She was tricked into marriage for three years, then remarried a childless, tough guy and became preg

Before Shen Tang could speak, Zhao Wenjing had already stood up.

She rolled up her sleeves and walked towards Li Meihua.

"Haven't you had enough of being beaten up, have you? That punch last time wasn't even hard enough."

Li Meihua gritted her teeth and dared not say another word.

Shen Tang then noticed that Li Meihua had a bruise around her left eye.

She chuckled. "Haven't seen you for two days, how come you've turned into a pirate captain?"

Li Meihua clenched her fists tightly. "Shen Tang, how can you still laugh? You're about to be expelled from the performing arts troupe. Although Director Huo pleaded for you and gave you a 15-day extension, what's the use? You'll be kicked out of the troupe sooner or later!"

"What does it matter to you whether I leave the performing arts troupe or not?" Shen Tang picked up a washbasin and said disdainfully, "Do you think that Huo Xiuyuan will choose you as long as I leave the troupe?"

Li Meihua raised her chin. "I've known Huo Xiuyuan since I was a child, and my mother has been kind to him. We have a foundation of affection."

"Emotional foundation? Did they only meet a few times when they were three years old, or is it an attempt to repay a debt of gratitude?"

"You..." Li Meihua felt instantly embarrassed.

Shen Tang ignored her and walked out with the washbasin in her hand.

Zhao Wenjing quickly followed and whispered, "Shen Tang, is that...person really your father?"

Shen Tang nodded.

"Oh no? What should we do?" Zhao Wenjing asked anxiously.

Zhou Nan saw Shen Tang and quickly ran over. "Shen Tang, how about I ask Qin Zheng to think of a way? He still has some connections."

"No need. There are still some doubts about the case from back then, and it will probably be difficult to find out in a short time. If I leave the cultural troupe, you two should take care of each other and make sure no one bullies you."

She looked at Zhou Nan, "Especially you."

Zhou Nan pouted, and tears streamed down her face.

"Shen Tang... I don't want you to leave..."

"Alright, don't rush to cry. Things aren't certain yet! Huo Xiuyuan said he would help me investigate the truth of what happened back then. If the truth is found out, I can still stay in the performing arts troupe," Shen Tang said with a smile.

Zhou Nan slowly stopped crying, sobbing as she said, "Shen Tang, tell Huo Xiuyuan to investigate thoroughly."

Shen Tang smiled and said, "Okay. I need to go take a shower first, I smell bad."

"Then hurry up and go, it's almost time for rehearsal," Zhao Wenjing said hastily.

Shen Tang walked quickly towards the bathroom. There was no water in the bathroom at this time, so she could only wipe herself with a towel.

When Shen Tang walked into the rehearsal hall, everyone had already arrived. The troupe members all moved aside when they saw her come in.

Shen Tang watched coldly, standing there straight.

When Commander Zhang saw Shen Tang come in, he called her aside.

"Commander Zhang, did you need something from me?"

"Huo Xiuyuan came to see me and told me about your father," Commander Zhang paused, "During this period, our troupe will focus on rehearsing for the Spring Festival Gala program."

Shen Tang immediately understood the meaning behind her words.

"Commander Zhang, I won't participate in the group program. I'll see how the time is. If there's enough time, I'd like to sign up for a solo program," Shen Tang said with a smile.

Commander Zhang sighed, "Shen Tang is a very promising talent, what a pity. Of course, if the truth comes out in the end, I will definitely allow your solo performance to participate in the competition."

Shen Tang smiled and said, "Thank you, Commander Zhang."

Commander Zhang patted her arm. "You don't need to come to rehearsals during this period. Just manage your own time."

Shen Tang knew that Director Zhang was afraid of the awkwardness of sitting there doing nothing while others rehearsed. She was also afraid of being said hurtful things about her.

"Thank you, Commander Zhang. I'll head back to my dorm now."

Commander Zhang nodded. "Go!"

Shen Tang turned around and strode towards the door.

From behind came Commander Zhang's reprimand: "There are doubts about Shen Tang's father's identity. The higher-ups haven't made a final decision yet, so everyone, don't speculate wildly..."

Shen Tang walked out of the rehearsal hall, where the sunlight was dazzling.

She looked up at the azure sky, tears still streaming down her face and into her hair.

She blinked and strode back to her dormitory.

Shen Tang returned to her dormitory and opened her English study materials. There were still 10 days until the exam. According to this timeline, by the time she finished the exam, it would be almost time for the 15-day deadline that Huo Xiuyuan had applied for.

She took a deep breath, picked up her pen, and knew she couldn't give up.

She buried herself in her studies.

......

The bell rang outside. Shen Tang packed up her books, tugged at her clothes, and walked outside.

Huo Xiuyuan was already waiting downstairs. He looked at Shen Tang with heartache in his eyes.

He went to the rehearsal hall first and heard from Zhao Wenjing about Shen Tang returning to the dormitory.

He didn't say anything, but still walked over and took her hand.

She said softly, "Let's go outside."

Shen Tang nodded and followed him outside.

Li Meihua stood behind her, her teeth practically grinding to powder.

Why, even after all this, did Huo Xiuyuan still choose Shen Tang?

There are still 13 days left. After 13 days, Huo Xiuyuan will definitely be back by my side.

Shen Tang looked up at Huo Xiuyuan. With him standing beside her, he blocked all the incoming swords and arrows.

Those who passed by looked away when they met Huo Xiuyuan's cold gaze.

Huo Xiuyuan opened the passenger door and helped her into the car.

The jeep drove out of the gate and headed towards the village to the east.

We walked along a tree-lined path and stopped in front of a courtyard.

"We've arrived." Huo Xiuyuan got out of the car.

Shen Tang pushed open the car door, looked at the half-closed gate in front of her, and clenched her fists.

She suddenly didn't know how to face the people inside.

Huo Xiuyuan walked over and took her hand.

Huo Xiuyuan's hands were big and warm. "Let's go, he made something delicious and is waiting for you!"

Shen Tang followed him into the courtyard. There was a stove built against the wall in the courtyard, and Chen Zhongyi was busy in front of the stove.

He turned around and saw the two of them come in. Somewhat awkwardly, he wiped his hands on his apron a couple of times.

"Quickly, sit down." He hurriedly moved the small stool that had been placed by the door forward.

Huo Xiuyuan led Shen Tang over. The small stool was wiped clean, and there was a square table next to it, which was full of dishes.

"Please have a seat. There's tea in the pot. The chicken stewing in the pot will be ready soon."

After saying this with a smile, Chen Zhongyi quickly turned around and went to work at the stove.

Shen Tang sat down on the small stool and looked up at him.

She could see Chen Zhongyi's cautiousness and guilt; he didn't even dare to look her in the eye.

Shen Tang originally harbored some resentment towards Chen Zhongyi—

He was released from prison, only managing a quick glance before leaving. He actually wanted to stay with his biological daughter, but this was discovered and reported, causing his daughter to be gossiped about and even threatened with expulsion from the performing arts troupe. His marriage was also ruined.

Who wouldn't hate it if they were in that situation?

A once wonderful life was completely rewritten.

However, he was indeed the original owner's biological father, so from Chen Zhongyi's perspective, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible.

His family is all gone; his daughter is his only remaining attachment.

Chen Zhongyi brought the chicken over and placed it on the table.

He chuckled sheepishly and said, "Let's eat first."