Ning Yue had prepared dinner, and Hu Ziyuan ate with great appetite. However, even after the children had gone to bed, the food left for Zhuo Hao remained untouched. Was he not coming home today?
Usually, if Zhuo Hao wasn’t coming home, he would call or send a message. Why was there no word from him today?
An inexplicable unease enveloped Ning Yue. She opened a book but found herself staring blankly at the black text, only realizing after a long while that she hadn’t even understood the first line. She decided to take out her MP3 player, turn on the German listening practice, spread out paper and pen, and force herself to concentrate on completing her daily dictation task.
Her phone vibrated. Ning Yue quickly pulled out her earphones and grabbed her phone, only to find a message: “Open the door immediately, I’m here. I picked up the newspaper at the door, and Police Weekly 4 has also arrived.”
Ning Yue wondered puzzled: What Police Weekly? She had never seen Zhuo Hao subscribe to any magazines at this address. As she pondered this, she suddenly turned pale with fright! She quickly looked up a phone number Zhuo Hao had left her. When they first moved in, Zhuo Hao had instructed her that in case of emergency, calling this friend would be more effective than directly calling the police!
The sound of a door opening came from outside, followed by the sound of keys turning. Cold sweat broke out on Ning Yue’s back as she looked back at her son’s bedroom, which remained quiet and still.
“Bang! Bang! Bang!” Someone knocked on the door.
Ning Yue had already turned off all the lights in the room. She peered through the peephole to see Zhuo Hao standing outside in the hallway, where the automatic lights had turned on. He looked exhausted. Ning Yue tried to see left and right, but could only see a palm-sized area. This door was only three steps away from the one opposite, and people always came from the left side. The peephole’s view only covered these three steps.
“Open up, I’m home,” Zhuo Hao’s voice was somewhat hoarse.
Ning Yue remained silent.
After a while, her palm vibrated with Zhuo Hao’s incoming call. Ning Yue still didn’t respond. In the quiet night, she could hear her heartbeat. She wanted to grab a kitchen knife and throw open the door regardless of the consequences! But she had a long tail caught in the door behind her, and the pain told her not to move, absolutely not! Even if seven or eight people jumped out and stabbed Zhuo Hao with knives, she couldn’t open the door!
Pretend! Pretend no one was home!
The hallway lights went out. A few dull groans came through, and then the door was knocked again.
Ning Yue slowly backed away, focusing all her attention on the fact that this door had no doorbell and wouldn’t make too much noise, yet each knock still echoed through the room like a heavy hammer. Ning Yue fearfully scanned back and forth between the bedroom and the door… Suddenly, a faint sound came from the bedroom. Ning Yue rushed over, stopping gently at the bedroom door, opened it, and by the light of the outdoor advertising, saw that her son had merely turned over in his sleep.
Ning Yue closed the door again and rushed to the living room window to look outside. She immediately saw red and blue lights flickering on the gray-green treetops, and looking down, there was a police car parked quietly! The breath she had been holding suddenly released, and Ning Yue’s legs gave way as she collapsed into a chair.
The outside became noisy for a while, with shouts, collisions, loud door slams, and chase sounds. After about ten minutes, everything returned to silence.
Ning Yue received a message: “Everything’s fine now, rest well!”
Ning Yue climbed up to the window and saw several people walking toward the police car. One figure was limping as they prepared to get in the car but suddenly stopped and backed out. Instinct made Ning Yue raise her hand and press it against the window.
However, on the misty night, nothing could be seen clearly.
Early the next morning, when Ning Yue led her child to open the door for work, she was surprised to see Qin Can asleep leaning against the wall by the door!
Hearing the door open, Qin Can grunted and opened his eyes. Seeing Ning Yue and Hu Ziyuan, he first greeted Hu Ziyuan, then said to Ning Yue, “Let’s go, I’m here to pick you up.”
Hu Ziyuan, who had slept well and was full of energy, said loudly, “Boss, what perfect timing! You missed Mom’s wontons this morning!”
Qin Can look at Ning Yue, “Well! Consider that you owe me a meal, okay?”
“Mm! Mom packed buns for me to take, I’ll treat you at lunch, okay?”
Qin Can patted Hu Ziyuan’s head and said to Ning Yue, “You’ve taught him to be so generous, aren’t you afraid he’ll be taken advantage of in the future?”
Ning Yue smiled and bent down to say to the confused-looking Hu Ziyuan, “We’re only generous to people we like, we ignore those we don’t like, right?”
Hu Ziyuan nodded firmly, walking into the elevator while saying, “Right! I won’t even give him a fart! Poof! I’ll give him a fake one!”
Qin Can, the last to enter, burst out laughing upon hearing this.
In the car, Qin Can said, “Zhuo Hao called me. He’s being watched and was worried about you two, so he asked me to come pick you up.”
Ning Yue stroked her son’s fuzzy little head without immediately responding. After a sleepless night, she had made buns while thinking of countermeasures, preparing for various possible morning scenarios, but hadn’t expected Qin Can to come.
“When did you arrive? Why didn’t you come in?” Ning Yue asked.
“I came as soon as I got the call. Didn’t want to disturb the child’s rest, so I didn’t knock. Then I fell asleep until you opened the door.” Qin Can blinked, seemingly still somewhat drowsy.
Ning Yue nodded, silently accepting his kindness. Everyone was helping her without reservation, and the heavy pressure weighing on her heart left her momentarily speechless.
Ning Yue’s work was no longer just that of an administrative assistant; Pan Jie had transferred much of Lawyer Qian’s desk work to her, and basically, Ning Yue had taken on the additional role of Lawyer Qian’s assistant. Lawyer Qian was currently helping the company investigate matters at the sales center, and although Ning Yue had been reluctant to get involved, she now had no choice. She began to wonder if she had been set up.
“Tian Qiuzi is pregnant,” Pan Jie said during tea break, finding Ning Yue on the rooftop where she was exercising with her child in the sun.
Hu Ziyuan looked up at his mother. Ning Yue glanced at Pan Jie without responding and continued keeping the rhythm of Hu Ziyuan’s jumps.
Pan Jie also looked at Hu Ziyuan, meeting a pair of bright, inquisitive eyes, and her original emotions suddenly showed a trace of hesitation.
The two stood and sat there, silence spreading between them, though it didn’t feel awkward.
