking back, and the servant closed the door firmly behind him.

Inside the villa.

Chi Yao, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, sighed dramatically: “Why did it end just as we arrived? I wanted to see the kindergarten kids have a brawl.”

In the living room ahead, a few people walked in through the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the garden.

Chi Yue was wailing on the nanny’s shoulder, and Chi Heng, influenced by her, started crying too, creating quite a pitiful scene.

Chi Yao had initially thought about comforting them, but seeing Chi Xiao’s impatient expression as he strode through the living room without so much as a glance, as if staying a moment longer would give him a migraine, he decided against it. The two kids, upon seeing Chi Xiao, inexplicably cried even harder.

Chi Yao didn’t dare linger and quickly caught up to Chi Xiao, casually asking, “Bro, do you hate kids so much that you’re never planning to have any?”

Chi Xiao gave him a blank look, too annoyed to respond.

Kids?

Forget having them.

He’d rather walk the other way if he saw one.

–

That evening, Ming Can brought Miaomiao home.

It was strange. Even though it had been a while since they left Zihao’s house, Miaomiao hadn’t shared any details about the birthday party with her.

He had been silent the whole time, head down, looking listless.

The house was quiet, with only the two of them there. The warm glow of the lights filled the living room. Ming Can led Miaomiao to the sofa and asked gently, “What’s wrong, sweetie? Did you not have fun today?”

Miaomiao shook his head, then nodded, staring blankly at Ming Can, hesitating to speak.

He knew Mom didn’t like talking about Dad, but he couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Mom…” Miaomiao mumbled, “I saw Dad today.”

Ming Can was shocked: “At Zihao’s house?”

“In Zihao’s neighborhood. Grandpa’s house is also in that neighborhood. I saw Dad at Grandpa’s house. He was walking with Uncle.”

Uncle? So, Chi Yao?

Ming Can was momentarily stunned. She had just recognized Chi Xiao as Miaomiao’s father today, and now Miaomiao had seen him too. The world was full of coincidences.

She didn’t need to ask for details. Just by looking at Miaomiao’s expression, she could guess that today had been a one-sided recognition—Miaomiao had seen his dad, but Chi Xiao probably hadn’t acknowledged him at all.

Ming Can let out a soft sigh, ruffling Miaomiao’s hair as she asked gently, “Do you… really miss Dad?”

Miaomiao activated his superpower and confirmed that what Mom had asked was truly what she was thinking. Relieved, he answered, “Yeah, it’s been a long time since I last saw Dad.”

As he spoke, his eyes turned slightly red. Seeing this, Ming Can felt a pang of guilt.

Even in cases of divorced parents, the child living with one parent usually gets to see the other parent regularly.

Ming Can: “How often did you used to see Dad?”

Miaomiao: “About every two weeks. I usually spent half the time at Dad’s place and the other half at Mom’s.”

“Oh… Wait, what?!” Ming Can suddenly stood up. “You spent half your time with Mom and half with Dad? Is that right?”

Miaomiao, confused: “Yeah.”

Ming Can felt as if she’d been struck by lightning, her mind in complete chaos.

This wasn’t the typical arrangement for divorced parents raising a child. Normally, after a divorce, one parent gets custody while the other gets visitation rights, often scheduled once a week or even less frequently. It’s highly unlikely for the custodial parent to allow the child to spend half their time with the other parent—otherwise, what’s the point of fighting for custody in the first place?

What Miaomiao described sounded more like the arrangement of separated but still-married parents raising a child together.

So.

In the future, she and Chi Xiao most likely hadn’t divorced—they just didn’t live together.

Oh my God.

Ming Can was hit hard by this realization. She needed some time alone to sort out her thoughts. Staggering toward the kitchen, she said to Miaomiao, “Mom’s going to the kitchen… to get you some juice.”

Miaomiao nodded, his gaze strangely penetrating, as if he could see right through her.

In the kitchen, Ming Can twisted open a bottle of mineral water and took a few gulps.

Leaning against the counter, the cold water helped calm her chaotic thoughts.

Miaomiao wasn’t as accustomed to living solely with his mom as she had assumed.

His parents weren’t divorced, and he needed his dad.

But.

Ming Can was very clear that she didn’t want a man like Chi Xiao intruding into her life, forming some ambiguous relationship based on a vague future.

It was just too bizarre. Her and Chi Xiao—two people who had once been complete strangers—suddenly had a child together.

Just imagining that scenario made her scalp tingle and her mind spiral.

Forget the fact that a logical, science-minded guy like him would never believe in time travel or accept that his 20-year-old self had somehow ended up with a child. He’d probably think Ming Can and Miaomiao were crazy and tell them to get lost.

