He tricked the female lead into becoming his boyfriend, but then went on to criticize the male lead.

Sang Tingyan's gaze was intense, fixed on Fu Xulan's eyes, his words earnest and filled with an unprecedented humility: "These scars are real. All these years, I've endured this life thinking of you, waiting for an impossible you. I've never abandoned you, not even for a moment. Back then, I truly believed you were dead. If it weren't for raising Ningning, I would have gone with you long ago."

Fu Xulan's gaze fell on the scattered scars on his forearm, and her usually calm and collected eyes were instantly stirred with emotion.

Years of resentment, estrangement, and grievances quietly eased upon seeing these traces left by time.

She always thought he was unfaithful, greedy and heartless, but she never knew that he had suffered so much misery and pain all these years.

A slight tightness gripped her chest, and a bittersweet emotion slowly spread through her. Her tone softened considerably, losing its previous coldness and gaining a hint of hesitation: "I'll believe you this time for now. But words alone are insufficient proof. I'll only let it go completely once my nephew, Achen, has thoroughly investigated everything that happened back then."

When the words "nephew Achen" were mentioned, Sang Tingyan's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

Sang Tingyan quickly concealed the unease in his eyes, suppressed all distracting thoughts, and looked at Fu Xulan with deep affection, his voice incredibly gentle: "Alan, you have no idea how much I've missed you all these years."

A warm breath wafted over, carrying the deep affection that a middle-aged man had accumulated over many years.

Fu Xulan felt slightly uncomfortable under his direct and intense gaze, so she quickly turned her head away, her ears burning slightly, and interrupted him awkwardly, "Stop it, you're not young anymore, don't always call me that, it sounds awkward."

Sang Tingyan paused for a moment, then began to think seriously, his expression both rigid and sincere: "Then should I change how I address you? The other teachers at school all call me Old Sang, or should I call you Old Lan? No, that's too rustic, doesn't sound good. How about I call you Old Fu?"

Fu Xulan felt both angry and amused as she listened to his clumsy attempt to change his words.

After all these years, Sang Tingyan hasn't changed at all. He's still as stubborn as ever, completely inflexible, just like when we first met.

She sighed helplessly and softened her tone: "Alright, stop changing it. Just call me Alan."

"Okay! I'll do whatever you say, Alan!" Sang Tingyan's eyebrows immediately relaxed, like a child who had received candy. His eyes lit up instantly, and he asked solicitously and considerately, "Would you like some fruit? The fresh fruit I just cut is still fresh. Are you thirsty? I'll pour you a glass of warm water."

The two chatted idly, their past sharp resentments gradually fading away, leaving only the gentle warmth that comes with the passage of time.

As they talked, Sang Tingyan finally pieced together Fu Xulan's experiences over the years. He learned that she had not died back then, but was seriously injured and became a vegetable, sleeping for many years. After waking up, she lived in her own world, living in a daze until she met Sang Jiuning some time ago, which made her fully awake and return to the world.

In an instant, he was overwhelmed by immense self-blame and guilt.

His throat bobbed, his eyes reddened, filled with regret and helplessness, his voice low and hoarse: "Alan, I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I was so useless back then, I couldn't protect you, I let you suffer for so many years, I let you endure so much alone."

Just as Fu Xulan was about to say a few words of comfort to ease the heavy atmosphere, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate.

With a loud bang, the living room door was pushed open.

Uncle De, tall and imposing, gripped the baseball bat he had prepared earlier tightly in his hand. His face was tense, and he stormed in, his gaze quickly sweeping across the room. He asked anxiously, "Madam! The one-hour deadline is up. Are you alright? Has someone been giving you trouble?"

The sudden change shattered the gentle atmosphere inside the room.

Sang Tingyan's face suddenly darkened, and he subconsciously pulled Fu Xulan to his side to protect her. His eyes were wary and vigilant as he stared at the strange man who had suddenly barged in. He exuded a strong protectiveness towards his wife, and his gentle aura instantly disappeared.

Seeing the tense scene, Fu Xulan smiled helplessly, gently raised her hand and patted Sang Tingyan's arm reassuringly, and said to Uncle De in a gentle voice: "I'm fine, don't be nervous. Put your things down and sit down to rest for a while."

Only after confirming that Fu Xulan was safe and sound did Uncle De relax his tense nerves and put away his fierce aura.

His gaze swept over the fresh fruit on the table, and he naturally took a seat. His tone was respectful and proper as he introduced himself: "I am the Fu family's personal butler, and I escorted Madam and Miss back home."

Seeing this, Sang Tingyan quickly suppressed his guard and all hostility. He stood up, picked up a teacup, and silently poured a cup of warm water for Uncle De, showing perfect manners.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom on the second floor.

Sang Jiuning lay listlessly on the soft bed, swinging her legs idly, tapping her phone screen with her fingertips, playing Plants vs. Zombies aimlessly.

She played through the levels repeatedly, but the repetitive gameplay quickly made her lose interest.

She casually closed the game, tapped her WeChat Wallet, and looked at the seven-figure balance lying steadily on the screen. She couldn't help but smile and secretly chuckle.

Wow, she's actually a millionaire now!

In an instant, the image of Wen Zhaoci involuntarily popped into my mind.

That tall, handsome young man with a cool and aloof demeanor and a model-like appearance came from an elite family and possessed an air of nobility. He not only gifted her an expensive custom-made bracelet, but also insisted on paying the bill every time they went out, taking her to eat all kinds of delicious food.

Sang Jiuning felt a pang of guilt and shyness.

Wen Zhaoci has always been the one making the sacrifices, and I feel like I've never given him a decent gift before.

However, given Wen Zhaoci's family background and status, he was used to fine clothes, delicacies, and countless treasures. He had no shortage of ordinary gifts, and spending more money on things would seem unoriginal and meaningless.

She rested her chin on her hand, staring blankly at her phone screen, her thoughts gradually drifting off course.

Wen Zhaoci's image kept flashing through my mind—perfect height proportions, a great figure with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and delicate collarbones that were faintly visible when the neckline was slightly open, both aloof and alluring.

Sang Jiuning's cheeks flushed slightly as she wildly imagined things.

I didn't dare to look closely when I was soaking in the hot spring last time!

But this guy has all the typical novel protagonist physique requirements, so his body must be top-notch! He definitely has eight-pack abs, with clean and defined lines, the kind of beautiful abs you see online that you could slide down a slide with!

hiss……

She secretly gasped, her face flushing and her heart pounding the more she thought about it; the imagery was completely overwhelming.

If only Wen Zhaoci could be half-naked someday, so she could have a proper look at him...

No no no!

Sang Jiuning shook her head violently, trying to suppress the chaotic and erotic thoughts in her mind, her ears turning completely red.

What's wrong with her?

She's getting more and more infatuated and irresponsible!