Hu Ziyuan immersed himself back in his joyful jumping, content he had learned in his physical education class. Though he wasn’t attending classes anymore, Ning Yue still followed the teacher’s program, trying to keep Hu Ziyuan active. When there was no equipment available, she would use tables and chairs, supporting him as he jumped up and down. After all the activity, both mother and son were breathing heavily, with bright beads of sweat glistening on their foreheads. Ning Yue took out a towel, carefully wiping it away, then dried her child’s back, and casually rubbed it up and down his back through his clothes.
Pan Jie couldn’t help asking curiously, “Why do you do that? Won’t the sweat make his clothes dirty?”
Ning Yue explained with a smile, “Clothes can be washed. But rubbing like this prevents the cooling sweat from shocking the open pores on his back, avoiding catching a cold.”
Pan Jie said enviously, “You’re so particular about raising your child! If my mother had made that motion when I was little, it would most likely have been to hit me!”
Ning Yue also joked, “They don’t allow hitting children anymore! I’m so envious of parents from before, solving all problems with one slap.”
Hu Ziyuan became unhappy, “You can’t hit children! I’ll call the police uncle to arrest you!”
Ning Yue smiled in response to the serious child, casually putting his coat on him, and beckoned Pan Jie to walk into the office.
Hu Ziyuan happily held his phone to play games, his reward for exercising diligently. He had only precious ten minutes and wouldn’t even respond to Zhong Tianming’s calls to eat.
Ning Yue walked to the other end with Pan Jie and apologetically said, “I’m sorry, the child is older now, it’s not good to discuss adult matters in front of him!”
Pan Jie didn’t mind anymore, “These past few days, watching you with your child, it’s not easy. If I were in your situation, forget about controlling myself not to hit the child, I wouldn’t even be able to put on a smile!”
Ning Yue shook her head, “Everything is for him in the first place. If I let him be affected again, my years of sacrifice would be wasted. By the way, what did you want to discuss?”
Pan Jie looked carefully at Ning Yue before saying, “I did have something to discuss, but now it doesn’t matter anymore.” Seeing Ning Yue’s confusion, Pan Jie continued explaining, “Lately I’ve found you annoying, even started to dislike you. Do you know that you seem to be playing the victim, making everyone help you? I really can’t stand it!”
Ning Yue’s face burned, but she honestly nodded.
Pan Jie said, “Tian Qiuzi has some connection to my family. She knows I’m your colleague, and some things she deliberately let me know, including her pregnancy news.”
“I know Tian Qiuzi wanted me to know, but why were you willing to tell me?”
“I don’t know either. Maybe I was just curious about how you would react?” Pan Jie paused, finally saying, “I sympathize with Tian Qiuzi!” She bit her lower lip, waiting for Ning Yue’s reaction.
Ning Yue just nodded, offering no comment.
Pan Jie said, “I don’t agree with her actions, but I understand her. She just fell in love with someone she shouldn’t have, nobody can control these things.” Pan Jie’s arms, which had been resting on the partition, suddenly crossed, though her tone remained normal.
Ning Yue glanced at her arms and nodded, “I understand. I once fell in love with someone I shouldn’t have to.”
Pan Jie raised an eyebrow. Ning Yue smiled bitterly, jerking her chin toward Hu Ziyuan: “His father.” Seeing Pan Jie’s dismissive expression, Ning Yue said, “This has nothing to do with marriage. Poor judgment, inability to control oneself, it was already wrong whether married or not. Do you think I’m happier than Tian Qiuzi?”
Pan Jie fell silent, and after a long while sighed and said, “You knew, didn’t you?” After waiting a moment, she seemed to mutter to herself, “Do you think I made a mistake?”
“He’s a good person, but being a good person and being right for you are two different things. Luo Yating may be sharp-tongued, but she has good judgment. You should consider her evaluation. You can unconditionally beautify someone in your heart, worship them as perfect, and think about them for a lifetime, that’s fine. But if you want to express or act on that love, you need to think about whether their flaws are ones you can accept.”
Pan Jie lowered her head and remained silent for a long time. Ning Yue waited a while, and seeing her still lost in thought, shook her head slightly and was about to go find her son, whose time was up, when she heard a faint voice behind her say, “Thank you!”
Lawyer Qian brought back a pile of contracts and agreements for Ning Yue to analyze. All morning, Ning Yue hadn’t accomplished much. When Lawyer Qian called to subtly urge her along, Ning Yue learned that Luo Yating and her team had found some important leads. Lawyer Qian’s side was moving too slowly and had been specifically criticized by Luo Yating. Qin Can have gone to a meeting and hadn’t returned, likely for the same matter.
Ning Yue’s progress was indeed slow because she already knew the truth; what she was doing now was merely to put pressure on Hu Cheng. On the surface, Hu Cheng had handled this matter smoothly. Looking at the accounts, Wang Mingcheng might have done something questionable, but it was all for the company and wouldn’t reveal major discrepancies. Unless Wang Mingcheng had connections with others, the problem wouldn’t lie with Hu Cheng. However, Ning Yue wasn’t in a hurry; this pressure was exactly what she wanted. Hu Cheng’s side wasn’t resting, and Luo Yating’s urgent pursuit was beneficial for Ning Yue.
After lunch, Pan Jie voluntarily took half the files, saying it would improve efficiency.
Seeing her smile, Ning Yue felt relieved; this girl’s thoughts had turned quickly. Then watching Zhong Tianming playfully lounging on the railing teasing Pan Jie, Ning Yue smiled. It’s never too late to correct mistakes.
Qin Can was a good match, but he had a large shadow in his heart that not just any woman could bear.
Around two o’clock, Mu Xiao called to inform Ning Yue that they had received notice of another court hearing in three days. This time, they should get a verdict. After hanging up, Ning Yue thought about last night, looked at her son playing nearby, and closed her eyes briefly: regardless of what happened, they were finally reaching a conclusion.
At the same time, Hu Cheng was saying similar words: “It doesn’t matter, she can’t keep carrying the child around forever! She’ll have to send him to school eventually, right? She’ll have to let him learn things, right? Someone like her, how could she bear to keep the child locked away forever!”
Hu Cheng’s mother wrung her hands: “But what if the court rules in her favor? Everything you say will be too late!”
“The court? The court makes too many rulings! Which ones are effective!” Hu Cheng said coldly, “A ruling would be perfect! It would make that woman let her guard down, and then we can find Ziyuan. Once we have the child in our hands, after not seeing her for a few years, he won’t even remember that mother!”
