Yan Zhirou was just about to hit Yan Xinxin back when she saw Yang Guoping approaching. She had no choice but to change her strategy, and started crying while filing a complaint.
"Dad! You saw it just now, Yan Xinxin hit me! Over these past five years while you were away, she's been bullying me under the guise of being my elder sister!"
Yan Zhirou took the opportunity to exaggerate the situation, slinging mud onto Yan Xinxin.
Even though Yang Guoping didn't know what had happened, he was certain that, given Yan Xinxin's personality, she would never casually resort to violence. Furthermore, this was the younger sister she had always been patient with since childhood.
"Xinxin, what's going on here?"
Yang Guoping asked with concern, his expression as warm and loving as it had always been.
"It's because the nasty aunt went too far, so Xinxin got upset."
Yan Chenxi stepped forward, fearlessly glaring at Yan Zhirou, who was glaring back at him.
"Shut up! You little brat!"
Yan Zhirou shouted angrily.
"Zhirou, how could you call your nephew a brat?"
Yang Guoping reprimanded her, but Yan Zhirou sneered dismissively.
"Well, that's what he is!"
Yang Guoping was so angry that he huffed in frustration.
"Dad, that's right, I hit her because Yan Zhirou deserved it!"
Yan Xinxin openly admitted to her actions.
"Dad, I think I'll come visit you another day. I'll be taking Xi and leaving now."
Yan Xinxin said as she took Yan Chenxi's small hand, feeling an ache in her chest.
Yang Guoping hurriedly chased after her.
"Why are you leaving already? Your mother hasn't even returned from grocery shopping yet. It's been five years since our family reunited—couldn't you stay and spend some time with your dad?"
The reluctance in Yang Guoping's voice made Yan Xinxin's eyes well up with tears.
But she really didn't want to stay here any longer.
Yan Xinxin turned back, her beautiful eyes misty as she looked at her expectant father.
"Dad, it's so good to see you back, really... I'll definitely bring Xi to visit you again another day."
Yan Chenxi waved his small hand, then followed Yan Xinxin as they turned to leave.
That one word, "Grandpa," evoked a mélange of emotions in Yang Guoping's heart—bitter yet joyful, with joy prevailing slightly.
Back then, it was for this daughter and the grandchild who hadn't yet been born that he had lost five years of his freedom.
But he didn't regret it one bit. As long as Yan Xinxin called him "Dad," he'd protect her and love her for the rest of his life.
Leaving the neighborhood, feeling the gentle early summer sunlight, Yan Xinxin couldn't help but sigh.
Yan Chenxi furrowed his tiny brows slightly, then put on a radiant smile.
"Xinxin, you're so smart—you can definitely draw even better pictures than you did before."
Her son's tender, encouraging voice startled Yan Xinxin. She looked down at him.
In the soft light, she saw the finely crafted, delicate little face of her son, and her heart filled with comfort.
Five years had gone by so quickly.
The man from back then had hurt her so cruelly, yet he had also given her this incredibly thoughtful little boy.
Should she hate that man, or should she be grateful to fate for this compensation?
Yan Xinxin curved her beautiful pink lips into a smile and gazed tenderly at her son.
"Yes, yes, Xinxin will definitely create even better art. Don't worry, Xi!"
The little boy nodded, smiling brightly.
Mother and son held hands as they walked toward the bus stop. Yan Xinxin's phone began to ring again.
Yan Xinxin was momentarily puzzled, guessing that Lan Xuan might be urging her about the job interview registration.
When she answered the phone, Lan Xuan's frantic voice came through, amplified with urgency.
"Xinxin, something's wrong! Something big just happened!"
"Huh? Lan Lan, what's wrong?"
"It's not what's wrong with me—it's what's wrong with *you*!"
Lan Xuan's voice sounded completely agitated.
"Hurry up and check the campus network. Look at the latest post. Yan Xinxin, someone's trying to ruin you this time!"