Chapter 145: Yield, Terminate the Adoption

Chapter 145: Avoiding and Terminating the Adoption Relationship

"No, there's nothing wrong with them," Shi Guilan came to her senses and quickly replied, "I just saw someone I know. They're perfectly fine."

Shi Guilan was afraid the person beside her might rush over and call them spies.

No, Song Fenglan couldn’t possibly be a spy.

Shi Guilan grabbed her neighbor, who had a good relationship with her.

"She really is someone I know," Shi Guilan said.

"Are you going to say hello?" the neighbor asked.

"No, I won’t." Shi Guilan never expected to run into Song Fenglan here—she thought Song Fenglan was still in the capital.

After thinking for a moment, Shi Guilan realized there was an aircraft research institute nearby, so Song Fenglan was probably here on business. Over the years, Song Fenglan had been working at the institute. She had several people with her, and Shi Guilan heard someone call her "Teacher."

Shi Guilan took a closer look at the people around Song Fenglan—there were probably bodyguards protecting her. Reflecting on the past, Shi Guilan wondered if her husband wouldn’t have been implicated and they wouldn’t have had to come to the northwest if she hadn’t constantly spoken ill of Song Fenglan.

The northwest was windy and sandy, nowhere near as nice as Nan City. Shi Guilan’s son had stayed in the northwest, though she wished he could move to a better city in the south. But with no one to rely on elsewhere, it was better for him to remain close by. At least this way, she and her husband could still support him.

"Do you have some kind of grudge?" the neighbor couldn’t help but ask, noticing something strange about Shi Guilan’s expression.

"You could say that. I wronged her before," Shi Guilan admitted.

"Wait… is that what got you sent here?" The neighbor had heard rumors that Shi Guilan and her husband were transferred because she had offended someone years ago.

"It was my big mouth," Shi Guilan said.

"Well, if you were wrong back then, you should change now." The neighbor was on good terms with Shi Guilan, but she wasn’t going to defend her unconditionally.

If Shi Guilan had merely offended someone lightly, she and her husband wouldn’t have been transferred here. The neighbor wasn’t stupid—she knew not to make enemies.

"..." Shi Guilan had expected her neighbor to be indignant on her behalf, but instead, the woman bluntly told her she had been in the wrong.

"I have things to do. I’ll head off first." The neighbor was worried about being seen with Shi Guilan, afraid that others might hold a grudge against her by association.

"..." Shi Guilan’s mouth twisted. What could she even say to that?

Song Fenglan entered a shop and bought a hat with a face-covering flap—it looked nice.

"Take a look," Song Fenglan said to her two students.

The two students she had brought along were a boy and a girl. It wasn’t gender preference—it was simply a rotation. When recruiting students, Song Fenglan didn’t specifically choose men, but more male students applied for her field. She had more male students than female ones, but when it came to academic exchanges, she rotated who got to go. For short business trips, she sometimes brought students along.

The two students also bought a few inexpensive items, which Song Fenglan covered.

Afterward, the group went to a restaurant to eat.

When Shi Guilan returned home, Staff Officer Xu was there. Over the years, he hadn’t been promoted, but he was comfortable—he had a house and a stable income, so life wasn’t bad. Staff Officer Xu was now waiting for retirement, which wasn’t too far away. He might retire early—there was little reason to keep working when he was getting older.

"I… I saw Song Fenglan today," Shi Guilan said.

"Song…?" Staff Officer Xu hadn’t heard that name for years. "Song Fenglan?"

"Yes, Colonel Qin’s wife," Shi Guilan said. "She’s probably here for work, with some colleagues. Someone called her ‘Teacher.’ She’s done well for herself—now she’s even a teacher."

"Capable people naturally become teachers," Staff Officer Xu understood Shi Guilan's implication—those with ability have their own paths. Without capability, one couldn't be a teacher.

"I heard she's a university professor, so her salary must be decent," Shi Guilan remarked.

"It definitely is," Staff Officer Xu replied.

"Her natal family is also wealthy," Shi Guilan continued. "Times change so fast. Back then, her family was sent down to the farm, branded as class enemies. But now? Class status doesn’t matter anymore—being a capitalist is even acceptable. Their family even hires domestic help—living the high life."

