Dong Jun would never let Xu Hui take her away. Before Xu Hui could touch Ma Xiulan his hand was struck hard and swelled instantly. He pulled back and met Dong Jun’s furious gaze.
Ma Xiulan tell him! Xu Hui turned his anger on her not daring to face Dong Jun directly. How long have you kept in touch? The words were cruel and unforgivable. Ma Xiulan looked at him with deep disappointment.
After all these years together she had never known he could be so petty. Xu Hui felt hollow beneath her gaze but refused to back down. Is it not true? You were close before and who knows what went on while we were married.
Slap! Ma Xiulan who had always been gentle struck him across the face. Silence fell over the whole room. Xu Hui stared at her shaken as she spoke in a trembling voice. Get out she said. Take your daughter and leave now or I will expose every shameful thing you have done.
Xu Hui’s heart raced. What did she know? Get out now or I will help you leave Dong Jun stepped forward standing protectively beside her his gaze cold enough to make Xu Hui step back.
Fearing what Ma Xiulan might reveal Xu Hui did not dare press his luck and withdrew. And you Xu Yingying get out too Ma Xiulan called after him. Xu Hui grew certain as they walked away — she knew something.
In the corridor he stopped and turned to her. Yingying is Chen Jiashu’s future truly as bright as you say? Xu Yingying nodded without hesitation. She had lived this before and was certain.
Believe me Father she said. Xu Hui let out a heavy breath. If Ma Xiulan held evidence against him he had to be ready. You will always stand by me won’t you? He asked.
Xu Yingying hesitated thinking of the Dong family’s wealth then recalling their past coldness nodded solemnly. Back in the room Ma Xiulan wept bitterly and Xu Qingru stood quietly beside her. She had every right to let it all out.
Dong Jun stood nearby looking as though he suffered even more than she did. Uncle stay with Mother Xu Qingru said. May I go out with Third Brother? She stepped back to give them space.
Dong Jun understood and nodded eagerly. Yes yes of course! He pulled out one hundred yuan and a stack of coupons. Buy whatever you need he said come to me if it is not enough.
Before Xu Qingru could reply Dong Lie took the money and pressed it into her hand. Come on Sister Qingru he said leading her out. She glanced back seeing Dong Jun sitting close speaking gently to comfort her.
Don’t worry Qingru Dong Lie said. Father has loved her for years he will cherish her and never let her be hurt. She looked at him surprised. He has loved her that long?
Absolutely! He keeps her photographs in a cabinet in his study everyone in the family knows. Xu Qingru fell silent. Everyone? Did no one mind?
She held back her questions. If he had always loved her why had he married and had children? There is another secret Dong Lie whispered leaning close. None of us are his biological sons.
Xu Qingru stared in shock. That meant he had never truly been married — he had been waiting all along. He had come the moment he heard she had called and offered marriage to protect her.
It might have begun as practicality but to Dong Jun it was real. The weight in Xu Qingru’s chest lifted. If this was not true love then what was?
Don’t tell anyone Dong Lie said. It is our family secret. Elsewhere at a military base Dong Yunhuai sat across from Zhou Zhengguo. They finished their work and chatted casually.
Any luck with those girls your family introduced? Dong Yunhuai teased. Zhou Zhengguo had never shown interest in anyone and usually scared prospects away. Instead he smiled quietly. I met someone.
Dong Yunhuai leaned forward. Who is she? When will we meet her? Next time Zhou Zhengguo replied smiling to himself.
Your father is remarrying too isn’t he? Zhou Zhengguo turned the conversation around. Dong Yunhuai shrugged. His long-lost love. We shall see if she is good or not. If not she will not last in our house.
Zhou Zhengguo understood. None of the four brothers were easily fooled especially the eldest two. If she meant harm they would not stand idly by.