After an unknown amount of time, Shen Yunhe’s heartache turned into numbness. His face grew dark and heavy, his whole body radiating a deep, oppressive gloom.
Even Zhao Jiaojiao became afraid to keep playing. She ran timidly to her uncle and reached out for a hug.
“Uncle… Jiaojiao wants to go home.”
“What’s wrong?” Gu Qingci bent down and picked up his niece, gently coaxing her.
“You were making such a fuss at home to come see your little brother and sister. Why do you want to leave after only a short while?”
The little girl secretly glanced at Shen Yunhe—and the moment she met his deep, dark gaze, she burst into loud crying.
“Uncle… let’s go home… sob… Jiaojiao wants to go home…”
Gu Qingci quickly soothed her.
“Alright, alright, we’re going home. Don’t cry, baby…”
“Jiaojiao, what’s wrong? Don’t cry.” Jiang Banyue hurried over and gently patted her back.
The three of them stood together, looking almost like a family—handsome man, beautiful woman, and a chubby little child.
The sight only made Shen Yunhe’s eyes darker. Every breath he took felt like extreme pain.
He could no longer endure it.
Clenching his fists, he stepped forward with reddened eyes—but a small hand suddenly grabbed the hem of his pants.
He looked down.
His precious son was holding onto his leg, slowly pulling himself up. Looking up at him, he said in a soft, childish voice:
“Daddy, hug.”
All the hostility in Shen Yunhe’s heart instantly dissipated.
He picked the boy up and buried his face in the child’s neck, breathing in his milky scent, slowly soothing the pain in his chest.
Jiang Huaijin lay in his father’s arms and quietly sighed in relief.
From the moment Uncle Gu entered, he had sensed his father’s emotions becoming unstable—on the verge of exploding. If he hadn’t stopped him just now, he might have fought with Gu Qingci.
Sigh. None of them were easy to deal with. So exhausting.
Gu Qingci said goodbye to his niece and left with her.
Jiang Banyue walked them to the door. Behind her stood Shen Yunhe holding their son. His tone was sour, like he was swallowing a whole bucket of vinegar.
“They’re already gone. Why are you still looking?”
“It’s none of your business!”
Jiang Banyue’s face darkened. She shot him a glare and walked back inside.
Shen Yunhe’s dark eyes followed Gu Qingci’s departing figure. His grip on his son tightened unconsciously.
The child frowned in discomfort.
“Sorry, baby,” he quickly loosened his hold and soothed him gently.
He carried his son inside. Jiang Banyue was feeding milk to their youngest daughter.
He wanted to talk to her, but both of them were holding children—clearly not the right moment.
He forced himself to endure.
That night, after putting all three children to sleep, he went downstairs in a hurry.
Jiang Banyue was at the front desk calculating the day’s income.
“Banyue, let’s talk.”
He sat beside her, speaking calmly.
Her pen paused slightly. Then she capped it and looked at him.
“Talk about what?”
“Who was that man today? What’s your relationship with him?”
His questioning tone made her instantly irritated.
“None of your business.”
Shen Yunhe grew anxious and angry, a bitter ache rising in his chest.
“He likes you. Do you like him too?”
“I said—it’s none of your business!”
She stood up to leave, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms from behind.
His hot palm pressed against her waist, making her face flush red. She struggled desperately.
“Shen Yunhe, let go!”
“Let go? Impossible.”
He leaned close to her ear, kissing her lightly. His hot breath brushed her neck, making her heartbeat race.
“You are my wife. The mother of my children. In this life, you can only be with me.”
“We’re already divorced!”
“We can remarry.”
His kisses deepened, becoming more intense. He lifted her chin and kissed her fiercely, breathing uneven.
“No… no… let go of me…”
For the first time, she was held so tightly by a man. His scent filled her entirely, and his arms were like iron bands around her waist.
Tears fell helplessly.
Shen Yunhe was lost in the moment—until he felt something wet hit his hand.
He froze.
Looking up, he saw her tear-streaked face.
Immediately, his expression changed. He gently wiped her tears, full of panic and regret.
“Good… don’t cry. I won’t kiss you anymore. I’m sorry…”
She pushed him away hard, wiped her lips, and pointed at the door with red eyes.
“Get out! I hate you!”
Those words pierced his heart like a blade.
He closed his eyes briefly, suppressing the pain, then suddenly stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace again.
“Wife… baby… I love you. Please don’t hate me. I really love you.”
“Let go of me! Let go!”
“I won’t. Even if I die, I won’t.”
He held her tighter.
“Let’s remarry, okay? You and the kids can come to the military base with me. We’ll never be separated again. If you like baking, I can open a cake shop for you there.”
Unable to break free, she turned her face away, refusing to respond.
He lowered his head, gently holding her face in his hands, their foreheads almost touching. His thumb brushed her lips lightly.
She was so angry she felt dizzy.
In a burst of frustration, she bit down hard on his finger.