Madam Chu handed the fruit she had peeled to her son. "Silly child, precisely because that's the case, I have to treat him twice as well. That way, he won't be able to take anything from you."
She turned to look out at the pitch-black window, a gentle smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Besides, so many people are watching, and your father is watching too. If I didn't treat him well, how could I justify myself?"
A thoughtful look flashed through Chu Qingyun's eyes, and his movements as he drank tea became even more composed than before.
Madam Chu rose and sat down beside him, gently patting the back of his hand. "My silly son, stop thinking about all that nonsense. Your mother isn't senile yet."
"Go get to work. Your father isn't in a very good mood today. When he comes back later, go and soothe him. He has high blood pressure, so we can't let it affect his health."
"I understand. I'm going back to the study to deal with official business." Chu Qingyun nodded slightly, set down the apple he had taken two bites from, rose, tugged at the hem of his immaculate military uniform, and walked toward the spiral staircase.
As if he had thought of something, he stopped at the staircase. "By the way, what has he been doing lately?"
Madam Chu picked up her teacup. The corners of her lips curved in a smile, but her eyes held a trace of disdain. "What else could he be doing? Either he's at the casino or at dance halls, clubs, and places like that. Whether he goes to school depends on whether he's in the mood."
"All right, don't bother with his affairs. Your mother knows what to do. Go on, get to