Chapter 42: I Treated You Like a Brother, Yet You Want to Marry Me-Depois de renascer, recusei-me a assumir o fardo, e a família da minha esposa enlouqueceu.(Estufar-se em uma panela de ferro.)

"Gao Lan and I were in love back in high school. If I hadn't lost touch with her, your Liu Ruyan wouldn't have stood a chance."

"Didn't Liu Ruyan despise me for being a deadbeat?"

"Once the paternity test results come out tomorrow, I'll head straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau to file for divorce and satisfy your family's wishes."

Zhao Qiang spoke with ironclad resolve. Since they were putting on a performance, both sides had to play their parts.

He Fen hurriedly chimed in, "Li Fengying, I suggest you leave now before you delay my son and his future wife from spending time together!"

"Fine! Fine! So the whole family has stopped pretending, have you?"

"When those results come in tomorrow, I’m going to make sure Ruyan divorces you and leaves you with nothing!"

Li Fengying sneered, "Alright, we shall see."

With that, she grabbed Liu Shuangshuang and stormed off in a rage. Once they were out of sight, He Fen’s strength gave out, and she collapsed into a chair.

Gao Lan quickly comforted her, "Uncle, Auntie, don't worry. Justice will prevail."

She suddenly realized she was still clutching Zhao Qiang’s arm and her face flushed crimson.

"Dear, was what you said just now true? Do you really like my Qiangzi?"

He Fen’s face beamed with delight; she wished the two could get married on the spot.

"Mom, Gao Lan was just helping me out. Don't read too much into it."

"Auntie, I should get going."

Thinking back on the embarrassing words she had just spoken, Gao Lan couldn't bear to stay a second longer.

"Qiangzi, hurry up and see Xiao Lan out."

He Fen nudged Zhao Qiang, and only then did he move. He hadn't even finished his meal, and he knew the way perfectly well—why did he need to see her out?

Gao Lan was striking, possessing a beauty that left an indelible impression. Back in high school, Zhao Qiang had treated her like one of the guys. Because her personality was rather tomboyish—playing basketball, video games, and doing whatever the boys did—she had worn her hair short and acted like a brat. Now, however, she had blossomed into a woman with a stunning figure, long legs, and feminine curves.

At the entrance of the Guangming residential complex, Zhao Qiang called out to Gao Lan, who was walking away at a brisk pace.

"Thanks for just now, but don't take my mom's words to heart."

They were such good brothers; Zhao Qiang couldn't bring himself to make a move. He had yet to settle his grievances, and he didn't want to complicate things.

"Zhao Qiang, do you think I was joking?" Gao Lan bit her lip, her gaze resolute.

Before Zhao Qiang could reply, Gao Lan lunged forward, threw her arms around him, and planted a firm kiss on his cheek.

"Gao Lan, you..." Zhao Qiang was stunned, never imagining she was being serious.

"Hmph. It would have been one thing if I hadn't run into you, but now that I have, you’re mine."

After the kiss, Gao Lan shoved him away.

"Wait, Gao Lan, we're good brothers, remember?"

"Pah! Who’s your 'good brother'? You’ve kissed me plenty of times!"

"What kind of brother kisses someone that many times?"

"Don't I look like a beautiful woman now?"

Gao Lan cared about her pride, and as soon as she said this, she turned and ran off, blushing furiously. She had shocked even herself with her boldness.

Zhao Qiang stood there, dumbfounded. Could it be that those times he performed CPR on her back in high school had actually sparked feelings?

A series of car horn honks pulled him from his daze. A black Lincoln luxury sedan was parked at the intersection. He didn't need to look to know it was Chu Mengyao, bringing little Peach with her. The thought of his daughter made his heart swell with joy. He rushed over, but when he opened the door, there was no sign of little Peach.

Aside from the driver, Xiao Zhou, the only other person in the car was that cold, aloof figure.

Chu Mengyao held a glass of red wine, her snow-white legs crossed elegantly. A slim-fitting black dress clung to her graceful silhouette, yet it could not mask her innate, icy temperament. Her cascading hair fell loosely over her shoulders, partially veiling her alabaster neck. Her slender fingers swirled the wine glass, the deep crimson liquid catching the light with a mesmerizing luster.

She was playing the part of the cold, overbearing CEO again—luckily, he wasn't buying it.

"CEO Chu, where is my daughter?"

"Your daughter? What daughter?"

"So you remember you have a daughter?"

"Weren't you too busy being lovey-dovey with that woman?"

Chu Mengyao scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Which woman I’m with shouldn't be any of your concern, right?"

"Get out. Who told you to get in?" Chu Mengyao’s brows arched, her face a mask of fury.

"With a temper like that, it’s no wonder little Peach doesn't like you."

"Since little Peach isn't here, I’ll be heading off. We can chat another time!"

Zhao Qiang had no desire to engage in awkward small talk; he and Chu Mengyao truly had nothing in common.

"If my temper is so bad, why don't you go find that woman from before!" Chu Mengyao bit her red lip, shouting in anger.

She had originally intended to bring Zhao Qiang to the apartment so he could spend more time with little Peach. After the engagement banquet, her family would surely pressure her to marry, and using Zhao Qiang as a shield wouldn't be such a bad idea. Who would have thought that the moment she arrived, she would witness him being kissed by someone else? How could she not be furious?

It was maddening!

"CEO Chu, what’s gotten into you today? You’re so sour—don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me?"

"Sounds like you're jealous, doesn't it?"

Zhao Qiang’s lips curled into a playful smirk. He was just teasing; he didn't truly believe Chu Mengyao could ever fall for him.

"Jealous? Why would I be jealous?"

"You must be joking! As if I’d be jealous of you!"

"Get out of the car. I don't want to see you."

Chu Mengyao thrust her hand out to push him, but Zhao Qiang caught it with lightning reflexes.

"Let go, did you hear me?" Chu Mengyao snapped.

"Not until you agree to one thing."

"CEO Chu, I’m going out to get some air." The driver, Xiao Zhou, stepped out of the car, unable to bear the bickering between the couple anymore. They had a child together, yet they were still acting like this.

"CEO Chu, let’s talk business. Can you let little Peach see my parents?"

He Fen and Zhao Hai had been quite low-spirited lately. Zhao Qiang hoped that little Peach’s lively, adorable presence would lift their spirits. She was their granddaughter, after all; they would surely cherish her.

"Don't even think about it. She is my daughter." Chu Mengyao turned her head away, her stance firm.

"Just one meeting. It won't take long, and I promise my parents won't disrupt little Peach’s life."

Chu Mengyao glared at him, her eyes stubborn. "No. I said no, and that means no!"

Zhao Qiang held onto her hand, refusing to let go, his voice growing urgent. "Chu Mengyao, can't you be a little flexible? Little Peach is my daughter, too. What’s wrong with my parents seeing their own granddaughter?"

This woman was truly overbearing.

"That depends on whether little Peach wants to. If she doesn't, no one is forcing her."

"So, you agree?"

"I never said I agreed."

"Chu Mengyao, don't push your luck. Don't force my hand—I’m capable of anything."

Zhao Qiang clenched his fists, his eyes burning with frustration. This woman really needed to be put in her place; she was being completely unreasonable.

"Ha! And what could you possibly do to me?"

Chu Mengyao pursed her crimson lips, a hint of defiance on her delicate face. She pointed a finger at Zhao Qiang’s chest, challenging him.