Chapter 31: The Truth-Telling Session

Qu Guida was filled with rage and terror. He desperately wanted to lash out at Wang Hongshun and Hao Fang—they didn't know anything at all!

Was this really just a matter of puppy love? These two were blood siblings!

But because both were family, some things were truly difficult to say out loud to outsiders. With a dark, gloomy face, he ushered everyone into the Qu residence.

Wang Hongshun and Shu Rou followed them in.

In private, when the rest of the Qu family and Wang Hongshun weren't home, Shu Rou had snuck into the Qu house many times. However, with the entire Qu family present and her own husband there too, she had rarely stepped foot inside.

The reason was simple: a guilty conscience. She was terrified that if she and Qu Guida were in the same space, she might accidentally give herself away. After all, Hao Fang had risen to her position as the "other woman" herself; her eyes were incredibly sharp. If a widow in the neighboring building so much as glanced at Qu Guida twice, she would spend half the day cursing in the street.

Therefore, when out in public, Shu Rou never spoke much to Qu Guida and rarely even looked his way, having instructed him to do the same. The two only occasionally snuck away for a tryst when everyone else was out. They were extremely cautious, which was the only reason they had managed to deceive their respective spouses for over a dozen years.

If Wang Chaoliang’s secret lover hadn't been Qu Jiani, but some other girl with good financial prospects, Shu Rou would surely have scolded him—he was far too careless! He hadn't inherited a shred of her and Qu Guida’s cleverness. Even at their own doorstep, the place where they were most likely to run into acquaintances, he dared to hold hands. This secret affair was being handled with zero professionalism.

But since Wang Chaoliang’s secret lover was Qu Jiani... the lessons on how to conduct an affair had to be put aside for now.

As the door slammed shut with a heavy "bang," Qu Guida repeated his stance: "I do not approve of you two dating. Lao Wang, and you too, Afang, there’s no need to try and persuade me. My word is final: break it off immediately. If you dare to date behind my back again, Qu Jiani, I will break your legs!"

Qu Jiani was shocked and aggrieved. In this situation, shouldn't he be threatening to break the legs of the wild boy who dared to seduce his daughter?

Qu Jiani’s stubborn temper flared up instantly: "Why? Are you even my real father?"

Qu Guida had words he couldn't speak. He was her real father, but he was also Wang Chaoliang’s biological father.

Wang Hongshun’s expression was also grim. "Old Qu, I know your family has come into money recently, and you probably think my Chaoliang isn't good enough for your daughter. Don't worry, I will keep my son in check! We wouldn't dream of climbing the social ladder through your family! If he dares to date Jiani behind our backs, I’ll break all three of his legs!"

Wang Chaoliang felt a cold chill run through his crotch, accompanied by the same shock and grievance as Qu Jiani. Was this really his father? He was actually willing to break his "three legs."

At this point, Wang Chaoliang completely gave up on any "marry her once she's pregnant" schemes. He was terrified that if a child came into the picture, the chances of him being maimed would only increase.

Hao Fang: ...

How had things devolved into this?

However, Qu Guida was the head of the household. Hao Fang only dared to bicker with him in private; in front of outsiders, she still gave him face. Since Qu Guida had clearly expressed his opposition, Hao Fang naturally couldn't openly contradict her husband.

In truth, Hao Fang actually thought Wang Chaoliang was fine. With them watching closely, he wouldn't dare do anything to bully Qu Jiani. As for the Wang family not being as wealthy, didn't Qu Jiaqiang have money? He could just share some with his sister!

But those things could be discussed slowly in private.

Seeing that both men had made their positions clear, Shu Rou thought she would wait until they got home to tell her son that Qu Guida was his biological father. Originally, she had planned to wait until after the college entrance exams. Although her son’s grades weren't great, if he worked hard, there was still hope for him to get into a junior college or a third-tier university. She was afraid that telling him now would affect his studies. Who would have thought that he actually had a rich father and a rich brother, yet he couldn't benefit from it at all? If he had to scheme and grovel just to get an apartment from his own father, wouldn't he suffer a psychological breakdown?

But things had reached this point; some secrets couldn't be kept any longer. Shu Rou certainly didn't want Wang Chaoliang and Qu Jiani to end up having an illegitimate child one day.

Just as the three members of the Wang family were about to take their leave, the Qu family’s door was knocked upon.

Opening the door, they saw a delivery courier holding a tablet, dressed in a bright yellow uniform. The courier was tall and sturdy. He flashed a smile and said, "Hello everyone, I’ve accepted a delivery order to bring a birthday gift to Ms. Hao Fang."

