Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
When Su Qingsang returned home, Li Qianxue and Huo Jinyao were sitting on the sofa outside. She had no idea what they were chatting about, but the atmosphere between them appeared quite pleasant.
This was surprising to her. She could understand why Huo Jinyao and Xiang Caiping were on good terms.
Unexpectedly, she was also on good terms with Li Qianxue, and this surprised her quite a bit.
âMom, Jinyao?â
âQingsang, youâre back?â Li Qianxue glanced at Su Qingsang. She no longer spoke formally as she did with Huo Jinyao. The smile on her face became more sincere.
âCome here. Mom went shopping today and bought some things for you.â
After she left Su Peizhenâs place earlier that day, she went shopping for a while and purchased a lot of things.
To be honest, she didnât really like shopping. She was just feeling a little depressed.
No matter what, Su Peizhen was her daughter whom she had doted on for so many years. She was not as indifferent and callous as she appeared to be.
If it was possible, she also hoped that she could continue to maintain her mother and daughter relationship with Su Peizhen. But they both knew that it was impossible.
She couldnât forget what Su Chenghui had done. She couldnât forget that Su Peizhen had enjoyed her love for so many years in place of her biological daughter, and Su Qingsang had suffered so many years of injustice.
If she were to love Su Peizhen as her daughter, then what would happen to Su Qingsang be then? How could she let Su Qingsang down?
âThese are the clothes I bought for you, these are the shoes, and these are the jewelry I purchased. Take a look, do you like them?â
âMom, youâve bought too many.â
Li Qianxue liked to buy her a lot of things all the time. She could barely fit them in her closet.
âNot much. These are not only yours, Some of them also belong to Jinyao.â
When she brought up Huo Jinyaoâs gifts, Li Qianxueâs spoke casually. It was as if she had just bought it at whim.
In fact, that was indeed the case. She was good to her son-in-law only because he was good to her daughter. That was why she was good to her son-in-law.
Li Qianxue would never admit that she actually admired Huo Jinyao. Especially after the conversation just now.
The cooperation between the two companies had been going smoothly as of late, and Huo Jinyao admired Li Qianxue very much.
To be honest, it was not common for someone at this age to be willing to take on a new role and be at ease after a short period of adjustment.
Huo Jinyaoâs eyes darkened slightly when he thought of Su Peizhenâs recent actions.
Su Peizhen was quite talented in business, and such talent was naturally inherited from Su Chenghui.
However, her preferences, methods, and style of doing things were the result of Li Qianxue and Su Chenghuiâs combined upbringing.
Su Qingsang was at a disadvantage when it came to this.
Li Qianxue picked up one of the clothes and asked Su Qingsang to try it on.
âI thought this one was very suitable for you. Go and try it on.â
âOkay.â
Su Qingsang did not want to reject Li Qianxueâs good intentions, so she got up and changed into it.
When she came out again, she saw Huo Jinyao and Li Qianxueâs eyes flash with surprise.
Li Qianxue had good taste. Su Qingsang rarely wore bright yellow clothes in the past. But today, she realized that the color was surprisingly suitable.
She looked down at her own body and twirled around. âWhat do you think?ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âI knew this dress would suit you. Donât you think so?â
Li Qianxue turned around as if she was a sales lady and cast a glance at Huo Jinyao.
The corners of Huo Jinyaoâs lips curled up slightly as he stared at Su Qingsangâs transformed appearance.
âYes. The clothes are very beautiful. Mom has good taste.â
âOf course.â Li Qianxueâs eyes were filled with pride. She picked up another piece of clothing and wanted to let Su Qingsang try it on again.
Su Qingsang waved her hand.
âMom, there are so many clothes. Do you want me to go without sleep tonight?â
âThatâs true. You must be tired today, right? Were you busy at the hospital this evening? Donât tire yourself out. Take care of your body. Iâm telling you, your health is an asset.â
âMom, youâre talking to a doctor as though you are a doctor yourself.â
âIf you donât take care of your body, I can only nag a little more.â
âThank you for your concern, Mom. Donât worry. Iâll take care of my body.â
Su Qingsang was very pleased with her concern. She glanced at Li Qianxue.