"Some families here hire domestic help too, don’t they?" Staff Officer Xu frowned slightly. "Don’t spout nonsense."

"I’m not. I didn’t even approach her," Shi Guilan said. "I’m just sighing—who has the last laugh isn’t set in stone. Back then, didn’t we all think Colonel Qin was blind, marrying a woman with a bad class status? But now, look at her—she’s made it big. And us? We’re nowhere close."

Shi Guilan thought about how capable Song Fenglan had been back then, let alone now. Comparing oneself to others was infuriating—why couldn’t she live a life like Song Fenglan’s?

Shi Guilan’s education level wasn’t high; she could never measure up to Song Fenglan.

"Not long ago, my cousin called me, wanting Fu Rong to return to work in our hometown county," Shi Guilan said.

"Stay out of it," Staff Officer Xu didn’t want his wife meddling in such matters.

Guo Furong was staying at Fan Yani’s home, with Fan covering all her expenses. Now, Li Hui’s trying to cash in—she felt that since she was getting older and had no one to care for her, Guo Furong, her adopted daughter, should return to their hometown county to support her.

"I didn’t interfere. I just told her it wasn’t realistic. Why would someone else’s daughter, raised with sweat and tears, go to my cousin’s hometown?" Shi Guilan said. "She’s doing fine in Nan City—why move to a small county? My cousin just wants Fu Rong to marry there so she can mooch off her later."

Shi Guilan didn’t know how to respond. Guo Furong had zero connection to Li Hui. Even if she married, she’d live with her in-laws—how could her so-called adoptive mother move in? If anyone was the real adoptive mother, it was Fan Yani. What was Li Hui, anyway?

Over the years, Li Hui occasionally called to ask about Fu Rong, but it was just lip service. She never truly cared. Now that Fu Rong was about to graduate from vocational school, Li Hui started laying claim.

"I’m not in Nan City, and I can’t just go lecture Fu Rong either," Shi Guilan said. "I’ve only met her a few times—would she even see me as family?"

Shi Guilan knew Guo Furong wouldn’t give her face. Pulling this stunt would just make them a laughingstock.

In Nan City, Guo Peng received another call from Li Hui, who insisted Guo Furong move to her hometown county, claiming Fu Rong’s "real" family was there to support her.

Guo Peng even discussed it with Fan Yani. He had his own biological daughter now and didn’t expect Guo Furong to care for him. Every time he saw Guo Furong, he only remembered how Li Hui had once made him suffer a major setback.

"Send Fu Rong to Li Hui’s hometown?" Fan Yani rubbed her ears, thinking she misheard.

"Yes, she called saying Fu Rong’s birth family is there—parents and siblings. They’d have her back," Guo Peng explained.

"You believe that nonsense?" Fan Yani scoffed. "If they truly cared, they wouldn’t wait until now. They know Fu Rong’s graduating from technical school—they’re after her paycheck and dowry. Sending her there would be throwing her to the wolves. Old Guo, Fu Rong isn’t your biological daughter, but she grew up with me. Why force her away?"

"I’m not forcing her—that’s why I’m discussing it with you," Guo Peng said.

"You shouldn’t have even brought it up," Fan Yani retorted. "You should’ve refused outright. When Fu Rong was little, none of them came for her—acting like she was your cross to bear. Now that she’s grown and can earn money, they want her back. What is she to them? A walking ATM!"

Fan Yani was furious. She had told Fu Rong she wouldn’t leave her much inheritance, but her family had treated Guo Furong well—how could the Li family compare?

"If you don’t want her to leave, then don’t let her," Guo Peng said.

"What do you mean, *I* don’t want her to leave?" Fan Yani glared. "Seems like you’ve been dying to ditch her!"

"That’s not true," Guo Peng quickly denied, though the thought had crossed his mind.

"Not true? Who’d believe that?" Fan Yani snapped. "What kind of person is Li Hui? Don’t you know? You talk to her, then come to me with this. Look—I won’t let Fu Rong go back. Even if she wanted to, I’d stop her. What ‘family’? They’re bloodsuckers!"

Just then, Guo Furong returned, standing at the living room entrance.

"Mom..." Guo Furong called out hesitantly, then added, "Auntie."

