After Divorce, My Ex-Wife Became My Creditor - Chapter 37 - Partners in Crime?

Throughout the drive, Wen Nuan kept reaching for snacks in the backseat. Han Qian frowned, reminding her they had dinner plans. Wen Nuan insisted she’d eat three big bowls, but Han Qian still refused to let her snack. Amid their chatter, Mr. Wen’s call came through. Wen Nuan put it on speaker, informing him they were on their way home. Mr. Wen responded, “What? You say Qian wants to have a drink with me? What’s the occasion? Well, if Qian is sincere, I can’t refuse him. Let’s have a drink.”

Han Qian looked puzzled, glancing at the car. When did he say he wanted to drink? Wen Nuan, with a stern expression, gritted her teeth, “Han Qian doesn’t drink!”

“What? You two are together? Qian, don’t buy any outside booze! Jinhe, is there any baijiu left at home? Qian wants to drink with his father-in-law, have some fun. If not, I’ll go downstairs to buy some. Don’t make the kids run around.”

Mr. Wen rambled on the phone, prompting Wen Nuan to hang up in frustration. Han Qian took a deep breath, feeling a bit sorry for Mr. Wen. Clearly, today’s invitation was driven by his craving for a drink.

They arrived at Xingjia Mansion by five. Mr. Wen was already waiting at the door, signaling Han Qian and Wen Nuan not to blow his cover. Wen Nuan ignored Mr. Wen’s antics, heading to her room to change clothes, also bringing Han Qian a set of clothes Mr. Wen hadn’t worn yet.

Father-in-law and son-in-law sneaked into the kitchen. Mr. Wen washed and chopped vegetables while Han Qian cooked. Suddenly, Mr. Wen closed the kitchen door, loudly claiming it was to keep the smoke out, then asked Han Qian if he had brought cigarettes.

Han Qian shook his head, then called out, “Wen Nuan, can you bring me my jacket?”

The door slid open, and instead of the jacket, Wen Nuan handed Han Qian a pack of cigarettes, clearly reluctant, and slammed the door shut. Mr. Wen gave Han Qian a thumbs-up.

“I’ve never dared to be so assertive with your mom. Even though Wen Nuan is my daughter… Next time, buy some good cigarettes. If you’re short on cash, let Dad know.”

Han Qian lit a cigarette for Mr. Wen, grinning, “What? You have a secret stash? If I tell Mom, maybe she’ll reward me with more cigarettes.”

Mr. Wen shrugged, unconcerned.

Less talk, more smoke.

Savor the moment.

At the dinner table, Mr. Wen finally got his chance to drink, and Han Qian wasn’t spared either. Han Qian wasn’t great with baijiu, but he poured a small glass to accompany his father-in-law. Wen Nuan finally got to enjoy the crab she’d been craving, prepared by Li Jinhe.

Mr. Wen sipped his drink, looking content, and squinted at Han Qian, “Han Qian, I heard from Wen Nuan that you made quite a stir at Rongyao? General Manager Yan thinks highly of you?”

Han Qian scratched his head, smiling awkwardly, “No, no, don’t listen to Wen Nuan’s nonsense.”

As he spoke, Wen Nuan handed him the crab, saying…

“Mr. Wen, don’t let Han Qian fool you. When I went to pick him up around three, I ran into Gao Lvxing. Gao told Han he could leave work early. That’s not just a small stir.”

Han Qian didn’t eat crab; he cracked it open and handed it to Wen Nuan, raising his glass to suggest a toast with Mr. Wen, hoping to change the subject. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Mr. Wen took a big gulp of baijiu, his face turning slightly red, and placed a piece of rib in Han Qian’s bowl, speaking softly.

“You, kid, why don’t you eat seafood? And don’t be modest in front of me. Do you think I don’t know your capabilities? If you were useless, your mom and I wouldn’t have entrusted Wen Nuan to you. Divorce or not, what does the law matter? If I don’t acknowledge it, you’re not divorced, understand?”

“Well… about the divorce…”

“Drink up, stop babbling. Wen Nuan has her flaws, but she’s kind-hearted. Haven’t I put up with your mom’s temper for thirty years? I’m just saying, if you really can’t get along, I can’t force you as your father-in-law, right? Old age makes me naggy. Let’s not talk about this. Tell me about your work at Rongyao.”

After discussing the matter briefly, Mr. Wen’s face turned somber. He downed his drink, stood up, patted Wen Nuan on the shoulder, and went to his room. The issue was in the past, and he didn’t want to dwell on it. Li Jinhe noticed Mr. Wen’s gloom and hurried to the bedroom.

At the dining table, Han Qian looked at Wen Nuan, who then handed him another crab, whispering.

“Qian-Ge, help me crack it open. Mr. Wen seems upset.”

Han Qian cracked the crab and finished his drink without responding.

In the room, Mr. Wen’s emotions were complicated. Sitting on the bed, smoking, Li Jinhe surprisingly didn’t extinguish his cigarette but softly asked if it was serious. Mr. Wen shook his head.

“Not exactly serious, but not light either. Yan Qingqing will firmly hold the position of general manager at Rongyao, having seized the opportunity. I was thinking if this project plan had been given to Wen Nuan, she’d have secured her place in the company. Alas! It’s likely that Qian’s deal with Yan Qingqing was for money. Once the plan was noticed by the higher-ups, this kid should have just asked for money. If I don’t give it to Wen Nuan, I’d give it to him.”

“Hmm? Wen Shu, are you even listening to yourself? Don’t you know Qian’s character by now? Has he ever bowed his head or asked for anything? You should have offered money instead of waiting for him to ask. If he could ask his father-in-law for money, he wouldn’t be Han Qian.”

“Alright, alright, it’s all in the past. Get the room ready so the kids don’t have to leave.”

Mr. Wen felt bitter, having lost the watermelon without even picking up the sesame seed. Within minutes, Li Jinhe’s roar echoed from the living room.

“Little ingrate!!!”

Han Qian and Wen Nuan had fled! As they left, Han Qian secretly packed the crab for Wen Nuan, and Wen Nuan took two packs of cigarettes from the TV cabinet. Originally, they wanted the two little rascals to stay overnight! Who would’ve thought?

Wen Nuan drove, laughing all the way, not at all upset about Han Qian’s plan going to Yan Qingqing. Instead, the thrill of stealing from home with Han Qian was exhilarating. Han Qian, unable to handle baijiu, was tipsy as soon as he stepped outside.

Back home, Han Qian went straight to bed without even changing his clothes. Wen Nuan pouted.

They were about to face their second weekend post-divorce.