Marriage First, Love Later: The Soft and Obedient Little Wife of Mr. Lu - Chapter 99: This Family Is So Strange

Chapter 99: This Family Is So Strange

As the homeroom teacher, Song Shimu had an obligation to visit students who were sick and hadn’t attended school for an extended period.

After school on Friday, she had the driver take Lu Yike home first, then drove to Zhao Bohan’s house herself.

When the doorbell rang, it was actually Zhao Bohan’s mother who answered.

The woman resembled a golden canary kept in a cage – even at home, she wore exquisite makeup, her young face boasting fair, delicate skin with upturned eyeliner that made her look like a charming fox spirit.

She wore comfortable silk pajamas in a style deliberately chosen to accentuate her figure: lace-trimmed spaghetti straps covered by a long robe, showcasing her graceful physique.

Upon seeing it was Song Shimu, her initially expectant and cheerful face instantly twisted, eyes filled with dissatisfaction and disgust, her tone quite impatient.

Why are you here again?

Hello, Mrs. Zhao. I’m here to visit Bohan.

He’s fine, no need to see him.

As she spoke, she tried to close the door, but Song Shimu swiftly blocked it with her hand, maintaining a calm expression, her red lips curved as she looked at the other woman with composure.

The woman pursed her lips, finally shaking her body in anger and making indirect criticisms toward the interior.

Zhao Bohan, your teacher is here again! Look what you’ve done, always troubling the teacher to come over!

Hearing the noise, Zhao Bohan timidly emerged from his second-floor room, his right arm in a cast and some wounds still visible on his face.

Teacher Song.

Zhao Bohan greeted her obediently, his eyes clear, as he led Song Shimu inside. With difficulty, he used his good left hand to pour tea for her, but Song Shimu quickly took over the teapot.

Bohan, how did you get injured?

Song Shimu’s tone was gentle, as if afraid of startling him, her gaze full of concern as she looked at the young boy.

Zhao Bohan hesitated, his eyes darting elsewhere. His mother stood nearby with crossed arms, watching them both with a cold expression, her voice sharp as she spoke.

Zhao Bohan, didn’t you hear your teacher asking you a question? Answer properly!

Zhao Bohan flinched in fear, his pupils trembling slightly, lips quivering as he answered quietly.

I wasn’t careful going downstairs at night. I missed a step and fell down the stairs.

Song Shimu’s eyes held doubt – both their attitudes were quite strange.

The woman’s irritable temper made her suspect Zhao Bohan might be suffering from domestic abuse, but as a teacher, she couldn’t directly voice her suspicions.

Is that really what happened, Bohan? You need to tell Teacher the truth. I will definitely protect you.

Song Shimu tenderly touched the little boy’s face, her eyes filled with encouragement.

Teacher, what do you mean by that?

The woman let out a cold laugh, looking down at Song Shimu from where she stood, her eyes filled with contempt, impatience evident on her face.

He’s my son – would I harm him? You’re really strange!

Song Shimu stood up to face the woman directly, her gaze frank and open, her demeanor natural.

I’m sorry, Mrs. Zhao. As Bohan’s teacher, I just want to understand his situation better.

The situation is right here in plain sight. What’s there to understand? Can you make his arm better?

The woman shot Song Shimu a glare, rolling her eyes, her expression impatient.

Oh? Teacher Song is actually here?

A slow, flirtatious voice sounded as Zhao Qiyang walked in through the entrance, wearing a punk-style shirt, his eyes containing mockery, a roguish smile playing on his lips.

When Zhao Qiyang entered and spoke to Song Shimu, Zhao Bohan’s mother grew even more irritated. Her slender eyebrows furrowed, and a faint anger colored her expression.

How do you know everyone?!

Zhao Qiyang glanced at the woman, chuckled lightly with an unreadable look in his eyes, then turned back to continue questioning Song Shimu.

Teacher Song, what brings you here today? Did you miss me?

Song Shimu kept a stern face, her tone rigid and icy. I came to check on Bohan.

Zhao Qiyang tilted his head, grinning broadly at Zhao Bohan. Though his smile was wide, his eyes seemed to carry a subtle chill.

Bohan, be more careful next time. You worried your teacher, didn’t you?

