Chapter 40

Chapter 40: The Married Couple Yu Jianghai had just woken up, his voice still a bit hoarse. "I will." He answered firmly and without any hesitation. Qiaoqiao's eyes immediately curved into crescents. "Really?" "Really." Yu Jianghai set down the porridge bowl in his hand, reached up and gently patted her head. "Tomorrow Daddy will take you and Mommy to register." Hearing this, Qiaoqiao's first reaction was a hint of shyness. She still wasn't quite sure she dared to believe it, so she instinctively looked at Lin Meiyan. "Mommy?" She didn't say it out loud, but Lin Meiyan understood her anyway. She nodded. "Daddy said so, so he'll definitely keep his word and take you." That night, Qiaoqiao was too excited to sleep. She took out her little schoolbag, her books, and her water bottle in advance, laying them all neatly by her bedside. At this moment, she truly seemed like a four-and-a-half-year-old child again, asking over and over, "Mommy, when will it be morning?" She couldn't wait to go to school, to let those classmates who always laughed at her see that she, Lin Qiaoqiao, had a daddy too! Lin Meiyan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Close your eyes quickly. Once you wake up, you can go to school." Just as Lin Meiyan had said, by the time Qiaoqiao woke up, it was already bright daylight. Lin Meiyan had gotten up long before and gone down to the first floor to start on the breakfast rush. Yu Jianghai followed her the whole time, frowning slightly. "Yanyan, running this breakfast business is too exhausting." Lunch and dinner were fine—at least she didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn. But making breakfast meant she had to rise early. Lin Meiyan was already up preparing at 4:30 in the morning. And she'd been up with him until midnight the night before before they'd finally gone to sleep. Lin Meiyan yawned, a hint of weariness showing beneath her fair eyelids. "Isn't that how it is for anyone running a restaurant? Customers are built up little by little." "If I don't do the breakfast meal, my daily income will drop sharply." That was the truth. For Linji's business to thrive, it depended entirely on the three meals a day accumulating bit by bit. Yu Jianghai still didn't agree, but there were some things he couldn't say too bluntly between him and Lin Meiyan, or it would end in a fight. He watched silently as Lin Meiyan bustled about, observing as he did. The breakfast meal was actually quite simple—just Reganmian, tofu noodles, and the most expensive beef noodles, plus two separate batches of tofu skin to make. Then a pot of soy milk, and that basically covered the morning meal. These dishes didn't require much skill, but they were tedious and time-consuming. Once Lin Meiyan had completed all the key steps, she handed things over to Gu Kaihua and Ye Qiuju. "Aunt, just do it the same as before." "Take the tofu skin off the stove after three minutes. Don't blanch the tofu noodles too long—soft noodles don't taste good. Add the mung bean sprouts when you take them off the stove. Most importantly, the Reganmian only needs thirty seconds in the water, and don't skimp on the sesame paste, or it won't taste right." Ye Qiuju said, "I know. Go take the child to register." Lin Meiyan hummed in acknowledgment, then took off her apron and went downstairs. She'd been steeped in kitchen fumes all morning, so she needed to take a shower. After she went upstairs, Yu Jianghai deliberated for a moment, then said to Gu Kaihua and Ye Qiuju, "Uncle, Aunt." At his call, both of them looked over. Yu Jianghai said, "Can the two of you take over the breakfast shift completely?" Yu Jianghai was a man who didn't beat around the bush. Of course, he only circled around things with Lin Meiyan—with everyone else, he was always direct. Ye Qiuju was a sharp woman. Her hand holding the strainer paused. "You mean..." "Exactly what you're thinking." Yu Jianghai said. "I want to contract the breakfast meal out to you two. As for how much you earn and how you split it, you can discuss that with Yanyan." "On top of that, I'll give you two a monthly subsidy of three hundred yuan as income for taking over breakfast." "What are you talking about?" Ye Qiuju was the first to object. "If we're earning our own money, why would we need your subsidy? What would that make us?" Then she changed tack. "But have you discussed this with Meiyan?" Yu Jianghai shook his head. "Not yet. This is just my personal opinion—putting it out there for you to consider." "Now that Old Gu has quit his job and my job is basically gone too, if Meiyan is willing to hand the breakfast shift over to the two of us, we'd definitely agree." "But that's something we need to say, not you." If Yu Jianghai