Hu Cheng’s father nodded: “That’s the logic. Hu Cheng, you must be careful. I see that Ning Yue seems to have found some helpers. Although she’s a woman, since she dared to wound you with a knife, she must have a ruthless mind. You need to think this through!”
Hu Cheng said: “Dad, don’t worry, I have no feelings for her anymore. Even if she wants to come back, I don’t want her. Once I find Ziyuan, I’ll hire a nanny to help you both take good care of the child. We can discuss other matters later.”
Hu Cheng’s father nodded.
Hu Cheng’s mother looked back and forth between father and son, seeming to want to speak several times but holding back. After Hu Cheng left, she couldn’t help muttering: “A child without a mother, ah!”
Hu Cheng’s father glared at his wife: “What are you thinking about at a time like this? The child has no mother, but doesn’t he have us?”
Hu Cheng’s mother pursed her lips and stood up to go to the kitchen.
At this moment, the doorbell rang. Hu Cheng’s mother went to open it, and seeing the visitor, she froze.
Tian Qiuzi stood at the door with a beaming smile: “Auntie, I came to see you.”
Hu Cheng’s mother turned to look at the old man on the sofa, then back at Tian Qiuzi, saying somewhat unwillingly: “What are you doing here? Haven’t you caused enough trouble for our family?”
Tian Qiuzi said: “Auntie, you’re wronging me. I came to tell you some good news.”
“Whatever it is, just say it here.”
Tian Qiuzi looked inside. Hu Cheng’s father sat motionless on the sofa, there was no sign of Hu Cheng, and Hu Cheng’s mother still wore that disdainful expression. Suppressing her anger, Tian Qiuzi smiled sweetly and said: “I’m pregnant, with Hu Cheng’s child. Should I come in to tell you, or should I stand here where all the neighbors can hear?”
Hu Cheng’s mother blinked, standing there stunned. Tian Qiuzi smoothly stepped sideways into the house and casually found a chair to sit down.
Hu Cheng sat in his office, secretly pleased. Being able to take revenge in kind was such a satisfying thing!
Back then, Ning Yue’s knife had sent him to detention and labeled him with domestic violence, completely cutting off his chance to legally obtain custody of the child. Now it was finally his turn to pay back Ning Yue in the same way!
Hu Cheng checked his watch, wondering if Ning Yue had been taken away by the police by now. Then would there be no one to take care of Ziyuan? Perhaps Ning Yue would call him, no, no, no, the police would call him. After all, he was the child’s biological father; if they didn’t call him, who else would they call? The child’s mother was suspected of attempted murder! Hmm, a woman’s jealousy can be terrifying! Being blinded by jealousy and stabbing someone, how reasonable it all seemed!
Hu Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, too pleased with his creativity! He just wondered if Tian Qiuzi would have any problems. Thinking of the child in her womb, Hu Cheng suddenly felt a bit regretful. If he had thought of this method earlier, perhaps he wouldn’t have needed to risk using the child. Then again, given Tian Qiuzi’s personality, while she could be arrogant, she lacked true ruthlessness. Without being pushed to the absolute limit, she wouldn’t have made such a big decision to sacrifice for him.
In this aspect, she really couldn’t compare to Ning Yue. Hu Cheng’s smile faded as he thought of Ning Yue’s actions and what she held in her possession, his face darkening again. If only Ning Yue would hand over those things, he could still give her a chance to live properly.
Hu Cheng looked up at the wall clock; it was already two in the afternoon. He had instructed Tian Qiuzi to choose a time when many people would be around, to let as many people know as possible. It was so late, why hadn’t there been a single phone call?
Just as he was thinking this, the phone suddenly rang.
Hu Cheng grabbed it, but it was Ning Yue calling!
“Hu Cheng, do you know how long I practiced that move?” Ning Yue’s words hit him like a thunderbolt, and before he could recover, she continued, “You’re finished!”
Click! The phone hung up. Hu Cheng sat stunned for a moment, then suddenly jumped up like a madman, hands shaking as he dialed Tian Qiuzi’s number, but no one answered. After ringing for a long time, someone finally picked up, but it was Ning Yue: “Futian Angel Women’s Hospital.” Then she hung up.
After paying the fees, Ning Yue turned to look at the tightly closed operating room doors, then turned and left. Less than three months along and rushing to cause trouble, it would be strange if the child could be saved!
But what did that have to do with her? Just moments ago, if she hadn’t been alert enough, she might have been at the police station waiting for interrogation!
Ning Yue’s heart suddenly tightened large drops of cold sweat breaking out on her forehead. She leaned against the wall for a while before slowly catching her breath—it had been so close, just by a hair’s breadth, she had almost lost Hu Ziyuan! All because of that fool lying in the operating room!
Ning Yue glared fiercely at the operating room one last time, at its snow-white walls and pale doors, where only a red light glared harshly.
“Live! You better live well! The retribution is just beginning!”
Ning Yue staggered out. Her taxi passed Hu Cheng’s car, the two people full of mutual hatred completely unaware of each other!
Pan Jie and Luo Yating sat shoulder to shoulder in the conference room, seeing fear and terror in each other’s eyes. Luo Yating wanted to reach out to comfort Pan Jie but couldn’t find the strength to raise her arm.
Today Luo Yating had come to the branch office for a meeting, and at lunchtime, she had met with Ning Yue, Pan Jie, and Lawyer Qian to discuss the progress of the sales center investigation. Since it was mealtime, the four of them had gone down to the cafe to eat and talk. That’s when they encountered Tian Qiuzi.
Tian Qiuzi had first arrogantly told Ning Yue about her pregnancy, boasting about how popular she was, then proceeded to insult both Ning Yue and Hu Ziyuan. Ning Yue had wanted to get angry but ultimately controlled herself. Pan Jie, unable to stand it, had stepped forward to tell Tian Qiuzi to leave and stop making a spectacle of herself. With just that wave of her hand, Tian Qiuzi screamed and stepped back, claiming Ning Yue had hit her.
Pan Jie had stepped back in shock, making way for Ning Yue, when Tian Qiuzi suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Ning Yue. The scene descended into chaos, and then Tian Qiuzi shouted “Murder!” as both she and Ning Yue fell backward, a knife flying from Tian Qiuzi’s hand and landing on the ground!
