Wang Damei opened the door, her expression shifting from a flicker of surprise—though more tinged with defiance—to a clear downturn upon seeing Song Yao and Wang Qiqi standing there. "It's you two. Come in." Wang Damei had expected Song Wenbo. The sheer gall of him: not only had he failed to call after she stormed home yesterday, but today he hadn't even bothered to come pick her up himself. Instead, he sent his daughter and niece. What was Song Wenbo implying?

Song Yao had fully anticipated not receiving a warm welcome from her mother, but honestly, couldn't she muster just a shred of kindness? Even if they weren't the people she wanted to see, a little warmth wouldn't kill her. "Mom, have you eaten breakfast? I brought you some of your favorite early-morning treats." Song Yao shot Wang Qiqi a look of resignation, then caught up to Wang Damei, slipping an arm around her shoulder as they walked inside.

"I don't want any," Wang Damei stated stiffly. "Did your father send you to pry for information?" Hmph. If she didn't make the move, he’d send the children, hoping she’d soften up and apologize first. Wang Damei felt deeply wronged. Wasn't that her private money? What right did he have to criticize how she spent it? "Tell your father, I will not admit I was wrong."

Wang Qiqi and Song Yao exchanged weary glances at the sight of their relative refusing to yield. She was set in her ways, and the old man on the other end was just as stubborn. How were they supposed to navigate this? "Auntie, isn't stepping back something you always taught me?" Wang Qiqi inwardly cursed her luck. She was supposed to be leaving in a few days; why did she run into this mess now? She really should have stuck to leaving at the end of the month, not postponed the trip because Zhang Yan had an engagement, which only led to one complication after another.

Wang Damei certainly knew what she had said; it was she who had always advised Wang Qiqi to remain calm when issues arose, suggesting that sometimes stepping back revealed a better outcome. "Qiqi, what I told you then is a different matter entirely." Wang Damei couldn't possibly admit to Wang Qiqi that she was repeating advice she herself was incapable of following. If that got out, she wondered how she could ever look Qiqi in the eye again to offer guidance.

Song Yao thought her mother’s response was worse than silence. It clearly implied that Qiqi, what your aunt told you before was just empty talk; she herself couldn't practice it. Song Yao desperately wanted to press the issue—didn't that advice apply in most situations?—but remembering her mission was to placate her mother, not provoke her, she swallowed the question.

Wang Qiqi walked gratefully at the rear, feeling overwhelmingly relieved she wasn't forced to choke down whatever nonsense was coming next. To prevent Wang Damei from seeing her smile, Wang Qiqi diligently kept her head down, struggling to control her expression. Song Yao glanced back and, unsurprised, saw Wang Qiqi’s lowered head. Though her shoulders barely shook, Song Yao knew Qiqi was certainly stifling a laugh. "Mom, if Dad doesn't come to pick you up, how long do you plan to keep this up?" Song Yao asked casually, deliberately avoiding looking directly at her.

Song Yao’s mind raced: Should she return to the capital early, or wait here until her parents reconciled? Everything hinged on Wang Damei’s response. The old man’s stance was already established on his side. If neither side backed down, Song Yao felt utterly lost. Her younger brother was too busy, and besides, he was a man—not as perceptive as a woman. Yang Jing, as the daughter-in-law, lacked the necessary leverage in this domestic dispute. And Qiqi was leaving soon. Song Yao worried this whole five or six-day spat might drag into half a month, a prospect that greatly displeased Song Yao, who hadn't been separated from Gong Peixing for long since their marriage.

"What? Keep waiting indefinitely?" Wang Damei exploded, shoving away Song Yao’s hand from her shoulder. She no longer cared if the neighbors in the courtyard could hear. She fixed Song Yao with a fierce glare. "Did your father say something?" Otherwise, why would her daughter say such a thing?

Song Yao knew she had misspoken. She had hoped her mother’s temper would mellow with age, but that look and that fury suggested her mother was even more volatile than in her youth. Song Yao wondered if she hadn't already passed menopause. "Mom, let's go inside to talk." She desperately wanted to avoid a future where her mother accused her of humiliating her in front of the neighbors.

"Can't we talk here?" At this moment, Wang Damei wasn't thinking about the future. Her mind had spun through countless scenarios in just a few seconds. She was accustomed to Song Wenbo always being the first to apologize. For him to ignore her over such a trivial matter was shocking. She needed to know why he was being so ruthless this time. Could it be... A dreadful thought took root, and Wang Damei felt a panicked flutter in her chest. Besides this possibility, how else would Song Wenbo dare act so boldly?

