Chapter 39: Your Dad Doesn’t Know People Well

Kang Ying limped along, but surprisingly moved quickly. Cen Bowen wanted to call out to stop her, but it was too late. When they reached the guesthouse, Cen’s mother first used a damp cloth to clean Cen Bowen’s wounds. As she cleaned, tears fell from her eyes while she cursed the Song family, and she also scolded Cen Yue.

“Bowen, don’t be afraid. Mom will go back home tomorrow and get Grandpa to back you up! I’ll get your dad to come too! This matter won’t just end like this!”

Whenever she thought about Gu Chengze having hit her son, Cen’s mother wanted nothing more than to tear him to pieces. And Song Yiyi — how dare she insult her son! A country wild girl — if it weren’t for that old man she married into, she wouldn’t even be worthy to tie their Cen family’s shoelaces! Cen’s mother secretly vowed to find a chance to deal with that wild girl. Anyone who offended their family today, she wouldn’t let off.

Cen Bowen sat there listlessly, not saying a word. He was somewhat heartbroken. This was the first girl he ever liked, and he didn’t expect such a result — a true heart fed to the dogs.

While Cen Bowen was drowning in the sorrow of heartbreak, Kang Ying limped on for quite a distance. She was limited in movement and sweated profusely after just a few steps. The sweat dripping on the scratches on her neck stung painfully, but her mood was good. At least this suffering today wasn’t in vain — Song Yiyi and Cen Bowen were now completely broken up. Even after Cen Bowen treated Song Yiyi kindly, it showed he was no longer angry with her.

Kang Ying bought medicine and several meals, thinking that mother and son must be hungry. Carrying a big pile of things, she found her way to the guesthouse. After some pleading and slipping some money to the staff, they finally allowed her upstairs.

She knocked on the door just as Cen’s mother was coming out with a basin. Cen’s mother glared impatiently at Kang Ying, “Put down the stuff and leave quickly.”

Kang Ying smiled politely, “Okay, Auntie, I’ll put medicine on Bowen and then go.” She lifted the lunch boxes in her hand and offered one to Cen’s mother. “Auntie, you must be hungry. Please eat something first.”

Before Cen’s mother could say anything, Cen Bowen’s voice came from inside: “Mom, Yingzi, come in and talk.”

…

After the Cens left, Song Minghui also frowned and wanted to leave. Gu Chengze glanced at Cen Yue, who tugged at his lip and blocked Song Minghui. “Uncle Song, the food’s already served. Why not eat first?”

Song Minghui waved his hand, “I’m not eating!” His face looked embarrassed.

Cai Mengjun came forward to smooth things over, “It’s this late, I’m actually hungry. Old Song, the kids must be hungry too. I have some things to ask A Yue, so let’s sit.”

Song Minghui hesitated. Song Yiyi simply sat back down, “If you want to leave, go ahead. I’m hungry and not leaving until I finish eating.”

The Cen family had left, so they would definitely pay for this meal. It was her money — why not eat? So the family, plus Cen Yue, sat down again. Cen Yue even had the waiter change the tablecloth and utensils.

Since the earlier scuffle, no waiter had dared to come out, stopped by the boss. Mainly because the dishes were already served and the boss feared that if he intervened, he might not get paid. If he did nothing, he’d have to pay for the meal and damage to the furniture. Maybe he’d even get to eat for free. The waiters guessed the meal wouldn’t be eaten today and hoped the boss would at least share some dishes. After all, it was already summer — the food couldn’t be saved or sold.

Gu Chengze ordered a pound of white liquor.

“Dad, Mom, Yiyi, stop frowning,” Gu Chengze said warmly. “Luckily, they haven’t held a wedding or banquet yet. Seeing that family clearly now is better than finding out after marriage. It’s a good thing.”

He actually felt bad inside. Gu Chengze felt somewhat guilty — if he hadn’t introduced Cen Bowen and Song Yiyi, none of this mess would have happened, and his sister wouldn’t have suffered. Listening to Cen Bowen complain about his sister, Gu Chengze almost wanted to kill him.

Song Yiyi looked indifferent, “I’m fine, not frowning at all. I never wanted to marry anyway. Your dad was the one who misjudged people and almost sent me into a pit.”

Song Minghui: “…” His face darkened again.

Song Yiyi didn’t care. When Song Minghui forced her to marry, he never considered her feelings. Besides, if she hadn’t entered the story world, the original version of her would have blindly married and ended up with a tragic, unclear fate.

With a sharp and sarcastic tone, Song Yiyi said, “Some people say they’re a father and wouldn’t harm their daughter. Turns out, it’s not him pushing me into the pit, but himself. If the fire doesn’t touch him, he won’t feel the pain. He collects all kinds of trash into the family — if he’s so idle, he might as well open a recycling center and create wealth for his children. At least then, his worries wouldn’t be in vain.”

Song Minghui almost flipped the table. Cai Mengjun quickly pulled him back and hurriedly tried to smooth things over, “Yiyi, come here. You suffered today, have some chicken leg.”

“Thanks, Mom!” Song Yiyi smiled brightly.

Gu Chengze poured more wine for Song Minghui, then for himself and Cen Yue. He didn’t comfort Song Minghui, just said, “Dad, have a drink?”

Song Minghui, already upset, downed the cup in one gulp. His face flushed red, and he began to zone out. Gu Chengze filled it again.

“Chengze, enough. Your dad can’t drink.”

Cai Mengjun kept urging, “You’re acting strange today, child.” She just assumed Gu Chengze was angry. After all, Yiyi was his little sister whom he’d watched grow up, so it was natural for him to be protective. Gu Chengze seemed not to hear her and, after refilling the glass, raised his cup and clinked it with Song Minghui’s. “Dad, one more cup!”

Song Minghui downed another drink. Song Yiyi buried her head in her food. She was really hungry, and after eating, there was still a performance to watch—most likely she would have to go on stage. She needed energy.

This time, on Song Yiyi’s right was Gu Chengze, and on her left sat Cen Yue. When she couldn’t reach some dishes, Cen Yue would reach over first and pick some for her. Song Yiyi blinked in confusion and looked at Cen Yue.

Cen Yue calmly raised an eyebrow and asked, “Sister, want anything else?”

Song Yiyi: “….”

Both of them were acting a little off. Strangely, last night in her plans, she had considered Cen Yue. She worried that this “cheat code” character of the male and female leads would appear at a crucial moment again, so she prepared countermeasures. But today, Cen Yue didn’t seem to help the leads at all—she even punched Cen Bowen! Things were progressing much more smoothly than she had imagined.

As she ate, Song Yiyi quietly observed Cen Yue. Could this cheat code be hiding some bigger move? Thinking of that possibility, Song Yiyi quietly put down the beef she had just brought to her mouth.

“Not enjoying the beef?” Cen Yue’s low, mellow, and clear voice sounded in her ear.

Song Yiyi looked up, and her eyes met his dark pupils. Cen Yue lounged lazily, his deep gaze fixed on her. The corners of his eyes lifted slowly, and his long, slender fingers rested on the table in front of her.