Hao Fang looked over subconsciously. Seeing the 10-inch tablet in the courier's hand, she assumed the tablet was her birthday gift. Strangely, why wasn't it wrapped?

Who would give her such an expensive birthday gift? Ever since she had started putting on weight, Qu Guida’s attitude toward her had changed. The couple hadn't had a real marriage for years, and he never gave her gifts for holidays or anniversaries. Her daughter’s allowance was only a few hundred yuan; she couldn't afford a gift this expensive. And her stepson wasn't the type to be generous. Could it be the new daughter-in-law, Zhang Huiyu, who had prepared it?

The others were also surprised. Who would give Hao Fang a tablet? Who could it be?

Before Hao Fang could ponder further, the courier lit up the tablet screen and pressed the play button. A clip, edited down from fifteen minutes to one minute, featured useful dialogue and the unambiguous, suggestive sounds that anyone could identify.

Qu Guida’s oily voice rang out: "Baby, I’ve missed you to death. We haven't done it in half a month. It’s all that dead fat woman Hao Fang’s fault, making me help her with the shop every day."

Then came Shu Rou’s coquettish voice: "Brother Da, you’re so amazing, much better than that deadbeat husband of mine..."

"It’s a good thing Little Liang is your seed. Otherwise, if he grew up looking as ugly as Wang Hongshun, I’d be worried he wouldn't be able to find a wife, and even if he did, he’d end up wearing a green hat."

"Once Little Liang finishes his exams, I’ll ask Hao Fang for a divorce and marry you. Then we can live as a family of three and won't have to live this sneaking life anymore. I’ve had enough of that fierce, ugly, and barren dead fat woman!"

Shu Rou: "What about the demolition compensation money from your family..."

Qu Guida: "I have to go home and boil some chicken soup first. We’ll talk about the demolition money later."

With an "Ah!" Hao Fang lunged forward and slapped Qu Guida across the face. Wang Hongshun’s face turned ashen, and he delivered a fierce blow to Shu Rou’s face: "You... you... how could you..."

The courier, sensing that a brawl was about to break out, quickly shouted, "There’s one more video! Please watch it before you start fighting!"

Then, there was the clip of Qu Jiani kissing Wang Chaoliang against the wall, followed by Wang Chaoliang’s reciprocation. It had been edited down to ten seconds.

Ensuring that everyone in the room had basically seen it, the courier dropped the line, "Your gift has been delivered, bye-bye!" Then, he bolted down the stairs with the speed of the wind!

He was afraid that if he didn't run, he would be the one getting beaten up. Although the young girl who placed the order had promised to cover his medical expenses and tenfold the lost wages if he got hit, it wasn't worth the trouble. Besides, just playing the audio and video had earned him 1000 in payment, which was already lucrative enough.

Downstairs, Yun Zhi learned through her spiritual perception that the Qu and Wang families knew everything they needed to know. She took back the tablet from the courier and paid him the remaining 500 balance.

"Thanks, brother!"

The courier replied, "Miss, you should keep your distance too; that family is tearing each other apart."

Yun Zhi replied, "I will, thanks for the warning, but I still have some business here. I'll be leaving later."

The courier didn't say anything more and rode off on his electric scooter.

Upstairs, the farce in the Qu household continued.

Hao Fang: "Qu Guida, you have no heart! How could you do this to me!"

But she wasn't as strong as Qu Guida. He caught her wrist to block her second slap and shoved her, causing her to stumble back several steps. It was only because Qu Jiani stepped forward to catch her that she didn't fall to the floor.

Hao Fang’s focus turned to Shu Rou: "Shu Rou, you bitch! You dare to snatch my man? Ahhh, I’m going to kill you!"

She lunged forward, pinned Shu Rou to the ground, and began clawing fiercely at her face and neck. It was the first time Shu Rou had been hit by Wang Hongshun; he had used such force that the corner of her mouth was bleeding, and her ears were ringing. Caught off guard, she was pinned by Hao Fang and scratched multiple times. Her fair face and neck were covered in bloody welts.

Shu Rou cried out for help: "Brother Da, Little Liang, save me... Hao Fang has gone crazy!"

Qu Guida didn't hesitate to step forward and pull Hao Fang away, stopping her from continuing to hit Shu Rou. Wang Chaoliang wanted to step in, but Qu Jiani grabbed his arm.

Qu Jiani then slapped him across the face.

Wang Chaoliang clutched his face in disbelief: "Nini, you..."

Qu Jiani, who had been so satisfied with this little boyfriend, now found him utterly repulsive after learning he was the illegitimate son born of her father’s affair.