said it, she was afraid Lin Meiyan would develop a rebellious streak. She had strong self-esteem as it was, and if Yu Jianghai was making decisions for her, the two of them would probably end up fighting again. Yu Jianghai hummed in acknowledgment. Hearing movement upstairs, he immediately fell silent. When Lin Meiyan came down after her shower, she was holding Qiaoqiao's hand. "What were you all talking about?" She'd heard them chatting downstairs while she was up above. "We were talking about Qiaoqiao's registration today." Ye Qiuju smoothly took over the conversation. "She must be so happy today." Qiaoqiao had just woken up, still a bit dazed, but her eyes were bright and sparkling. "Today my mom and dad are coming with me to register. That'll blind their dog eyes!" "No cursing." Lin Meiyan patted her head, and Qiaoqiao stuck out her tongue. "I won't say it again next time." Wasn't she just too angry? Who told them to mock her for not having a father? Gu Kaihua, however, said, "It's understandable for a child to curse. Some of her classmates really do look down on others." He had picked up the child before and knew that Qiaoqiao, without a father, had suffered a lot of grievances. Yu Jianghai's expression shifted slightly. "Someone's bullying her at school?" If he hadn't asked, it would have been fine, but once he did, Gu Kaihua spilled everything like beans pouring out of a jar. "It's Ding Haohao's family—they drive a Santana and look down on everyone, even on Yanyan. And Ding Haohao bullies Qiaoqiao for not having a father." "He's always calling her a bastard at school, saying she's a kid without a father." At those words, Yu Jianghai's face turned somewhat cold. He held Qiaoqiao and said, "It's okay. Daddy will get revenge for you." Qiaoqiao let out a little "huh?" Lin Meiyan frowned slightly, but seeing how serious both father and daughter were, she ultimately kept her mouth shut. "Let's go. Bring everything we need and hurry to school to register. Don't delay Daddy—he still has work to do today." The second phase of Jianghai Dicai was scheduled to break ground on September 1st. If not for Qiaoqiao's first day of school, Yu Jianghai would have already left. Qiaoqiao let out a cheerful sound and clung to Yu Jianghai's neck, refusing to let go. Yu Jianghai carried her out of Linji like that. Watching the family of three leave, Gu Kaihua felt his eyes grow a little hot for some reason. "Qiaoqiao is finally satisfied." The child had been sent to daycare at one and a half years old. Now she was four and a half, about to turn five. Throughout her time at school, all she had been met with was ridicule. A little bastard without a father. Because of that, Qiaoqiao had fought them again and again. Ye Qiuju hummed in response, but she was thinking about something else. "What do you think about what Jiang Hai said?" "What thing?" Gu Kaihua had the memory of a fish and had already forgotten everything. Ye Qiuju was annoyed. "Jiang Hai said we could take over the Linji breakfast business, so Yanyan wouldn't have to work so hard." "What do you think?" She was actually a bit tempted. With the wave of layoffs in the 90s, both her and Gu Kaihua's work units were struggling. Gu Kaihua had been the first to take unpaid leave, and she had followed soon after. Their family had heavy burdens too—only the eldest, Gu Xiaolin, was married. The remaining two children were still single. Thinking of this, before Gu Kaihua could answer, Ye Qiuju said, "If we can take over the breakfast business, our monthly income could increase by at least a hundred or so yuan." "That way, we can afford a dowry when Xiao Yue gets married." Gu Kaihua understood what she meant, but understanding was one thing—he didn't agree. "Isn't that taking advantage of Meiyan?" "She built Linji up from scratch. We'd be using Linji's storefront, Linji's sign, and everything inside it, then pocketing the profits?" Gu Kaihua shook his head like a rattle drum. "No, no. I'm her uncle, not a shameless freeloader." Ye Qiuju wished she could kick his head open. "You stubborn fool. It's a win-win." "Jiang Hai doesn't want Meiyan to work too hard, and we can share the burden for her. It's not like we won't give Meiyan anything if we make money—at worst, we just agree on a profit split in advance." "That way, everyone wins." They could earn more money, and Lin Meiyan wouldn't have to work so hard. Gu Kaihua said, "Let me think about it." "Let me think." After Lin Meiyan left Linji, Qiaoqiao clung to Yu Jianghai's neck the whole way, acting as if she had no legs at all. Her little face was all smiles—one moment she'd hug Yu Jianghai and plant a kiss on him, the next she'd turn and kiss Lin Meiyan's cheek. "Mommy, I love you so