She abandoned her husband first, then her children, and was ecstatic after the divorce.

Soon, Lin Qingran regained her composure.

Scenes from the past flashed through my mind.

She knew that Fu Xiuheng disliked her, even loathed her, so she stopped having high hopes for him.

Since giving birth to Fu Xingze, Lin Qingran has always cherished and doted on him like a precious gem.

During those days, she poured out all her tenderness and love, just so that Fu Xingze could grow up healthy and happy.

She thought that being able to watch her child grow up safely and peacefully, and living a life like this without any ups and downs, wouldn't be bad.

However, reality is so cruel.

Fu Xingze, however, showed no affection for her. Instead, he joined Fu Xiuheng in mocking Lin Qingran and showing affection for his aunt, Lin Yuyan.

Even when he was dying in childbirth, Fu Xingze and his father preferred to watch their mother die.

Recalling the past, Lin Qingran's heart was filled with bitterness.

Her heart had already been broken by Fu Xingze and the others; she could never turn back, and she could never allow herself to fall back into the pain she had once felt.

Lin Qingran pushed Fu Xingze away with a cold expression, her eyes devoid of any warmth.

The moment Fu Xingze was pushed away, a hint of surprise and grievance flashed in his eyes.

"Mother……"

Lin Qingran interrupted Fu Xingze, "I am not your mother, I am just your teacher. It is not appropriate to complain to an adult about this kind of thing with a tutor, but to tell your father."

Her voice was calm, but carried an undeniable firmness.

Fu Xingze looked at Lin Qingran, his eyes filled with tears.

But he also knew that he could not continue to cross Lin Qingran's bottom line, otherwise she would abandon him without mercy, just like his mother.

He dared not call her "Mom" anymore. He opened his mouth, but forced himself to change the way he addressed her.

"Teacher, can you hug me? You really look like my mother. Please hug me." Fu Xingze's voice was trembling with tears.

Lin Qingran's heart skipped a beat. She sighed and gently patted Fu Xingze's shoulder.

"Little friend, I am just your teacher. My responsibility is to teach you knowledge, not to care about your life. Your life problems should be solved by your family."

Lin Qingran's tone was cold; she didn't want Fu Xingze to develop any dependence on her.

Fu Xingze lowered his head, tears streaming down his face.

He felt very lonely, and no one really cared about him.

He misses his once gentle mother.

Lin Qingran felt bad seeing Fu Xingze's expression.

She knew her words might hurt Fu Xingze, but she had no choice. She couldn't let her identity be exposed; she had to remain indifferent.

At this moment, Fu Xiuheng stood aside, watching the interaction between Lin Qingran and Fu Xingze, his heart filled with complex emotions.

He knew that Lin Yuyan often bullied Fu Xingze after Lin Qingran left, but he did not take any effective measures.

He was afraid that scolding Lin Yuyan would hurt her feelings, but saying nothing would be unfair to Lin Qingran.

He couldn't believe he felt guilty towards Lin Qingran, so he could only choose to do nothing.

Today was the same; everything was forcing Fu Xiuheng to make a choice, but he just couldn't make one.

Torn by inner turmoil, he directed his anger at Lin Qingran.

“Jiang Jiuge, how could you treat Xingze like this? He’s just a child.” Fu Xiuheng’s voice carried a hint of reproach.

Zhou Lan chimed in, "Yes, Miss Jiang, I know you are famous, but it seems that ability and character are two different things."

With a mocking expression, she reached out to grab Fu Xingze.

"She's already said that about you, why are you still holding her? Come to Grandma's."

Lin Qingran's sharp gaze swept over Zhou Lan, and for some reason, Zhou Lan felt an unprecedented pressure and didn't dare to speak for a moment.

Lin Qingran's gaze fell on Fu Xiuheng.

“Mr. Fu, as a father, you can’t even protect your own child. What right do you have to criticize me?” Lin Qingran’s tone was sharp.

Fu Xiuheng was speechless, choked by Lin Qingran's words.

He knew he hadn't done a good job in this matter, but he was unwilling to admit it.

Lin Qingran squatted down and helped Fu Xingze look at Fu Xiuheng.

"Xingze, this is the first lesson your teacher taught you: never try to get what you want by pleasing others. What you gain from pleasing others may not be genuine affection, but rather their taking advantage of you."

Fu Xingze was a very smart child, and he understood Lin Qingran's meaning almost immediately.

Her words were like thunder in his ears, and scenes from the past flashed through Fu Xingze's mind.

Yes, he went to great lengths to please Lin Yuyan, but what did he get in return?

And what did Dad get?

Seeing Fu Xingze deep in thought, Lin Qingran knew that Fu Xingze had understood.

After all, he was the child she carried for ten months and gave birth to. How could she not feel heartache? And how could she bear to see him being deceived and bullied?

But as a mother, this is all Lin Qingran can do for him.

Lin Qingran straightened up. "The child is upset, so it seems it's not suitable for class today. The family should try to comfort her. Mr. Fu can also consider the contract. Contact us again if needed."

He then gave Susukino a look, and the two turned and left.

"Look at this teacher, she has such a bad temper, how is she going to teach Xingbao in the future?" Zhou Lan complained.

Fu Xiuheng said coldly, "Mom, stop talking."

"Forget it, I can't interfere in your father-son affairs. But Xiuheng, Yanyan has been waiting for you. Your grandfather's illness can't be delayed. While the old man can still go out, let's hold the wedding with Yanyan next month."

As for Jiang Jiuge and Lin Qingran, as long as they don't affect Lin Yuyan's marriage into the Fu family, it doesn't matter.

Fu Xiuheng pinched the bridge of his nose impatiently. "I know."

Zhou Lan then left and went back to her room.

Fu Xingze stood there, his heart filled with disappointment.

He timidly said to Fu Xiuheng, "Dad, I feel like Teacher Jiang is like Mom, but why is Mom ignoring me?"

His small body trembled slightly, as if he was trying to suppress the confusion and disappointment in his heart.

Fu Xingze's little head was churning with thoughts.

"Was it because we were really bad to our mother that she didn't want us anymore?"

He was filled with remorse, and his eyes gradually reddened.

Fu Xingze's words stirred up a storm in Fu Xiuheng's heart, and his eyes became complicated. His mind was filled with flashbacks of his memories with Lin Qingran.

He remembered Lin Qingran's gentleness and thoughtfulness towards him; that warmth was like a ray of sunshine that had illuminated his life.