Starting Off By Confessing To My Classmate's Mother

"President Xu."

"Yes?"

"Well, here's the thing. My aunt owes some money…"

Fang Zhiya ran to Li Zhiyan's side, clutching a kitchen knife tightly in her hand. Her knuckles whitened with fear, worried the thugs might still harm him. Even though she'd witnessed his prowess in handling them, her maternal instinct to protect him overrode her reasoning.

"As a result, some debt collectors came to trash her stall," Li Zhiyan continued calmly. "I gave them a proper lesson. It seems these people might have some ties to you, President Xu."

On the other end of the line, a voice filled with nervous laughter responded, "Brother Li, don't hold it against them. This is how we do business, but they didn't realize the debtor was your aunt."

"What's the story behind my aunt's debt?" Li Zhiyan asked.

"Well, let me look it up." A series of keyboard clicks echoed through the phone.

"Ah, found it. Fang Zhiya, right? The debt belongs to her husband, Liu Jiannan. Last July, he borrowed a short-term bridge loan from us. Normally, based on his income, this loan should've been manageable. But then he got caught for embezzlement this year. Not only was he fined heavily, but his company's projects were also shut down. His assets can't cover the debts anymore."

President Xu paused before continuing, "Here's a suggestion, Brother Li. Have them process a divorce. If she's no longer legally tied to him, no one will come after her for the debt. You know how things work—many loan firms here aren't just under my jurisdiction. Some issues are beyond my control."

"I'll hold off on collecting until Liu Jiannan gets out of prison. Does that work?"

Li Zhiyan considered the solution and nodded to himself. It made sense. Divorce would eliminate unnecessary trouble for Fang Zhiya.

"Got it. Thanks, President Xu."

"Hey, don't mention it. Let's grab tea sometime."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Zhiyan ended the call. His gaze turned to the three battered thugs before him, their faces pale and trembling.

"Scram."

They didn't need to be told twice. With their employer backing down, they knew staying would only invite more trouble.

---

Fang Zhiya, still trembling from the ordeal, dropped the kitchen knife to the floor and burst into tears. Everything that happened today felt like a nightmare.

"Don't cry, Aunt Fang," Li Zhiyan said softly, taking her hand in his. "Let's pack up and head home. I promise, no one will trouble you again."

Fang Zhiya wiped her tears, nodding after a moment. "Alright. Let's go home."

---

As they walked along the dimly lit street, Li Zhiyan pushed Fang Zhiya's cart while speaking in a tentative tone. "Aunt Fang, I think it's best if you and Uncle Liu handle the divorce procedures tomorrow."

At his suggestion, Fang Zhiya froze for a moment. Divorce? Her traditional values made the thought almost unthinkable.

"My relationship with your uncle has been strong for so many years," she murmured. "I don't want to…"

Li Zhiyan interrupted her gently but firmly, "Aunt Fang, I went to great lengths today to ensure your safety. If you don't go through with this, there will only be more problems ahead—constant harassment, no peace, and even danger to your life. I can't bear to see you forced to risk yourself, like you did today with that boiling soup or the knife. It breaks my heart."

His words struck a chord deep within her. Fang Zhiya felt overwhelmed by guilt and shame. How could she prioritize sentimental attachments over the well-being of this child who'd risked so much for her?

"You're right, Xiao Yan. I'm sorry for being so foolish. Tomorrow, I'll go through with the divorce."

"Don't worry, Aunt Fang. I'll be there to help you with everything."

---

When they arrived at the rental apartment, it was already past ten. Li Zhiyan's phone buzzed with a message from his mother asking if he'd be coming home tonight. He quickly replied, "I'll be back for sure, Mom!"

As they climbed the stairs, one of the neighbors, a middle-aged man who often ogled Fang Zhiya, noticed their arrival. Upon seeing her with Li Zhiyan, his expression turned awkward, and he quickly disappeared into his apartment.

Back inside, Fang Zhiya still seemed shaken. She sat down, her mind replaying the terrifying events of the day.

"Aunt Fang, if not for you today, I wouldn't know what to do."

"Xiao Yan, you've done so much for me already…" Her voice quivered, her tears threatening to fall again.

"I'll protect you no matter what," Li Zhiyan reassured her with a determined look.

Fang Zhiya nodded, wiping her eyes.

"Aunt Fang, I noticed you were walking a bit stiffly earlier. Is your waist bothering you?"

Caught off guard, Fang Zhiya hesitated before admitting, "Yes, it's been hurting for a while now…"

"Let me massage it for you. That way, you can rest better tonight, and tomorrow's divorce process will go smoothly."

Fang Zhiya's cheeks flushed. She wanted to refuse, but his sincerity made it difficult. "Xiao Yan, this… this doesn't seem appropriate."

"Don't think too much about it," he replied earnestly. "I'm just doing my part to take care of you, like a son would for his mother. Please, Aunt Fang, don't refuse me."

Her heart ached at his words. How could someone so young be this selfless and pure? She nodded reluctantly.

"Alright… But I'll wash up first. I've been sweating all day at the stall and feel gross. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"Of course. Take your time, Aunt Fang. I'll wait outside."

As he stepped out, Fang Zhiya prepared the water for her bath. While the firewood crackled beneath the kettle, her thoughts wandered.

"This child… He's so good to me. If only my own son were half as thoughtful as he is. Why wasn't I blessed with a son like Xiao Yan?"

She sighed softly, selecting fresh clothes from the worn-out wardrobe. Yet her thoughts continued to spiral.

"Would he… climb onto my back to massage me?"

Blushing at her own musings, she quickly shook her head, chastising herself for her foolishness.

---

Outside, Li Zhiyan leaned against the wall, watching the night sky. His resolve grew stronger. No matter what, he'd protect Aunt Fang from now on.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Support the Translation! 🌐✨

20+ Advanced Chapters are currently available in Patreon, make sure to visit and support our team.

patreon.com/Immortal_author 

https://ko-fi.com/immortalauthor

https://discord.gg/KscfBegBPT