Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

The night, like a huge black silk ribbon, gently yet profoundly covered the military compound.

The dim streetlights cast a soft, hazy glow, casting long shadows on the ground.

Jiang Man stood at her doorstep, looked up at the inky black night sky, her brows furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with worry and concern.

"Shi An, it's getting late. Why don't you take Chen Yu home? Shi Ning is a girl, she shouldn't go out so late."

As Jiang Man spoke, she took a coat from inside the house and handed it to Shi An, saying, "Be careful on the road and come back soon."

Shi An reached out and took the coat, a reassuring smile spreading across his face. "Mom, don't worry, I'll make sure Chen Yu gets home safely and then come right back."

Chen Yu stood aside, watching this scene, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

That night at Jiang Man's house was warm and wonderful. The table was full of delicious food, and the family's laughter made him, a child who had long lacked family warmth, feel unprecedented happiness.

"Auntie, thank you so much for today. I'm so sorry to have troubled you."

Chen Yu said gratefully, his voice tinged with a hint of longing.

Jiang Man smiled and stepped forward, gently patting his head. "Silly child, why are you being so polite with Auntie? Come visit us anytime you have time, don't be shy."

After saying goodbye to Jiang Man and Shi Ning, Chen Yu and Shi An walked out of the military compound side by side.

The streets were exceptionally quiet at night, broken only by the occasional chirping of insects.

The two chatted casually as they walked, talking about everything from funny stories about their studies to their dreams, their laughter filling the air.

Unbeknownst to them, they arrived at the building where Chen Yu lived.

Chen Yu looked up at his window and saw a faint light coming from inside.

His heart skipped a beat. He had clearly turned off the lights when he left, so why were they still on?

Shi An also noticed the abnormality. The two exchanged a glance, a hint of vigilance flashing in their eyes.

"Could it be that a thief broke in?"

Shi An lowered his voice and asked nervously.

Chen Yu shook his head, his brows furrowed, his expression serious. "I don't know. Let's go up and take a look."

The two tiptoed up the stairs, taking each step carefully, afraid of making the slightest noise to disturb the people inside.

Upon reaching the door, Chen Yu gently turned the key, and the door slowly opened.

The house had an old, worn feel to it, and unlike before, there were some unfamiliar pieces of luggage in the living room.

Their hearts suddenly raced, and Shi An quietly grabbed a mop from the side to use as a weapon.

They slowly approached the living room, their footsteps sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Suddenly, a figure walked out of the room. Shi An and Chen Yu subconsciously stopped in their tracks, tensing up and preparing to react.

"Who?"

Chen Yu shouted, his voice trembling slightly.

The figure paused for a moment, and then a familiar yet terrifying voice came from behind: "Xiaoyu, is that you?"

Chen Yu's body jolted violently. That voice... it was his father!

He turned on the light with trembling hands, and the person in front of him was his father, whom he hadn't seen for many years.

The father's face was etched with the marks of time, his hair was thin and messy, and his eyes revealed weariness and indifference.

The moment Chen Yu saw that it was his father, a wave of despair washed over him. In his heart, he wished that there was a thief in the house, rather than facing this father.

When Chen's father saw Chen Yu, a flash of anger crossed his eyes. He was about to raise his hand to hit him when his gaze passed over Chen Yu and landed on Shi An behind him. Shi An straightened up and looked back at Chen's father without fear, his eyes filled with determination and questioning.

Mr. Chen's hand froze in mid-air, a hint of embarrassment on his face.

"dad……"

Chen Yu's voice trembled as he spoke, unsure of what to say. His father snorted coldly, "Coming home so late, where have you been gallivanting off to?"

Chen Yu bit his lower lip, his heart filled with grievances and anger.

He knew that in his father's eyes, he would always be that troublesome, naughty child.

Shi An stepped forward and stood in front of Chen Yu, "Uncle, Chen Yu is at my house today, and we are studying together."

Mr. Chen looked Shi An up and down. "Who are you? Mind your own business."

Shi An did not back down. "Uncle, Chen Yu has been studying very hard lately and has made great progress. You should encourage him more."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Chen smiled dismissively, "Him? What future can he possibly have?"

Chen Yu's eyes reddened. Over the years, no matter how hard he tried, he could not get any recognition from his father.

Shi An turned to look at Chen Yu, her eyes filled with heartache. "Uncle, you don't understand Chen Yu. He is really outstanding."

At Shi An's insistence, Chen's father's attitude softened slightly. Chen Yu and Shi An sat on the sofa, while Chen's father sat to the side, the atmosphere so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

Chen Yu mustered his courage and broke the silence, "Dad, when did you get back?"

Mr. Chen glanced at him. "He just got back not long ago."

In the time that followed, Chen Yu's conversation with his father was intermittent, and every word seemed to touch upon those unpleasant memories of the past.

Shi An stood to the side, occasionally interjecting a few words in an attempt to ease the tense atmosphere.

He knew that Chen Yu needed his support at this moment. Finally, Shi An got up to say goodbye, "Uncle, it's getting late, I'll go back now. Chen Yu, call me if anything happens."

Chen Yu looked at him gratefully, "Thank you, Shi An."

Shi An patted his shoulder, her eyes firm, "Don't be shy, I'm here for you."

When Shi An returned home, the warm yellow light shone on him, but his mood remained heavy.

Jiang Man and Shi Ning were in the living room. When he returned, Shi Ning immediately went up to him and asked with a smile, "Brother, did you drop Chen Yu off? Was the journey smooth?"

Shi An forced a smile, slowly sat down on the sofa, took a deep breath and said, "Mom, Ning'er, I have something to tell you. Chen Yu's father has been released."

Jiang Man's cup froze in her hand, her eyes filled with disbelief: "So fast? How is that possible? He beat his own son like that, and he was only detained for such a short time?"

Shi Ning's eyes widened, and the smile on her face vanished instantly: "How could this be? How scared Brother Chen Yu must be!"

Jiang Man's brows furrowed into a deep frown, her eyes filled with heartache and anger: "This is so unfair! That child is already pitiful. He was just starting to show some improvement, and now that his father is back, his life is going to be ruined again."

Shi An nodded and said helplessly, "When I arrived, Chen Yu's father almost hit him again. If I hadn't been there, I don't know what would have happened."

Shi Ning's eyes reddened with anger: "How could there be such a father? Brother Chen Yu is so pitiful."

Jiang Man sighed softly, her eyes filled with worry: "We have to help Chen Yu, we can't let his hard-won hope be extinguished again."

After thinking for a moment, Shi An said, "I'm thinking of spending more time with Chen Yu in the future. He must be feeling really helpless right now. We can also ask the teachers if the school can offer any help."

Shi Ning nodded quickly: "I can also tutor Chen Yu so that he can focus on his studies and stay away from his father's influence."

Jiang Man looked at the two children with relief and said firmly, "Okay, our family will help Chen Yu get through this difficult time together." (End of this chapter)