Chapter 51 Met the Parents Already?

During the elevator ride upstairs, Song Wan was still muttering discontentedly, “After they divorced, they barely had any contact. I don’t know what’s happened lately, but suddenly they’re seeing much more of each other. Did you see how anxious Azhou was just now? I don’t understand what he’s trying to do—it makes me uneasy, I can’t even sleep at night.”

Mu Yun stood beside her, watching the numbers flicker on the elevator’s electronic display. “The woman we saw in the parking lot—that was Azhou’s ex-wife?”

Song Wan nodded, “That’s her. Mom, let me tell you, that woman is sharp-tongued like I’ve never seen. She never lets herself suffer the slightest loss.”

“She never suffers a loss?” Mu Yun turned to look at her. “She lost everything in the divorce. Is that what you call never suffering?”

Song Wan paused, then quickly retorted, “She deserved it. Her family owed Azhou. Even if she gave him all her assets—and her life too—it would be only right.”

Mu Yun gave her a sidelong glance. “All these years of education, and I wonder what you’ve learned at all.”

Song Wan didn’t like her mother’s tone. “Mom, can you stop acting like a teacher all the time? Some things can’t be solved with textbook principles.”

Mu Yun let out a breath and waited for the elevator doors to open before speaking again, “I’m warning you, don’t get involved in their business. No matter what, it’s between the two of them—it has nothing to do with you.”

“How can it have nothing to do with me?” Song Wan muttered under her breath.

It was very much her business.

When they reached their apartment door, Mu Yun stepped aside, waiting for Song Wan to unlock it. “You had another reason for calling me over today, didn’t you? Did you have a spat with Azhou and want me to help mediate?”

At her mother’s words, Song Wan pursed her lips. “You’re so sharp, Mom. It’s true, Azhou and I have been unhappy these past two days. He’s angry at me, and nothing I do can appease him. It’s the first time he’s treated me like this, and I’m out of options. He always listens to you. If you talk to him, he’ll definitely come around.”

She paused, then added, “All because of that Qiao Jiu. I mean, they’re divorced already, but he’s angry at me over a woman he didn’t even want. What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mu Yun waited for the door to open, stepped inside, and said, “Your problems with Azhou are yours to solve. You made this mess, you clean it up.”

Song Wan was taken aback, her voice rising, “Ms. Mu, are you really my mother or not? This is my lifelong happiness we’re talking about, and you don’t even care?”

Mu Yun walked over to the sofa. “Raising you was enough. What, are you going to depend on me for the rest of your life?”

…

Qiao Jiu and Liang Xiucheng had a meal at a small restaurant near her place.

Afterward, Liang Xiucheng parked the car downstairs, and the two of them strolled back from the restaurant at a leisurely pace.

When they reached the car, Qiao Jiu looked at him. “Alright, you’ve got work to do this afternoon, right? Drive safe.”

Liang Xiucheng nodded, “Alright. You go on in.”

He hesitated a moment, then added, “About what my mother suggested today—you should consider it seriously. She’s the head of our family, and her word carries the most weight. If she gives her word, there’s nothing else you need to worry about.”

Qiao Jiu smiled. “Alright, I understand.”

She stepped back a couple of paces. “You go first.”

Liang Xiucheng got into his car, started it, turned around, and before driving off, rolled down the window to wave at her.

Qiao Jiu stood by the roadside, not moving until his car had disappeared from sight. Only then did she turn and head back.

She climbed the stairs and walked up to her door.

Taking out her keys, she slipped one into the lock, intending to give it two good turns as always, but it clicked open after just half a turn.

She paused in surprise. Living alone since the divorce had made her vigilant—she always locked up tight when she went out.

She frowned, staring at the lock. Today, Guan Wei had called her, and she’d been in a rush both coming and going. It was possible she’d forgotten to double-lock.

She pushed the door open slowly. The entrance looked perfectly normal, the slippers by the shoe cabinet still exactly as she’d left them.

She stepped inside, closed the door behind her, tossed the keys on the console, slipped into her slippers, and headed toward the sofa.

But as she lifted her foot, she suddenly froze.

By the window stood a man, hands clasped behind his back, motionless.

Completely unprepared, Qiao Jiu’s heart almost leapt out of her chest.

The man clearly heard her enter but didn’t move at all.

She had to take several breaths before her heartbeat steadied, and then her voice burst out, “Lu Fengzhou, are you insane? Who gave you permission to come in here?”

Lu Fengzhou didn’t turn around. He just stood there, looking down at the street.

From this vantage point, he could see everything that had just happened between Qiao Jiu and Liang Xiucheng downstairs.

The two of them had stood talking for quite some time. He couldn’t hear their conversation, but their closeness was obvious.

When he didn’t respond, Qiao Jiu strode over and grabbed his arm, yanking hard. “Cut the act. I’m asking you, how did you get in here? What right do you have to break into my home? You think I won’t call the police?”

Lu Fengzhou turned his head to glance at her, his expression unreadable—just as calm as always.

The more indifferent he was, the angrier Qiao Jiu became. She couldn’t help but remember their two years of marriage.

During those years, he’d faced her with that same detached expression. Back then, she was hopelessly devoted, and every time he looked at her that way, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d done something wrong.

She gripped his arm and dragged him toward the door. “Don’t look at me like that. Get out right now, or I really will call the police.”

Lu Fengzhou stared at her hand for a couple of seconds, then suddenly flipped his grip, seizing her arm. With a bit of force, he pulled her against the window sill.

She’d been completely off guard. Her lower back hit the sill, making her gasp in pain.

He paid no attention, leaning in close, his expression unchanged. “Are you planning to be with Liang Xiucheng?”

Qiao Jiu frowned. “What business is it of yours?”

She glared at him. “Did you forget we’re divorced? Who I’m with now has nothing to do with you.”

He hadn’t forgotten. On the contrary, it was because he couldn’t forget that he spoke through gritted teeth.

He raised a hand to grip her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “You’ve forgotten everything I ever said.”

Qiao Jiu pushed at him. “Your words are worthless. Why should I listen to you?”

His grip tightened, and his calm mask finally cracked. “Isn’t it money you want? I’ll give it to you.”

“Get out,” Qiao Jiu shot back, eyes blazing. “You know exactly where your money came from. Do you think I’ll forgive you just because you throw a bit of it my way? Lu Fengzhou, how old are you?”

Lu Fengzhou’s brows slowly drew together. Out of nowhere, he asked, “How far have you gone with him? Have you met his parents?”