CHAPTER 241: CHAPTER 241: FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR OWN ENEMY

"She thought about having an abortion, getting rid of the child, but it was my father’s pleading, asking for another chance for both him and me, that stopped her. To keep my mother, my father, who was gentle by nature, did something extreme—he imprisoned my mother, using my grandmother as leverage to force her to stay by his side. In short, he did many wrong things. But while he managed to keep my mother with him, he couldn’t keep her heart. When I was ten, my grandmother passed away, and my mother still left, very decisively. In the end, she just hugged me once and never looked back."

Zhan Hanjue recounted the story calmly, as if talking about someone else’s affairs.

Ye Ningwan listened, but her heart ached intensely.

She had seen how Mrs. Yan was kind to Yan Rui, and she imagined that at some point, she must have treated Zhan Hanjue in the same way.

But was it more love or more hate to have a child with someone who caused your family to be destroyed?

"From now on, you still have me."

Ye Ningwan reached out to hold him, gently promising him.

Zhan Hanjue said, "When she first left, I hated her. Because she was really good to me, very gentle. Although there were many quarrels with my father, isn’t that the way with many couples? I even asked my classmates, and they all said their parents often quarreled, but rarely would anyone actually leave. I could never understand why she was so heartless to abandon me. It wasn’t until my father told me these things, telling me not to hate her, that it was all his fault, that I began to let go of this matter. Knowing that my aunt had someone investigating her, I was afraid of disturbing her life, so I always blocked this from happening."

"What did that phone call from her current husband mean? When I asked her before, it seemed she didn’t know about this," Ye Ningwan said.

Zhan Hanjue said, "It might have just been to make her happy, to let her see her child. But unexpectedly, something happened. I confronted him about it, and he tearfully apologized to me."

"Did you ever think about telling her about this?"

"What good would telling her do?" Zhan Hanjue gave a bitter smile. "Telling her won’t bring my father back to life. And she, for her whole life, would live in the pain of guilt. Just like her early years, falling in love with her own enemy, crying and blaming herself. If my father had any spirit in heaven, I doubt he would want her to live like this. So, I have her current husband hide this from her and don’t let her know that my father has passed away."

"I’m sorry, I was reckless, I... I let her know," Ye Ningwan apologized, feeling guilty.

Zhan Hanjue shook his head: "Some things can be hidden for a while, but can’t be hidden forever. Even if you didn’t tell her, she would find out sooner or later. Just like my father, who tried so hard to hide his identity but still couldn’t keep it secret. Since she came to Jiangcheng, knowing these things was inevitable."

"So... do you want to see her? I told her you’ve had a hard time over the years, and she feels very sorry for you," Ye Ningwan lowered her head, feeling ashamed.

Zhan Hanjue shook his head, "We’re leaving early tomorrow, I’m sorry, Wanwan. We originally planned to stay a few more days here to better understand your life in the past. Now that they’re staying here, it’s inconvenient for me to stay."

"It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m already happy that you came back with me. If you don’t want to see her, don’t see her. We’ll leave early tomorrow," Ye Ningwan said quickly.

Zhan Hanjue lowered his eyes: "Although I don’t hate her and can understand her difficulties, some things... understanding is one thing, letting go is another. And she seems to be very happy now, so I won’t disturb her."

"I understand." Ye Ningwan hugged him again, gently patting his shoulder: "When I talked to her today, I could feel that she loves you. It’s just... that period of deceit was too painful for her. She had to cut off that life, including you. But deep down, she still loves you and has never let go of you."

"About that child’s illness... if you can help, please do your best to help her," Zhan Hanjue added.

Ye Ningwan smiled: "Of course, you don’t need to tell me. I’ll help too. As a healer, my heart is compassionate. I’m your wife but also a healer. Since I promised to treat him, I’ll do my very best."

Zhan Hanjue nodded.

Early the next morning, they packed up to leave.

In fact, they had prepared many gifts when they came, but hadn’t had time to open them.

But time was short, so Ye Ningwan could only ask Wu Taotao to tell the village chief how to distribute these things after they left.

"Oh, and don’t tell the woman in the village about Zhan Hanjue’s identity," Ye Ningwan reminded Wu Taotao again.

Wu Taotao was surprised: "Why? Do you have a grudge?"

"No grudge, but some past issues. Remember not to say anything, and don’t tell Uncle. Lest he meet that woman and inadvertently talk about it."

"I understand, don’t worry, I definitely won’t say anything."

Ye Ningwan felt at ease after giving these instructions.

However, just as they were about to leave, Dongzi suddenly ran over to report to her: "That Mrs. Yan is here and says she wants to see you."

Ye Ningwan was startled and quickly looked at Zhan Hanjue beside her.

Zhan Hanjue nodded to her.

Ye Ningwan put on her veil and went out.

Mrs. Yan was in the living room, and when she saw her coming, she stood up immediately.

"Mrs. Yan, are you looking for me?" Ye Ningwan asked.

Mrs. Yan said gently: "Yes, there’s something I need to discuss."

Fearing that Zhan Hanjue inside might be uncomfortable, Ye Ningwan suggested to Mrs. Yan: "Let’s talk outside! Anyway, there are some matters I need to tell you, as I’m leaving today. I don’t know when I’ll be back again, but the prescription has been prepared, and the village chief will get the medicine for you. However, there are things I need to emphasize regarding aftercare."

Upon hearing that it was about her son’s health, Mrs. Yan immediately said: "Okay, let’s discuss this in detail outside."

In fact, Ye Ningwan had already written a note last night, with all the important details on it.

She originally planned to give it to the village chief to pass on to Mrs. Yan.

Since she was here, Ye Ningwan handed it to her in person.

After giving it to her, she reminded her of a few things.

"In the future, remember not to randomly give him supplements. Kids these days don’t lack nutrition. The reason the supplements don’t work is because of poor absorption; it needs to regulate his spleen and stomach. I’ve included medicine for that in the prescription, as long as he eats properly, it’ll be fine."

"Okay, I’ve got it," Mrs. Yan said.

"Was there anything else you wanted to discuss with me?" Ye Ningwan asked again.

Mrs. Yan hesitated, as if unsure how to open up.

Ye Ningwan said: "Feel free to speak your mind, it’s alright."

"It’s like this, I heard you mention things about the Zhan Family. I suppose you are quite close with them generally. Could I trouble you, next time you see Hanjue, to tell him to contact me? This is my contact information, if he’s willing to reach out, have him call me," Mrs. Yan quickly handed her a business card.

Ye Ningwan glanced at it, realizing that she also ran a beauty salon and wasn’t completely dependent on her husband’s household.

"Sure, if I see him, I’ll let him know."