The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife-Chapter 474 - 476. Mrs. Jiang relents, a tactic to stall for time.

"Yining, I don’t want to be apart from you, nor do I want you to suffer. I don’t know what to do right now." Jiang Chenxi’s voice was so soft that if Pei Yinong’s attention wasn’t solely on him, she probably wouldn’t have heard him.

Pei Yinong and Jiang Chenxi, their faces close together, silently made a decision in their hearts.

The next morning, when Jiang Chenxi woke up, Pei Yinong had already left. On the dining table, there was breakfast prepared by Pei Yinong, along with a note, "Breakfast is ready, remember to eat. Drink the milk before eating, I have to go to work, so I’ll go first."

Jiang Chenxi looked at the steaming millet porridge and pan-fried dumplings on the table, and a cup of warmed milk beside them. He felt a warmth in his heart and wanted to call Pei Yinong but was worried she might be driving, so he sent her a WeChat message instead and sat down to have breakfast.

**

At the hospital, when Pei Yinong arrived, Mrs. Jiang was about to go out to buy breakfast. "Auntie, were you going out to buy breakfast? I have already prepared it." Pei Yinong was holding a thermos, and Mrs. Jiang’s face immediately turned cold, "Didn’t I tell you not to come anymore?" she said, her tone laced with a hint of helplessness.

"Auntie, I just came to deliver food today, I won’t go inside." She handed the thermos to Mrs. Jiang.

Mrs. Jiang didn’t accept it, "Take it back. We don’t need it. If you really care, you should leave here soon." Her voice was low, afraid that Mr. Jiang inside might hear.

"Auntie, the food outside is never as reliable as what’s made at home. I made this this morning; it’s all nutritious and beneficial for Uncle’s health. Don’t worry, I’ve consulted with the doctors before making it, so there won’t be any issues."

Still, Mrs. Jiang did not accept it. Pei Yinong pressed the thermos into Mrs. Jiang’s hands, "Auntie, please make sure you and Uncle eat. I’ll leave now and come back with more food at noon." After saying that, without waiting for Mrs. Jiang’s response, she quickly left.

Mrs. Jiang stood dumbfounded, holding the thermos at the entrance for a long while before she turned and entered the ward. The thermos was then left on a seat by the door.

"Didn’t you say you were going out for breakfast? Why did you come back so soon? Where’s the breakfast?" Mr. Jiang saw Mrs. Jiang come in empty-handed and was puzzled.

Mrs. Jiang smiled and explained, "I forgot to bring my wallet." She fetched her wallet from the table.

Mr. Jiang sighed, "You see, how could you forget something like that?"

"Alright, no more talking. Get some rest, I’ll be back soon." Mrs. Jiang left the ward, the thermos still sitting on the chair. She opened it and saw millet porridge on top and chicken soup at the bottom, still steaming, obviously stewed early that morning. She sighed inwardly, what a pity.

She handed the thermos over to the nurse at the nurse station, then went out to buy food for Mr. Jiang.

When Jiang Chenxi arrived at the hospital, his parents had finished breakfast. Mrs. Jiang was packing up, and Jiang Chenxi stepped forward to help but was pushed away by Mrs. Jiang, "You’re not needed here."

Jiang Chenxi’s expression darkened, "Dad, Mom."

Mr. Jiang turned away with a cold face, not even sparing him a glance while Mrs. Jiang remained silent. Jiang Chenxi stood there awkwardly. As Mrs. Jiang was about to throw away the trash, Jiang Chenxi quickly grabbed the trash bag, "Mom, let me do it."

"Old Jiang, what are you doing? He is still your son." Mrs. Jiang spoke to Mr. Jiang.

Mr. Jiang snorted, "Son, I don’t have such a filial son. I haven’t even started on you yet. You’ve known about this all along, why did you keep it from me?"

"Why I hid this from you, you are unaware, but it’s because I was worried you would react exactly like this, unable to withstand the shock. And it turned out exactly as I predicted, didn’t it?"