much." "Daddy, I love you too." The little girl had a sweet tongue, softening the expressions of both Lin Meiyan and Yu Jianghai. "Meiyan, what are you all doing?" The family of three was dressed to the nines. Lin Meiyan in particular had changed into a red polka-dot dress, her hair tied up, revealing a stretch of fair neck—elegant as a white swan. As for Yu Jianghai, there was no need to even mention him. In a suit and leather shoes, broad-shouldered and dignified, he carried an air of refinement and handsomeness with every step. Before Lin Meiyan could answer, Qiaoqiao jumped in first. "Grandma Zhang, it's registration day today! My mom and dad are coming with me to school to register." "No wonder." But Grandma Zhang was a bit curious. "Aren't they having the groundbreaking ceremony for Jianghai Dicai's second phase today? If your dad's going with you to register, what about Jianghai Dicai?" The second phase of Jianghai Dicai was about to open, and with the flood of advertisements, even an old lady like Grandma Zhang knew about it. Qiaoqiao wrapped her arms around Yu Jianghai's neck and said with complete seriousness, "I'm more important than Daddy's Jianghai Dicai." "So of course Daddy has to come with me." Yu Jianghai let out an "mm," as if in agreement. At these words, Grandma Zhang and the others were momentarily stunned. After Qiaoqiao and her family had left, Grandma Zhang couldn't help but sigh, "Meiyan has finally married well this time." "The other party treats her daughter as their own flesh and blood—if that isn't falling into a nest of blessings, what is?" Auntie Cao couldn't stand hearing this, and couldn't help but say, "So Lin Meiyan really has flown up the branch and turned into a phoenix?" She still remembered Lin Meiyan kicking her out of Linji—if not for that, their family wouldn't be renting and drifting from place to place now. Uncle Wang couldn't stand such sour, vinegary talk, so he shot back, "I don't know whether Meiyan's turned into a phoenix, but I do know that you, Cao Mei, will never turn into a phoenix in this lifetime." True enough—when you're already half-buried in the ground, how are you going to turn into a phoenix? Auntie Cao was so furious she nearly toppled over, and spat back, "I see you're just trying to curry favor with Lin Meiyan now that she's made it big." "Let's see if you can even manage to suck up to her." Uncle Wang replied, "You want to suck up but can't even manage that." That hit the nail on the head, and Auntie Cao stormed off in a huff. Uncle Wang shook his head and said to the surrounding old neighbors, "I think Meiyan's hardships have finally paid off." "That Jianghai Dicai boss treats her pretty well too." At Simenkou Youeryuan, it was that time of year again—the start of the school term. On the morning of August 31st, the entire kindergarten was packed to the brim, jammed solid. At the head of the crowd, the proudest one was Ding Haohao's mother. Why? Because among all the classes—big, middle, and small—at Simenkou Youeryuan, the Ding family had the best circumstances. Ding's father drove a black Santana. The moment the car arrived at the kindergarten gate, he blared the horn loudly. "Move aside, everyone move aside." "Cars don't have eyes—don't blame me if I hit someone." The one saying this was Ding Haohao's mother. She poked her head out of the car window, wearing a red dress, her hair tied up high, showing off a pair of long leaf-shaped gold earrings and a gold necklace, with painted brows and rouged lips—the very picture of a rich man's wife. At her shout, the parents who had been jostling in line at the gate quickly cleared a path, whispering among themselves. "So this is the famous Ding Haohao family." "Yeah, they're really loaded—they can even afford a Santana." "Don't listen to their nonsense. That car was assigned by Ding Haohao's dad's work unit. I heard from someone that his dad works as a purchasing agent and skimmed plenty of kickbacks. Their family bought a house at Jianghai Dicai last year." At those words, the surroundings fell silent. "No way—is public money that easy to embezzle?" "The bold starve, the timid get fed—well, they've made it big now, that's all." "Haven't you seen the gold hanging off Ding Haohao's mom's ears and neck? How much must that have cost?" At that, everyone felt a mix of envy and jealousy. It was under those gazes that Ding Haohao's mother, chin held high, led Ding Haohao out of the car. She was putting on airs. "Our family's last year at Simenkou Youeryuan is this year. Next year, you won't get to see us even if you want to." Someone trying to curry favor deliberately asked, "Why's that? Aren't you going to elementary school at Simenkou?" "No." Ding Haohao's mother smiled, her