Seeing Wang Damei descend into an unhinged, almost shrewish state, Song Yao and Wang Qiqi exchanged a look of alarm. Song Yao immediately set the breakfast down on the ground; her mother was too emotionally unstable to care about food now. Regardless of Wang Damei's willingness, the two girls forcibly maneuvered their suddenly overwrought mother indoors.

Wang Qiqi was stunned by how heavy Wang Damei was, despite not looking overweight. She shot Song Yao a glare, blaming her for speaking so carelessly in the courtyard. If Song Yao hadn't initiated this entire scene, they wouldn't be in this embarrassing situation now. "Auntie, please listen to me, just listen..." Whatever the case, they needed to stabilize her emotions first.

"Qiqi, Qiqi, did you see something?" Wang Damei was beginning to regain some composure. Her daughter had spent most of the last year in the capital and returned only for short visits, rarely going out. What could she possibly know? Qiqi, however, had been staying here constantly; perhaps she had overheard some gossip. "Qiqi, tell me, tell me..."

Wang Qiqi thought, Tell you what? Talk about past lives? Am I crazy? "How could we see anything? What big sister meant was, if you keep this standoff going with Uncle, things might happen that you are dreading."

Song Yao had intended for Wang Qiqi to smooth over the clumsy thing she herself had said, but Qiqi was proving utterly unreliable, offering no clarification and instead terrifying their mother. Didn't she realize that when their mother went into full panic mode, the two of them couldn't handle it? "Mom, I misspoke just now. Your husband is so good to you. Besides, you are grandparents now. Our Tao Tao will be marrying in a few years. Why would he risk anything now? And your husband never made mistakes when he was young, so why would he start now?" Song Yao inwardly maintained that her father was the number one good man in her world, surpassing even Gong Peixing.

"Your father did make mistakes when he was young, it's just that..." Wang Damei murmured softly. It was precisely because of past mistakes that he had been so compliant with her over the years. She had thought that now they were old, he would finally settle down, but now she faced this kind of life. The thought brought tears to Wang Damei’s eyes. "Back then, Qiqi’s father was still alive. He was the one who stepped in to talk to your father. Ziweng had just been born. If it hadn't been for Qiqi's father, our family might have broken apart..."

Wang Qiqi and Song Yao were stunned by this unexpected revelation. Song Yao couldn't fathom that she had nearly lost her father when she was young. "Mom, Mom, are you speaking nonsense?" Song Yao genuinely struggled to accept this reality. Everyone had always viewed their family as a happy quartet since childhood. To realize it was all built on the foundation of her father correcting a mistake.

"Exactly, Auntie, calm yourself. I’ll go make some tea." Wang Qiqi inwardly wondered if she had just stumbled upon something she shouldn't have heard.

In the kitchen, Wang Qiqi strained her ears, listening for voices from the living room. She heard nothing but Wang Damei's weeping. Letting out a breath of relief, she pondered if this was one reason Song Wenbo never dared raise his voice in front of her parents. She had always attributed it to their better financial standing before, but this revelation explained why, after her parents passed away, Song Wenbo had aided Wang Dagui—perhaps seeking retribution. And the reason he treated Wang Damei so well, acquiescing to her every wish, was now perfectly clear: guilt.

When Wang Qiqi shook herself out of her deep thoughts, she realized the water had boiled dry. She quickly turned off the stove, brewed a few cups of tea, and carried them to the living room. "Auntie, are you feeling better?" Wang Qiqi noticed Wang Damei's expression had softened considerably compared to before, offering a slight sense of relief, though she couldn't tell if the improvement was genuine or feigned.

Wang Damei dabbed at her eyes. "There's no good or bad about it. It was all from our youth. Qiqi, I never imagined I would face this at my age..." Wang Damei felt she had suffered enough. "Women, many have to go through something like this. Few have a husband as good to them as your mother's."

"Mom, what use is talking about the past now?" Song Yao stopped lingering there. "If you keep dwelling on old times, will your attitude towards Dad ever improve? If you wait this time for Dad to apologize first, and what if he simply refuses? You know how people talk outside—they say he doesn't look his age, well over sixty. If you treat him poorly, and given his history, anything could happen." In Song Yao's view, now was the time to discuss the future, not excavate the past.