"I absolutely will not agree with this. Tell Jiang Chenxi that if he decides to be a disloyal son who abandons his parents, then he should continue being with that woman." Mr. Jiang thought of this, the anger in his heart surging yet again. Mrs. Jiang hurriedly comforted him, "Don’t be agitated yet, why are you getting upset with me? I will talk to him. But you know what Chenxi’s temperament is like, don’t you? He may seem gentle and agreeable on the surface, but deep down, he’s just as stubborn as you. It’s not easy to change his mind once he’s decided on something. The more you push him, the more likely it is to backfire. We only have this one son; do you really intend to sever ties with him?"

"Do you think I’m joking with you? If he dares to be with Pei Yinong, I will publicly disown him in the newspaper. I mean what I say; I’ll consider it as having raised this son for nothing."

"Old Jiang, the son isn’t just yours alone. You might be willing, but I’m not. If you dare to break off your relationship with our son, I will divorce you." Mrs. Jiang was anxious; her husband’s cannon-like temper was indeed troubling.

Seeing that his wife was upset, Mr. Jiang dared not speak so forcefully anymore. He always respected his wife and softened his tone, "Then what do you suggest we do, just watch our son marry her?"

"Of course, that won’t do. I also disagree with this marriage. Even if Pei Yinong were divorced, I wouldn’t oppose it this strongly." Although the reputation of a divorced woman might not sound very nice, it was still better than having a child out of wedlock.

"But Old Jiang," Mrs. Jiang shifted her tone, "considering Chenxi’s temperament, if we keep disagreeing, he might just decide to stay single for life. Can you bear to see your son grow old alone, without anyone by his side?"

Mrs. Jiang had thought through the night, pondering over and over Chenxi’s words. If it weren’t for the issue of having a child out of wedlock, Pei Yinong would undoubtedly be a good choice for a daughter-in-law. Yet, it was exactly this issue that Mrs. Jiang couldn’t accept no matter what. However, watching her son live a lonely life was something she couldn’t bear either. After much deliberation, she decided to give Pei Yinong a chance.

Mr. Jiang’s eyes widened, "What do you mean?"

"Don’t rush, hear me out first. My idea is we give Pei Yinong a chance, let them be together, but set some ground rules: no marriage for two years. We’ve been young; we know that even marital relationships are not without bumps, let alone just a couple. Our opposition now only deepens their feelings for each other. But what if we stop opposing them? The daily trivialities of life might diminish their feelings gradually. You should remember, six months into our marriage, we almost got divorced."

Mr. Jiang naturally remembered that. He and Mrs. Jiang were married out of love, and their feelings for each other were very strong, but cohabitation eventually led to friction. Six months post-wedding, they argued over a small matter, because he hadn’t placed his dirty clothes in the laundry basket. It wasn’t their first quarrel, but it was the fiercest. They both found themselves at the civil affairs office’s door. In the end, Mr. Jiang apologized first, and they didn’t go in.

Mrs. Jiang analyzed slowly, and Mr. Jiang gradually calmed down, "But what if their relationship is still good after two years? Chenxi is already thirty. By then he will be thirty-two. When I was thirty-two, Chenxi could already grocery shop by himself."

"It’s a different era now; it’s perfectly normal for men to marry late," Mrs. Jiang casually remarked, without considering that Pei Yinong was a girl and the same age as Chenxi.

"Have you thought about what to do if their feelings haven’t waned after two years, and they want to marry? Would you agree or oppose?" Mr. Jiang asked. He still felt uneasy about this plan.

Mrs. Jiang sighed, "If by that time their feelings are truly strong, then I’ll resign myself to accept it. Moreover, two years is enough to truly understand a person’s character."

"I disagree with this method. It’s unfair to both Chenxi and Pei Yinong. Yes, I don’t like Pei Yinong, but we should still be decent; this just wastes the girl’s youth."

"What do you suggest then? Do provide a better solution." Mrs. Jiang’s face darkened.

Mr. Jiang fell silent; he didn’t really have any other options.

"See, you’re out of ideas too, aren’t you? We can’t really disown our son over this. And don’t forget, what kind of family the Pei Family is. They are not short of money, and Chenxi is capable. Even if we don’t support him, he can still live well. Our strong opposition would only push our son towards the Pei Family. Are we really going to raise a son for the Pei Family? Besides, if you break off ties with our son, his reputation would be completely ruined by your actions. Can you bear that?"

