Chapter 45

“Isn’t she eager to marry Cheng Yue? Then why is she so willing to let him give me money?”

“Why are you telling me all this?”

“I’m just saying this so you don’t lose out too much. You probably won’t believe me, but I’m not as bad as you think. You’re biased against me, which is why you always have an issue with me.”

“??” Who’s she trying to fool?

Su Qianqian didn’t believe a single word Zhou Yun said.

“I admit I like Cheng Yue, and since there’s no real affection between you two, getting divorced is the best option for both of you. Otherwise, if you stay here with him controlling the money, you’ll have no chance to send money back to your family. But once you’re divorced and get some money, you can help your family—like getting your brother married or building a house for your elder brother.”

Su Qianqian suddenly understood—Zhou Yun had clearly done her homework, knowing full well she cared deeply about her family and would sacrifice anything for their sake.

If this were the original Su Qianqian, she’d likely have been brainwashed by now. The original version of her was truly foolish, short-sighted, and only cared about money.

“I also have some money here. As long as you divorce Cheng Yue, I’ll give it to you.”

“…Seriously, lady? You’re not lacking in options, so why are you bending over backward like this?!”

Sure, Cheng Yue was great—handsome, fit, and with a promising future—but throwing herself at him so blatantly while acting as the other woman? It was pathetic.

At that moment, Sanya walked over carrying a bowl of mung bean soup. She tripped, and the entire bowl of soup spilled onto Zhou Yun’s clothes.

Zhou Yun shrieked and jumped up. “What are you doing?!” She glared at Sanya with fury in her eyes.

Su Qianqian quickly pulled Sanya aside, then grabbed a clean cloth to wipe Zhou Yun’s clothes.

But Zhou Yun swatted her hand away. “Don’t wipe it! You’ll only make it dirtier!”

“Alright, then I’ll pay for it,” Su Qianqian said, already tired of dealing with her.

Zhou Yun looked like she was about to speak angrily but seemed to think better of it. She huffed, “Forget it, I’m leaving,” and stormed off.

As Zhou Yun hurried away, Sanya stuck out her tongue and made a funny face at her retreating figure.

Su Qianqian noticed and smiled. “Sanya, was that… intentional?”

Sanya froze for a moment, her eyes darting guiltily. After hesitating, she nodded. “Sorry, Mom. I did it on purpose.”

“Why did you do that?”

“I don’t like her. Her smile is so fake, not pretty at all. Mom is way prettier! You’re the most beautiful mom in the world!” Sanya hugged Su Qianqian’s leg and showered her with over-the-top compliments, making Su Qianqian laugh. She picked Sanya up and playfully tapped her nose.

Among the three kids, Sanya was the most lively and clever. She had a cheerful and innocent nature that had previously been suppressed by the original Su Qianqian. Now, after receiving love and care, her true personality was starting to shine.

“Mom, she’s a bad woman. Don’t believe her!” Erbao chimed in.

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Su Qianqian assured him.

She could clearly see Zhou Yun’s motive—to provoke a fight between her and Cheng Yue. The nastier the conflict, the more Cheng Yue would resent her. That way, after the divorce, he’d want nothing to do with her, even with the three children. Zhou Yun wanted to ensure Cheng Yue severed all ties with her.

What a vicious scheme.

“Come on, let’s pack up. We’re leaving tomorrow.”

Having lived here for some time, they had accumulated quite a few belongings, especially with all the things they’d bought. She’d have to ask Cheng Yuan for help with transportation tomorrow.

When Cheng Yue came home from work, he didn’t notice anything unusual. Instead, he was delighted by the refreshing mung bean soup, which was perfect for cooling off. He felt thoroughly satisfied after drinking a bowl.

When it comes to food, no one can top Su Qianqian.

The thought startled him. So, after the divorce…?

Since all the packed items were in Su Qianqian’s room, Cheng Yue didn’t notice. He also realized he wouldn’t be getting any more massage services, though his leg had fully healed by now. He wouldn’t feel right asking her anyway—it had always been hard work for her, with each session lasting half an hour.

The kids returned to their room after their bedtime story, but this time Erbao wasn’t in a hurry to sleep. Instead, he looked at Cheng Yue and asked, “Hey, do you know how to box? Can you show us?”

“Call me Dad, and I’ll show you,” Cheng Yue teased.

“If you won’t, then don’t! I don’t care anyway,” Erbao retorted with a huff.

This brat!

Cheng Yue sighed in resignation. “Fine, I’ll show you!”

They’re my own kids, what choice do I have? Sooner or later, they’ll call me Dad anyway.

