Chapter 224: Leniency Through Confession
Xie Chenyan slightly lowered her head, and Yi Roujing explained the cause, process, and outcome of the matter, of course, omitting the part where she acted out. After clarifying everything, Yi Roujing obediently left.
"I’m going to Bright Alley first; Mom and Dad should be there. I’ll explain to them about Chenyan staying at our place. I’ll have lunch at County First Middle School," Yi Roujing said, leaving the house keys behind and then leaving.
Only Xie Chenyan and Yi Weiliang were left in the living room. Xie Chenyan glanced up at Yi Weiliang and smiled bitterly, "Roujing is a kind person; she didn’t mention her own challenges."
Xie Chenyan did not plan to hide anything from Yi Weiliang and explained everything, even things she hadn’t told Yi Roujing, like the fabric dyeing technique, one of the main reasons the Zou Family kept pestering her.
"I’ve told you everything. I won’t cling to you shamelessly anymore. It’s my fault; I didn’t explain clearly before when we started dating, causing you to face these issues because of me." Xie Chenyan tightly gripped her hands, turning pale, a wave of relief and release showing on her face.
Yi Weiliang sat silently for a long time, long enough for Xie Chenyan, who had closed her eyes facing the reality, to open them, catching a smile uglier than crying on his face, "Yi, you don’t have to hesitate, I understand. It’s me..."
"I wasn’t hesitating; I was thinking," Yi Weiliang said solemnly. "I don’t have much capability; I can’t protect you and Taotao. I only have my current job thanks to the help of my sister and brother-in-law."
Yi Weiliang felt a bit distressed, "I’m a useless person; I don’t deserve you. You’re strong and brave, but I’ll try hard. Please don’t reject me because of this, okay?"
Yi Weiliang blinked away tears; he hadn’t realized Xie Chenyan had lived so cautiously and fearfully these past few years.
Xie Chenyan was stunned by Yi Weiliang’s words, "What do you mean?"
"I’ll work hard; Director Niu has already submitted my application for regularization. Starting October 1st, I’ll be a formal employee. This is just the first step. I’ll strive to excel and be proactive. Initially, we’ll need my sister’s family’s support, but in the future, I promise I’ll take on the responsibility of protecting you and Taotao independently."
Yi Weiliang looked up at Xie Chenyan with flames in his eyes, bursting with determination, "Previously, my efforts were aimed at giving my sister a reliable family backing. But in the future, I’ll try even harder for you and Taotao. Please don’t push me away, okay? Let’s get married."
Like pearls falling off their string, tears streamed from Xie Chenyan’s eyes. She covered her mouth in disbelief, and amidst the tears shone immense joy.
After finally calming down enough to speak, "I will. I will. I didn’t want to leave you; I was afraid you’d leave me, boo—"
Xie Chenyan sobbed like a child. Yi Weiliang found it somewhat amusing but felt a heavy weight in his heart. He blushed as he sat beside Xie Chenyan, embracing her, gently patting her back, letting her soak his clothes with her tears.
Yi Weiliang didn’t urge her to stop crying; after years of silent endurance, finally crying freely like a child was good for her.
Yi Roujing left home but didn’t go straight to Bright Alley. She first went to the school to find Ding Ancheng. At this time, during summer break, only the competition class was still running; all other classrooms were empty, making it easy to find him.
The quiet classroom echoed with the sound of pen strokes; a tall silhouette stood beside the podium, occasionally glancing around keenly. The moment Yi Roujing appeared, his senses caught the movement. He raised his eyebrow and looked over, softening his expression momentarily, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he stepped out of the classroom.
Ding Ancheng’s movements caught the student’s attention inside; they glanced up curiously and saw the gentle smile on Ding Ancheng’s face towards his wife outside the window.
The students froze, but when they felt a pair of sharp eyes, they saw the usual Ding Ancheng, and quickly returned to their papers seriously.
Ding Ancheng went to the office to find another teacher to invigilate the exam. Today’s plan was for the competition class students to take a test. After instructing them to put the completed papers on his desk, Ding Ancheng took Yi Roujing’s hand planning to go home together.
"To Bright Alley," Yi Roujing’s words made Ding Ancheng change direction.
"Mom and Dad went to Bright Alley," Ding Ancheng stated. "Why did you leave work early today, out on duty again?"
"Yes, went to the textile factory for duty," Yi Roujing replied, then grabbed Ding Ancheng’s arm with both hands, wearing a flattering smile, causing a twitch at the corner of his eye.
"What happened? What did you do?" Ding Ancheng had a keen understanding of his wife’s small gestures and expressions by now.
Yi Roujing truthfully explained how she helped Xie Chenyan fend off Zou Xuri, beat him until he swelled like a pig’s head, and threw him into the police station without withholding anything.
As she spoke, pregnant Yi Roujing poked her index fingers together, "I really acted knowing my own condition, and I checked my pulse to make sure I’m okay."
"I was worried you’d be concerned afterward, so I decided to come clean with you immediately."
Seeing Yi Roujing’s good condition, Ding Ancheng still took her to the hospital to check her pulse. Only after another doctor confirmed her well-being did he prepare to scold her.
Not suitable for public reprimand, Ding Ancheng planned to talk to her at home. But once they got home, there was no room for him; Li Hongying was doting on Yi Roujing, offering fruits and snacks, leaving no space for him. Ding Ancheng stayed silent for a while before heading out.
But before leaving, he managed to squeeze in a word while Li Hongying was in the kitchen, "I’ll handle the matters, just be good at home."
Yi Roujing knew this meant everything was fine, she wouldn’t be scolded. Overjoyed, she stood and planted a kiss on Ding Ancheng’s cheek, "Thank you, Cheng."
Only at such moments did she call him "Cheng." Such a pragmatic woman, but Ding Ancheng’s lips curled upwards nonetheless.
After Ding Ancheng left, Yi Roujing informed Li Hongying about having lunch at County First Middle School and Xie Chenyan staying at their place for a while.
Li Hongying had no objections; instead, she was delighted, seeing a celebration in the near future.
After leaving, Ding Ancheng headed straight to the police station. He was familiar with the Zou Family, and at this moment, Zou Xuri’s father and uncle were there.