In fact, excluding her stubborn personality and the series of problems caused by her obsession in her early years, Li Qianxue was a very qualified person. Li Qianxue was a very qualified person, be it as a mother or as a wife.
When she thought of the words that Su Chenghui had entrusted to her, she suddenly felt a little conflicted. Should she pass on the message for Su Chenghui?
She failed to come to a decision about this matter, up until she was about to go to bed at night.
âWhere did you go tonight?â
It was night. Huo Jinyao put his arm around Su Qingsangâs waist and gently squeezed her palm. âYou didnât go to the hospital, right?â
Because of Li Qianxueâs arrival, Huo Jinyao came home earlier that day.
He was beside Su Qingsang when she called. Su Qingsangâs tone sounded a little strange.
Li Qianxue did not pick it up, but he did.
âHow did you know?â Su Qingsang was a little surprised, but also shocked at his keen senses.
âIâm your husband. How do you think I know?â
Su Qingsang smiled. She liked Huo Jinyaoâs answer. She raised her head and gave him a peck on the chin.
âMy dad is here too.â
Su Chenghui? Huo Jinyao frowned slightly. He already knew that Su Chenghui had come to Rong City.
âIâm afraid he didnât just come to see his daughter, right?â
Su Qingsang shook her head. When she met Huo Jinyaoâs penetrating gaze, she leaned over and gave him another peck.
âMy husband is so smart.â
Huo Jinyao was extremely impressed by her words. He pinched the tip of her nose and said, âSince youâre so smart, your husband must be even more capable. Am I right?â
âYes, yes, yes. Youâre handsome. You can say anything you want.â
Su Qingsang explained Su Chenghuiâs purpose for coming today briefly. She also told Huo Jinyao about the conversation and his final decision.
âI think my dad has changed a lot since the divorce.â
âDo you think this change is a good thing or a bad thing?â
âOf course, itâs a good thing.â
In the past, Su Qingsang could never have imagined that she would actually have a meal with Su Chenghui peacefully.
She could feel how close Su Chenghui was to her.
Such closeness might be due to guilt, or it might be because he suddenly found out that she was his daughter. Regardless, she enjoyed such closeness.
After all, he was her biological father.
No one in the world could truly ignore the feelings of their parents and elders.
She didnât know that Su Chenghui not only felt guilty toward her, but also had a new understanding and appreciation of his daughter from the bottom of his heart.
Those emotions made him subconsciously place Su Qingsang in his heart.
He wanted to get along with his daughter again, to get to know her again, and to cultivate a new father-daughter relationship.
Su Chenghui was determined to make this happen and fix things with his wife and his daughter. He wanted to make up for it through his own efforts, bit by bit and redeem himself.
Su Qingsang didnât know about his current determination. However, she could sense that Su Chenghui was serious.
âWhat do you think, should I tell my mom what my dad said today?â
âI donât think so.â Huo Jinyao did not have bad intentions. He spoke the truth.
âSince he feels that you donât need to help him explain, why donât you keep silent about it?â. âIn fact, Iâm advising you sincerely, No matter what misunderstanding your mom has towards your dad, and no matter whether your mother still has feelings for your father, you shouldnât interfere with their matters in the future.â
âI know. I donât want to interfere either. In fact, I think my mother will make her own judgment. Although I really want to explain it to her on behalf of my father, youâre right. This is indeed something that I should nt interfere in.â
âItâs good that you understand.â Huo Jinyao was afraid that Su Qingsang would meddle in the matter. He could more or less tell that Li Qianxue was very concerned about the relationship between Su Chenghui and the two children.
If Su Qingsang did too much, or said too much... It might give Li Qianxue the feeling that her daughter was not close to her, and that would not be ideal.
Naturally, Su Qingsang had the same considerations as him.
âDonât worry. Iâve already said that I wonât interfere. I really wonât care anymore.â
This was also a test. If Su Chenghuiâs feelings were real, then he would not give up easily, even if there was no one to help him.
