Slacker Second Gen C07

Chapter 7: School Tyrant 7

“You claim you’ll take care of the child yourself without us needing to step in? I’m the one supporting you! Try not using my money and see what happens—you can’t even support yourself!” Zai Ye’s father, Zai Yan, had been at odds with his son for years, well aware of the words that would infuriate him most.

However, Zai Ye wasn’t provoked. Instead, he glanced at his father and suddenly said, “I know you dislike me as your son and would prefer to leave your inheritance to your illegitimate child. But saying it so blatantly in front of my mom makes it clear you’ve already made up your mind.”

The expression of Ms. Wen Ling, who had reluctantly sided with Zai Yan earlier, changed instantly. She now looked at Zai Yan with a different gaze.

“Zai Yan, what did we agree on when we got divorced? And what did you say when you fought for custody of Zai Ye? Let me tell you—what belongs to Zai Ye must not be reduced by a single cent. Otherwise, we’ll have a real problem!” Wen Ling’s eyes practically shot fire.

Her overwhelming anger and fighting spirit made Zai Ye quietly move a step aside.

Zai Yan hadn’t expected his attempt to hit his son’s weak spot would backfire, instead landing himself in trouble. Facing the murderous expression of his ex-wife, he weakly explained, “That’s not what I meant. I was just trying to scare Zai Ye. After all, he’s my son—how could I not care about him…”

“You still remember he’s your son? And just look at how you’ve been raising him all these years! If he turned out this way, 80% of the blame is on you! Yet you have the audacity to say this nonsense here!”

New and old grievances surfaced simultaneously. Wen Ling completely abandoned her usual composed demeanor, yelling, “I may live far away, but you’re here—how could you not know? You didn’t even know where the child was until he was two years old! You had time for mistresses, but not for your own child!”

Zai Yan, thoroughly embarrassed, retorted, “That was years ago! Why are you bringing it up again? Are you planning to argue about this for the rest of your life? I just can’t stand your hysteria!”

Wen Ling snapped, “You can have as many mistresses as you want—it’s none of my business. But Zai Ye is your only heir, and don’t you dare try to split his share with anyone else!”

Zai Yan: “I already said it was just a slip of the tongue.”

Wen Ling: “A slip of the tongue? Can you swear you’ve never even considered it?!”

While successfully causing internal strife and diverting attention, Zai Ye had already left the battlefield and was now rummaging in the fridge for something to drink. Opening it, he found no bottled water, only a half-full bottle of Coke, which belonged to Yu Qian.

He stared at it for a moment before taking it out and twisting it open.

The sound of the Coke fizzing drew the attention of the quarreling ex-couple, who both turned to look.

Zai Ye, just about to take a sip, glanced at them and said, “Carry on. Don’t mind me.”

Wen Ling and Zai Yan: “…”

In the end, Zai Yan left first. As he put on his shoes by the door, his face was even angrier than when he had arrived. “I’ll look into the situation with the child’s mother, take care of her ID, and send some money specifically for my granddaughter’s expenses.”

Zai Ye replied indifferently, “Oh. While I don’t think you’re a good dad, sending more money might make you a decent grandpa in her eyes.”

Zai Yan’s expression grew even more complicated. He seemed like he wanted to say something more, but ultimately, he didn’t. Casting one last glance toward the living room, he opened the door and left.

Back in the living room, only his mother, Wen Ling, remained. Zai Ye noticed she had already put her slippers back on properly.

Without Zai Yan present and having exhausted her rare burst of anger earlier, Wen Ling appeared as gentle as usual again.

“Xiao Ye, you’ve grown up. Earlier, when he said those things, I thought you’d lose your temper.”

Indeed, in the past, he might have argued with Zai Yan. But now, he felt more mature. The other day, watching his classmates fret over homework or relationships while he searched for daycare centers, he suddenly realized he had grown up.

“Xiao Ye, I have something to tell you. I’m planning for the whole family to move back to China,” Wen Ling added.

Zai Ye paused mid-motion, then casually responded with an “mm.”

He didn’t ask why. Wen Ling continued, “Falling leaves return to their roots; it’s time to come back. Once we’re closer, you’re welcome to bring the child over to stay for a while, or just to play.”

Zai Ye didn’t say whether he would or wouldn’t, only replied, “Her name is Xiao Qian.”

“Xiao Qian, is it?” Wen Ling smiled. “What a lovely child. But Xiao Ye, you know raising a child isn’t easy. You’ll face many challenges and difficulties in the future. If I can, I’d like to help.”

She felt guilty toward him—Zai Ye knew that. In her previous marriage, she had been a victim. Back then, she could barely take care of herself, let alone him.

