Chapter 17: Rongshun’s Heart Aches for Jiang Feng—What Was His Ex-Wife Thinking?! A Weekend Meetup, and Xu Na’s Flicker of Regret!
Xu Xiuli had always favored sons over daughters.
From the moment Jiang Youyou was born—a girl—she disliked her.
Xu Na, influenced by her mother and buried in work, saw Youyou as a burden and treated her coldly.
She rarely spent time with her.
Worse, Xu Na had little patience, often scolding the little girl.
Now, divorced and with a changed perspective, Xu Na missed Youyou and wanted to see her.
But Youyou didn’t miss her at all.
Jiang Feng sighed. “She has the right to visit you. It was part of the divorce agreement.”
“Can I just see her for a minute and then send her away?” Youyou asked.
Jiang Feng nodded. “That’s up to you.”
Youyou brightened slightly. “Fine.”
“But Dad, can Teacher Rongshun still come over this weekend? I want us all to be together after.”
Jiang Feng glanced at Rongshun. “Are you free this weekend?”
“The shop might be boring,” Jiang Feng warned. “I’ll just be buying groceries, cooking… Xu Na used to say I was dull and annoying.”
He worried Rongshun would feel awkward.
Rongshun’s chest tightened with anger—and pity.
This man was handsome, cooked like a chef, and took care of everyone. How could his ex-wife call him annoying?
What kind of taste did she have?!
“You’re not annoying,” Rongshun said firmly. “Right, Youyou?”
The little girl struggled to her feet. “Dad’s the best person in the world! I’d never think he’s annoying!”
Jiang Feng smiled, warmth flooding his chest. “Alright. I’ll be at the shop by 5:30 AM. Come whenever.”
“Okay.” Rongshun’s eyes sparkled as she stood—then immediately sat back down with a groan.
Still too full for sudden movements.
“Teacher Rongshun,” Youyou whined, “I’m gonna get fat so fast.”
Rongshun sighed. “Blame your dad’s cooking.”
Jiang Feng wiped a bowl. “I’m working on new dishes. I’ll make them for you soon.”
“I’ll turn into a little piggy.” Youyou pouted. “Dad, will you still love me if I get fat?”
Jiang Feng crouched to meet her eyes. “I’ll always love you.”
“Hug!” Youyou stretched her short arms toward his neck.
Nearby, Rongshun rested her chin on one hand, watching Jiang Feng’s profile with a soft, admiring gaze.
Soon, the dishwasher finished cleaning the porridge bowls and plates.
It struggled with leafy residue but handled grease well.
After storing the sterilized dishes, Jiang Feng was ready to close shop.
All that remained was tossing the day’s disposable cups.
He packed 10 buns and a cup of porridge. “For your roommate. Just 10 yuan.”
“That’s too little,” Rongshun protested.
“You’re helping this weekend. Consider it payment—and thanks for looking after Youyou.”
As Rongshun took the bag, her fingers brushed his. A blush crept up her cheeks. “Don’t say that. I adore Youyou.”
The little girl squeezed her hand. “I love being with Teacher Rongshun too!”
Then she shot Jiang Feng a pointed look.
Dad! I’m hinting as hard as I can! Wouldn’t she be the perfect stepmom?!
Jiang Feng ignored her. “We’ll head out now.”
Youyou exhaled dramatically.
Life was tough when you had to parent your own father.
After paying, Rongshun left with the food while Jiang Feng disposed of the trash at the designated street spot.
Restaurant waste required a small fee—only 40 yuan so far.
Once outside, Youyou looked up. “When we get a car, can we drive Teacher Rongshun home?”
Jiang Feng laughed. “You really don’t care if I exhaust myself.”
“I have a better idea!”
“I suggest you don’t.”
“Teacher Rongshun could live in our extra room!”
Jiang Feng flicked her forehead.
“Ow!” She clutched it, pretending to be wounded.
“What if I buy you ice cream? Still hurt?”
“Huh? Nope! I’m healed!”
They returned home before 7 PM—earlier than usual.
Even if Jiang Feng slept by 10, he still had three free hours.
And after two days of operation, he wasn’t as drained. He even had time to browse Bilibili.
Far more peaceful than when he was married, tidying Xu Na’s messes and cooking her midnight snacks.
Now, he cuddled Youyou on the couch, sharing vanilla ice cream while watching videos.
Meanwhile, Rongshun arrived home.
Tang Hemei rushed out, eyes gleaming. “Buns?!”
“And porridge.” Rongshun lifted the bag.
“Just the buns are enough! Give them to me!”
Rongshun collapsed onto the sofa. “Ten yuan.”
“Take my phone and transfer it yourself.”
“You do it. I need to lie down. I’m stuffed.” She kicked off her shoes but couldn’t fully recline.
Tang Hemei tutted. “Rongshun, you used to be so disciplined. Overeating is unhealthy.”
Ten minutes later, she lay beside her, belly distended. “Ugh, I’m so full. That porridge was incredible.”
Rongshun stayed quiet.
“What’s on your mind?”
“I think Jiang Feng’s ex-wife treated him terribly.”
Tang Hemei groaned. “Stop feeding me dog food. I’m already full.”
“You’re not even dating yet, and you’re already心疼 (heartaching) for him?”
Rongshun’s cheeks pinked. “Shut up. Oh, I won’t be home tomorrow. I’m going to his shop.”
“Again?! You’re abandoning me!”
“I’ll bring you food at night.”
At 9 PM, Xu Na returned home, slightly drunk and nauseous.
Clothes littered the apartment.
“Mom, I want soup,” she called.
“What kind?” Xu Xiuli asked.
“I don’t know how. Should I order delivery?”
She didn’t want takeout soup.
Right then, it hit her—if Jiang Feng were still here, he’d have made her a sobering broth.
For the first time, a thread of regret tugged at her.