eyes carrying a hint of condescension. "My husband bought a house at Jianghai Dicai. They have a designated elementary school, so we're transferring over next year." At those words, the surroundings fell silent again, followed by a chorus of flattery. After all, who could compete with the Ding family's influence and money? "By the way, have you seen Lin Meiyan?" "She's not going to show up alone with Lin Qiaoqiao to register again this year, is she? If so, then what my Haohao said is all true." "What does she have to complain about anyway?" Xiao Min's Mother couldn't listen to this any longer and couldn't help saying, "Haohao's mom, you should watch your tongue. Everyone knows Lin Qiaoqiao doesn't have a father, but you're the first one to be so vicious about it, always bringing it up." Ding Haohao's mother was used to being fawned over and couldn't stand such talk. "What's vicious about it? Isn't what my Haohao said the truth? Or isn't what I said the truth?" "Didn't Lin Meiyan get pregnant before marriage? Isn't Lin Qiaoqiao's father unknown? If I were really mean, I'd go complain to the teachers and the principal, saying our kids come from respectable families and we won't accept having them study alongside a child with an unknown father, born from that kind of messing around." "Just in case she corrupts my child." That was truly vicious. Even Xiao Min's Mother was a bit angry. "Lin Meiyan raises her child alone without stealing or robbing—how is that messing around?" "Ding Haohao's mom, I think it takes one to know one. You're dirty yourself, so you see everyone else as dirty." "Did I say anything wrong?" Ding Haohao's mother's voice was shrill and sharp. "Didn't she have a child out of wedlock? Isn't her child's father unknown?" "Lin Qiaoqiao has been at Simenkou Youeryuan for two years—have any of you ever seen her father?" "If she really has a father, let him come out and show himself!" "You come find me!?" At some point, Yu Jianghai appeared behind Ding Haohao's mother, holding Qiaoqiao in his arms. He simply stood there, commanding his own presence. It was in this moment that Yu Jianghai truly felt, for the first time, how much gossip and pain Lin Meiyan had endured all these years, raising a child alone. Ding Haohao's mother turned around, and upon seeing Yu Jianghai, a flicker of admiration passed through her eyes—her first thought was what a handsome man. But then, she quickly guessed who he was. Seeing him with Lin Meiyan, holding a child and coming to register, she sneered, "So you're the live-in son-in-law Lin Meiyan took in?" The news of Lin Meiyan seeking a live-in son-in-law had spread among the other parents. They had mocked her at the time, saying it was pure fantasy. Given the Lin family's circumstances, what kind of man would actually agree to be a live-in son-in-law? Surely nothing good. This man before her was handsome, sure, but if he was willing to be a live-in son-in-law, what kind of family background could he possibly have? Just another man living off a woman. Not worth her respect! The moment those words fell, the surrounding area fell silent. Ding Haohao's mother didn't know Yu Jianghai, but Xiao Min's mother did. They had seen Yu Jianghai from a distance before, though they didn't dare confirm it now. But looking at Yu Jianghai's bearing, he was clearly not an ordinary person. They exchanged glances but said nothing. Yu Jianghai held Qiaoqiao, unsure how much she had taken in. But seeing the child's face turn pale, he understood immediately—she must have heard such words countless times over the years. No wonder she had been so happy when she learned he was coming to the school too. With that thought, Yu Jianghai looked up at Ding Haohao's mother. "You're Ding Chenghui's wife?" He didn't even acknowledge her question, instead identifying her identity outright. Ding Haohao's mother, Chen Meifeng, puffed up her neck with pride. "Yes." She deliberately glanced at Lin Meiyan and said smugly, "My husband is a section chief in the steel factory's procurement department." "Not like you—good-looking as you are, you end up as a live-in son-in-law." Yu Jianghai looked at her. "As far as I know, Ding Chenghui was only transferred to that procurement position the year before last. His monthly salary is two hundred and eighteen. With his wages, could he afford to buy a house in Jianghai Dicai within two years?" The moment he said this, Chen Meifeng's face changed instantly. "What nonsense are you talking?" "My old Ding's salary isn't high, but he's good at networking and taking on other work. That's how we could afford it." Yu Jianghai smiled slightly. The smile carried a hint of knowingness that made Chen Meifeng's heart race. She didn't understand what