When she returned to the dining table, Zheng Yang could only force a smile.
Even though forcing a smile was once her most proficient skill in the workplace, today it fell short.
The other three people at the table could all tell something was wrong with her.
“Yangyang…”
Wu Chun also became serious, “Ever since we ordered the main course, you’ve seemed off. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”
Zheng Yang took Wu Chun’s hand under the table, her lips trembling.
She really wanted to tell her that she didn’t deserve her concern.
But even as tears streamed down her face, she still didn’t have the courage to say it.
Fortunately, once the main course was served, the meal was nearing its end, so the whole dinner wasn’t too awkward.
On the way home, Zheng Yang remained silent the entire journey, and Zheng Shiqiang didn’t rashly disturb her.
Zheng Yang had made up her mind in her heart—if my true colors are going to be exposed, then rather than letting Dad suffer and struggle, I should just leave on my own.
As for Lili’s words like “if you go through it again, you’ll still find happiness,” ha, she didn’t want it anymore.
That kind of happiness was something she couldn’t afford.
Lili, I want you to watch me, watch how this despicable man stakes his entire life, just for a chance to break free from your rules.
If you are heaven, then I will defeat heaven by half a move!
So, let the pain come even more fiercely.
Even if it means going back to the gray industry, or something even more despicable…
It’s all fine…
Entering the house, Zheng Shiqiang changed his shoes.
Seeing Zheng Yang standing with her head down, not moving for a long time, he couldn’t help but sigh, “Yangyang, I know you have something on your mind. But whatever it is, change your shoes first, let’s sit on the sofa and talk slowly.”
Zheng Yang shook her head, “Mr. Zheng, I don’t deserve it.”
“What did you call me?”
“…Mr. Zheng.”
After all, Zheng Shiqiang was experienced.
He was only stunned for three seconds before giving a slight smile.
“Zheng Yangyang, right now, legally speaking, you are still my daughter, Zheng Shiqiang’s daughter. Even if you caused a catastrophe, even if you could wipe out all of Zheng Shiqiang’s family fortune in one go and still owe ten billion more, you would still be my daughter, Zheng Shiqiang’s daughter.”
“……”
Zheng Yang’s tears instantly gushed out, but she also knew that her father’s words were only valid under the premise that she was a real daughter in body and soul.
But, she raised her tearful eyes, looking through the thick mist at Zheng Shiqiang’s blurred figure… she really wanted to call him “Dad” one more time…
Zheng Shiqiang saw her mouth pucker slightly as if she was about to call out.
He pointed at her mouth, raising an eyebrow encouragingly, “Call me, call me! Don’t hold it in!”
“Dad!”
“Good girl~”
“This is… the last time I’ll call you that…”
Zheng Shiqiang pretended not to hear, pushing Zheng Yang toward the sofa, “If you don’t want to change shoes, then don’t. Anyway, Yangyang’s little feet are fragrant, not like Dad’s, which are smelly.”
This made Zheng Yang laugh through her tears.
Zheng Shiqiang poured two glasses of water, sensing they might have a lot to talk about later.
Once they were seated, Zheng Shiqiang said, “Speak, say everything on your mind.”
Zheng Yang wiped her tears and cleared her throat.
“Mr. Zheng, do you believe…”
“Hold on.”
Zheng Shiqiang interrupted her, “You changed how you address me because you’re afraid that what you’re about to say will make me decide to cut ties with you, right?”
Zheng Yang was surprised for a moment, then said, “It’s that I want to leave on my own…”
“If I still acknowledge you, will you still leave?”
“That’s impossible…”
Zheng Shiqiang smiled, “Let’s not dwell on that. If you really want to sever ties with me, it will be after you finish speaking. Before that, my last request is that you still call me ‘Dad.’ Is that too much to ask?”
Zheng Yang lowered her head, “…Alright, Dad…”
Zheng Shiqiang said something uncharacteristically flustered, almost as if talking to himself, “I already said I’d acknowledge you even if you caused a catastrophe, why are you still so stubborn…”
Zheng Yang heard it and said softly, “There might not be a catastrophe, but what if it’s a colossal lie?”
“Then I’m really interested in hearing it.”
“Dad, do you believe people have souls?”
“I do.”