In Guo Furong’s heart, Fan Yani was like a real mother to her. Her classmates who didn’t perform well in middle school didn’t attend vocational school, but Guo Furong did. She had her own room, and Fan Yani bought her many things—she had more new clothes than most of her classmates.

Everyone said Fan Yani treated Guo Furong very well, and many envied her.

"Not in this lifetime," Guo Furong said with reddened eyes. "I’m never going back."

"Then don’t," Fan Yani replied, glancing at Guo Peng. "Brother, Furong’s grown now. If you want to terminate the adoption, that’s fine. Furong can have her own hukou. After that, she won’t be your daughter anymore."

That way, Guo Peng wouldn’t feel awkward. Once the adoption was terminated, he and his wife wouldn’t have to worry about Furong making future claims.

"This…" Guo Peng hadn’t expected Fan Yani to say this.

"Terminate the adoption," Fan Yani insisted. "Once it’s done, Li Hui won’t have any reason to keep calling you, and you won’t have to come asking if Furong wants to go back. That place—Furong won’t return. She’s lived here for so long. She won’t go to some unfamiliar place just to be someone else’s tool."

Guo Furong stood beside Fan Yani, grateful to have an aunt like her. She’d known since she was little that her adoptive mother wasn’t reliable—she had eloped with someone and ended up being trafficked, couldn’t have children, and only adopted her out of necessity. Her adoptive mother never cared about her, and her birth parents had abandoned her here. They never checked if she was okay; they just wanted one less burden.

People said Guo Furong would grow up to be ungrateful, like Li Hui, that she’d long for her birth parents and want to return.

No. Guo Furong had never held any expectations for those people. She wouldn’t go back.

Since she was little, she had known what they were like. She wouldn’t let herself be used as a tool. She had also realized early on that her adoptive father didn’t like her. After he had his own daughter, he didn’t even want her interacting much with his real child. Guo Furong wasn’t oblivious—she noticed and kept her at arm’s length.

"Fine," Guo Peng nodded.

He had long wanted to terminate the adoption, but Guo Furong had been too young, and he had agreed to let Fan Yani raise her.

Now that it could be done, it was a relief. Whether Li Hui agreed or not didn’t matter—she hadn’t raised Guo Furong all these years, and her hukou wasn’t under Guo Peng’s name. Ending the adoption would be straightforward.

Guo Furong’s hukou would be under a collective one. She didn’t own property, and Fan Yani hadn’t registered her under her own household. At her age, a collective hukou was better, preventing future conflicts.

Guo Furong had no objections and deferred to Fan Yani completely.

The matter was settled quickly. Guo Peng only told his wife after it was done.

"So the adoption’s terminated just like that?" Guo’s wife asked, setting dishes on the table.

"Yes, it’s done," Guo Peng said. "Furong’s hukou is under a collective one, not with Ya Ni."

"Ya Ni must be worried Furong’d come after their money later," Guo’s wife mused. She had fretted about this—adopted children had inheritance rights. She’d thought they’d need to deal with this once Furong graduated from vocational school and started working.

After all, the couple only had one daughter. If anything happened to them, having Furong’s hukou still tied to them could cause problems. Cutting ties was the cleanest solution. Terminating the adoption was ideal.

As for expecting Guo Furong to take care of them when they’re old, Guo’s wife knew it wasn’t realistic. They hadn’t treated her particularly well, nor had they spent money or effort raising her—Fan Yani had handled everything. If they expected her to support them, Furong would never agree.

Hell, even blood relatives might not support their parents, let alone an adopted one.

Guo’s wife, worried Furong’d come after their money, even suggested Fan Yani feared the same.

"Either way, Furong’s hukou is settled," Guo Peng said. "From now on, I’m not her father. She’ll still call her ‘Aunt Ya Ni’—she’s used to it."

Truthfully, when Fan Yani heard Guo Furong accidentally call her "Mom," she knew Furong saw her as a mother. But she wasn’t her real mother. Fan Yani had her own children and kept a certain distance, making everything clear to avoid giving Furong wrong ideas.

When someone hoped too much, they’d fight for things they couldn’t win—only to end up miserable.

Fan Yani hadn’t raised Guo Furong for her to fight over anything. She wanted her to live happily. As a woman, Furong just needed to marry a man with a home. If he didn’t have one, they could work for it together.

