Chapter 26 He choked up.

Qin Qiao first placed her purse on the bedside table, then sat down on the edge of the bed. The bed sank slightly as she met Yang Shuhua's tender gaze.

She was well aware of her mother's heartache for her. Six years after their divorce, the name "Chen Jiashu" remained a taboo subject for both mother and daughter.

She had only considered sending one of her children to Chen Jiashu's place; she would definitely discuss it with Yang Shuhua before actually doing so, since she had raised both children herself. However, Yang Shuhua had just been admitted to the hospital, and her condition was causing her anxiety and fear, so she thought she would find a suitable time in a couple of days.

"That day you asked me if I lied to Jia Shu. You had already met then, right?" Yang Shuhua interrupted her softly. "My daughter has a soft heart. Has she already forgiven him?"

Qin Qiao was slightly taken aback. The scene of Chen Jiashu giving her the pearl necklace flashed through her mind. She shook her head and said, "No, I haven't forgiven him."

She did not forgive Chen Jiashu, nor did she lie to her mother.

Having just been admitted to the hospital, Yang Shuhua was still wearing the clothes she had come in. She glanced at the admission bracelet on her wrist and slowly raised her eyelids: "Qiaoqiao, when you got married... your father and I both approved of Jiashu. His parents passed away early, leaving only some distant relatives in his family, and his eyesight is not good... At that time, we truly cared for him and sincerely hoped that you would be well."

Her eyes reddened, her fingertips gripped the blanket, she let out a soft breath, and then slowly said, "But then you got divorced, and you had an accident abroad... you almost lost your own life. At that time, I thought how wonderful it would be if Jia Shu were here, so that my daughter wouldn't be so heartbroken, and wouldn't have to hide from me even when she's crying."

Tears welled up in Yang Shuhua's eyes, and Qin Qiao felt bad too. She comforted her, "Mom, it's all over now."

“I can’t get through this,” Yang Shuhua shook her head resolutely, tears welling in her eyes: “When you were being resuscitated on the operating table, I knelt there and begged God… begged Him not to take you away; our two premature babies were in incubators, their little faces were turning blue, and we received two critical condition notices in one day, I didn’t even dare to sleep…”

Her mother felt sorry for her and was upset on her behalf, which she understood. But these were clearly all accidents, and neither Chen Jiashu's presence nor absence could have prevented them from happening.

“Mom,” Qin Qiao took a tissue and wiped away Yang Shuhua’s tears, saying, “This can’t all be blamed on Chen Jiashu. He was in prison at the time…”

The scene of the Crossroads bombing in England five years ago, with its earth-shaking tremors and flying blood and flesh, is like the pain of being run over by a car wheel, and the lingering roar in my ears still sends shivers down my spine.

But this was her job. Qin Qiao withdrew the hand holding the tissue, lowered her eyelashes, curled her fingertips, and said in a weak voice, "Even if he is here... an accident will still happen, the baby will still be born prematurely, and the doctor will still need to perform emergency treatment..."

This is not an attempt to exonerate Chen Jiashu, but a statement of fact.

"Qiaoqiao, do you really think Mom doesn't know?"

Qin Qiao looked up in surprise.

Then her mother's expression turned cold and stern. She said, "Tongtong said that you always gave in to Jiashu before, but what about him? He just leaves whenever he wants!"

Chu Yutong wouldn't say these things to Yang Shuhua in private. Yang Shuhua's so-called "Tongtong said it" was just that Tongtong had come to the house a few times and joked about her and Chen Jiashu at the dinner table.

Qin Qiao suddenly realized what it meant to "speak unintentionally but be taken to heart".

She clenched her fist, not because she wasn't angry, but because she needed to look at the matter more objectively. She said calmly, "I know you feel wronged for me, but we have to be reasonable. Chen Jiashu's decision to file for divorce and what happened afterward have no causal relationship."

“That’s not the problem!” Yang Shuhua interrupted her again.

Qin Qiao's mother was always gentle and rarely even raised her voice, so her sudden outburst of anger startled her.

"Let me tell you, as long as I'm still alive, I won't let you repeat the same mistake and jump into the fire again."

Realizing she had lost her composure, Yang Shuhua's expression changed slightly. She adjusted her breathing, her tearful gaze softened, and she took her daughter's hand, gently rubbing the back of her hand. She said earnestly, "As for the two children, it's not like we can't afford to raise them. They both have the surname Qin, not Chen."