If he gave up just because of a small misunderstanding, and if he gave up because he faced a slight setback, she would also encourage Li Qianxue to find someone else.
Li Qianxue was only in her forties this year, and she was still very young. Other women out there got together with men that were ten years younger. With Li Qianxueâs current condition, it was entirely possible.
Su Qingsang thought about it and suddenly giggled.
Huo Jinyao glanced at her smiling face and flipped her over. He pressed his body onto her.
âWhat are you laughing at?â
âNothing, I was just thinking of my mother. You said that sheâs still young and pretty, right? Regardless of her current condition, she might not forgive my father. She might imitate the âHeavenly Queenâ and find a man younger than herââ
âWhat are you thinking about?â
âIâm just thinking about it. I think itâll be fun if that day really comes.â
Su Qingsang was just saying this casually. She didnât expect her to hit the nail on the head. In the future, there would really be a man many years younger than Li Qianxue who would chase after her.
Of course, that would be in the future.
âDo you really want to find yourself a stepfather?â
âNo. If that day really comes, my father will be pitiful.â
âDonât worry. I can tell that your father is determined. He wonât let that day come.â
Su Qingsang thought of Su Chenghuiâs words that evening and nodded her head. Thatâs right. How could Su Chenghui let go?
She didnât know how long it would take for him to move on from Li Qianxue.
..
Su Chenghui did not intend for Su Qingsang to put in a good word for him. However, this did not stop him from cheating a little.
For example, searching for Su Qingsang and Huo Jinyaoâs house.
He did not believe that Li Qianxue would stay in a hotel after visiting her daughter from such distant lands.
With Li Qianxueâs personality, she probably hoped to spend 24 hours with Su Qingsang to develop their relationship.
He guessed correctly. When Su Chenghui came to visit, Li Qianxue had just woken up.
The day before, she had spend a long time talking to Su Qingsang. She didnât wake up for breakfast and when she woke up, Aunt Yu was already there.
Since Li Qianxue had come to Rong City, Su Qingsang asked Aunt Yu to cook lunch for her.
It was Aunt Yu who opened the door for Su Chenghui. She didnât know Su Chenghui, but when she heard that he was Su Qingsangâs father, she realized that he looked somewhat similar to Su Qingsang. Hence, she didnât think too much of it and let him in directly.
Li Qianxue had just come out of the room. Although her clothes had been changed, her hair hadnât been combed, and she hadnât put on makeup yet.
She looked rather sluggish, as if she had just woken up. She raised her hand to her lips and yawned.
But before she finished yawning, she saw Su Chenghui standing in the living room.
Li Qianxue froze, and she stopped yawning halfway. She struck an extremely awkward pose.
Su Chenghui suddenly burst into laughter. He didnât seem to have never seen this side of Li Qianxue before.
A woman of her age had actually revealed a trace of cuteness because of this action. This made the smile in his eyes deepen.
To Li Qianxue, his grin was plain mockery.
She restrained her expression and her eyes turned cold.
âWhat are you doing here?â
âIâm here to look for you.â Su Chenghui told her the truth. âThere are a lot of things I havenât told you on the plane two days agoâ â
âUnfortunately, I donât want to hear it from you.â
Li Qianxue suddenly realized how he knew to turn up at this location. Her face turned a little pale. âDid Qingsang tell you the address?â
âNo.â Su Chenghui shook his head. âMy daughter is very supportive of you. She told me that she wouldnât speak for me.â
Li Qianxue was a little suspicious. She didnât believe Su Chenghuiâs words.
âItâs true. I asked around for a long time before I got the address.â
Su Chenghui felt a little helpless when he saw the suspicion in Li Qianxueâs eyes. âQianxue, Qingsang is my daughter after all. It doesnât seem strange for me to ask for the address of my daughterâs house, right?â
Of course, it wasnât strange. However, she said, âThey went to work. If youâre looking for Qingsang, you can go to her hospital. If youâre looking for Huo Jinyao, you can go to the Tian Domain Group.â
âQianxue, Iâve already mentioned that Iâm here to look for you.â
âI think I also mentioned that I have nothing to say to you.â
âYou have nothing to say, but you can listen to me.â
Su Chenghui was always gentle. There was a faint, elegant smile on his face. He looked at Li Qianxue as if he was tolerating a willful child.
