Perhaps you and I are ultimately unable to escape, I have never coveted things that do not belong to me.

"Mom, why are you still so stubborn even now? You know what kind of person Dad is. With his bull-like temper, any decision he makes can’t easily be changed by a few words from others. Since he decided to continue being with you, he would undoubtedly go to any lengths to win you back by his side. If you forcibly separate from him, things will only get worse. You understand his character, and I’m sure after sharing the same bed for so many years, you know somewhat what kind of person he is, understand what kind of temper he has. After all, you both shared the same bed for many years!" Zhang Yichen said to Xia Jing.

When Xia Jing heard her son say such things to her, she felt that her son was unwilling to help persuade her ex-husband. She said to her son, "It’s not that I don’t understand, child, but none of you have truly seen what kind of person he is from start to finish. Every decision he’s made centers around himself; all the benefits are for him. Do you know how much I hate his numb and indifferent demeanor every day? Watching him like that, I’m so scared inside. I don’t wish for much — I just wish my husband could show me a bit more love and care, spend more time with me. But ever since you were born, every day, he only gives me a few cold words, no matter what the issue is, he never wants to talk to me more. In his eyes, he feels that saying a few more words to me is a disgrace. I really don’t understand, if deep down he saw me as a disgrace from the beginning, then why insist on being with me in the first place? This ended up hurting both him and me, making it impossible for either of us to truly be happy. Is this what he calls love? Is his love really this selfish? How many people could really endure such love?"

"No matter what he does or decides, it’s all for you, for the family. He indeed has made many mistakes, but does that really mean there’s no reason at all? Is it truly unforgivable? Is what he wants really that unattainable? I believe your heart is clearer than mine, perhaps hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of times clearer. You should know why he turned out this way today, what he truly wants. What he wants is just to have his wife by his side, someone who can accompany him at all times, to build a future together, to walk with him through the rest of your lives. But you abandoned him at the most crucial moment," Zhang Yichen shouted.

"Did I abandon him? Wasn’t it he who kicked me out without mercy? Those ruthless and heartless words he said to me back then, I kept them in my heart, never forgetting them for a lifetime. They hurt me deeply, and I never imagined the man I love most would say such cruel words to me. Those words are a lifelong reminder of how I was abandoned and despised by the man I love most, cast aside forever!"

"Over a single issue, do you have to reach this irrevocable point? Have you never regretted your decisions? Do you really think it’s worth it? It may not matter to you, but what about others? Do you not care about others? Those who care about you, don’t they feel sad? Why are you always so self-centered, stubbornly refusing to consider others’ feelings? Do only your feelings matter? Don’t the people who care about you matter at all? I’ve watched my father, who loves me dearly, become a different person since the day you and Dad parted ways. He’s become lost and absent-minded in everything he does, even thinking of you in the face of danger. Can’t you do the same? Is your heart truly without my father? Doesn’t your heart ache at all? Has it really turned to stone? I don’t believe it. You’re my mom, and we’re connected by flesh and blood. You should know what kind of person I am, and I know what kind of person you are. You have a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Whatever decisions you make aren’t from your true intentions; there are often unavoidable reasons. But since Dad has owned up to his mistakes, why have things turned out this way? Can’t you both reconcile peacefully and start anew, reviving the happiness that belongs to you? Must things get so tumultuous for you to be satisfied? Looking at people who care about you, tossing and turning all night over you, does it really bring you joy? Do you disregard those who care about you so lightly? I can’t believe this is my mom. I just want to know what kind of person my mom really is. Is it so difficult to understand? I just want my mom and dad to be together peacefully, to always stay by my side, to make up for the years of missed love. Is that so impossible? Why give me hope, only to bring me despair again and again? You both said you’d accompany me well from now on, to make up for these years, but did you really do that? You hurt me repeatedly. Is this your love for me? They say fatherly love is like a mountain, and a mother’s love like the sea, but is this truly the love you have for me? You repeatedly use the guise of love to hurt me, and I accept it all because you are my parents, and I have no choice. Since my fate destined me as your son, I have to accept it. But what about you? Is this how you treat me? What more do you want? Do you want me to be estranged from you all for your satisfaction?"

Beyond the thorns, someone is still waiting for return. I know something is always guiding me along different paths!