Every word from Mrs. Jiang struck Mr. Jiang’s heart, making his face become very unsightly. Mrs. Jiang had only realized this last night, as she had hardly closed her eyes, focusing on this issue.

She admitted that this idea was too selfish towards Pei Yinong, but she was Jiang Chenxi’s mother, not Pei Yinong’s.

Mrs. Jiang, seeing her husband remain silent, spoke again, "How about this, let’s call Pei Yinong over and ask for her opinion. If she agrees herself, you won’t have anything else to say, right?"

In the end, Mr. Jiang was persuaded by Mrs. Jiang.

After Jiang Chenxi had taken out the trash, he went to buy some fruit for his parents, unaware that during the time he was away, his mother had persuaded his father to take a step back.

When Jiang Chenxi came in, his parents had already discussed everything, and Mrs. Jiang had decided to take a step back, naturally changing her attitude towards Jiang Chenxi.

"Mom and Dad, I bought you some fruit, remember to eat it."

Although Mr. Jiang had been persuaded, he still didn’t want to pay attention to his son and turned his head away. Mrs. Jiang took the fruit, "Chenxi, you have classes today, you should go now. I’ll take care of your father here." The tone was not necessarily gentle, but it was not as cold as yesterday.

Jiang Chenxi didn’t leave, "Mom, I’ll just stay here to accompany you both today."

"What are you doing here? Do you think my life is too long?" Mr. Jiang yelled, his disappointment deepening whenever he saw his son.

Jiang Chenxi pursed his lips. Mrs. Jiang gave Jiang Chenxi a look, "Enough, both of you, less talking, especially you, Old Jiang. You’ve just been resuscitated, so don’t make a fuss. Chenxi, you should go now."

Jiang Chenxi glanced at his father, who was still angry, and finally left the hospital.

At noon, Pei Yinong came again with food. She knew it was very likely that her food would not be eaten by Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, but bringing food was a gesture of her goodwill, eating it was their choice.

This time, Mrs. Jiang let her into the room.

"Uncle, are you feeling better?" Pei Yinong asked with concern.

Mr. Jiang’s complexion was much better than yesterday, but he was still pale from the resuscitation and ignored Pei Yinong’s question out of spite.

"He’s much better now," answered Mrs. Jiang.

Pei Yinong placed down two thermos containers, "Uncle, Auntie, this is the lunch Aunt Zhao made for you, the dishes are quite light. Please remember to eat, I’ll leave now." Even though their attitudes were cold, Pei Yinong maintained a delicate smile throughout.

"Wait a moment," Mrs. Jiang stopped her. "Since you’re here, sit for a while. I have something to tell you."

Pei Yinong paused and sat down on a nearby chair, "Uncle, Auntie, please speak."

Mr. Jiang turned his head away, unwilling to speak. Mrs. Jiang, seeing this, reluctantly began, "We do not approve of your relationship with Chenxi. You know the reason too. And don’t think we’re being selfish, but with your situation, no decent family would accept you."

Pei Yinong’s face darkened, and her hands on her lap tightened slightly.

"What I’m saying isn’t meant to insult you but to state the facts. I hope you don’t overthink it."

Pei Yinong pursed her lips, her pretty face tense, but she did not show any displeasure. "Aunt, I understand, please continue."

"Our Jiang Family has been a family of scholars since the Qing Dynasty, and there are family rules, although it is already the twenty-first century and we should not be so feudal, we still have to follow the ancestors’ rules, don’t we?"

Pei Yinong slightly lowered her eyes, knowing well about the numerous rules of the Jiang Family, which were also the biggest obstacle between her and Jiang Chenxi, "Uncle, Aunt, I understand your feelings, and I understand your actions, but Chenxi and I truly love each other, and my love for him is absolutely genuine."

"Of course, we know that, and that’s not what we want to talk to you about today—it’s not about breaking up with Chenxi."

Pei Yinong suddenly looked up, gazing steadily at Mrs. Jiang, "Aunt, does this mean you agree?" She was somewhat incredulous.

