Chapter 150 Divorce (1)_1
"Uncle," Shangguan Qing’s normally composed face lit up with rare excitement. He rarely saw this uncle—whom he was due to join in the military after the New Year—outside of the annual holiday. He truly hadn’t expected to see him now, let alone appearing directly at their home.
"Daddy," Shangguan You’s gaze met Shangguan Hao’s. She quietly responded as she saw the sharpness in his eyes gradually replaced by remorse. She didn’t know how to face this daddy of hers. In her memory, this daddy was authoritative and cold, a man of iron and blood. He came home so infrequently that his visits could be counted on one hand. Every time he came home and she caught his gaze, Shangguan You couldn’t help feeling a bit scared.
Now that Shangguan Hao stood before her in the flesh, her fear slowly receded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of kinship. In this life, she had hit the jackpot. She no longer had just her grandfather; she had many relatives who cared for her, worried about her, and loved her.
"Little You, you’ve grown so much in a year. Come here, let Daddy take a look at you." Shangguan Hao’s gaze flickered for a moment as he beheld his daughter growing up before his eyes. Through her, he seemed to see that tender woman, her gaze full of unspoken reproaches, yet so proud, confident, and beautiful. She was someone whose life admitted no blemishes, who accepted no mistakes. Even though she knew his absence wasn’t by choice, she still decided to leave resolutely.
At that thought, Shangguan Hao’s heart clenched. A fleeting agony crossed his resolute face before slowly dissipating. For the past sixteen years, he had kept numbing himself. He stayed active in the military just to forget the pain, rebelling against his father in this silent way.
Through his efforts, he had finally succeeded. He had achieved the position of Commander of the Military Region before the age of forty. Yet, behind this success, that woman was no longer there.
Another woman had usurped her identity and her position; it was that woman who had separated them. Looking at the daughter before him, who strongly resembled her, he knew this was their child.
She was gone, but she had left behind a daughter. Although he wasn’t often home, he knew everything about her, every move she made. His daughter had grown up, could protect herself, had topped her exams, and even caused a sensation. This was his daughter, his pride and joy.
"Daddy," Shangguan You stood up and walked towards Shangguan Hao. As his gaze softened from sharpness to tenderness, her eyes welled up, and she threw herself into his arms.
"Silly girl, why are you crying? Isn’t it a happy occasion now that Daddy’s back? From now on, Daddy will make time to be with you more often. I won’t let you get hurt again. Daddy will protect you," Shangguan Hao promised, gently stroking her hair.
Hearing Shangguan Hao’s gentle voice and his promises—a father’s promises to his daughter—tears streamed down Shangguan You’s face as she sobbed in his embrace. If the original owner of this body hadn’t died, she would have surely been happy and blessed. But now, she, the current Shangguan You, felt comforted by having such kinship.