Li Qianxue suddenly felt a little annoyed. What did he mean by acting like this?
In the past, when she liked him and loved him, she couldnât even beg Su Chenghui to look at her like this.
Now that he really looked at her like this, Li Qianxue only felt disgusted.
He was just pretending. He was just putting on airs. She even hated the sight of him.
She wanted to mock him.
Aunt Yu brought out some snacks and tea. She put down the tray and said to Li Qianxue, âBreakfast is ready. Do you want to eat now, or do you want me to heat it up for you?â
âIâll eat now.â Li Qianxue glanced at Su Chenghui. The rejection in her eyes was very obvious.
Su Chenghui acted as if he didnât see it and turned to Aunt Yu. âI havenât eaten yet either. The breakfast you made should be enough for me, right?â
âItâs enough.â Aunt Yu was unaware that these two people didnât share a good relationship. She simply assumed that they were here to see their daughter and son-in-law together.
âSir, Madam, the breakfast portion I prepared is big enough. Hurry up and eat. Otherwise it will turn cold.â
Li Qianxue gritted her teeth. Her plan to chase Su Chenghui away had failed. She glared at him and decided to ignore him and start eating.
Huo Jinyao and Su Qingsang did not like western food. The two of them had similar tastes when it came to this
The breakfast that Auntie Yu prepared today was also Chinese. Millet congee, shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, and fried eggs.
She had just scooped a bowl of congee. Since she was closer to Su Chenghui, she handed it to him. Unexpectedly, after Su Chenghui took it, he placed it in front of Li Qianxue.
âQianxue, hereâs your porridge.â
Li Qianxue did not take it. Instead, she looked at Aunt Yu and said, âAunt Yu, Iâll have to trouble you to scoop up another bowl.â
Aunt Yu glanced at Li Qianxue and then looked at Su Chenghui. She was sensitive to the fact that something was wrong. She quickly scooped up the porridge and did not stay for long. She turned around and entered the kitchen after muttering an excuse that she needed to clean up.
Li Qianxue took the porridge and did not even look at Su Chenghui. She let him hold the bowl of porridge midair awkwardly.
Su Chenghui placed the bowl back in front of him. He picked up a crystal prawn dumpling, and placed it on the small plate in front of Li Qianxue.
âI remember that you like to eat this.â
Li Qianxue looked at the prawn dumpling and then at Su Chenghui. There was a hint of mockery in her eyes. She picked up the shrimp dumpling and threw it back into the original plate without thinking.
Su Chenghui was not angry at such an impolite action.
âYou donât like it? How about eating a fried egg?â
âSu Chenghui.â Li Qianxue suddenly spoke. Her voice was extremely cold and there was a hint of hatred in it. âCan you let me eat my meal in peace?â
âQianxue, I just ââ
âIf you say one more word, I will leave right now.â
Li Qianxue really felt that her heart was suffocating. The breakfast on the table was what she used to eat at the Li family.
Needless to say, this was because Su Qingsang thought that these were her preferences, so she asked Aunt Yu to specially make them.
But the truth was, these were not her preferences. These were Su Chenghuiâs preferences.
Because she loved Su Chenghui, she had always treated Su Chenghuiâs preferences as her own preferences over the past few years.
Su Qingsang was unaware. She cooked these dishes out of filial piety as a daughter.
But Su Chenghui did not know either, and he still pretended to say that she liked them. This made her nauseous.
Upon realizing that her emotions seemed to be fluctuating, she forced herself to calm down.
After all, she had already made up her mind. She also told herself that she would never be influenced by Su Chenghui again.
Her attitude caused Su Chenghui to fall into silence. He stopped fawning over her. Instead, he lowered his head quietly to eat.