Before anyone could react, Ning Yue had already stood up and kicked the knife away, then turned and stepped on Tian Qiuzi’s hand, commanding: “Don’t move! You’re not injured!”
The hall was quiet for a moment as Tian Qiuzi raised her hand that had been touching her waist, revealing it to be clean without any blood, showing a confused expression.
Luo Yating watched as Ning Yue released her foot, backing away while saying: “Did you think passing your knife to someone else, then pulling them to stab yourself was a simple move?” Then Tian Qiuzi lunged forward, recklessly fighting with Ning Yue. The prepared Ning Yue dodged, causing Tian Qiuzi to unexpectedly crash into a table, knocking down Luo Yating who had been standing beside it! Mistaking Luo Yating for Ning Yue, Tian Qiuzi scratched and clawed at her. By the time Ning Yue and Lawyer Qian pulled them apart, Luo Yating was already terrified!
Restrained by security guards and unable to break free, Tian Qiuzi shouted: “I’m pregnant, who dares to touch me! Ning Yue, you’re jealous of me, now I’ll let you beat me to death!” The men looked at each other uncertainly and loosened their grip, allowing Tian Qiuzi to chase after Ning Yue again.
Ning Yue kept backing away. Pan Jie, unable to watch anymore, went to pull Tian Qiuzi back, asking her to calm down. Unexpectedly, Tian Qiuzi turned around, noticed she was standing next to the kicked-away knife, bent down to pick it up, and slashed! Swoosh! A cold wind passed in front of Pan Jie’s body, her neck feeling slightly warm, and Pan Jie collapsed to the ground in fear.
With no one stopping her now, Tian Qiuzi seemed even more crazed, chasing Ning Yue with the knife. After running some distance, Ning Yue suddenly pointed at Tian Qiuzi and shouted: “Blood! Your child is gone!”
Everyone then noticed that Tian Qiuzi’s loose linen pants were stained with spots of blood!
The knife in Tian Qiuzi’s hand clattered to the ground as she stood amid the chaos and fainted. Ning Yue called the security manager, and with two security guards, they carried Tian Qiuzi directly to Luo Yating’s car and took her to the hospital.
After what seemed like both a very short and very long time, Lawyer Qian, Zhong Tianming, and Qin Can pushed open the door. Seeing them in this state, Zhong Tianming quickly said: “It’s all right. Everything has been explained to the police station.”
“What about her?” Pan Jie stuttered.
Qin Can was stunned, and Zhong Tianming said: “Ning Yue took that woman to the hospital.”
Luo Yating took a sip of the hot water Lawyer Qian handed her, finally regaining her composure, and took a deep breath before saying: “She could take her to the hospital!”
Qin Can now understood, remembering when he had rushed over earlier, he had just seen Ning Yue directing people to take Tian Qiuzi away. Her expression at that time was not one of charitable care for the sick and injured, and he couldn’t help but shudder. He suddenly worried that Ning Yue might abandon her somewhere along the way! However, remembering that two security guards were with them in the car, there probably wouldn’t be any accidents.
Luo Yating took another sip of hot water, slowly regaining her composure, her intelligence reviving with it, and continued her thought: “She must be furious, right? Definitely. But the fact that she called security guards to go with her, instead of taking her herself, shows there won’t be any mishaps.” After speaking, she still seemed uncertain and looked up at Qin Can.
Qin Can nodded involuntarily. He was very frightened by what had happened that day.
Pan Jie shook her head: “Tian Qiuzi went too far! If it were me, I wouldn’t even bother with her!”
Luo Yating said, “If anything happens to Tian Qiuzi, Ning Yue might not even be able to attend tomorrow’s court hearing!”
The office fell silent for a moment. Everyone present was perceptive, and as they calmed down and connected the dots, they couldn’t help but shudder!
When Ning Yue pushed open the door, this was the scene she encountered. The thick stack of documents in her hand signaled to everyone present that break time was over!
Ning Yue first looked at everyone seated, then bowed deeply, “Thank you all! I’m sorry for the trouble!”
Qin Can hurried over to help her up, “Don’t be like that, we’re all colleagues.”
Ning Yue nodded: “I will give everyone an explanation.” She walked to Luo Yating’s side and handed over the materials in her hand, “This, along with what you’ve found these past few days, should be enough for the prosecutor’s office to file a case.”
Luo Yating pulled them out to look and drew in a sharp breath. Qin Can walked over suspiciously, also took a look, and said: “So that’s how the money was laundered!” He turned to ask Ning Yue, “Why are you only bringing this out now?”
“This was my trump card. I had originally hoped to give Hu Cheng a chance.”
“If he had done what you asked, would you have never brought this out?” Qin Can’s expression grew increasingly worse.
Ning Yue paused, first turning to look at the bewildered Pan Jie, then turned back to Qin Can and nodded seriously, “Yes! I don’t have such lofty ideals or beautiful sentiments. I only care about my child and myself. The company protected me, and colleagues helped me, but I’m sorry, I couldn’t use my trump card to repay that kindness! Because I didn’t know if, once involved, I would still have the strength to protect my child!”
Qin Can’s expression worsened as he threw the documents heavily onto the table, “You!”
“Qin Can!” Luo Yating interrupted him and walked to Ning Yue’s front, saying to her, “Although I don’t have children, I know how difficult it is for a woman to raise a child.” She paused, then continued, “When I divorced Hu Cheng, I found out I was pregnant. I had an abortion. Because I didn’t dare to raise a child alone. I was jealous that you had Hu Cheng’s help to give birth to Hu Ziyuan, jealous that you once raised a child together. But now I know you’re braver than me. The sacrifices you’ve made are ones I wouldn’t dare make. I don’t have your courage, nor would I be willing to sacrifice the rest of my life to accommodate a child! For my own sake, I sacrificed a life that was actively moving in my womb. But no one knows that when I could no longer hear the heartbeat in my belly, I cried for a whole day holding the useless fetal heart monitor!” She put her hand on Ning Yue’s shoulder, “I was jealous of you and hurt you, but I admit you’ve done very well, and there’s no reason to ask more of you.” She pointed at the documents on the table, “These things, you gave them to me, and I thank you. If you hadn’t given them to me, I could have investigated them myself; this wasn’t your obligation.”
Ning Yue looked up at Luo Yating, suddenly lowering her head, with only her shoulders slightly trembling.
