"Hello—uh, hi... Is this Miss Shiying's father?"

Cheng Hao didn't know why, but even as a fake boyfriend who'd never meet Li Shiying's father, he felt overwhelmingly nervous. It was as if the man on the phone truly was his future father-in-law.

"Yes." A stern voice answered. Cheng Hao instantly knew this father-in-law—Li Shiying's dad—was tough to handle. He wished he could end the call right now.

But he had no choice. He'd promised to help, so he had to push through, no matter how hard. It was a traditional Chinese virtue.

"......"

"......"

Silence stretched between them. Neither spoke.

After a long pause, Cheng Hao caught Li Shiying's pleading gaze. He swallowed hard and forced out, "Uh... do you have any questions for me?"

"...How far have you and my daughter gone?"

Huh? That wasn't right.

Shouldn't he ask my name, school, family details first? Why did this question feel so off?

"Uncle, that's a bit too direct. How about... you ask something else?"

Cheng Hao rubbed his forehead weakly, unsure of his own words.

Damn it! That cursed shame was flooding back. Why so nervous over some stranger?

"As Shiying's father, after learning she has a boyfriend, I must know what you've done that you should—and shouldn't have."

Hmm... That sounded like a man whose prized cabbage got trampled by a pig.

Cheng Hao froze, shooting Li Shiying a desperate look for help.

Li Shiying shook her head fiercely, signaling "We've done nothing!"

Cheng Hao watched her, confused. He didn't grasp her meaning.

Then he recalled her similar plight—she must want him to reject the engagement for her.

He gave a slight nod, understanding.

"We've... done everything that should be done, and things that shouldn't. So, Uncle, please stop pressuring Shiying. We truly love each other."

Cheng Hao "accurately" conveyed her message.

"......" Silence again on the line. Li Shiying stared blankly, as if her brain had crashed.

"Young man, take responsibility for your words. Last chance: how far have you and my daughter gone? Tell the truth."

Li's father's voice was calm but carried a chilling threat, like suppressed fury.

Cheng Hao glanced at Li Shiying. She sat frozen, unresponsive.

He sighed. Time to improvise.

"How far Shiying and I have gone is none of your business."

His tone stayed flat, unshaken by the threat.

"What did you say?" Li's father sounded stunned. Hadn't Shiying told him who he was?

"Ever since you forced Shiying to engage with a jerk, you became a total failure. You lost the right to be a father." Cheng Hao spoke evenly.

"She's your daughter, not a commodity. A person with feelings. Yet you trade her like goods for wealth and power. Do you deserve to be her father?"

"Go on." Li's father remained eerily calm.

"I won't waste time on morals you know well. Just know this: bringing Shiying into the world was your choice. How she lives is hers. Even as her father, you can't force her to do what she hates." Cheng Hao paused.

"Since Shiying chose me, I'll care for her. I won't let her suffer or feel wronged. I'll make her happy. So, don't worry. And unless you cancel her engagement, I won't let you see her. Someone heartless like you doesn't deserve to be a father."

Cheng Hao knew his words were harsh. But reasoning with stubborn people was useless—just like his own family. He'd endured their pressure for years. Now, seeing Li Shiying in the same trap, he poured out all his pent-up feelings.

"Hmm, you're right." Li's father stayed calm. "I hope you stay true to your word. Honestly, I'm looking forward to it."

"Looking forward to what?" Cheng Hao frowned, confused.

"You'll see." The call ended abruptly.

After hanging up, Cheng Hao turned to Li Shiying's devastated face. "How'd I do? Your expression... doesn't look good."

"What's the point now..." Li Shiying said tearfully. "But thank you. What you said... that's exactly what I wanted to say. Really... thank you so much."

"Huh? You mean about 'doing everything'?"

"No! Not that!" Li Shiying stamped her foot angrily, flustered as she tried to explain.

Seeing her energetic again, Cheng Hao smiled genuinely. "I couldn't fix everything, but I made your stance clear to your father. He knows your resolve now. Just live well—don't give up over this."

"Do I look like I'm giving up?" Li Shiying wiped her tears, glaring defiantly.

"Good to hear." Cheng Hao nodded. "Head back to rest. Don't you have military training this afternoon? The flowers are almost sold out. Let's call it an early day."

"Eh, boss, slacking off first?" Li Shiying giggled, covering her mouth.

"I told you, don't call me boss. It's awkward." Cheng Hao smiled back.

"I'm off then. See you tomorrow." Li Shiying walked to the door, turned, and waved.

"See you tomorrow."

Li Shiying pushed the door open to leave. Just as she stepped out, Cheng Hao called after her, "Forget the bad stuff. Tomorrow will be better."

"Mm, I will." Li Shiying turned, giving a warm, heartfelt smile.