Chapter 055: Will You Leave Me?

Chapter 055: Will You Leave Me?

Ji Pushu had been out for half a month now. If she didn’t go back soon, her dad would storm over to the Qin residence.

Of course, the main reason she was called back was that her good stepsister had found a boyfriend and was bringing him home tonight, wanting her to meet him too.

Ji Pushu just pouted. What did this have to do with her? But out of respect for her father’s face, she decided to put on a good attitude, after all, Jiang Hanwei had called her dad “Father” for over a decade.

Jiang Hanwei and Jiang Hui shared the same surname. Back when Jiang Hui got divorced, she transferred her household registration, chose to leave with nothing but the child, and conveniently changed the child’s surname to her own. There was no reason, after the divorce was already a mess, for her to take the child and still have it bear her ex-husband’s surname. She wasn’t a fool.

Based on that, Ji Pushu was willing to show Jiang Hui some goodwill, since she really approved of this mindset. As long as Jiang Hui didn’t get clever and try any tricks on her, things would basically stay peaceful.

“Dad, I haven’t seen you in days. I missed you so much. Wow, Dad, how did you get even younger? So handsome—is this really my dad?” As soon as Ji Pushu got home, she had to cheer up her father first, her little mouth spouting all sorts of sweet, flattering words.

Ji’s father had initially planned to put on a stern face and lecture his daughter, who was never home, but hearing this, the corners of his mouth lifted first, and any anger vanished.

“You’re all talk,” he said, exasperated, but seeing his daughter’s rosy complexion and carefree demeanor, he felt relieved. President Qin had taken good care of her. “Since you’re back, stay home for a few days. Running around all the time—what kind of behavior is that?”

As for Ji Pushu saying she was going to take care of Qin Ce, he didn’t believe a word of it.

He remembered once, when he was too busy with work and had a fever, Ji Pushu wanted to show her filial piety by cooking him a meal. As a result, he ended up in the hospital, nearly losing his life.

So, taking care of people had never been Ji Pushu’s forte. Not causing trouble was already a blessing.

“Like your daughter, of course.” Ji Pushu sat beside him, tossing a red apple in her hand. “Besides, I’ve learned so much from Brother Ce! Hmph, Dad, don’t forget, last time I told you that piece of news, and you managed to sign the deal with the LJ Group smoothly.” Then she got a ten-million reward from her old dad.

LJ was an international giant, headquartered overseas, but had moved back in the last two years, setting up a headquarters in An City specializing in tech R&D. Just their patents alone were enough to make them wealthy, and they had many subsidiaries making products. Though a newcomer in An City, they were incredibly profitable, with a rapid development momentum. Some projects even involved government cooperation, which put them beyond ordinary industries.

This time, the deal was for a cutting-edge high-tech refrigerator. Many had tried to secure the cooperation but failed, yet the Ji family had pulled it off. This had Ji’s father walking on air lately, and when socializing with directors from other companies, all he heard were congratulations and envy.

“One compliment, and your tail’s already in the air.” Ji’s father couldn’t help but laugh. “Staying by President Qin’s side has really improved you. President Qin is a remarkable man—younger than me, but no less capable. He’s worthy of respect. It’s a pity…” Naturally, he meant the broken leg and whether he could hold onto his shares.

“What’s there to pity? His brain and genes are still there.” Ji Pushu leaned close to her father’s ear and whispered, “Dad, Brother Ce’s legs don’t work, but his third leg does.”

They slept together, though they hadn’t gone all the way, but she knew he was well-endowed.

She was actually puzzled. Her intentions were clear, yet Qin Ce could still act like a monk. How amazing was that self-control?

Wasn’t it said online that men weren’t picky—if a woman threw herself at them, they wouldn’t refuse? A beauty like her had made the first move, yet Qin Ce could still hold back. It was a bit frustrating.

“Cough—cough—” Ji’s father had just taken a sip of tea when he heard his daughter’s sudden remark. He understood what the “third leg” meant, and nearly spat out the tea, though he choked instead.

“Dad, you’re so old, how can you choke on water?” Ji Pushu patted his back.

After calming down, Ji’s father said, annoyed, “And you blame me? Listen to what you’re saying. Is that proper? A young lady, speaking so boldly.”

“Tch~” Ji Pushu rolled her eyes, not dwelling on the topic, and continued analyzing, “Dad, Brother Ce has good genes. Don’t you think his children would surpass him, being even smarter?”

