Chapter 131: I Am Not a Saint

“Yan Yan, are you trying to persuade me? My mind is already made up. You’ve only just returned, and things have already turned into this mess. If we continue to live together, there’s no telling what else might happen in the future.”

Before Su Yan could even open her mouth, Su Jianguo made his stance clear.

“And don't think about trying to fulfill their wishes for me. I will not let you leave my side again.”

Su Yan waited quietly for him to finish speaking before saying, “Dad, I agree with your arrangement.”

Su Jianguo froze, clearly not expecting her to say such a thing.

“Whether Li Qiuhua and Su Mo are acceptable to me or not isn't important. What matters is that this mother and daughter are ill-intentioned; living with them will be exhausting.” The exhaustion Su Yan spoke of was not just psychological, but also involved many practical aspects.

“On the surface, Li Qiuhua’s feelings for you do seem genuine, but the fact that she can go behind your back to repeatedly give the family's money to outsiders shows that her selfishness is very heavy. As for that bit of father-daughter affection Su Mo has for you, it is entirely because of your current status.”

Though these words were hurtful, they were the truth.

Su Jianguo stared at her, stunned like a wooden chicken, his expression shifting incessantly.

“However, the only difficult part now is Qiangqiang. Looking at Li Qiuhua, she won't let Qiangqiang stay easily. But if Qiangqiang stays with her, not only is his future worrisome, but he will also become an excuse for her to constantly pester you. Therefore, when dealing with this matter, Qiangqiang should be the first priority.”

Su Yan spoke to herself; surely this would be enough to make him calm down?

Su Jianguo’s expression became extremely complex. “Yan Yan, I thought you would...”

He didn't finish his sentence. After thirteen years of separation, he had completely missed her upbringing and no longer understood her at all.

“Did you think I would choose to wrong myself and take the initiative to leave just to preserve the integrity of this home?”

Though it was a rhetorical question, Su Yan’s tone was certain.

Su Jianguo could only remain silent.

Su Yan smiled faintly. “Dad, I’m not a saint. Why should I sacrifice myself to fulfill others? Besides, the people I’d be fulfilling don't even like me—they are people who have tried to ruin me time and time again.”

Su Jianguo opened his mouth, feeling as though he should say something, but he truly didn't know what to say.

“You... are very good this way.”

She truly was good—she knew clearly what was best for herself, she wouldn't be swayed by worldly opinions, and she lived according to her own heart.

“The only thing that makes me feel a bit guilty is that I am disrupting your marriage. But then again, you are the one who chose me.” As Su Yan reached the end of her sentence, her entire being seemed to radiate a certain brilliance.

It was precisely because her father had chosen her that she had said so much.

If her father had chosen that mother and daughter, she would have left without hesitation.

Therefore, regarding this family, the true power of decision lay in her father's hands.

Su Jianguo could not describe his current mood.

He felt fortunate that he hadn't made a mistake this time, yet he worried about how to resolve the matter moving forward.

After all, he knew Li Qiuhua; she would never leave easily.

Furthermore, there was still a trace of confusion in his heart regarding his future life. After all, they had lived together for over a decade; it was impossible not to feel a sense of loss when suddenly cutting ties.

“Dad, there's no need to rush this. Haven't you noticed? Even if I do nothing, they will continue to target me on their own.” Su Yan saw his dilemma; in reality, he only needed to let nature take its course.

Su Jianguo let out a heavy sigh. Perhaps this was what they called being too close to the situation to see clearly.

“Yan Yan, I've wronged you.”

“It's not a grievance. People I don't care about cannot hurt me, no matter what they do.” Su Yan’s answer was incredibly confident.

As darkness fell, Su Jianguo packed a few clothes and went directly to the factory dormitory.

This decision had nothing to do with Su Yan; it was forced by Li Qiuhua, who had been crying and pleading with him not to divorce.

However, before leaving, he made a special trip to Su Yan's room, intending to take her with him.

After all, Su Yan was the only one left in this house, and under these circumstances, he could not be at peace leaving her alone.

But Su Yan decisively refused him and said something very certain.

“You are currently in the middle of a divorce with Li Qiuhua. If she still comes looking for trouble with me at a time like this, then she truly doesn't want to live with you anymore.”

Su Jianguo was convinced by her words. Under the bitter pleas of Li Qiuhua and Su Mo, he left without looking back.

“Mistress, why didn't you tell your father about Li Qiuhua's affairs outside?”

Ghost Shadow had drifted to Su Yan's side at some unknown moment.

If those matters were revealed, Su Jianguo would likely kick Li Qiuhua out of the house in a heartbeat.

“My father has an extremely strong sense of pride. If he were to find out that Li Qiuhua has been deceiving him all these years, he would break down.” Su Yan's voice was incredibly low.

She had instructed Ghost Shadow to follow Li Qiuhua a few days ago, and she hadn't expected something to actually come of it.

Giving all the money to her natal family?

That was merely an excuse Li Qiuhua used to deceive her father.

Ghost Shadow seemed to understand.

“Did you find Yongxiang Road?” Su Yan ended the topic.

Ghost Shadow replied, “There is no Yongxiang Road in the county town.”

Su Yan raised an eyebrow; the trouble she feared most had happened.

If it wasn't in the place where she currently lived, finding a "Yongxiang Road" would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Since Granny Li had only written so much in the letter, it meant that no matter how much she asked, Granny Li would absolutely not say more.

Therefore, even if she were anxious, she couldn't afford to be.

***

In the other room, even the air felt solidified.

Su Jianguo had left, and Li Qiuhua had stopped crying. Her two eyes, swollen like walnuts, were filled with terror and helplessness.

“Mo Mo, think of something quickly. It looks like your dad is dead set on this this time.”

“What can I do? Now even Dad is taking his anger out on me. Today's mess is all because you couldn't keep your cool. And how could you be so stupid? If you found out there was a problem with the money, you should have just returned the items to the seller. Why did you have to make a scene at the police station?”

How embarrassing.

Su Mo did nothing but blame her.

If not for her stupidity, how could they, mother and daughter, have fallen into such a passive position?

Li Qiuhua was already feeling wronged, and she hadn't expected even her daughter wouldn't help her.

“I told you long ago that Su Yan is a monster, but none of you believed me. Hurry up and coax your dad back; we can plan the rest later.”

The only person Su Mo truly cared about was Su Jianguo.

Li Qiuhua's head was buzzing; how could she possibly have a good idea?

“You saw your dad's attitude. Why don't we try to please Su Yan first? As long as Su Yan says one word, your dad will definitely come back.”

Su Mo's features twisted in distortion. “Are you crazy? That Su Yan is completely impenetrable. Instead of begging her, it's better to go to Uncle Wu or the Gu family. My dad is closest to Uncle Gu; he'll definitely listen to his advice.”

Thinking of Gu Qingfeng, Su Mo's spirits instantly lifted.

That's right, there was still the Gu family.

Ghost Shadow, who had drifted in at some unknown time, was so angered by them that it immediately flew back to Su Yan's side.

(End of Chapter)