"Right, right." Wang Qiqi thought that perhaps the woman Song Wenbo sought out after Wang Damei fell ill in the previous life was the same mistress from before. Otherwise, why would Song Wenbo become so deeply involved at his age? Perhaps there had been real affection between them, but societal constraints and Wang Qiqi's father's intervention forced him to repent, and his true feelings remained unknown.

This thought prompted Wang Qiqi to consider warning Song Ziwen to discreetly inquire about the current status of that former mistress. However, this woman was unknown even to Song Yao, let alone herself. Could she ask Wang Damei now, given her current state?

Under the combined consolations of Song Yao and Wang Qiqi, Wang Damei’s condition improved significantly. "You two should go back now. Having your dad take care of Niuniu isn't ideal; he's a man, not as meticulous."

Song Yao had expected that after all the comforting, Wang Damei would agree to return with them, but surprisingly, she showed no inclination. "Mom, you aren't still angry, are you? I know you have every right to be furious, I’d be beside myself too. But are you willing to push my father away like this?" The thought of her father reuniting with that old flame, and the subsequent implications, sent a chill down Song Yao's spine. Their current life was comfortable; she never wanted to imagine a day when their family wealth would be spent on another woman by her father.

Wang Qiqi understood Wang Damei's hurt. "Auntie staying here might actually be for the best." Wang Damei's personality had grown somewhat domineering over the years; perhaps staying here would keep her calmer. But upon returning and seeing Song Wenbo, she might let negative energy fester, leading to another argument. This cycle would only worsen; the more forceful Wang Damei appeared, the more resentment Song Wenbo would harbor, pushing him further away. It was better for them both to cool down for now.

Song Yao was about to argue that Qiqi’s suggestion was essentially letting the old man roam free—her mother could manage him, but could her brother and sister-in-law manage their elders? Then she noticed Wang Qiqi shooting her insistent glances. Could Qiqi have thought of a clever plan?

"Mom, just take care of yourself these next few days. Eat if you feel like it. I'll come see you tomorrow." Song Yao resolved to find Song Ziwen immediately to discuss their next steps. She pitied Wang Qiqi, a young, unmarried woman who still had to face the ugliest aspects of marriage.

Wang Damei waved her hand dismissively. "Do you think your mother mistreats herself? Qiqi just said it—if I get angry, outsiders will have something to laugh about. I intend to live well and thrive right in front of them. Let's see how she plans to become official then." Wang Damei calculated that even if Song Wenbo’s heart drifted, he wouldn't dare divorce her over reputation alone. Besides, what benefit would divorce bring him? Would his children side with him? He’d be an old man alone. Wang Damei doubted the other woman would treat him kindly after all these years; perhaps the woman was only after Song Wenbo’s money, especially after she abandoned him once before.

"If your father truly intends to abandon me, I won't beg. He caused the affair, so I'll make him leave with nothing, let him taste the outside world." Wang Damei declared with sudden resolve. She had managed to think clearly in this short time. Her children were grown and married; a divorce now would only mean some loss of face. "Then, Mom will go to the capital with you." She wouldn't hear the malicious gossip back home, and it couldn't hurt her there.

Wang Qiqi had expected Wang Damei to be dejected for a long time, but to recover so quickly and start discussing divorce—the transformation was truly polarizing.

"Exactly, Mom. If things really come to that day between you and Dad, Ziwen and I will stand by you." Song Yao was certain Song Ziwen would side with his mother once he heard the old story.

In his office, Song Ziwen jumped up upon hearing his older sister's words. "What? My dad has a history like that?" Though he was a man who always felt his father was unduly suppressed by his mother, if his dad was actually involved with another woman, Song Ziwen certainly wouldn't let him get away with it. In his eyes, he and his sister were perfectly dutiful children. While they would receive some of the parents' wealth, the bulk was meant for him. But if his father had another woman, that equation changed. He would much rather the money went to his sister than an outsider; at least she was family.

"Now is not the time to get agitated," Song Yao said, having calmed down. Did agitation solve anything? "Qiqi and I were just discussing it. We need to know your father's recent movements. By the way, has Dad been spending much time at the factory lately?"

Song Yao had previously asked Wang Qiqi, who mentioned the old man seemed to be out more often—either busy at the factory or socializing with old colleagues and friends. Now, it seemed his frequent outings might conceal something nefarious. If he were truly busy at the factory, that was normal; the concern was if he wasn't.