Aunt Yuâs cooking skills were indeed exceptional. However, neither of them really had the mood to eat breakfast.
They finished their breakfast in a quiet and awkward manner. Su Chenghui didnât eat much, and Li Qianxue ate even less than him.
After breakfast, Li Qianxue stood up and headed to the living room. Su Chenghui stopped her before she could go back to her room.
âQianxue, I have something to tell you. You ââ
âSu Chenghui, firstly, I donât want to listen to you. Secondly, I donât want to see you either. Please leave.â
âQianxue, this is not the Li family anymore.â Su Chenghui showed a rare expression resembled that of a scoundrel. âThis is Huo Jinyaoâs home. Donât forget, Huo Jinyao is also my son-in-law.â
Shameless.
Li Qianxue was furious. She nodded hatefully. âOkay, okay. This is your daughterâs and son-in-lawâs home, right? Fine, you can stay if you like. You stay. Iâll stay in a hotel, okay?â
After saying this, she walked straight to her room. She planned to pack her luggage and leave.
Su Chenghui quickly followed behind her. The moment she entered the room and was about to close the door, he quickly used his foot to block her door. He scurried in and closed the door at once.
Li Qianxue was furious.
âSu Chenghui, donât take things too far. For the sake of the children, Iâve already been tolerating you. Donât force me.â
âQianxue.â Su Chenghui restrained his expression and his gaze became extremely solemn. âIâve never forced you. I truly just want to say a few words to you. A few words will do. If youâre done listening and still want to chase me away, Iâll leave immediately.â
Li Qianxue nodded her head, the anger on her face did not change.
âAlright, a few words, right? Speak. Iâll give you five minutes.â
Her attitude was so aggressive that Su Chenghui felt very uncomfortable. However, he had to calm himself down. He took a step forward, with the intention of standing before Li Qianxue.
However, she took a step back, her gaze cold. âDonât come any closer. Just stand there and speak.â
Su Chenghui raised his hands and did not move forward.
âQianxue, you mentioned that I came to Rong City to look for Caiping. I wanted to tell you that itâs not true. This is actually the first time I came to Rong City after our divorce. I came here because I have business to discuss. It has nothing to do with Xiang Caiping.â
âI think itâs fate that I met you. This is the comfort that god has given me. Iâm very happy. Even if you misunderstand me, Iâm also very happy. But I donât want you to misunderstand me for too long.â
âI know you wonât believe me, but I still want to tell you once again. The person I love now is you. Itâs you, Li Qianxue. Itâs not Xiang Caiping. Itâs not another woman.â
âI want to start over with you. Itâs not because youâre the daughter of the Li family, nor is it because you have the Li family behind you. Itâs because youâre Li Qianxue. Itâs you, the woman I love the most.â
Li Qianxue stood there without moving, waiting for Su Chenghui to finish.
When he finished, she raised her eyebrows slightly. âAre you done?â
âNo.â Su Chenghui shook his head. âIn fact, I hope that Qianxue can consider giving me a chance. I wonât beg you to forgive me immediately. I just hope that you wonât chase me away, and that you wonât doubt my feelings for you.â
âDone?â
Su Chenghui stood there helplessly because of her coldness. However, he still nodded his head. âDone.â
Li Qianxue glanced at her watch before pointing in the direction of the door. âYour five minutes are up. You can leave.â
âQianxue?â
âWhat? Itâs not about you. You just need to say a few words. Now that youâve said it, you can leave.â
âQianxue.â
âPlease call me by my full name. Or you can call me Miss Li or President Li. Donât call me by my name. Iâm not that familiar with you.â
Su Chenghuiâs face darkened completely.
âQianxue, what I said is true. I really ââ
âI believe you.â Li Qianxue nodded. She said that she believed him. However, she didnât believe a word he said. âSo what?â
âYou?â
âSu Chenghui, you love me. So do I have to be grateful and accept it with tears in my eyes?â
âI ââSu Chenghui was speechless.
âDo you want me to remind you? When you knew about my feelings for you, how did you treat me?â