C18 What else Could He Do?

Shi Qing spent another sleepless night, torn over her pregnancy. She was caught between two voices in her head. One urged her to see this as a new life, suggesting that as long as Lu Sinian remained unaware, the child could be hers alone. The other voice reminded her of the past three years, of how Lu Sinian and his family had treated her, insisting that bringing a child into such a life wasn't worth it.

"Ma'am, here are last month's financial statements for the company," Xiaotang said, placing the neatly organized folder on the desk.

Shi Qing didn't bother to open it, merely nodding casually. As the owner of the entertainment giant, Xinghan, she had always played the role of a hands-off boss. Being the only daughter of the Shi family, she was doted on from a young age, and her family had always protected her well. When she expressed her desire to enter the entertainment industry, her father, Shi Jianhua, immediately set up Xinghan Entertainment for her.

No one could have predicted that she would give up what she loved because of Lu Sinian.

Seeing Xiaotang still standing there, Shi Qing looked at her quizzically. "Is there something else?"

"Your father called this morning, asking about the trending news. He also wants to know when you'll explain your situation with Director Lu," Xiaotang reported earnestly.

At this, Shi Qing fell silent. Years ago, in her determination to be with Lu Sinian, she had a huge argument with her family and even went so far as to secretly marry him.

Now that the divorce was finalized, there was no escaping Shi Jianhua's scrutiny. She sighed softly, realizing it was time to go back and apologize.

After finishing her meal, Shi Qing tidied up a bit and switched to a more understated Mercedes for the drive back. In the past, bringing a sports car home always earned her a scolding from Shi Jianhua. If she was going to apologize, she needed to start off on the right foot.

As the familiar scenery gradually came into view, a vast and imposing estate appeared. The gatekeeper recognized her license plate and, after opening the gate, bowed respectfully. Along the driveway, the staff were diligently tending to the luxurious and enchanting grounds.

By the time she parked in front of the main entrance, her heart was already racing. Shi Qing took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped out of the car.

"Miss, you're back. Sir and Madam are in the back garden," said an elderly man, similar in age to Mr. Ji, as she entered the house.

Shi Qing smiled and nodded. "Mrs. Tong, it's been a while."

Just hearing this greeting brought tears to Mrs. Tong's eyes. After all, she had watched Shi Qing grow up. Wiping the corners of her eyes, Mrs. Tong quickly replied, "It's good to have you back, it's good to have you back."

After a brief chat with Mrs. Tong, Shi Qing headed toward the back garden. Accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds, she spotted Shi Jianhua and his wife sitting under the gazebo.

Her footsteps were so light that only a faint sound was heard when she stepped onto the grass. As she walked into the pavilion, Shi Qing immediately noticed the unmistakable gray hairs on her father, Shi Jianhua's head.

“Dad... Mom...” Shi Qing's voice trembled as she spoke, and with those words, tears began to fall.

Her mother, Bai Chunyan, was the first to react. She turned around, and upon seeing Shi Qing, her eyes welled up with tears. “Qing, you're finally back.” Bai Chunyan said, rushing over to embrace her daughter, whom she hadn't seen in years.

Mother and daughter held each other, crying.

Gently releasing Bai Chunyan, Shi Qing then looked at Shi Jianhua, who remained silent.

With a thud, Shi Qing knelt on the ground. Shi Jianhua was visibly shocked but kept a stern face, saying nothing.

Bai Chunyan, standing to the side, was anxious. “Shi, you’ve been wishing for our daughter to come back every day, and now that she’s here, why are you acting like this?”

It was as if her words struck a chord. Shi Jianhua cleared his throat awkwardly. “I didn’t say that. Back then, she left so decisively for that Lu boy. Now, why would she come back?”

Hearing this, Shi Qing's voice was hoarse as she admitted her mistake. “Dad, I was wrong. I’ve been an ungrateful daughter, and I’m sorry.”

Shi Jianhua, who had always doted on his daughter, couldn’t bear to see her kneeling for long. He glanced at her and said, “If you know you were wrong, then get up.”

Shi Qing wiped her tears and stood up, walking over to hug Shi Jianhua's arm. "Dad, I knew you were the best."

Hearing this, Shi Jianhua was pleased, though he tried to keep a straight face. "You're my only daughter. What else can I do but spoil you?"