Of course, Fan Yani hoped Guo Furong would keep her standards high—not just marry anyone, but find a good man.

Guo Peng called Li Hui to explain the situation—he had dissolved the adoption and was no longer responsible for Guo Furong.

"I knew it! That woman is no good. Since you didn’t marry her, she’s been giving me trouble nonstop," Li Hui fumed.

She had assumed it would be easy to bring Guo Furong back, never expecting such an outcome.

"Can’t you say something? Don’t you want to see Furong gone? Then make her come back!" Li Hui snapped.

"Yani said if you want Furong returned, you’ll have to settle all the expenses from these years," Guo Peng replied. "Everything—food, clothes, housing, school—costs money."

"Bullshit! Not a dime!" Li Hui refused outright. "Furong was *your* responsibility—"

"It was Yani who raised her, not me," Guo Peng said. "I’m not paying a cent. If you want her back, you’d better prepare the money."

"Nonsense! Not a single penny!" Li Hui retorted. "Fan Yani—please, I know her type. Even if I did prepare the money, she’d never let Furong come back with me."

She was convinced Fan Yani was deliberately targeting her, finding her utterly despicable.

In one respect, Li Hui was right—even if the Li family had the money ready, Fan Yani would only say it was up to Guo Furong to decide whether to return. If Furong refused, no one could be blamed.

"Guo Peng, you’re spineless. Whatever Fan Yani says, you just obey. Do you regret not marrying her back then? Do you—"

Guo Peng hung up. He had no interest in arguing endlessly with Li Hui. His admiration for her had long faded, and he wouldn’t indulge her as he once had.

Stunned by the abrupt end to the call, Li Hui had no choice but to dial Shi Guilan next. She hoped Shi Guilan, who knew many people from the housing complex, could reach out and persuade Furong.

"I haven’t been in touch with them for years. I can’t ask for favors now. Even if I did, they wouldn’t help us," Shi Guilan said. "Why are you still fixated on Furong? They already cut ties legally—they clearly don’t want her going with you."

"Furong is my biological niece," Li Hui insisted. "My adopted daughter, not theirs. They have no blood ties to her. How can they do this?"

"They’re doing what’s best for Furong," Shi Guilan countered.

"If they really cared, they’d let her come to me. Her birth parents are here," Li Hui argued.

"Drop it. She’s not coming back to you," Shi Guilan said bluntly. "She works in Nancheng now. She’ll find a partner there—her life will be much better. Why haul her back to some podunk town? It can’t compare to Nancheng. Furong isn’t stupid—she won’t make such a terrible choice. And you? Forget about her supporting you when you’re old. That’s impossible now."

"Damn it, we gave Furong away for free," Li Hui grumbled.

"Furong was just a child when she went to them," Shi Guilan pointed out. "You never raised her—Fan Yani paid for everything. Now you want her back? The girl herself wouldn’t go with you. When she was a kid, you washed your hands of her. Now that you do, it’s too late."

Guo Furong had her own mind now—she wouldn’t be swayed easily.

Shi Guilan refused to play the villain, and her old friends wouldn’t help persuade Furong either. Having lived in the northwest for so long, she had little contact with them and knew they wouldn’t side with her. She’d reached out before, only to hear how well Guo Furong was doing under Fan Yani’s care.

Fan Yani bought Furong new clothes, sent her to vocational school, gave her her own room… Shi Guilan admitted she wouldn’t treat a stepdaughter that well, let alone someone else’s adopted child.

"Don’t make this messier than it already is," Shi Guilan warned. "Even if you confronted Furong directly, the answer would be the same."

"I—" Li Hui seethed.

"You did squat and still want a payout? The world doesn’t work that way," Shi Guilan said. "Let it go. You can’t control Furong. What do your brother and sister-in-law say?"

"They’ve got their son to lean on," Li Hui muttered.

"Exactly. If they’re not involved, why should you be?" Shi Guilan pressed. "You never raised Furong—what kind of adoptive mother does that make you? If you escalate this, you’ll gain nothing. Or do you want to go there and have everyone dig up your past? Let them all know you were trafficked, let them—"

"Enough! I won’t go," Li Hui cut in, terrified of humiliation. She couldn’t bear the thought of the housing complex residents dredging up those memories, even if many already knew. "Fan Yani gets her way."