“That makes it easier to explain. Then, Dad, if I told you that inside your current legal daughter’s body, the soul is actually a man, would you believe it?”
“A Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio story?”
As expected of an older man, the first thing he thought of was Strange Tales.
“Dad, haven’t you ever wondered why I never buy any female items? Haven’t you wondered why I have a composure that doesn’t belong to this age? Haven’t you wondered why all the things that are perfectly normal for a young girl become sources of shame for me?”
“I’ve wondered more than once or twice.”
“So, this is the answer—I, Zheng Yang, am a man.”
Zheng Shiqiang’s expression didn’t change at all, “How did you become like this? What’s your purpose?”
“I don’t have a purpose…”
Zheng Yang began to explain, following her memories, starting from that night over two months ago when she was rushing to finish the PPT for the Cultural Tourism Project…
As an old office worker who had been writing reports and making presentations for years, Zheng Yang had no problem with her ability to express herself.
She recounted all the key points from that night to tonight, with appropriate detail and without mission.
……
Zheng Shiqiang listened quietly without any reaction, only his slightly furrowed brow and occasionally shifting eyes suggesting he was thinking.
He couldn’t fully believe Zheng Yang’s story, but he was very confident in his ability to judge people.
He could see that Zheng Yang’s expression while telling the story didn’t seem like she was lying.
Moreover, her story could perfectly explain his previous doubts on multiple occasions.
The most crucial point—Zheng Yang mentioned the scar on the ring finger of her left hand, which was identical to the current “duplicate” male Zheng Yang.
This seemed to serve as solid evidence for her story.
Zheng Yang pretended to be very calm, but the corner of her mouth kept trembling uncontrollably, and tears kept flowing, never quite drying.
She felt that telling her own story was like taking a scalpel and, without anesthesia, slowly, piece by piece, cut by cut, dissecting the “internal organs” of her spiritual world to show to someone else.
She seemed to hear the sound of her heart bleeding. It hurt so much…
Just as Zheng Shiqiang was about to speak, Zheng Yang had already stood up, her face streaked with tears as she smiled, “Alright, thank you for taking care of me during this time, Mr. Zheng. I won’t disturb you any longer!”
“Where are you going?”
“To where I belong.”
After saying that, she bowed deeply, turned, and walked towards the main door.
As she left, she placed the key on the shoe cabinet.
Thud!
The sound of the door closing wasn’t loud, but it left a lingering aftershock in Zheng Shiqiang’s heart that wouldn’t fade for a long time.
She… left…
Logically speaking, if she really is a man, then I should probably…
But, why does my heart… ache so much?
Even if she really is a man, the happiness she brought me these past three months… that probably… can’t be fake, right?
Wait, what did she say just now?
Going to where she belongs?
If she feels she doesn’t deserve to be my daughter, then where does she belong?
Hiss~ It couldn’t be…
Zheng Shiqiang picked up his phone.
“Little Hu, emergency! Yangyang has run away from home. Drive immediately and block her at the entrance of Golden Era! The faster, the better!”
“Golden Era? Why would she go there?”
“Stop asking questions, get moving now!”
“Yes, Mr. Zheng!”
After hanging up, he thought for a moment, then dialed another number.
“Mr. Sun, I’m interested in collaborating with Jiancheng Company on a project.”
“What kind of project, boss?”
“I don’t know.”
“Ah?”
Deputy Manager Sun on the other end of the line was dumbfounded.
“Quickly familiarize yourself with Jiancheng Company’s business. I want you to finalize the cooperation intent tonight. The project shouldn’t be too big, within twenty million. Most importantly, remember this—the specific project manager on Jiancheng’s side must be their Engineering Department’s Zheng Yang, Director Zheng.”
“Boss, for a collaboration, aside from leadership, the project manager should at least be a department head. A mere director… is that appropriate?”
“This matter is not up for discussion. Go handle it immediately.”
“Got it, boss!”
After assigning the tasks, Zheng Shiqiang smiled.
He originally wanted to verify Zheng Yang’s words, but then he thought, if what she said was true, and there really was a man at Jiancheng Company with the exact same personality, character, experience, and even habits as her, wouldn’t that be interesting?
As for the scars on the left hands of these two Zheng Yangs, there would always be a chance to see them.