Before the court hearing, Ning Yue received a message from Qin Can: Wang Mingcheng had been arrested, but Hu Cheng couldn’t be found. In court, Hu Cheng didn’t appear, nor was he in the gallery.
Luo Yating had handled things properly, holding back the evidence until after the divorce verdict came out, then waiting another month before organizing and submitting it to the prosecutor’s office, giving Ning Yue plenty of time.
On the day the divorce verdict came down, Hu Cheng didn’t come, and Ning Yue received custody of the child and more property than she had expected. After the trial, Hu Cheng’s parents stopped Ning Yue, wanting to fight her to the death. This was of course impossible, and Ning Yue coldly watched as they were taken away by court police, listening to their loud curses against her, feeling only that it was like gusts of wild wind – she just needed to endure and wait, and it would all eventually disappear.
The verdict was one thing, execution was another.
Ning Yue hadn’t taken the house where Hu Cheng’s parents lived, but two properties under Chengping Baoshi that were found to be connected to Hu Cheng were seized.
The CEO of Chengping didn’t say much, quickly having someone handle the procedures. When Ning Yue was leaving, he came over from one side of the parking lot, asking with a bitter smile: “Lawyer Ning, you and Hu Cheng have caused me great suffering.”
Ning Yue said: “Why bother? Hu Cheng still has money with you, and I didn’t take all the houses. You haven’t lost much. Why come to me saying these things?”
The CEO of Chengping couldn’t save face, looked around, then squinted his eyes and said: “Hu Cheng can’t be found, I hope you’ll stop here, and we can all still talk.”
Ning Yue looked him up and down, and suddenly smiled: “President He, you must know something, right? Otherwise, why threaten me like this? How about this, I’ll give you some advice: when a ship is sinking, the best solution is to abandon the ship and save yourself.”
Ning Yue drove away in her car.
Yes, this Mercedes was finally truly hers. She no longer had to worry about being followed or detained. The next step was to find a place for her child to go to school, take classes, and return to a normal life!
However, before Ning Yue could plan her new life, the rats from the sinking ship came looking for her. But it wasn’t President He, it was Ruan Meiying.
“My restaurant company was sealed because of Hu Cheng’s suspected money laundering and bribery case. Are you satisfied now!” Although Ruan Meiying said this, her face showed no trace of resentment.
Ning Yue was cornered by Ruan Meiying at the bottom of Zhuo Hao’s building. She looked up at the windows, thinking: in terms of location choice, Ruan Meiying was indeed more capable than Tian Qiuzi. Since Ruan Meiying could determine where she lived, Hu Cheng probably knew too.
Ruan Meiying saw through Ning Yue’s thoughts: “Hu Cheng told me you were here. He wasn’t very sure, because last time he looked in several places, this was just one of them.” She paused, “I thought you would live here.”
“Why?” Ning Yue asked curiously.
Ruan Meiying lifted her chin, pointing outside the community’s iron railings. Across a street full of parked cars was a riverside green park. In the park, many children were running and playing under adult supervision.
“If it were me, I would choose this place too.”
Ning Yue glanced over and smiled: “Indeed! If you hadn’t pointed it out, I wouldn’t have noticed such a place.”
Ruan Meiying’s expression changed slightly but didn’t continue. When conversation doesn’t flow, there’s no need for politeness.
“Mom!” Hu Ziyuan impatiently tugged at Ning Yue’s arm. Ning Yue bent down to comfort her son, then asked Ruan Meiying, “Is there anything else? If not, I’ll be going.”
“I know Tian Qiuzi once stood here like me, telling you that you had won, and you did not react then either.”
This must have been something Hu Cheng heard from Tian Qiuzi and told to Ruan Meiying. Ning Yue’s heart stung a little. When her feelings were being wounded all over, her husband was treating it as a joke to share with another woman. No one could bear such stimulation.
Ning Yue inconspicuously squeezed her son’s hand, smiling self-deprecatingly: if she let Ruan Meiying provoke her to anger, what would she gain?
“Hu Cheng must have told you this, right?” Ning Yue wore the cold smile of someone provoked, her slightly upturned mouth corners unclear whether mocking or angry.
Ruan Meiying remained calm, nodded, and continued speaking gently: “He said you were a…” She paused, seeming unwilling to say that word.
“Should I give you a slap, or make you roll away in public right now?” Ning Yue dutifully played the role of someone provoked.
“Mom, it’s wrong to curse at people,” Hu Ziyuan said.
Ning Yue smiled apologetically: “I’m sorry, Mom shouldn’t curse. But if it’s an animal that can’t walk properly and can only roll around on the ground, shouldn’t we tell it to roll?”
Ruan Meiying’s smile finally showed a crack, “Compared to you, Tian Qiuzi was indeed too naive. No wonder she can do nothing now except lie in the hospital.”
Ning Yue finally felt some anger in her heart and turned to walk around Ruan Meiying to leave.
Ruan Meiying said: “I came to mediate. Hu Cheng wants to settle privately with you. He knows you still have things you haven’t revealed.”
Ning Yue stopped, saying softly: “How is that possible!”
Ruan Meiying said: “The current evidence is enough to put Wang Mingcheng away, but the evidence of Hu Cheng’s bribery is insufficient. At Chengping Baoshi, Hu Cheng’s assets haven’t been completely frozen. He says that at this point, there’s no reason you would only have this much evidence. So, he hopes to settle privately with you.” Ruan Meiying paused, “He asked me to tell you this.”
Ning Yue turned around to carefully examine Ruan Meiying, thought for a while, and then hesitantly said: “You don’t want me to settle privately with Hu Cheng! No, no, no, you don’t want me to accept Hu Cheng’s conditions, or rather, you want me to refuse his reconciliation! Why?”
Ruan Meiying lowered her eyes and didn’t speak, as if she had said all she needed to say.
Ning Yue thought carefully and said: “It’s true that Hu Cheng sent you to negotiate terms, but you deliberately flaunted your intimacy with him, trying to provoke me. If I had truly been angered, I would reject whatever you said next. So, what’s your purpose?”
Ruan Meiying smiled: “It seems you weren’t provoked. I was too hasty, I should have said more.”
“Although you’re very clever, I’ve been provoked by Tian Qiuzi for four years and by Hu Cheng for eight years. How much more do you think you need to say? I suggest you speak plainly, and I might consider it. In my view, your suggestion may not be what Hu Cheng wants.”
