Ruciqi saw Xia An's actions and realized the strange expression on her face. However, Xia An was still looking down, and Ruciqi could not make out what was wrong. He became increasingly anxious.
"Anan, what happened to your face? What exactly happened? Please tell me," Ruciqi crouched down and asked Xia An softly.
But regardless of how much Ruciqi questioned her, Xia An remained silent, keeping her head lowered.
Unable to bear it any longer, Ruciqi went downstairs. Shen Qing wanted to grab his hand and say something, but Ruciqi did not want to listen anymore. He called Song Mama to their presence directly.
"Song Mama, what happened in the house today? Tell me everything," Ruciqi's voice carried a heavy storm, low and stern.
Shen Qing felt unease seeing this situation, fearing that things would escalate. She guessed that Song Mama was likely to say unfavorable words about her. After just one trip upstairs, Ruciqi’s face had changed dramatically; it seemed Xia An had again stirred up trouble for him. Shen Qing bitterly thought.
"Yes, Master," Song Mama began speaking in the living room, every word striking their hearts.
"At dinner today, Miss Zhang suddenly said the food was too greasy and unsuitable for Mother to eat. Mother asked Anan to cook new meals for her. Mother complained endlessly about each dish Anan prepared. Although Anan did not say anything, she still made a scene by throwing away Anan’s meal and striking her hard."
Song Mama reported these events calmly but with hidden anger towards Shen Qing and concern for Xia An.
Ruciqi's frown deepened as he listened to Song Mama; his expression grew increasingly unpleasant.
After Song Mama finished speaking, Ruciqi turned darkly toward Shen Qing: "Mom, is that true?"
Shen Qing avoided looking at Ruciqi and stammered: "N-no... not like that... It was really Anan who provoked me."
Ruciqi could tell from her reaction that Song Mama's words were mostly accurate. He shook his head disappointedly.
"Then how did the injury on Anan’s face happen? You hit her?" Ruciqi narrowed his eyes and continued questioning Shen Qing.
"I... I accidentally touched Xia An... but it was because of..." Before she could finish, Ruciqi interrupted.
"Mom, Xia An is not someone you can just beat up. Remember this: she is the woman I cherish, and no one may harm her in any way. I've already made my stance clear today. If you continue to provoke trouble like this, then you'll have to leave. Moving elsewhere won't be a problem, but don't expect to live as comfortably as at Jing Yuan."
Ruciqi was shocked that Shen Qing had actually struck Anan so forcefully. His anger towards her and his concern for Anan intensified.
Hearing Ruciqi's angry outburst, Shen Qing panicked.
She was both frightened and surprised; she was startled by how harshly he treated her. She feared the worst: if Ruciqi really expelled her from home, what would she do?
Living outside with Ruciqi apart would not be as comfortable. What would people think of her? If even her own son did not live with her, those who had always looked down on her would only step up to humiliate her.