86. Those who do not bear the consequences should not participate in decision-making.
"Look at this safety helmet," Cheng Boyan pointed to the equipment in the comic, as if something reminded him of something.
Wen Xueyan stared at the painting and suddenly remembered that more than a year ago, she was curled up on her bed in her apartment because of menstrual cramps. Cheng Boyan rushed over and hugged her to cheer her up.
Wen Xueyan took a step forward and leaned on his shoulder.
Cheng Boyan immediately put down his pen and paper, gently wrapped his arms around her, and softly embraced her.
Cheng Boyan gazed at Wen Xueyan's finally relaxed expression. He took out a velvet ring box from his briefcase.
"I had this custom-made when I went to Europe on a business trip last month."
The box lid slowly opened, revealing a pink diamond ring that shone with a dreamlike brilliance under the moonlight. The center stone was a rare pale pink diamond, surrounded by an exquisite platinum setting, and flanked by delicate colorless diamonds, like stars surrounding the moon.
"I know you've never liked to be ostentatious," he said, taking her hand, "but I must give you this pink diamond."
The ring slipped gently onto her ring finger, the size perfect. The pink diamond shimmered with a soft glow on her finger.
"When this marriage expires," Cheng Boyan held her hand, his gaze intense, "I want to put this ring on your finger again in front of everyone. I want the whole world to know that you are my true love."
"Is this very expensive? I saw a similar diamond auction before, which cost over a million," Wen Xueyan replied.
"You deserve it." Cheng Boyan kissed her forehead.
"Bo Yan," she said softly, her voice tinged with hesitation, "my cousin Wen Haijing called me later to tell me that she is indeed pregnant."
Cheng Boyan gently stroked her long hair, waiting for her to continue.
"She said she hadn't decided whether to keep the child, but asked me to keep it a secret and not tell her parents." Wen Xueyan looked up, her eyes filled with worry.
Cheng Boyan pondered for a moment, then said in a steady voice, "Those who don't bear the consequences shouldn't be involved in decision-making. This is her own life choice. Therefore, we can only provide information, not make the decision for her."
He gently held her hand, his fingertips warm: "Xu Junheng's philandering is no secret in the industry. He also has an illegitimate child."
"Does that mean Mrs. Xu can tolerate illegitimate children?"
"No. The mother of that illegitimate child is Qiao Qianyue, the second daughter of the Qiao family. Because the Qiao family is powerful, Mrs. Xu didn't dare to act rashly. It's said that the two sides reached an agreement through lawyers."
Wen Xueyan frowned slightly: "What if Hai Jing insists on giving birth to the child..."
"There are risks," Cheng Boyan said calmly but firmly. "According to the law, children born out of wedlock do indeed have inheritance rights. But think about it, Mrs. Xu can tolerate Qiao Qianyue because of the Qiao family's background; she must have weighed the options. However, Hai Jing's family is of ordinary means, and her parents might even want to profit from this. In such a situation, will Mrs. Xu just sit idly by and watch yet another child claim a share of the inheritance?"
Wen Xueyan nestled in his arms: "You're right, Hai Jing's parents might indeed..."
"So," Cheng Boyan gently stroked her cheek, "if Wen Haijing asks, you can tell her about these implications. If she doesn't ask, we shouldn't interfere too much. The most important thing is..."
"What?"
Cheng Boyan said slowly, "No matter what choice you make, there will be little chance of a satisfactory outcome in this matter. Her family background is a given fact."
"Mmm." Wen Xueyan nestled closer to his chest. "Thank you for always being so clear-headed."
Just then, Wen Xueyan's phone rang.
"Sister..." Hai Jing's tired voice came from the other end of the phone, "My mom wants to ask me for money again. Last time, the 190,000 yuan paid off my brother's dowry debt, and they think the money came too easily, suspecting that I'm dating a rich man. Now she's saying she wants to give my brother 300,000 yuan for the down payment on a house."
Wen Xueyan felt Cheng Boyan gently grasp her hand.
So what do you plan to do?
"I plan to keep the child." Wen Haijing's voice suddenly turned cold and hard. "Since they all treat me like a cash cow, I need to have something to rely on. This child is my bargaining chip. However, I feel that my family of origin is a bottomless pit, and I don't want to give my parents any more money. From now on, I'll keep all my money for myself."
Wen Xueyan's heart sank, and she told her about Xu Junheng's illegitimate child.
