SAG -Chapter 48 Can a Scholar’s Actions Be Called Showing Off?

Facing Zhang Sicheng’s question, Zhang Siyan fell silent for a moment before saying,

“Tomorrow… or the day after, I’ll finalize the divorce.”

“You’ve reached an agreement?” Zhang Sicheng asked in surprise. He knew the dispute over child support was what had dragged things out for so long.

“Not even close,” Qian Li said angrily.

“That homewrecker threatened Yanyan with Susu’s custody.”

The moment those words were spoken, Zhang Sicheng’s expression darkened.

A cold glint also flashed through Zhang Ran’s eyes.

Only now did he realize that someone had actually used his granddaughter to threaten his daughter.

Zhang Sicheng took a deep breath.

“It’s better to get divorced.”

“We can forget about the child support.”

“But we absolutely must get custody.”

“Susu can’t stay in that family any longer.”

Zhang Siyan nodded.

“Don’t worry, Brother.”

“At noon today, our store was selected by Kangshilan as a candidate for a new distributorship.”

“If we pass the evaluation, Li Li and I will have better and better business from now on.”

She deliberately changed the subject.

Just then, the bedroom door creaked open.

Susu came running out.

Without hesitation, Zhang Siyan scooped her into her arms.

“Mom…”

“I want to go with you.”

Though Susu’s words were vague, Zhang Siyan immediately understood what she meant.

Guilt flooded her heart.

At the same time…

Whatever lingering disappointment she had with Sun Gaixin’s family was completely extinguished.

No one spoke.

Everyone silently watched the mother and daughter.

Holding Susu’s little face in her hands, Zhang Siyan asked in a trembling voice, “Susu…”

“Have you really decided?”

The little girl nodded firmly.

“I want to stay with Mommy forever.”

“We’ll never be apart.”

Though her voice was soft, it was filled with determination.

It was hard to believe such words had come from a five-year-old.

More importantly…

Susu clearly understood what divorce meant.

Zhang Siyan could no longer hold back her tears.

They streamed down her face.

“Okay…”

“Mommy will stay with Susu forever too.”

“Tomorrow you’ll come with me.”

At that moment, Zhang Siyan finally made up her mind.

Since Susu already understood everything…

Then mother and daughter would face it together.

And together…

They would completely cut ties with the past.

“Auntie…”

“I’m sorry.”

“I shouldn’t have listened outside with Susu.”

Taotao suddenly apologized in a tiny voice.

Seeing his aunt crying, he thought he had done something wrong.

Unlike his younger cousin, Taotao didn’t fully understand the situation.

After all, he’d never experienced anything like it.

Zhang Siyan hugged him too.

“It’s okay.”

“Taotao has been very good.”

“Auntie is crying because she’s happy.”

“Then tomorrow our whole family will go with you,” Zhang Sicheng said.

After wiping away her tears, Zhang Siyan shook her head.

“No, Brother.”

“There’s no need.”

“Susu and I will go ourselves.”

Zhang Sicheng wanted to argue, but she interrupted him.

“Really.”

“You all have work.”

“There’s no need to delay everything because of this.”

“It isn’t necessary.”

Seeing how determined she was, Zhang Sicheng silently nodded.

Throughout the conversation, Zhang Ran remained quiet.

No one knew what he was thinking.

…

“Yanyan, I’m not coming back tonight.”

“Take care of yourself.”

Qian Li lowered the car window and called out.

“Don’t worry.”

“I’m not a child anymore.”

“Drive safely.”

“And say hello to Uncle and Auntie for me.”

Zhang Siyan stood there holding a pot of Qingxiang Orchid.

Qian Li nodded before driving away from the apartment complex where the two women rented together.

Tonight she was going home.

First, to tell her parents that Zhang Ran wanted to treat them to dinner.

Second…

To deliver Zhang Ran’s gift.

When she got home, Qian Li opened the door with one hand while carefully carrying the orchid with the other.

“Oh?”

“Our busy young lady actually has time to come home?”

Her father teased.

“Dad!”

“I missed you and Mom.”

She grinned.

Her mother sat on the sofa cracking sunflower seeds without even looking up.

“Yeah, right.”

“As if you’d actually think about us.”

Suddenly she sniffed the air.

“Hmm?”

“What’s that wonderful smell?”

“Is that your perfume?”

“What brand is it?”

After changing her shoes, Qian Li carried the orchid over.

“Does it smell like this?”

Her mother leaned forward and inhaled.

“It really does.”

“What kind of orchid is this?”

“I’ve never seen one before.”

The fragrance was gentle…

Yet incredibly lingering and soothing.

Her father also became interested.

“Where did you buy this?”

“Looks like you finally learned to be filial.”

“Very good.”

Qian Li looked slightly embarrassed.

“Well…”

“Dad…”

“This wasn’t from me.”

“It was a gift from Uncle Zhang.”

“He said it helps relax people.”

“Uncle Zhang?”

“Which Uncle Zhang?”

Her father looked confused.

Her mother, however, immediately understood.

“You mean Yanyan’s father?”

“That’s right.”

“Uncle Zhang also invited both of you to dinner.”

“When are you free?”

Her mother frowned.

“Didn’t I tell you to invite him here?”

“Why is he treating us instead?”

Qian Li hurriedly defended herself.

“It wasn’t my idea.”

“Uncle Zhang insisted.”

Her father waved his hand.

“It doesn’t matter who hosts.”

“We’re free anytime.”

“Then let’s make it three days from now.”

Her mother suddenly remembered something.

“How are things between Yanyan and her husband?”

“I’ve been worried about that.”

“They’re getting divorced tomorrow.”

The moment Qian Li mentioned it, her mood soured again.

Seeing her mother preparing to ask more questions, she quickly escaped.

“I’m going to take a shower.”

When she came back downstairs after showering, she found her father still circling around the Qingxiang Orchid.

“Dad…”

“What are you doing?”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“This flower isn’t ordinary.”

“Just look at it.”

“The appearance alone is excellent.”

“Not to mention the fragrance.”

“I don’t know.”

“Uncle Zhang just said it wasn’t worth much.”

“They have three pots at home.”

“Why don’t you ask Uncle Zheng tomorrow?”

“Doesn’t he love flowers?”

“Didn’t he say he’d cultivated several valuable orchids and sold them for quite a bit of money?”

Her father nodded.

“That’s a good idea.”

“I’ll let him have a look.”

“It’s not only he who can grow fine orchids.”

“I think this Qingxiang Orchid is much better than any of his.”

Qian Li rolled her eyes.

“You’re just looking for an excuse to show off, aren’t you?”

She instantly saw through her father’s real intention.

Her father glared at her.

“Show off?”

“What do you mean, ‘show off’?”

“Can a scholar’s actions be called showing off?”

“That’s called academic discussion.”

“Fine, fine.”

“‘Academic discussion.'”

“Call it whatever you want.”

“I’m going to bed.”