Chapter Four: Dad, Please Get a Divorce

Even at its peak before the Yao family’s bankruptcy, it was no match for the Pei family. If the elite families were ranked, the Pei family stood at the very pinnacle, while the Yao family belonged to the lower echelons of wealth and influence.

Back then, Pei Qizhou gave up three percent of his company’s shares to his father’s mistress just to marry her. It was only because she whispered sweet nothings in his father’s ear that she managed to wed Pei Qizhou.

Yet, it was precisely that three percent stake that nearly cost Pei Qizhou his position as CEO. Even now, his hold on the CEO title remains precarious because of it.

She bore a heavy burden of guilt over this and willingly abandoned her fledgling career after marriage to devote herself entirely to caring for him.

At first, Pei Qizhou comforted her, insisting none of it was her fault; but as time went on, whenever she showed the slightest resistance, he would use this issue to wound her, leaving her no words to defend herself—only tears to swallow.

Sometimes, overwhelmed by anger, she would cry to him, only to receive a dismissive “You’re overthinking it.”

But had she truly overthought it?

Not until today.

He finally laid everything bare, making his feelings clear for the first time. Deep down, he resented her all these years and blamed her for all the misfortunes.

No wonder he indulged their son’s mistreatment of her.

No wonder he committed infidelity with such self-righteousness, convinced she ought to accept it.

Yao Shan stared at Pei Qizhou in despair.

But why?

He was the one who refused to let go back then. He chased her overseas just to marry her. She loved him but never expected him to pay such a price.

Why must she bear the consequences of his actions?

Fueled by fury, Yao Shan bit down hard and grabbed his arm. When pain forced him to release her grip, she turned and ran.

“Shanshan, what are you doing?”

She hadn’t gone far when her mother came out of the hospital, blocking her path with a grave expression. “Qizhou has come to take you home. How can you still be so unreasonable? Have you forgotten what I told you?”

Her mother clenched her wrist tightly and pushed her toward Pei Qizhou, the pain bringing tears streaming down her face.

Pei Qizhou stood still, his terrifying expression only softening slightly when he saw her mother’s knowing gesture, his eyes filled with scorn as he stared at Yao Shan.

Broken, Yao Shan shouted at her mother, “Even if I’m miserable and unhappy, don’t you care at all?”

If there had been even a shred of remorse, she wouldn’t feel this devastated.

But her mother showed none of it—nothing at all.

Only blame.

“Shanshan, you’ve been willful since you were a child. Now you’re married and a mother yourself; you can’t behave like that anymore. If there’s a problem, why not talk it out? Qizhou is busy enough and still has to coax you. Be more sensible.”

Yao Shan was utterly hopeless.

She was pushed into the car by Pei Qizhou while her mother sighed nearby. “Qizhou has done so much for you; you should be grateful.”

A heavy pressure pressed on Yao Shan’s chest, as if it would explode.

Pei Qizhou sat beside her, his face dark and brooding, as though black water could be squeezed from him.

“This is the last time I tolerate your nonsense. If you cause trouble again, think of your parents. Now go to my mother’s house to pick up Xiaoyi—don’t sulk.”

“Xiaoyi is used to your cooking. These past few days without you, he hasn’t eaten properly. How can a mother be as irresponsible as you?”

Pei Qizhou scolded her with a grim face, but Yao Shan’s complexion turned pale.

It wasn’t that she stopped resisting; the intense pain left her too weak to argue.

Seeing her silent, Pei Qizhou thought she was still sulking. He pressed his lips together, said no more, and turned to his work.

Arriving at the Pei family’s old mansion, Yao Shan had no time for appearances. She rushed to the bathroom and vomited a mouthful of blood. The thick metallic scent overwhelmed her senses, and darkness closed in as she collapsed to the floor.

She lost consciousness for some time, only to be roused by persistent stomach pain and the disdainful voice of Madam Pei nearby.

“Look at this mess! We even have guests at home, and she doesn’t even greet them! I’ve said it before—small-time families like hers will never be worthy of the Pei name. You married her just for convenience, like hiring two more maids.”

Her words were as sharp and bitter as every day of the past seven years.

Yao Shan twisted the corners of her mouth bitterly.

Madam Pei had never approved of her. Even after seven years of marriage to Pei Qizhou, she never stopped urging him to divorce.

She wanted a daughter-in-law who matched the Pei family’s status; before the Yao family’s downfall, she looked down on Yao Shan; after their bankruptcy, she utterly dismissed her.

Outside, Pei Qizhou remained silent. Yao Shan no longer cared what he thought as she once did.

After freshening up in the bathroom, she stepped out to see Pei Yi lying listlessly on the sofa, swinging his legs.

“Dad, Mom does nothing but make you angry. Why don’t you divorce her?”

Yao Shan instinctively curled her fingers over her stomach in pain.

“I think Grandma is right. Mom doesn’t deserve Dad at all. I want a mom like Miao Miao. Dad, divorce Mom and marry Miao Miao instead!”

True to Pei Qizhou’s son, he favored the exact type his father did.

She thought Pei Qizhou would be pleased...

“Pei Yi!” came Pei Qizhou’s low, stern warning, cutting off Pei Yi’s words sharply. “I don’t care who taught you that. Say it again, and I’ll punish you.”

Already afraid of Pei Qizhou, Pei Yi’s eyes immediately welled with tears.

Madam Pei, full of concern, held him close and comforted him, “Don’t be afraid, Grandma is here.” Then she turned to Pei Qizhou. “Why are you so harsh with the child? If Yao Shan could take care of Xiaoyi properly, would he dislike her? Even Xiaoyi rejects her. Who do you think the problem lies with?”

Pei Yi nodded repeatedly in Madam Pei’s arms.

Too scared to speak loudly, he muttered softly in agreement, “Exactly! Grandma’s right. She’s not fit to be my mother!”

Yao Shan’s stomach ached fiercely.

Her heart felt pierced with pain.

The first time, she could say it was just a child’s careless words, but this time...

She no longer wanted to deceive herself.

Just as she was about to leave and let them be, the “guest” Madam Pei mentioned came out of the kitchen carrying exquisitely prepared pastries, as if freshly made.

Seeing Madam Pei’s sour expression, the woman smiled warmly and coaxed, “Auntie, since Brother Qizhou is home for a rare visit, don’t be upset. Please try my cooking.”

Yao Shan’s eyes burned with tears, her teeth trembling as she bit her lip.

Before she even knew, Miao Miao had already come to the Pei family home more than once...

Madam Pei’s voice echoed in her ears: “Qizhou, it’s not just me saying this—you should be honest with Yao Shan and divorce her. You were fooled by her innocent looks when you were young and naive. Now it’s time to wake up.”

“Miao Miao has both beauty and talent, and our families are well matched. You two are a perfect match.”

“Even if not for yourself, you should at least consider Xiaoyi. You shouldn’t keep making mistakes with Yao Shan. A woman who only depends on a man—what can she teach Xiaoyi? Don’t corrupt my grandson any further.”