The Cannon Fodder Ex-Wife Changes to Take the Black Moonlight Script - Chapter 68

In the evening, Shang Shixing was absent from the Shang family’s dinner table.

Shang Shixing’s youngest daughter refused to eat without seeing her mother.

Shang Shidai joined the effort to coax her into eating.

After reaffirming her decision not to have children for the Nth time, Shang Shidai asked in frustration, “Grandma, where exactly has Eldest Sister gone?”

Shang Yufeng replied, “It seems she had some urgent important matter to attend to.”

Shang Shidai muttered, “And yet someone once said no matter how busy, one should always come home for meals.”

Shang Yufeng glanced at her: “Perhaps she’s dealing with those troublesome people around you?”

Shang Shidai fell silent.

Those with nothing to hide fear no investigation, while those with secrets cannot withstand scrutiny.

After learning that Zhao Duxing’s girlfriend Wang Xiadie was still in contact with Yu Xiong, she had considered approaching Zhao Duxing to ask if she knew about Wang Xiadie’s situation.

But she ultimately heeded her family’s advice.

If Zhao Duxing was aware, such a move would alert the enemy;

If Zhao Duxing was unaware, accusing Wang Xiadie without evidence would surely upset Zhao Duxing and test their friendship.

So she could only investigate discreetly.

But with limited connections, rash investigations would yield little, so the Shang family eventually took over the investigation.

To investigate Wang Xiadie, they needed to understand Yu Xiong’s role in the matter.

Yu Xiong had a history of drug abuse and was on the dynamic monitoring list.

In the first two years, he was frequently caught relapsing, leading to compulsory rehabilitation.

After release, he remained quiet for a long time, with no signs of relapse in three years.

He recently applied to remove the dynamic monitoring.

If successful, unless reported by community watchdogs or caught red-handed by police, he would no longer need regular urine tests at the community center.

The timing of Shang Shidai’s framing was subtle.

Police decided to approve Yu Xiong’s application first while setting up surveillance around him.

As expected, he let his guard down after the approval.

Within days, Wang Xiadie’s agent appeared near Yu Xiong’s home and met him in the garage.

Neither left their vehicles, only stopping when their cars aligned to exchange something through the windows.

When police intercepted the cars, they found several packets of “Popping Candy” and “instant milk tea.Wang Xiadie’s agent claimed they were his snacks.

But when police opened the packaging, he immediately confessed.

Wang Xiadie had been summoned by police for investigation.

To Shang Shidai’s surprise, Zhao Duxing never came to see her, seemingly unaware why Wang Xiadie was under investigation.

For several consecutive days, Shang Shixing left early and returned late, departing at 7 AM and coming back at 11 PM.

Shang Xiaowu assumed her eldest sister was busy with her affairs, but occasionally overheard phone conversations mentioning matters unrelated to her or work.

She wondered: besides these things, what other tricky matter could trouble her eldest sister for so long?

–

Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye.

Shang Xiaowu woke up early in the morning.

She was surprised and delighted to see two additional figures at home: “Mama, Third Sister! When did you return?”

These were Zhu Fu, mother of the three Shang sisters, and Shang Zhaoyan, third-eldest among the new generation of Shangs.

Zhu Fu wore a pair of glasses on the bridge of her nose, dressed in a white shirt with a fluttering tie collar, paired with a sapphire blue straight skirt sharp and efficient, yet perfectly matching her intellectual temperament.

If one didn’t know her, no one could tell she was already past fifty.

Zhu Fu said, “I came back last night. You were already asleep by then, so I didn’t wake you.”

Shang Zhaoyan, her face weary, covered her mouth as she yawned and said, “I only got back this morning.”

The day before yesterday, she had her doctoral dissertation proposal defense, and the Shang family had deliberately avoided disturbing her.

It wasn’t until yesterday, after finishing her defense, that she called home and remembered today was Shang Shiqian’s birthday anniversary. She hurriedly booked a flight.

But heavy rain delayed the plane, and it didn’t take off until after five in the morning today.