"You wish," Mr. Jiang scoffed.

Mrs. Jiang glanced at her husband, signaling him to be silent and let her speak, "You’ve seen how Chenxi, because of you, argued with his father and made him sick. Seeing our son treat us and his father like this because of an outsider, honestly, we are very disappointed."

"Uncle, Aunt, I am very sorry for what happened this time."

"We don’t blame you, after all, you probably don’t want to see such things happen either, and you certainly don’t want to see the rift between father and son deepen, do you?"

Pei Yinong nodded, "But Aunt, if you want me to leave Chenxi, I really can’t do it."

"You misunderstood again, I’m telling you this not to make you break up, but to discuss something with you. If you agree, we can allow you and Chenxi to continue dating."

Pei Yinong’s eyes brightened slightly, "Please say it."

"You and Chenxi can continue dating, but on the condition that within two years, you must not get married, and even if you live together, you cannot register for marriage," Mrs. Jiang finally stated the purpose of today’s discussion.

"You and Chenxi haven’t been dating for long, certainly you do not fully understand each other’s living habits, character preferences," Mrs. Jiang saw Pei Yinong wanting to speak, waved her hand, signaling her to listen first, "Listen to me first, I know you and Chenxi are classmates and have known each other for a long time, but the understanding between classmates and that between lovers or spouses is different. Marriage is not child’s play. Many couples have great relationships before getting married but break up over various small matters afterwards. Your father and I have been through so many years, and deeply understand these matters. We do not want to see you divorce over such issues after marriage. These two years are for you to get to know each other better and adjust. If after two years, you still feel that the other person is your one and only, and want to be together for life, then we will agree to this marriage. What do you think?"

Pei Yinong looked at Mrs. Jiang, her expression resolute, "I agree."

"Miss Pei, don’t be so quick to agree. You can think it over slowly. Two years for a girl in her early twenties isn’t much, but for a woman over twenty-five, it’s the most precious time of her youth. If after two years, you and Chenxi end up breaking up due to incompatible personalities, that time cannot be reclaimed, so you need to think it through carefully."

"Does Chenxi know about this?" Pei Yinong asked.

Mrs. Jiang shook her head, "No, I haven’t told him yet. Since he’s a man, being delayed for two years is not a big deal, but as a girl, you need to think more for yourself." If Pei Yinong were unwilling and broke up with Jiang Chenxi now, Mrs. Jiang would naturally be very pleased.

"I have thought it through, Uncle and Aunt, I accept this condition," Pei Yinong said without hesitation, not just two years, even if it were five years, she was willing to wait. Jiang Chenxi had chosen her, and she had similarly chosen him. Without Jiang Chenxi, what difference would there be between two years and twenty years?

Mrs. Jiang looked at the determination in Pei Yinong’s eyes and sighed inwardly once more, regretting that incident; she truly would have liked Pei Yinong to be her daughter-in-law.

When Pei Yinong left the hospital, she felt very good. Although Mr. and Mrs. Jiang had set conditions, to her, those conditions hardly counted as such. Was Pei Yinong oblivious to Mr. and Mrs. Jiang’s intentions? Not likely, she was such a clever woman, how could she truly not understand the intentions of Mr. and Mrs. Jiang? It was just that she had great confidence in her relationship with Jiang Chenxi, believing they could continue together and persist to the end.

Pei Yinong didn’t go to the office in the afternoon, first she picked up Haohao from kindergarten, and then she cleaned up Jiang Chenxi’s house inside and out, and prepared a whole table of delicious dishes.

"Mummy, is there something happy happening today?" Seeing her in a good mood, Haohao asked.

Pei Yinong stretched out her hand to pinch her son’s face and said with a smile, "Yes, something wonderfully good. First, call Uncle Jiang and ask him to come home for dinner."

Haohao gave a nod and called Jiang Chenxi.

"What special day is it that you’ve prepared such delicious dishes?" Jiang Chenxi glanced sideways. These past few days, because of his family affairs, Pei Yinong had also been in a very bad mood. He was aware of this, but to see her suddenly in the mood to cook so much food made him very curious.

