The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era
Chapter 401 - 400 Hunting

Chapter 401: Chapter 400 Hunting

"I’m sorry, Doctor Yan, I misunderstood you without knowing the facts. I sincerely apologize and hope you can forgive me."

Shen Mingzhu hurriedly apologized with regret.

Yan Yi chuckled and exhaled a white breath, "That’s good, the wait wasn’t in vain. I’ve been thinking about this matter since yesterday until now. Reflecting on what exactly I did poorly to cause you to have such a misunderstanding towards me, I was quite depressed."

These words made Shen Mingzhu feel that only kneeling and kowtowing could atone for her guilt, "I’m truly sorry."

"A verbal apology can’t make up for the emotional injury I’ve suffered."

Shen Mingzhu looked at the man’s gentle face, unable to tell if he was serious or joking.

"Then what are your demands? As long as it’s within my capabilities."

Seeing her nervousness, Yan Yi smiled, "Haven’t thought about it yet. I’ll bring it up when I do, okay? No deadline, right?"

After a moment, Shen Mingzhu agreed.

After all, she hadn’t promised she would definitely be able to do it. If his conditions were too harsh, she could just refuse to comply.

Thick-skinned enough to take advantage.

Afterward, the two discussed Zhong Qing’s situation.

Learning that Zhong Qing had given up suicidal thoughts after Shen Mingzhu’s consolation and even had Shen Mingzhu’s homemade pig liver porridge and pan-fried dumplings for breakfast, Yan Yi suddenly expressed a sense of emotion.

"Sometimes, I’m quite envious of Zhong Qing."

"Envious of what about her?"

Yan Yi didn’t answer Shen Mingzhu’s question but took his leave from her instead.

After watching Shen Mingzhu’s graceful figure disappear into the crowd, Yan Yi turned and headed towards the inpatient department.

...

Seeing Yan Yi visiting Zhong Qing, the nanny tactfully left the room, leaving the space for the two of them.

Zhong Qing was the first to say to Yan Yi, "Actually, you don’t need to come here every day. I’m not seriously ill, and I won’t do anything foolish anymore."

Yan Yi was noncommittal, "I came today to tell you that although we have a business relationship, we can also be considered friends. I can help with anything within my power."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Qing boldly made a request to him.

...

Zhong Qing recovered quickly, and three days later, her health indicators met the discharge standards, and she was allowed to go home to recuperate.

The second day after Zhong Qing returned home, Chu Yuqing urged her to go to work.

Of course, going to work was not the goal; the real purpose was to bring home the new "prey" she had eyed as soon as possible.

Zhong Qing didn’t defy Chu Yuqing. She went to the company that day, made up her face, focused on making contact with Shan Yi, and reported her progress to Chu Yuqing regularly.

Her compliance pleased Chu Yuqing.

A week flashed by in an instant.

"Shan Yi will come to our house for dinner tomorrow night."

After receiving Zhong Qing’s precise confirmation, Chu Yuqing immediately began preparations for tomorrow night’s "trap."

First, she gave the housekeeper and servants collective time off and arranged for Zhong Yin and Zhong Min to accompany her to her maternal family’s home for ancestor worship the next day.

Chu Yuqing was from Jin City, which was two hundred kilometers from Fengcheng. Going back tomorrow would mean staying at least one night before returning.

Which meant that only Zhong Qing, her father, and Shan Yi would be at home tomorrow night.

...

The night was deep, yet Zhong Qing was busy in the bathroom.

She soaked a pair of black men’s underwear in a ceramic basin filled with clear liquid. After every thread of the cotton material had fully absorbed the liquid, she fished them out with tongs and laid them on the heating pipes to dry slowly.

She then went to the window, staring blankly at the pitch-black sky, like a devout believer waiting for the coming of God.

Finally, as her eyes became sore and unbearable, a hint of dawn’s light split the dark sky.

The day had finally broken.

The sunny day she had been longing for had arrived.

Joy brimmed in Zhong Qing’s eyes.

...

Sunrise followed by sunset, night descended as expected.

The brilliant lights tried hard to showcase the Zhong Family’s splendor and magnificence, yet they also made the sprawling residence seem all the more quiet and empty.

"Qingqing, why haven’t I seen any of your family members? Where is my aunt by marriage?"

Zhong Qing handed her a freshly made milk tea with a smile, "My mom took Yinyin and Xiaomin back to her maiden home for a memorial service, and my dad isn’t having dinner at home tonight. I just gave everyone the day off; it’s almost New Year’s, so I wanted to give everyone some time to shop for the holiday."

Shan Yi sipped the milk tea with a smile on her face and praised, "This is really tasty. It has the fragrance of tea and milk. What kind of tea is this?"

"Stocking milk tea, a friend taught me how to make it."

When she mentioned the word "friend," a sweet smile spread across Zhong Qing’s face.

Zhong Qing’s appearance was faultless, with skin white as snow, striking features, and a pair of light brown pupils that gave her an exotic beauty.

Her smile was like a blooming flower, leaving Shan Yi utterly mesmerized.

"Qingqing, you’re so beautiful."

"You’re quite cute too, like a little tiger."

"How is a tiger cute? A female tiger is really fierce!"

Shan Yi had two tiger teeth and was often teased as a tigress; this was the first time someone had called her cute, and she felt a mix of happiness and embarrassed self-mockery.

"Tigers aren’t just fierce, they also have a cute side. For instance, my friend, who’s like a tigress when angry and like a little kitten when cute."

"Just hearing you talk about it makes it sound so interesting."

Shan Yi rested her chin in her hands, her youthful face full of naive charm that made her quite endearing.

When Zhong Jiping returned home, this was the scene he encountered.

He hid the excitement of spotting prey in his eyes and stepped into the living room with a smile.

Shan Yi stood up and nervously addressed him as "Mr. Zhong," looking every bit the part of a helpless little rabbit, which made Zhong Jiping’s heart itch with desire.

He nodded amicably at Shan Yi and then motioned for Zhong Qing to follow him upstairs.

Once they reached the top of the stairs, before Zhong Jiping could start questioning, Zhong Qing took the initiative to explain.

"I was afraid she wouldn’t be able to handle the drug, so I went light on the dosage. It might take a little longer for the effects to kick in."

"Dad, go take a shower first; by the time you’re done, it should have taken effect. I’ve already prepared the bathwater for you."

As she spoke, she handed him a robe and black underwear she had prepared in advance.

Whether it was intuition or something else, Zhong Jiping didn’t take the items from her but instead scrutinized her with a piercing hawk-like gaze.

Time seemed to drag on.

Just when Zhong Qing thought her scheme was about to be uncovered, Zhong Jiping finally took the clothes from her hands and said, "Make it quick," before turning and entering the bathroom.

Only when the bathroom door shut did Zhong Qing lean against the wall, as if drained of strength.

...

Tick tock, tick tock.

The clock on the wall pointed to eight-thirty, an hour since Zhong Jiping had gone upstairs.

Shan Yi got up to say goodbye.

Zhong Qing offered to drive Shan Yi home thoughtfully, "It’s close to New Year’s, you’re a girl, and it’s not safe for you to walk at night. Driving you is no trouble at all."

"Thank you, Qingqing."

"You’re welcome. Just wait for me a moment; I’ll go upstairs to change clothes."

"Okay."

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Zhong Qing saw Zhong Jiping sprawled at the door to the bedroom.