Volume 1, Chapter 18: This... Isn't Right

Although the Su family’s strength could not compare to the Xie family’s, they were still a prestigious and influential clan in Haicheng, with power and connections far beyond that of ordinary people. It was a mere matter of a word for Su Wanqing, who wished to leave Haicheng without any entanglements after her divorce.

Su Guoxing had inquired about Su Wanqing’s connections since arriving in the city. Besides Xie Yancheng and Xie Kexin, the person she contacted most frequently was an employee at Yongfang Technology named Zheng something-or-other. It was said that this person came from the same hometown as Su Wanqing and also came from an ordinary family. Even if they wanted to cause trouble, they wouldn’t be able to stir up any waves.

Originally, Su Guoxing intended to simply drop Su Wanqing off somewhere and let her fend for herself. But after Su Wanning’s reminder, he realized that since Su Wanqing was his daughter and was Xie Yancheng’s ex-wife, and they had a daughter together, it would be difficult for him to explain if questions were raised.

Therefore, he promised to give her a sum of money to live well outside — already a great favor from him. If she refused, it would be a matter of disrespect.

The eyes of Su Wanqing and Su Guoxing met in the air; both faces were as calm and deep as a still pool, with no ripple in their brows or eyes. Yet, sitting nearby, Luo Qian and Su Wanning distinctly sensed tiny sparks crackling invisibly in the atmosphere.

Su Wanning stood and pretended to pour tea for Su Guoxing, breaking the eye contact between the two.

“Alright, Dad, you’re too blunt. It’s only natural that Sister Wanqing can’t accept this. You rest; I’ll talk to her.”

Then she stood up, deliberately brushing her hair aside with her right hand, and a glimmer of light slid down with her movement.

Su Wanqing saw clearly — it was a diamond as big as a pigeon’s egg, sparkling dazzlingly with every movement. Most importantly, she recognized that ring!

It was the ring on Xie Yancheng’s hand on the very first day she married into the Xie family!

This was the ring they had chosen when deciding to marry!

Su Wanning deliberately revealed the ring, and seeing Su Wanqing’s gaze fixed on it, she covered her mouth with a smile, then quickly hid her hand again.

“Oh, sorry, Sister Wanqing, this was the ring Yancheng gave me when he proposed back then. After I left, I didn’t know where it went. Just yesterday, Yancheng gave it back to me, saying he’d been keeping it safe all these years.”

She held out her hand, inspecting the ring from different angles. “I thought he would give this ring to you, but unexpectedly...”

She took off the ring and stepped forward a few steps, grabbing Su Wanqing’s hand and trying to slip the ring onto it.

However, Su Wanqing’s finger size was different; even if it slipped on, it was loose and would fall off with any movement.

Su Wanning sighed and took back the ring, slipping it onto her own finger.

“Ah, such an ill-suited marriage is just like this ring — even if you force it on, it will fall off one day. You understand what I mean, Sister Wanqing?”

“Why do you insist on staying in Haicheng? Yancheng told me that when you married, there was a property agreement. After divorce, he won’t give you a penny. And that sick child, Xie Kexin, he doesn’t want her either. You’re an illiterate who didn’t even finish elementary school—how do you expect to live with a child?”

“If I were you, I’d listen to Dad, take the money, and find a good place to live. Don’t worry, as long as you don’t come back to Haicheng, I’ll help you if you run into any trouble.”

She patted Su Wanqing’s shoulder, showing a victorious smile.

She had clearly laid out all the pros and cons for Su Wanqing. As long as she wasn’t foolish, she would definitely understand.

The room was silent for a while; Su Wanqing hadn’t spoken.

Su Wanning wanted to reach inside her head to see what she was thinking — how could she refuse such a beneficial proposal?

Su Guoxing glanced at the time and stood up. “Alright, take tonight to think about where you want to go, domestic or abroad. After your divorce from Mr. Xie tomorrow, give me your answer.”

“Let’s go. It’s almost time; Mr. Xie and the others should be arriving. Let’s head out.”

Saying this, he embraced Luo Qian and walked toward the door, followed closely by Su Wanning.

Only then did Su Wanqing unclench her molars, a metallic, rusty taste spreading in her mouth.

In the study, she rewrapped her hand before slowly stepping out.

Su Guoxing had instructed that she was not to use the door leading to the lawn, so a servant was specially assigned to escort her to the back door.

Following the servant, she tried to move her face; it still hurt, but was better than before.

“May I use the restroom?”

If she returned with her face like this, Xie Kexin would surely be frightened.

The servant led her to the bathroom. She nodded in thanks and went inside.

As soon as she looked up, she saw a glaring palm print on the left side of her face in the mirror. The whole cheek was red — proof of how hard she had been struck.

Su Wanqing took out the cushion foundation she carried and carefully covered the marks bit by bit, but even after layering several times, some traces remained.

She then let her hair down, finally making the marks less obvious.

Just as she was about to open the door, she heard the servant outside raise his voice, “Mr. Xie, Miss Wanning.”

Su Wanqing’s hand paused, knowing the person outside was warning her not to come out now.

She didn’t want to run into those two, so she withdrew her hand and locked the door from the inside.

However, the bathroom door was wooden with frosted glass, and from inside, she could see Xie Yancheng with one hand pinning Su Wanning against the door.

Then she heard Su Wanning’s nervous voice: “Ya... Yancheng, what... what are you doing?”

“Anning, you look so beautiful tonight.”

Xie Yancheng’s voice sounded strange, somewhat drunk, as if struggling to suppress something, hoarser and deeper than usual.

Su Wanning spoke again, “No, no, this won’t do. Dad, Mom, and your family are outside. What we’re doing... it’s not right.”

Through the glass, Su Wanqing saw Xie Yancheng lower his head and kiss Su Wanning’s chattering lips.

At the same time, Su Wanning’s head was pressed against the glass, her voice abruptly stopped, and after stiffening for a moment, she took the initiative to wrap her arms around Xie Yancheng’s neck, their lips entwining.

Their kiss was intense and unrelenting, a push and pull, almost losing themselves.

Soft moans leaked through the gap into Su Wanqing’s ears, churning her stomach endlessly. She held back and held back but eventually couldn’t withstand the discomfort in her stomach and vomited into the toilet.

The noise finally stopped the fiery pair outside.

Letting go of Xie Yancheng’s neck, Su Wanning’s cheeks flushed red, but she warned sharply against the bathroom door, shouting, “Who’s in there? Get out now!”