Wen Haijing chuckled softly, a sound tinged with an indescribable desolation. "Sister, I know my family background is terrible, and my parents don't love me, but since Mr. Xu can get me pregnant, I'll seize this opportunity. I'm just not sure... how much he's willing to pay this time. My parents have even been asking you about me these past few days; you just need to keep it a secret or refuse to see them."
"Sister, I'm very realistic. I have no illusions, and I haven't been deceived. I think even if Mr. Xu is single, he would never marry me." Wen Haijing seemed to sense her cousin's worries and continued to explain, her voice calm beyond her years. "The law now allows college students to get married. This winter break, my parents arranged several blind dates for me. In our area, well-off families usually provide a dowry close to the bride price, but my parents can't give me a dowry; they only want the bride price. Therefore, the people they introduced me to were all abnormal. One of them was thirty years older than me, a bald, fat, and ugly old bachelor with only a junior high school education. He was willing to offer 200,000 yuan as a bride price, which he used to pay off my brother's dowry debts, and I heard my brother might have online loans. I disagreed, and my parents threatened to beat me."
Wen Xueyan sighed softly.
Wen Haijing said slowly, "So, I want to live a different life. I don't want my parents to know about Mr. Xu, otherwise they'll pester him, and I'm not sure if he'll hate me because of it. Compared to that older man I met on a blind date, Mr. Xu is a better choice. At least he's handsome, successful, and has respected me before."
Wen Xueyan seemed to understand some of her feelings.
"When I was sick, he was the first person to take care of me late at night, and that night, he didn't try anything like that older man I met on a blind date." Wen Haijing's tone suddenly softened. "That little bit of warmth was enough to brighten my gloomy youth."
"Haijing," Wen Xueyan realized her cousin had a realistic view of her future, so she said, "Whatever decision you make, remember to continue your studies. Even if you feel your future is bleak, education can still bring you light. A degree is an asset for life; your parents can't take it away from you."
There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before Wen Haijing's calm voice finally came through: "Sister, I know that if it weren't for your financial support to help me finish high school, I probably would have dropped out long ago. You paid for my tuition and living expenses for my last year of high school, and I will be grateful for that for the rest of my life. Even if something happens afterward, I will continue my studies. Thank you."
After hanging up the phone, Wen Xueyan gazed out the window, lost in thought. Cheng Boyan gently wrapped his arms around her from behind, the fabric of his shirt carrying the coolness of the spring night.
Wen Xueyan felt she understood why Cheng Boyan told her not to interfere, because while she could sponsor Hai Jing's studies, she couldn't satisfy that family's endless demands.
A moment later, there was a soft knock at the door. Xi Mingyuan, holding the baby, leaned against the doorframe: "Mr. Cheng, do I need to remind you that it's past ten o'clock at night? Or do you want to wait another two hours to experience your new skill of changing diapers? Should I sign the baby up for a crash course in business negotiation? Look at how he's grabbing his collar, he'll definitely be a better negotiator than you in the future." The baby was wearing a light blue onesie, and his little hands were gripping Xi Mingyuan's collar.
Cheng Boyan chuckled, stood up and took the child, kissing the rosy little face several times: "I'm leaving now." He carefully handed the child back to Xi Mingyuan, his gaze lingering on Wen Xueyan's face for a moment before turning to leave.
*
Friday evening, a coffee shop in the city. Wen Haijing, wearing a thick denim jacket, quietly gazed out the window. A spring rain was falling, washing the streets until they shone.
Xu Junheng arrived on time, impeccably dressed in a dark gray suit. "What's the rush?" he asked, sitting down with a distant tone.
"I need 500,000." Wen Haijing got straight to the point, her attitude cold and firm.
Xu Junheng chuckled and picked up his coffee: "Why should I?"
"Because of the baby." She gently stroked her lower abdomen.
Xu Junheng put down his coffee cup, his eyes cold: "Fifty thousand. Get rid of the child. That way you'll be safer. I don't mind having another child, but others will. You understand what I mean, right? Unless you can keep it a secret forever. If you really want to give birth, I'm willing to pay child support. Think it over and tell me."
Wen Haijing gazed at him, suddenly recalling the first time she met him. Back then, she was still working as a tutor, and he had been just as distant. Now, he had returned to being that unattainable President Xu.
"Okay. Then transfer me 50,000. But I might keep the baby, so I'll use this money to rent an apartment off-campus. After all, it's inconvenient to live in the dormitory while pregnant." Just as she turned around, she suddenly stopped, her voice almost inaudible: "Mr. Xu, can you hug me one more time?"
