CHAPTER 150: CHAPTER 150 DIVORCE (1)_1

"Uncle," Shangguan Qing’s normally composed face lit up with rare excitement. He rarely saw this uncle—whom he was due to join in the military after the New Year—outside of the annual holiday. He truly hadn’t expected to see him now, let alone appearing directly at their home.

"Daddy," Shangguan You’s gaze met Shangguan Hao’s. She quietly responded as she saw the sharpness in his eyes gradually replaced by remorse. She didn’t know how to face this daddy of hers. In her memory, this daddy was authoritative and cold, a man of iron and blood. He came home so infrequently that his visits could be counted on one hand. Every time he came home and she caught his gaze, Shangguan You couldn’t help feeling a bit scared.

Now that Shangguan Hao stood before her in the flesh, her fear slowly receded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of kinship. In this life, she had hit the jackpot. She no longer had just her grandfather; she had many relatives who cared for her, worried about her, and loved her.

"Little You, you’ve grown so much in a year. Come here, let Daddy take a look at you." Shangguan Hao’s gaze flickered for a moment as he beheld his daughter growing up before his eyes. Through her, he seemed to see that tender woman, her gaze full of unspoken reproaches, yet so proud, confident, and beautiful. She was someone whose life admitted no blemishes, who accepted no mistakes. Even though she knew his absence wasn’t by choice, she still decided to leave resolutely.

At that thought, Shangguan Hao’s heart clenched. A fleeting agony crossed his resolute face before slowly dissipating. For the past sixteen years, he had kept numbing himself. He stayed active in the military just to forget the pain, rebelling against his father in this silent way.

Through his efforts, he had finally succeeded. He had achieved the position of Commander of the Military Region before the age of forty. Yet, behind this success, that woman was no longer there.

Another woman had usurped her identity and her position; it was that woman who had separated them. Looking at the daughter before him, who strongly resembled her, he knew this was their child.

She was gone, but she had left behind a daughter. Although he wasn’t often home, he knew everything about her, every move she made. His daughter had grown up, could protect herself, had topped her exams, and even caused a sensation. This was his daughter, his pride and joy.

"Daddy," Shangguan You stood up and walked towards Shangguan Hao. As his gaze softened from sharpness to tenderness, her eyes welled up, and she threw herself into his arms.

"Silly girl, why are you crying? Isn’t it a happy occasion now that Daddy’s back? From now on, Daddy will make time to be with you more often. I won’t let you get hurt again. Daddy will protect you," Shangguan Hao promised, gently stroking her hair.

Hearing Shangguan Hao’s gentle voice and his promises—a father’s promises to his daughter—tears streamed down Shangguan You’s face as she sobbed in his embrace. If the original owner of this body hadn’t died, she would have surely been happy and blessed. But now, she, the current Shangguan You, felt comforted by having such kinship.

"Alright, stop crying, or others might think I bullied my daughter the moment I got back," Shangguan Hao said with a laugh, patting her back as a smile touched his stoic face. He truly hadn’t been there enough for his daughter.

"Grandpa, Eldest Uncle, Brother Qing, you all have to be my witnesses! Daddy just said he will spend more time with me and won’t leave me alone anymore," Shangguan You said playfully, wiping away her tears with a smile.

"Silly girl, whatever your uncle promises, he’ll keep. You’re really silly," Shangguan Qing joked, his heart aching a little as he looked at the undried tears in Shangguan You’s eyes.

He was about to step forward and wipe her tears but hesitated at the sight of Shangguan Hao’s affectionate look, so he could only gaze at her tear-streaked face.

"Little You, don’t worry. Grandpa is also a witness. If he runs off to the military for a year or so again, Grandpa will definitely take you to his superiors. We’ll demand an explanation and make sure this rascal gets what he deserves!" Shangguan Zhi wiped his own tears, his eyes full of contentment as he looked at his son and granddaughter. "That rascal went to the military and forgot not only his parents but also his daughter. He needs to be taught a lesson. He deserves to be disciplined by his daughter."

"Don’t worry, your Eldest Uncle will also bear witness. If my dear younger brother dares to leave without a word again, I’ll definitely string him up and spank him!" Shangguan Yu’s comment once again lightened the atmosphere in the hall.

Shangguan You snuggled into her father’s arms, pestering him for stories about interesting events in the army and details about military exercises. Shangguan Qing was equally interested; both youngsters clung to Shangguan Hao, while Shangguan Zhi and Shangguan Yu watched their happy family with smiles.

No one asked why Shangguan Hao had come directly here instead of returning to that other place. Even though Shangguan You was curious, she naturally wouldn’t inquire. The affairs of Li Wanying and her precious daughter had nothing to do with her. Moreover, she didn’t want to get involved. She’d be even happier if her father had no feelings for that other woman.

"Alright, let’s eat," Liu Ruoling announced, and everyone headed to the dining room together. It had been a long time since the whole family had dined together.

"Son-in-law, Miss, time for dinner. Mrs. Zhang has made your favorite dishes," Mrs. Zhang said cheerfully, nodding with satisfaction as she watched the father and daughter’s joyful interaction, addressing Shangguan Hao affectionately.

"Mrs. Zhang, thank you for taking care of Little You all these years. Please, join us for dinner," Shangguan Hao said gratefully. "Thank you for helping me look after my girl for so long."

"Yes, if it weren’t for Mrs. Zhang, how could I be doing so well? Mrs. Zhang, please sit down and eat with us," Shangguan You urged, taking Mrs. Zhang’s arm to lead her to the table. Back in B City, Mrs. Zhang had been reluctant to join her for meals. Eventually, however, she gave in to Shangguan You’s insistence and would dine with her when there were no guests.