Cheng Anya had been back in the country for two weeks, and everything had gone smoothly.
Li Yun had rented a place near the school for her and her son. It was just a ten-minute walk away—convenient transportation, complete facilities, and a quiet neighborhood—perfect for them to live in.
Cheng Anya took Ning Ning to visit her father.
Her father and Gao Mei still lived in the slums. Seven years ago, Lin Li vanished after being taken by underground loan sharks due to heavy debts. She disappeared without a trace. Those people were ruthless—not someone like Cheng's father or Lin Li's mother, ordinary people, could afford to provoke.
Due to their difficult life, Gao Mei's temper had only worsened. Cheng's father was a gentle man and often endured her outbursts, living a hard and bitter life.
Over the years, Cheng Anya had been too busy with her studies, raising Ning Ning, and working part-time jobs. She didn't have the time to return home. She only made it a point to call her father every week for a chat.
Now, seven years later, seeing the white hairs on his temples made her heart ache.
"Anya? Is that you, Anya?" Gao Mei's eyes lit up when she saw Cheng Anya dressed fashionably. "Anya, come on, let's leave this place. I'm sick of it. Your father is such a loser—worked his whole life and hasn't saved a penny. Thank goodness I have you, my good daughter. Take us away. After all, I'm your legal mother. You have a duty to support me."
"I only have one mother. You're just my stepmother," Cheng Anya replied sweetly with a smile.
Damn it. A dog can't stop eating shit. Support obligations? If it weren't for Dad, I'd tear you apart. If it weren't for you and your greedy daughter, he wouldn't have suffered all these years.
"What did you say? That's unfilial! Oh, why is my life so hard? Cheng Anya, I don't care—you have to take me with you!" Gao Mei wailed and flopped to the ground, throwing a tantrum. Cheng's father looked helpless.
Ning Ning tugged on Cheng Anya's sleeve, his young voice full of innocence. "Mommy, remember last time you taught me what 'brain-dead' means? I get it now."
Gao Mei fell silent in shock. Cheng Anya smiled brightly, pure and sweet. "My baby is so smart!"
"You dare insult me, you little bastard—ah!"
Slap!
The sharp shriek cut off suddenly. Cheng Anya had slapped her without hesitation. "I dare you to say it again!"
Cheng Anya had a face of angelic innocence, always with a harmless smile and captivating charm. But those who knew her well understood—this woman was a master of hidden daggers. Even if she was imagining hacking you into pieces, she'd still be smiling sweetly.
Now, the mask of sugary sweetness was completely shattered. Her eyes blazed with fury. If the house weren't so bare, she would've loved to smash a wooden stick over Gao Mei's head.
Anyone who dared touch her child—she'd hit one, or hit two if they came in pairs.
Terrified, Gao Mei burst into dramatic sobs, pounding the floor. "She hit her mother! Her daughter hit her! Somebody come judge this! Heaven strike me down!"
Yeah, right.
Why don't you just become an actress? You'd win Best Performance without even trying.
"Are you done yet?" Cheng's father had finally had enough. He led Cheng Anya and Ning Ning away. How could he have been so blind back then to marry her? She'd ruined his life.
"Dad, come live with us. Let me take care of you. I've been working in the UK for a year, studied while working. I have some savings. I can take care of you and Ning Ning. It won't be a problem."
He sighed and patted his grandson's head. "Anya, don't worry about me. You know what Gao Mei is like. If I live with you, she'll follow. When there's no money, she's somewhat restrained. But if she finds out you've got a bit of savings, she'll blow it all. I can't be a burden to you. You've finally made something of yourself—I can't let you sacrifice it for me. Besides, you need to think about Ning Ning."
"Dad… do you really want me to stand by and watch you suffer?"
"I'm used to it. As long as you two are doing well, that's all I need."
"Then, Dad, I'll bring Ning Ning to visit you often. And if you have time, come stay with us for a few days. Ning Ning would love that."
"Yes, Grandpa. I want to hear you tell stories again."
"Such a good boy. Grandpa will, I promise."