“Well… it’s possible,” Ji’s father admitted, a bit tempted. “But there are exceptions. Look at Old Master Qin—he was a cunning, sly man, but his son turned out so stupid. So genes aren’t a sure thing. You can’t guarantee it’ll be good. Two positives can yield a negative.”

“That’s different.” Ji Pushu shook her head. “Old Master Qin’s wife was a virtuous and capable grandmother, but she had no children. Brother Ce’s dad was born outside and brought home to be raised, so he only inherited half the genes. But Brother Ce and I are different—he’s smart, and I’m smart too!”

Ji’s father was almost convinced by her twisted logic, but he pulled himself back. Staring at his daughter, he said seriously, “I’m telling you, don’t get any crazy ideas. This isn’t a game—it’s a lifelong responsibility. Besides, you said it yourself, Qin Ce only broke his leg, not his mind. Do you think he’d be easily fooled?”

He always felt Qin Ce wasn’t simple. Someone who could stay calm and composed wouldn’t easily lose power. He must have plenty of trusted confidants. The struggle for the Qin family wasn’t over yet.

He was just worried his daughter was thinking too simply and might get caught up in trouble.

Ji Pushu pouted, but just then, Jiang Hui came out, so she dropped the subject.

“Shushu, you’re back. Here, the cherries are fresh. Try them.” Jiang Hui had dressed up carefully today, her smile genuine, without any pretense.

After all, she was about to become a mother-in-law, and she only had one biological daughter. She hoped the Ji family would be her support, so she was very warm.

Ji Pushu had just returned and didn’t want to cause trouble. Besides, they had no real conflict, so she ate two cherries out of politeness. Ji’s father breathed a sigh of relief.

Soon, Jiang Hanwei arrived, accompanied by a boy in a white shirt and trousers, wearing glasses. He looked refined, like a cool senior from university. The two of them stood together, quite a matching pair.

“Dad, Mom, Sister, this is my boyfriend, He Su.” Jiang Hanwei smiled sweetly, like a girl in the throes of a passionate romance.

When she looked at He Su, there were stars in her eyes, and her voice softened. “A Su, these are the parents and sister I told you about.”

Jiang Hanwei really liked her boyfriend. Their relationship was stable, and He Su’s family background was decent.

Though not as good as the Ji family, He Su himself was ambitious. He had started a small company that was doing well and growing, putting him among the successful young people.

He was good-looking too, presentable, and by ordinary standards, a male god. Ji Pushu gave a shallow assessment, but when she saw the sticker on He Su’s collar, she raised an eyebrow and retracted that judgment.

“Uncle, Auntie, Sister.” He Su wore a faint smile, greeting politely. His gaze lingered on Ji Pushu for a few seconds before naturally shifting away.

Jiang Hui, as a mother-in-law eyeing her future son-in-law, grew more satisfied the more she looked, warmly entertaining him.

Bringing a boyfriend home to meet the family was important, and Ji Pushu wasn’t rude enough to interrupt. After all, as long as Jiang Hui and Jiang Hanwei were happy, that was what mattered. Even Ji’s father only observed to help vet him, not interfering, since he wasn’t the child’s parent—and even less so for her.

Ji Pushu chatted a bit, then got up and went to the kitchen. At the Qin residence, Qin Ce controlled her, not letting her eat ice cream freely. Now that she was home, she wanted to indulge her taste buds.

But unexpectedly, Jiang Hanwei followed her in.

She opened with a question, “Sister, what do you think of him?”

Their ages were close, only about half a year apart. To be honest, Ji Pushu wasn’t used to being called “Sister”—it made her feel old.

“Your boyfriend, and you’re asking me?” Ji Pushu added ice cubes to her cup. The kitchen staff was still busy nearby; this was the tea room.

Jiang Hanwei lowered her eyes, unsure how to speak.

She had sensed something was off, which was why she asked. After all, she had nothing to boast about—He Su couldn’t compare to Qin Ce.

Of course, in her heart, He Su was the best, and that was enough.

“Do you want the truth or a lie?” As a fellow woman, Ji Pushu thought it over and decided not to be petty about Jiang Hanwei’s future marriage.

Jiang Hanwei looked up. “The truth, of course.”