"Let’s eat first, and I’ll tell you after dinner." Pei Yinong said with a beaming smile, "I’ve already delivered meals to Uncle and Auntie, and they’ve eaten already. Uncle’s appetite was better than yesterday." Pei Yinong added, knowing Jiang Chenxi would worry about his parents.

Jiang Chenxi’s eyes flickered slightly, "You went to the hospital today?" There was a hint of concern in his voice.

Pei Yinong smiled, "Yes, I went, don’t worry. Uncle and Auntie didn’t give me a hard time. Let’s not talk about this for now, take Haohao to wash his hands and eat."

Jiang Chenxi put aside the matter for the time being and took Haohao to wash up.

Jiang Chenxi was the one who cleaned up the dishes, and after everything was tidied up and Haohao had gone to bed, Jiang Chenxi and Pei Yinong finally sat down, "Now can you tell me what happened today that made you so happy?"

"Guess." Pei Yinong’s eyes were filled with smiles, clearly showing her good mood.

Jiang Chenxi thought for a moment, "It couldn’t have to do with my parents, could it?" His parents only ever brought bad moods to Pei Yinong.

Pei Yinong widened her eyes slightly, her mouth curved up high, "You really are the worm in my stomach."

"What did my parents say?" Jiang Chenxi became even more curious upon hearing this.

"Uncle and Auntie are not opposed to us being together anymore." Pei Yinong said with a smile, then repeated what Mr. and Mrs. Jiang had said today, naturally omitting some unpleasant words.

But the smile on Jiang Chenxi’s face gradually faded. He watched Pei Yinong quietly, and she raised her eyebrows slightly, "What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy that your parents no longer oppose?"

"I’m happy, but Yinong, I feel even more sorry for you, this is too unfair to you," Jiang Chenxi said. He knew the purpose of his parents’ actions was clear—just a delaying tactic.

Pei Yinong smiled faintly, "I don’t feel it’s unfair, Chenxi. This is all voluntary. Besides, what does it matter if it’s sooner or later? Can our feelings really be constrained by a piece of paper? Some people have their papers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have good relationships. I’ve agreed, and this might resolve the conflict between you and your parents. Chenxi, I don’t want you to end up in a big fight with your family because of me." She did not want Jiang Chenxi to become the second Shen Rang, and she also didn’t want to witness another night like the last.

Jiang Chenxi held Pei Yinong in his arms, "Yinong, thank you."

"Silly, why thank me? If you really want to thank me, then just take good care of me for the rest of your life, and don’t let me down."

"Definitely," Jiang Chenxi said firmly.

**

At the Fu Family residence, Shen Qinglan looked at Chu Yunrong, "Mom, what did you say just now?"

"I said the weather will be nice tomorrow. You come with me to the temple to fulfill a vow. When you were sick last time, I went to burn incense at the temple and made a vow in front of the Bodhisattva that if you were healed, I would go back to fulfill it," Chu Yunrong explained.

Shen Qinglan glanced sideways, "Mom, haven’t you always been skeptical about these things?"

"Believing or not in these things is all about the intention. Since I’ve made a promise to the Bodhisattva, we should go. Going there yourself would show more sincerity."

After thinking for a while and realizing she indeed had no other commitments tomorrow, and considering Chu Yunrong mentioned the temple had a nice scenic view, Shen Qinglan decided it could be a pleasant outing, "Okay, we’ll drive there tomorrow."

The next morning, after jogging a couple of rounds as she had resumed her morning exercise regime following her recovery, Shen Qinglan took a shower before waking Anan. It was winter, and Anan was not keen on getting out of bed in the mornings, proving to be a real little lazybones. Every day, it took her quite a bit of effort just to get Anan out of bed.

With his eyes barely open, Anan lounged in bed, unwilling to get dressed. Shen Qinglan watched him, "If you don’t get up now, Mom and Grandma will go out and you’ll have to stay home with Er Pang and Grandpa."

"I want to go with mommy," Anan protested.

"So, do you want to get up and get dressed?" Shen Qinglan held Anan’s clothes in her hands.

