Jiang Xin clutched her collar tightly, her face covered in tears.
She was utterly terrified.
Fang Xiaohui consoled her, "Let’s go home."
This was a golden opportunity.
Jiang Xin glanced at Fang Xiaohui, "How come you’re here?"
"I came here to find an acquaintance, to ask a favor, and then happened to see you two going upstairs from the lobby. I saw that man was drunk and his gaze toward you was ill-intentioned, so I got a little worried and followed you upstairs. Read complete version only at novel·fiɾe·net
Who knew I would later hear you calling for help from inside. How could you be so reckless, going home with just any man? You should be more cautious—luckily, you ran into me this time. If you hadn’t, have you considered the consequences?
Fang Xiaohui’s attitude wasn’t particularly friendly; she was aware of her usual demeanor toward the Jiang family.
Changing her demeanor too drastically wouldn’t be in her nature.
If her persona changed, it could easily raise suspicions.
Jiang Xin smiled bitterly, "Thank you for today. If it weren’t for you, I might have been ruined for life."
After speaking, Jiang Xin turned around and left.
She didn’t want anyone to see her in such a state, not even Fang Xiaohui.
When Fang Xiaohui offered to escort her back, Jiang Xin declined.
"No need, you should hurry home. I will handle my affairs myself, you don’t need to worry. Thanks for today, I’ll specially come by to thank you another day. But today, I really don’t have the energy for hospitality."
Jiang Xiao declined Fang Xiaohui’s kind offer, exhausted.
Fang Xiaohui watched Jiang Xin leave, distracted, "Be careful on your way. If anything happens, you can find me. After all, I am your own sister. I won’t divulge what happened today, and if Li Zhibin ever comes looking for trouble, you can tell him I’m your best witness."
Fang Xiaohui, of course, knew she couldn’t push Jiang Xin too hard. This sort of trust couldn’t be established instantly.
After all, the deed was done, and patience was required for further endeavors.
Fang Xiaohui left contentedly.
I wonder if Brother Yong is dead now.
Jiang Xin stumbled back home.
She deliberately avoided people following the slap, her face already swollen.
She bought a scarf on the way, wrapping her face so others couldn’t see.
Otherwise, neighbors would have endless gossip.
Not going to her parents, she’d long rented a place beside her tailor shop, thus quietly returned home.
When she got home, she found her two children already back in the yard.
The children were on break; Qin Dazhuang had taken them to his place early in the morning to play.
Unexpectedly, he had already returned them, which was quite early.
The two children were playing games and noticed their mother entering with a scarf, puzzled.
The children noticed keenly.
Jiang Xin uncomfortably shook her head, "You both go play at Grandma and Grandpa’s, have dinner there, and sleep there tonight. If they ask, tell them mommy has a headache today, took some cold medicine, and will rest for a while."
Jiang Xin definitely didn’t want her two daughters to see her .
She forced herself, instructing them.
Zhaodi glanced at the door.
"Mom’s really headachey today, so hurry along."
Jiang Xin spoke sternly, addressing her daughters harshly for the first time.
Zhaodi and Ladi promptly and obediently responded.
"Got it, mom, you’re sick, go lie down. We will head to Grandma and Grandpa’s, don’t worry. We’ll obediently listen to them today so you don’t worry."
The children held hands and ran to their grandparents’.
The tailor shop was only two alleys away from her parents’ house.
Jiang Xin never worried about her children’s safety, surrounded by familiar neighbors ready to help.
Jiang Xin removed the scarf from her face, walked slowly to the bench under the eaves, and sat down with a deep sigh.
Everything that happened today flashed through her mind like a movie.
She felt ashamed, hateful, and angry.
Her parents’ words today and Li Zhibin’s actions absolutely affirmed her mother’s words.
People’s hearts are unpredictable. Look at Li Zhibin; who exactly is he?
He seemed refined and kind, but privately was a different person.
And today’s slap woke Jiang Xin, knowing he dared lay hands on her now.
What about after marriage?
She could already foresee that once they argued, he would resort to violence again.
Qin Dazhuang was proof, yet she hadn’t learned.
Seduced by tenderness, by a college graduate who was handsome. Now reality harshly taught her.
Jiang Xin, you’re not worthy.
Tears fell from Jiang Xin’s eyes.
"Jiang Xin, what’s wrong?"
A voice sounded above her head.
Unprepared, Jiang Xin looked up, shocked. It was Qin Dazhuang.
She stood abruptly, angrily pointing at Qin Dazhuang.
"Why are you at our house? You should’ve left after dropping off the kids. How dare you be here?"
This man was the source of all her suffering. If it weren’t for Qin Dazhuang, if it weren’t for him, why would her life become so difficult?
If not for Qin Dazhuang’s gambling and violence shaking her trust in men, why would she crave Li Zhibin’s courteous warmth?
All the fault lay with Qin Dazhuang.
Yet he still had the audacity to stand before her.
Qin Dazhuang stared at Jiang Xin’s face, his expression darkening.
"What happened to your face? Who hit you?"
Without asking, he knew it was from being hit, the finger marks apparent.
Jiang Xin suddenly covered her face and turned away.
"None of your business! Get out, leave now."
Qin Dazhuang watched Jiang Xin’s sobbing back, so fragile and alone, his heart aching.
Jiang Xin, hearing Qin Dazhuang leave, finally relaxed. Never imagined he’d see her so miserable.
Being hit and having her ex-husband see—so embarrassing!
She felt like a failed woman, first marrying Qin Dazhuang blindly.
Then also picking Li Zhibin, even worse.
Thinking of finding another man—it was her fault. If she focused on raising her daughters, would this have happened?
No, she only fantasized about finding a good man, being a divorced woman with kids.
Without culture or looks, believing she could find a good man.
No wonder Li Zhibin tricked her.
Who would he trick if not her, given her foolishness?
The fog shrouding her eyes completely lifted now.
She wasn’t a fool, knowing Li Zhibin only sought her money.