“Oh, then here it is: your boyfriend seems like he’s about to fall in love. No, actually, he’s about to become a father, and you’re about to become a mother.” Ji Pushu swore she wasn’t being sarcastic—just stating the facts.

Jiang Hanwei’s face turned pale, and she bit her lip but didn’t argue, meaning she had a feeling about it.

“Why do you say that?” she asked, still unwilling to give up.

Ji Pushu raised an eyebrow. “There’s a small sticker on his collar. From the angle, he probably didn’t see it. Do you know where it’s from? A restaurant offers it as a freebie with a kids’ meal for a certain amount spent—no other place has it. And given how close it is, only someone very close could have put it there. Based on that, your boyfriend was probably holding a child, around four or five years old.”

She rarely spoke so much, and Jiang Hanwei’s face turned even whiter. “A… child…”

“I know he had a first love in college, but they broke up after graduation. He told me he’s forgotten her, has no feelings for the past, and is starting fresh with me, cherishing our relationship.”

Jiang Hanwei’s mind was in turmoil. She had no one to talk to about this, so she could only confide in Ji Pushu. “But half a month ago, I clearly felt He Su was off, acting strangely. And there are rumors that his first love has come to An City.”

If what Ji Pushu said was true, and He Su had a child, the timeline would match up perfectly with the period after breaking up with his first love.

Ji Pushu didn't feel much about it, since it wasn't her relationship in trouble. She just said, "If you think he's no good, then kick him to the curb. Are you keeping him around for New Year's?"

She couldn't understand why Jiang Hanwei had brought him home at all—was it just to give her a chance to mock her? But then again, she didn't think it was worth making fun of a woman's relationship problems, and she wouldn't stoop that low.

"I just wanted to test him. Now that he's met the family, maybe he'll cut ties with the other woman," Jiang Hanwei said. She truly loved He Su and just couldn't let go.

"Then you can give up hope. He was definitely with that kid before he came, maybe even out having fun with the child's mother." Ji Pushu shrugged, bursting her bubble.

Jiang Hanwei's face went even paler, looking deeply hurt. "I love him so much. Why does he have to do this to me?"

"That's exactly why—because you love him. Love blinds people; you're not thinking straight. Of course, there's also the possibility that he's still hung up on his first love. Say, hypothetically, he really did have a child with her, and now she's come back with the kid to win him over. Then he'll waver, his heart will be torn."

Ji Pushu realized she might be saying too much, but seeing how pathetic Jiang Hanwei looked, she continued out of rare kindness: "But in the adult world, it's not just about love, especially now that he owns his own company. Relationships and marriage are more about weighing pros and cons. Being with you clearly has its benefits. One, you're not bad-looking, and you're his first love—he's getting a good deal. Two, you're from the Ji family, practically a daughter to my dad. In business dealings, if you ask, he can get the green light on deals. If you were a man, what would you choose? As long as he keeps it hidden well, he can have a stable home front while enjoying affairs outside—easy and comfortable, having his cake and eating it too."

Obviously, Jiang Hanwei knew what the choice would be. She dug her nails into her palm, trying to stay calm, but she felt like crying. This was the first time she had liked someone so much.

She had always thought that time could warm He Su's heart, but now, it hit her like a bolt from the blue. He not only rekindled things with his first love but also had a child with her. While entangled with his first love, he was whispering sweet nothings in her ear—what was she, some kind of cheap thing?

"Of course, no matter what he's like, if you're okay with it, that's fine. After all, you're the one marrying him, and you'll be the one suffering in the future." Ji Pushu spread her hands. "At least we've known each other. When you get married, I'll send a red envelope. Oh, and if you end up a stepmom, forget the red envelope."

Jiang Hanwei was stung by her sarcasm, then turned dejected. "But I really can't bear to let go."

She kept asking, maybe already having second thoughts.

"Let's put it this way," Ji Pushu said, tapping her temple. "Here's a choice for you. Do you want a monthly allowance of hundreds of thousands, living the high life as a wealthy heiress, or do you want a man with an ex and a kid who might drain you dry to make way for his first love, leaving you as the wife who gets walked all over, and even raising someone else's child?"

Jiang Hanwei was silent for two seconds. "...Of course, I'd choose the first."

She was already used to a life of luxury; falling into poverty would be worse than death. By comparison, a man seemed less important.

"A man who helps you live better and get richer is the right match. One who brings disaster is definitely bad karma."

