Yang Zhiguo's words hadn't finished when Li Zheming, with a furrowed brow and a worried expression, said, "Discussing meeting the parents can wait. Uncle, I hope you'll agree to Wan'er staying at the quadrangle these days!"
After hearing Li Zheming's words, the smile on Yang Zhiguo's face immediately fell. He grimaced and snorted, "What do you mean by that? Don't you like Wan'er? Why would you push her into another man's arms?
What's Gu Xingdong's situation? Can't you see he's married and has children? If you want Wan'er to live with him, setting aside whether it sounds good or not when it gets out, being a stepmother isn't easy!
Later, she'll have her own children, right? Then she'll have to be good to her own children and treat others' children impartially. Any misstep will invite criticism, and she'll live under the pointing fingers of others!
Didn't you say you liked Wan'er? Yet your actions are constantly pushing her into a pit. Is this what you call liking her? Or do you not like Wan'er at all and are merely an accomplice, stating this reason deliberately!"
As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in Yang Zhiguo's eyes. With his hands behind his back, he couldn't help but snort. Li Zheming's complex emotions truly puzzled him. Based on their usual interactions, he was certain Li Zheming liked Wan'er, but his actions didn't seem to reflect that!
Only by understanding what these young people were thinking could he address the issue effectively, arranging the most suitable approach based on each person's state of mind to guide them toward a better outcome.
Facing Yang Zhiguo's questioning, Li Zheming couldn't help but swallow. A flicker of desolation crossed his eyes, and he then said with a bitter smile, "Wan'er still likes Gu Xingdong very much; she'd even risk her life for him. Last time, when you weren't here, she jumped directly out the window. I don't want such a tragedy to happen again!
Uncle, to be honest, I really like Wan'er. Even the child in her belly is mine. However, this matter must be approached gradually. I don't want to rush her. If anything happens, it will be a case of both mother and child lost, and there will be no chance for regret. "
Hearing that the child in Zhang Wan'er's belly might be Li Zheming's, Yang Zhiguo's pupils contracted, and a look of disbelief appeared on his face: "You... what's going on? How can the child in her belly be yours? Didn't she always say she had an affair with Gu Xingdong? Then..."
Thinking of Zhang Wan'er's loose behavior, deviating from the obedient girl image he had, Yang Zhiguo rubbed his forehead with a headache. "Zhang Wan'er!"
Just as he was about to question the situation, Li Zheming suddenly grabbed his shoulder and, with a pleading look, shook his head and explained helplessly, "Uncle, please don't tell Wan'er about this. She definitely won't accept the truth! She is your niece, and I'm sure you wouldn't want your niece to get hurt, right?"
"Then tell me honestly, what exactly happened during that time? Why is the child in her belly yours? Your complicated relationship is really..." Yang Zhiguo paused, then stamped his foot in frustration, his heart aching for Wan'er.
Li Zheming lowered his head and slowly explained, "Our relationship isn't that complicated, and Wan'er isn't as promiscuous as you imagine! From beginning to end, Wan'er only had relations with me. She just doesn't know it because she mistook me for Gu Xingdong when she was drugged that time.
I haven't told her the truth until now because I'm afraid she won't be able to accept the truth and might do something rash. But don't worry, I will take responsibility for her. When the time is right and I have a place in her heart, I will tell her the truth!"
"And when will you have a place in her heart? You're still helping her move closer to Gu Xingdong. I doubt your capability! I'll give you half a month for the child. Within half a month, you must win Wan'er over. If you fail, I'll have to find a more capable man to be responsible for her."
This was Yang Zhiguo's ultimatum. Li Zheming was bold in everything he did, except when it came to handling relationships; he was indecisive. If he hadn't learned today how much he liked Wan'er, by the time Yang Zhiguo arranged a husband for her, his hidden feelings would never have surfaced! That would be a true missed opportunity.
Li Zheming looked into Yang Zhiguo's eyes, accepted the pressure, and agreed. The two men chatted aimlessly about Zhang Wan'er for a while before returning to the room.
"Uncle!" Zhang Wan'er quickly stood up from her chair upon seeing Yang Zhiguo appear, then glanced at Li Zheming with a worried look, wondering how well he had persuaded him.
In the past, if she used her dramatic tactics of crying, making a scene, or threatening to hang herself, Yang Zhiguo would have immediately given in, agreeing to any unreasonable demand. But today, he hadn't, and he had watched her stand by the window. She hadn't actually intended to die; after all, her goal hadn't been achieved. If she died without getting Gu Xingdong, wouldn't that be a huge loss?
Seeing Zhang Wan'er looking around, Yang Zhiguo snorted impatiently, "What's the use of looking at him? Can he convince your uncle? Do you think that brat has much ability?"
As he finished speaking, Yang Zhiguo looked at Li Zheming again: "Why are you so lacking in foresight? Why aren't you leaving quickly? I have something important to discuss with Wan'er!"
Li Zheming nodded nervously, winked at Zhang Wan'er, and then turned to leave the hotel room.
"Uncle, I know I've been a bit excessive these past few days. After reflecting just now, I promise you that I will never do such thoughtless things again. I was just anxious these past few days, so my actions might have been difficult for you to understand. My original intention wasn't like this!" The more Zhang Wan'er spoke, the more wronged she felt, and tears began to stream down her face again. Seeing this, a hint of helplessness crossed Yang Zhiguo's eyes, and a long sigh echoed in the hotel room.