Chapter 9 The Underlying Tone
"What are you doing here?" Yan Songyu asked with a frown, then suddenly added with a hint of apology, "I'm sorry, honey, I haven't adjusted my mindset yet. The effects of the past few years are too deep."
"It's nothing." Jiang Chengli smiled and shook his head, taking the small schoolbag from Yan Songyu's hand. "I came to see you. Where's Feifei?"
"She's behind us, waving hello everywhere like a little butterfly." Yan Songyu smiled helplessly, but subtly avoided Jiang Chengli's attempt to take her hand.
"Then I'll go call Feifei and bring her some snacks made by Aunt Liu."
Yan Songyu smiled and did not stop Jiang Chengli. However, she took out a wet wipe to wipe her hands the moment the door closed, as she had accidentally touched his hand when handing him the schoolbag.
Jiang Chengli may have had some luck. Three years ago, his leg was broken in the South District, leaving him with a lifelong disability in his right leg. Since then, he can only wear special shoes to hide his limp, but upon closer inspection, the difference can still be seen. This was a huge blow to the proud and perfectionist Jiang Chengli. As a result, he was very depressed for two years, locking himself in his studio and refusing to see anyone.
Yan Songyu thought he was going to continue down this path, but he gave her a "surprise"—he actually painted a painting called "Wan Yue Tu" (Wan Yue Tu) that was enough to make him famous. It was no less impressive than his famous work after being guided by Master Kong in his previous life. At that time, he was already a painter with some reputation.
Could his disability possibly inspire his creative inspiration? A waning moon? Him, who is disabled? It even seems to be a bit like turning the tide against all odds. In his previous life, Jiang Chengli didn't have this level of talent at this time.
"Mommy~"
The little butterfly rushed straight into Yan Songyu's arms. She didn't really want to pay attention to Jiang Chengli. In her childhood memories, the role of her father didn't leave a good impression on her.
Last year, she accidentally stumbled into Jiang Chengli's studio. At the time, Jiang Chengli had locked himself inside, looking disheveled and like a madman. The room was pitch black, with only a crack in the curtains, through which a small beam of light shone on the peony painting, which was as red as blood.
Feifei was so frightened that she cried and never asked her father again. Later, after Jiang Chengli came out, no matter how much she tried to please him, Feifei remained indifferent to him.
Yan Songyu had been consciously downplaying her father's position in her heart, and naturally hadn't instilled the concept that her father loved her. Since Jiang Chengli's actions were destined to be a blow to Feifei once everything was exposed in the future, it was better to let her have fewer expectations of her father from the beginning, so that her mother would love her even more.
"What's wrong, baby?" Yan Songyu was always exceptionally gentle with her daughter.
Feifei nestled snuggling against Yan Songyu, sweetly whining, "I love Mommy."
Yan Songyu chuckled, "Mom likes Feifei too."
Watching the mother and daughter interact, Jiang Chengli was momentarily dazed. When he was dating Yan Songyu, she was just as gentle and would act coquettishly towards him like Feifei. But during the years she suffered from depression, she tormented him in various ways, and he had almost forgotten the beautiful memories they shared.
"husband?"
"Hmm." Jiang Chengli suddenly snapped out of his reverie. "Xiaoyu, what did you say?"
“I told you that you should go back and rest earlier. Feifei can stay at the company. She likes to stick with me, and she is sensible and won’t bother me.”
She didn't want Feifei to have too much contact with Jiang Chengli.
"Okay, don't overwork yourself."
As Jiang Chengli left, he glanced back at Yan Songyu, who was smiling as she watched him go.
Fortunately, Xiaoyu's depression is almost cured, and his career is also improving, all thanks to his own abilities!
Everything is moving in a positive direction.
But—is that really true?
Feng Yu still drove Yan Songyu home every night; he had practically become Yan Songyu's personal driver.
Feng Yu glanced at the mother and daughter in the rearview mirror. Feifei was sleeping soundly in Yan Songyu's arms. He subconsciously lowered his voice, "A small-time gangster named Wang Laosan, who came from prison and has some connections, has arrived in the South District. He's a lecher. Zhou Yue is pretty, and Wang Laosan wants to force her into prostitution."
Yan Songyu paused while patting Feifei's hand, and after a long while, asked softly, "What is Zhou Yue's attitude?"
“She doesn’t want to, and she’s already made a scene twice.” Just as they reached a red light, Feng Yu stopped the car and continued, “Zhao Qi sent word that Wang Laosan plans to use force, probably within the next day or two.”
Yan Songyu didn't speak again, remaining silent until they reached the Yan family's door. Feng Yucai heard her say, "Tell them to go to Zhou Yue to collect protection money. Once they pay, send someone to warn Wang Laosan."
Feng Yu nodded.
"She still has her daughter with her." Yan Songyu's voice was barely audible, as if she were talking to herself.
The silence inside the car was enough for Feng Yu to hear the struggle in her voice. His eyes were full of tenderness; even though she was filled with hatred, her true nature remained kind.
While feeling sorry for Jiang Chengli, Feng Yu hated him even more. "Jiang Chengli has been making a lot of moves lately. Mr. Wu from Huifang really likes his paintings."
“Let him climb a little higher. If he hasn’t seen the view from the top, how can the pain of falling be more unforgettable? The cooperation with Huifang won’t end until the end of next year. By then, we’ll take his right hand.” Yan Songyu’s brows flashed with malice. “A dog that wags its tail and begs for mercy is easier to raise.”
Feng Yu: "I will make the arrangements."
Before getting off the bus, Yan Songyu still added reluctantly, "Since Zhou Yue's appearance has caused trouble, let's just help her get rid of it once and for all."
“Okay.” Feng Yu thought for a moment, “Zhou Yue actually cares a lot about her appearance.”
Whether it was when she was in junior high school or when she was dating Jiang Chengli, her good looks were indispensable. It's just a pity that her rebellious nature was revealed too early, which led to her being crippled at a young age.
"If she doesn't care, then it's meaningless."
When Yan Songyu returned with her daughter, she saw Jiang Chengli wearing an apron. He put the soup bowl on the table and wanted to take Feifei, but Yan Songyu avoided his hand, saying, "I'll hold her. Don't wake the child."
After putting Feifei back in her room, Yan Songyu changed her clothes and came down to eat. Jiang Chengli was already waiting at the table. "Xiaoyu, come and eat. It's all your favorite food."
"Thank you, husband!" Yan Songyu took the soup from Jiang Chengli, her smile not reaching her eyes.
Jiang Chengli, however, was quite pleased. After three years of torment, such an attitude was enough to make him feel flattered and gave him hope for the future.
Yan Songyu glanced at the dishes on the table and couldn't help but despise herself for being so shameless back then!
Having eaten too many delicacies and French cuisine, I found Jiang Chengli's simple meals surprisingly warm, homey, and comforting.
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