Ji Pushu couldn't be bothered to say more. "It's your choice. If you want to try it out, treat it as a life experience."

"Ordinary people don't have the luxury of trial and error; one wrong choice weighs you down for life. But you're lucky to be in the Ji family. You have many chances to try different paths."

"However, your taste in men is really bad. I wouldn't recommend experimenting with men."

With that, Ji Pushu picked up her iced drink and left.

Jiang Hanwei was silent for a while. She composed herself and went out.

Later, after the meal, Jiang Hanwei saw He Su out. Several times she wanted to speak but ultimately didn't.

Even if she wanted to break up, she didn't need to make a scene right at the doorstep.

For one thing, Ji Pushu was right: a man who was bad for her finances wasn't worth keeping.

Even though she was reluctant to end the relationship, compared to being broke, love didn't matter much.

He Su had no idea what she was thinking. Since he thought he was covering his tracks well, on his way home, he drove to meet his first love. As soon as the door opened, a little boy rushed over, calling him "Daddy" happily.

"He Su, why are you here?" His first love, Jian Chu, was surprised, but a flicker of happiness and relief flashed in her eyes.

She knew He Su was meeting his girlfriend's family today. She had been anxious and panicked—if He Su really got married, what would happen to her child?

Back then, they broke up not because of a falling out but due to differing plans. She wanted to go back to her hometown, while He Su wanted to stay in An City, so they split up.

But she didn't expect to find out she was pregnant after returning home. The child was obviously He Su's.

At the time, her family had some money, so she thought she could just have the child and live freely without marriage. After all, the purpose of finding a man to marry was to have kids, and since she and He Su would never meet again, he would never know she secretly had his child. She would raise it on her own.

As a modern woman, single motherhood was common—having the kid and leaving the dad out of it. She could do the same. He Su had good genes—good looks, high IQ, kind personality—so the child would turn out well. Since she was already pregnant, it was a good opportunity.

Later, she gave birth to a son, and life went on peacefully.

Although there were occasional whispers, and at school, classmates asked the child why he had no father. The boy was sensitive and sad about it, crying to her, saying he wanted a dad. But she thought it wasn't a big deal. When the child grew up, he would understand that having a father wasn't important as long as the family had financial stability, and they shouldn't care about gossip.

But later, her father fell ill, costing a lot of money. The family was in debt, and she could no longer live comfortably. Her mother was a housewife with no job, and the burden of raising a child on her own was crushing her.

Back then, she had naively thought she could raise the child alone because her family helped. Without that support, she wasn't very capable herself. She earned a few thousand a month, barely ten thousand on good months, but it couldn't cover the expenses of a family of several people and medical bills. Her quality of life plummeted.

When she later heard about He Su—that he had a company in An City and was well-off—she hesitated for a long time before bringing the child to find him.

But Jian Chu hadn't expected He Su to have a girlfriend. Of course, that was normal; they had broken up four or five years ago, and he wouldn't have stayed single. She had thought this might happen before she came. But the burden of raising a child alone was crushing her, plus the medical bills for her father. It was too hard month after month.

She knew that whether five years ago when she decided to hide the pregnancy and give birth, or now when circumstances forced her to come to He Su, both were selfish acts. If He Su were already married instead of just dating, her actions would be destroying a family. No woman would accept her husband suddenly having a kid.

But people are selfish. For the sake of her child, she had to do this. He Su was rich now. Sharing responsibility and giving some child support would help.

"I'll give you a sum of money. Take him and go back. Don't come looking for me again. Remember, you hid this child from me; I don't have much responsibility for raising him." He Su made his choice, prying the child off him, speaking coldly.

He didn't need a child suddenly appearing. Even after half a month, he hadn't developed any fatherly affection. This wasn't his kid, not one he wanted or expected, but a deception, something that was messing up his life.

Of course, it was also his fault for getting her pregnant, so he had some responsibility. Legally, he would bear what he had to, but no more.

In the future, he and Hanwei would have their own child, a happy family. That was the future he hoped for, not this disruption.

Jian Chu was stunned, staring at He Su as if she hadn't expected him to be so heartless.

"Leave within a few days. I don't want to see you show up in front of my girlfriend. Your presence seriously messes with my life." He Su finished coldly and left.

"Daddy, Daddy—" All children naturally want to be with their parents. The boy pulled away from his mother's hand and tried to grab He Su, but was pushed away. He didn't know why his dad wouldn't hold him anymore and cried loudly.