Shang Shixing said to her, “Go get some sleep first.”

Shang Zhaoyan waved her hand dismissively, “No need, just get me a cup of coffee.”

Shang Shixing then instructed Shang Xiaowu to brew a cup of coffee for her.

A little later, when Shang Yufeng and Lin Shizhang were ready, the whole family set off for the Shang family cemetery.

At the cemetery entrance, Shang Yufeng noticed that the security guard on duty had a new face.

She asked Shang Shixing, “What happened to Old Wu, who’s been working here all along?”

Shang Shixing replied without changing her expression, “I thought he was getting on in years, so I let him retire and enjoy his remaining years in peace.”

Shang Yufeng didn’t press further.

Noticing that Lin Shizhang had been looking around restlessly since entering, she couldn’t help but ask, “Old man, what are you looking for?”

Lin Shizhang, seated in his wheelchair, stroked his cane and said, “Wei Yixian didn’t come.”

His words left the Shang family momentarily stunned.

In previous years, on Shang Shiqian’s death anniversary, birthday anniversary, Qingming Festival, and Chongyang Festival, Wei Yixian would always bring flowers. Each time, the Shang family would stop her at the gate.

Unable to enter the Shang family cemetery, she would hand the flowers to the security guard, asking him to place them before Shang Shiqian’s tombstone.

For eight years, it had been like this, without fail.

But this time, Wei Yixian was absent.

After a moment of silence from the Shang family, Zhu Fu finally said, “This is a good thing. It means she’s taken our words to heart.”

The words Shang Shixing had spoken to Wei Yixian back then were not her own ideas or decisions.

Over the years, the Shang family’s feelings had been quite conflicted.

On one hand, they knew that Shang Shiqian’s death couldn’t be blamed on Wei Yixian.

Especially seeing her persist in coming to pay respects to Shang Shiqian, undeterred by wind or rain, even when she knew the Shang family would stop her at the gate, it was hard not to feel somewhat moved.

On the other hand, they couldn’t help but resent her and reject any connection between her and Shang Shiqian.

Yet, when she truly decided to let go of it all and start a new romantic life, they couldn’t help but feel a little unsettled.

Shang Shixing suddenly glanced at Shang Xiaowu.

The one who was usually the most vocal at times like this had, for once, remained unusually silent and refrained from criticizing Wei Yixian.

Shang Xiaowu, feeling uneasy under her eldest sister’s gaze, asked, “Big sister, why are you looking at me?”

“You seem a bit distracted.”

“Not at all!” Shang Xiaowu changed the subject, “It’s getting late. Shang Qiguan must be eagerly waiting to see us. Let’s hurry and pay our respects, then each of us can go about our own business.”

Her words drew sidelong glances from everyone.

“Are the things you’re busy with even proper?” Zhu Fu asked sternly, “I haven’t had the chance to ask you for details about that incident where you were nearly framed for drug use!”

Shang Xiaowu said, “I will explain it to you, but isn’t celebrating Shang Qiguan’s birthday more important right now?”

With her saying this, the Shang family members stopped paying attention to her.

–

While the Shang family was celebrating Shang Shiqian’s birthday, at a children’s amusement park in the suburbs, the birthday girl of the day was happily experiencing the speed and thrill of 20 kilometers per hour on a small train.

In the vast amusement park, aside from her and Wei Yixian, there were only a few staff members and the bodyguards Wei Yixian had brought along.

The place had been booked exclusively by Wei Yixian.

As for why it was a children’s amusement park instead of a larger, more famous theme park.

It wasn’t that Wei Yixian couldn’t afford to book a bigger venue; it was purely because Shang Shiqian didn’t like the attractions at those large amusement parks.

For example, roller coasters at major amusement parks were thrilling and dangerous. Riding one would leave Shang Shiqian vomiting at best or fainting at worst.

The roller coaster at a children’s amusement park, or rather the small train, was different, its speed was low, and the slopes were gentle, allowing her to enjoy the fun of a roller coaster while staying within her physical limits.

