After returning from his rebirth, Xiao Ran's mindset seemed to have undergone a complete transformation, no longer the same person who allowed himself to be manipulated by others.
Who has ever been restrained and tormented by their once deeply loved wife and entire family, even treated like a livestock to be slaughtered and fed on their flesh and blood? Such an experience would be enough to drive any ordinary person to the brink of insanity, let alone Xiao Ran, a老实man who had always endured silently. His dissatisfaction with his ex-wife's family had already accumulated to a mountain's worth, but he had chosen to forgive and endure for the sake of his son. However, reality was so cruel that even his only spiritual pillar - his son, was not his biological child. This brutal truth undoubtedly became the last straw that broke his sanity.
Angered, Xiao Ran chose to splurge in a high-end restaurant using his Huabei credit. He ordered a table full of dishes and indulged in the temporary pleasure brought by the delicious food. The bill of over 30,000 was just a fraction of his limit, as his Huabei credit limit was over 80,000, enough for him to splurge for a while. However, while the restaurant was expensive, the taste did not meet his expectations, leaving him somewhat disappointed.
Returning to his hotel, Xiao Ran's heart could not settle down. He knew that his rebirth had not changed the course of history. Ten minutes later, the live broadcast of the Double Color Ball lottery draw began on TV. He nervously stared at the screen, watching as each number was revealed. One, two, three... seven numbers all hit! The excitement in his heart was indescribable, and a whopping five hundred million had come into his possession. However, after deducting taxes and donations, the actual amount he received was only around four hundred million.
However, this immense fortune did not satisfy or reassure Xiao Ran. He tossed and turned in bed, his thoughts racing. He pondered over his past, present, and future, wondering what his rebirth truly meant. Should he continue to stay in this painful world? Or should he search for a place that truly belonged to him?
Meanwhile, the Zheng family was in chaos. Zheng Youjun could not believe that his daughter had actually divorced Xiao Ran. In his eyes, Xiao Ran was just a dog in their family, an obedient creature who worked hard without complaint. But now, this dog had suddenly bitten them and ran away. He could not accept this fact, nor tolerate such betrayal.
Zheng Gang, upon learning that his father had been beaten by Xiao Ran, was furious and shouted about going to settle the score with Xiao Ran. While Zheng Jie, the young child, joined in the commotion, yelling about wanting to ride a horse. When Zheng Juan angrily shouted to her son, "Your father is dead!" Zheng Jie clapped his hands happily, as in his mind, Xiao Ran, this nominal father, had never given him any dignity or respect. Instead, he had spoiled and pampered him excessively. Therefore, he did not feel any sadness or nostalgia for the departure of this father.
Zheng Juan's heart was overshadowed by dark clouds, feeling so suffocated that she could hardly breathe. Since Xiao Ran left home, everything in the family seemed to be in chaos. Previously, with Xiao Ran around, her three-year-old son could always find a reliable figure to rely on and receive his meticulous care, allowing Zheng Juan to temporarily escape from the distractions of family chores. However, now, the little one who once gave her peace of mind has become like a little devil, constantly chattering in her ear, making her feel agitated and restless.
She helplessly sighed and could only temporarily hand over her son to Lin Meiying to take care of. She sat on the sofa, trying to calm her inner turmoil. She picked up her phone and dialed the police, hoping they could help her seek justice. However, the police's response disappointed and frustrated her. They said that it was a family dispute, and unless the injury was severe, they would generally not intervene.
Upon hearing this news, Zheng Youjun jumped up angrily, shouting, "What? That bastard hit me, and yet nothing will happen to him?" Although there was still a faint imprint of a slap on his face, it was apparently not enough for the police to file a case.
Zheng Gang also followed suit, expressing his dissatisfaction and concern about the divorce. He furrowed his brows and said anxiously, "Sister, why did you agree to the divorce? That guy earns over ten thousand a month. Now with the divorce, our family will lose that income. How will I afford to marry?" His tone was filled with worries and anxiety about the future.
Zheng Youjun directly expressed his plan. He intended to use Xiao Ran's salary to pay for their son's mortgage. Now that this money was suddenly gone, how could he not be anxious? He even felt that Xiao Ran's slap was more bearable than the current situation.
Listening to their complaints and concerns, Zheng Juan felt a surge of sadness in her heart. She understood that her father and brother only cared about Xiao Ran's monthly income of over ten thousand, but never truly cared about her feelings and future. Since childhood, she had always been the pillar of the family, sacrificing too much for this family. However, now, she had to face the reality of divorce and bear the heavy burden of the family alone.
She suppressed her irritation and dissatisfaction, firmly saying, "I won't let him off so easily. I will make Xiao Ran pay the price!" Her eyes sparkled with determination, as if she had already made a decision.