“Earlier, I was worried you still had feelings for him. After all, at this point, you still haven’t played all your cards. I needed to consider whether there were lingering emotions.”
“If you have nothing else to say, I’m going home.” Ning Yue had already decided to move immediately.
Ruan Meiying said: “I know about one of Hu Cheng’s accounts. Most of the money he got from me went through that account. Also, Hu Cheng has a safe deposit box that probably contains many things only he knows about.”
“What do you want in exchange?”
“I want Mingdu Restaurant and the two apartments where my daughter and I currently live.”
“Impossible. Mingdu Restaurant is too deeply involved; I can’t protect it.”
“I want my daughter to go abroad. But all my money is frozen now. Five million, I’ll give it all to you.” Ruan Meiying knew the situation well, understanding that Ning Yue couldn’t influence the prosecutor’s investigation that much. So, she made a more specific request.
Ning Yue paused: “I remember your daughter just started tenth grade, why such a rush to leave? Have you made arrangements?”
Ruan Meiying showed an irritated expression: “That’s none of your concern! We both need to leave. No, I’ll leave later, but Lingling must leave immediately.”
Ning Yue nodded, “I can give it to you. First, I’ll pay you 2.6 million, and after I get the account and safe deposit box, I’ll give you the remainder. Since both mother and daughter are leaving, I’ll add 2 million!”
Ruan Meiying was stunned: “Why?”
Ning Yue lowered her eyes and said softly: “You’re just a mother too.”
Ruan Meiying’s expression finally cracked, showing something between crying and laughing, as if it took great effort to control herself. After a long while, she nodded: “Many people have said it’s not easy raising a child alone, but only Hu Cheng and you have helped me.” Her expression suddenly twisted, quickly forced herself to calm down when Ning Yue looked up and stopped speaking, taking out her phone.
Ruan Meiying pulled up a memo and showed it to Ning Yue. Ning Yue glanced at it, took out her phone, and photographed it. She immediately forwarded it to Mu Xiao and Zhuo Hao, explaining the situation. After doing all this, Ning Yue asked Ruan Meiying: “Why?”
Among all these women, Hu Cheng had treated Ruan Meiying even better than Ning Yue. Ruan Meiying knew where this abrupt question came from.
Ruan Meiying’s expression suddenly became very hesitant, then she sighed softly: “You’re a mother, and I’m a mother too. If I had any other choice, I wouldn’t have come to this. To be honest, I want Hu Cheng locked up even more than you do!”
Ning Yue struggled to understand, thinking for a long time before realizing it, and said in surprise: “No… that’s impossible!”
“I watched, and it hadn’t gone too far. But Lingling keeps growing, and with Hu Cheng’s nature, there will eventually be a day I can’t prevent it.” She shook her head vigorously as if trying to shake off something filthy that had grabbed her!
Ning Yue looked down at Hu Ziyuan, suddenly feeling that she had been quite fortunate after all.
“Hu Cheng is finished, why are you moving?” Zhuo Hao watched Ning Yue pack and asked, confused.
Ning Yue straightened up, pointing at the luggage. There were only two large suitcases, mainly Hu Ziyuan’s clothes and toys: “Hu Cheng lost because he was caught off guard, which is why I’ve been able to keep pushing him until now. But do you think he’ll never fight back? That would be underestimating him!”
Zhuo Hao touched the wound on his head: “That guy is quite vicious. I wouldn’t believe it either if he just quietly handed everything over to you. But what can he do?”
Ning Yue shook her head: “I don’t know either. Seeing Ruan Meiying made me uneasy. Anyway, it’s just moving house, I’m not losing anything.”
Zhuo Hao suddenly fell silent, and Ning Yue followed his gaze downstairs, where Hu Cheng’s father was pacing. He was circling Ning Yue’s car, then bent down at the license plate, seemingly trying to confirm something.
“What a hassle!” Zhuo Hao muttered, “What should we do? Maybe leave in the afternoon instead. Looks like he doesn’t know which floor you’re on.”
Ning Yue nodded, sighed, and was about to sit down when Hu Ziyuan came bouncing over: “Mom, look what I found!” Hu Ziyuan proudly showed Ning Yue. It was a small Lego piece, which he carefully attached to a strange-looking building model temporarily placed on the table, then clapped his hands saying: “It’s done, it’s done! Mom, I’ve rebuilt all my Legos into a big building, can I get a new one now?”
Ning Yue stared at her son, silent for a long time. Only when Hu Ziyuan came over and shook her arm did she wake up as if from a dream with an “Oh”: “Okay, I’ll buy you a new one in a bit. But remember, it can’t cost more than 300 yuan.”
Hu Ziyuan cheered and went back to studying his building.
Ning Yue stood up and said to Zhuo Hao: “Help me watch Ziyuan, I’m going downstairs for a bit.”
“Downstairs?”
“My issues with Hu Cheng don’t concern the child or the elderly.”
“But they treated you like that!”
“They didn’t do anything wrong.”
Ning Yue took her keys, gave Hu Ziyuan some instructions, and turned to leave.
“Ning Yue, Hu Cheng has been missing for several days, do you know where he went?” Hu Cheng’s father was stooped now, and in just a few days, his graying hair had turned completely white.
To be honest, since providing evidence to Qin Can and Luo Yating, Ning Yue had been in a state of high tension. Qin Can and Luo Yating discussed and gave Ning Yue and Mu Xiao three days to apply to the court for execution regarding Hu Cheng’s newly discovered accounts suspected of asset transfer. As for the safe deposit box key, after discussing it with Mu Xiao, Ning Yue didn’t look for it herself but handed it over to Qin Can and Luo Yating as part of cooperating with the police investigation, letting the company handle it.
Although the specific matters didn’t require Ning Yue to run around much, the waiting from one thing to another was anxiety-inducing. On the surface, she had to maintain a relaxed state; during this time, she even took Hu Ziyuan to play at a trampoline park for a day! Being busy and anxious like this, Ning Yue had never thought about Hu Cheng’s parents. When she occasionally did think of them, it was just clusters of resentment, nothing more.
Today, having received the executed property settlement and with everything settled, seeing these once-familiar people, Ning Yue’s resentment suddenly wasn’t so heavy. More than that, she thought, if one day Hu Ziyuan suddenly disappeared, wouldn’t she be even more anxious than them? Or when Ziyuan grows up, if she thinks what he’s doing is right, wouldn’t she also end up hurting someone else?
