Chapter 2: Handsome Husband, Adorable Son

“The young master is in the Peony Garden, teaching… Little Young Master how to paint…” The servant quickly lowered her head after speaking.

The original child’s son, Xiao Mumu, was a sensitive topic for Gu Nanyan. Every time he was mentioned or seen, she would fly into a rage. This made the servants extremely wary of bringing him up in front of her.

“Alright, I understand. Thank you.” Gu Nanyan noticed the fear in the servants’ eyes and tried to force a friendly smile before heading to the Peony Garden.

After she left, the servants exchanged puzzled glances.

“What’s going on with the lady today? She’s acting different from usual.”

“I heard that the young master finally agreed to the divorce, so she’s in a good mood and has changed her attitude.”

“Does that mean she’s about to leave the Shen family?”

“She should’ve left a long time ago… The young master is finally going to be free.”

“Yes, and poor little Young Master won’t have to live in fear anymore…”

In the Peony Garden, Shen Boyan, dressed in a black suit, was accompanying his son, Xiao Mumu, as they painted.

Xiao Mumu, whose real name was Shen Zhelin, was just over three years old, but already had a strong grasp of poetry, songs, and other scholarly pursuits. His excellent upbringing was mainly due to his tutor, Qin Yuwei.

As a result, Shen Boyan was deeply grateful to Qin Yuwei, and in the household, she held a semi-maternal role. The servants followed her instructions.

The peonies in the garden were in full bloom. When Gu Nanyan arrived, she saw a cute little bundle sitting on a small stool in front of an easel, holding a paintbrush in his tiny, clean hands, focused on painting.

Shen Boyan stood behind him, his tall figure like a picture, with deep, dark eyes full of affection and tenderness as he watched his son. The father and son were remarkably similar in appearance, with their profiles almost identical.

Qin Yuwei, wearing a white dress with her long hair cascading down, stood nearby, smiling at the scene. The sun shone brightly, and the flowers bloomed in full splendor, creating a warm and family-like atmosphere.

“NanYan, what brings you here?”

As Gu Nanyan walked over, Qin Yuwei, noticing her outfit, immediately changed her expression. Shen Boyan also subconsciously stepped forward, protecting Xiao Mumu, his face darkening instantly.

“Why? Can’t I come?” Gu Nanyan coldly retorted to Qin Yuwei, silencing her, before stepping closer to Shen Boyan and Xiao Mumu.

However, to her surprise, Shen Boyan, seeing her approach, shielded Xiao Mumu even more tightly, pressing his body closer to the child. Xiao Mumu, frightened, clung to his legs.

“Gu Nanyan, stay right there. Don’t move.” Shen Boyan commanded, his voice cold as he stopped her two meters away from them.

Gu Nanyan paused.

She had come to find Shen Boyan, but seeing her own son trembling with fear at the sight of her, she felt an uncomfortable pang in her heart.

“Come on, Xiao Mumu, don’t be scared. Come to Teacher Qin,” Qin Yuwei immediately stepped forward, gently pulling Xiao Mumu into her arms with a soft and caring expression.

Gu Nanyan looked at her fake kindness with disgust.

At this moment, she, the real mother, felt like an unforgivable villain, while Qin Yuwei, the manipulative woman, appeared to be an angel.

“It seems like you’ve packed up and are ready to leave,” Shen Boyan glanced at Gu Nanyan, who was dressed differently than usual, his expression growing colder. He appeared utterly indifferent.

“Huh?” Gu Nanyan looked down at herself, realizing her new appearance had given Shen Boyan the wrong impression. She quickly waved her hands. “No, no, I’m not leaving, and I haven’t packed.”

Shen Boyan didn’t respond but grew even more distant, his frustration evident as he thought she was still playing tricks.

“I’ve already torn up that divorce agreement,” Gu Nanyan took a deep breath and looked at Shen Boyan seriously. “Boyan, I’ve realized my mistakes over the years. I want to start over with you, be a good wife, a good mother, and support you and raise our son together.”

“Gu Nanyan, don’t you find what you’re saying laughable?” Shen Boyan, usually cold, finally allowed a smile to break through, but it was filled with mockery.

Gu Nanyan thought about the original owner’s actions, and the words she had just spoken, realizing they were indeed rather comical.

The original owner was a crazy person—being a good wife and mother had nothing to do with her.

This mess was hard to clean up.

Gu Nanyan suppressed the urge to curse the original owner and tried her best to remain calm, staring at Shen Boyan. “Saying things isn’t enough; actions speak louder. Boyan, I will show you.”

“You don’t need to do anything else!” Shen Boyan’s face was like ice, his patience already worn thin. “You’ve torn up the divorce agreement? I’ll have a new one drawn up for you as soon as possible. Gu Nanyan, go ahead and pursue your true love.”

“No!” Gu Nanyan, biting her lip, felt tears welling up in her eyes. She feigned losing control and grabbed Shen Boyan’s arm. “Boyan, our Xiao Mumu can’t live without his mother!”

As expected, Xiao Mumu was Shen Boyan’s soft spot.

The mention of his son caused a flash of red to appear in Shen Boyan’s dark eyes.

He swallowed hard, wanting to say something but unable to.

“Wah…” Suddenly, Xiao Mumu’s crying broke the silence. The little boy, in Qin Yuwei’s arms, looked helplessly at her before bursting into tears.

Qin Yuwei loosened her grip on his tiny arm and glanced at Shen Boyan with satisfaction. She gently calmed Xiao Mumu, wiping away his tears.

“It seems like… Xiao Mumu is a bit scared…”

Qin Yuwei deliberately glanced at Gu Nanyan, her words pointed as she spoke to Shen Boyan.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her hurt you.”

Shen Boyan gently wiped away Xiao Mumu’s tears, his red eyes filled with tenderness.

“I… when have I ever hurt him?”

Gu Nanyan thought carefully, and though the original owner had ignored her son, she never intentionally harmed him.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, Shen Boyan shot her a glare.

Gu Nanyan belatedly realized that her mere presence was enough to frighten Xiao Mumu. It must have been Qin Yuwei’s manipulation behind the scenes, causing the child to fear her.

Qin Yuwei had likely fabricated countless lies about Gu Nanyan trying to harm Xiao Mumu in front of Shen Boyan.

“I’ll have the divorce agreement sent to you soon.”

Shen Boyan took Xiao Mumu from Qin Yuwei’s arms and walked off, leaving behind a cold remark.

After Shen Boyan left, Qin Yuwei looked pleased with herself. Then, she pretended to approach Gu Nanyan with a fake, concerned expression.

“GuYan, what’s going on? Did you and He Yunrui have a falling out? No matter what, you shouldn’t let your emotions control you. You’ve worked so hard for so many years to be with him, and now Shen Boyan has finally decided to let you go… You need to cherish this opportunity.”

“At least Shen Boyan has made up his mind. When the divorce agreement arrives, you must sign it quickly. Your happiness is waiting for you.”

“How about you enjoy that happiness for me?” Gu Nanyan fought the urge to roll her eyes and looked at Qin Yuwei. “He Yunrui is so great. We’re good friends, why don’t you go enjoy that happiness for me?”

“Gu Yan, what are you talking about?” Qin Yuwei seemed confused.

“I’m not joking. Didn’t I tell you? I want to start over with Shen Boyan. He’s handsome, rich—why would I leave him for someone like He Yunrui, a penniless guy? I was blind before, but now I’ve seen the light. I’m not signing any divorce agreement! Even if Shen Boyan kicks me out, I won’t leave. As long as I’m in the Shen family, no one will take my position as Mrs. Shen!”