In the Years When I Was a Father-Chapter 113: Cuckold Dad (6)

The next day, Qi Yuancheng had no intention of skipping class anymore. He had already gathered all the information on the Kang family yesterday. Although he still couldn’t confirm who was behind sending the s, for now, all he could do was wait and watch for changes.
The enemy was in the dark while he was in the light. Even if he could protect his family and keep everything tight, if the person behind the scenes wanted to make sure his father found out the truth quickly, there was nothing he could do to stop it.
Right now, the only thing he could do was to behave as well as possible before his father learned the truth, in hopes of gaining a little more time and a chance.
During the day, Qi Yuancheng attended classes diligently. Since he had decided to stay in the country for university, he now had to make up for lost time with his cultural studies. Luckily, it was still early in the first semester of his second year, so he still had time to prepare for the college entrance exams in two years.
Qi Yuancheng, who was seriously focusing on his studies, didn’t know that his homeroom teacher had noticed and was moved by the fact that he was working hard in class. The teacher had repeatedly checked on him and realized that he wasn’t sleeping or reading extracurricular books like he had before. The homeroom teacher secretly thought, Looks like yesterday’s really worked. Today, Qi Yuancheng is much more obedient!
While the homeroom teacher was pleased, Qi Yuancheng’s deskmate was more surprised.
“Brother Chen, you’re actually doing exercises? Didn’t you used to hate doing problems the most?”
Qi Yuancheng’s deskmate had thought it was normal for him to skip class yesterday, but now, seeing him suddenly turn into a good student, he couldn’t believe it. Could it be that Brother Chen got scolded by Uncle Qi after skipping class yesterday?
He didn’t dare ask directly and could only speak again when he saw Qi Yuancheng working through the problems one by one: “Yesterday, the team said that next week, we’re playing basketball against Second High. Brother Chen, the team wants us to stay a little later after school this week to practice more.”
Hearing this, Qi Yuancheng finally looked up at him: “After school? No, I don’t have time.”
His deskmate, Wu Jun, was immediately curious: “You don’t do homework, so what could you possibly have to do? Don’t tell me you’re going to work on your programming again!” After saying that, he couldn’t help but try to convince him, “Don’t! You can work on your program any time. This basketball game is really important for the school’s honor!”
Qi Yuancheng had already returned to his papers, not caring much for his friend’s words: “Aren’t there still you guys? Second High has always lost to us, so this time should be no exception.”
Wu Jun was dissatisfied: “It’s not just about you, Brother Chen. Second High has been really motivated recently. We can’t fall behind!”
Qi Yuancheng smiled: “Even without me, you guys can still win. Don’t make a fuss, I really have something to do.”
Wu Jun couldn’t figure out what he had to do and curiously asked: “What’s so important?”
Qi Yuancheng kept working, ignoring his friend’s curiosity.
“Come on, you know curiosity kills the cat. What’s so important? Tell me, buddy.”
Qi Yuancheng replied without looking up: “Cooking at home.”
“Huh?!”
Wu Jun thought it must be something major, but to his surprise, his good buddy wasn’t practicing basketball because he had to cook at home!
“You’re not kidding me, right?”
“Believe it or not.” Qi Yuancheng didn’t want to answer any more questions. He had to make the most of every minute at school so that he would have more time to spend with his father when he got home.
Wu Jun still couldn’t believe it, and even after school, when he arrived at the basketball club and was asked by everyone about Qi Yuancheng’s whereabouts, he dumbfoundedly repeated the same thing: “Brother Chen said he’s going home to cook!”
The members of the basketball club: ??? Is that really the reason? It seems a bit of an excuse to them.
But Qi Yuancheng didn’t care what his teammates thought. After school, he went to pick up his younger brother as usual. After they reunited, Qi Yuanzhe eagerly began listing the dishes they would prepare for their father.
“Bro, I thought about it during the break. Today, we can make braised fish, stir-fried beef with green peppers, and Di Sanxian. We’ll have both meat and vegetables, plus a seafood soup. Sounds good, right?”
Qi Yuancheng frowned: “It’s already past six at home, and I’ve never made these dishes before. I’m afraid I won’t do a good job. How about we keep yesterday’s three dishes and just change the fish to braised fish today?”
Qi Yuanzhe, reminded by his brother, suddenly realized their cooking skills weren’t up to par. Ah, I was thinking too optimistically! I forgot our actual skills are still lacking!