For a moment, memories gathered and dispersed in her heart, like smoke and mist, dissipating away.
“I don’t know either,” Ning Yue said.
Ruan Meiying had provided Hu Cheng’s address, but the police had found it empty.
“You… please!” Hu Cheng’s father suddenly knelt, “Ning Yue, please let Hu Cheng go! I’m begging you!”
Ning Yue was startled, half-kneeling on the ground, trying to get Hu Cheng’s father to stand up. But the old man was very determined: “I’m begging you, Hu Cheng’s mother is in the hospital again. I’m old, I can’t do anything, please, let Hu Cheng go. You take Ziyuan, that’s fine. Let Hu Cheng come home, I’ll watch him, just let him take care of us until we pass away, isn’t that enough?”
Ning Yue tried hard to help him up, with no effect. She simply let go and asked: “Father, if I were the one being sent to jail today, who would kneel to Hu Cheng for me?”
Hu Cheng’s father looked at Ning Yue in shock.
Ning Yue shook her head: “I remember when my parents passed away, Hu Cheng told me he would never bully me again because I had no parents to rely on. At that time, you and the child’s grandmother solemnly told me that you would be my family. But when Hu Cheng transferred assets, you helped conceal it. When Hu Cheng betrayed the family, you pretended not to know. When Hu Cheng was violent toward me, you didn’t even ask! Everything Hu Cheng did was right, and if there were any mistakes, they must have been mine. In your eyes, I was just a freeloader, Hu Cheng’s burden, a poor relative you had to support! Even letting me help with the child was your blessing! Is this the familial love and protection you promised me? Even after knowing about Hu Cheng’s affair, you were wary of me, trying to drive a wedge between me and my child. After I couldn’t take it anymore and moved out, instead of advising Hu Cheng to control himself and reconcile with me, you schemed to snatch the child from me! If that day the court had awarded Hu Cheng custody, would you have remembered that I’m still the child’s mother? If I hadn’t investigated bit by bit, would you have voluntarily urged Hu Cheng to treat me—his wife, his child’s mother—fairly in the divorce? Don’t think I don’t know just because I didn’t say anything. How much money does Hu Cheng have, he probably told you plenty about it. And his safe deposit box was hidden in your house. But during the divorce, did you show even a hint of sympathy for me, any acknowledgment of the sacrifices I made for this family? Father! Heaven sees what we do! If you had left me even one path in this marriage, I wouldn’t have come to this point today!”
Ning Yue sighed deeply, watching the old man slowly stand up while leaning against the car, shook her head, and turned to leave. Everything that needed to be said had been said, everything that needed to be explained had been explained. What she once couldn’t let go of, what she once resented, let it all dissipate!
Ning Yue gathered her spirits, took Hu Ziyuan in her car, and followed the moving company’s truck to their new home. Zhuo Hao ran back and forth helping with the move. Ning Yue felt embarrassed but didn’t dare leave Hu Ziyuan alone, so she had to stay downstairs with the child watching their belongings.
The residential complex wasn’t large but was very refined. Seeing everything moved upstairs, both the movers and Zhuo Hao were covered in sweat. Only then did Ning Yue realize she hadn’t bought mineral water. Fortunately, there was a 7-11 convenience store just right of the complex’s exit.
Ning Yue led Hu Ziyuan out of the complex, and just as they turned right, suddenly a man and woman rushed toward them. The woman hugged Ning Yue, crying, “Ning Yue, even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t run away with the child!” Meanwhile, the man took advantage of the moment to grab the stunned Hu Ziyuan and ran toward a van parked by the road.
Ning Yue struggled to break free while shouting, “Give me back my child!” But the woman shouted even louder, “Daughter-in-law, stop making trouble, come with me!” while trying to grab the child.
Onlookers looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what was happening. Some elderly people even advised from the side, “Stop making trouble, go home! Why cause such a fuss with the child!”
Ning Yue didn’t know where she found the strength, but she threw off the woman and ran toward the road screaming “Kidnappers!”
The crowd began to stir, and security guards tried to question the old woman but found she had disappeared. People finally believed they had encountered kidnappers, but the man had already carried Ziyuan into the vehicle. The engine roared to life, moving faster and faster.
Only Ning Yue didn’t give up, rushing to the roadside with all her might, but the car doors were already completely closed, and the vehicle was coming at full speed.
Ning Yue gritted her teeth and, without even looking, shouted: “Kidnappers, give me back my child!” She spread her arms and threw herself at the oncoming car’s front!
The sharp screech of emergency brakes shattered the complex’s tranquility. Zhuo Hao was startled by the sound, hearing people shouting: “Someone’s been hit! They’re kidnapping a child!” Zhuo Hao ran out!
Fortunately, since the car had just started and braked in time, although Ning Yue was dizzy from the impact, she wasn’t dragged under the car to her death. The crowd surrounded the vehicle, and two men, one fat and one thin, were pulled out. Some young, righteous bystanders immediately started beating them. Only when the police arrived and separated them did the two men have a chance to cry out. Beside them, the terrified Hu Ziyuan was crying loudly, his cries awakening the stunned Ning Yue. Despite her blurry vision, Ning Yue instinctively followed the sound and hugged her son.
When Zhuo Hao arrived, he saw Ning Yue with a large bump on her head, holding Hu Ziyuan and humming a soothing song. Amid the crowd’s angry chaos, shouts, and cries of pain, it seemed so out of place. Hu Ziyuan buried his head in his mother’s embrace, gradually stopping his tears. The gentle song blocked out the external violence and storm; Mother’s embrace was the safest place.
Zhuo Hao suddenly completely understood Ning Yue and realized why she had persisted all along. He pushed through the crowd to Ning Yue’s side, but didn’t disturb her, instead standing beside them to prevent others from disturbing this mother and child!
The doctor said Ning Yue showed signs of concussion and needed to stay for observation. Ning Yue was worried about Hu Ziyuan, so Zhuo Hao suggested taking him to his home and letting his parents help watch him. Hu Ziyuan seemed to grow up in an instant, and hearing he could come to see his mother first thing tomorrow morning, said he was brave enough now and didn’t need his mother to sleep with him!
Hu Ziyuan indeed kept his promise. At Zhuo’s home, his sweet talk charmed the elderly couple who had long wished for a child, making them beam with joy. While Zhuo’s mother went to the kitchen to cook, Zhuo Hao, who never cooked, followed to help. As his mother shooed him out, Zhuo Hao suddenly asked, “Mom, was raising me very difficult?”
