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Madam, Please Behave-Chapter 238: An Yuanyao and Lan Yixian
October 22nd.
As usual, Liu Changqing and his son completed their morning exercise routine before freshening up. His son then left for school, while Liu Changqing took his daughter downstairs, where Feng Qian—who had resumed his duty of dropping the kids off—took her to school.
After ensuring everything was in order, Liu Changqing prepared to head to work. At the moment, he was standing at the entrance, changing his shoes.
An Yuanyao’s foot was still not fully healed, but after resting for the past two days, she was now able to walk short distances, albeit carefully.
Liu Changqing squatted down, adjusting the back of his shoe to ensure a snug fit. He then stood up, clapped his hands, and turned to An Yuanyao.
"If you get bored at home, just watch some TV. Once your foot is fully healed, I’ll take you to the office. Otherwise, with the kids at school, I’m afraid you’ll go stir-crazy being alone all day."
This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.
"I’ll be fine."
An Yuanyao stepped forward, straightening Liu Changqing’s collar. Then, she tugged on his jacket, ensuring there were no wrinkles before finally letting go, satisfied.
She was long accustomed to being alone.
During her previous failed marriage, she had spent countless days at home by herself.
Though Liu Changqing had asked if she wanted to visit his company today, she had declined—not because she didn’t want to, but because she had someone she needed to meet.
Someone Liu Changqing couldn't know about.
"Take care of yourself."
Hearing her response, Liu Changqing nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he hesitated, then let go of the doorknob and stepped back inside.
Walking up to An Yuanyao, he gently cupped her face and placed a kiss on her cheek.
"I’ll be back soon."
"Drive safe."
Her face was filled with joy.
An Yuanyao was overjoyed by his small gesture, smiling so brightly that she could barely contain it.
Then, as if remembering something, she suddenly spoke up.
"Oh, and when you’re driving… stop cursing at other drivers! Last time you—"
"I’ll try… but some of them drive like idiots. If it weren’t illegal, I’d get out and beat them up."
"No violence! You’re setting a bad example for the kids!"
Hearing this, An Yuanyao suddenly became serious, raising her voice slightly.
"I’ve noticed lately that Xiazhi has been saying weird things!"
She lowered her head and began counting on her fingers.
"She says things like 'dummy' and 'idiot'… all sorts of mean words! Kids mimic their parents’ behavior. I saw a parenting expert on TV the other day saying that parents should never curse in front of their children!"
Perhaps because Liu Changqing cursed too often, An Yuanyao couldn’t even list all the words he had used. She eventually gave up, putting her hands down and staring at him sternly.
"So from now on, no more cursing, got it?"
"Yes, Teacher An! I will follow orders!"
Liu Changqing stood at attention and saluted in an exaggerated manner, his face serious but clearly teasing.
Seeing his playful act, An Yuanyao couldn’t hold back her laughter. She took two steps forward, looking at him warmly.
"That being said… in other aspects, you’re actually a really good father."
She reached out, holding Liu Changqing’s hand gently.
"Be careful on the road."
"Got it. I’m heading out."
As the door shut behind him, An Yuanyao listened to his footsteps descending the stairs—at first clear, then gradually fading, until they disappeared entirely.
She stood motionless for a while before slowly turning around, carefully making her way back into the apartment.
Returning to the bedroom, she started getting ready.
She took her time applying makeup, carefully selecting her outfit, and making sure everything was just right before finally heading to the door.
She was going to meet Lan Yixian.
It was time for a proper talk.
Lan Yixian let out a small sigh of relief.
The busiest period of the morning at the breakfast shop had finally passed. As the rush ended, only a few scattered customers remained.
Business was even better than before, but running the shop alone had become overwhelming.
So, she had recently hired a part-time worker.
A 19-year-old girl from out of town, who had dropped out of high school to work. She was kind-hearted, diligent, and hard-working—someone Lan Yixian genuinely liked.
The pay wasn’t high, but compared to similar jobs, it was quite decent.
For Lan Yixian, as long as she could finish repaying her debts, life for her and her daughter would start to improve.
It had been nearly a month since she repaid Liu Changqing.
Over that time, she had finally been able to save a little money. She decided to deposit it in the bank—for her daughter’s future.
She had started to form a vague plan for the future.
As she thought about it, she became lost in thought.
"Excuse me, do you have porridge?"
"Yes, would you like—"
Snapped out of her daze, Lan Yixian instinctively responded while lifting her head to see the customer.
The moment she saw who it was, the words stuck in her throat.
She had seen An Yuanyao before.
Back when she and her daughter were staying at Liu Changqing’s house—that night, when he had brought this woman home.
But compared to last time, An Yuanyao looked noticeably better.
Almost as if… she had become younger.
Lan Yixian didn’t know why she was here, but she also didn’t ask. After a few seconds of hesitation, she refocused.
"Do you want pumpkin porridge or eight-treasure porridge?"
"Eight-treasure porridge, please."
An Yuanyao smiled warmly, pausing for a moment before adding,
"Oh, and… add extra sugar. I like it sweet."
"…"
Lan Yixian’s hand stiffened slightly as she scooped the porridge.
But she quickly recovered.
She placed a bowl of eight-treasure porridge on the counter, then opened a nearby jar of sugar.
Scooping up a large spoonful, she added it to the bowl.
Then, she lifted her gaze, meeting An Yuanyao’s.
The woman was still smiling at her.
Lan Yixian hesitated.
She had the strange feeling that…
An Yuanyao was sizing her up.