Anan shuffled a bit, reluctantly crawling out of bed and stretching his arms out. Shen Qinglan helped him into his clothes and led him downstairs, his eyes still half-closed and yawning.

Old Sir Fu, seeing the adorably drowsy appearance of his great-grandson, had a face full of smiles, his mustache trembling as he tweaked Anan’s small head, "Very good, Anan is really well-behaved."

Anan, his eyes twinkling, was getting much more articulate than before. Although he might not express some words and phrases perfectly, he could generally make himself understood. With a naturally sweet manner especially adept at pleasing people, he had the older generations doting on him, calling him their precious little one.

"Grandpa, you got up really early today," Shen Qinglan greeted.

"When you’re old, you tend to sleep less. You guys go ahead and have your breakfast. I’ll take a walk outside."

"Grandpa, then please take a guard with you," Shen Qinglan advised, concerned about the old man’s safety in case of a fall.

"Okay, I understand. Will you be back by noon?"

"We’ll be back."

"Alright then, I’ll ask Xiao Zhao to prepare a bit more."

They drove to the foot of the mountain. The parking lot had quite a few cars; it seemed that many people were coming here to burn incense. Shen Qinglan found a spot to park, and Chu Yunrong even specifically bought incense and candles at a shop at the base of the mountain.

"Grandma, what are these?" Anan had never seen these things before and was very curious. Chu Yunrong was explaining them to him as they walked. Their family had always followed this educational model: whenever Anan asked a question, regardless of whether he could understand it or not, they would explain it to him to broaden his understanding of the world.

According to Fu Hengyi, children needed to be nurtured from a young age, especially with certain concepts and habits. One shouldn’t think that just because a child is young and can’t understand, that they should wait until he is older to tell him.

Anan walked by himself, so the three of them moved slowly. Fortunately, the steps up the mountain weren’t too high, and Anan’s little feet could still step on them. However, since he was still too young, he couldn’t keep going after reaching one-third of the way, and he looked pitifully at Shen Qinglan, "Mommy, carry."

Shen Qinglan squatted down to carry him. Although Anan would have preferred to be held by Shen Qinglan, he was willing to be carried on her back.

"Mommy, bird," Anan pointed at the bird in the tree. It was winter on the mountain, and everything was bare, not even a hint of green to be seen, so the birds were naturally easy to spot as they couldn’t hide anywhere.

Seeing the bird, Shen Qinglan was reminded of the mynahs that Old Sir Fu kept. Last time when Old Sir Fu returned from walking his birds and saw Anan staring at his birdcage, he placed the birdcage on the ground for Anan to see. But the moment he turned around, Anan had opened the birdcage and let the mynahs escape. Old Sir Fu looked at the empty birdcage with deep sorrow, while Anan, clapping his hands, thought he had done a good deed. Smiling adorably at Old Sir Fu, who didn’t have the heart to scold him, left sitting there sighing.

At first, Shen Qinglan didn’t know what had happened. Later, Aunt Zhao explained it to her, so she went to the flower and bird market to buy two similar birds for Old Sir Fu.

"Yes, it’s a bird, Anan’s eyes are so bright, you even noticed that," Chu Yunrong praised her grandson.

When they arrived at the temple, Chu Yunrong dragged Shen Qinglan to offer incense and pray to Buddha. Worried that Anan might wander off, she held his hand tightly.

"Mommy is here to listen to the abbot’s preaching; why don’t you take Anan around the temple? There’s a park behind the temple which is said to have nice scenery, go and have a look," Chu Yunrong said to Shen Qinglan after worshipping the Buddha.

Shen Qinglan didn’t know when she had started believing in Buddhism. She nodded, "Okay, I will come find you with Anan in a bit." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Anan, who had been impatient from waiting, was thrilled to hear that his mommy was taking him to play and happily took her hand, bouncing along.

The temple’s grounds were made of slate, not as smooth as cement. Shen Qinglan was worried about Anan falling, but fortunately, he walked quite steadily.

Passing through an archway, they entered the temple’s backyard, backed against the mountain and just as bare at this time. However, in a corner of the yard, several wintersweet shrubs were planted. It was the season when the wintersweet was in full bloom, and the fragrance hit them as soon as they entered.

