Volume One, Chapter 14: It's One Thing for Life to Be Bitter—But Don't Let Your Words Be Bitter Too

Following the handle of the umbrella, she was surprised to see it was Zheng Wang. He handed the umbrella to Su Wanqing and said, "General Manager Xie said you didn’t bring an umbrella, so I’m waiting here for a bit. Please take it." After speaking, he covered his head with his coat and left into the rain.

The umbrella in her hand felt unbearably heavy, laden with unspeakable meaning. Holding it, Su Wanqing felt no joy at all.

For five years of marriage, Yanchen Xie had always been like this—one moment stabbing a knife into her heart, the next acting as if nothing had happened, doing things that left her bewildered.

In the past, she could find excuses for him, mostly telling herself that she was never the one he truly wanted to marry; seeing her reminded him of that fact, so his irritability was understandable.

But this time, she no longer wanted to make excuses.

If she was to blame, then what about Kexin? Among all these tangled relationships, she was the most innocent.

Born without a father's love was one thing, but being bullied at home without any concern from him was another. Twice, he caused her emotional breakdowns and fever, and just now, in front of so many people, he called the daughter she had borne with so much effort a worthless child, unworthy of being his daughter, even doubting she was biologically his...

Thinking of all this, Su Wanqing’s expression turned cold. She folded the umbrella and carelessly tossed it into a corner, never to look at it again.

She picked up her daughter and kissed the little face gently. “Kexin, we don’t need that person’s things.”

After a simple lunch, Jiang Xu arrived with Qiu Yun Xu, bringing the teachers arranged for Xie Kexin to their home.

There were two in total: one was a therapist specializing in Kexin’s autism treatment, and the other was to teach her basic algorithm skills.

Jiang Xu introduced them one by one:

“This is therapist Jing Quan, who holds a PhD in Special Education from Yale University’s School of Education, with minors in psychology and rehabilitation therapy. She holds BACB, BCBA, and ESDM international instructor certifications. She has served as chief therapist for eight years, successfully helping many children progress from nonverbal to independent social interaction. She has secured a lifetime overseas position and is truly exceptional.”

Jing Quan appeared to be in her forties, exuding a graceful and composed aura. Her attire was simple yet elegant.

After Jiang Xu’s introduction, she smiled gently, extending her hand. “Hello, Miss Su. I’m Jing Quan. I hope that through our joint efforts, we can improve the child’s condition.”

Su Wanqing quickly shook her hand. She could tell Jiang Xu had simplified Jing Quan’s résumé, but even so, her impressive credentials were undeniable.

Thinking that such a distinguished figure had been called here to help care for Kexin, a wave of unease stirred within her. “Thank you for your help, Teacher Jing.”

Jing Quan immediately noticed her nervousness and smiled, gently patting her hand. “No need to be formal. I wasn’t just called back by the matriarch; more importantly, I understood Kexin’s condition and volunteered to return.”

She glanced at Kexin, who was playing with building blocks on the floor, her eyes curved kindly.

“Kexin’s autism is much milder than most children’s thanks to your past care, and she has extraordinary talents. If I can help her recover, it will be the most outstanding achievement of my career. You don’t need to worry.”

Indeed, Jing Quan’s words struck the right chord, easing Su Wanqing’s heart somewhat.

Then her gaze shifted to the other teacher.

He was a man in his thirties, young but instantly recognizable as one of the world’s top algorithm experts—Junmin Gao, the most influential contemporary icon of her generation.

Her eyes widened as she respectfully greeted him, “Mr. Gao...!”

Junmin Gao smiled broadly, his dazzling white teeth making him look like a man in his twenties. Compared to Jing Quan’s steadiness, he appeared more approachable and friendly.

“Calling me ‘teacher’ is too formal. Just call me Amin. I’m also under the matriarch’s wing. I’ve been researching abroad until three years ago when I returned.”

He winked at her. “I know you—many of the clever little algorithm designs in our lab are your work. You’re amazing too.”

Blushing at the praise from her idol, Su Wanqing said shyly, “Those were just casual projects from before; they can’t compare to you.”

Junmin Gao gave a light “hey,” reminding her, “What did you call me?”

Su Wanqing nearly bit her tongue, “A-Amin Teacher.”

After all, she couldn’t bring herself to call her senior and idol by just his first name.

Junmin Gao was about to tease her further when Jiang Xu pinched his neck from the side. “Alright, enough chatter! Your job is to teach Kexin, that child right there.”

He pointed to Kexin on the floor.

Then, turning to Su Wanqing, Jiang Xu added, “Don’t be fooled by his polished appearance. This guy is nearly forty and constantly plays with young women’s feelings. Several have come to our company looking for help, and I always have to clean up his mess!”

Junmin Gao protested, “Hey, why start by putting me down? It’s not like I trick them. I date them, and they’re the ones who want commitment...”

Jing Quan coughed and gave them a disapproving glance. “Watch your manners. There’s a child here!”

Only then did Junmin Gao swallow the rest of his retort.

Thanks to this interruption, Su Wanqing’s anxious mood, unsettled all morning by a stroke of bad luck, finally settled. Watching the scene before her, she laughed along.

She took Kexin to her dedicated children’s room, spent a little time communicating with her emotionally, then invited Jing Quan and Junmin Gao in.

Worried that Kexin might have a stress reaction to strangers, she sat behind her, staying close.

Fortunately, Kexin’s temper was gentle. As long as no one forced her away from her comfort zone like Yanchen Xie did, she rarely became stressed.

With the authoritative presence of Jing Quan, Kexin quickly blended in.

A faint gleam appeared in her eyes.

Su Wanqing finally felt her heart relax.

At that moment, her phone rang again—it was Guoxing Su.

She stood and carefully stepped outside, putting some distance between them before answering, “Hello?”

Guoxing Su said, “Remember to come home tonight.”

Su Wanqing glanced toward the room, hesitating, “I have something to do...”

Apparently expecting this, Guoxing Su sneered coldly, “If you don’t come back, you’ll bear the consequences.”

His tone was resolute. Su Wanqing shuddered, “You...”

Before she could say more, he hung up.

She stood by the window, staring out at the drizzling rain, momentarily lost in thought.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xu had not left. She hadn’t noticed when he came close, but now he held out a candy in front of her with a smile.

“Here, your favorite strawberry flavor. Life may be bitter, but at least your mouth shouldn’t be.”

She smiled faintly, the sweetness cutting through the gloom.