Both brothers were a little disappointed they couldn’t optimize the menu, but they were very determined, believing that in a few days, they’d become top chefs! They first went to the supermarket to buy the ingredients, and when they got home, Qi Yuanzhe clumsily followed his brother around, helping wash and prepare the vegetables.
Since Zhong Jin had stayed home again, she saw them return early and head straight for the kitchen. Out of sight from the two boys, she secretly rolled her eyes. These two little brats, getting all fired up!
When Qi Sheng came home that evening, he was greeted by his enthusiastic younger son and a sumptuous dinner. Looking at the freshly cooked braised fish, he gave both kids a big compliment, saying, “Where can I find such obedient children?”
Just like yesterday, his older son, Qi Yuancheng, brought him a dessert after dinner, while his younger son clung to him, acting spoiled and playful, trying to make him laugh. Even when he tried to read a book, both of them wanted to stay close and accompany him.
“Alright, I’ve received your filial piety. You two never used to be this patient with me. Don’t worry, I know you’re being thoughtful. There’s no need to stick to me like glue.”
Qi Yuanzhe pouted: “Dad, we agreed that every evening after work is our family time. Are you getting tired of us?” He said this with a pitiful look at Qi Sheng.
Of course, Qi Sheng didn’t mind their presence. He was just heartbroken that the two kids were trying so hard to please him. “It’s not that I don’t want you around. It’s just that I know teenagers like to have their own time. You can’t just hang around me all the time.”
Hearing this, not just Qi Yuanzhe but also Qi Yuancheng expressed their loyalty: “Dad, we’re happy like this. In the past, you were busy, and we had less time together. Now, we’re just trying to make up for it.”
Seeing that the two kids insisted, Qi Sheng didn’t chase them away to play. He felt as if he was surrounded by their care and affection, which made him feel grateful, though he also feared that if things continued this way, he might find it hard to leave them.
If he wanted a glass of water, someone would immediately hand it to him. When he relaxed his neck for a bit, his older son would give him a massage, and his younger son even wanted to massage his calves. The royal treatment at home was unbelievable!
As Qi Sheng continued to live like a king at home, he found life to be quite blissful. However, aside from having to face the man who had cheated on him, he found that the more he watched his two children, the more he loved them and felt sorry for them.
They should have been the least burdened at their age, but overnight, they had been weighed down with so much: the identity of being illegitimate children, undeniable proof of their father’s infidelity, all the carefree days of their past now reined in. They even had to worry daily about being kicked out by the father they loved so much.
Sometimes, Qi Sheng couldn’t bear it and wanted to reveal the truth to the two kids so they wouldn’t have to live with uncertainty. But he knew it was too early, and he still had to pretend to be unaware.
Because he was so concerned about the two children, when Qi Sheng arrived at the office, feeling upset, he sent the he had received and everything else he’d done to Kang Hongxian, saying, “You should resolve your internal issues first, so you don’t disturb my kids!”
The next day, Kang Chengzhi, who had been called back from Haishi, still looked displeased as he stared at his father.
“Dad, why did you call me here? I just sent two parent-child DNA test results to that illegitimate kid’s family. They should be preparing for the big show now!”
Kang Hongfei, seeing his foolish son still gloating over the situation, was so angry that he grabbed a file from the desk and threw it at him: “A big show, my foot! All you do is make foolish decisions. Didn’t I tell you to stay in Country M? Why did you go to Haishi?”
“Dad, why are you angry? Although I acted on my own, this plan is really good! Once that illegitimate kid gets kicked out of his current home, he’ll definitely resent the person who sent the . Don’t worry, I was very careful. Even if that illegitimate kid investigates, all he’ll find is Auntie’s involvement. Then, they’ll end up resenting each other. Meanwhile, Kang Chengyi is still lying in bed, unable to wake up. That’s when we’ll swoop in!”
Kang Hongfei casually grabbed a file and threw it at his son: “Just you? Are you sure there won’t be any evidence pointing to you? Do you think Kang Hongxian is an idiot? If you take action now, you’re practically giving him a ready-made scapegoat!”
“Dad, don’t worry, the people I’ve hired for this job are very professional. Besides, does Uncle even have the time to deal with this? His son is practically a vegetable now, isn’t he spending all his time running to the hospital?”
