Protoganist's Sidekick Fights Back-Chapter 54: A Mother’s Disapproval

Bai Yunxi took a slow breath before beginning.

She did not spare herself from the painful details—her marriage to Li Xiao, her unexpected pregnancy, the silent suffering within the Li family, and the crushing weight of her parents' disappearance.

She spoke of the years she had endured, of watching her son grow while knowing she had no power to protect him.

Then, her tone softened as she spoke of Su Kang.

How he had protected her son, shielding him from unseen dangers. How he had risked his life—not once, but countless times—expecting nothing in return.

How he had reunited her with her mother, offering her something she had long thought lost—a family, a place where she could belong again.

With every word, Dong Yue's expression darkened. Her once-composed face twisted with disbelief.

She had prepared herself for surprises, but this—this—was beyond anything she had imagined.

Her son had entangled himself with a widow.

And not just any widow. Li Fang's mother.

Dong Yue exhaled slowly, her grip tightening on the armrest. The storm had already begun to brew.

Li Fang was no ordinary cultivator—he was a rising star, a genius recognized by the people. If he discovered this, his fury would be boundless.

Her voice came out hoarse, almost hesitant.

"Why... why did you address my son as your husband?"

Bai Yunxi lowered her gaze for a moment before meeting Dong Yue's eyes with quiet resolve.

"Because we are husband and wife."

The words struck like a thunderclap.

She explained their small ceremonial wedding—a exchange of vows under the Heavens in a remote village near Rift Valley.

Dong Yue's body tensed. Her heart pounded against her ribs.

"You're telling me... that you are already married?"

For a long moment, she sat frozen, unable to process the sheer weight of the situation.

This wasn't just an attachment—it was a bond already sealed.

Her mind raced. Li Fang will seek revenge. He might even kill Su Kang.

She forced her voice to remain steady. "Do you love my son?"

Bai Yunxi nodded. There was no hesitation, no doubt.

Dong Yue's next words were cold. "Then tell me—how will you protect Su Kang when your own son tries to kill him?"

Bai Yunxi met her gaze with quiet determination. "I will handle Li Fang. I won't let him harm Su Kang."

Dong Yue scoffed. "You think you can stop him?" Her voice was sharp, almost pitying.

"Your son is no ordinary person. He is a genius. When he learns of this, he will try to kill Su Kang to protect his reputation. He will take revenge with everything he has."

Bai Yunxi's throat tightened, but she did not falter. Instead, she lifted her gaze, her voice unwavering—not with fear, but with something raw and unbreakable.

"If something happens to Su Kang," she whispered, "I will die with him."

Dong Yue's breath hitched.

The sheer finality of Bai Yunxi's words struck her harder than she expected. This was not mere devotion—this was conviction.

But Dong Yue could not accept it.

"Forget about him," she ordered, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Keep your relationship a secret. If you truly care for him, let him go."

Bai Yunxi's fingers tightened in her lap.

She had prepared herself for rejection, for disapproval, for the weight of reality crashing down on her fragile hopes.

But a small part of her—a foolish, yearning part—had still wished for something else. A word of understanding, perhaps. A blessing, however reluctant. Something kinder.

But reality was cruel.

Dong Yue's final words were spoken with a sigh, tinged with something softer, almost regretful.

"If you were anyone else, I would have accepted you—widow or not. But Li Fang's mother... that, I cannot allow."

Bai Yunxi's eyes stung, but she did not let the tears fall.

Dong Yue rose to her feet. Her decision was made.

Without another word, she turned to leave.

As she walked away, the faint sound of Bai Yunxi sobbing echoed behind her, the quiet rustle of fabric as she wiped her tears with her sleeves.

She had dared to dream of a new life, of happiness with Su Kang.

But Fate had played another cruel trick on her.

Dong Yue's steps were heavy as she left.

Yet, no matter how much she tried to push it aside, the image of Bai Yunxi's tear-streaked face haunted her.

But she forced herself forward.

She couldn't afford to falter—not when the future of her family was at stake.

....

"Don't worry, father. Li Fang won't do something like this."

"Li Fang was raised by her. He is a filial son," Su Kang said, his voice steady.

"He will understand her decision. He won't harm her."

Su Chen exhaled sharply. His gaze, sharp as a blade, did not waver from his son's face.

"You believe that?" he asked. "You truly think a man with pride and ambitious heart, would so easily accept his mother remarrying his friend?"

Su Kang met his father's gaze without hesitation. "I have not manipulated her. This was Bai Yunxi's decision. If Li Fang truly respects his mother, he will not stop her from pursuing her happiness."

Su Chen's frown deepened.

"You're too naive, Su Kang," he said, his voice laced with concern.

"In this world, a man's pride and reputation matter more than emotions. Whether he respects her or not is irrelevant when the weight of his name is at stake."

His father leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto Su Kang's. "How can you be sure that Li Fang won't seek revenge?"

Su Kang did not hesitate.

"Father, if Li Fang chooses to kill his own mother over this, then yes, he could very well try to kill me. But otherwise, it's impossible."

"We have time to prepare for such situations, but it's not right to dwell on hypotheticals now."

Su Chen's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "With the resources and backing of the Central Plains, he could become a force to reckon with far sooner than you think. If he turns against us, the consequences could be catastrophic."

Su Kang let out a slow breath, his expression unwavering.

"I am aware, Father," he said. "I have already considered the worst possible outcome. If that day comes, I will be prepared and won't let him harm our family."

A tense silence settled between them.

Su Chen studied his son carefully. There was no arrogance in his voice, no reckless bravado. Only quiet certainty.

He has already thought it through.

Still, the weight of the situation pressed on Su Chen's shoulders.

"This will not be simple, Su Kang," he said, his tone heavy. "Even if we set aside Li Fang, this is already a controversial matter. She is mother of your friend."

Su Chen sighed, rubbing his temples. "I never expected you to do something like this."

"Father, we have decided to hide our relationship." Su Kang assured him.

Su Chen was silent for a long moment.

He had raised his son to be cautious, to think before he acted. And yet, Su Kang had chosen this path with full awareness of its dangers.

Su Chen let out a deep sigh.

Perhaps he needed to trust his son a little more.

Even so, he couldn't let this matter rest so easily.

"I will speak with your mother about Bai Yunxi," he finally said, standing up."

Su Kang inclined his head. "I understand, Father. Thank you."

As Su Chen walked back toward the courtyard, his steps were heavy with thought. He had barely begun to process his conversation with Su Kang when he saw Dong Yue approaching from the opposite direction.

The moment their eyes met, he knew.

Her expression, usually composed, was laced with restrained frustration. The truth was out.

"So, you know." His voice was calm, but the undercurrent of tension was unmistakable.

Dong Yue exhaled slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yes."

Su Chen stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We need to talk about something important."

She nodded. Without another word, she turned on her heels and followed him. But before she left, her gaze fell on Su Kang, who stood watching them with a composed expression.

"I'm not happy with your surprise," she said, her tone cool but not outright hostile.

Su Kang met her eyes without hesitation.

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"Did you even think about the consequences of this?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Su Kang's answer was steady. "Mother, I have already taken every measure to protect our family. This step will not bring harm to us."

Dong Yue studied him for a moment, searching for hesitation. She found none.

With a sigh, she turned away. "We'll see."

And with that, she followed Su Chen into the night.