After leaving Kuang Hongxuan’s estate, Kuang Ye drove straight to the Kuang family villa. Since it was the Lunar New Year period, Kuang Zhongbai was unusually at home, taking a break from work. He was surprised to see Kuang Ye. His gaze swept over Kuang Ye’s mud-stained sneakers, and with a frown, he called for a servant to bring slippers before mocking him:

“Spending the New Year at the Mu family’s home—I thought you’d forgotten your surname was Kuang.”

The social circles of wealthy families were interconnected, and Wang Lan’s New Year posts on social media had made it clear that Kuang Ye had spent the holiday at the Mu family’s. Kuang Zhongbai was displeased. After all, traditionally, the bride joins the groom’s family for such celebrations. But the Mu family seemed to have turned the tables, taking their future son-in-law home even before the marriage.

Kuang Ye, indifferent to his father’s jabs, retorted internally that the Kuang family never invited him for New Year anyway. He stepped into the villa, changed into the offered slippers, and placed a document folder on the table in front of Kuang Zhongbai.

“Sign this, please.”

The bold heading on the document, Estrangement Agreement, caught Kuang Zhongbai’s eye, and his face darkened with fury.

“Kuang Ye, what are you up to this time?”

Kuang Ye raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t it obvious, Mr. Kuang? I don’t want you as my father anymore.”

Kuang Zhongbai’s face turned ashen. “Are you serious?”

“Serious as gold. By the way, Ms. Zhou also needs to sign this.”

Kuang Zhongbai sensed the seriousness in Kuang Ye’s calm yet resolute demeanor. A strange, uneasy feeling crept over him—like he was about to lose something important. Suppressing his emotions, he tried to negotiate.

“Kuang Ye, I admit I’ve focused on Shuyu and neglected you in the past. Shuyu’s situation with the Yuan family has created too much trouble, so he won’t be able to manage the company anytime soon. I’ll give his position to you. Would that be enough?”

Kuang Ye almost laughed at the condescending offer. He was supposed to be grateful for being handed leftovers that Kuang Shuyu couldn’t hold onto?

“Not interested. Just sign the papers.”

Kuang Zhongbai, now enraged, shouted, “Don’t regret this!”

“Regret? That you’re my dad—wait, biologically, you already are. Oh, I get it. Regret that I’m your dad?^[1]Dad or call me dad is a slang term in chinese that says you respect me or something, in this sentence, Kuang Ye, made a Pun using the Dad.”

Kuang Zhongbai nearly lost it. Furious, he grabbed the pen and aggressively scrawled his signature on the papers, pressing so hard the thin paper almost tore.

“If you want to sever ties, so be it. I don’t need a disgraceful son like you!”

Kuang Ye ignored the insult. He’d heard it too many times to care. Pocketing the signed document, he asked a servant where Zhou Yun was, only to be told she wasn’t home.

What a pity, he thought, but he’d have to return another time. He left without sparing Kuang Zhongbai another glance, his focus already on the next steps.

As he reached the front door, Zhou Yun entered. Her face twisted in disdain when she saw the muddy, worn sneakers at the doorway.

“What kind of trash leaves such filthy shoes out here during the New Year? Throw them away!”

Kuang Ye smiled faintly. No second trip was needed after all.

He put the shoes on and greeted her. “No need to throw them away—I’m leaving now.”

Zhou Yun froze upon recognizing him. Her face grew complicated, her lips moving as though to speak, but no words came out.

When Kuang Ye had first been brought back to the family, Zhou Yun couldn’t accept him. In her eyes, he was an intruder who threatened Kuang Shuyu’s place. But after Shuyu’s disgrace at the Yuan family press conference, and after seeing Kuang Ye’s accomplishments—MIT graduate, business leader, rising star—her guilt and regret had been growing daily.

Now, she smiled awkwardly. “Xiao Ye, have you eaten? Let me ask the kitchen to prepare something. Braised pork or bamboo shoots stew? The chef here makes excellent local dishes.”

Kuang Ye’s smile widened. “Not for now, thank you. But could you sign something for me?”

Without much thought, Zhou Yun nodded enthusiastically, seeing it as an opportunity to reconcile. Kuang Ye handed her the document, folded to reveal only the signature section.

“Just here, please. Thanks.”

In her eagerness to mend their relationship, Zhou Yun didn’t read the document and quickly signed.

“Great, that’s all sorted,” Kuang Ye said brightly, pocketing the papers. “I’ll be off now.”

He walked past her toward his car, unfazed by the confused disappointment in her expression.

“When will you come home for a proper meal? I’ll cook for you myself,” she called after him.

Without turning back, Kuang Ye waved casually. “Not necessary, Mrs. Zhou.”

His car sped off, leaving Zhou Yun bewildered.

Back inside, she turned to Kuang Zhongbai. “What was that document Xiao Ye had me sign?”

“Estrangement agreement,” Kuang Zhongbai replied flatly.

Zhou Yun turned pale. Estrangement? Kuang Ye had disowned her as his mother?

—

Meanwhile, Kuang Ye messaged Mu Wan, his task accomplished. Mu Wan was at a nail salon with Kuang Xingran, feeling a pang of guilt over keeping her friend in the dark about Kuang Ye’s plans.

As she debated whether to tell her friend, a chilling sensation washed over her. In the mirror beside her, a horrifying face suddenly appeared.

“Miss?” the nail technician asked, noticing Mu Wan’s sudden trembling.

Snatching her hand back, Mu Wan stood up abruptly and turned around, her eyes wide with terror.