These past few days, Qiao Wengang had been leaving early and returning late, searching for a place to live.
The Qiao household was far from peaceful now.
Because of Old Madam Huang’s commotion, whenever Old Madam Qiao stepped out of the house, the people in the courtyard looked at her strangely.
Some even hurriedly pulled their children away, afraid they might get too close to her. After all, Old Madam Qiao was vicious—she even abused her own granddaughter. How could she possibly be kind to the children of her neighbors?
Seeing this, Old Madam Qiao cried fiercely, feeling extremely wronged.
Old Man Qiao snorted coldly. “Isn’t this all because of you?”
Her husband’s attitude, her son coming home late every day without speaking to her—Old Madam Qiao felt unbearably anxious.
That night, she finally couldn’t hold back. She stopped Qiao Wengang as soon as he walked in, her expression dark. “You’re coming back from the hospital again?”
Qiao Wengang gave a noncommittal nod, his face exhausted. He’d been busy house hunting, and while there were plenty of properties, none matched the old lady’s requirements.
This was something he had to get done, so the past few days had been frustrating.
Seeing his attitude, Old Madam Qiao grew even more resentful, certain that Shen Yunchu was manipulating him behind the scenes. She forced out a smile as strained as a chrysanthemum, trying to make herself look pitiful. “Son, I’m sorry. I—I was confused for a moment. I know I was wrong. Take me to see Yunchu. I’ll apologize to her myself and ask her to come home. You’ve been running back and forth these days—look how tired you are. My heart aches…”
Qiao Wengang looked at her deeply.
The person before him was his mother. Under normal circumstances, he should have been moved to tears, blaming himself and showing all the filial piety expected of a son.
But he only tugged the corner of his mouth. “Mom, do you believe what you’re saying?”
Old Madam Qiao’s expression stiffened. The words she spoke went against her conscience. All she wanted was to coax her son back and salvage her reputation; as for Shen Yunchu—after spending so much of her money, she would make sure that girl learned her place.
“Son, you’re stabbing your mother’s heart… I’m telling the truth. I’m compromising for you. Ever since you were little, tell me—has there been anything you liked that I didn’t agree to?”
That line was sincere; she truly felt wronged. In her mind, if not for her son, she would never have accepted someone like Shen Yunchu.
A woman with no backing.
An absent father, a cold stepmother—what help could she offer her son? How was she worthy?
But even if Old Madam Qiao sounded heartfelt, Qiao Wengang’s heart remained cold. “Alright, Mom, I understand your intention. I’ll pass the message along. But whether Yunchu is willing to come back—that’s her choice. For now, please don’t disturb her.”
He paused. “Besides, there are only a few hospitals in Jin City. Do you really expect me to believe you couldn’t find out which one she’s staying in? So tell me—are you truly remorseful, or are you just acting?”
His eyes were sharp as blades as he looked at her.
Old Madam Qiao forced a weak laugh.
Qiao Wengang returned to his room, and she could only sulk back to her own.
Inside, Old Man Qiao had just finished smoking. The room was thick with the harsh smell of smoke. Old Madam Qiao coughed a few times and sat dejectedly by the bed.
Old Man Qiao ignored her, turning over and closing his eyes to sleep.
Shen Yunchu and Qiao Lihua had more or less recovered. Nan Lingyi was preparing to finalize a house. She was currently living at Director Li’s home. Although the entire family was warm and welcoming, staying in someone else’s house was not a long-term solution.
Moreover, both her daughter Shen Yunchu and granddaughter Qiao Lihua had been poorly nourished and needed proper rest.
Having a stable place to live would be much better.
Nan Lingyi looked through the blueprints that Sister-in-law Li and Qiao Wengang had found, choosing three places to inspect.
All three were far from each other, so the old lady simply made a phone call. Soon, a car from Citibank arrived—once again driven by President Liao.
“Sorry to trouble you again today.”
Nan Lingyi sat in the front passenger seat, accompanied by the entire Qiao family.
Sitting in the back, Nan Lingyi suddenly thought of something. “Yunchu, Wengang, do either of you have a driver’s license?”
The couple were stunned and shook their heads.
Nan Lingyi sighed. “That’s troublesome. You two can’t expect this old woman to drive you everywhere. You both need to get a license as soon as possible. I’ll buy a car for you.”
In these times, productivity was still low, and cars were extremely expensive. A family that owned even a bicycle was considered well-off. A luxury car was unimaginable.
Nan Lingyi thought again. “And even after you learn, it’ll take time. So, President Liao, I need to trouble you with one more thing—help me order two reliable cars and hire two drivers.”
President Liao agreed heartily as he drove.
They inspected the three locations quickly. Nan Lingyi also asked for Shen Yunchu and Qiao Lihua’s opinions. Finally, they settled on a Western-style house in the southern part of the city.
It was a three-story structure, decorated with Western influences, with a lovely small garden. Most importantly, there was a mature pear blossom tree planted inside—tall and beautiful.
The house wasn’t cheap. The owner was moving abroad and needed funds, otherwise he would never sell it. The price reflected that.
But the one thing Nan Lingyi didn’t lack was money. She paid decisively, and the paperwork was completed swiftly.
Now, the family stood in the garden. Qiao Wengang remained silent; Shen Yunchu’s mind was filled with one thought: This will be my home? My mom is incredible!
Little Qiao Lihua kept circling the pear tree. Her small head couldn’t quite process it. She had thought her grandma was only teasing her, yet she truly had her own pear blossom tree now?
After signing the final papers, Nan Lingyi walked over and asked, “Do you like it? The deed is in Yunchu’s name. If you don’t like it, we can buy or build something else.”
Shen Yunchu nodded hurriedly, but hesitated. “Mom, I really love this house, but the price… A daughter should be the one providing for her mother, yet you spent so much on me. You gave me such a beautiful home?”
“What about it?”
Nan Lingyi waved dismissively.
Shen Yunchu’s eyes suddenly reddened. Nan Lingyi sighed, gently wiping her tears with warm, dry hands. “Enough, don’t cry. From now on, this is your home. You will always have a way out.”
(End of chapter)