Chapter 4: It Doesn't Matter Who the Parent Is

“Damn it, she brings her dirty business right into her own home!” Li Mingye’s aunt let out a wailing cry, as if afraid no one would hear her. Her family owned a slaughterhouse, and she was coarse, meddlesome, always eager for chaos.

Hearing this, Zhang Xiluo quickly steadied herself. Seeing Li Mingye and the others come out, she frowned.

“Aunt, please don’t say such things. I only saw Cousin Sister fall and helped her up,” Li Zhan waved his hand earnestly. “Cousin, don’t misunderstand.”

“Don’t worry, he’s the least likely to misunderstand.” Zhang Xiluo walked toward Li Mingye, flashing him a gentle smile before turning to the aunt. “Auntie, didn’t you always tell me to use my head in everything? Why are you setting such a bad example today?”

Everyone knew the aunt lacked sense—her heart belonged entirely to Li Mingye. Even if pigs could climb trees, she’d never have an affair!

“Cousin Li Zhan, there’s no need to explain among family. Auntie just cares too much,” Li Mingye raised an eyebrow, surprised at Zhang Xiluo’s composure.

He glanced at Li Zhan, then at Zhang Xiluo, and turned to head back inside. “Let’s eat.”

Having failed to stir trouble and being called brainless by Zhang Xiluo, the aunt was left simmering with anger, shooting her glances every so often.

This meal felt interminable to Zhang Xiluo, and at last, when the gathering broke up, she seized the excuse of visiting her parents to leave early.

Reaching the door, she remembered she hadn’t delivered the prepared gift and turned back.

“You must give me a grandson this year; I don’t care who you have him with,” Li’s mother’s words greeted her as she entered. Zhang Xiluo felt awkward and handed over the gift box. “Mom, here’s the present I prepared.”

She set down the gift and left. Li’s mother, stunned, realized only after Zhang Xiluo had already gone.

Li Mingye was puzzled. She just left quietly? What tricks was this woman playing? He felt as if he couldn’t quite read her anymore.

Zhang Xiluo called for the driver, walked out of the neighborhood alone, and found a café to wait.

By chance, she encountered Zhou Yao’s boyfriend, who worked there. He was handsome and cheerful, but unfortunately, his rival was Li Mingye—he never stood a chance.

Zhang Xiluo watched him, lost in thought.

“Miss?” The young man grew nervous under her gaze, unsure how to respond.

Snapping back, Zhang Xiluo smiled apologetically. “One Americano, please.”

Watching his busy figure, she felt a pang of regret for him. She did not know his ultimate fate, only that he too was a casualty of that grand romance.

While rescuing herself, she could at least lend him a hand. She dared not promise much, but she could ensure he’d want for nothing.

Fresh-brewed coffee took a while. By the time it was ready, her driver had arrived.

She hadn’t even sipped it but left cash on the table and stood to leave.

“Excuse me, this is far too much,” the young man chased after her.

“Think of the extra as a tip. I’m fond of you,” Zhang Xiluo smiled, opened the car door, and left amid his startled gaze.

The villa was pitch dark. Zhang Xiluo changed her shoes by the faint entryway light.

“Where did you go?”

“You scared me! Why don’t you turn on the lights when you’re home?” Zhang Xiluo flipped on the lights, annoyed. That infuriating man used to come home once every three months, and now he was back every day. He’d already met his beloved white moonlight—why not go chase her?

“Answer my question.”

“It’s none of your business.”

Li Mingye suddenly stood, his imposing presence overwhelming. Zhang Xiluo instinctively tried to leave, but it was too late. “How is it none of my business? Have you forgotten your identity?”

“My identity? The so-called Mrs. Li in name only?” Zhang Xiluo laughed at herself, a fleeting sadness in her eyes before she quickly regained composure. She looked up, stubbornly meeting Li Mingye’s gaze, her red lips parting, struggling to break free.

“Hm?” Li Mingye’s lips curved. She did seem a little different now. “In name only—are you restless and lonely, is that why you cause so much trouble?”

“Of course not. I want to divorce…”

Before she could finish, Li Mingye pressed his lips to hers, domineeringly prying them open, invading and seeking…

“Zhang Xiluo, how about making your identity real?”