"Fan Yani’s not coming out ahead," Shi Guilan corrected. "Raising a kid takes money and effort. Furong isn’t even her own kin, and Guo Peng isn’t her real brother. Her husband probably isn’t thrilled with how much she’s done for Yani."

Shi Guilan could only advise Li Hui a few words, persuading her not to make a fuss.

At the Northwest Research Institute, Song Fenglan had visited several times. The place was harsh, with frequent sandstorms and tough conditions, yet many researchers stuck it out there.

"Teacher," a man around Song Fenglan's age approached while she was eating.

He had once been Song Fenglan's assistant, named Yan Yuanzhi.

Yan Yuanzhi had previously worked at the Southern City Research Institute before being transferred to the current institute. A native of the Northwest, he felt returning to his homeland was a good choice and had no qualms about leaving the wealthier southern cities.

"Oh, it’s you," Song Fenglan said, having stayed for several days without noticing Yan Yuanzhi.

"Yes, Teacher," Yan Yuanzhi still addressed her as "Teacher." He had learned much during his time as her assistant, and that experience had made him quite popular. With his skills greatly improved, no wonder he’s in demand. "It’s been a long time."

"No longer at the Southern City Research Institute?" Song Fenglan asked.

"My hometown is in the Northwest," Yan Yuanzhi replied. "They’re understaffed here, so my coming back works out. I’m also accustomed to the sandstorms."

Many couldn’t handle the conditions, their health suffering, making research difficult. While everyone tried to overcome the challenges, some simply couldn’t adapt.

Yan Yuanzhi believed he could adjust, so returning was the best choice.

"I’m like a brick—wherever I’m needed, I go," Yan Yuanzhi said with a smile. "When I first returned, my wife wasn’t too happy, but in the end, we came back together. Now, she’s planting trees to fend off the sandstorms."

His wife worked hard at tree-planting, collaborating with locals. Yan Yuanzhi knew his wife had a sharp tongue but a soft heart—she claimed reluctance but still did much good.

"That’s great," Song Fenglan nodded. "Planting trees isn’t easy."

"They have their techniques," Yan Yuanzhi said. "The trees have a decent survival rate. If they don’t take root, they replant them, again and again. They’re incredibly patient—they’re determined to plant more and combat desertification."

"You two are doing good work," Song Fenglan acknowledged.

"How long will you stay here, Teacher?" Yan Yuanzhi asked. "Come to our home for a meal."

"Thanks, but no," Song Fenglan declined. "I’ll be heading back in three to five days to wrap things up. My daughter-in-law is about to give birth, so I must return."

By then, Auntie Fatty had already gone back to Southern City.

Zhang Chenghai remarked that Auntie Fatty had brought back so many things. When he learned Song Fenglan had prepared items for her before the business trip, he felt Song Fenglan treated Auntie Fatty exceptionally well.

"Zi Hang sent some fish maw—premium-grade," Auntie Fatty said. "It looks excellent, perfect for after childbirth."

"Zi Hang went over too?" Zhang Chenghai asked.

"Yes, he squeezed in a visit despite being busy," Auntie Fatty replied. "The Fenglan family really can’t be beat. They treat us very well, and Zi Hang’s wife is about to give birth too."

"Should Xiao Hu also send something over?" Zhang Chenghai asked.

"Xiao Hu doesn’t need to send anything too expensive—just within his means," Auntie Fatty said. "Besides, Zi Hang’s family is better off. They’ll naturally provide the best for the mother."

Auntie Fatty understood this and didn’t question why others didn’t use their own supplies. What they bought might not compare to what Zi Hang’s family had already prepared.

After returning home, Auntie Fatty visited Fan Yani again to inform her she’d continue making herbal jelly.

"On my way back, I heard Fu Rong and your elder brother called off the adoption?" Auntie Fatty asked.

"Yes, the adoption was dissolved," Fan Yani nodded. "Fu Rong is all grown up now. If we didn’t end it, Li Hui would keep causing trouble. She wants Fu Rong back so she can keep her under her thumb and lean on her for support in old age."

