The kindergarten was closed for a day due to the incident with Xiang Ling.
Fang Miaomiao received the news, said nothing, put down her phone, and played puzzles with Wen Yan'an in the living room.
"Mom, this piece goes where you said."
The two were tackling a large, thousand-piece puzzle. Even Fang Miaomiao, who was skilled at puzzles, found it a bit overwhelming.
"An'an, aren't your eyes tired?" Fang Miaomiao leaned back on the sofa, speaking weakly.
Wen Yan'an's gaze constantly shifted over the puzzle: "No, Mom, this kind of puzzle is very challenging, An'an likes it."
"As long as you like it, you go for it. My brain is done for, completely fried."
Wen Yan'an nodded heavily, looking at Fang Miaomiao with utmost seriousness, and said, "Yes, Mom, don't worry, I will definitely finish the puzzle for you."
"You go for it."
As Fang Miaomiao was speaking, her phone vibrated.
Looking at the contact name on her phone, Fang Miaomiao raised an eyebrow. After a moment of thought, she answered.
"Miaomiao."
"Is there something, Father?" Fang Miaomiao's tone was calm.
"This week, bring An'an home for a meal. We haven't eaten together in a long time."
After hearing Wen Renhe's voice on the other end, Fang Miaomiao raised an eyebrow: "Father, I recall we only left Yu Garden two days ago."
"You child, I'm talking about a meal. You left in such a hurry that day and didn't stay for dinner. We elders don't have many wishes, only to see our children well and enjoy family happiness."
Fang Miaomiao's voice held a hint of helplessness: "Father, we might not be able to come back this week."
"Why?"
Fang Miaomiao sounded surprised: "Doesn't Father know? Zhiyan is injured and can't come back."
"What happened? Miaomiao, how did you take care of your husband?"
Fang Miaomiao: "..."
What a heavy accusation to place on her shoulders with just a few words.
"Miaomiao."
"Father, if you truly want to know, you certainly can find out," Fang Miaomiao said, playing with a puzzle piece in her hand. "Actually, every time, if you could just consider Wen Zhiyan from a fair perspective, no one would be this awkward."
Wen Renhe on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment: "You are lecturing me."
Fang Miaomiao laughed heartily, but her expression was solemn: "You are my elder, how could I lecture you? In short, I am very sorry, our family cannot come back recently."
"Miaomiao, I also have my difficulties."
Wen Renhe looked at the photo on his desk. It was of Wen Zhiyan after graduating from university. Though his face was expressionless, his eyes held a spark. The more he looked at the photo, the more bitter Wen Renhe felt. He knew his family didn't like Zhiyan, knew they bullied him. Sometimes, he even indulged their bullying of Zhiyan. He felt it was something a strong person had to go through. Zhiyan was a born strongman, the pillar of the Wen Corporation. Only by constantly ignoring the family's dissatisfaction with Zhiyan could Zhiyan be more rational and not be hindered by family ties.
"Yes, yes, you are right about everything," Fang Miaomiao said perfunctorily. "You are an elder, elders are never wrong. Everything you do is for Zhiyan's good."
Wen Renhe didn't fail to catch Fang Miaomiao's sarcasm. He could only close his eyes: "How is his leg?"
"Father, please rest assured, Zhiyan is fine. However, the hospital advises him to rest and not go anywhere for the time being."
"I understand."
After hanging up the phone, Fang Miaomiao smiled and looked at Wen Zhiyan, who had been watching her the entire time she was on the phone: "How was it?"
"Very handsome."
"I think so too," Fang Miaomiao raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I'll protect you. No one can bully you."
"Mom, you have to protect me too," Wen Yan'an pounced into Fang Miaomiao's arms, saying eagerly, "An'an also needs Mom's protection."
"Okay, but."
"But what?" Wen Yan'an pressed.
"But, Mom is just a girl, protecting two people is too tiring."
"Hmm..." Wen Yan'an thought for a long time before saying, "Then, Mom, you protect Dad for now. When Dad gets better, you can protect me. When I grow up, I'll protect Mom with Dad. What do you think?"
Hearing this, Fang Miaomiao could no longer hold back her laughter, giggling aloud: "Okay, okay, I think An'an's suggestion is brilliant. Then I'll have to wait for you to grow up to protect me."
"Okay," Wen Yan'an nodded solemnly.
A knock sounded at the door.
Da Chen entered and said, "Master Wen, Madam, the detention center says Xiang Ling wants to see Madam."
"What is it that you can't tell me?"
Da Chen shook his head and looked at Fang Miaomiao with difficulty: "We asked. She only said she would speak if she saw Madam."
"Mom," Wen Yan'an instinctively grabbed Fang Miaomiao's skirt.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here," Fang Miaomiao patted Wen Yan'an's head affectionately. "You stay home and protect Dad obediently. Mom will go find out what's going on and come back to make delicious food for An'an, okay?"
Wen Yan'an glanced at Wen Zhiyan, who hadn't spoken, and hummed a few times: "Then, Mom, come back soon."
"Okay."
They arrived at the detention center around ten o'clock.
After spending a day in the detention center, Xiang Ling's hair was disheveled, and there were noticeable bruises on her cheeks. Her eyes were vacant, staring into space.
Upon seeing Fang Miaomiao, Xiang Ling's spirit immediately revived. She tidied her hair and a triumphant smile spread across her face: "You finally came."
Fang Miaomiao sat down: "I'm here. What do you want to say, speak."
"I can tell you who is behind this, but only if you withdraw the lawsuit," Xiang Ling stared intently at Fang Miaomiao, her fingers rubbing together, betraying her nervousness.
"Let's hear it."
"Unless you agree to withdraw the lawsuit and not hold me responsible, first," Xiang Ling's voice was somewhat sharp, her eyes fixed on Fang Miaomiao.
"Are you kidding me? What right do you have to negotiate with me now?" Fang Miaomiao scoffed. "You're just a bug behind someone. If I can't find out, can't my husband?"
"You," Xiang Ling's confidence faltered slightly. "How can you rely on your husband for everything? Aren't you afraid of being talked about like this?"
"Why not? My husband, the one I'm legally married to," Fang Miaomiao said with pride, crossing her arms. She wasn't foolish. If she couldn't solve something herself, why not find someone else to?
"You really are something," Xiang Ling seemed deflated. She lowered her head, her voice low, as if mocking herself or Fang Miaomiao. "I don't know if I underestimated you or overestimated you."
"Enough nonsense. I'm only here to see how pathetic you are, and to tell you: you deserve it."