Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Medley of Emotions

Qin Huairu looked at her younger sister, her heart a complex mix of emotions. She recalled the scheme she had once suggested to Qin Jingru: feigning pregnancy to force Xu Damao to marry her. Although the idea was somewhat dishonorable, for the sake of her sister’s happiness, she decided to try it once more.

"Jingru, just listen to your sister. Do as I told you before, and I guarantee Xu Damao will marry you."

Hearing this, Qin Jingru felt a bit shaken. She was indeed deeply infatuated with Xu Damao, and the two had already shared an intimate relationship. Qin Huairu was aware of this, which was why she had proposed the plan. Qin Jingru had previously rejected the suggestion, feeling it was too risky—if the truth came out, it would be disastrous. However, she was now at a dead end. Looking into her sister's firm gaze, she finally nodded.

"Sister, let’s do as you said. But we must be careful; don't let anyone find out." Her tone carried a trace of trepidation and unease.

Qin Huairu patted her sister’s shoulder, giving her a resolute look. "Don't worry, I will make sure everything is handled perfectly." Her words were filled with confidence and determination. To execute the plan, Qin Huairu began to busy herself. She first contacted an acquaintance at the hospital, hoping to obtain a fake pregnancy test report. The contact was efficient, and the matter was settled quickly.

Next, Qin Huairu began teaching Qin Jingru how to act like a pregnant woman. Having given birth to three children herself, she was intimately familiar with the symptoms and nuances of pregnancy. Under her careful guidance, Qin Jingru soon mastered the art of portraying an expectant mother.

Once everything was ready, Qin Huairu stood outside the threshold of Xu Damao’s house, hands on her hips, shouting in a booming voice: "Xu Damao, you scoundrel, get out here right now!" Her tone was heavy with anger and resentment, as if she were venting all her dissatisfaction through these cries. Beside her, her sister Qin Jingru wept, tears streaming down her face like broken beads. Her sobbing, upon closer inspection, carried a mix of grievance, helplessness, and fear for the future.

This scene naturally drew a crowd of neighbors from the compound. They gathered in small groups, standing or sitting, whispering and discussing as they blocked the entrance to Xu Damao’s home. Seeing the growing crowd, Qin Huairu felt more emboldened. She pointed at the closed door, her voice rising: "You must give my sister, Qin Jingru, an explanation today! Do you think you can just get away with what you’ve done?" A look of determination flashed in her eyes, as if she were ready to stand against the world for her sister’s rights.

"Xu Damao, let me tell you, don't think you can run rampant and act lawlessly in this compound. If you don't show your face, we’re calling the police! We’ll let the authorities deal with your hooliganism!" Her words carried a sense of threat and warning, making everyone present feel her undeniable resolve.

However, as time ticked by, Xu Damao failed to appear. Qin Huairu’s momentum faltered, and she began to suspect that perhaps he really wasn't home. At this moment, He Yuzhu—the man who usually loved to watch the excitement—cracked open a sunflower seed and spoke lazily: "Qin Huairu, stop shouting. Maybe Xu Damao isn't even home." His tone was mocking and playful, as if the whole situation were merely a trivial farce to him.

The sisters realized he might be right. A flash of embarrassment crossed Qin Jingru’s face, and she tugged at Qin Huairu’s sleeve, whispering, "Sister, maybe we should go back for now and come find him later."

But Qin Huairu, as if supported by an invisible force, shook her head with a firm gaze: "No, this matter must be settled today. If Xu Damao isn't here, I’ll tell everyone about it first." She pulled a medical report from her pocket, held it high, and said with a tragic air: "Neighbors, please look closely—this is my sister Qin Jingru’s medical report!"

"I have shocking news to tell you all: my sister is pregnant. And the man who made her pregnant is none other than Xu Damao!" Her voice was heavy with anger, her eyes flashing with a light that seemed determined to expose this injustice. "What’s infuriating is that Xu Damao is now trying to deny his responsibility!" Her voice trembled with rage.

"I have to ask, everyone—do you think a man who acts like this can still be considered a human being?" Qin Huairu’s question hung in the air, expectant and challenging.

He Yuzhu stood to the side, his mouth slightly agape as if he wanted to say something, but he ultimately chose silence. He watched Qin Huairu’s every move, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. Meanwhile, the residents of the compound, having heard her words, transformed into agents of justice and began to condemn Xu Damao.

"Xu Damao is a disgrace to this compound. How could he do something so heartless!"
"True, I heard he’s still courting Yu Haitang. He’s two-timing—that’s just low!"
"If I had such a disappointing son, I would have died of anger long ago. How could he have the face to show himself here!"

Amidst the clamor of condemnation, Xu Damao finally appeared. He looked bewildered, having no idea what kind of storm he was about to face. His arrival caused the already tense atmosphere to solidify, as if the air were filled with gunpowder. Upon seeing him, the sisters’ acting hit a fever pitch. Qin Jingru threw herself into his arms without hesitation, clutching his waist tightly and sobbing, "Damao, I... I’m carrying your child! You cannot abandon me!" As she spoke, she gently stroked her flat stomach, looking truly pitiful.

However, Xu Damao reacted as if bitten by a snake, shoving her away in terror. His eyes were filled with confusion and unease as he stammered, "Qin Jingru, what... what kind of nonsense are you spouting? Let me tell you, you can eat whatever you want, but you cannot just say whatever you please!"