I noticed the genuine concern in his eyes when he mentioned his children.
This once selfish son has now developed a sense of responsibility as a father.
"I'll have someone bring some malted milk powder over tomorrow."
Su Jianguo suddenly spoke, his voice still cold, but his tone softened slightly.
Su Mingqiang was stunned, and his eyes instantly reddened.
He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back, and finally just nodded heavily.
"Work hard here."
These words were like a lifeline, and Su Mingqiang finally burst into tears.
He wiped his face haphazardly with the back of his hand and said, choking back tears.
"I will, Dad... I'll definitely do my best..."
Su Jianguo had already gotten on his bicycle. Without looking back, he simply waved and his figure quickly disappeared onto the road.
Su Mingqiang stood there, gazing in the direction his father had left, motionless for a long time.
He gripped the tools in his hand tightly, secretly vowing that this time he would make something of himself.
What Su Mingqiang didn't know.
At that moment, something was happening in his home that was about to drive him to the brink of collapse.
At Su Mingqiang's home.
Because Li Jinhua was pregnant and on maternity leave, she did not go to work at the school.
Inside the room.
Li Jinhua was gently rocking the baby in her arms, humming an off-key lullaby.
The baby was already asleep, but Li Jinhua still couldn't bear to put him down. She lowered her head and smelled the baby's unique milky scent, a complex emotion welling up in her heart.
"Baby, be good, Mommy's here..."
She murmured softly, her fingers gently stroking the baby's delicate cheek.
At this moment.
The sudden knocking at the door made Li Jinhua tremble, almost waking the child in her arms.
She frowned. Who would come at this hour?
Su Mingqiang works at the vegetable base and won't be back until evening.
The neighbors all know she's on maternity leave at home, so they usually don't bother her.
The knocking started again, this time even more urgent than before.
Li Jinhua carefully placed the sleeping baby into the cradle and tiptoed toward the door.
Who is it?
She asked through the door, her voice very soft, afraid of waking her son.
"It's me, Zhang Haiyang."
A familiar male voice came from outside the door, causing Li Jinhua to freeze in place.
Zhang Haiyang?
The school's vice principal?
Why would he come looking for me?
"Teacher Li, I know you're home, please open the door."
Zhang Haiyang's voice carried an authoritative tone that brooked no refusal.
Li Jinhua's throat tightened. She took a deep breath and forced herself to speak calmly.
"Principal Zhang, I'm not available to receive guests right now. Let's discuss this at the school after the semester starts."
To everyone's surprise, the voice outside the door suddenly turned cold.
"Li Jinhua, are you sure you want to talk to me about the child through the door?"
"child"
The two words instantly shocked Li Jinhua.
She reached out and grasped the doorknob with trembling hands, slowly pulling the door open, just a crack, enough to see the man standing outside.
Zhang Haiyang was dressed in a sharp gray suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he was carrying several exquisite gift boxes.
He looked more confident and triumphant than he had in school, a triumphant smile on his lips, but a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Long time no see, Teacher Li."
His gaze went past Li Jinhua's shoulder and landed directly inside the house.
"Aren't you going to invite me in for a seat?"
Li Jinhua instinctively stood in the doorway.
"Principal Zhang, please speak here. My husband may be back at any time."
Zhang Haiyang chuckled softly, then suddenly reached out and braced himself against the door.
"Your husband? When have you ever cared about him?"
His voice was clearly sarcastic.
"Besides, I heard he works outside and probably doesn't get back until very late."
Before Li Jinhua could react, Zhang Haiyang had already pushed the door open forcefully and strode into the room.
Li Jinhua staggered back a few steps, watching helplessly as this uninvited guest entered the room.
"What are you doing? Get out! Or I'll call the police!"
Li Jinhua suppressed her fear and shouted sharply, but her voice trembled uncontrollably.
Zhang Haiyang ignored him, placed the gift box on the table, and then looked around the simple living room, his gaze finally settling on the baby cradle in the corner.
His eyes instantly turned fervent, and he lifted his leg to walk over.
"Don't touch my child!"
Li Jinhua screamed and rushed over to block the cradle, spreading her arms like a mother animal protecting her cubs.
Zhang Haiyang stopped in his tracks, a playful smile appearing on his face.
"Your child? Li Jinhua, we all know in our hearts that it's my child."
These words struck Li Jinhua like a heavy hammer blow.
Her face turned deathly pale instantly, and her lips trembled as she was unable to utter a word in rebuttal.
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