Huo Jiusi mimicked Yue Guohuai’s earlier motion, gripping Yaya’s tiny ankle and giving it a tug.
But he misjudged his strength—yanking her straight toward him in one swift motion.
Their eyes met, wide and unblinking.
Still groggy from sleep, Yaya was hit with the full force of his striking features before she could process what had happened. A rush of giddy delight bubbled up, and she burst into laughter.
[This little devil might be arrogant and twisted, but damn, he’s pretty.]
[If I could wake up to this face every day, I can’t even imagine how happy I’d be.]
Unaware that Yaya’s drowsy ramblings were nonsense, Huo Jiusi took her words to heart.
From that day on, without fail, hers would be the first face he saw each morning.
Once the guests had left, only the Yue family remained. Yue Mingde stood and announced, “Dad, Mom, there’s something I need to say.”
“What is it, Mingde?” Wan Jiayin asked.
“I’ve decided to divorce Li Yan—and I’m resigning to start my own business.”
In this era, either of those decisions alone would have been explosive. But Yue Mingde was dropping both at once.
The family exchanged stunned glances.
Their eldest brother had always been quiet—but when he moved, he moved big.
“Eldest Brother, I know Sister-in-law has her flaws, but you still have Xiaoxin and Xiaohui to consider. Think of the children,” Yue Mingli urged.
Yue Mingde recounted what had happened in the backyard earlier. The family’s expressions darkened.
“Sister-in-law really has no sense of priority,” Yue Mingli muttered, furious just hearing about it.
There was nothing wrong with favoring her birth family—but not at the expense of her own household or her in-laws.
His own wife, Meng Fang, was far better in that regard. Yue Mingli reached for her hand, and she offered him a gentle smile—though he missed the worry shadowing her eyes.
“I’ve already spoken with Xiaoxin and Xiaohui. They understand and accept my decision.”
“Even after the divorce, Li Yan can see them whenever she wants. I just don’t want them near her family again.”
Wan Jiayin sighed softly. “Mingde, if you’ve thought it through and the children are fine with it, then go ahead with the divorce.”
“But as for quitting your job to start a business… I’d advise you to reconsider. Entrepreneurship requires a flexible, shrewd personality. As the saying goes, no merchant isn’t cunning. That’s not you.”
She knew her son’s nature. She wasn’t worried he’d cheat others—she feared others would cheat him.
[Uncle might not be slick, but he’s diligent—a true practical doer!]
[If he follows his own path, he’ll carve out his own success!]
[Even if he doesn’t resign, the factory will shut down within a year. And before that, he’ll be fired for taking side jobs.]
[Li Yang’s dad gambled away a fortune and sweet-talked Auntie into draining the family savings to cover his debts—even Xiaoxin and Xiaohui’s tuition! When he still couldn’t repay, Uncle took on extra work.]
[But that ingrate reported Uncle to the factory bosses out of spite—all because Uncle once caught him stealing and reselling factory parts.]
[He’s the one who egged Li Yang to bully Xiaoxin and Xiaohui—even tried to get Xiaohui killed!]
[And he kept stirring trouble between Uncle and Auntie!]
[Ugh, he’s the worst!]
Luckily, karma struck hard. Not long after Uncle was fired, the man got into a drunken brawl, took a bottle to the head, and was left mentally disabled.
Yue Mingde stared at Yaya, stunned. She was now happily playing with her fingers in Yue Mingyuan’s arms.
If what she’d “said” was true, he’d need to keep a sharp eye on Li Zhigang from now on.
…
Early the next morning, Yue Mingde submitted his resignation.
The factory managers tried to dissuade him, but seeing his resolve, they reluctantly approved.
After leaving, he headed straight to Qin Liping’s workplace—Guojing University.
“Eldest Brother?” Qin Liping was shocked by the unexpected visit.
Yue Mingde cut to the chase: “Liping, could you find me a temporary job here? Anything—cafeteria, janitorial, security—I’ll take it. Pay doesn’t matter. I just want to audit classes and use the library.”
He explained, “I’ve already resigned, but truthfully, I’m not sure what to do next. I figured I’d start by taking night classes, but then I thought—why not a university? Students are at the forefront of new ideas. Being around them might spark something.”
“Besides, night school tuition isn’t cheap. The factory hasn’t paid wages in months, and with the divorce…”
He sighed. “Li Yan hasn’t had an easy life with me. Aside from my bike and two weeks’ living expenses for me and the kids, I’m giving her everything else.”
“So I’m trying to save where I can. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”
“Wait here, Eldest Brother. I’ll check with the logistics department.”
A call revealed they urgently needed a maintenance worker. When Qin Liping brought Yue Mingde over, his efficiency and versatility impressed the supervisor, who hired him on the spot.
“That went smoother than I expected.” Yue Mingde clasped Qin Liping’s hand tightly. “Thank you, Liping. Really.”
“We’re family, Eldest Brother. No need for formalities. If you need anything else, just ask.”
Qin Liping handed over his library card. “Take this—it’ll get you in and out of the library, and you can borrow books, too.”
“I’ll also get class schedules from other departments. Once you have those, you can sit in on any lectures, as long as work permits.”
“Of course,” Yue Mingde nodded. “I won’t let it interfere.”
After parting ways, Yue Mingde hurried to the library, borrowing several books before rushing to the market.
He needed to get home in time to cook for Xiaoxin and Xiaohui.
Li Yan taught at the same school as the children. As they left at day’s end, she called out, “Xiaoxin! Xiaohui!”
They stopped. She grabbed their wrists. “Come with me to your grandparents’ house. You need to apologize to your uncle and Yangyang.”
“We’re not going! We didn’t do anything wrong!” Xiaoxin wrenched free and pried her grip off Xiaohui.