Xu Junheng was stunned. He looked at the girl in front of him, at the faded denim jacket she was wearing. A spring breeze blew through the half-open window, ruffling the stray hairs on her forehead.
Xu Junheng stood up and gently pulled her into his arms. But the moment his arms encircled her, Wen Haijing's carefully maintained strength crumbled.
Tears welled up silently, soaking the fabric of his suit. She gripped his lapel tightly, her shoulders trembling slightly. All the grievances, resentment, and despair overflowed in that embrace.
Xu Junheng could feel the warmth spreading across his chest. He remembered the first time he saw her; she was a tutor, her smile as pure and innocent as the first spring rain. And now...
Wen Haijing quickly released her grip and forcefully wiped away the tears on her face. She took a step back, reverting to her usual calm and almost indifferent self.
At that moment, Xu Junheng felt inexplicably moved and wanted to hold her in his arms again, even wanting to cherish her.
However, before Xu Junheng could speak, she had already turned and walked out of the coffee shop.
Xu Junheng stood there, watching her figure disappear around the street corner. The coffee on the table had gone cold, and a dark water stain remained on his suit jacket, like a wound that would never heal this spring.
*
That same evening, Wen Xueyan finished her work for the day early. As the technical director, she had just helped the project team secure a collaborative project with a German company.
She was going to the farmers' market to buy groceries.
The market was bustling with activity during the evening rush hour, stalls overflowing with fresh seasonal vegetables. She carefully selected fresh bamboo shoots and tender peas, then chose a lively, wriggling sea bass from the fishmonger. "Steaming is best," the fishmonger said, preparing the fish. "Sea bass are at their fattest and most delicious this time of year."
As she returned to her apartment carrying a full basket of groceries, the setting sun cast its golden rays into the kitchen. The housekeeper, Aunt Zhang, greeted her with delight: "Mrs. Xi, why did you go grocery shopping yourself today?"
"We closed a big deal today and wanted to celebrate," Wen Xueyan said with a smile, tying on her apron. "I'll help you out."
An enticing aroma soon filled the kitchen. Wen Xueyan was chopping vegetables, while Aunt Zhang was steaming fish; the two worked together seamlessly. Another nanny sat on the living room sofa, holding the baby and teaching him to recognize the animals in his picture book. The baby babbled and giggled occasionally.
When Xi Mingyuan pushed open the door and entered the house, this was the heartwarming scene he saw.
He stood in the entryway, quietly watching Wen Xueyan's busy figure in the kitchen. A few strands of hair that fell across her forehead shimmered softly under the light. In the living room, the baby was trying hard to grab the picture book from the nanny's hands.
"What a special day it is today?" Xi Mingyuan put down his briefcase and walked to the kitchen door.
Wen Xueyan turned around, her face still flushed from cooking: "Haven't you received the email yet? The German compressor cooperation project has been finalized, and we'd like to add an extra dish for everyone."
At dinner, the table was filled with exquisite home-style dishes: steamed sea bass, braised bamboo shoots, blanched bok choy, shrimp with peas, and a pot of fragrant mushroom soup.
Xi Mingyuan savored each dish carefully, his eyes revealing his appreciation.
"Ms. Wen," he put down his chopsticks and said half-jokingly, "you always manage to surprise me. You're meticulous and rigorous at work, and then you come home and cook such a delicious meal."
Wen Xueyan served him a bowl of soup: "This is all thanks to Aunt Zhang; I was just helping out."
Xi Mingyuan stared at the dishes in the center of the table, his tone suddenly becoming serious: "Honestly, seeing you like this, I'm suddenly terrified of the day our marriage ends. This home finally had warmth because of your arrival. What if..."
Xi Mingyuan paused, his voice tinged with genuine sadness: "If we were to separate, I might become a husband who is depressed because he can't bear to part with his 'ex-wife.'"
Wen Xueyan was taken aback at first, then smiled knowingly. She put down her soup spoon and looked at him gently: "Then Boyan and I welcome you to visit anytime. You can be the baby's godfather, come over for meals often, and we'll definitely prepare your favorite dishes."
Welcome all readers and fans to leave comments and vote! Thank you for your support.
I love this quote! People who don't want to bear the consequences shouldn't be involved in decision-making.
Yes, Mr. Cheng has always been very clear-headed. Thank you for your message.
I love this chapter so much, I want to read more!
I can't get enough of it!
Thank you for your message.
Thank you for your message, it's so heartwarming!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
