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Chapter 40: Song Qiao’s Thoughts!

After listening to those words, Song Qiao’s eyes flickered slightly. When she was still burning with anger just moments ago, she had thought the same way—she wanted revenge. She wanted to expose their shameful acts to the world.

But then she thought of Bai Shuyu, and hesitated.

Bai Shuyu had undergone heart surgery. If she exposed them at the wedding, Bai Shuyu might faint on the spot upon hearing the news.

Moreover, it wasn’t just Chen Yang’s relatives attending the wedding; her own family would be there too. She didn’t want to drag herself and her family into such a humiliating situation just for Chen Yang. He wasn’t worth it.

With a calm expression, she said, “Yaoyao, I don’t want to drag myself and my family into a disgraceful situation just to get back at Chen Yang.”

Shen Yao had been about to argue, but then realized that Song Qiao’s composure was beyond what she had expected.

She had been with Chen Yang for six years, and they were about to get married. Discovering his infidelity just before the wedding would have been a devastating blow for any woman.

But throughout the conversation, Song Qiao never lost control, never cried, never broke down. She was only angry—and then calm after the anger.

Tentatively, Shen Yao asked, “Qiao Qiao, why don’t I hear any heartbreak in your voice… Could it be that you stopped loving him a long time ago?”

Song Qiao froze. With Shen Yao’s reminder, she quickly realized the same thing.

When she had broken up with Xie Yanli years ago, she cried every day, feeling like she didn’t want to go on living. But now, with Chen Yang, she wasn’t overwhelmed with emotion, didn’t feel like the sky was falling. All she felt was betrayal and anger.

Did that mean she no longer loved Chen Yang? Or had she simply grown up, matured enough not to be hysterical like before?

Before she could make sense of it, she suddenly heard footsteps from upstairs—Song Zhiming was coming down.

Not wanting him to overhear her conversation, she quickly said a few words to Shen Yao and ended the call.

Song Zhiming approached her with a serious expression. “Qiao Qiao, have you made up your mind? Are you really going to call off the wedding with Chen Yang? What about the child you’re carrying?”

Song Qiao wasn’t surprised—Bai Shuyu must have taken him upstairs to talk about this. Since he already knew, she didn’t have to figure out how to bring it up herself.

Meeting her father’s eyes, she said seriously, “Dad, I really do want to break up with Chen Yang. As for the baby…”

She couldn’t remember the face of the man she kissed in the bar, but she was certain it wasn’t Chen Yang. Thinking back on the dreams she had of being intimately involved with a man—it all made sense now. Those dreams had actually happened.

She figured that, in a drunken and angry state, she must’ve had a one-night stand with a stranger at the bar. The child she was carrying must belong to the man from her dreams.

Though she had been drunk, the man wasn’t. How could she possibly have a child with someone whose identity was unclear, someone so random? She had to terminate the pregnancy.

With determination, she added, “Dad, I won’t keep this child.”

Song Zhiming’s face darkened instantly. He said, disappointed, “Qiao Qiao, marriage isn’t a game—and neither is having a child. I’m really disappointed in you for saying something so irresponsible.”

Feeling wronged, Song Qiao tried to explain the truth and get his opinion. “Dad, it’s not what you think. Chen Yang, he—”

“Qiao Qiao, if you really regret marrying Chen Yang, even at this stage I won’t force you. But you’re pregnant now. How could you say such irresponsible things? Do you know how happy your mom was when she found out? Her heart condition isn’t great; she can’t take too much shock. You’re about to become a mother—you can’t be so willful anymore.”

Hearing that, Song Qiao’s heart sank as she considered Bai Shuyu’s health.

Seeing her fall silent, Song Zhiming patted her shoulder and sighed. “Qiao Qiao, Chen Yang is a reliable and capable young man. He secured such a big order without arrogance. Most importantly, he’s devoted to you and not a womanizer. Those are rare qualities in a man. I believe he’ll be a good father. He’s the best choice for a husband. Once you become a mother, you’ll understand what I’m saying.”

Song Qiao clenched her fingers tightly at her sides. Not only had Chen Yang kept her in the dark, he had fooled her parents too. But her father’s words reminded her—she suddenly thought of the order from Lu Group.

She’d always known that the biggest dream of her father’s company was to collaborate with Lu Group. That order had been Chen Yang’s responsibility. If she broke up with him at this critical moment, it might impact the deal.

She thought for a moment and asked, “Dad, when is the contract with Lu Group being signed?”

Song Zhiming replied without thinking, “Tomorrow. I thought it would be delayed until after the wedding, but Lu Group is very eager to proceed. To avoid changes, we decided to finalize it as soon as possible. Both parties agreed to sign tomorrow.”

Song Qiao frowned. “Lu Group is such a big company… You said they’re very eager too. That seems a little odd to me.”

Seeing her confused expression, Song Zhiming smiled. “That’s why I said you picked the right man. Chen Yang really is a high-potential guy. He put his all into landing this project. People say sincerity is the ultimate weapon—he won Lu Group over with 100% sincerity.”

Knowing how dedicated Chen Yang was to his work, Song Qiao’s suspicions eased. She decided to wait until after the contract was signed to tell her father the truth. There were still two days before the wedding—everything could still be handled in time.

Just as she made up her mind, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Xie Yanli.

[I’m already here. How much longer? I’m not going to wait forever.]

Seeing the time, Song Qiao realized she was already late for their meeting. Fortunately, it wasn’t far; driving would take about ten minutes.

Knowing Xie Yanli’s temper, she quickly replied:

[Traffic is a bit heavy, I’ll be there soon.]

Then she looked up at Song Zhiming and said, “Dad, I have to go out for something.”

Assuming she was meeting Chen Yang, he smiled and said, “Alright. I’ll let your mom know. Be careful—you’re pregnant now, so watch your step and be mindful of what you say.”

Song Qiao nodded and left. As she approached her car, she suddenly heard Chen Yang calling her from behind.

Turning around, she saw him standing not far away, holding a large bouquet of fresh flowers.

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