Chapter 716: 191: Retribution_6
“I should go back home. My mother-in-law must be hungry by now.” Lin Fang said, trying to gain Mrs. Zhao’s favor in the late hour.
“Go on.” Mrs. Zhao nodded approvingly, and as she watched Lin Fang leave, she spoke to Shenbao, “She’s a good woman. You won’t make a mistake with her.”
“Hmm,” Shenbao replied, nodding his head.
After resting at home for another day, Shenbao took his daughter, Ziqing, to the hospital to see Shangguan Furong on the third morning.
The ones accompanying Furong in the hospital that day were Mrs. Shangguan, Dehui and Ni Cuihua.
No other younger family members were present.
Upon seeing Shenbao, Dehui managed to suppress his urge to lash out, and his face darkened immeasurably.
“Mom, brother,” Shenbao spoke up first.
The room fell silent; no one responded.
“You’re here, have a seat.” Furong said, sitting up from the bed.
When she addressed Shenbao, she remained incredibly composed.
“It’s okay, I can stand,” Shenbao said.
He wasn’t a fool to take a seat under such circumstances.
“Here’s the divorce agreement, please read it,” Furong handed the document to him.
Shenbao was stunned at Furong’s calm demeanor; he slowly took the agreement and began reading.
“Since Ziqing is here too, feel free to discuss with who they’d like to stay.” Furong said nonchalantly.
“I want to stay with dad!” Ziqing stuck with her decision, just like four days prior – she didn’t hesitate to choose Shenbao
“I choose my mom,” Zijun stated.
Remembering his mother’s request, Shenbao found himself at a loss for words momentarily before pleading, “Furong, Zijun is the only boy from the Zhao family, can you…”
“That depends on Zijun,” responded Furong. “As long as they’re willing, I don’t mind if both of them stay with you.”
“Zijun, don’t you want to stay with your father and grandmother?” Shenbao squat down to engage Zijun.
Zijun replied, “You have Ziqing to keep you and grandmother company. Dad, don’t worry. Even if I stay with mom, I will always be your son and I will always come home to visit you and Ziqing.”
If neither of them wants to stay with their mother, she’s pitiful.
Shenbao pondered, then asked, “What if Ziqing wants to stay with her mom? Will you leave with me?”
Upon hearing this, not just Zijun, but also Furong, Dehui, Mrs. Shangguan, and even Ni Cuihua were taken aback.
No-one expected Shenbao to consider giving up Ziqing for Zijun!
What was he thinking?
Although Ziqing was young, she grasped the implication in her father’s words and immediately began to cry, “Dad! Don’t you want me anymore? Did Ziqing do something wrong? I want dad! I don’t want to stay with mom!”
Shenbao was in immense pain.
But he had no choice. He held Ziqing tightly, “Ziqing, I’m sorry. Can you exchange places with your brother? Dad is begging you. He is kneeling down!” With that, Shenbao knelt.
“No! No…” wailed Ziqing, frightened, her crying intensifying.
“Shenbao! Are you even human?” Dehui roared, yanking Shenbao to his feet.
“Uncle! Don’t hit my dad!” Zijun clung to Dehui’s leg.
Crying out loud, Shenbao confessed, “I have no choice, no choice…”
He wanted both of his children, but it was impossible in this situation.
For the sake of the children, Dehui then let go of Shenbao.
Ziqing clung to her father’s leg bawling, “Ziqing will be good and listen to dad. Dad, don’t abandon me! I… I don’t want to stay with mom…”
Mrs. Shangguan and Ni Cuihua also started crying.
What’s happening here?!
“Come with me,” Dehui demanded, patting Shenbao’s shoulder.
Shenbao slowly rose to his feet.
“Uncle!” Zijun worried he was going to make things harder for Shenbao.
“Don’t worry Zijun, I just want to talk to your dad.”
Dehui escorted Shenbao to an empty room next door, locked the door, and without a word, punched Shenbao in the face, “This punch is for Furong and the kids. After this, you’re no longer part of our family. You’re an unworthy father and an unworthy husband!”
Shenbao’s recently-healed face started swelling again.
Immediately after speaking, Dehui raised his fist again and Shenbao instinctively tried to dodge; but to his surprise, Dehui directed his punch toward his own face.
Was he really hitting himself?!