Jian Chu stared at the closed door, silent for a long time.

Listening to her son crying for his father, she didn't know what she was thinking. She remembered her own childhood—her parents holding her hands and walking her to school. She was raised with their love and felt she was the happiest child in the world. Having parents was the best time.

Later, as an adult, she saw online comments and agreed that some people said adults bring children into the world without their consent, but the children bear the consequences, and then adults shift the blame onto the children, claiming they are tied down by them. Children can't decide their birth, but adults can decide whether to have them.

Now, because of a decision made five years ago, she had become exactly the kind of person she used to criticize online.

Adults always think kids don't need a father or a happy family, just enough love. But love is different; different roles provide different kinds of emotional support.

When adults were kids, they craved the same kind of family—to have parents around. Those without envied those who had, and those who had it felt fortunate.

So why, when they grow up, do they apply adult logic to crush a child's wishes?

·

Ji Pushu stayed home for two days. She went to her father's company to learn the ropes and take over some responsibilities, then returned to the Qin family.

She was going to pester Qin Ce for more lessons—work was too hard!

But today, an unwelcome guest arrived at the Qin family: Qin Jie.

When she arrived at the Qin residence, Qin Jie was leaving with a triumphant look.

For the past half month, Qin Jie had been sending her frequent messages, but Ji Pushu only replied occasionally, and even then, with very few words.

"Miss Ji." Qin Jie stopped, waving the document in his hand. "Still sticking with my good big bro? Let me tell you some good news: Qin Ce has sold all his company shares to me. From now on, this Qin family is under my control; Qin Ce is nothing."

Ji Pushu was indeed surprised to hear this. She had been by Qin Ce's side for half a month and already knew the pressure from the Qin family was intense, but she hadn't expected him to have sold everything?

"Miss Ji, from now on, you might consider being with me. Continuing to follow Qin Ce will only make you a joke." Qin Jie looked at Ji Pushu with a lecherous gaze. "At the auction in two days, I look forward to having Miss Ji as my date."

For ordinary auctions, they didn't need to show up in person; they could send their assistants and bid behind the scenes. But this auction was followed by a banquet—a time to network—so it was worth attending.

"The Second Young Master Qin probably doesn't lack female companions, does he?" Ji Pushu was still a bit suspicious, but Qin Jie wouldn't lie about that kind of thing.

"I do lack one. Of course I do. Right now, I'm missing you, Miss Ji." Qin Jie smiled and gave a greasy air kiss. "Miss Ji has two days to think it over. A beauty like you is worth waiting for."

He left looking smug.

She was irritated. She really despised Qin Jie—a total manwhore, so rotten.

She walked in and saw Qin Ce sitting calmly on the sofa, still watching his nature documentary, and she just got so furious.

"What's wrong?" Qin Ce turned around, seeing her fuming expression, and asked in confusion.

"...Nothing." Ji Pushu couldn't help but ask, "Did Qin Jie just say you really sold all the shares to him?"

Qin Ce nodded. "Mm."

That meant Qin Ce was now just the eldest son of the Qin family in name only, with nothing left.

Ji Pushu took a deep breath, feeling very frustrated.

She didn't ask further, and Qin Ce didn't continue the topic either, just saying, "From now on, the Qin family will all belong to Qin Jie."

"You're better than him, and you're just letting him outshine you?" Ji Pushu was unwilling. She had been chasing for two years. Was she chasing Qin Ce? No, she was chasing her identity as the Qin family's eldest young mistress!

Qin Ce said casually, "No choice. My legs are broken. The winner takes all; no matter how useless he is, he's still the one who won."

"...Bro Ce, you're so laid-back." Ji Pushu couldn't bring herself to be flirty anymore. She was so frustrated.

Qin Ce tilted his head and raised an eyebrow at her. "Isn't that what you taught me?"

Ji Pushu was momentarily speechless.

Ugh, my dream!

When she went to sleep at night, she tossed and turned, thinking about how disgusting Qin Jie was—she really couldn't bring herself to make a move on him.

"Ji Pushu."

"Hmm?"

"Will you leave me?" Qin Ce suddenly asked, but for a long time there was no response. The one pretending to be asleep and deaf had actually fallen asleep.

Qin Ce gave a self-deprecating smile, staring at her sleeping profile, his eyes deep and unfathomable.