Zhao Bohan shrank back, small hands clutching Song Shimu’s sleeve as she hid behind her. Her eyes were timid, her expression pitiful.

Bohan, don’t be afraid. You must tell your teacher if anything happens, understand?

Mm!

Zhao Bohan nodded, her eyes clearing and brightening only when she looked at Song Shimu. They sparkled, framed by long eyelashes.

Teacher Song, why not come upstairs with me to discuss Bohan’s situation in detail?

Zhao Qiyang’s words carried a suggestive tone, as if hinting at something. Song Shimu’s eyebrows tightened almost imperceptibly, her gaze cold and distant.

That won’t be necessary.

Then how about I take you out for some fun?

Mr. Zhao, I don’t have time for idle amusement.

Zhao Bohan’s mother stood to the side, frowning as she observed the two, lost in thought.

Will Teacher Song be staying for dinner?

Zhao Bohan’s mother spoke in a shrill, cold tone—a clear dismissal.

Having seen the child and found no immediate major concerns, Song Shimu politely declined and prepared to leave.

I’ll escort Teacher Song back.

Zhao Qiyang eagerly reached for Song Shimu’s bag, but she deftly avoided him. Her patience had run out; the man was clearly a nuisance.

I said no need!

What’s going on here?

Two voices spoke simultaneously, drawing everyone’s attention to the doorway.

Song Shimu looked up to see an elegant middle-aged man standing at the entrance. His hair was impeccably groomed, and he wore a pair of glasses.

He maintained a better physique than most men his age, at least without a receding hairline or beer belly.

Dressed in a shirt and dress pants, he carried a briefcase, his expression serious with deep furrows between his brows.

Yingquan, you’re back!

Zhao Bohan’s mother instantly switched to a delighted, ingratiating demeanor, swaying over to take the man’s briefcase.

Why didn’t you tell me? I’ve missed you so much.

She coquettishly fawned over him, unembarrassed by the audience.

Zhao Yingquan had been away on a business trip for nearly two months. Returning early to surprise his family, he instead found the house bustling.

He stared at the unfamiliar yet vaguely familiar woman in the center of the living room, frowning as he tried to place her.

Finally recalling who she was, his expression softened into humility. Ignoring his wife’s attentions, he slightly bowed and extended his hand.

Madam Lu, what an honor! I wasn’t prepared for your visit.

Hello, Mr. Zhao. I’m Bohan’s kindergarten teacher, here for a home visit.

You’re Bohan’s teacher? What a privilege. I hope she hasn’t caused you any trouble?

Zhao Bohan’s mother, feeling ignored, grew furious with a furrowed brow. Suspicion filled her heart as she scrutinized Song Shimu with probing eyes.

Zhao Qiyang also wiped the smile off his face, cautiously observing Song Shimu while wondering about his father’s unusual behavior.

Since when did Zhao Yingquan—always so arrogant and proud—ever lower his head to a woman?

Who was this Mrs. Lu?

Only then did Zhao Yingquan notice the cast on Zhao Bohan’s arm. His face instantly darkened as he carefully picked up the child, glaring displeasedly at the other two.

What happened?!

Zhao Bohan’s mother looked somewhat awkward, her confidence faltering as she offered a guilty explanation. Bohan wanted a snack in the middle of the night and missed a step on the stairs in the dark. Oh, I’m both angry and heartbroken!

I told you to take good care of Bohan, and this is how you do it?!

The woman placed her soft, delicate hand on Zhao Yingquan’s arm, pouting coquettishly. Oh, Yingquan, don’t be mad. I’m heartbroken too! I’ve been so worried these past couple days that I’ve been sleeping beside Bohan. If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself!

Zhao Bohan wrapped his arms around his father’s neck, burying his little face against his chest and calling out Daddy in a muffled voice.

Seeing Zhao Yingquan’s genuine concern for Zhao Bohan, Song Shimu felt reassured now that he was back. She prepared to bid farewell and head home.

A smile touched the corner of Zhao Yingquan’s eyes as he eagerly saw Song Shimu to the door.

Thank you for your trouble, Mrs. Lu. We’ll invite you and Young Master Lu for a meal another day.