Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 72

“Think about it from another perspective. If you were your father, what would you choose?”

Shen Fengmei said earnestly.

Han Ning fell silent, while Shen Xi frowned slightly.

It was just like that common question couples often ask: “If your mom and I fell into the water, who would you save?”

“That’s why everyone has their own difficulties. And I believe your father must feel deeply guilty. Otherwise, after all these years, he wouldn’t keep going to your mother’s grave to repent. Ning, dear… Your father and I are of the same age, we’re already halfway to the grave. The dead are gone, and the living must move forward. Your mother wouldn’t want to see you and your father at odds like this from up there, would she?”

Shen Fengmei sighed. As a woman, she, too, felt resentment toward Han Cheng for his inaction all those years ago. She wanted to scold him. But right now, Han Ning was already furious and filled with unresolved pain. As her elder, Shen Fengmei couldn’t add fuel to the fire. No matter what, Han Cheng was one of Han Ning’s few remaining bl00d relatives in this world.

Under Shen Fengmei’s persuasion, Han Ning gradually calmed down. The cloud of anger in her heart dissipated somewhat. Shen Xi watched Shen Fengmei, a smile in her eyes, feeling relieved. As an elder, she was finally acting like one.

“I understand, Auntie,” Han Ning blinked, looking obedient. Then she said, “I can forgive my father for what he did back then, but… debts must be settled with the rightful person.”

Before the other two could react, she grabbed her car keys and headed for the door.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Shen Xi quickly grabbed her, eyes filled with concern.

“I’m going to Anhua, to find my father and my grandmother,” Han Ning said calmly. But if one looked closely, there was a barely suppressed fury in her eyes.

“Your grandmother has been dead for years. Why are you looking for her?” Shen Xi held onto her tightly, trying to coax her back inside. With Shen Fengmei on one side and herself on the other, they practically pinned Han Ning down like two guardians.

“I want to ask my father about the past! And if that wretched old woman was truly evil, I’ll bring a dog to pee on her grave! Let her never rest in peace!” Han Ning was still fuming, getting more worked up by the second. Her face turned red with anger. Shen Xi struggled to hold her back and signaled Shen Fengmei with her eyes. She whispered urgently, “Mom! Say something! Keep persuading her!”

“Uh… I’m running out of words…” Shen Fengmei looked troubled, forced into action. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Doing this is meaningless…”

“How is it meaningless? The meaning is revenge!” Han Ning clenched her fists tightly, looking like she wanted to dig the old woman out of her grave.

Shen Xi knew Han Ning was just venting. She wouldn’t really act on her thoughts.

She suddenly let go of her hand and, with a straight face, said to Shen Fengmei, “Mom, let her go.”

“Uh… okay…” Shen Fengmei hesitated for a moment, then weakly released her grip.

“Go ahead. If you think this will make you feel better, I’ll even get a dog for you. You and the dog can go together,” Shen Xi said seriously. Then, after a second of thought, she realized she was insulting herself in the process…

Before Han Ning could react, Shen Xi pulled her up and pushed her toward the door. “Go on, wait in the car. I’ll go borrow a dog for you…” She pretended to leave.

Shen Fengmei followed behind, her heart racing. Where on earth was this silly girl going to find a dog?!

“I…” Han Ning choked. She looked up at the bright sun and stammered, “Uh… It’s getting late. Driving at night is unsafe. I… I’ll go another day.”

“The sun is still shining. It’s not late at all,” Shen Xi exposed her without hesitation, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

“…I-I’m a bit hungry… Auntie, let’s go eat,” Han Ning quickly changed the topic, rubbing her stomach. Ignoring Shen Fengmei’s resistance, she dragged her out the door.

Shen Xi let out a relieved sigh and grinned as she followed behind. “Alright, I’ll borrow the dog for you another day then~”

“Auntie, I’m telling you… Your daughter is great in every way, except for her sharp tongue,” Han Ning muttered as she quickened her pace, subtly complaining to Shen Fengmei.

“I feel the same way,” Shen Fengmei nodded in agreement.

“What are you two whispering about?” Shen Xi quickly caught up, grabbed Han Ning’s arm, and pinched her cheek with gritted teeth.

“I was just telling Auntie… that you’re great in every way… and have really sharp hearing,” Han Ning said with a forced smile.

To keep Han Ning occupied—just in case she got too bored and decided to go to Anhua after all—Shen Xi took Shen Fengmei and their two cats back to Lingchao after dinner.

Feeling robbed of her freedom, Shen Fengmei sat in the back seat, holding the two cats with a sulky expression.

“You brat. You know I don’t like staying in the city, yet you still dragged me here,” she complained to Shen Xi while Han Ning went to buy drinks. She even smacked Shen Xi on the arm to vent her frustration.

“Ouch…” Shen Xi rubbed her arm. How was her mother so skinny yet so strong?

“It’s just for a few days. Han Ning needs an elder to guide her. You’ve finally started acting like one, so you should keep going and lead her toward the light,” Shen Xi said, flattering her.

But Shen Fengmei wasn’t buying it.

“Don’t make me sound so noble… Staying in the city makes me irritable. And when I’m irritable, I want to cause trouble!” She leaned back into her seat, hugging the two cats, still sulking.

She thought to herself, Bringing me here? Taking care of these two girls’ meals and daily needs? Isn’t this just making me their babysitter? Living alone in the county was so much more comfortable—she could chat with friends and visit Mengmeng…

Thinking of Shen Mengmeng, her heart grew heavy. She knew she couldn’t hide it forever.

Kids grow up, after all. But if she told the truth… Shen Xi would definitely explode with rage.

Just then, Han Ning returned, got in the car, and handed out drinks. She noticed Shen Fengmei’s gloomy expression and asked Shen Xi, “What’s wrong with Auntie? She looks like she’s carrying the weight of the world.”

“She’s mad at me for taking away her freedom,” Shen Xi replied casually. “But if I take her out for some roast duck and to a teahouse for storytelling, she’ll forgive me… Right, Mom?”

Shen Fengmei remained silent, still looking miserable.

To Shen Xi’s surprise, after that day’s outburst, Han Ning didn’t cause any more trouble.

She settled into a routine, waking up early, going to bed early, and living a structured life. Shen Xi even started wondering if some passing deity had given her a secret pep talk.

But she remained skeptical.

“Ning seems normal now. Why am I still here?” Shen Fengmei grabbed her bag, ready to leave.

“Why the rush? Stay a few more days. I have a feeling she’s faking it,” Shen Xi whispered conspiratorially.

“Faking it? I think you’re the one acting weird!” Shen Fengmei sighed and put her bag back down.

“Just stay a day or two more. I have to go on a business trip. Little old me just found out—I sold another copyright! I need to go sign the contract!” Shen Xi was practically bursting with excitement.

Shen Fengmei perked up immediately. “Really?!”

“Of course~ So, I need you to keep Ning company. I asked her—she doesn’t want to go out, just wants to stay home. But I’m worried she’ll get bored. Once I get back, you can go home,” Shen Xi said, patting Shen Fengmei’s shoulder. “Mom~ Please~”

Since Shen Xi had serious work to do and genuinely liked Han Ning, Shen Fengmei agreed.

Shen Xi did go sign the contract—but she also made a detour to Xicheng.

The 800,000 debt Shen Fengmei owed had been paid off by Han Ning. This had always been a thorn in Shen Xi’s heart.

Han Ning was her girlfriend, not a charity. Shen Xi couldn’t just accept it.

So, she visited Yu Xin in Xicheng to have a special piece of jewelry designed for Han Ning…