that smile meant. She immediately redirected her attack. "Lin Meiyan, are you so desperate for a man that you've lost your mind? You just picked up some pretty boy to be your live-in son-in-law?" Ding's father had just arrived when he heard his wife spouting nonsense off the top of her head. Frowning, he strode in, then stopped short when he spotted Yu Jianghai among the crowd. He froze for a moment, only realizing who it was after a long pause. Then, without a second thought, he rushed over, reaching out his hand toward Yu Jianghai—only to be yanked back by his wife, Chen Meifeng. "Old Ding, whose hand are you daring to shake? Don't forget, you're a real man, an upstanding man of honor. The person in front of you is a pretty-boy live-in son-in-law." "Shaking his hand—aren't you afraid of dirtying your own?" Ding's father nearly dropped to his knees before his wife, okay? She was calling Yu Jianghai, the boss of Jianghai Dicai, a pretty-boy live-in son-in-law? She was saying that shaking hands with Yu Jianghai would dirty his hands? Ding's father could have killed her right then and there. "Shut up!" he roared. Chen Meifeng still looked aggrieved. "Husband, why are you yelling at me for an outsider's sake?" Before she could finish, she saw her husband trembling as he apologized to the "pretty boy" in her eyes. "President Yu, I'm so sorry. Truly sorry." "My wife has no filter on her mouth. I'll discipline her properly when we get home." Even if Chen Meifeng were a fool, she would have caught on by now. "Husband? Who is he?" Ding's father roughly pulled her over. "He's the boss of Jianghai Dicai—the boss, President Yu! Get over here and apologize to him now!!" Hearing this, Chen Meifeng's first reaction was, "That's impossible!" "Absolutely impossible." "How could Lin Meiyan—a woman who got pregnant before marriage, dragging along a burden of a child—possibly have President Yu of Jianghai Dicai as her live-in son-in-law?" Even knowing that the boss of Jianghai Dicai was surnamed Yu, she would never connect this President Yu with Lin Meiyan's "pretty-boy" live-in son-in-law. Hearing this, Ding's father's scalp went numb, okay? He kept tugging at Chen Meifeng, apologizing profusely to Yu Jianghai. "President Yu, my wife isn't right in the head. She's uneducated, from the countryside..." "Please don't—" hold it against her. These two words had not yet fallen when Yu Jianghai abruptly cut him off. He was still holding Qiaoqiao, without even changing his posture. "Ding Chenghui, transferred into the steel mill's procurement department as director in '88, with an annual income exceeding five thousand that year, and over four thousand the following year." "Yu purchased a house worth ten thousand in full payment at Jianghai Dicai in '90." At these words, Ding Chenghui's cold sweat immediately poured down. No one knew his family's finances this clearly. Even his bedmate Chen Meifeng didn't know. How did the boss of Jianghai Dicai know? "P-President Yu—" He even started stuttering, unable to even beg for mercy. This was a public place at the kindergarten entrance! Once he left this door, he couldn't bear to think about where this news would spread. Yu Jianghai's expression remained unmoved. He was like a lofty spectator watching Ding Chenghui and Chen Meifeng perform. Seeing no breakthrough with Yu Jianghai, Ding Chenghui suddenly bowed to Lin Meiyan. "Comrade Lin, Comrade Lin, it's my wife who doesn't know any better, her mouth is foul—" At that point, he hardened his heart and slapped Chen Meifeng across the face with the back of his hand. "Go apologize to Comrade Lin now!!" Chen Meifeng clutched her burning cheek, still in disbelief. She never imagined she'd be slapped by her own husband at the kindergarten entrance. And in front of so many parents at that. She immediately went berserk, ready to fight Ding Chenghui to the death. Ding Chenghui sneered, "You won't apologize?" "Then we're getting a divorce." What a fool—whoever married her was cursed with bad luck! Chen Meifeng froze stiff. She looked at Lin Meiyan, but the apology simply wouldn't come out of her mouth. "Lin—" Ding Haohao yanked at Chen Meifeng. "Mom, why are you apologizing to her? Lin Qiaoqiao was always a bastard nobody wanted." Hearing this, even Ding Chenghui, who usually doted on him, couldn't help but slap him. "Your mother is an uneducated village woman who doesn't know any better—are you ignorant too?" "Apologize to your classmate!" Ding Haohao had always been spoiled rotten. He refused. In the end, Ding Chenghui had no choice but to step in himself. "President Yu, Comrade Lin, I truly failed to teach my wife and son properly. I'll apologize on their behalf." Yu Jianghai ignored him. Lin Meiyan, meanwhile, looked