Song Ziwen was momentarily stumped by his sister’s question. He thought back: "It seems that since July, Dad hasn't been at the factory much. He's either supposed to be home or someone—an old colleague or classmate—is calling him out for drinks or fishing." Since there were no major issues at the factory, and Song Wenbo had streamlined the management, Song Ziwen hadn't questioned his father claiming to be busy. But now that he thought about it, this was odd. "Dad never used to have so many people calling him out." If he were constantly busy, that would be one thing, but looking closely, his father had suddenly become quite active—and that struck him as suspicious.

Wang Qiqi watched the siblings look certain of the old man’s wrongdoing and thought that if it were true, fine, but if they were wrong, the consequences would be huge. "I think we should investigate this properly." It would be best to see things firsthand; otherwise, they might be accusing him unjustly.

An investigation was certainly necessary, but as for who should take responsibility—"Ziwen, this task is yours," Song Yao declared quickly. "I have to return to the capital, and Qiqi leaves in a few days. I can stay at most until she departs." Song Ziwen was the son. If the old man discovered anything, he wouldn't be too harsh on Ziwen, especially with his grandmother backing him. Alas, Song Yao felt she was unwanted by both parents, so she should stay clear.

"Me again?" Song Ziwen felt cursed. Why was this difficult task always handed to him? "Sister, look at me—I'm already swamped! And with the shop opening, I'll be running between two places. Do you think I'm made of iron or have a clone technique?"

"Stupid," Song Yao scolded. "Can't you hire someone to follow him?" In this era, money could buy anything. "Didn't you mention knowing a friend who specialized in helping wives track down mistresses? Why don't you call him?" Why not use such a conveniently available resource? It would only cost some money. "If you're too stingy with the cash, your sister can cover it." Although her personal savings had thinned considerably after buying the shop, Song Yao still had enough for this.

"Sister, it's not about the money," Song Ziwen said, caught between laughter and tears. "Do I look like someone who skimps on money? I'm just worried about airing the family scandal." Even though his friend was known for discretion—he wouldn't leak client information—he was still a friend. Song Ziwen felt awkward about asking him to tail his own father. If nothing was found, great. But if something was discovered, how would he ever face his friend again? He’d feel inherently inferior.

"You're worried about appearances at a time like this?" Song Yao was exasperated. "If you let things develop naturally and your father actually divorces your mother, do you think you'll have any face left then?" In Song Yao's estimation, someone who had worked in this line of business for years certainly had a tight lip; otherwise, clients wouldn't keep hiring him. "Think it over: would you rather one person know, or a whole group of people?"

Wang Qiqi, observing Song Ziwen's lingering concern for appearances, interjected, "I'm just worried that perhaps some of Uncle’s friends might know a thing or two." Although Wang Damei hadn't detailed the mistress's situation, based on the context, she might be a former colleague. If so, some of his old work buddies might know something. "Brother, you're doing very well now. If people see Uncle chasing skirt in his old age, they might just be secretly gloating." There are plenty of people who enjoy seeing others fail and wouldn't bother telling Song Ziwen that his father might be stepping out.

Wang Qiqi’s words thoroughly startled Song Ziwen. He quickly recalled that the last few times he met his father's older colleagues, their gazes toward him had seemed subtly off. "I'll call my friend right now." His sisters were right. If this blew up, what did face matter compared to the potential disaster? Hmph, if he found out those uncles knew his father's business, he would certainly retaliate against them.

Song Ziwen pulled out his phone book and immediately called his friend. He kept the details vague over the phone. "I've arranged to meet him for dinner tonight." Some things were better discussed in person. "Mom is living alone now. If Dad really has other intentions, he'll definitely use this opportunity to go out." Before, when his mother was home, his father needed excuses to leave. Now that she wasn't around, who would question him?

"Mmm," Song Yao conceded, feeling that if she stayed home to compose herself, it would only hasten the discovery of the old man's recent activities. "If the old man harbors no ill intent, then so be it. But if he does, that becomes a grave issue."

Song Ziwen grunted an affirmation, though a thought suddenly struck him. "Did you ask Mom today why they were arguing?" The old man having ill intent was still speculation; he was far more concerned about why the old man had fought so fiercely with their mother that day—it certainly wasn't over some mistress.