“Why are you here?” Yan Songyu frowned as she asked, then suddenly softened with a hint of apology. “Sorry, darling. I haven’t fully adjusted my mindset yet. The influence from previous years runs too deep.”
“It’s fine.” Jiang Chengli shook his head with a smile and took the small backpack from Yan Songyu’s hand. “I came to check on you both. Where’s Feifei?”
“She’s behind us, greeting everyone like a little social butterfly.” Yan Songyu smiled helplessly, subtly avoiding Jiang Chengli’s attempt to hold her hand.
“I’ll go get Feifei then. I brought some snacks Aunt Liu made.”
Yan Songyu smiled without stopping Jiang Chengli, though the moment the door closed, she pulled out a wet wipe to clean her hand – she had accidentally touched his when passing the backpack.
Jiang Chengli might have some luck after all. Three years ago, after having his leg broken in the southern district, his right leg became permanently disabled. Since then, he could only wear specially made shoes to conceal his limp, though careful observation still revealed the abnormality. For the proud and perfection-seeking Jiang Chengli, this was a heavy blow. He spent two years in depression, locking himself in his studio refusing to see anyone.
Yan Songyu thought he would continue rotting like this, but he unexpectedly gave her a “surprise” – he actually painted “Moonlit Night in Deep Winter,” a work remarkable enough to make him famous, comparable to his famous work from their previous life that had Master Kong’s guidance. By then, he had already become a somewhat renowned painter.
Could disability actually inspire his creativity? A waning moon? A disabled man? It almost seemed like he was staging a comeback. At this point in their previous life, Jiang Chengli hadn’t possessed this level of skill.
“Mommy~”
The little butterfly threw herself directly into Yan Songyu’s arms. She didn’t want to pay much attention to Jiang Chengli – in her young memory, the role of father hadn’t left a good impression.
Last year, she had accidentally wandered into Jiang Chengli’s studio when he was still locking himself inside, disheveled and wild-looking like a madman. The room was pitch black with only a slit in the curtains, allowing a thin beam of light to illuminate a peony painting as red as blood.
Feifei had been frightened to tears and never asked about her father again. Later, when Jiang Chengli emerged, no matter how he tried to win her over, Feifei remained lukewarm toward him.
Yan Songyu had consciously been diminishing the importance of “father” in her daughter’s heart, naturally avoiding instilling the concept that Daddy loved her. Since Jiang Chengli’s actions would inevitably hurt Feifei when everything came to light eventually, it was better to let her harbor fewer expectations from the start. Mommy would love her twice as much.
“What is it, sweetheart?” Yan Songyu was always exceptionally gentle with her daughter.
Feifei nestled clingingly against Yan Songyu’s chest, sweetly cooing, “I love Mommy.”
Yan Songyu chuckled softly, “Mommy loves Feifei too.”
Watching the mother and daughter interact, Jiang Chengli felt momentarily dazed. When he and Yan Songyu were dating, she had been just as gentle, acting cute to him like Feifei did now. But during her years of depression, when she tormented him in various ways, he had almost forgotten those beautiful memories.
“Darling?”
“Hmm.” Jiang Chengli suddenly snapped back to reality. “What did you say, Song Yu?”
“I said maybe you should head back early to rest. Feifei can stay at the company with me. She likes sticking to me and she’s sensible – she won’t disturb my work.”
She didn’t want Feifei having too much contact with Jiang Chengli.
“Alright then. Don’t overwork yourself.”
When Jiang Chengli left, he glanced back and saw Yan Songyu smiling as she watched him go.
Fortunately, Xiao Yu’s depression was nearly cured, and his career was also improving—all through his own capabilities!
Everything was moving in a positive direction.
But—was it really?
Yan Songyu was still driven home by Feng Yu that evening; he had practically become her personal chauffeur.
Feng Yu glanced at the mother and daughter in the rearview mirror. Feifei was sleeping soundly in Yan Songyu’s arms, so he instinctively lowered his voice. “A small-time gangster named Wang Laosan, who has some connections and just got out of prison, has shown up in the South District. He’s a lecher, and since Zhou Yue is quite beautiful, he’s trying to force her into prostitution.”
Yan Songyu’s hand, which had been patting Feifei, paused. After a long moment, she asked softly, “What is Zhou Yue’s attitude?”
“She refuses. There have already been two incidents.” Just as they reached a red light, Feng Yu brought the car to a stop before continuing. “Zhao Qi sent word that Wang Laosan plans to use force, probably within the next couple of days.”
Yan Songyu fell silent, and the quiet persisted until they reached the Yan Family’s gate. Only then did Feng Yu hear her say, “Send people to collect protection money from Zhou Yue. If she pays, have someone warn Wang Laosan.”
Feng Yu nodded.
“After all, she’s still raising a daughter,” Yan Songyu’s voice was almost inaudible, as if speaking to herself.
The silence in the car allowed Feng Yu to clearly hear the conflict in her tone. His eyes softened with tenderness; even filled with hatred, her fundamental nature remained kind.
While his heart ached for her, Feng Yu’s resentment toward Jiang Chengli and Zhou Yue grew stronger. “Jiang Chengli has been making quite a few moves lately. General Wu from Huifang really likes his paintings.”
“Let him climb a little higher. If he’s never seen the view from the top, how can the pain of falling be truly unforgettable? The cooperation with Huifang won’t end until the end of next year. When the time comes, take his right hand.” A flash of ferocity crossed Yan Songyu’s brow. “A dog that begs for mercy is easier to control.”
Feng Yu replied, “I’ll make the arrangements.”
Before getting out of the car, Yan Songyu couldn’t resist adding bitterly, “Since Zhou Yue’s looks are causing trouble, why not help her solve the problem once and for all?”
“Alright.” Feng Yu thought for a moment. “Zhou Yue actually cares a lot about her appearance.”
Whether it was back in junior high or when she was dating Jiang Chengli, her looks had always played a role. It was a pity her rebellious streak emerged too early, leading to her wings being clipped prematurely.
“If she didn’t care, it wouldn’t be as meaningful.”
When Yan Songyu carried her daughter inside, she saw Jiang Chengli wearing an apron. He set the soup bowl on the table and reached out to take Feifei, but Yan Songyu avoided his hand. “I’ll hold her. Let’s not wake the child.”
After putting Feifei to bed, Yan Songyu changed clothes and came down for dinner. Jiang Chengli was already waiting at the table. “Xiao Yu, come eat quickly. I made all your favorites.”
“Thank you, dear!” Yan Songyu accepted the soup Jiang Chengli handed her, her smile not reaching her eyes.
Jiang Chengli, however, was deeply pleased. After three years of torment, such an attitude felt like an unexpected blessing and gave him hope for the future.
As Yan Songyu scanned the dishes on the table, she couldn’t help but despise her past self for being so foolish!
After indulging in delicacies and French feasts, how could she ever have thought that Jiang Chengli’s plain, homemade meals carried the warmth and simplicity of a peaceful life? Was it really that appealing?