at Chen Meifeng with a complicated expression. She knew better than anyone how domineering and superior the other woman was. From the very beginning of enrollment, Ding Haohao's mother had acted above everyone else. Now, she stood there with a slap mark on her face, looking somewhat pathetic. How should she put it? It was like heaven's justice always comes full circle—whoever heaven targets never escapes. During those days when Qiaoqiao was being bullied, she had also gone to find Ding Haohao's mother to discuss the children's matter. Every time, the response was the same. "My child didn't say anything wrong." "He spoke the truth." But now, the two distinct slap marks on the mother and son's faces seemed to say something. Of course, for Lin Meiyan, even if the Ding family apologized, she wouldn't accept it. Lin Meiyan looked up at Ding's father. "I don't accept your apology." That was all she said. Hearing this, Ding's father's face turned deathly pale. He still tried to salvage the situation. "Comrade Lin, what would it take for you to accept?" "I won't accept." Lin Meiyan felt for the first time the benefit of borrowing another's power. Her tone was calm. "Ding Haohao bullying my Qiaoqiao is in the past. Now, you can't just apologize because Qiaoqiao has a father now, thinking an apology can erase past crimes." "Comrade Ding, that's not how it works." "Not every bully deserves forgiveness." "And not every parent who acts superior and spreads rumors deserves forgiveness either." She wouldn't forgive Chen Meifeng, and she wouldn't make Qiaoqiao forgive Ding Haohao. Because harm is harm—it can't be lightly resolved with a simple apology. Lin Meiyan's words completely crushed Ding's father's hopes. He stood there at a loss, not knowing what to do. He could only watch helplessly as Teacher Li came out to open the gate, letting all the parents in to register. Even Director Chen, who rarely showed his face, personally walked up to Lin Meiyan and Yu Jianghai, inviting them inside to register. Meanwhile, Ding's father and mother stood in place. Ding Haohao was still crying, and between sobs, he urged anxiously, "They all went in to register. I want to register too." Unfortunately, no one paid him any attention this time. Ding's father looked at Ding's mother with unprecedented hatred in his eyes. He slapped her across the face. "I told you to keep a low profile, keep a low profile, but you wouldn't listen." "Now look what you've done—offending the boss of Jianghai Dicai. Our good days are over." His hands weren't clean either. Once the steel plant started investigating him, paying back the money would be the best-case scenario. In serious cases, he might end up in prison. Ding's mother collapsed to the ground from the slap, still muttering to herself, "Impossible." "Impossible." "How could Lin Meiyan possibly have the boss of Jianghai Dicai as a Ruzhui?" This matter was simply absurd to speak of. Unfortunately, reality was exactly that. Inside the kindergarten, as Teacher Li opened the gate, all the parents surged in together. However, most of the parents who had been watching the show and making snide remarks now kept their distance from Lin Meiyan. The scene from before had truly been too frightening. They didn't want Lin Meiyan to bring up old grudges and end up dragging them into her retaliation. Unlike their nervousness, Xiao Min's Mother was looking back and forth between Lin Meiyan and Yu Jianghai with a gossipy expression. She had a good relationship with Lin Meiyan. So she wasn't afraid at all—just utterly shocked!! "Girl, you're amazing." "Living this well? You even landed the boss of Jianghai Dicai?" Last time when Yu Jianghai drove to pick up Qiaoqiao from school with Lin Meiyan, she'd already felt that the relationship between these two was anything but ordinary. Now it was clear that it really wasn't ordinary. She was a genius at reading people. One look, and she hit the mark. If it were an enemy, Lin Meiyan could keep a cold face, but facing Xiao Min's Mother, who had helped her many times, she truly couldn't put on a cold expression. On the contrary, she was even blushing a little from the teasing. "Xiao Min's Mother." Her tone carried a hint of embarrassment, and her fair face instantly flushed with a touch of pink. Her skin was delicate and radiant, fresh and supple, like a perfectly ripe peach. Never mind Yu Jianghai—even Xiao Min's Mother felt a flutter of admiration. "No wonder you're living so well." "Remarrying so well with a child in tow—you're a role model for all of us!" When she argued with her husband, she often fantasized about the same thing, hoping she could take her daughter and remarry a wealthy bachelor!! And wasn't Lin Meiyan living out