Chapter Fifty-One: Madam Zhao’s Decision

When Zhuo Nan appeared before Xia Qianrou with Zhao Jiawen in tow, Xia Qianrou was taken aback. Zhao Jiawen was equally surprised; she hadn’t known why Zhuo Nan was bringing her to the bathhouse, but upon seeing her teacher, she realized that her situation had reached the ears of Ms. Xia.

Suddenly remembering that Zhuo Nan was still holding her hand, she felt a pang of guilt and immediately let go. After all, holding hands with a male classmate in front of one’s homeroom teacher required immense courage. Although they were boyfriend and girlfriend, they were still students, and their relationship had to remain a secret.

However, Zhao Jiawen’s thoughts were merely wishful thinking. Xia Qianrou had seen them holding hands the entire time. Watching the lingering, affectionate gaze Zhao Jiawen cast toward Zhuo Nan, Xia Qianrou felt a slight bitterness. She had once experienced the same feelings herself—the sweetness of a girl in love.

Pretending not to have noticed their little interaction, she asked with concern, "Jiawen, are you alright? Were you hurt?"

Zhao Jiawen was touched and shook her head, saying, "Ms. Xia, thank you for your concern. I’m not hurt."

Xia Qianrou continued, "What exactly happened?"

Zhao Jiawen said with lingering fear, "I’m not sure. I was sitting in the park yesterday when I suddenly fainted. When I woke up, I realized I had been tied up by two bad men." Her tone shifted, becoming a bit excited, "Luckily, there was Zhuo Nan. He was so amazing; he beat the bad guys and rescued me." As she spoke, Zhao Jiawen’s eyes never left Zhuo Nan, her adoration evident.

Seeing this, Xia Qianrou felt a flicker of irritation and glared at Zhuo Nan with a cold snort.

Zhao Jiawen didn’t understand why her teacher was angry and looked at Zhuo Nan in fear. Zhuo Nan gave her a reassuring look, knowing that Xia Qianrou was blaming him for being too reckless in going to rescue Zhao Jiawen alone.

He spoke up then, "Ms. Xia, let’s take Zhao Jiawen home. Her parents are still waiting."

Xia Qianrou felt disgruntled. Now that Zhao Jiawen was safe, she was getting cozy with Zhuo Nan, and jealousy flared up within her. Too annoyed to look at the pair, she said, "Zhuo Nan, you take Zhao Jiawen home. I’ll go home myself." At that moment, she hardly looked like a teacher; she appeared more like a disgruntled young wife.

Zhuo Nan didn't understand what she meant and reached out to stop her, "Ms. Xia, aren't you coming with us? Besides, it’s hard to catch a ride here. I’ll take you home."

Xia Qianrou snorted coldly and turned to walk out the door. Zhuo Nan shrugged at Zhao Jiawen with an innocent expression, and then they followed her out.

When they got to the car, both women wanted to sit next to Zhuo Nan. Zhuo Nan felt a headache coming on, but Xia Qianrou spoke first, telling Zhao Jiawen, "You sit in the front." She then opened the back door and sat down.

Zhao Jiawen pouted, wondering what had gotten into Ms. Xia. She was usually strict, but she had never been this cold and heartless, acting as if everyone owed her money.

During the ride, except for Xia Qianrou telling him to drive slowly, the three remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Zhao Jiawen didn't dare to be too intimate with Zhuo Nan, as her homeroom teacher was sitting right behind them. If she were to realize they were dating, the consequences would be severe. She hoped Xia Qianrou would get off soon so she could snuggle up to Zhuo Nan.

Meanwhile, Xia Qianrou was cursing silently, *This damn Zhuo Nan, playing the hero to save the beauty. The girl already had her heart set on you, and now that you’ve rescued her, she’s surely going to be yours for life. You brat, what do I lack compared to this girl? Fine, I rejected you and even hit you, but can’t you be a little more proactive? If you were, wouldn’t I have given in to you by now?*

Xia Qianrou’s silent cursing caused Zhuo Nan to sneeze, sending the steering wheel swerving. Luckily, his reflexes were sharp, and he corrected the car immediately, startling both women.

Xia Qianrou complained, "Zhuo Nan, do you even know how to drive? Our three lives are in your hands!"

Zhuo Nan chuckled, "Don't worry, Ms. Xia, I’m an expert driver. I don't know why I sneezed; I don't have a cold."

Xia Qianrou’s expression turned awkward, thinking, *You brat, you deserve it...*

The car soon entered the city, and after a few nimble turns, they reached Xia Qianrou’s apartment complex. After getting out, she instructed him, "Drive slowly, and remember to come to school tomorrow." Zhuo Nan rolled his eyes helplessly.