Upon hearing her words, Zheng Youjun and Zheng Gang fell silent. They knew Zheng Juan's personality. Once she decided to do something, she would definitely stick to it. However, now, they didn't know where Xiao Ran was. What could they do, no matter how angry or anxious they were?
"Remarry, we must remarry!" Zheng Youjun suddenly said. "That bastard not only provides over ten thousand a month, but he's also a hardworking guy. We can't let him go." His tone was filled with urgency and eagerness. However, Zheng Juan only looked at him coldly without saying a word. She knew that remarrying was not the fundamental solution to the problem. She needed to find a better way to give herself and her son a better life.
Zhijuan's brows were furrowed, as if bearing all the worries. She said softly, "I'm going out for some fresh air." As she turned away, her eyes were filled with confusion and unease about the uncertain future. Her heart was full of doubts, especially regarding Xiaoran and her son's relationship. Xiaoran already knew the son was not his biological child; such a truth made it impossible for him and Zhijuan to return to the past and restart their married life.
Zhijuan's mind was in turmoil, and the household chores left her exhausted. Although Lin Meiying tried her best to take care of her grandson, the child started throwing tantrums and breaking things to vent his frustration. All this made Zhijuan want to escape, to get away from the suffocating environment.
However, after a night of anxiety, Xiaoran seemed like a changed person. He was full of energy, as if he had found a new direction in life. He first went to a restaurant for a hearty meal, enjoying the long-missed food. For the past half month in the apocalypse, he had been giving the least amount of food to the fake son and even saving some for himself. Thinking back now, Xiaoran found it all so laughable and ironic.
Xiaoran shook his head internally and decided not to worry about these things anymore. From today onwards, he would live for himself; his life was truly beginning. After finishing his meal, he called a cab to the lottery center.
When Xiaoran walked into the lottery center, the staff immediately recognized him. Upon learning that he was there to claim his prize, they enthusiastically guided him to the prize area. Xiaoran took out the lottery ticket that would change his fate, and after verifying his identity, the thrilling prize claiming process began. He had won a grand prize of 500 million yuan! However, after taxes and charitable donations, the actual amount he received was 398 million. Despite this, it was still a huge fortune, enough for him to live a worry-free life.
During the prize claiming process, representatives from several banks at the lottery center approached Xiaoran, hoping to secure his deposit business. Xiaoran didn't care much about this; he didn't need to live off the interest from investments. He casually chose a bank, simply because it was close to his neighborhood.
After completing the deposit transaction, the bank's business manager became very interested in Xiaoran. She was sweet and attractive, definitely considered beautiful by Xiaoran's standards. She flirtatiously invited Xiaoran out, with a clear hint of seduction in her words. Xiaoran couldn't help but look at her a few more times, feeling a bit tempted. However, after a brief hesitation, he declined her invitation. He knew that he now had a huge fortune and a fresh start in life, and he didn't want to be bound by the shadows of his past. He decided to cherish all the good times ahead and live for himself.
Standing at the entrance of the lottery center, Xiaoran was filled with complex emotions. He glanced at the enthusiastic Manager Qian Yulian beside him, but felt nothing. Firstly, he truly didn't have time for such engagements; every second was exceptionally precious to him now. Secondly, he was fully aware that Manager Qian's enthusiasm was not without reason. Her goal was simple—to secure deposits and promote financial products.
Xiaoran sneered inwardly. How could he easily fall into such a trap? He had his own plan: to invest most of his funds in the stock market, aiming to double his assets to two billion within two months, or even more. In the last month, he planned to go on a buying spree, making ample preparations for his next moves.
Therefore, he didn't linger. He simply added Qian Yulian on WeChat and then turned to leave the lottery center. He knew that his capital was crucial right now and could not afford any loss.
Returning to Jiufu Community, Xiaoran felt a bit calmer. His choice to come back here was not without reason. Firstly, he planned to buy a house here, not just for a stable residence, but also for his upcoming revenge plan. He wanted to humiliate Zhijuan's family in front of everyone in the community, to publicly disgrace them.
More importantly, when the apocalypse truly arrived, he could take revenge and make Zhijuan's family experience the pain he had endured. The suffering and humiliation they had caused him, he intended to repay in kind.
Outside, the hail continued to fall relentlessly, each piece like a venomous hidden weapon. Xiaoran stood by the window, watching the scene outside, feeling utterly calm. He knew this harsh weather was both a challenge and an opportunity. It provided a better chance to conceal his whereabouts, and he could move freely within the community through the underground garage.
"My ex-wife's family, how could I easily forget the pain and humiliation you caused me? I will make you taste the suffering I endured and make you understand the cost of betrayal and deceit!" Xiaoran silently vowed, his eyes gleaming with determination.