Qin Qiao was speechless.

She understood Yang Shuhua's recent illness and current anxiety, so she chose not to argue about the issue anymore and to wait until Yang Shuhua regained her composure before discussing it further.

"How about we don't discuss this now? You should focus on your treatment, and we can talk about it later, okay?"

"Qiaoqiao... promise me here that you won't take the child there, and also that you will cut off all contact with Chen Jiashu."

He spoke with such certainty that there seemed to be no room for negotiation.

Qin Qiao tried to pull her hand away from her mother's grasp, but her mother only tightened her grip, as if determined to force her to make a statement now.

She didn't want to hurt her mother's feelings, but she couldn't agree to her unreasonable request. She emphasized her stance: "Zhaoye and Xixi are also Chen Jiashu's children. I can't let them sever their ties."

But Yang Shuhua suddenly threw off the blanket, put down her legs, put on her shoes, and was about to leave.

"Mom!" Qin Qiao grabbed her hand urgently, "What are you doing!"

Yang Shuhua: "Promise me, otherwise... I won't get treatment."

Every word is non-negotiable.

Her mother's unreasonable behavior was completely different from her usual self, leaving Qin Qiao feeling both overwhelmed and genuinely angry.

"How could you threaten me with your own life? Mom, why do you have to do this... It was my suffering back then that caused you and me to suffer, but wasn't this an accident? How can you blame it all on Jia Shu?"

Yang Shuhua then uttered something that utterly shocked her:

"Between Chen Jiashu and your mother, who would you choose?"

Fortunately, a phone call from the station saved her like a lifeline. Qin Qiao took a deep breath and went to the side to answer it.

After ending the call, Qin Qiao turned around. At that moment, she understood that the patient's emotions fluctuated greatly, and she needed to soothe him rather than argue with him.

"Mom," she forced a smile and said softly, "I have a meeting at the station that I have to attend, so I have to go now. I'll come over and keep you company tonight."

Little did she know that not long after she left, Yang Shuhua left the hospital alone, hailed a car, and headed straight for Qiaoshu Group.

*

Upon reaching the first floor, Chen Jiashu gripped his white cane tightly. The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out of the car.

Yesterday, he specifically told the receptionist to call him if she came again.

He was certain that Yang Shuhua would come looking for him again.

Yang Shuhua's worries from back then have come true for him. If she were to see him now, she would probably feel a sense of relief and disappointment, as if the truth had finally been proven correct.

“Jia Shu”.

It was that familiar voice, full of concern.

Yang Shuhua stepped forward, and Chen Jiashu stopped and nodded slightly: "Auntie, what brings you here?"

"Eye....."

Yang Shuhua looked into Chen Jiashu's bright eyes, her gaze shifted slightly, and then fell on his white cane again, tears welling up in her eyes.

“It’s worse than it was four years ago.” Chen Jiashu gave a fairly polite smile. “Come upstairs with me. We can talk upstairs.”

The assistant opened the office door for Chen Jiashu, who then invited Yang Shuhua to go in first. He then followed slowly behind her, waving his white cane.

The white cane struck the sofa leg, and Chen Jiashu reached out his fingers to touch the sofa armrest before sitting down.

Yang Shuhua subtly shifted her gaze, licked her lips, and raised her eyes to look at the bookshelves on the opposite wall.

Several books were leaning against each shelf, seemingly just for decoration. In her memory, her former son-in-law was focused on business and not a book lover.

Chen Jiashu leaned his white cane against the wall behind him, turned around and looked at Yang Shuhua opposite him. Now he could not see the face of his former 'mother' clearly. It seemed that her hairstyle had changed. She used to have long hair, but now she had short hair. She was still dressed simply, with a light blue top and white trousers.

Yang Shuhua gracefully crossed her legs and got straight to the point: "I've come to hear your thoughts."

Chen Jiashu didn't beat around the bush with her. He leaned forward slightly and said sincerely, "I'm pursuing Qiao Qiao with the aim of remarrying her."

Yang Shuhua's fingers, which were resting on the sofa armrest, twitched, and she met Chen Jiashu's clear and sincere eyes.

Although the child was not good with words, he was never a submissive person, and he was also very opinionated, something Yang Shuhua had already witnessed.

It seemed like he couldn't say it out loud, but in reality, he was leaving room for Chen Jiashu to figure it out on his own. How could Chen Jiashu not understand?