Xia Qianrou glared at him and then told Zhao Jiawen, "Rest well at home tomorrow, and don't worry about school matters."

Zhao Jiawen nodded obediently, "It’s alright, Ms. Xia, I’m fine. I’ll be at school tomorrow." The girl’s motive was simple: at school, she could be with Zhuo Nan in a legitimate way.

Xia Qianrou knew exactly what the girl was thinking. She gave Zhuo Nan a resentful look and said, "Drive safely, I'm heading up." With that, she turned and walked into the complex.

Once she was gone, Zhao Jiawen asked, "Zhuo Nan, why did Ms. Xia act so strangely when she saw us?"

Zhuo Nan chuckled and pretended not to care, "Who knows? Women have those few days every month."

Zhao Jiawen’s small fist landed on his shoulder, her face blushing, "Zhuo Nan, you’re such a hooligan..."

Zhuo Nan said with a straight face, "I’m just stating facts. Don’t you have those days every month?"

A flush of red crept to the girl’s ears, and she said shyly, "Zhuo Nan, I'm not talking to you anymore..."

Zhuo Nan stared at her and chuckled. His expression was like that of a lecherous uncle eyeing a young girl. *Zhuo Nan, you really are shameless,* he thought to himself.

However, "Brother Nan" still had some restraint. He didn't try anything in the car and started the engine, driving toward Zhao Jiawen’s home under her directions.

At that moment, Zhao Baohua and his wife were waiting at home, anxious beyond measure. Their daughter was the apple of their eye, cherished and protected. They had always indulged her, and when she showed an interest in singing and dancing, Zhao Baohua had enrolled her in the best classes. She had been successful, even winning a singing competition in middle school. At that time, entertainment companies had wanted to sign her, but they had refused, wanting her to finish high school and attend a music conservatory first.

But after she hadn't come home last night, the couple had panicked. Luckily, when they went to the school today, they ran into Zhuo Nan. It was entirely thanks to him that the underworld and the police had worked so hard to help. They knew they owed him a massive favor.

Zhao Baohua couldn't understand how Zhuo Nan, who looked so honest, had become so powerful. He was on such good terms with the police chief, even though his own father had been a simple engineer.

In the outside world, a police chief would never look twice at him, let alone a small precinct officer. And there was Brother Kun from the underworld; even as an ordinary citizen, Zhao Baohua knew who he was—a man rumored to be a cold-blooded killer.

To think that such a person would help him find his daughter—Zhao felt a surge of pride. He couldn't wait to show off at work. If things went well, he would treat Zhuo Nan to a meal and invite Long Kun, then call over the arrogant bosses at his office just to see who could act more boastful.

With the news of his daughter being found, Zhao Baohua’s thoughts drifted, and he began to daydream. His wife, seeing him grinning, asked, "Old Zhao, what are you smiling about? We don't even know the situation with our daughter, how can you still smile?"

Interrupted mid-daydream, Zhao Baohua said impatiently, "What could go wrong? Didn't you hear the call? Zhuo Nan said Wenwen is with him. As long as she's with him, she's safe. Think about it—Zhuo Nan is the same age as Wenwen, yet he's like a brother to the police chief. One phone call and the police jump into action. And look at the local thugs—they stopped bullying people and helped us look for our daughter. Who has that kind of power? It’s all Zhuo Nan. I suspect he’s no simple character."

His wife became interested, but asked skeptically, "He's the same age as our daughter. How could a kid have that much power? Could it be his family connections?"

Zhao Baohua scoffed, "That’s a woman’s perspective for you. You knew his father, who died over a decade ago. His uncle is a simple, honest worker. What connections could they have? I’m telling you, this kid is extraordinary. If our family could align ourselves with him, it would be wonderful."

Zhao’s mother caught on, her eyes darting around. She whispered, "Old Zhao, if they are the same age, what if they got together? Wouldn't Zhuo Nan then be connected to our family?"

Zhao Baohua shook his head firmly, "Don't be ridiculous. They are just kids; how can you talk about such things?"

Zhao’s mother stood up abruptly, furious, "You’re the ridiculous one! I don't know who it was that got into my bed when they were a teenager. If I hadn't let you sleep with me, I wouldn't be living this hard life with you now."

Zhao Baohua felt a headache coming on. Every time they argued, she brought this up. He really wanted to say that he’d been young and foolish then, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered with her. *Look at you now, your waist is as thick as a barrel...*

Helpless, Zhao Baohua relented, "Alright, alright, I won't argue. Do whatever you want..."

Zhao’s mother looked at him victoriously, "I've decided, this son-in-law is mine." Just then, the doorbell rang. The couple exchanged a glance and rushed toward the door, filled with joy.