Chapter 4
Edward Quan ·
“Of course he does!
“Go to your study. I'll send the children in for a chat.”
Of the three, Lu Wang hated me most.
Sending him to accuse me was the safest bet.
Just to be sure, before pushing him into the study, I threatened him with my fist.
“Lu Dog-Egg, your father's home now.
“Tell him every grievance you have.
“You'd better tell him everything that's happened lately!”
Preferably, he'd throw me out tonight.
Lu Wang glanced at my fist, snorted, and went in.
His disdainful expression filled me with secret joy.
Success!
The only drawback was the study's excellent soundproofing.
I couldn't hear him listing my crimes.
A full five hours later, father and son finally emerged.
At one glance, I saw the terrifying chill in Lu Jinghan's eyes.
Summoning every scrap of acting ability, I went up and took his hand.
“Darling, did you have a nice talk?”
Now he only had to fling me to the floor and call me a wicked woman.
Mission complete. A triumphant retirement.
I trembled with excitement.
Until he gently rested his hand on my wrist.
“Very nice.
“But you've had a hard time while I was away.”
What?
Hold on.
“How have I had a hard time?”
“Lu Wang told me everything. You got him out of the police station, cleared Lu Zhou's name, and dealt with Lu Xue's unscrupulous teacher.”
“But... I made them drink milk.”
“Thoughtful of you, caring for their health.”
“I hit them too.”
“Children misbehave. A little discipline is natural.”
“I made them wait on me.”
“I know you're teaching them independence.”
I had no words.
“Tang Hua, I took Lu Wang and the others in to raise them, but only now do I feel they've truly become part of this family.
“That's all thanks to you.
“Thank you.”
Still no words.
Lu Jinghan was happy. My sky had fallen.
Two days after his return, I was in complete despair.
“System, what do I do?”
It had never encountered this situation either.
Was I really going to let ten million yuan slip through my fingers?
As I wallowed in misery, shrill curses erupted outside.
“Who the hell does Tang Hua think she is? Why can't I enter just because she says so?
“I've come for Jinghan! I know he's home!
“Watchdog! Get out of my way!”
Catching my glance, the flustered butler apologized.
“Madam, I'm sorry. I couldn't stop Second Aunt.”
She sneered.
“She won't be Madam much longer.
“Tang Hua, didn't think I'd be back, did you?
“Your good days are over. I've told Jinghan how you mistreat the children, you wicked woman!
“If you know what's good for you, give up your place as Mrs. Lu.
“I've already found him someone new!”
She pulled forward a girl about my age.
Pretty as a flower, the girl shyly lowered her head.
“Host, that's the female lead!”
The System sounded an urgent alarm.
But I heard only one thing.
“You want Lu Jinghan to throw me out?”
“Yes!”
Who said Second Aunt wasn't nice? She was wonderful!
So excited I covered my face and sobbed, I said, “Then I have no face left to stay in this house.”
I grabbed my bag, ready to go.
But at the door, I ran straight into Lu Jinghan coming home.
He stared at my luggage.
“Where are you going?”
Second Aunt changed her expression instantly.
“Jinghan, just in time! I was helping you throw this woman out.
“I'll introduce you to a good girl today.
“Xiaoke, say hello.”
The female lead shyly glanced at him.
“Brother Han.”
Lu Jinghan looked baffled.
Returning from school, Lu Wang calmly assessed the scene.
“Dad, are you divorcing Mom?
“If so, I'm going with her.”
Lu Jinghan: “?”
Lu Zhou hurried to raise his hand.
“Me too.”
Lu Xue clutched her schoolbag straps, hesitated as she looked at him, then said in a sweet little voice, “Dad, I'll come visit you.”
Lu Jinghan laughed in exasperation.
At the hotel, the three little beans and I stared at one another in silence.
Good news: I'd escaped.
Bad news: I'd brought three liabilities.
“System, does this count as completing the mission?”
“It counts as kidnapping the male lead's children.”
I fell silent.
While I racked my brains for a way out, someone knocked.
“It must be Lu Jinghan! System, what do I do?”
“Um... hold out for a bit. I'll go find my daddy, the Lord God!”
What?
The door suddenly swung open.
Lu Xue gripped my hand and whispered, “Mom, I think Dad's a tiny bit scarier.”
Of course he was.
I'd kidnapped all three of his children.
He was obviously here to settle with me.
Before I could speak, he grabbed those three unfilial children and put them all outside.
My turn next.
I swallowed.
“What... do you want?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What do you think?”
I said nothing.
He clearly hadn't come in peace.
I turned to run. He easily pinned me against the wall.
“Tang Hua, if I remember correctly, I left on a business trip right after we married?”
Held fast, unable to move, I gritted my teeth.
“So?”
He smiled meaningfully.
“As it happens, we haven't had our wedding night.
“Married couples fight, then make up in bed.”
What?
“I know I shouldn't have rushed home and doubted you when Second Aunt said you were mistreating the children.
“Let me serve you for once. An apology.”
His hand held my neck as little kisses fell on my shoulder.
“Forgive me this once?”
Angry and flustered, my head spinning, I protested, “Who apologizes like this?”
He immediately yielded.
“Then I'll give you my salary card.
“I've sent Second Aunt away. She won't come again.
“From now on, you're in charge at home.
“Order me about however you like. How's that?”
I was speechless.
Just when I was about to reach my limit, the System finally returned.
“Host, I'm back!”
“So you do know the way back?”
It coughed.
“Don't be angry!
“To make up for my mistake, I begged my daddy, the Lord God, to promote you to female lead!
“No more wicked stepmother. Happy?”
My eyes lit up.
“So you can transfer the ten million straight to me?”
“No.”