After finishing the meal, to prevent his mother from continuing to nag about the topic, Zhan Beijue excused himself to accompany the children with their homework, making a hasty escape from the dinner table.
Mrs. Zhan and Gong Peipei sat together, finding themselves in surprising agreement regarding the earlier conversation.
Zhan Beijue disliked women who stayed at home and did nothing. To gain his favor, the first step seemed to be getting her career established.
Gong Peipei proactively said, "Auntie Zhou, I actually think what A’jue said makes a lot of sense. I’m so young, and wasting my life at home every day feels quite shameful. I’ll ask someone to help send my works from Northern Europe back. I’ll set up my own studio in Nancheng later, and then I can pursue my career while keeping you company, how about that?"
Seeing that she was not only not angry but also willing to make changes, Mrs. Zhan was naturally delighted. "I'm so happy you're thinking this way, Peipei. Why are you so kind and accommodating? If only A’jue were half as sensible as you."
Gong Peipei shyly replied, "Auntie Zhou, you say that. I’ve dated before, and it really broke my Daddy's heart. How can I compare to A’jue? Daddy always says it would be great if I could be half as outstanding as A’jue."
Mrs. Zhan comforted her, "What's wrong with having dated before? Who doesn't have some life experience in their lifetime? One only becomes mature through experience. This stage of yours is just right for A’jue."
"Speaking of which, Peipei, Auntie Zhou wants to ask you sincerely. If Auntie wishes for you and A’jue to be together in the future, would you be willing?"
Although Gong’s father was a doctor, his nature was inclined towards gambling.
Over the years in Northern Europe, coupled with his gambling and poor investments, his family fortune had been depleted by two-thirds. All that remained were the two old houses in Nancheng.
If she hadn’t felt a sense of survival crisis, Gong Peipei wouldn't have broken up with her boyfriend of over three years and come back to be a stepmother.
She had known Zhan Beijue since she was young, and they were not people of the same world.
Back then, she had the capital to be proud and disdained to humble herself before him. But now...
Her mother had passed away many years ago, and her maternal uncle’s family had almost cut off contact with them. If she didn’t find a protector now, given her father's behavior...
Zhan Beijue's actions yesterday and today had initially worried her, but upon hearing Mrs. Zhan's words, she felt some reassurance.
"Auntie Zhou, you say that... you don't mind that I've dated before?"
Mrs. Zhan had a magnanimous expression. "What era is this? Auntie is not that old-fashioned. Besides, we've known each other for so long, and Auntie knows your character. I wouldn't dismiss you entirely just because you've had a relationship."
"Don't overthink it. Focus on getting your career started first. If you're willing, there will be plenty of opportunities to foster a relationship with A’jue in the future. I'll personally create them for you."
Following this pleasant conversation, Gong Peipei busied herself with her studio in the following days, and the Zhan family returned to tranquility.
In the blink of an eye, it was the weekend. Jiang Nanfang’s first legitimate opportunity to visit the children arrived.
Early in the morning, she secretly called the two children and asked them where they wanted to go today.
The two children dared not tell her that Zhan Beijue would be accompanying them. They pretended they hadn't decided yet and told her they would talk when they met.
The company car that Vice President Gao had promised had not yet been assigned, so Jiang Nanfang had to take a taxi to pick up the children.
Before she could even approach the Zhan family villa, the strict security guard called out from the monitor, forbidding her from coming closer. To avoid startling the driver, Jiang Nanfang had to wait by the roadside.
Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long before Zhan Beijue's imposing motorcade appeared.
Seeing her by the roadside from a distance, the two children excitedly lowered their car windows and waved at her, "Mommy!"