So many years have passed, and Yang Shuhua still has the same attitude. Even if she had anticipated it, when she actually faced it, she would still feel a tightness and soreness in her chest.

After all, Yang Shuhua's trust in him and her kindness towards him during those years were genuine, and he treated her like family after marriage.

"Auntie, you still want me to completely cut off contact with Qiaoqiao..." Chen Jiashu pondered for a moment, then asked softly, "I made a mistake by filing for divorce back then, but after so many years, why are you still unwilling to give me even one chance to make amends?"

Assistant Ye came in to serve tea, his footsteps very soft, but even so, he still interrupted the conversation between the two. Yang Shuhua thanked the young man, and since she was thirsty, she picked up the bone china teacup and took a small sip.

After the assistant left, Chen Jiashu continued, "What you worried about four years ago has already happened; I'm almost blind. Auntie, can you give me a heart-to-heart talk? Were you just worried about our future financial situation? Or were you worried that Qiaoqiao would become my caregiver?"

“Jia Shu..…”

Yang Shuhua seemed stumped by the question and couldn't answer for a long time.

Chen Jiashu waited for half a minute before continuing, "If both are true, I can tell you about my current situation... Auntie, let me put it this way: even if I am no longer in this position in the future, the shares I hold and various light assets are enough to cover the expenses of three generations."

After saying this, he lowered his eyelashes, a faint, self-deprecating smile playing on his lips. He knew it might appear as boasting to others.

In reality, it was nothing more than a helpless attempt to prove oneself, to prove that one is useful and that one will not cause "trouble" to anyone.

The leather sofa creaked, and Yang Shuhua shifted slightly, whether moved by his words or feeling that... it wasn't enough.

Over the years, he has experienced various business negotiations and power struggles, all of which have ended happily for both parties. Similarly, he hopes that this 'negotiation' will satisfy both sides.

Chen Jiashu looked up again, staring directly at Yang Shuhua's face, and said, word by word, "In other words... if I become unable to take care of myself, there will be caregivers, drivers, and a professional medical team, and I will not be a burden to anyone."

The sun outside the window was still shining brightly, its golden rays penetrating the French windows and climbing up the east wall. It was getting late; usually at this time, she would be at home watching cartoons with her children.

Yang Shuhua paused slightly, then turned her gaze back to Chen Jiashu. The man stood tall and straight, his brows furrowed. He was always so humble in front of her, even now that he was the manager of the Wanren Group.

Yang Shuhua asked, "Jiashu, do you know why I'm so determined to stop you?"

Chen Jiashu frowned slightly: "Auntie, please speak."

"Because my daughter has suffered, I cannot let her jump into the fire a second time."

Yang Shuhua's words were resounding and powerful.

...

*

The first year that Qiaoshu Group was established was the second year that Chen Jiashu and Qin Qiao got married.

In February, Zhang Shuang went abroad to negotiate a project to enter the largest electronics mall in the area. In order to seize the opportunity, he bribed the purchasing director. Not long after, the director was dismissed, and the list of bribery members was exposed.

Chen Jiashu received the news first, and he immediately threw the crumpled paper in his hand into the trash can to go find Zhang Shuang.

It was early morning, and the morning light bathed the lobby floor in a pale yellow hue.

Zhang Shuang walked in surrounded by several senior executives, smiling triumphantly.

Suddenly, he stopped abruptly, his jaw clenched so tightly that it seemed as if there was gas churning inside, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. Then, his tall body swayed violently. Realizing something, he immediately turned to the side and lowered his head.

A mouthful of blood spurted onto the ground with a "whoosh," splattering blood everywhere.

Chen Jiashu witnessed this scene and rushed over to catch Zhang Shuang before she fainted. With the help of the others, he carried Zhang Shuang on his back and ran towards the parking lot.

He was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with mid-to-late stage stomach cancer.

The surroundings were too noisy, so he found a corner to smoke. His mind was filled with thoughts of them inviting clients, Lao Dong, and business partners to KTVs, nightclubs, and hotels... Every time, Zhang Shuang would shield him from drinking, getting drunk until she collapsed in the toilet, and still grinning at him, "I can still drink two more pounds."

A window was half open, letting in a cold wind. The swirling smoke hit his face, and he coughed a few times.

The cigarette burned down to a short stub, the embers flickering out very quickly.

Chen Jiashu thought of Zhang Shuang's one-year-old son and his father-in-law, who valued innocence above all else... After finishing his cigarette, he made his final decision: as the legal representative of the company, he would bear the blame.