"Don't call me Nini! You disgust me!"

Wang Chaoliang smiled bitterly: "You used to ask me if I’d mind that your mother was a mistress, and I said no—that the adults were the ones at fault, and it had nothing to do with you. Why are you being a hypocrite now that it’s my turn?"

Qu Jiani froze.

Qu Jiaqiang grabbed her and shoved her toward Zhang Huiyu: "Keep an eye on her." Then, he threw a punch at Wang Chaoliang’s face. He knew his father was a scumbag, but he couldn't stand the idea of a "fourth woman" like Shu Rou, and her illegitimate son, daring to covet the inheritance left by his own mother. Who gave them the nerve?!

Wang Hongshun stood there in a daze, his expression vacant, after slapping Shu Rou.

At that moment, Yun Zhi arrived silently at the corner of the wall next to the Qu family’s door and turned on her digital recorder. The door hadn't been closed since the courier left.

Yun Zhi gently stroked the dragon-shaped jade pendant on her bracelet. "Go, Jade Dragon."

Qu Guida had finally managed to pull Hao Fang away. Hao Fang asked angrily, "Qu Guida, you want a divorce? Fine! Let's divorce! Tomorrow, I’m going to the police station to tell them everything you, your eldest son, and your daughter-in-law have done! By then, all your money will be gone, and you’ll have to spit out everything you’ve eaten! Your eldest son and daughter-in-law will be eating prison food! Let’s see if that bitch Shu Rou stays with you then, and if your youngest son still recognizes you as his father!"

Qu Guida’s face changed, and he reached out to cover Hao Fang’s mouth: "You crazy woman, what kind of nonsense are you spouting!"

At that moment, the phantom of the Jade Dragon, invisible to normal eyes, enveloped Qu Guida.

Qu Guida spoke his true thoughts involuntarily: "If you dare to run your mouth, I won't let you live through the night!"

Hao Fang gasped in disbelief: "You... you want to kill me?"

Unlike Hao Fang’s previous shouting about wanting to kill Shu Rou, which was just for venting, she knew that when Qu Guida said this, he truly had murder in his heart.

The Jade Dragon’s phantom slowly expanded, enveloping Hao Fang, Shu Rou... everyone in the room. The area covered by the phantom became a special "domain." Those outside could see and hear everything happening inside, but those within were cut off from their perception of the outside world.

Yun Zhi didn't hide in the corner anymore; she stood directly across from the Qu family’s door and began recording with her phone.

Zhang Huiyu, who had been quiet all along, let go of Qu Jiani. She stepped forward and said viciously: "Hao Fang, do you think you can distance yourself from this? If you send Jiaqiang and me to jail, you won't be able to escape either. Don't forget, you were the one who bribed the girl to pass the message to Tang Panpan."

Qu Guida realized he had accidentally let his true thoughts slip. How could he have said that? Qu Jiani, who was completely on Hao Fang’s side, was right there, and so was the outsider, Wang Hongshun. He had been blinded by rage just now, and the murderous intent had been a fleeting thought. Now that he had calmed down, he didn't actually want to kill Hao Fang—after all, they had been married for over a decade.

He changed his tune: "Afang, I was just trying to scare you. Wouldn't it be better if we were all wealthy together? What happened between me and Shu Rou, I’m sorry, but we can talk about it slowly."

Shu Rou also added: "Yes, Sister Fang, I just wanted to get an apartment for Little Liang. I never intended to divorce Old Wang and take your husband. Who would want to marry that grumpy old man Qu Guida and serve him hand and foot every day? If my husband hadn't been infertile, I wouldn't have looked to him to borrow a seed."

Shu Rou was shocked. The first half was what she intended to say, but the second half wasn't—even though it was her true inner thought.

Wang Hongshun: "Actually, I knew a long time ago that Chaoliang wasn't my child, I just didn't know who the father was. Shu Rou, if you were going to borrow a seed, you could have picked someone further away! How embarrassing to make such a mess of things!"

Wang Hongshun: ...

No, that wasn't what he meant to say at all; he wanted to defend the fact that he wasn't infertile.

Wang Chaoliang also broke down: "I just wanted to latch onto a rich woman so I wouldn't have to struggle for twenty years, how did I end up latching onto my own sister?"

Hao Fang: "Actually, Jiani isn't Old Qu’s daughter. Our biological daughter died of a serious illness at six months old, and she is my sister’s illegitimate daughter..."

Qu Jiani: "What the hell!"

Qu Jiaqiang: "Ahhh, I really want to kill you all!"