that dream for her? Lin Meiyan didn't know how much Yu Jianghai had heard. The tips of her ears were slightly red as she said softly, "That's not it." "I knew Qiaoqiao's father a long time ago." She paused—this was the first time she had publicly acknowledged Yu Jianghai's identity—"He's also Qiaoqiao's biological father." "Huh?" Xiao Min's Mother was stunned for a moment. "You mean the boss of Jianghai Dicai is your daughter's biological father?" Lin Meiyan hummed in confirmation, her voice soft and gentle. "Yes." She could see Yu Jianghai walking ahead, his steps slowing slightly. From the side, it seemed the corner of his mouth had lifted, though it was fleeting. Lin Meiyan knew that Yu Jianghai was happy at this moment. After those five empty years, he had finally stood before everyone again in the role of a father. He could openly and proudly tell everyone that he was Lin Meiyan's partner and Qiaoqiao's father. Xiao Min's Mother didn't notice these details. She couldn't help but say, "So you two got together really early, then?" If Yu Jianghai was already this tall and handsome in his early thirties, what must he have looked like when he was young? Lin Meiyan hummed in agreement. "We got together at eighteen." Xiao Min's Mother: "!!" Xiao Min's Mother looked utterly shocked. "Girl, you really are eating well." And President Yu's prime really lasted long—still tall and refined in his thirties, unlike her own man, who at the same age was already balding, greasy, and sporting a beer belly. The difference was too big. Lin Meiyan had never spoken like this with someone her own age before, and she still felt a bit shy. However, when she looked up at Yu Jianghai walking ahead, he truly stood out. Among all the parents, he was like a crane among chickens—whether in height or looks, he was the cream of the crop. "You're really lucky in life, but it's what you deserve." Lin Meiyan smiled without saying anything. Fortunately, they had already reached the classroom, and everyone was lining up to register. Teacher Li stood at the window up front, taking one acceptance letter, one payment, one homework assignment, checking each before moving to the next. At this rate, who knew how long the line would take. And during the wait, parents were jostling each other, making a terrible racket. To be honest, Yu Jianghai hadn't experienced anything like this in years. He frowned slightly, but looking at Qiaoqiao in his arms, he held it in. Further along, Qiaoqiao wanted to get down on her own. "Xiaomin, this is my dad." "My real dad." She introduced him with great pride. "My dad is back." "See, I wasn't lying to you before, was I?" The moment those words left her mouth, Qiaoqiao herself froze for a second, because she realized she was becoming more and more like a four-year-old child, rather than an adult with a grown-up soul trapped inside. Xiaomin was so envious. "I always believed your dad was out there." "Qiaoqiao, your dad is so handsome. Can you share him with me?" She also wanted a handsome, tall daddy. It felt like everyone was looking at him, and by extension, she would become the center of attention too, someone to be envied. Qiaoqiao shook her head. "No way. Everyone has their own dad." "And—" She snuck a glance at Yu Jianghai before whispering to Xiaomin, "I wouldn't give my dad away for anything!" Yu Jianghai was Qiaoqiao's dad alone! It could only be said that when it came to possessiveness, it was truly genetic. Yu Jianghai heard this and the corner of his mouth curved up. Just as they were waiting in line, Director Chen came over. She had neat short hair cut to her ears, looking very crisp and decisive. "President Yu, Meiyan, come with me for a moment." At these words, everyone instinctively looked over, their gazes tinged with envy. Director Chen wasn't afraid of being accused of playing favorites. She said frankly, "When President Yu of Jianghai Dicai showed mercy to our Simenkou Youeryuan, I said that President Yu would forever be a friend of Simenkou Youeryuan." This also served as an explanation for why she was making an exception for Yu Jianghai. The other parents knew a little about the demolition situation at Simenkou Youeryuan, but seeing the boss of Jianghai Dicai—Yu Jianghai—registering alongside them still felt somewhat surreal. "The boss of Jianghai Dicai really became Qiaoqiao's dad?" "From now on, won't we all be fellow parents?" "I feel like I've burned incense for good fortune." "Me too. I never imagined Simenkou Youeryuan could have such an important figure." "Compared to this, I feel the Ding family is a bit too low-class." "Their behavior is like nouveau riche. In comparison, the boss of Jianghai Dicai and Lin Meiyan are actually much more low-key." Lin