Chapter 34

In a house where he was constantly reminded of his lack of status, where taunts and insults shaped his life, Zhan could only describe his experiences as endless ridicule. Yet, despite all the wounds of his past, the moment he stepped into that house and saw the woman who now answered to the name "mother," it felt as if all the scars he carried had been wiped away.

These scars—marks that had followed him since childhood, defining how others saw him—had become his identity. No matter how much he wished otherwise, he believed nothing could erase them.

Even after learning the truth, even after every fact had been laid bare before him, his mind accepted it, his thoughts and heart acknowledged it, yet his body still hesitated. He couldn't fully grasp the reality that Zhao Min, the woman he had always known as part of Guri's family, was, in fact, his real mother—the woman who had given birth to him. And the reasons they had been separated only made the situation more complex.

Even now, sitting close to her, he felt uneasy, just like everyone else in the household. Ever since their arrival, no one had been able to rest properly, especially Mama, who paced anxiously, constantly asking Zhao Min what she needed.

Since last night, Zhao Min had wanted to leave the house, but the neighborhood had been abuzz with news of Zhan's return. When they learned he had come back with his mother all the way from Shenzhen, the situation escalated. Mama decided there was no point in explaining things anyway. Just as people had once gathered to console them when he had disappeared, now they arrived with congratulations and well wishes.

It was enough to bring tears to Zhan's eyes. He had never imagined that people cared about him this much. Growing up, only a handful had ever shown him kindness, so he had never expected such an outpouring of concern—especially after Aunty Rui told him how the community had mourned his disappearance.

By morning, Mama's relatives had arrived as well. Mama had even pleaded with her to stay an extra night so that her own relatives could come and meet her. Despite everything, Zhao Min showed gratitude to everyone, thanking them repeatedly. Yet, even without words, her presence made them feel ashamed. They all knew they had never truly deserved her kindness. Even Mama, who usually had something to say about everything, sat in silence, adjusting her seat from time to time.

Ma Jing had prepared a hearty breakfast before the morning chaos even settled. Zhao Min mentioned to Zhan that since arriving at the house, Ma Jing had been looking after her... a statement that made Zhan pause for a moment, acknowledging how overwhelming everything felt. He took it all in, storing it in his mind until he could fully process it.

But one thing he couldn't quite comprehend was the newfound harmony between Mama and Ma Jing. Aunty Rui eventually filled him in, explaining what had happened with Min and how Ma Jing had managed to contribute three hundred thousand yuan—money that had ultimately gone unused because Zhao Min covered all expenses herself. Yet, despite this, the gesture had deeply moved Mama in ways no one had expected. Without any argument or discussion, both women had come to an unspoken understanding, something that hadn't happened in years.

It was a change that no one had anticipated, least of all late He Jun, their husband, who had spent his entire married life witnessing their endless conflicts. If someone had told him that, overnight, all their disputes would disappear, Zhan was certain Baba would only believe it was divine intervention.

The night before, Zhan and Zhao Min hadn't slept at all. She had asked him countless questions, trying to piece together everything she had missed about his life. And though he had answered, he still couldn't fully relax around her.

To him, she still felt like the Zhao Min he had always known—the same woman from Guri's family. But now, something stirred within him whenever he faced her. It wasn't something new; in fact, he was sure he had felt it ever since Shenzhen. But now, it was only growing stronger.

When Zhao Min finally fell asleep, Aunty Rui pulled Zhan aside and led him to their old bedroom. Mama and the others had gathered there, leaving him alone in the room with his mother. It was the same room where, in the past, Zhan had spent countless nights sleeping on a simple mat by the door—because he wasn't even allowed to sleep on the couch in the living room.

But tonight, because his mother had appeared, elegant and refined—someone anyone could tell had never known hardship or poverty—he was given the privilege of sleeping in that very room.

When Aunty Rui guided him into their old bedroom, he found them all waiting for him—Mama, Ma Jing, Ning, Min, Yue, and Aunty Rui herself.

"Come in and sit down, Zhan," Mama said when she noticed him hesitating at the doorway.

Zhan forced himself to step inside and sat down.

"Zhan, there's no need for long explanations or pretenses. We all know how you lived in this house, what you went through because of us. So please, for the sake of everything, we ask for your forgiveness. I know it's not something we can just say and expect to be granted so easily. But we truly regret everything. Even before your parents came looking for you, life taught us many lessons after you were gone.

"So, Zhan, if not for our sake, then at least for the sake of your Baba, please look at us with kindness and forgive us."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Just as extreme cold can paralyze movement, Zhan felt frozen in place.

