“What nonsense were you spouting just now? I’m telling you, I’m not all-powerful in the capital, especially with the He family around. I can’t possibly protect you twenty-four-seven!
Do you have any idea that if your words reached the higher-ups, not only would you not be able to stay here, but I might also have to undergo an investigation and be confined here with you!” Yang Zhiguo spoke with a tone of exasperation, as if he was disappointed by her lack of progress.
Zhang Wan’er pouted aggrievedly, acting nonchalant. “Uncle, what are you afraid of? I didn’t say it in front of the He family. They’re just minor police officers. Even if they were bold enough, they wouldn’t dare report you!”
“I think you’re incorrigible! You’re going to be the death of me! What on earth were you thinking, trying to attack Madam He? How could you be so foolish?
You could have attacked Li Xiulan, or Gu Xingdong, or Chen Lishu, but why would you provoke the He family? How can I possibly plead for you now?” Yang Zhiguo’s chest heaved with anger as he spoke of the matter.
Zhang Wan’er crossed her arms, shrugging with feigned innocence. “The plan was going well. If it wasn’t for some scoundrel forcing me to kill Madam He midway, I wouldn’t have taken such a risk!
By the way, Uncle, can you come in now because they’ve agreed to let me go home? You have no idea how unbearable the conditions are in prison. Let’s go back quickly. I haven’t even had a proper meal!”
Hearing that Zhang Wan’er was still hungry, a flicker of heartache flashed in Yang Zhiguo’s eyes. Then, as if remembering something, his gaze gradually turned firm. “You can go out, but your mother and I have discussed it. We’ll send you abroad to study business in a couple of days!
As you know, I haven’t taken another woman all these years and don’t plan to have children. The businesses of the Zhang and Yang families will naturally fall to you to manage. It’s best to start learning about business early so you can help me with some matters in the future!”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wan’er became agitated. She shook her head and took a step back, saying, “Go abroad? I absolutely refuse!”
Yang Zhiguo’s eyes suddenly turned sharp, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “There’s no room for discussion on this matter. Also, I’ve already arranged for a hospital to terminate the pregnancy. You’ll go abroad for a few years of advanced studies, and once everyone has forgotten about what happened here, you can return. I’ll arrange a suitable marriage for you!”
“Uncle, are you crazy? The child in my womb is a life! Isn’t it precisely because of this child that I can come out now?”
Zhang Wan’er understood that offending the He family would have severe consequences. She had carefully considered the matter in prison and knew that the He family would likely go to great lengths to deal with her. If Yang Zhiguo wanted to plead for her, he could only approach Gu Xingdong. Perhaps with Gu Xingdong’s help, there might be a sliver of hope for survival!
Now that she was able to leave, it was likely due to the influence of Gu Xingdong or Li Xiulan. This proved that her child was still highly valued by them, and perhaps she could use this child to her advantage.
From now on, she would not engage in such risky activities. She would stay by Gu Xingdong’s side and wait for her opportunity to replace Chen Lishu once the Gu family lost patience with her!
With her mind made up, Zhang Wan’er clutched her stomach tighter, her gaze towards Yang Zhiguo filled with wariness.
Seeing Zhang Wan’er’s unappreciative demeanor, Yang Zhiguo’s teeth gnashed with anger. He then grabbed her wrist, tugged forcefully, and said coldly, “There’s no room for discussion on this matter. Come out with me!”
With that, Zhang Wan’er stumbled out of the prison, following closely behind Yang Zhiguo.
----
Zhang Residence
Seeing her daughter return safely, Zhang Hehua’s tense body finally relaxed. She suddenly burst into tears and rushed to Zhang Wan’er, pulling her into a hug. She examined her from head to toe, constantly asking, “My dearest daughter, were you troubled by anyone in prison?
Are you injured anywhere? If you are, tell your mother, and I will surely seek justice for you. How dare those nobodies lay a hand on you? My poor daughter, why do you always do such foolish things?”
“Isn’t it because you’ve spoiled her that she does these foolish things?” Zhang Tieshan felt exasperated seeing this display of “motherly love and filial piety.”
Although he doted on his granddaughter Zhang Wan’er, he was the most sensible person in the family. He understood the saying that spoiling one’s children is akin to killing them!
“She’s my only daughter, so who else should I spoil if not her? Why are you speaking up for outsiders? It’s not Wan’er’s fault. If anyone is to blame, it’s that ungrateful man!” After retorting to Zhang Tieshan, Zhang Hehua tenderly stroked Zhang Wan’er’s cheek.
“Wan’er, your uncle and I have discussed it. We’ll secretly take you to the hospital for an abortion. We shouldn’t waste any more time on that scumbag!
Mom has been paying more attention to the children from other prominent families. They are all much more excellent than Gu Xingdong. I’ll contact one of them, and you can talk to him. Perhaps you won’t like Gu Xingdong and can find your own happiness!”
Hearing Zhang Hehua’s words, Zhang Wan’er was so enraged that she shoved her away. With overwhelming emotion, she yelled at everyone, “I don’t want to! Gu Xingdong likes me. If it weren’t for the child in my womb and his pleading with the He family, how could the He family have let me go?
Have you considered what might happen if this child is gone and the Gu family gets angry? What if they start investigating my past actions again? This child in my womb is my trump card. Have you considered these things when you tell me to have an abortion!”
“Nonsense!” Seeing Zhang Wan’er’s obstinate refusal, Yang Zhiguo wished he could strike her dead with a single blow. However, when he saw the worried expressions of Zhang Hehua and Zhang Tieshan, his impulsive actions were instantly doused by a bucket of cold water.
“After you got into trouble, the Gu family never mentioned the child in your womb. If they truly cared about the child, why haven’t they sent someone to pick you up by now? It was I who humbly asked for help based on past favors, and only then were they willing to plead for you!”