Meiyan and Yu Jianghai, who had already left, naturally didn't know that a group of parents were discussing them after they left. But even if they knew, it wouldn't matter. After all, Yu Jianghai being Qiaoqiao's father was an established fact that no one could change. In Director Chen's office, after Lin Meiyan and Yu Jianghai came in with Qiaoqiao, Director Chen turned and closed the door. Clearly, she did well in protecting privacy. After the door was shut, Director Chen turned to pour them each a glass of water. When she handed one to Lin Meiyan, she said teasingly, "I truly never imagined that Meiyan, you would end up with President Yu." These were two people she could never have dreamed would be together. Lin Meiyan took the water, feeling a bit shy. But then she thought about how she and Yu Jianghai were legally married, and she felt more at ease. She introduced him to Director Chen, "Teacher Chen, you've always asked me who Qiaoqiao's father is, haven't you?" Director Chen raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me it's President Yu?" "It's him." Lin Meiyan nodded. In front of Director Chen, she took Yu Jianghai's hand and introduced him with a hint of solemnity, "Teacher Chen, this is my husband, Yu Jianghai." Yu Jianghai sensed what Lin Meiyan meant, and he couldn't help but stand up straighter. "Teacher Chen." He used the same form of address as Lin Meiyan. At least, at this moment, he was happy—happy that Lin Meiyan regarded him as one of her own and introduced him to everyone around her. Director Chen was a bit surprised. "Did you two know each other before?" Otherwise, how could Yu Jianghai be Qiaoqiao's biological father? Lin Meiyan nodded. "We were both sent to the countryside on the island together—" She didn't need to say the rest; Director Chen understood. She didn't ruin the mood by asking why they had separated. She simply said, "Then this is fate bringing you together again." Lin Meiyan glanced at Yu Jianghai and nodded gently. "If it weren't for Jianghai Dicai wanting to demolish Simenkou Youeryuan, he and I wouldn't have reunited so soon." "Ultimately, Teacher Chen, you count as half a matchmaker for me and Yu Jianghai." That was the truth. Director Chen was taken aback. "Then when you get married, I'll have to ask for a glass of wedding wine." "Of course." Lin Meiyan nodded. "When Yu Jianghai and I get married, we'll definitely invite you." Director Chen had helped her so much over the years. What followed was simple. With Director Chen making an exception, the registration went smoothly. Lin Meiyan had prepared all the documents, including Qiaoqiao's summer homework. Director Chen checked it while Qiaoqiao felt nervous and anxious. No student isn't afraid of teachers, and Qiaoqiao was no exception. She worried that if her homework wasn't good enough, Director Chen wouldn't let her pass. Fortunately, it was a close call, but she made it through in the end. Qiaoqiao breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, this is the registration form. Keep it." Director Chen issued a receipt and stamped it directly with her seal. "You can bring the child to school tomorrow." Lin Meiyan took it and thanked her. Director Chen asked again, "Has Qiaoqiao's household registration been settled?" Lin Meiyan nodded. "I got the Linji house back, so the child's household registration was resolved along with it." "That's good." Director Chen took the initiative to stand up and see them out. Yu Jianghai stood beside Lin Meiyan and Director Chen the whole time, with Qiaoqiao still hanging on him. Director Chen took note of this and couldn't help but nod, gaining more goodwill toward Yu Jianghai. "Meiyan." Lin Meiyan stopped in her tracks. Director Chen smiled. "I wish you two a long and happy marriage, with peace and smooth sailing." Lin Meiyan's eyes grew warm. She nodded and stepped forward to hug Director Chen. "Teacher Chen, thank you." Director Chen watched them leave. Qiaoqiao jumped down from Yu Jianghai's arms. Holding Yu Jianghai's hand with her left and Lin Meiyan's with her right, she introduced them to everyone she passed. "This is my dad." "This is my mom!" "You're not allowed to call me a kid without a dad anymore—I have a dad!" The children were afraid of Yu Jianghai and scattered away in a flash. Qiaoqiao put her hands on her hips, looking extremely proud. "Scaredy-cats!" Lin Meiyan and Yu Jianghai watched her show off and both smiled. Just as they walked out of the kindergarten gate, Officer Qian approached them from the front. "Comrade Lin, the sentencing for the human traffickers we caught last time has come down. The police station has organized a meeting for the victims' families." "Would you two like to go and meet them?"