Even yesterday, when he had left Shenzhen, a part of him had already decided to face Mama and the others and seek their forgiveness after explaining everything that had happened to him.

But now, it was as if the clock had reversed. Instead of him asking for their understanding, they were the ones seeking his forgiveness. Not just Mama and Ma Jing, but even Min—who, he noticed, hadn't been able to meet his eyes since yesterday.

Zhan swallowed, but his mouth felt dry. Everything felt frozen in time, buried beneath the weight of all the shocking events he had experienced since yesterday—events that had made him numb.

And yet, despite that numbness, he managed to open his mouth and tell them that he had forgiven them. In truth, he had already done so long ago.

But just as he was about to say those words, something else lingered on the edge of his mind...something that hadn't been addressed yet.

His relationship with Yibo. The fact that he was now married. If he could even call himself that.

But something held him back. The thought that he hadn't even discussed it with Zhao Min yet. If he hadn't spoken to her about it, then it didn't feel right to bring it up with them either.

Because now, she mattered more than anyone else.

🔹▫️🔸

After packing up all of Zhan's remaining belongings, especially his books, they finally left the house at around 2:45 PM. Before they left, Shan Tunan made a promise to Mama and Ma Jing that he would arrange travel tickets for them to visit foreign countries—a gesture that completely overwhelmed them. Mama was so emotional that she burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably for a long time.

On top of that, Shan Tunan also left them a substantial amount of money. He even promised Hao a job if he was willing to stay in Shenzhen, since he admitted he didn't know anyone in Beijing. Judging by the excitement in Hao's response, Zhan knew it wouldn't be long before he packed up his things and moved to Shenzhen.

Yibo was the one driving them in his car, the four of them seated inside. From the moment Zhan looked at him once, he hadn't dared to glance at him again. His mind was already overflowing with thoughts, and adding Yibo to the mix would only make it worse.

They hadn't even left the neighborhood when Zhao Min suddenly spoke to Shan Tunan.

"Dear, we're going to the hospital."

That was all she said, but it was enough for him to understand where they were headed.

-------------------------------------------

"I'm sorry, but this budget isn't feasible..."

Qian stood by the hospital window, looking at her husband, Shi Lei, who lay motionless on the bed. His manager's words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the conversation they'd had earlier when he gathered everyone to explain that the company couldn't provide the funds needed for Shi Lei medical transfer abroad, as the doctors had advised.

"Perhaps Mr. Shi Lei didn't tell you, but even before his accident, there was an ongoing case. The company suffered massive financial losses, and despite the overwhelming evidence we presented, he refused to believe it. This issue has been happening since the late Mr. Peng's time. Shi Lei denied it outright and even threatened to take us to court. That's where things stood before this accident happened."

The manager studied their faces, watching the realization and distress settle in as his words sank deep.

"Even if we gathered everything we have left, it would barely cover the cost of one surgery. And he needs at least three to four."

Qian closed her eyes, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her. Slowly, she moved to the side and sank onto a nearby chair. Her body was still weak—she had been told she was one of the lucky ones who recovered quickly. In other cases, people with her condition could take up to five years to fully heal.

"Mum, should I get you some water?"

Mei, who had been scrolling through her phone nearby, looked up and asked.

Qian shook her head without saying a word. Her eyes drifted back to Shi Lei, who lay in bed, covered in bandages. They said he had five fractures in different parts of his body, and the worst of it was the spinal cord damage. Even though he could open his eyes and recognize people, the doctors had warned that there was no guarantee his brain was functioning normally.

Her mind wandered back to the previous night... to the moment the sitting room door had opened and a woman stepped inside.

His mistress.

Even though Qian had been told about her presence beforehand, it didn't stop the sting of betrayal from settling deep.

"I've been praying that you weren't asleep yet," the woman had said, forcing a small, almost apologetic smile.

Qian had simply shaken her head.

"Well, come in," she said, motioning to a seat.

The woman hesitated, then sat down. For a moment, she was quiet before she finally spoke.

"Qian, I was thinking… given the situation we're all in, maybe we should reconsider the idea of sending him abroad. Since we don't have enough funds, maybe we should let him continue his treatment here and see what happens… We don't want to end up losing everything and putting ourselves in a difficult position."

Qian had responded with the same nod she gave now, sitting in the hospital room. Her eyes searched Shi Lei's face as silent tears filled her eyes. She didn't want to cry—not in front of Mei.