Even if he were forced to accept it, what then? Ming Can didn’t know what kind of person he was, and most men in this world were unreliable. Chi Xiao, being a man, was likely no exception. Ming Can didn’t trust him at all, and forcing him into their lives would be like adding a ticking time bomb to her already overwhelming stress.

Of course, there were even crazier possibilities, like Chi Xiao finding out and trying to fight for custody, or even sending Miaomiao to a research facility…

Ming Can, being so independent, controlling, and clear-headed, couldn’t stand the idea of “the kid’s dad” suddenly appearing in her life at just 19 years old.

In her heart, she would always come first.

Even though she had developed feelings for Miaomiao now, he could only come second in her life. His needs would have to take a backseat to her own.

However, precisely because she now had feelings for Miaomiao, she couldn’t completely disregard his emotions either.

Ming Can washed a few apples and strawberries in the kitchen, peeled them, and tossed them into the juicer.

As the machine whirred, she pondered, slowly coming up with a relatively balanced solution.

A few minutes later, Ming Can returned to the living room with two glasses of juice.

Her expression was serious. She waited until Miaomiao had slowly taken a sip of his juice and set the cup down before speaking: “Miaomiao, Mom can take you to see your dad.”

Miaomiao’s eyes lit up, but then he heard the next sentence: “However, there are a few things you must promise me.”

The words Ming Can spoke aloud perfectly matched her inner thoughts: “Right now, Mom doesn’t like your dad at all. To me, he’s just a stranger, and I don’t want to develop any kind of relationship with him. So, I don’t want him to know that he and I have a child together, and I won’t let him become part of our lives. Do you understand?”

Miaomiao was silent for a moment, then nodded: “I understand.”

Ming Can hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly.

It seemed like the child had been prepared for this, or perhaps he was already used to her exclusive, guarded nature.

Ming Can: “If you ever see your dad in the future, you can only call him ‘brother’ and interact with him like a friend. Oh, and that’s only if he’s willing to be friends with you.”

“Dad will definitely be willing!” Miaomiao said. “Dad’s a really good person!”

Ming Can was skeptical.

In her eyes, coldness, arrogance, and aloofness were synonymous with Chi Xiao—none of which carried a positive connotation.

But.

If, by some one-in-a-million chance, she had misjudged him, and Chi Xiao was actually a really good person…

Ming Can’s thoughts suddenly hit a snag, and all her previous assumptions were overturned in an instant.

In that case, she might have to reconsider how to raise Miaomiao.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Ming Can saw that Miaomiao had suddenly regained his energy. He picked up his glass and took a big gulp of juice, happily asking, “Mom, I’ll agree to anything. So, when are you taking me to see Dad?”

Even in the original timeline, he rarely had the chance to be with both Mom and Dad at the same time. Now, unexpectedly, he had this opportunity—how could he not be thrilled!

Ming Can was stumped by his question: “Let me think about it.”

Considering going to University A to find Chi Xiao, the first person she thought of was Xu Jiayun, the love-chasing expert. The person Xu Jiayun liked happened to be Chi Xiao’s direct junior, so there might be a chance to run into Chi Xiao, just like at the last lecture.

Ming Can opened WeChat and sent Xu Jiayun a message: 【Are you planning to go to University A anytime soon?】

Xu Jiayun: 【Yeah, Old Cheng’s department is having a basketball game next week. I’m planning to go cheer for him, hehe.】

A basketball game?

Ming Can couldn’t remember if Chi Xiao played basketball, but given his height, long legs, and good physique, he probably did some kind of sports. There was a good chance he played basketball.

Ming Can: 【Do you have any photos of Cheng Xiuyuan’s department team? I’d like to take a look.】

Xu Jiayun: 【Sure!】

Xu Jiayun: 【Why the sudden interest in this?】

Despite her question, she quickly found a team photo and sent it to Ming Can.

In the photo, the sun was blazing.

About a dozen guys from the department team were lined up in two rows, wearing bold red jerseys. Ming Can’s eyes immediately landed on someone in the middle of the back row.

He was nearly 1.9 meters tall and way too striking to miss.

Ming Can placed the phone in front of Miaomiao and pointed at Chi Xiao in the back row: “This person…”

“Dad!” Miaomiao grabbed the phone and giggled. “Dad looks so young, like a big brother.”

Ming Can: …

The photo was taken last year, when he was only 19. Of course he looked young.

She had originally wanted to confirm once and for all if this guy was Miaomiao’s dad, and now she had her answer.

Ming Can took the phone back and ruffled Miaomiao’s fluffy hair, enunciating each word: “Next week, I’ll take you to watch your dad play basketball. Got it?”

Miaomiao saluted her: “Yes, madam!”