Chapter 35: A Momentous Decision

Hearing her parents' words, Su Qingli was instantly overwhelmed with worry. She was certain Jiang Hao would be furious and get into a heated argument with her parents. Yet, Jiang Hao's expression remained utterly calm; only the look in his eyes toward Zhang Liping and Su Bingming grew colder and colder.

"Do you really think I wanted to come back here?" Jiang Hao spoke in a low, even voice.

"If you didn't want to come back, then why are you here now?" Zhang Liping snapped with her usual harshness.

"I’m only here to collect my things. I’ll be leaving tonight, moving out of this house, and never returning again." As soon as Jiang Hao finished speaking, he brushed past Zhang Liping and Su Bingming, heading straight into the house.

"Jiang Hao..." Su Qingli hurried after him, hoping to persuade him once more.

But Zhang Liping sneered sarcastically, "Qingli, don’t waste your breath. He’s already said he wants a divorce—let him go! Let him leave! Our family couldn’t be happier to see the last of him!"

"Mom, can’t you just keep quiet?" Su Qingli was both angry and anxious, but she couldn't bring herself to rebuke her mother too harshly.

Su Bingming came over as well. "Qingli, your mother’s right. Jiang Hao has no manners and acts as he pleases. If he wants to leave, let him. Once he’s gone, we’ll finally have some peace."

At this moment, Jiang Hao had already entered the bedroom he once shared with Su Qingli and was dragging out his suitcase. He had packed his things the day before, so there was nothing left to do but take them and go. In truth, he didn't have much to take—just a few changes of clothes and some daily necessities. Though he’d lived here for several years, there was little in this home he considered his, and nothing he was attached to.

"Jiang Hao, it's already late. Where are you planning to stay?" Su Qingli blocked his path, her voice full of concern.

Jiang Hao was about to reply when Zhang Liping gave a cold laugh. "Who cares where he stays? He can sleep in a doghouse or under a bridge for all I care—he chose this himself!"

"Mom, that’s enough!" Su Qingli finally lost her temper and shouted at Zhang Liping.

Jiang Hao glanced at Su Qingli, then turned his icy gaze on Zhang Liping. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not as pathetic as you imagine. I’ve already purchased a villa—a thousand times better than this place!"

At these words, both Zhang Liping and Su Bingming were stunned.

A villa? A thousand times better than this house? How could that be possible?

Zhang Liping burst into raucous laughter, clutching her stomach until tears and snot ran down her face. "Jiang Hao, why are you bragging in front of me? I know exactly what you’re capable of after all these years. You? Buy a villa? You must be dreaming!"

Su Bingming scoffed as well. "We’re not underestimating you, Jiang Hao, but you shouldn't overdo your boasting. It only makes you look foolish."

"If you don’t believe me, go ask at Zhao Real Estate’s sales center." Jiang Hao couldn’t be bothered to argue further. He simply pulled his suitcase and walked out the door, not once looking back as he headed for the elevator.

Watching Jiang Hao leave, Su Qingli was overcome with grief. She glared at Zhang Liping and Su Bingming. "Are you really satisfied now that you’ve driven him away? What good does it do you? He’s still your son-in-law and has lived with us for years. Do you truly have no feelings for him at all? How can you be so heartless, so devoid of any warmth?"

Zhang Liping sneered. "Qingli, don’t be naïve. How is it that I drove him away? He was the one who insisted on leaving, who declared he wanted a divorce and to cut ties with our family, never to set foot in our house again. Those were his words!"

Su Bingming stepped in, speaking earnestly. "Qingli, I know you’re softhearted, but sometimes you have to be firm. Our family owes him nothing—he’s eaten our food, used our things, and lived here for years. If anything, he’s the one who owes us."

Rubbing her reddened eyes, Su Qingli shouted at Zhang Liping, "Are you sure we owe him nothing? Do you really want me to reveal the truth?"

"What truth? Qingli, what are you talking about?" Su Bingming was completely lost, unable to grasp her meaning.

Of course, he wouldn't know. The plot between Zhang Liping and Dr. Wang Jun’an to steal Jiang Hao’s kidney, even to the point of wanting him dead, had all happened while Su Bingming was away on business. He had only just returned today and was in the dark about the entire affair.

But Zhang Liping understood perfectly. Before Su Qingli could say anything more, she strode over and slapped her hard across the face.

"Su Qingli, how dare you! I am your mother—you must obey me! Everything I do is for your sake, for this family’s sake! Running this household isn’t easy, can’t you see that? You’re never to mention that matter again—take it to your grave!"

Su Qingli stared stubbornly at her mother. In that moment, she realized this woman was completely changed, nothing like the caring mother she remembered from her childhood.

Wiping away her tears, she said nothing more, turned, and rushed out the door.

"Qingli, come back here!"

Zhang Liping shouted from the doorway.

But Su Qingli paid her no mind, hurrying determinedly into the elevator.

In the underground parking lot of Maple Leaf Residence, Jiang Hao stuffed his suitcase into the trunk of his Bugatti Veyron. The trunk was so small that the suitcase alone nearly filled it. That was the drawback of a luxury car—while flashy and stylish, they were far less practical. If it had been a family SUV, a trunk this size would easily hold one or two more suitcases.

Closing the trunk, Jiang Hao was about to get into the car when a figure suddenly rushed toward him from afar.

Who else could it be but Su Qingli?

At first, Jiang Hao intended to ignore her, but after a moment’s hesitation, he didn't immediately get into the car.

"Jiang Hao!" Su Qingli called breathlessly as she reached him, looking him straight in the eye.

"Is there something else you want to say?" Jiang Hao’s tone was indifferent.

This was the woman he had dated since university, the woman he had married. But now, he had lost all hope in her—there was no love left.

Biting her lip as if steeling herself, Su Qingli said, "Jiang Hao, there’s something I have to tell you."

"What is it?"

"It’s about Wang Jun’an wanting to take your kidney."

At last, Su Qingli had made up her mind to tell Jiang Hao everything. Tonight, she would reveal the truth, clear up the misunderstandings, and let Jiang Hao know it all.