Anan sniffed, pointing at the wintersweet tree, "Mommy, flowers."

Shen Qinglan picked up Anan so he could get closer and smell them. Anan reached out to pick one but was stopped by Shen Qinglan shaking her head, "You can’t pick."

Anan looked at his mother with a sad expression, but seeing Shen Qinglan’s serious face, he knew there was no room for negotiation and gave up.

After playing in the garden for a while, Shen Qinglan took Anan and left. As they turned a corner, they saw a monk holding a broom and sweeping the ground. Shen Qinglan’s gaze swept over the monk; she paused, then turned her head back to take a closer look.

"Du Honghai?" Shen Qinglan called out tentatively.

The monk’s body stiffened but he did not turn around. Shen Qinglan immediately confirmed that it was indeed Du Honghai and walked over, "Du Honghai."

Seeing that he couldn’t avoid her, Du Honghai turned around, brought his hands together in a prayer gesture, and chanted a Buddhist phrase, "Benefactor, long time no see."

This man was indeed Du Honghai, the one who had jumped into the sea to commit suicide. Shen Qinglan hadn’t expected him to still be alive, nor to meet him here. "Du Honghai, you’re still alive."

Du Honghai’s face was peaceful and calm, with a faint smile, "Yes."

"Back then, you..."

"Back then, after I fell, a fishing boat rescued me. Later, I came here by chance and stayed." Du Honghai spoke calmly, as if he was not greatly opposed to his monkhood.

"Do you know if Du Nan is aware that you’ve become a monk?" Shen Qinglan had almost forgotten about Du Nan. Had she not seen Du Honghai today, she likely wouldn’t have remembered him.

"He doesn’t know, and I haven’t gone to see him." Having died once, Du Honghai had let go of many things. Regarding his only son, Du Nan, apart from a slight attachment at the bottom of his heart, he no longer felt the need to insist on seeing him.

"I’m truly sorry for causing so much trouble for you back then, and thank you for everything you did for me back then." Shen Qinglan knew that Du Honghai was aware of the tomb she had set up for her deceased wife. He had even visited the cemetery, and after that, he had become a monk.

Shen Qinglan kept observing Du Honghai. The change in him was truly drastic, almost like a different person. Although the old Du Honghai hadn’t engaged in any extreme actions, he was far from the calm he exhibited now. His current state seemed like a great enlightenment after experiencing great changes; he had truly transcended the secular world.

"Aren’t you going to ask about Du Nan’s situation?" Shen Qinglan spoke softly. From the moment they met, Du Honghai hadn’t mentioned Du Nan at all.

Du Honghai smiled, "He indeed did wrong back then, and it’s only right that he faces punishment now." As for Du Nan’s matters, he had long let go, content knowing that Du Nan was still alive.

"Do you want to see him?"

Du Honghai shook his head, "Let it be. If fate decrees, we will meet. But if you happen to see him later, please don’t mention me."

Shen Qinglan’s eyes flickered slightly as she slowly nodded. Du Honghai’s gaze fell on Anan, his expression affectionate, "This is your son, right? He’s very cute."

"Thank you." Shen Qinglan responded softly. Seeing Du Honghai looking at him, Anan spoke up, "Hello, Grandpa."

Du Honghai nodded with a smile, "I still need to continue cleaning the yard, so I’ll leave now."

Shen Qinglan stepped aside to let him pass. Du Honghai left with a calm demeanor, while Anan kept staring at his back, "Mommy, who is he?"

"Just an old grandfather. Let’s go find Grandma."

When Shen Qinglan arrived, Chu Yunrong was still listening to the abbot’s teachings, so she waited outside for a while. Although she had no religious beliefs, the temple indeed exuded a peaceful aura that inadvertently calmed her down.

On the way back, Shen Qinglan mentioned meeting Du Honghai to Chu Yunrong, who also sighed, "I never expected him to become a monk in the end, but it’s good he’s still alive. Having transcended the secular world, he will likely live a lighter life in his later years."

"Yes." Shen Qinglan agreed, yet she couldn’t help but think that the past Du Honghai had already died.