"Guo Furong must not go back," said Auntie Fatty. "Not even for a quick trip back. It's a small place—everyone knows everyone there. If Guo Furong goes back and they trap her, she won’t be able to return."

"That makes sense," said Fan Yani. "Guo Furong knows it too—she doesn’t want to go back. If she were willing, I wouldn’t stop her."

If Guo Furong chose to return on her own, Fan Yani would only feel disappointed. After all she’d taught her, Guo Furong still thought of her birth parents. Fortunately, Guo Furong wasn’t that foolish—she knew returning would make it hard to come back.

Fan Yani didn’t need Guo Furong to support her in old age. Later, when Guo Furong married, her life would be easier. But if she returned to her hometown, she’d be forced to care for Li Hui in her old age, and others in the Li family might also burden her. She’d lose her easy life.

"Exactly. If you stop her, you’ll be the villain," Auntie Fatty said. "They’re still family by blood, while you and Furong aren’t."

"How’s your daughter-in-law holding up?" Fan Yani asked.

"She’s doing well," Auntie Fatty replied. "Zihang sent a lot of tonics. I’ve been tied up looking after her, so I couldn’t visit Fenglan. When I finally went, Fenglan was off on a work trip. Before she left, she even prepared some things for me."

Fan Yani noticed the smile on Auntie Fatty’s face. Auntie Fatty was a bit simple, not complicated at all. When Song Fenglan interacted with her, she didn’t have to overthink things. Even Fenglan’s hand-me-downs felt like treasures to her.

By the time Song Fenglan returned from the northwest, Xu Yan had already given birth—to twins.

Xu Yan’s mother came to help with her recovery after childbirth. Fenglan headed home to clean up first before visiting Xu Yan.

Fenglan was a bit sheepish. She’d hoped to be there for the birth but missed it.

"I’m really sorry," Fenglan said. "I came too late."

"Not at all," Xu Yan’s mother quickly replied. "We’ve got plenty of help—you didn’t need to rush."

Xu Yan’s mother held no grievances against Fenglan. How could she? Her husband would chew her out for complaining. Qin Zihang still needed his mother’s support, especially since Fenglan was a big name in her field. Xu Yan’s mother knew she couldn’t compare to Fenglan, nor expect her to dote on Xu Yan the same way.

Fenglan had already done more than enough—she wasn’t there, but she sent loads of cash so Xu Yan could splurge.

"How are you feeling?" Fenglan asked, looking at Xu Yan lying in bed.

"Not bad," Xu Yan replied. "I had a natural birth."

"C-sections are fine too—it doesn’t have to be natural," Fenglan said. "Natural birth’s harder on the mom. With a C-section, the mother still suffers."

Fenglan had given birth herself and knew the pain.

"Did Zihang stay with you?" Fenglan asked.

"He did. He came to the hospital," Xu Yan said. "Don’t worry, Mom. Zihang did well."

Qin Zihang had really shown up—he knew to be there for Xu Yan during critical moments and didn’t prioritize his experiments. Some could wait a few days.

"Mom, you just got back—you ought to take it easy. I’m all set here. My mother’s with me, and others are helping too," Xu Yan said, knowing she was waited on hand and foot.

"Alright," Fenglan nodded.

Fenglan left the room and exchanged a few more words with Xu Yan’s mother.

"If you need anything, just say so," Fenglan said.

"We already have plenty—everything’s well prepared," Xu Yan’s mother replied. She didn’t expect Fenglan to buy more. Fenglan had given Xu Yan enough money—they could get whatever they needed. Xu Yan had even given her mother funds for necessities.

Xu Yan’s older sister visited once and was green with envy at all the things Xu Yan had. Xu Yan shot back that it was all from her in-laws, not her birth family. If her sister had married into wealth, she’d have the same.

Xu Yan’s sister didn’t take it well. Sensing the tension, her mother quickly pulled the eldest daughter aside.

"That's good." Song Fenglan looked weary.

"Mom Xu, you should go rest. I’ve got this covered," Mrs. Xu said. "With so many people looking after one person and two children, they’ll be fine."

"Alright, then I’ll leave it to you." Song Fenglan didn’t argue and left with Qin Yizhou.

Whether or not her son was home, Song Fenglan needed to rest. She’d come check on them another time.

