Chapter 25: If you are going to be fat, don't complain about being told; try looking in the mirror more often.

The table was laden with a hearty, common breakfast.

"Daddy, I want to eat the egg-egg!"

"Daddy will get it for you!"

The father and daughter laughed and played, enjoying a truly happy breakfast together. Zhao Qiang did not even say a single word to Chu Mengyao, focusing his entire attention on little Taozi.

"Daddy has things to do, so I’m heading off now. Be a good girl, Taozi!"

After the meal, Zhao Qiang felt he shouldn’t overstay his welcome. Taozi’s eyes were filled with reluctance, her voice carrying a hint of a sob.

"Daddy, come back again!"

Zhao Qiang tenderly stroked his daughter’s small head, his eyes brimming with love.

"Let’s pinky swear!"

Taozi held out her chubby little hand, her eyes full of expectation. Zhao Qiang smiled and extended his finger, completing the innocent, childish pact with her.

After Zhao Qiang left, Chu Mengyao finally lifted her head and let out a huff through her nose. *He didn't even glance at me—am I really that unappealing?* Still, her daughter was undeniably happier than before.

***

Hospital, maternity ward.

Zhao Qiang hurried to the room. Aside from Liu Tianming, the entire Liu family was present. Liu Shuangshuang had arrived from school, and Su Yao was there today as well. The moment he appeared, everyone’s gaze shifted toward him in unison.

Liu Ruyan looked in good spirits today, as if she had been reassured by something. One had to admit, she was still as beautiful as ever. In his previous life, she had maintained her figure perfectly after giving birth, showing no signs of change. It was a pity, though—why would such a beautiful woman secretly have a child for another man? She could have easily found a wealthy heir instead of being a mistress for Zhang Zihao!

Li Fengying was the first to lash out at Zhao Qiang, blaming him for the fact that Liu Tianming had been detained for fifteen days for participating in a gang fight.

"Zhao Qiang, you heartless wretch! Tianming is your brother-in-law—did you really have to go this far?"

Li Fengying, looking like a crazed lioness, lunged at Zhao Qiang with claws bared, her hands raised high, clearly intending to slap him across the face.

*Again? Is there no end to this?*

"Li Fengying, I gave you some face yesterday, didn't I?" Zhao Qiang reacted instantly, stepping back abruptly with wide, furious eyes. "Try hitting me and see if I don't hit back!"

"You bullied my son and even set dogs on me last night!" Li Fengying completely ignored his rage, leaning forward and continuing her assault.

"You brought this on yourself!" Zhao Qiang moved with lightning speed toward her. Li Fengying jumped back in fright; she was merely using her status to bully him, expecting him to back down.

Zhao Qiang stared at her with sharp, sword-like eyes, his powerful presence erupting. If she thought the lesson from yesterday wasn't enough, or that he was still the same spineless loser from his past life, she was gravely mistaken.

"Fine, fine, I won’t hit you," Li Fengying stammered, trying to maintain her composure, though her voice trembled. "Go to the police station immediately and explain the situation so they release my son!"

"Heh, are you joking?" Zhao Qiang curled his lip in a mocking sneer. The old woman was still trying to boss him around. "Why would I do that?"

"He’s in the station because of you! Don’t you have any responsibility?" Li Fengying’s voice rose, shrill and piercing. "If you hadn’t called the police, would he be in there?" She spoke with such conviction, as if Liu Tianming were blameless and the entire situation were Zhao Qiang’s fault.

"Li Fengying, don't you have any idea why your son was locked up?"

"I have an idea—what idea?" she shrieked. "He just came to reason with you! You claim he sent people to beat you up? Even if he brought people, did he actually touch you? But you beat his friends quite badly—just wait until their parents come for you! Besides, you look perfectly fine to me. Where on earth are you injured? You’re clearly a liar!"

"I have shown him restraint time and again; don't push your luck. Liu Tianming acted like a fool, engaged in a gang fight, and was arrested by the police—is that somehow my fault?" Zhao Qiang’s voice boomed, the veins on his neck bulging. "If he sends people to beat me, am I supposed to just stand there and take it? Is your son’s life the only one that matters, and mine worth nothing?"

Li Fengying was intimidated by his intensity but pressed on. "You say I sent people to hit you—where is the proof? I think you were just flirting with that female officer yesterday. Gao Lan, right? You must have told her to arrest my son."

She had visited the station last night and seen Gao Lan reprimanding her son, and she immediately convinced herself the policewoman was acting out of malice. She assumed there was something going on between them.

To shut her up, Zhao Qiang pulled out his phone. He had recorded the audio from the previous night; the Liu family wouldn't yield until they saw the coffin. Upon hearing the recording, Li Fengying’s face turned ghastly. The rest of the family looked equally grim—none had expected Zhao Qiang to be so prepared.

"Well? What now?" Zhao Qiang raised an eyebrow, looking at her with cold indifference. "You heard your son planning to teach me a lesson, didn't you? Li Fengying, do you have any idea what the consequences are for slandering a police officer?" He raised his voice, clearly incensed. "Next time you spout nonsense, use your brain before you talk!"

"Zhao Qiang, you..." Li Fengying was trembling with rage, unable to find a retort.

Liu Shuangshuang couldn't watch any longer. Scowling, she accused him publicly, "Zhao Qiang, that’s enough. You aren't divorced from my sister yet, and my mother is still your mother-in-law!"

"Shut up. You have no right to speak here," Zhao Qiang retorted mercilessly. "Don't force me to say something truly nasty, you little fatty!"

His eyes were filled with disdain. Liu Shuangshuang had the nerve to jump in? "Why don't you look in a mirror and see what you look like?" Zhao Qiang continued, not holding back. "You’re five feet tall and weigh 150 pounds? Are you trying to turn into a butterball? You eat so much and never exercise. Who’s going to want you looking like that?"

His words were sharp and unrelenting. The term "little fatty" ignited Liu Shuangshuang’s fury. She glared at him and screamed, "Zhao Qiang, whether I get married or not is none of your damn business! So what if I’m fat? Did I eat your rice?" She was breathing heavily, her chest heaving. Being called fat was her greatest insecurity; she hated it more than anything.

"Don't talk nonsense. I’m the one paying for your living expenses—so yes, you are eating my rice," Zhao Qiang sneered, arms crossed. "Have you forgotten so quickly? I have every right to say this—I’m doing it for your own good, so that when you can't find a husband later, Li Fengying doesn't blame me for giving you too much money."

He laughed, a sound laced with frustration and anger. In his past life, Liu Shuangshuang had never married because she was too fat, ugly, and lazy. Eventually, she couldn't even be given away for free. Li Fengying had constantly criticized him, claiming his financial support had spoiled her daughter, while Liu Shuangshuang had blamed him for giving her enough money to lack self-control. He had been the villain no matter what.

"You..." Liu Shuangshuang pointed a shaking finger at him, her face bright red.

"What about me? Look in the mirror—do you even have the appetite to eat anymore?" Zhao Qiang looked at her with utter contempt, his mocking words piercing like arrows. "Just looking at you makes me lose my appetite for three days."