Volume One, Chapter 18: The Mistress Arrives

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Once again, she heard the piercing questions from her daughter's soul—more like relentless demands. Lou Nanzhi truly didn’t know what to do; after all, the children were innocent. Was she really expected to compromise for the sake of resolving everything smoothly?

While Lou Nanzhi was locked in a standoff with her eldest daughter, a sudden conversation drifted from outside the room.

“Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you not to come?” Wei Guoxiong’s voice was tense.

The young woman’s reply was calm and steady. “Guoxiong! This whole thing started because of me. How can I just hide away? I at least need to express my stance to sister-in-law face to face.”

“Son, if Xiaoqing is here, let her be. Let her see if, after she leaves, there’s no one left in our family,” Song Ying said, her voice rising clearly enough for Lou Nanzhi inside to hear.

Lou Nanzhi never expected Xiaoqing to show up at such a critical moment, claiming she wanted to state her position. But Lou Nanzhi knew very well what Xiaoqing truly wanted.

Wei Yan’er, originally already furious but believing she was slowly unraveling her mother’s inner knots, suddenly realized who the visitor was. In anger, she flung the door open.

“How dare you, a homewrecker, come to my house? Get out now!”

It was the first time Wei Guoxiong had ever seen his eldest daughter so furious—and with profanity no less. Since childhood, she had always been obedient and sensible.

Startled by Wei Yan’er’s words, Xiaoqing took a step back, her expression suddenly filled with panic.

Earlier that morning, she had seen videos online. When she called Wei Guoxiong to comfort him, she indirectly learned that he had told Lou Nanzhi to leave. This was a perfect opportunity. Xiaoqing never imagined Lou Nanzhi would be so foolish as to post such things online, essentially provoking Wei Guoxiong.

How could she not seize such a chance? So, after freshening herself up, she came over, only to be caught off guard by the presence of their eldest daughter.

“Yan’er! How can you speak to Auntie like that? Is this how I raised you all these years?”

“Guoxiong, let it be. The child is just angry right now,” Xiaoqing continued to play the good person.

Seeing the tense scene, Song Ying quickly pulled the fuming Wei Yan’er aside, worried that she might side with her mother. That would only embolden Lou Nanzhi, making things harder for her son.

“Yan’er! This is their matter to settle. Why are you interfering? Besides, that child she’s carrying is your dad’s—your own little brother. If anything happens to her, wouldn’t the Wei family suffer the loss?”

Pulled aside by her grandmother, Wei Yan’er finally regained her composure. She didn’t know where her courage had come from just moments ago. She had always dared to defy her mother and grandmother, but never her father.

Outside the room, amidst the chaos, Lou Nanzhi stepped out. She had come straight from work, dressed in a professional suit that made her look full of vigor and authority.

The last time Xiaoqing saw her at the hospital, Lou Nanzhi was dressed in courier clothes, seeming like a faded housewife. She never expected her to still hold a certain elegance.

This realization weakened Xiaoqing’s confidence slightly, but she had never admitted defeat.

Breaking free from Wei Guoxiong’s grasp, she approached boldly.

“Sister-in-law! It’s all my fault that things have come to this at home. Guoxiong wanted to protect me and keep me from appearing, but I believe each person must take responsibility for their actions. Even if you refuse to forgive me today, or want me to terminate the child in my womb, I’m willing.”

As she spoke, tears welled up uncontrollably, her hand resting protectively on her abdomen.

Wei Guoxiong hurried forward, steadying the staggering Xiaoqing.

“What are you saying? Didn’t the doctor tell you not to get too emotional?”

“Guoxiong! I...” Her words trailed off into sobs.

Lou Nanzhi found this scene more nauseating than any melodramatic online video she had ever mindlessly watched.

“Enough. Stop the act. You know full well you’re guilty. Even if you lose the child, I will never forgive you.”

After the harsh words, Lou Nanzhi felt a sense of relief.

Just moments ago, locked in the room with her eldest daughter, she had wavered. But now, witnessing this scene again, she was even more resolute in her decision to divorce.

If she didn’t, if she sacrificed herself for the sake of the three children, then every future day might replay this drama—only growing worse.

“You’re so ruthless, Lou Nanzhi. Xiaoqing is already at an age where it’s hard enough for her to conceive a child. And you still curse her?” Xiaoqing sneered.

Lou Nanzhi was the same age as this mistress, yet Guoxiong showed no pity for her whatsoever.

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“Wei Guoxiong! I’m here to tell you the divorce is final. You two can continue this farce behind closed doors—I’m done watching! I’d rather spend my time relaxing at the zoo,” Lou Nanzhi declared, turning her head sharply, leaving no room for reconciliation.

Wei Yan’er’s heart sank instantly.

Wei Guoxiong, standing beside her, harbored a bit of resentment toward Xiaoqing. If their eldest daughter hadn’t come home today, perhaps she could have persuaded Lou Nanzhi to reconsider. Over time, maybe she could have accepted Xiaoqing.

But now, her sudden appearance only poured fuel on the fire.

Just as Wei Guoxiong was about to ask Song Ying to send Xiaoqing away, Xiaoqing did something shocking.

“Sister-in-law! Please don’t divorce Guoxiong!”

Hearing Lou Nanzhi’s words, Xiaoqing’s heart soared with joy. She knew she had gained some ground. The next second, tears streaming down her face, she dropped to her knees at Lou Nanzhi’s feet.

Thud!

Her knees hit the floor, and no one could doubt the sincerity of her act.

The entire household was stunned—especially Lou Nanzhi.

She had endured humiliation all her life, only to find herself finally at the mercy of the mistress.

No wonder the woman had won the man’s heart.

At such an age, to be so submissive—that was something Lou Nanzhi could never learn.

“Sister-in-law, I know you hate me, but divorcing Guoxiong would hurt his career and the children’s home deeply. I never asked for status or fought for anything. At my age, childless until now, it’s a miracle I’m carrying a child. Sister-in-law, please have mercy and let me stay. Even if I have to leave Guoxiong afterward, I’m willing!”

In this charged atmosphere, nothing was more persuasive than invoking the child—the very future of the Wei family.

“Xiaoqing! Enough! Why beg her? Does she even deserve it?”

Without her husband or children, and with a pregnant rival kneeling and begging, Wei Guoxiong’s heart broke at the scene.

He helped Xiaoqing to her feet and then glared fiercely at Lou Nanzhi.

“Lou Nanzhi! Are you sure about this?”

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