The 99th Divorce

“You’re not to cry.” Li Sicheng was seated in the passenger seat in front. His voice was stern. “You’re a boy. What did I teach you?”

Li Jianqian stifled his cries and turned his head to continue looking outside the window. “That I must be strong,” he replied.

“What is our purpose for going to Grandpa’s place this time?” Li Sicheng asked.

“To keep him company.” Li Jianqian lowered his head. His voice was a little soft. He quickly added in, “But, I don’t want to.”

“Your objections are futile.” Li Sicheng looked out the window and said, “We’ll stay until you’ve familiarized yourself with your surroundings.”

Su Qianci hugged her son and said, “Don’t be afraid. There are many fun things to do at Grandpa’s house. Grandpa has already prepared a room for you. All the toys you want are there. You will also have many friends in school. You’ll definitely be happy there.”

No I won’t. I’m not happy at all…

Li Jianqian didn’t say another word. He looked out of the window and bit his lip as tears streamed down his face.

He was 5 years old. Other 5-year-olds didn’t have to do this…

It was evening by the time they reached the Capital. When they arrived at the Rong residence, Rong Haiyue and Rong Xuan were elated. Huge smiles appeared on their faces as they went up to welcome their grandson.

When Li Jianqian saw Rong Haiyue and Rong Xuan, he bowed his head politely and greeted, “Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Grandma.”

Rong Xuan and Rong Haiyue were beaming so widely that their eyes were almost closed as they replied, “Hello, Dasu. Come on in. Grandpa and Grandma have prepared a room for you. Grandma even fixed it up personally. Come in and take a look.”

Li Jianqian smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. He followed the two elderly people in.

Su Qianci and Li Sicheng’s main purpose in coming was to have their child over keep his grandparents company. At the same time, they wanted to check how on how Ye Youyou and Li Jinnan were doing.

Now that the child had been safely delivered, the couple left a quick word and turned to leave.

Li Jianqian caught sight of them leaving. His insecurity grew. Looking at their retreating backs, he called out, “Dad! Mom!”

When Rong Haiyue and Rong Xuan witnessed Li Jianqian trying to hide his obvious fear behind a façade of strength, their smiles froze on their faces. Their hearts began to ache. For a 5-year-old, Li Jianqian was a tough kid.

Su Qianci heard Li Jianqian’s voice. She couldn’t bear to leave him. Her initial worry for Ye Youyou suddenly lessened. She looked to Li Sicheng and said, “Hubby, why don’t you go ahead without me? I’ll keep the kid company. You can update me on the situation when you get back.”

“Alright.” Li Sicheng nodded his head. He turned around and gently patted Li Jianqian on his head and said, “Be good. If you need anything, tell Grandma. She’ll be able to help you with it.”

“Daddy.” Li Jianqian looked at his father with eyes that were almost identical to his and asked, “Will you still take me back to Kingstown?”

Li Sicheng’s lips lifted in a subtle smile. The hand that had been patting his son’s head paused mid-action. He pinched his cheeks and asked, “Are you afraid that I’m going to abandon you?”

Li Jianqian’s lips turned down. He looked at his feet without saying a word.

When Li Sicheng observed his reaction, he knew that he had guessed correctly.

“You’re so young, and here you are worrying so much.” A little helplessly, he said, “Every one of my children has a bright future. I will never abandon any of you.”

Li Jianqian’s eyes reddened. In a choking voice, he asked, “Dad, why didn’t you send Mosen here? He’s a boy too. Is it because you do not love me anymore?”