Kang Hongfei sneered: “Do you think everyone thinks like you, single-mindedly? Get out of here! Just looking at you gives me a headache. You’re always dragging me down with your nonsense!”
Kang Chengzhi was upset by his father’s harsh words, but seeing the old man get worked up, he could only leave in defeat.
Though he was unhappy, Kang Chengzhi still couldn’t help but wonder: Is it really necessary to be so afraid of Uncle? If our family had the power in the Kang family, it would be way better than it is now!
He was frustrated, but Kang Chengzhi didn’t dare make any rash moves. Anyway, he had already done almost everything he could. His uncle’s family should start making a scene soon.
Secretly planning to watch the show unfold, the next day Kang Chengzhi was brought to the old Kang family estate by Kang Hongxian’s butler.
“Uncle, Aunt, what’s going on? Do you have some misunderstanding with me?”
In the living room of the old estate, aside from Kang Hongxian and his wife Xu Ruhuan sitting at the head, there were also Kang Hongxian’s second and third brothers, as well as Kang Hongfei and his wife.
Kang Chengzhi saw that the two at the head of the table were only looking at him coldly. He shrank his neck and turned to his parents for help.
“Dad, Mom, help me!”
Kang Hongfei hesitated for a moment, but his wife immediately became upset when she saw their son bound.
“Big Brother, Big Sister-in-law, what’s the meaning of this? Xiao Zhi grew up under your watch. What wrong has he done to be treated like a criminal and bound like this?”
Xu Ruhuan sneered: “I can’t accept being called Big Sister-in-law by you. He did what he did, and I think you know it better than anyone.” She turned her gaze to Kang Chengzhi and looked at his innocent act. At that moment, she almost wanted to kill him with her bare hands: “Kang Chengzhi, I’ll give you one last chance—will you confess honestly, or should I just present the evidence?”
Kang Chengzhi was so frightened by her glare that he couldn’t speak. But to avoid being investigated, he could only keep denying: “Aunt, you’ve misunderstood. There must be a misunderstanding between us. Please have Uncle He untie me first, and we’ll clear things up one by one.”
Kang Hongfei, seeing his son like this, chimed in: “That’s right, Big Sister-in-law. Although Xiao Zhi usually messes around, he really respects you both. What you’re doing today isn’t good for his heart.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Kang Hongxian, who had been sitting with a stern expression and saying nothing, finally reacted. He looked at Kang Hongfei and asked coldly, “Do you know what Xiao Zhi has been doing behind our backs?”
Kang Hongfei was stunned. He still feared his older brother. Seeing him ask, he immediately denied: “Big Brother, what are you thinking? How would I know anything? I’m still in the dark! What wrong has Xiao Zhi done to make you so angry?”
Although Kang Hongfei said this on the surface, he was panicking inside. What has my son done now? If it was just about sending a paternity test to the Qi family, would Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law be this upset? No, Big Sister-in-law might be mad at Xiao Zhi for calculating against her, but Big Brother always protected us. There’s no way he’d disregard our family over such a small thing.
Kang Hongfei’s heart raced. He cursed his son in his mind but feigned grievance on the surface: “Big Brother, what’s going on today? You know Xiao Zhi is a bit reckless. What wrong has he done to make you this angry? If he made a mistake, you can punish him however you like, but this isn’t the time to let the younger ones watch, right?”
“Watch? My son’s life and death are still uncertain, and you think tying him up is too much?”
Kang Hongfei was stunned by Xu Ruhuan’s words, almost losing his balance. He stared wide-eyed at Kang Hongxian: “Big Brother, Big Sister-in-law, what do you mean by this? What does Xiao Yi’s accident have to do with Xiao Zhi? I admit Xiao Zhi made a mistake by going to see that illegitimate child, but he did it because he felt sorry for Xiao Yi. They grew up together and have always had a good relationship. We all saw that with our own eyes!”
Kang Chengzhi panicked when he heard Xu Ruhuan’s words. How could this happen? I made sure Xiao Yi’s accident was kept secret. How could anyone possibly trace it back to me?!
In a panic, he lowered his head to avoid showing his guilt. Perhaps he was too nervous, and his mind was racing. But as his brain began to calm down, Kang Chengzhi realized with relief that there was no direct evidence linking him to Kang Chengyi’s accident!