Zhuo’s mother was startled. Zhuo Hao asked again, “I was so disobedient, do you regret it?”
Zhuo’s mother blinked, worriedly feeling her son’s forehead: “What’s wrong with you? Do you have a fever?”
Zhuo Hao turned his head away, standing there awkwardly, then suddenly stepped forward and hugged his mother tightly. Then he abruptly stepped back, shouted “Thanks, Mom” and ran out of the kitchen.
Zhuo’s mother stood there dumbfounded, finally blinking and muttering, “No fever! What’s wrong with this child!” She continued cutting vegetables, but her eyes kept welling up. Finally wiping away tears, “Why are these onions so strong today!”
The sudden appearance of kidnappers filled Ning Yue with unease. The next day, Qin Can and Luo Yating used their connections to investigate the matter. From the address where the child was to be delivered, they deduced these people weren’t kidnapping for trafficking, but to deliver the child to Hu Cheng’s mother!
Ning Yue forced herself up and, while the doctor wasn’t looking, walked out of her room. Following her memory, she turned to another ward, the gynecology department. Tian Qiuzi had suffered heavy bleeding during her miscarriage, had her uterus removed, and was here recovering. Ning Yue wasn’t sure if Tian Qiuzi was still there.
Fortunately, Tian Qiuzi was still there. The nurse said if tomorrow’s examination showed no abnormalities, she could be discharged.
Ning Yue thanked the nurse and found Tian Qiuzi’s room. Through the glass door, Tian Qiuzi was looking at her phone, with the other two beds in the room empty.
Ning Yue hesitated, then pushed the door open.
Tian Qiuzi was surprised. Ning Yue got straight to the point: “You can never have your children now, right?”
Ning Yue touched her head: “I’m the abandoned ex-wife, but I have the child I want. Ruan Meiying is his old lover and has his assets and trust. What do you have?”
Tian Qiuzi propped herself up in bed.
Ning Yue smiled grimly: “He made you use your child as a bet, trying to trap me in prison. What did he promise you? What did you get? Or did you think after you’re discharged, he would open his arms to embrace you? Did you think you could win Hu Cheng just because you’re young? You’re wrong. In this world, there will always be girls younger than you!”
Tian Qiuzi’s face reddened as she clenched her teeth.
Ning Yue said: “Ruan Meiying’s daughter just turned 17, beautiful as a flower, even prettier than her mother was. She’s now in the international department of a private high school and will go abroad to study next month.” Ning Yue paused, “She rented a place outside school herself, even her mother doesn’t know.” Ning Yue slowly walked over, approaching Tian Qiuzi, and said softly: “She’s just a student, and Ruan Meiying watches her so closely. Where did she get the money to rent a place? And a luxury apartment at that!” After speaking, Ning Yue took out her phone and lit up the screen, showing a young girl’s nude back. Arms raised high, leaning against a gray wall. Her face was hidden in shadows, only the curve of her cheekbone visible, most striking was her mass of curly, fluffy long hair cascading down to her buttocks. Her body twisted in a sensual S-shape, showing round shoulders, slender waist, and perfect peach-like buttocks raised high, paired with straight, long crossed legs pressed together, easily arousing men’s every fantasy about women.
Tian Qiuzi bit her lip tightly, staring intently at the photo. After a long while, she asked hoarsely: “Hasn’t Hu Cheng been sent to prison by you?”
“Ruan Meiying begged me, offering many benefits to let him off. Otherwise, why isn’t he under investigation now?”
Tian Qiuzi suddenly looked up at Ning Yue, her beautiful large eyes now red and fierce: “Ruan Meiying? How could she?”
“Why not? She’s old now, why would Hu Cheng stay with her?” Ning Yue spoke gently as if comforting a good friend.
Tian Qiuzi’s throat made a gurgling sound. Ning Yue put away the photo and stood up: “Rest well. From now on, you live your life, I’ll live mine. I think I’m no longer an obstacle to your marriage with Hu Cheng!”
As Ning Yue closed the door, she heard Tian Qiuzi make a sound, but what followed was crying or laughter was left behind Ning Yue’s closed door.
What Tian Qiuzi would do was beyond Ning Yue’s control now. But this time, she desperately hoped Tian Qiuzi would remain true to form! As for what harm might come to Ruan Meiying? Since the day Hu Cheng disappeared from the residence she provided, it was no longer Ning Yue’s concern.
This news was brought by Zhuo Hao.
Hu Cheng was indeed hiding at the place Ruan Meiying’s daughter had secretly rented outside school. After finding him, Tian Qiuzi watched for several days and discovered Hu Cheng was very cautious and never went out, so she pretended to be a delivery person and broke in.
No one knows what kind of dispute occurred inside. When the police arrived, Hu Cheng had suffered severe head trauma and multiple stab wounds, was in a coma, and would likely be a vegetative patient for the rest of his life. Tian Qiuzi was already dead, but with a twisted expression, eyes wide open, refusing to close. Blood was splattered everywhere!
The scene was reportedly extremely brutal. Ruan Lingling, returning from school, was traumatized and couldn’t recover mentally, requiring ongoing hospital treatment. Ruan Meiying found Ning Yue, wanting to transfer Mingdu Restaurant and take her child abroad, never to return.
Ning Yue told her to find a suitable price to sell it, as she had no intention of taking it over. What Ruan Meiying did afterward, Ning Yue didn’t know, nor did she want to know.
Hu Cheng’s parents were quite strong at this point, supporting each other while actively seeking treatment for their comatose son.
Mu Xiao joked with Ning Yue that if they had known this would happen, there would have been no need for divorce, and she could have possessed all of Hu Cheng’s property. Ning Yue shook her head, saying she would have divorced even if he was in a coma. That kind of marriage, after so many years, couldn’t be changed even by Hu Cheng’s coma. Hu Cheng’s parents, Hu Cheng’s existence itself, and the behavioral habits left by the Hu family were all shackles, all quagmires, all wastelands she had to walk out of. Except for Hu Ziyuan, she wanted no more entanglements with the Hu family.
That night, Ning Yue asked Mu Xiao to stay and help watch the sleeping child. She took some things and went down to the street corner. Fire rising and falling, smoke drifting up and down, the wind blew, sweeping across a patch of dark blue ashes.