Chapter 18: You Are Not Qualified as a Mother

Chapter 18: You Are Not Qualified as a Mother.

As soon as Shen Jiaoyue stepped inside, she stopped in her tracks.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she took in the elegantly decorated room before her.

The soft glow of candles, the meticulously arranged dining table, the floral centerpiece—everything exuded a refined taste that she had never associated with Xiao Cheng.

Was this really his home?

Shen Jiaoyue had expected something far different—perhaps a cramped apartment with mismatched furniture and a messy, single-dad lifestyle. But instead, what she found was a place so carefully arranged that it felt like it belonged in an interior design magazine.

Her gaze flickered across the wooden wine rack, the classical gramophone, and the perfectly chosen decor.

She couldn't help but frown.

"You arranged all this?" she asked, her tone carrying a hint of skepticism.

Xiao Cheng simply nodded with a smile.

Shen Jiaoyue didn't believe it. There was no way he had done this himself—he must have hired a professional designer.

But at the same time, a thought nagged at her. Could she have misjudged him?

Before she could think further, soft classical music filled the air as Xiao Cheng adjusted the phonograph. The sound was rich yet soothing, creating an ambiance that made her momentarily forget why she was here.

She quickly snapped herself out of it.

"Where's Sisi?"

"Sisi is in her room," Xiao Cheng replied, pointing down the hallway. "Go check on her. Stay for dinner later."

Shen Jiaoyue instinctively wanted to refuse.

Her plan was to grab Sisi and leave immediately, not sit down for some sentimental family meal. But for some reason, instead of a firm "No," she heard herself say—

"Okay."

She blinked.

Wait—what?

Why did she agree?

She clenched her jaw, frustrated with herself.

Forget it. She'd stay, criticize the food, and then take Sisi away with a legitimate excuse. There was no way a man like Xiao Cheng could cook anything decent.

With that thought, she turned toward Sisi's room and knocked.

Sisi's Choice

"Sisi, Mommy's coming in," Shen Jiaoyue called before pushing the door open.

Inside, Sisi sat cross-legged on a pink rug, hugging her plush rabbit. The room was bathed in warm lighting, the soft pastel colors giving it a cozy, dreamlike quality.

Shen Jiaoyue froze.

This room... this wasn't what she expected at all.

Every detail was perfect—the curtains, the tiny bookshelves filled with fairy tales, the plush toys arranged neatly on the bed. Even the air carried a faint, comforting scent of lavender and vanilla.

Her brows furrowed.

How had Xiao Cheng managed to do all this?

Had he truly created this space for Sisi in just a month?

Shen Jiaoyue had spent millions designing her own mansion, but even she had never managed to create something this... personal.

Just as she was lost in thought, Sisi ran up to her, smiling brightly.

"Ma Ma!"

Shen Jiaoyue knelt down and gently stroked Sisi's cheek.

"Sisi, will you go home with Mommy tonight?" she asked softly.

Sisi's smile instantly disappeared.

Her little hands gripped the hem of her dress as she shook her head firmly.

"I don't want to! I want to stay with Papa!"

Shen Jiaoyue's heart sank.

"Why?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

Sisi opened her mouth to answer but hesitated.

"...Because!" she blurted out, then stopped, as if struggling to find the right words.

Finally, she turned and ran out of the room.

"Go ask Papa!" she said over her shoulder.

Shen Jiaoyue followed, her heels clicking against the floor.

In the living room, Sisi ran straight into Xiao Cheng's arms.

Xiao Cheng ruffled her hair gently.

"What's wrong, Sisi?"

Sisi pouted. "Papa, tell Mama why I can't leave!"

Xiao Cheng chuckled. "Sisi, how about you and Mama wash your hands first? Dinner is ready."

Sisi's eyes brightened. "Okay!"

She grabbed Shen Jiaoyue's hand and pulled her toward the bathroom.

"Come on, Mama!"

Shen Jiaoyue sighed, feeling an unexpected warmth in her heart.

A Meal to Remember

By the time they returned to the dining area, the table was set.

Xiao Cheng stood by the kitchen, arranging the last dish with calm precision.

Shen Jiaoyue pulled out a chair and sat across from him, arms crossed.

"Let me make one thing clear," she said coldly. "If this meal isn't good, I'm taking Sisi with me."

Xiao Cheng didn't even look up.

He simply continued plating the food with a relaxed smile.

"How do you know it's bad if you don't taste it?" he asked casually.

Shen Jiaoyue narrowed her eyes.

She was already tired of high-end cuisine—caviar, foie gras, wagyu beef. What could he possibly serve that would impress her?

She reached for the fresh salmon sashimi, dipping it lightly into the sauce.

The moment the fish touched her tongue, her eyes widened.

The texture was smooth, melting almost instantly, while the delicate balance of flavors—**a hint of citrus, a touch of umami—**made her mouth tingle.

It was perfect.

Before she realized it, a soft "Mmm~" escaped her lips.

The moment she heard herself, her face turned red.

Xiao Cheng smirked.

"Not bad, huh?"

Shen Jiaoyue quickly straightened her posture, her expression turning serious.

"It's... it's okay," she muttered.

Sisi giggled. "Mama, you love it! Don't lie!"

Shen Jiaoyue glared at her, cheeks burning.

A Brutal Truth

After dinner, Xiao Cheng cleared the dishes and poured fresh juice into goblets.

Shen Jiaoyue was about to speak when—

SLAM!

Xiao Cheng suddenly slapped the table.

The sound echoed through the room.

Shen Jiaoyue flinched.

"You are not qualified as a mother," Xiao Cheng said, his voice cold and sharp.

Shen Jiaoyue's breath caught in her throat.

"What...?"

"You haven't fulfilled your duty to Sisi at all," Xiao Cheng continued. "You think giving her the best toys, the best clothes, and the best school is enough?"

He leaned forward, eyes dark and unwavering.

"Sisi doesn't need luxury. She needs love. She needs someone to tuck her in at night. She needs someone to laugh with her, comfort her when she cries, hold her when she's scared."

Shen Jiaoyue opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out.

"As her father, I can do what you can't. I can do what you refuse to do." Xiao Cheng's voice was unwavering.

"So tell me, Shen Jiaoyue—can you really say she's better off with you?"

Shen Jiaoyue sat frozen.

For the first time in years, she had no response.