You see, Shi Lei? Do you see what I was trying to tell you?

The woman you prioritized over me is now the one suggesting we leave you to your fate—just so she and her children won't lose the wealth they clung to when she first entered your life.

The tears that slipped down her cheeks were quickly wiped away. She didn't know what to do. She didn't even know what direction her life was heading in anymore.

Mei stood up and said, "Mum, I think I'll head home now. I have to meet my supervisor at four. A-Dan Jie just called and said they're on their way."

Qian simply nodded without a word. Her eldest daughter, A-Dan, had returned home after confirming that her husband was having an affair. No one knew what would happen to her marriage now, but that wasn't their priority at the moment.

Before Mei could finish packing up her laptop and bag, the hospital room door opened.

Qian didn't even look up—she assumed it was A-Dan.

But then Mei gasped.

"Oh my god… Aunty Zhao?!"

At that moment, she lifted her head, and her eyes landed on something that seemed like a dream—an illusion. Standing there was Zhao Min, accompanied by a young man who, without a doubt, was the very son they had gone searching for at Late He Jun's house, only to leave empty-handed. The same son whose absence had led Shi Lei into the accident that put him in this condition.

Qian stood up abruptly, quickly wiping her face before forcing a smile.

"Welcome, Zhao Min. Please, come in."

From where she stood at the doorway, Zhao Min shook her head.

"No need for that. I've already gone out of my way just coming this far, Qian. How is he?"

Her gaze shifted toward Shi Lei's hospital bed.

"He's… alive," Qian replied, unsure what else to say. Luckily, she was spared from continuing when Shi Lei suddenly began coughing violently, enough to make Mei rush to his side.

"Good to see you awake, Gege."

Zhao Min addressed him by a name only one person in the world ever used—Xiao Lei. That name alone made Shi Lei slowly turn his tired gaze toward her.

She swallowed hard before speaking.

"I've brought your nephew to you, and I'm here to remind you that nothing in this world can change fate. You took my son away from me for years, but in the end, without me struggling or begging, fate has returned him to me. All the schemes and efforts you made in the past… in the end, they amounted to nothing."

She then turned toward Zhan, who was wide-eyed, glancing between the people in the room.

"Zhan, these are your father's elder brother and his wife. They are the ones responsible for separating us all these years. They took everything that belonged to you and your father for themselves."

"Zhao Min..."

Qian tried to interrupt, but Zhao Min silenced her with a raised hand.

"Don't worry, Qian. I have no interest in Zhan's wealth or anything else. I leave you both to your own fate. One day, we will all stand before a greater judgment. I only came here to thank you—for at least telling me my son was alive. But as for forgiveness? Don't expect it. From this moment until my last breath, I will continue to pray that justice is served for everything you've taken from me."

🔹▫️🔸

"...From now until the end of my days, I will continue to pray that justice is served for everything you've taken from me."

Those words echoed relentlessly in Shi Lei's mind. He couldn't hear them clearly, nor could he grasp their full weight, but he felt them circling, retreating, and returning again. He had expected this moment—had known deep down that it would come. For years, those words had lurked in the shadows of his heart, waiting for the right time to surface. And now, that time had come.

But he would swear, by all that existed in the heavens and earth, that in all the years his life had spiraled into chaos, he had never felt a blow as devastating as this.

Right before his eyes, Zhao Min had turned and walked away, taking with her the son who had barely even seen his face.

Shi Lei slowly closed his eyes, a bitter lump forming in his throat. If he were to be honest with himself, he would admit that the night he plotted to erase Xiao Lei from existence—the nights he spent persuading his wife until they meticulously carried out every step of their plan—had felt like mere days ago. And yet, here they were, at the bitter end of it all.

Fate had turned the tables, forcing him into a new chapter where he was reaping exactly what he had sown. Only now did he fully grasp Qian's warnings. Ever since Peng's death, they should have realized that things were slipping out of their control. Yet they had pushed forward blindly, and now, every scheme, every manipulation, had led them to this inevitable downfall.

"Shi Lei..."

He heard Qian's voice beside him, hesitant yet firm. She was waiting for a response. But he did not open his eyes, nor did he move. The truth was, he couldn't even face her now. He was the one who had pulled her into this abyss, and now she, too, was suffering the consequences. If this was only the beginning of their reckoning in this world, then what would they say when they faced true judgment?

That question—one he had never once considered—now crashed into him with full force, settling deep within his soul. Every nerve in his body trembled as a brutal realization struck him: the truth he had spent years denying had always been there.

Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