Similarly, spinning tops, flying chairs, and other rides were not as intense.

As the small train passed by the station, Shang Shiqian asked, “Ah Hang, won’t you come up and ride with me?”

Wei Yixian, holding a camera, snapped a few photos of her.

The small train moved away, and Wei Yixian only managed to reply, “Next round.”

The tracks of small amusement park roller coasters are not very long, so to give visitors a sufficient experience, the small train usually runs two or three laps.

After the small train completed its third lap, Wei Yixian handed the camera to Chu Fei and sat down beside Shang Shiqian.

The small train set off again.

“Did you sneak a photo of me?” Shang Shiqian asked.

Wei Yixian hummed in agreement, “I want to preserve more memories of being with you.”

Speaking of photos, Shang Shiqian had noticed long ago that there were no photos of them together in Wei Yixian’s home.

Not to mention group photos, there weren’t even any solo photos of Wei Yixian.

Thinking about it, they really should take more photos.

Shang Shiqian took out her phone, opened the camera app, and said, “You took photos of me just now; now let’s take some together.”

Wei Yixian, having lived this long, was using the front-facing camera for the first time.

“How do we take it?” she asked.

Shang Shiqian was also taking a selfie with Wei Yixian for the first time. She said, “Just act natural.”

Wei Yixian stared intently at the lens.

Shang Shiqian: …

She took a few photos and then burst into laughter.

“What are you laughing at? Let me see,” Wei Yixian said.

Shang Shiqian opened the photos to show her.

Wei Yixian noticed that compared to Shang Shiqian’s lively and expressive face, she looked like a cold, rigid stone sculpture.

Already eight years older than Shang Shiqian, with such a contrast in expressions, she didn’t seem like Shang Shiqian’s girlfriend but more like her homeroom teacher.

She expressionlessly deleted the photos and said, “Let’s take them again.”

The second time, she finally got the hang of taking selfies.

Suddenly, as the small train slowly climbed a slope, it abruptly rushed down a steep drop. Caught off guard, Wei Yixian was startled, and a moment of panic flashed across her face.

It was at that exact moment that Shang Shiqian captured the shot.

Wei Yixian regained her composure and said, “Delete it.”

Shang Shiqian said, “Such a rare moment can’t you let me keep it as a treasure?”

Wei Yixian: What’s so worth treasuring about an ugly photo like that?!

Shang Shiqian muttered, “I didn’t take many photos to begin with. If I delete any more, there’ll be nothing left.”

Wei Yixian had no choice but to swallow her words.

Since Shang Shiqian probably wouldn’t post the photos publicly anyway, she might as well let her secretly look at them in private.

After finishing their selfie session, Shang Shiqian and Wei Yixian fully immersed themselves in the miniature train ride.

The summer breeze lifted Wei Yixian’s long hair and also blew this beautiful moment deep into Shang Shiqian’s heart.

“Wei Yixian, I’m really happy today.”

It wasn’t because she had fun playing, but because Wei Yixian had done all this just to make her happy.

This thoughtful gesture made Shang Shiqian feel very secure.

[Congratulations, Host! Love Points have exceeded 50%!!!]

[This energy is enough to extend your lifespan by 16 months!]

Hearing the announcement in her ear, Wei Yixian looked at Shang Shiqian with a slight upward curve at the corner of her lips. “I’m glad you’re happy.”

After getting off the miniature train, they went to experience other amusement park rides like bumper cars and the Ferris wheel.

By noon, the sun grew increasingly intense.

Many attractions in the amusement park were outdoors, and playing in this nearly 40°C heat was practically torture. So even though they didn’t get to try every single ride, Shang Shiqian was completely satisfied.

After leaving the park, they went for lunch.

Shang Shiqian hadn’t forgotten her afternoon tea appointment with Shang Xiaowu.

Wei Yixian was also aware of this schedule. After personally seeing her to the destination, she left both Chu Fei and another female bodyguard with her.

