Chapter 415: Chapter 415

Taoyuan Street fell into the embrace of night, its tranquility growing deeper.

A sedan drove past, halting in front of an imposing mansion gate.

Beneath the eaves, two red lanterns hung, their faint glow casting shadows over the plaque above the gate—on it, the words "Ren Mansion" emerged and vanished, adding a touch of rustic gravitas.

The grand door opened, and a man in a steward’s uniform hurried down the steps, opening the car’s rear door respectfully. "Sir, you’re back."

Ren Mingze stepped out of the car, walking toward the house as he asked, "How is Mother’s health today?"

"The eldest miss invited an experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctor from the hospital to perform acupuncture on the old madam, paired with herbal treatments. The old madam is much more spirited today and even managed to eat her meals."

A faint smile curved the man’s lips. "That’s good."

This was a spacious residence with three courtyards, the furniture made mostly from small-leaf red sandalwood, exuding an air of timeless sophistication.

A woman stood quietly at the main hall’s entrance, her gaze lifted toward the moon. An air of melancholy surrounded her, evoking a sense of tender pity in those who beheld her.

"Sister, it’s so cold tonight. Why aren’t you inside? What’s worth staring at out here under the moon?"

The man’s reproachful tone drifted over.

"Aze is back," the woman said, though she suddenly coughed lightly mid-sentence.

Ren Mingze strode forward, removing his suit jacket and draping it over the woman’s shoulders, his eyes filled with concern. "Didn’t the Chinese medicine doctor examine you?"

"I’m fine—*cough cough*... Aze, how’s everything with your brother-in-law?"

"He is not my brother-in-law." Ren Mingze’s expression hardened, his words carrying a chill. "From now on, don’t mention him in front of me."

"Aze, I understand him. This time... I believe he too was deceived by someone."

"Yu’er caught them in the act, yet you’re still defending him. Why don’t you think about whether he cared about you, cared about Yu’er, while he was doing those disgusting things?"

Ren Wensu abruptly seized Ren Mingze’s arm, her voice filled with disbelief. "What—what are you saying? Yu’er, she..."

Ren Mingze’s expression faltered, as though berating himself for blurting out the truth and inadvertently wounding his sister’s heart.

Ren Wensu’s voice turned anguished, tearing at her lungs. "How could this happen? Yu’er is still just a child..."

"You’re underestimating your daughter. She’s stronger than you think, Sister. It’s just one man; why hold on to him? I, and the Ren family, will always stand behind you."

Ren Wensu’s tears streamed down her face in beads. Suddenly, she turned around. "I need to go back. I can’t leave Yu’er alone at home..."

"Mom." A crisp, youthful voice rang out behind her.

Ren Wensu and Ren Mingze turned simultaneously.

Gao Yuyue walked in quietly, her beautiful face devoid of emotion, shadowed by a frosty coldness.

"Yu’er." Ren Wensu rushed toward her, embracing her tightly as she broke into sobs.

"It’s Mom who’s failed you..."

Gao Yuyue returned her embrace, lightly patting her mother’s back. Her icy voice carried a trace of ruthlessness. "That woman, I beat her to within an inch of her life. I suppose I’ve avenged you somewhat. Although he might have been set up, the fact remains he couldn’t resist temptation. There’s no point dragging this on; the sooner you divorce, the better."

She wouldn’t even call him "father" anymore.

Ren Wensu froze in place. "Divorce?"

"A man unfaithful to his marriage—is he someone you’d keep around for the New Year?"

"But he’s your father..."

Gao Yuyue let out a cold laugh, her tone mocking. "The moment he cheated, he lost the right to be my father."

"It’s simple: choose him, or choose me." This update is available on NoveI★Fire.net

Ren Wensu looked utterly conflicted. "Yu’er, why are you forcing Mom ?"

"I’m not forcing you. I’ll be attending a winter camp in Chunzhou next week. When I return, I hope you’ll have made up your mind and given me an answer."

Ren Wensu felt as though her heart was being pierced with needles. Already deeply pained by the circumstances, her only daughter was now pressing her further.

She was a mess inside, completely lost as to what decision to make.

Gao Yuyue took her hand, frowning slightly. "Why are your hands so cold? Let me take you back to your room. Tomorrow, we’ll ask Dr. Yue to come over and check your pulse."

As they passed by Ren Mingze, Gao Yuyue called out "Uncle" before leading Ren Wensu toward the rear courtyard.

Ren Mingze raised his eyebrows slightly.

This niece of his had been spoiled rotten from a young age, her personality proud and defiant, untameable once she decided on something.

Hearing Assistant Wen recount the methods Gao Yuyue used to torment Qing Hong, he had to admit—the girl was vicious enough to gain his grudging respect.

And now, he’d seen another side of her—decisive and resolute, capable of cutting ties even with her own father.

A girl of her age, faced with such turmoil, would typically dissolve into tears, wallow in sorrow, or in the worst case, spiral into rebellion and self-destruction. Yet Gao Yuyue had not only swiftly composed herself to enact her revenge against that woman; she had also been covertly investigating, now tracing it all back to Gao Jie.