Chapter 7
After I turned down my son, Zhou Zeyu called me again.
"Shen Xi, are you really so upset about me marrying Lin Yaqi that you're taking it out on your own son?!"
"…What?" I was caught off guard.
"What did you say to him? He's been crying nonstop."
"I didn't scold him," I replied calmly.
"Cut the crap. You just can't stand seeing me with Yaqi, so now you're using our son to vent your emotions."
At that moment, I was completely speechless.
"You're not denying it, are you?" he sneered coldly. "Well, it's too late now. Regret won't save you."
"I wish you and Lin Yaqi eternal happiness."
Then I hung up and blocked his number too.
I thought that would be the end of everything between us.
But less than a month later, I saw Zhou Zeyu again—this time, standing outside the gates of University A.
I had just finished a lab session and was leaving campus with my senior, Chen Zhecheng.
We were still deep in conversation, discussing the lab data, when I noticed Zhou Zeyu and Zhou Yiran waiting by the gate.
How did he even know I was in grad school?
Zhou Zeyu's eyes immediately locked onto the man beside me.
For a split second, I thought I saw anger flash in them—but maybe it was just my imagination.
"So this is why you don't want your son anymore," he scoffed. "Because you've found someone new. Shen Xi, does this guy know you've been married? That you have a kid?"
Before I could answer, Chen Zhecheng replied for me, cool and composed:
"Of course I know. I also heard her ex-husband was trash. You wouldn't happen to know him, would you?"
I couldn't hold back my laughter.
Zhou Zeyu's face darkened instantly.
"I need to speak with Shen Xi," he snapped, clearly trying to send Chen Zhecheng away.
But my senior didn't budge.
"Is everything okay?" he asked me.
"All good," I smiled. "You can head back. I'll be fine."
"If anything happens, call me. I'll report him to the police."
"I will."
After he left, Zhou Zeyu gave me a bitter glare.
"Wow. That hard to say goodbye? You've gone too far."
I turned back to him, expression flat.
"What do you want?"
"You think it's funny to block me?"
I answered coolly, "There's no point keeping people who don't matter."
"So now you're even abandoning your own son?"
I looked over at Zhou Yiran. He was staring at me with teary, confused eyes.
I smiled faintly.
"He's the one who didn't want me. I'm just respecting his choice."
"I didn't say that!" Yiran blurted, panicked. "I want to be with you forever!"
I stepped closer and looked him over. He'd gained weight—his cheeks round, eyes wet.
"Have you forgotten?" I said gently. "You told me once you wanted Auntie Lin to be your mom. Now that she is, shouldn't you be happy?"
"I…" Yiran's eyes brimmed with tears, and he bit his lip, clearly struggling.
Zhou Zeyu cut in, no longer hiding his agenda.
"Yaqi's pregnant. She's dealing with severe morning sickness and mood swings. The doctor says she needs a peaceful environment. So for the time being, Yiran will be staying with you."
I frowned.
"I'm very busy. The lab workload is intense, and I'm also preparing for my PhD entrance exams. I really don't have the time to look after him."
Zhou Zeyu immediately lost his temper.
"PhD exams? Are you kidding me? You're too old to be chasing this academic nonsense! What's the point of studying now? Haven't I given you enough in the settlement to live comfortably?"
He narrowed his eyes and barked:
"What are you even pretending for, Shen Xi?!"