Looking for a Beating

"Because it was abolished in the 1950s. If you get multiple marriage certificates now, it would count as bigamy," Ye Shuang said with a smile. "But in Hong Kong, the change came a bit later. Maybe your grandfather had several wives."

Grandfather.

Hearing this unfamiliar term, Bai Yuyou glanced at Zhou's Father, who suddenly cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, yes, that was normal back then."

"Why was it abolished…?" Bai Yuyou asked curiously. "It’s not allowed now?"

"Mm, mainly to protect men," Ye Shuang explained. "It’s like in ancient times—even maids or women from poor backgrounds would rather become the 30th concubine of a wealthy lord than the legal wife of an ordinary man. If the system hadn’t been abolished, there’d probably be even more men today who couldn’t find wives."

"Plus, abolishing it helped raise women’s social status, so it was beneficial for both genders."

Bai Yuyou listened, still a little confused. "Oh… so it’s gone now."

"Not entirely. It just goes by different names now—like ‘keeping mistresses.’ Of course, it can’t be openly acknowledged, and society doesn’t approve of it."

"That’s why history is fascinating. Different policies shape different social realities."

Bai Yuyou nodded slightly before suddenly asking, "Ye Shuang… which number am I?"

Ye Shuang: "?"

Thump. He flicked her forehead. "Silly girl."

Ye Shuang went on to explain more, giving her a basic understanding of monogamy. But after listening, Bai Yuyou’s gaze briefly lingered on Chen Qin when no one was looking before she turned away.

The museum wasn’t large, so they finished quickly and moved on to the nearby art gallery.

Bai Yuyou seemed interested in art, making Ye Shuang wonder where at home he could set up an easel to nurture her hobby—

Well, he could always sacrifice Wanyi’s litter box space. The cat probably wouldn’t complain.

Zhou's Father and Mother were also pleased, finally getting to talk with Bai Yuyou about many things.

By the time they returned to the Chen residence, it was already mid-afternoon.

"We should probably head back soon," Ye Shuang said once they arrived.

After all, Bai Yuyou had school the next day, and he planned to take her to a music store to check out pianos that evening.

"Leaving so early?" Zhou's Father and Mother frowned, unhappy about how little time they’d had with their daughter. Though, truthfully, they didn’t have much time to spare either.

"What’s the rush? She’s not going anywhere!" Chen's Father interjected. "Just make time to see her more often."

Zhou's Father and Mother exchanged a glance and sighed in resignation. For now, this would have to do. They’d bring her back to Hong Kong once she warmed up to them more.

Hopefully, by then, she wouldn’t resist as much.

"Qin-mei, please take good care of her for us," Zhou's Father said to Chen Qin. They were both busy—Zhou's Mother had several concerts on the mainland, and Zhou's Father had company matters to handle.

They also planned to visit the police station soon to deal with Bai Laoqi’s case.

After all, he had kidnapped their biological daughter. They would make sure he paid the heaviest price.

For now, they could only rely on Chen Qin to keep an eye on Ye Shuang and Bai Yuyou.

Chen Qin smiled sweetly. "Don’t worry, I’ll be living with them."

That said, she didn’t actually have much free time herself.

For Zhou's Father and Mother, this weekend meeting had been too rushed—they hadn’t accomplished much. And seeing how attached their daughter was to Ye Shuang only added to their headaches.

They had already told their family they’d bring her back to Hong Kong for a reunion. Now, it seemed that plan would fall through.

"Sweetheart, this card has five million in it. We didn’t have time to prepare anything else for you," Zhou's Mother said, pressing a card into Bai Yuyou’s hand.

Bai Yuyou held the card and looked at Ye Shuang.

"Keep it," Ye Shuang nodded. Aunt Xian clearly felt guilty for all the years lost, and the money was at least some comfort.

Bai Yuyou nodded. "Thank you…"

Hearing her gratitude, Zhou's Mother’s eyes reddened, and she reached out to hug her. But Bai Yuyou instinctively flinched back—then, realizing she shouldn’t have, she gently returned the embrace, softly patting Zhou's Mother’s back.

Zhou's Mother sobbed even harder.

"Seems like this won’t be resolved so easily," Chen Qin murmured to Ye Shuang.

"Time will take care of the rest," Ye Shuang replied. "Personally, I think Aunt Xian and the others should give Bai Yuyou space for now. But eventually, she’ll have to go to Hong Kong. Blood runs thicker than water—she was kidnapped, not abandoned."

Bai Yuyou and Zhou's Father and Mother were like tangled threads of fate. Untangling them wouldn’t happen in just a few days.

And reverting to her birth name, Zhou Yurou, wouldn’t happen overnight either.

Even Bai Laoqi’s trial would take time.

"Well, let’s all go to Hong Kong together. I haven’t been in ages," Chen Qin said. "There’s a great congee place—I’ll take you."

"We’ll see. Anyway, I should get going."

"Hey, take me with you."

"The car’s full."

"Fine, next week I’ll buy you a new four-seater," Chen Qin grinned. "Though my allowance is running low, so we’ll have to settle for something cheap—just a few hundred thousand will do."

"Chen Hai might cry if he hears you say that."

"Well, he’s got his wife to spoil him. I’ll spoil you instead." Chen Qin winked.

Did Chen Hai’s wife really spoil him?

Before Ye Shuang could respond, Chen Qin suddenly pecked him on the cheek. The unexpected gesture left him momentarily stunned, while Chen Qin, though blushing, kept her sweet smile.

"Shh, I don’t want to hear it," she said, cutely wrinkling her nose. "If you say anything I don’t like, I’ll punch you twice."

No one else saw the moment—except for the golden retriever, Xian Dan, panting at their feet.

Ye Shuang looked at the girl before him and finally chuckled, as if coming to a realization. "So you’re dead set on marrying me?"

"Obviously."

"But you said I wasn’t your only option."

Chen Qin held up a finger. "You have to listen to girls in reverse, got it?"

"No idea."

"Want a beating?!"

Meanwhile, Bai Yuyou, still holding Zhou's Mother, slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze drifted to Ye Shuang and Chen Qin playfully bickering in the distance. Her expression remained unreadable, her eyes devoid of emotion.