“Yes,” Zhong Qing said calmly. “I came back this time partly for Xiao Yu and Xiao An, and partly because of this matter.”
She had spent time thinking. The entanglement between her and Pei Yanshen was too messy. There was no need to force things—it would only make everyone unhappy.
Her current focus was on Xiao Yu and Xiao An.
Seeing that Zhong Qing didn’t seem upset about Pei Yanshen’s attitude, Ye Guxue finally relaxed a little, adding, “If it’s going to end, then let it end! A man who doesn’t even protect his own wife—no matter how good his conditions are—can’t be trusted!”
Ye Guxue chatted with Zhong Qing for a while longer. By the time Zhong Qing returned home, it was already dark.
Pei’s parents had been anxiously pacing, constantly looking out the window.
Seeing Zhong Qing return safely finally allowed their hearts to settle.
Zhong Qing immediately noticed the neatly stacked new clothes on the round table. She understood—Pei’s parents hadn’t touched them.
Pei’s mother quickly grabbed Zhong Qing’s hand: “Xiao Qing, this time it’s Yanshen who was wrong. You’ve been wronged.”
Zhong Qing shook her head and changed the subject: “I bought these clothes especially for you and Dad. Why don’t you try them on?”
Hearing this, Pei’s mother felt even more conflicted.
Such a thoughtful child, attentive to others—how could she be as unworthy as Pei Yanshen claimed?
Pei’s mother said, feeling guilty: “We’re old; as long as we have clothes, that’s enough. Young people look good in new clothes. Isn’t buying for us a waste…”
Zhong Qing cut her off, serious: “Mom, you can’t say that. Life is for yourself. Wearing something bright makes your heart happier, no matter your age.”
Seeing Pei’s mother still hesitate, Zhong Qing blinked and feigned regret: “The clothes are bought and can’t be returned. If you don’t wear them, what a waste!”
Pei’s father cleared his throat and added: “Our daughter-in-law bought these for us herself. She’s definitely more thoughtful than our son. Be happy and try them on!”
Father and daughter-in-law seemed to coordinate instinctively. Their joint encouragement convinced Pei’s mother.
Just as the household’s warmth was restored, Pei Yanshen returned home—and the cheerful atmosphere suddenly broke. Laughter and chatter stopped abruptly.
Pei’s mother shot him an annoyed glance, then pulled Zhong Qing aside: “The water is ready. After a long day, go wash up and rest.”
Zhong Qing didn’t refuse.
Although she understood why Pei Yanshen didn’t trust her, that didn’t mean she cared.
Taking the hint, she ignored him and went to wash up, leaving Pei Yanshen alone again.
After she finished and opened the door, she froze—Pei Yanshen’s tall, broad-shouldered figure was there.
Fresh out of the shower, her face flushed, and she quickly looked away.
It had to be said—Pei Yanshen was a captain for a reason. His physique was impeccable: broad shoulders, narrow waist, defined muscles, and clear abs.
But…
“Why are you here?” she asked, puzzled.
They usually didn’t get along and had long since slept in separate rooms.
Pei Yanshen had already changed and said indifferently: “There are only three rooms in the house.”
Before his parents arrived, the rooms barely sufficed.
Now, his parents took one room, Xiao Yu and Xiao An shared another, leaving only one for him and Zhong Qing.
Zhong Qing understood and nodded, brushing past him into the room.
Watching her side profile, Pei Yanshen’s eyes flickered with disdain.
He had intended to return to the airport dorm, but his parents insisted he stay. Clearly, it was because of Zhong Qing.
No wonder she had suddenly changed—caring for the kids, buying clothes, getting close to his parents…
And now what?
Playing hard to get?
She thought this would stop the divorce? It would only make him dislike her more.
He wouldn’t share a bed with a woman like her.
When Pei Yanshen returned after washing up, Zhong Qing was already fast asleep, leaving no space for him—but a blanket lay on the floor.
Zhong Qing stirred at his movement, glanced at him, and said: “This is my room. I sleep on the bed, you sleep on the floor. You know how to spread the blanket, right?”
He had no chance to respond, only nodded with a cold face.
Watching him spread the blanket, Zhong Qing felt some things needed clarifying:
“Pei Yanshen, I need to tell you something.”
He paused, a flicker of realization in his eyes. She can’t hide it for long, can she?
“Go ahead.”
Her tone was calm but precise: “Since we’re getting a divorce, I don’t care who you like or who likes you. But at least don’t let it affect Xiao Yu and Xiao An.”
Pei Yanshen stiffened.
Zhong Qing seemed entirely unaware and continued: “Please handle Mrs. Zhao’s side quickly.”
After all, today’s mess was caused by Mrs. Zhao and Zhao Yajing.
With that, she ignored his reaction and rolled over to sleep.
Pei Yanshen’s expression darkened completely. But Zhong Qing suddenly turned again:
“Remember to turn off the light.”
The light went out, leaving only their breathing in the room.
After a long, tiring day, Zhong Qing fell asleep almost immediately.
Pei Yanshen, however, could not sleep.
Eventually, just as sleepiness overtook him, he heard a faint voice:
“No… don’t… sell me…”
Frowning, Pei Yanshen said, “Zhong Qing, playing the pitiful act won’t work on me.”
She didn’t reply, but her murmurs continued, laced with faint sobs.
He stiffened, yet resigned, rising to check on her.
Zhong Qing was indeed asleep, likely having a restless dream.
As he drew closer, he clearly heard her words and was slightly taken aback.
His hand hesitated, then slowly rested on her shoulder, stroking her back gently.
His voice was dry, even to himself: “Wake up… it was just a dream. No one will sell you.”
Zhong Qing shivered slightly, as if about to wake.
Pei Yanshen instinctively wanted to withdraw his hand.
Before he could react, the door creaked open slightly—