Chapter 4: Calling Him Dad

Having obtained the desired sacrifice, Zhang Yi vanished like a gust of wind.

Fang Quan followed closely behind, casting a resentful glare at Xiao Zigang before leading the bodyguards away.

The once crowded dressing room suddenly emptied. Xue Wen’s face turned pale as she slumped weakly into a chair. Although Xiao Zigang felt somewhat dizzy, he could still endure it; compared to a broken leg, their current predicament was a thousand times better.

Lele was still a child, and despite holding back as long as she could, she finally burst into tears.

Xue Wen scooped Lele into her arms, soothing her while shooting a hateful glare at Xiao Zigang. “Despicable!”

Xiao Zigang forced a bitter smile. “Wenwen, if you don’t give blood, then it will be Lele who has to. After all, it’s not the thief you fear, but the thief’s intent. It’s no big deal for us adults to lose some blood, but if it were a child, it could cost her life.”

“Besides, think carefully: isn’t this the best outcome for now?”

Xue Wen huffed angrily. “Then tell me, what’s so good about this ending?”

Xiao Zigang looked into her eyes, lowering his voice. “We’re partners now, bound by shared interests, not emotions. Since this marriage is between you and me, shouldn’t all the wedding gifts go into your hands?”

“Shu Yu ran away from the wedding. So the jewels, gold, and silver prepared for the ceremony—aren’t they yours now?”

“In this world, money can’t solve every hardship, but it can solve most troubles. Look at the life you’re living now, and imagine the life you could have with money.”

“Even if you don’t think for yourself, you must consider Lele.”

Life is an unfeeling sculptor, reshaping the original form.

Worn down and battered by life, Xue Wen understood the importance of money. If a little bloodletting and a sham marriage could bring such a large sum, perhaps it wasn’t so unbearable after all.

Seeing Xue Wen lost in thought, Xiao Zigang continued, “Since you and I have become offerings to ensure fertility, no one will dare to target you—not even Shu Yu.”

“After the wedding, I’ll accompany you to register Lele’s household, and then find a kindergarten for her.”

Lele, who had just been crying, stopped upon hearing the word “kindergarten,” looking at Xiao Zigang with moist eyes.

Wanting to distract Lele, Xiao Zigang teased, “Lele, do you want to go to kindergarten?” When the little girl nodded, he smiled and said, “Call me Daddy. Daddy will take you to kindergarten.”

“You’re a bad guy, a stinky rascal…” Lele pouted, raising her hand to smack him.

Xiao Zigang lifted Lele into his arms, laughing along with her. Their chatter brought a trace of life back into the previously cold dressing room.

Xue Wen watched silently. Her heart, once cold and hardened, suddenly felt a flicker of warmth. Maybe she should sheath her thorns, try to accept, and attempt to change. Xiao Zigang might not be her salvation, but perhaps he was a turning point in her fate.

The dressing room door opened again as the makeup artists returned.

Taking a deep breath, Xue Wen slowly stood and began trying on her wedding dress.

Since life could never be smooth sailing, she must grow accustomed to storms and tempests. Since she couldn’t change the world, she would try to change herself.

Children’s moods come and go swiftly. Lele, unhappy moments before, now cheered up at the sight of Xue Wen in her wedding gown, exclaiming, “Mommy, you’re so beautiful! Are you going to be the bride?”

Xue Wen nodded shyly, a gentle blush coloring her pale cheeks.

Xiao Zigang, holding Lele, said, “Of course. Your mom is the most beautiful bride. Today, she’s marrying me. What should you call me from now on?”

“Toad!” Lele blurted without hesitation.

Xiao Zigang was momentarily disarmed, but Xue Wen laughed heartily.

Smiling wryly, Xiao Zigang shook his head and instructed the makeup artists, “Makeup for Lele too. I want to hold her hand when we walk in.”

Lele happily sat on the stool, eager to look just as pretty as her mother. Xue Wen glanced at Xiao Zigang approvingly; this man may have a rough appearance, but his heart was considerate.

...

The second hand spun relentlessly as time flew by. The banquet hall was filled, but unlike other weddings filled with raucous joy, today’s hall was strangely quiet.

All the guests sat silently, no smoking or playing cards, no whispered conversations—just quiet, watchful glances, as if hesitant to speak, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Fortunately, the odd silence did not last long. At the stroke of midnight, the wedding march began to play softly. The grand doors slowly opened, revealing three figures: two adults and one child.

Xiao Zigang wore a rose-red suit, holding Lele’s small hand, while Xue Wen held Lele’s other hand. The family of three walked down the red carpet.

The wedding host paused briefly before regaining composure, announcing with enthusiasm, “Let us give the warmest applause for the groom, the bride, and this beautiful little flower girl.”

Scattered applause rose. Everyone scrutinized Xue Wen’s face, which resembled Shu Yu’s, but those who knew the truth recognized she was not Shu Yu.

Xue Wen carried herself with grace, accepting the scrutiny. Having chosen this path, she was determined to walk it, even if on her knees.

Xiao Zigang surveyed the guests with a critical eye. Last life, after his leg was broken and blood drawn, he had been dazed and unaware of who attended his wedding.

Though his body now ached and felt weak, his mind was clear. Just a few glances at the audience revealed something amiss.

The attendees were all collateral relatives of the Xue family or distant kin. Not a single member of the main branch was present; if his guess was correct, they had gone to the cemetery to secretly perform fertility rites for the patriarch.

Faces full of curiosity but laced with coldness, some even curled their lips in faint mockery.

Xiao Zigang gritted his teeth. Laugh all you want. Mock and scorn to your heart’s content.

The son-in-law with a broken leg from his past life was dead, consigned to the eighteenth level of hell. This Xiao Zigang had clawed his way back from hell itself—a vengeful spirit come to claim what is owed.

Just as the host signaled to begin the ceremony, preparing for the couple to bow to each other, a voice suddenly cut through the silence: “Wait!”

Xiao Zigang turned toward the sound, spotting Fang Quan’s bald head and that wicked grin.