Beforehand, he explained a few things to Zhang Shuang's wife, Zhang Mi.

"First: You must go abroad for treatment immediately, and I will arrange the hospital; Second: the internet will be cut off during treatment, and all electronic devices will be controlled by family members; Third: communicate with the doctor and emphasize that his condition requires full-time hospitalization for observation, and that leaving without permission could be fatal."

Zhang Shuang listened to Zhang Mi's every word, believing that Zhang Mi could settle Zhang Shuang down.

Afterwards, he returned to his office.

Although the group is just starting out, it has a few years of foundation and will not make any major mistakes in the short term. He called Zhu Ao over. The two have known each other for almost ten years. Zhu Ao is the person he trusts the most besides Zhang Shuang.

"The IPO plan will be put on hold for now. I'd like to ask you to temporarily take over Zhang Shuang's position and directly manage the various departments. I will hire a professional manager to assist you..."

With tears in his eyes, Zhu Ao assured him that he would take good care of the entire group.

Having not spent the night away from home for a long time, he didn't return for a full day and night, finally arriving home in the middle of the night the following day.

The bedroom light was on, and Qin Qiao came out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe.

"What's wrong? Are you still upset about me being stationed abroad? I was just discussing it with you."

The two then argued about whether or not to go abroad, which he started.

"I won't stop you from pursuing your dreams, but we'll get a divorce tomorrow!"

As he shouted those words, his hand gripped Qin Qiao's wrist tightly, a scene that haunted his dreams countless nights afterward. If he had held on tighter then, refusing to let go, would he have kept his grip and not lost her?

What he really wanted to hear was her say, "I won't leave!"

But that day, she, who was usually so eloquent, bit him and slammed the door shut as she left.

The next day, the two met at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Qin Qiao looked normal, with a slight smile on her face.

“The group is just starting out, and cash flow is being squeezed at every stage. Do we still have eight or nine million in our accounts? My idea is that you take six million, and I can keep the rest,” he said. “The house is yours.”

"I only want six million, nothing else." She pulled out the revised third version of the agreement, scribbled on the clauses about the house, and said, "It's changed, I'll sign it right away."

On the third day after the divorce, he returned home.

He was left alone in the huge villa. He sat on the stairs with his knees bent, and finished a whole pack of cigarettes.

His eyes were sore and dry that blinking a few times only made the dryness worse.

He was startled when a sob escaped his throat.

Then, he lowered his head, staring at the flickering cigarette butt in the thin ash on the ground, and choked back sobs one after another.

Suddenly, I felt that life had no meaning.

After serving 15 months in prison, Zhang Shuang surrendered himself to the police, which led to his release ten days later. Zhang Shuang was sentenced to two years and three months, but due to health reasons, he was eligible for medical parole with a supervision fee of five million yuan.

That day, the two leaned against the sofa, and Zhang Shuang teased him, saying that he was usually quite clever, but knowing that he could be released on medical parole, he still insisted on getting himself arrested, driving away his good wife and turning the company into a complete mess.

He only knew that medical parole required time for approval, and sending Zhang Shuang away before any investigation was conducted was the only option.

“I think you’re not taking the blame for me, you’re paying for my life.” Zhang Shuang saw right through him.

“Once I can go abroad, I’ll go find her.” He clenched his fist. “Actually… I wrote a letter to Qiaoqiao on my third day inside, and had the lawyer take it out. She hasn’t replied yet…”

It will be more than three months before he can go abroad. He misses her terribly. He wonders if she's calmed down a bit?

Zhang Shuang picked up his phone from the table and called Qin Qiao, but she was probably busy and didn't answer. "Look how angry you've made Qiao Qiao," he said. "Jia Shu, you did something wrong. You said you 'locked' me up abroad and wouldn't let me touch anything. If I hadn't been more careful, would I have had to wait until you finished your sentence before I could see you? And Mi Mi just does whatever you say..."

“We’ve known each other for 25 years. When I was little, you helped me get food, pour water, and save seats for me. A few years ago, you stood up for me and almost blinded someone. You’ve always been there for me…”

"Getting food, pouring water, and reserving seats are all things I want to copy your homework from."

Zhang Shuang leaned back slightly, looking at the bright overhead light, his eyes flashing with tiny white light. "When I was eight years old, I offended the school bully and was almost beaten to death by him. It was you, the model student, who stepped in and scared him away. I'll remember you for the rest of my life."

"