Chapter 62: The Father-in-Law in the Eyes of His Son-in-Law

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“I went to Dad’s place today. Tian Yulan was right—the house was a complete mess. I spent several hours cleaning before it was barely presentable.”

Learning that her father was not doing well, Nan Li made a special effort to visit him today. She talked with Nan Jianlong for quite a while and then spent a long time tidying up the house.

“Honey, how did your conversation with that woman go?”

Zhou Chen recounted his entire discussion with Cai Juying to Nan Li. Upon hearing it, she was deeply shocked.

“You spoke so harshly. But that woman actually wants to divorce Dad and even plans to claim his house?”

At first, Nan Li thought Zhou Chen was a bit severe, but as she heard more and realized that Cai Juying truly intended to divorce her father and divide his property, she became furious.

“How can she have the nerve to say such things? Although Dad did some unforgivable things back then, he treated her and her daughter well—providing food, drink, and even funding Tian Yulan’s university tuition through contacts he arranged. Their good life over the years was all thanks to Dad. And now, at the end, she dares to think about taking Dad’s assets? That’s shameless.”

Zhou Chen sneered. “Considering what they’ve done, where’s their face? Now you see why I didn’t want you to go. You wanted to compromise for Dad’s sake, but they saw right through you. They want to use this opportunity to control you. If you really went to negotiate, they would only push harder. They even have their fallback plan—divorce and splitting the property. It’s a clever scheme, but utterly naive.”

Nan Li said in disbelief, “I can’t believe Mom was actually stolen away by such a woman... and Dad, after all these years, still clings to her and his property.”

Nan Li was speechless. She felt terrified by her own previous naivety and increasingly aware of how cunning Tian Yulan and her mother truly were.

Zhou Chen said understandingly, “There’s nothing strange about this. Mom’s strong-willed; she knows Dad cheated, and no matter the reason, she won’t live with him anymore. But Li Li, I think you’re underestimating Dad. He’s not as naive as you think.”

“What do you mean?”

Nan Li was puzzled. After visiting her father’s home today, she genuinely felt sorry for him and wanted him to live well.

Zhou Chen explained, “Do you really think Dad is unaware of that woman’s intentions? He’s very shrewd. Over the years, although he’s given a lot to those two, he has gained even more himself. He’s got someone to serve him, do his laundry and cooking, and care for him when he’s ill. Who else can provide such a perfect caretaker without troubling us?

That woman is tightly controlled by Dad. She’s grown used to the good life over more than a decade. Do you really think she can leave him? Impossible. Dad knows this well, so he hasn’t confronted her directly yet. He’s waiting for her to realize that relying on Tian Yulan means she won’t have a good life. Once she’s dissatisfied, he’ll soothe her and easily bring her back.”

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“So, Dad is quite clever. He’s just waiting for her to face reality. To be blunt, in Dad’s mind, that woman is only a step above a maid—not a real wife. Forget about marital affection; that’s nonsense.”

Nan Li stared at Zhou Chen in stunned silence. After a long moment, she said, “Honey, you’ve changed a lot recently. Have you been studying psychology?”

Zhou Chen cleared his throat. “Not really. Writing novels makes you think more, and the more you think, the more you understand.”

Nan Li said, “Hearing you talk like this, it sounds like couples live by scheming against each other. That’s scary. Is Dad really that... cunning?”

Zhou Chen replied, “Dad’s been a leader for many years; he’s far more experienced at reading people than we are. Besides, how many second marriages go smoothly? Most are filled with calculating each other—from daily expenses to property and business. Whether rich or poor, second marriages, especially with children involved, rarely achieve harmony. That’s just the reality.”

He didn’t look down on second marriages, but the fact was that those who remarry for love after a divorce were very rare. Usually, it was about compromise and cohabitation.

“That’s terrifying. Really terrifying. If I had to live like that, I’d rather separate early and live alone.”

Nan Li shuddered at the thought. She simply couldn’t imagine enduring such a life.

Zhou Chen embraced her and said, “That’s why the original spouse is better. Unless it’s a matter of principle, even for the kids’ sake, it’s better not to divorce.”

“Honey, you spoke so harshly today. Do you think that woman will actually go back?”

Nan Li still worried about her father.

Zhou Chen answered confidently, “Don’t worry. I’m ninety percent sure she’ll return. If she wants to survive, she has no better choice. Even if she doesn’t come back, we have backup plans—hire a nurse for Dad, or if that doesn’t work, find him a companion similar to that woman.”

“Smack.”

“Ouch, Li Li, you really hit hard.”

Zhou Chen rubbed his shoulder; that hit was no light one.

Nan Li glared at him fiercely. “You deserve it! How can you say things like finding a new partner for your father-in-law? What is going on in your head?”

“I’m just thinking of solutions, it was just a joke,” Zhou Chen said with a smile.

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Zhou Chen chuckled, “Just wait a few more days. That woman will definitely come back. I promise you.”

“I hope so. I don’t expect anything else. I just want her to take good care of Dad. At worst, we’ll try to avoid going over there.”

“Don’t worry. Although Dad’s getting older, he still acts with tact. That woman won’t outplay him.”

“Stop saying ‘outplay’—can’t you just speak nicely?”

Nan Li rolled her eyes and then said, “Huanhuan’s final exams are coming up. I wonder if she can make it into the top ten of her class this time.”

Recently, Huanhuan had been studying diligently and showing some progress. However, compared to the start, her rate of improvement had clearly slowed. Chen Xiaoqin had also mentioned this to Zhou Chen and the others.

Zhou Chen understood this well. Since Huanhuan’s grades were poor before and improved rapidly, once her performance got better, it was impossible to keep improving at that pace. To continue progressing, she needed steady, gradual growth over time.

Teachers’ guidance was important, but the student’s attitude mattered even more. Relying solely on the teacher couldn’t guarantee improvement.

Regarding Huanhuan’s grades, Zhou Chen no longer felt as pressured as when he first arrived in this world. One reason was her steady progress; another was their improving financial situation.

He had already made up his mind: if, within a year, Huanhuan could pass the entrance exam to Hanlin Junior High through her own efforts, everything would be fine.

But if she couldn’t, he would have to rely on financial power. After all, Hanlin Junior High was a private school focused on making money, so with the right connections and enough money, admission was assured.

Moreover, Zhou Chen planned to send Huanhuan to summer tutoring classes when they started. Studying with others and competing together might yield better results.