Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
After a three-hour drive, Shu Pan finally returned to Lotus Town.
As the name suggested, Lotus Town was famous for its lotus flowers, attracting many tourists for viewing every year.
In the summer, the tranquil lake was covered with lush and dripping lotus leaves, resembling a dense array of emerald umbrellas that securely blanket the surface.
Amidst the lush green lotus leaves, the graceful lotus flowers stood tall like fairies bathing on the lake, delicate and shy, with tender petals like pearls emitting a gentle fragrance that soothes the soul.
Although Shu Pan didnât visit often, stepping onto this land feels particularly familiar.
She pushed her suitcase along the path, feeling the cool breeze mixed with the scent of earth, making her feel right at home.
As she neared her doorstep, Shu Pan suddenly felt a bit nervous, unsure how to face her family. Her father and Auntie Lu would surely be upset about her recent experiences.
After some thought, Shu Pan touched her belly and gathered her courage. She opened the courtyard gate.
âDad, Auntie Lu, Iâm back.â
Upon hearing Shu Panâs voice, Auntie Lu walked out, saying, âI thought I was having a hallucination. Your dad just said he hadnât heard from you in a long time.â
âIâve been quite busy recently, but I can be home with you every day from now on. Just donât find me annoying,â Shu Pan forced a relaxed smile.
Auntie Lu furrowed her brows in response to this, a bit unsure of what was going on. Since Shu Pan had already entered the house, she didnât inquire further.
Seeing Shu pan, Shu Laide was very happy and advised her to stay longer. He also asked Auntie Lu to prepare more delicious food.
Back home, Shu Pan felt a warm heart as she watched her family bustling around, caring for her and asking after her.
During dinner, Shu Pan couldnât help but bring up the topic of her divorce.
âDad, Auntie Lu, I⦠I got divorced from Gu Shaoting.â After speaking, she lowered her head to eat.
The two people sitting across from her exchanged glances, bewildered, struggling to digest this sudden news.
âWhy so sudden? What happened?â Auntie Lu, Lu Lifen, was the first to react, anxiously asking. âWasnât he against it before?â
âItâs nothing. Donât worry, I guess he got tired of it as well. Isnât it better this way?â Shu Pan offered a reason.
âAlthough thatâs true, divorce still affects your reputation,â Auntie Lu muttered, feeling somewhat concerned.
Shu Laide remained silent, his eyes filled with suppressed emotions. Unable to hold back any longer, he sighed, âPanpan, itâs all your dadâs fault. If I knew it would end up like this, I wouldnât have done what I did back then. Ah, what a tragedy.â
âDad, youâre overthinking it. This is something between him and me. We didnât know each other well, and if we were together, we would have separated sooner or later.â
âAs long as youâre happy, take some time to rest at home for now. Your Auntie Lu is out working, and Iâll also look for suitable work later. Donât worry about your life,â Shu Laide understood that saying more wouldnât help, so he had to accept the situation.
âUm⦠Dad⦠Auntie Lu, thereâs something else⦠Iâm pregnant, and I plan to keep the baby.â Shu Pan dropped another bombshell, leaving the two elders internally flustered.
âWhose child is it? Could it be the reason Gu Shaoting wanted a divorce?â Lu Lifenâs first reaction was that the child wasnât Gu Shaotingâs. But then she thought, Shu Pan wasnât that kind of person.
âItâs his child, but he never wanted it. Itâs an accident,â Shu Panâs tone was low, with a hint of sadness that was palpable..