He moved the bed aside and began boxing. His punches were full of power and precision, leaving the three little ones in awe. They clapped enthusiastically, thinking their stinky dad was the coolest!

“Want to learn?” Cheng Yue asked, raising an eyebrow at Erbao.

Erbao instinctively nodded but then seemed to think of something and quickly said, “I’m still too young. I’ll learn when I’m older.”

“It’s fine. Starting young will help you build a good foundation, and you’ll become really skilled in the future.”

Erbao was tempted, but remembering that they were leaving the next day made him feel a bit melancholic.

“Time for bed. Goodnight.”

Cheng Yue was startled. His little son had actually said “goodnight” to him.

This word was entirely new to the father and his three sons before Su Qianqian introduced it. Since then, the mother and children said it to each other every night, but they never included him. Receiving a “goodnight” today made Cheng Yue’s lips curl into a smile, filling him with joy.

The next morning at breakfast, he told the three kids, “I’ll bring back something fun for you today.”

The three exchanged glances and then sneaked a look at Su Qianqian.

Su Qianqian smiled at them but didn’t say a word.

Once Cheng Yue left for work, Su Qianqian and the children began preparing for their departure.

“Do you think Bad Dad will miss us when we’re gone?” Erbao asked.

“I don’t know. Last time Mom was telling us a story, didn’t he say it was too noisy?” Daya replied.

“See? He is a bad dad!” At this, Erbao got angry and no longer felt guilty about leaving.

After packing everything, Su Qianqian went to find Cheng Yuan. She had mentioned her plans to him earlier, so Cheng Yuan came over with a car to take them to the train station.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay taking the train back on your own? Why isn’t the captain going with you?” Cheng Yuan asked, unaware that Su Qianqian hadn’t informed Cheng Yue.

“It’ll be fine. The kids are well-behaved. Besides, he’s busy, and the kids miss their grandparents.”

Cheng Yuan understood. The children had grown up in Tianshui Village, so of course, they’d feel nostalgic. A visit would do them good.

At the train station, Cheng Yuan helped them load their belongings onto the train and handed Su Qianqian a piece of paper with several phone numbers. “Keep this safe. Call us if you need anything.”

“Got it. Thanks, Cheng Yuan. Here, take these snacks.” Su Qianqian handed him some food. Cheng Yuan accepted without hesitation—he was a big fan of her cooking.

As the train was about to depart, Cheng Yuan got off and waved to them from outside.

“Goodbye, Uncle Cheng Yuan!” Erbao shouted at the top of his lungs. His eyes were a little red, clearly reluctant to part.

Cheng Yuan, however, didn’t notice the emotion in Erbao’s voice. Once the train left, he simply turned and went on his way.

“Mom, when do you think Dad will realize we’re gone?” Erbao asked.

“He’ll probably find out when he gets home from work. I left a note for him—he’ll see it.” Su Qianqian thought about how Cheng Yue wouldn’t directly ask her to leave, so she took the initiative herself. After all, letting him sleep on a folding bed indefinitely wasn’t very practical.

Cheng Yue was a responsible man, and the five years of no contact had been due to work issues. He certainly hadn’t expected that their first meeting would lead to her becoming pregnant—with triplets, no less!

She also decided she wouldn’t ask him for money anymore. She could earn her own, and this marked the end of the entanglement between them.

The three kids were unusually quiet, staring out the window, their little minds clearly occupied. They had already been through so much at such a young age. Su Qianqian reached out to ruffle their hair and gave each of them a White Rabbit milk candy.

…

When Cheng Yue came home from work, he was carrying several toys he’d picked out for the kids.

“Captain Cheng, looking cheerful today,” a passing colleague greeted him.

“Yeah, the injury’s healed,” Cheng Yue replied with a smile.

“Ever since your wife and kids arrived, you’ve been smiling a lot more,” the colleague remarked. In the past, Cheng Yue rarely smiled. His stern demeanor made him seem distant despite his handsome appearance, deterring people from approaching him.

Cheng Yue froze for a moment. Really? Have I changed? He hadn’t noticed it himself.

“Are those toys for the kids?”

“Yeah. They’ve been here for a while, and I haven’t bought them any yet.”

“Then you should hurry home.”

Cheng Yue eagerly headed back. But as soon as he entered, he sensed something was off. The house was too quiet, and there was no delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

Usually, when he came home, Su Qianqian would be cooking, filling the house with mouthwatering smells. Even the neighbors complained daily about how her cooking made them lose their appetites for their own food.

Where was everyone?

As he moved to look for them, he noticed an envelope on the table, with the words: For Cheng Yue, open personally.