While Song Fenglan was on her business trip in the northwest, Shi Guilan had been careful when going out, doing her best to steer clear of her. Only when she heard Song Fenglan’s group had gone back to the capital did Shi Guilan finally relax.

"You’re that scared of them?" a neighbor teased.

"If you’ve done wrong, even years later, you’ll still be afraid," Shi Guilan said. "Isn’t there a saying—'Revenge is a dish best served cold'?"

Shi Guilan worried Song Fenglan still remembered the past and might retaliate. Now that she was older, Shi Guilan didn’t want any trouble, afraid it would upend her life. Others didn’t understand her fear, but since moving from Nancheng to the northwest, she’d felt it more sharply.

If not for those past mistakes, Shi Guilan thought she could’ve stayed in Nancheng, where life was better—maybe even her husband would’ve been promoted. Looking back, she thought her family had blown their chances, and now regret was pointless.

Her family had fallen so far, and Li Hui wasn’t doing any better.

"See? No harm done. Maybe they didn’t even know you were here," the neighbor said.

"..." Shi Guilan thought to herself that she was nothing to Song Fenglan—completely unimportant.

"Big shots like that don’t remember folks like us," the neighbor added.

"Yes..." Shi Guilan hated to admit it, but it was true—they wouldn’t remember her.

In fact, Song Fenglan had long forgotten Shi Guilan was in the northwest. She had too much on her mind to remember. Back in the capital, with no one mentioning Shi Guilan, she’d slipped from memory entirely.

Shi Guilan meant nothing to Song Fenglan.

When Song Fenglan got home, she ate a little and went straight to bed. Qin Yizhou didn’t disturb her.

Li Hui went to her brother about Guo Furong, but he refused to get involved.

"Let her stay where she is."

"We didn’t raise her, and we don’t expect her to care for us."

"Someone else raised her—you think she’d have any loyalty to us?"

...

Li Hui’s brother wasn’t about to go get Guo Furong. He’d probably just humiliate himself trying. Everyone knew Li Hui had wronged Guo Peng, and the Li family’s abandonment of Guo Furong was no secret.

Any sensible person could see the Li family had no right to reclaim her. Li Hui didn’t want to go herself, so she pushed her brother and sister-in-law instead.

"Forget about Fu Rong taking care of you when you’re old," Sister-in-law Li said bluntly. "You left Fu Rong with your mother-in-law and never raised her. Now that she’s grown, isn’t that other family well-off?"

Fan Yani’s family was wealthy—they might even give Fu Rong a generous dowry. Sister-in-law Li had no plans to contribute. If they could get a dowry, sure, but would the other family even hand it over?

They knew better. Guo Furong wouldn’t give them a cent.

When parents give up a child but have others, they rarely try to reclaim them. They just hope the child manages on their own—if they thrive, good; if not, don’t come begging.

"You’re a grown woman who can’t work or save," Sister-in-law Li said. "Counting on others to take care of you—how’s that gonna work?"

Li Hui was crushed by her brother and sister-in-law’s words. Her mother stayed out of it—with Li Hui’s father gone, she relied on her son and daughter-in-law for support and wouldn’t take Li Hui’s side.

"You have sons, of course you don't care about me," Li Hui said through gritted teeth. "What if I asked your sons to support me in my old age? Would you agree?"

"Don't even think about it," Li's sister-in-law retorted. "My son can't support that many elderly people. Figure it out yourself."

Li Hui was furious. These people didn’t give a damn about her—they couldn’t care less if she lived or died. She thought to herself that if she ever ran out of food in the future, she would just sit in her nephew’s house and wait to be fed.

At this time, Fang Daniu, heavily pregnant, was throwing her weight around at home. Whatever she wanted to eat, she would make her mother prepare it for her. Gao Xiuxiu was indeed indulgent toward Fang Daniu—even before the child was born, the family had already spent a considerable amount of money.

"Mom, my son can’t wear used clothes. He has to wear new ones," Fang Daniu said while munching on an apple. She was already insisting that her child receive the best treatment—after all, the baby’s father was loaded. Even before the birth, Fang Daniu kept referring to the child as a son. In this regard, Fang Daniu was just like Gao Xiuxiu, and Gao Xiuxiu, too, hoped that Fang Daniu would give birth to a boy.