“Don’t worry too much about me. Just focus on living your own life,” he said gently.

Hearing this, Wen Ling quietly began to sob.

He didn’t look up. Instead, he poured her a glass of Coke from the bottle.

Through her tears, Wen Ling reminded him, “Don’t let the child drink too much Coke. Carbonated drinks aren’t good for their teeth. You shouldn’t drink too much either.”

Zai Ye: “…” As if he didn’t already know the dangers of Coke.

After seeing off his mother, Zai Ye checked the bedroom. The child was still asleep. She had initially been wrapped in a blanket but had somehow shifted positions, now lying on her stomach with her head sticking out, arms tucked underneath, and her bottom raised.

What kind of sleeping position was this?

Suddenly, loud music blared from his phone. Zai Ye quickly muted it and, seeing the child still undisturbed, went to the bathroom to answer the call.

“Hello? Zai Ye, are you coming to Hua Yun Mountain Road tonight?”

The loud voice on the other end belonged to Ning Zeyi, a motorcycle racer and his friend.

The two had met through racing. While Zai Ye didn’t consider it a dream like Ning Zeyi did, it was still a hobby. Whenever he felt upset or bored, a ride along the mountain roads could clear his mind.

Although he had stayed calm during today’s parental conversations, they had left him feeling unsettled. He craved the thrill of speeding through the roads.

“Are you coming? You’ve been holed up for days! What are you busy with? Your bike’s probably rusting by now. Come on, let’s go!”

“…On my way,” Zai Ye replied before quietly opening the bathroom door.

The child was sleeping soundly and shouldn’t wake up. He planned to ride for two hours and come straight back—nothing would happen.

However, as soon as he opened the door, the sight of the child standing outside startled him, making his heart skip a beat.

“…Why are you awake?” He picked her up and placed her back under the blanket. “It’s late—you need to sleep.”

“Mm… but I haven’t showered,” she mumbled.

Considering how long it would take her to bathe, Zai Ye casually said, “You can skip it tonight. Take one tomorrow.”

Unexpectedly, the child stared at him for a moment and suddenly said, “You’re going to leave me here and go play.”

Zai Ye: “!”

Yu Qian: “I want to play too.”

Zai Ye: “No.”

Yu Qian grabbed his pants and began wailing, testing her vocal range.

Zai Ye didn’t understand how a child could cry like a boiling kettle one moment and an air raid siren the next.

Half an hour later, Zai Ye left the house, carrying the child. He headed to the garage, got on his sleek, red-and-black bike, and started adjusting the straps that secured her to him.

“Don’t open your mouth—the wind is strong. Don’t move around, got it?”

The child, excited, nodded against his chest and butted her head into him as if to say she understood.

The engine roared as the bike started, slowly making its way onto the road.

This was likely the slowest ride Zai Ye had ever taken on his bike. At this leisurely pace, they arrived at the base of Hua Yun Mountain Road.

The area was packed with motorcycles. Ning Zeyi’s racing club had reserved the place for practice and competition, so it was lively, with racers and spectators everywhere.

Ning Zeyi, dressed in a sharp racing suit, came over when he saw them.

“Zai Ye, you’re here! Are you joining the practice race today? Wait—what’s that moving on your chest? Holy crap! You brought a kid? Whose kid is this?!”

Zai Ye, already exasperated about bringing Yu Qian, barely reacted. He simply said, “I’m not racing today—just riding a couple of laps. Don’t mind me.”

The child strapped to him glanced at Ning Zeyi with her big, curious eyes, leaving him momentarily speechless.

“Zai Ye, what’s wrong with you? Most people bring their girlfriends to show off, and you show up with a kid? Are you crazy?”

Already frustrated at losing his freedom because of the child, Zai Ye replied coldly, “Mind your own business.”

With that, he put on his helmet, started the bike, and smoothly merged onto the mountain road.

He knew this road like the back of his hand, having ridden it countless times. At top speed, the roadside lights and trees blurred into colorful streaks. During those moments, it felt less like a race against others and more like a race against time.

As he picked up speed, he suddenly felt a small kick against his waist. Momentarily startled, he slowed down, and the colorful streaks of light turned back into clear shapes of trees.

The child, strapped to his chest and facing backward, was kicking excitedly and babbling nonsense at the passing scenery.

What’s she so excited about? Didn’t we agree not to make noise?

Yet, somehow, Zai Ye’s speed unconsciously slowed even further.

The night wind brushed past, carrying the faint scent of flowers blooming along the road. Petals scattered, some crushed under the wheels, while the fragrance lingered in the air.

Looking down briefly, Zai Ye noticed the child chewing on a corner of his jacket like a little puppy.

His lips curled into an unexpected smile.