Who could have known that in such a short time, he would decline so rapidly.
Meng Jingwei lowered her head, her fingers covering her face, appearing somewhat weary.
The truth would eventually come out; some things she had to tell her family.
However, before Meng Jingwei could speak, Meng Tianhua’s voice echoed from the phone, "Daughter, what exactly is going on? I saw on the trending topics on Weibo that several companies under Muye have already collapsed, and the bank has frozen his company accounts. Muye has listed multiple properties under his name with real estate agents, planning to sell them. What's happening?"
Meng Tianhua was agitated, pacing back and forth in the living room while holding the child, feeling helpless.
In the living room, Madam Qing, suffering from Alzheimer's, sat alone on the sofa, lost in thought.
Cheng Xiaorui had played at home for two days and had already gone to school. Meanwhile, Qiao Ziqian, bored, had locked himself in the study and refused to come out.
In the vast villa, which was usually filled with the busy figures of maids, even their shadows were nowhere to be seen now.
"Dad, Mom, Ye... he..."
Meng Jingwei felt a lump in her throat, fearing her parents couldn't bear the truth. "Yes, several companies under Ye’s name have collapsed. We, we... we are bankrupt."
After she spoke, a long silence followed from the other end of the phone.
As parents, they should have been enjoying the joys of family. This sudden turn of events would be a devastating blow to them.
It was evident that the current situation was beyond their capacity to bear.
"I'm sorry, Dad, Mom, for letting you suffer with me," Meng Jingwei’s voice was choked with emotion.
Qing Muye had not called her once today. She had proactively contacted him that morning, but he hadn't answered.
She guessed that Qing Muye was likely under too much pressure, or perhaps didn't know how to face her, which was why he refused to answer.
The elderly couple looked at each other, their faces etched with worry, their eyes dim and tinged with red.
Du Juan, hearing her daughter's choked voice, felt a pang of heartache. "What nonsense are you saying? Suffering or not suffering? If it weren't for Muye, your father and I would still be farming in the countryside. We've enjoyed the blessings we deserve now. As long as you, Muye, and the children are safe and healthy, that is your father and my greatest fortune."
As soon as she finished, Meng Tianhua snatched the phone. "Yes, yes, your mother is absolutely right. We're from the countryside. Having enough to eat and drink is enough for us. How could we be suffering? Daughter, Muye isn't having an easy time either. You two must support each other, understand?"
The couple had been witnesses to their love and knew the immense difficulties Qing Muye had overcome to be with Meng Jingwei.
Now, even if the company went bankrupt, it couldn't be a reason to fracture their marital relationship.
Hearing her elderly parents' words, Meng Jingwei's nose tingled with emotion. She moved the phone away, covered her face with her hand, and let out a sob.
Then, she regained her composure and replied with a smile, "Okay, thank you, Dad and Mom."
"Silly child, we're family, what's there to thank us for?" Du Juan continued to comfort her for a few more sentences.
Shen Liannuo, standing nearby, saw Meng Jingwei's pretense of strength. She walked over and patted her shoulder, offering silent comfort.
As things stood, everything was settled.
The sooner Meng Jingwei could adjust herself, the better.
After their call ended, Meng Jingwei looked at Shen Liannuo. "Liannuo, here are my car keys. You must immediately go back to Yu Jing Villa and take my parents, the children, Grandma, oh, and Qiao Ziqian, take them to stay with you for a while."