The place Shang Xiaowu had chosen was a café tucked away in an alley.

Though located in East City’s commercial district, this spot felt tranquil and elegant since few people ventured deep into the alley.

When Shang Shiqian arrived, besides Shang Xiaowu, two other girls were sitting by the window drinking coffee and taking selfies.

“How did you find this place?” Shang Shiqian asked.

Shang Xiaowu said, “My friend owns this place.”

A server brought over a coffee and a juice. Chu Fei first poured a small cup of juice, took a sip to check it was safe, then returned it to Shang Shiqian.

Shang Xiaowu felt displeased. “Why did they come along too?”

The key point was that last time Shang Shiqian went out, she only had Chu Fei as a bodyguard, but now there was an additional one.

Did Wei Yixian think having afternoon tea with her was risky, so she assigned more personnel?

Shang Shiqian smiled and reassured her younger sister, “Last time when I went back to the dorm to move my things, I encountered some drunk men. Ah Qian was worried that Chu Fei might not be able to handle it alone, so she added more people.”

As for the fact that those drunk men were actually sent by someone to intentionally harm her, she didn’t plan to mention that to her family.

Bringing it up would only reinforce her family’s belief that “people around Wei Yixian easily get implicated because of her.”

Shang Xiaowu exclaimed excitedly, “Why didn’t you tell me about such a big incident?!”

Shang Shiqian: “Huh?”

Was encountering drunk men really such a big deal?

Everyone in the café turned to look at them. Realizing she had lost her composure, Shang Xiaowu quickly lowered her voice and said, “Drunkards, mentally unstable people, addicts these types are the most dangerous. You never know what they might do when they’ve lost their ability to think rationally.”

Shang Shiqian said, “That’s why Ah Qian assigned me more bodyguards. Sister Chu and Sister Ying are really capable. It’s only because they’re here that I can leisurely have afternoon tea with you like this, isn’t it?”

Shang Xiaowu had nothing to say in response and muttered, “Wei Yixian actually considered this quite thoroughly.”

Shang Shiqian noticed that Shang Xiaowu’s attitude toward Wei Yixian had improved significantly.

This was all the result of her recent efforts to mediate between them!

Feeling quite satisfied with this, she picked up her juice and took a sip.

Shang Xiaowu said, “I’m going to the restroom.”

She had come over right after lunch at home, and while waiting earlier, she had drunk several glasses of water. Now she was bursting to go.

As soon as she left, two girls sitting by the window started discussing: “Hey, look at this news Go Sage Yu Yifei has been admitted to the ICU due to a cancer flare-up, and the hospital has issued multiple critical condition notices.”

Shang Shiqian froze.

She set down her cup, about to approach the two girls, but then thought it would be too forward. Instead, she took out her phone, opened Ledou, and searched for “Go Sage Yu Yifei.”

Numerous news articles quickly popped up, including reports about Yu Yifei’s advanced-stage rectal cancer.

When Shang Xiaowu returned, Shang Shiqian asked her, “Do you know which hospital Go Sage Yu Yifei is in?”

Shang Xiaowu replied without hesitation, “City First Central Hospital.”

Shang Shiqian said, “It seems I can’t continue accompanying you to celebrate Shang Qiguan’s birthday today.”

Shang Xiaowu looked puzzled. “You want to visit Yu Yifei at the hospital? But even if you go now, you won’t be able to see him.”

Yu Yifei had been diagnosed with rectal cancer several years ago. It hadn’t recurred in recent years, and he only went to the hospital occasionally for check-ups, so there was no guarantee of running into him.

Shang Shiqian thought she meant that Yu Yifei was in the ICU and couldn’t be visited, and said, “I know.”

“You know, and you’re still going?”

“Yes.”

“Alright then, I’ll take you there.”

Chu Fei and the others were only responsible for protecting Shang Shiqian, so they merely reported the matter to Wei Yixian and did not restrict her movements.

With Shang Xiaowu leading the way, Shang Shiqian soon arrived at City First Central Hospital.

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