Vol 2 Chapter 18: Advice

From the moment Li Wanran could remember, she had never questioned her mother.

As a child, she was raised almost entirely by her mother. In her early memories, recollections of Li Zhengmao were few and far between, only seeing him occasionally during those brief periods.

Li Wanran undoubtedly respected and adored her mother.

In her youth, her mother had been dazzlingly beautiful, influencing her constantly. At some point, Li Wanran began unconsciously imitating her mother's every gesture and mannerism.

Even after her second child with Liu Changqing was born, she educated them the same way.

Her younger daughter Liu Xiazhi greatly admired her too - it was clear the girl was also imitating her.

Imitating her mother.

The atmosphere grew slightly strange.

Mother and daughter simply stared at each other.

Though not drunk, Ye Rong's cheeks were flushed from alcohol, her eyelids blinking faster than usual.

Even the simple act of keeping her eyes open to look directly at her daughter seemed difficult.

Ye Rong grew visibly impatient with her daughter's silence. After waiting briefly with no response, an inexplicable anger welled up inside her, instinctively making her take two steps forward.

"Didn't you hear what I said?"

"I don't want to listen anymore."

"What?"

Facing her mother's question, Li Wanran showed little emotional fluctuation, replying calmly.

Yet these very words seemed to sober Ye Rong's alcohol-clouded mind instantly.

Her daughter had never spoken to her like this before.

Never resisted her like this.

After a brief stunned silence, the 34-year-old Ye Rong couldn't contain herself.

Her chest rose and fell visibly with rapid breaths.

Clearly, she was furious.

Staring at her daughter before her.

At this daughter whose brows so resembled that man's...

The taut string in her mind seemed to snap at that moment. Her eyes widened, toes curling tightly against the floorboards.

Then she moved.

Striding rapidly toward her daughter, closing the distance instantly.

Standing eye-to-eye with her now equally tall daughter.

"What did you just say to me?"

"Mom..."

Seeing her youthful mother before her, Li Wanran flashed back to scenes from her past life - her mother being arrested and imprisoned.

A pleading look flickered in her eyes.

"Don't do this..."

"Are you like him too? Do you also think I'm ridiculous? Useless!"

Spouting inexplicable words as if possessed, Ye Rong reached out and grabbed Li Wanran, clutching her arms fiercely.

Her slightly long nails dug into Li Wanran's skin.

Facing this unhinged version of her mother, all Li Wanran felt was sorrow.

Her mother had despised her father her entire life.

Before his death, her every move had been under his surveillance.

Though unaware what had transpired between her parents, Li Wanran clearly didn't want last life's tragedy repeating.

She wanted happiness.

The kind where families were whole and harmonious.

Where everyone...

"Say something! Do you also think I'm crazy? That I'm pathetic?"

Her voice rising sharply, spitting self-deprecating words, Ye Rong's face flushed crimson as she shook her daughter violently, demanding a response.

With each shake, her emotions spiraled further out of control.

Her hair swayed slightly.

Her eyes held questions, and...

Footsteps approached from the doorway. Before Li Wanran could respond, a strong arm entered her vision, forcibly prying Ye Rong's hands away.

"What are you doing?!"

The voice brimmed with anger. Li Zhengmao had returned home unnoticed.

Putting full strength into the push, he sent Ye Rong stumbling backward until she fell seated on the floor.

Her father pulled her into an embrace.

His left arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders like shielding a child. Coming to her senses, Li Wanran turned slightly to look at him.

His face showed clear anger at her mother's actions...

"Dad..."

"It's okay... don't be afraid. I'm here."

Unaware of Li Wanran's thoughts, Li Zhengmao simply assumed his wife's hysterics had frightened their daughter.

So his first instinct was comfort.

Gently patting her shoulder twice, like soothing a baby.

Then his gaze shifted to his wife seated on the floor.

That woman with disheveled hair covering her eyes.

After a long look, Li Zhengmao seemed to think of something, turning back to his daughter.

Hesitating briefly, he finally spoke.

"Wanran... go to your room first. I'll call you down for dinner later."

"..."

"Go on. I need to talk with your mother."

"Okay."

After studying her father's face, Li Wanran finally nodded.

With a simple acknowledgment, she regained her freedom as his arm released her shoulders.

Pausing briefly, she turned toward her room.

One last glance at the two in the living room.

Her stern-faced father, and...

Her mother sitting on the floor...

Looking utterly desolate.

Li Wanran returned to her room.

As the door clicked shut, the sound echoed clearly through the silent living room.

Li Zhengmao stood motionless.

Realizing his daughter had retreated.

After a long silence, he finally stepped forward.

Standing over his wife.

Looking down at her.

A flicker of guilt in his eyes.

Slowly crouching down.

Reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.

"Go rest in the room..."

"Don't touch me!"

The instant his hand made contact, the previously motionless Ye Rong reacted violently.

Slapping his hand away like a madwoman.

Simultaneously raising her head again.

Her eyes now bloodshot.

Those beautiful eyes now filled with pure hatred.

Staring at Li Zhengmao like he was her mortal enemy.

Her own husband.

Seeing those eyes, Li Zhengmao clearly understood her feelings.

He remained silent, simply standing up quietly.

Looking down at her.

After a long while, he spoke as if giving a solemn warning.

"Leave the child out of this. Don't you dare hurt her."