The Unknown God of War

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Chu Feng’s eyes twinkled when he asked Yun Muqing, “Muqing, if—hypothetically, of course—if I were Duo Duo’s biological father and the man you met in that bar five years ago, and I came back to you both now, would you have accepted me?”

Yun Muqing suddenly grew serious, her usually gentle gaze fixed upon Chu Feng with uncharacteristic grimness that made Chu Feng a little nervous, as if she could see through his bluff. So, he coughed and said, “I’m kidding. I’ll just drop the matter if you felt uncomfortable, I’m sorry—”

“Then you would never be able to see Duo Duo again.” Yun Muqing suddenly snapped coldly. She turned to look at the night view, her aloof tone just barely concealing her rage as she continued, “It’s been five years, and I haven’t heard a word from him after he abandoned us. And now, he comes back as he pleases, reunites with us as he pleases? Who does he think I am? Who does he think Duo Duo is? I, Yun Muqing, am not so pitiful as to accept him like this. He’s never been a father for a day of his life, so he can forget about acceptance from his own daughter. He has no right to be a father or a husband.”

On the inside, Chu Feng let out a sigh of guilt, among other emotions. She was right about him owing them far too much for the past five years. Yun Muqing’s efforts to maintain his image in front of Duo Duo, like telling her that Daddy was a hero, was merely an attempt to give her a happy childhood instead of being influenced by her resentment. Nobody in her shoes would have forgiven him so easily, not even himself; after all, did he not still resent that ‘Lord Chu’?

“Don’t worry too much about this, Chu Feng. I won’t project my feelings for Duo Duo’s father onto you. Impersonating that man is a temporary situation, after all.” Yun Muqing consoled Chu Feng, thinking she’d gone too far when she noticed his expression. “Duo Duo just really misses her father because she’s been deprived of paternal love, and she imprinted on you when you stepped in to satisfy that need. When she realises the truth, then you’ll be able to drop the act. I’m sorry.”

“And I’ll be a fitting father to her, so I can earn that salary fair and square. You don’t have to worry.” Chu Feng nodded, but only after fighting down a bitter laugh.

He did hope that he could play the role of father for the long term, until both mother and daughter could accept him. He also understood that Yun Muqing was a woman who was soft on the outside, but tough on the inside. For years, she’d compromised wherever she could and took the initiative to offer an olive branch every time; even when someone accidentally bumped into her, she’d apologise first for fear of getting into trouble.

She was so tough, she’d defied her own parents and her own family just to raise her daughter alone. Even when the going got tough, she’d refused the ‘wedding’ arranged by her family because it meant soiling her dignity. If Chu Feng wanted her heart, then he’d have to demonstrate his sincerity. In that moment, Chu Feng resolved that he’d dedicate his life to protecting them, helping them live long and prosper.

“I’m done, Mommy!” After ten minutes, Duo Duo rushed down the stairs in her pajamas and tackled Chu Feng in a hug with her hair still damp and her feet bare, her big eyes filled with nervousness as if she was afraid that this father would leave her again.

Yun Muqing couldn’t decide whether to cry or laugh as she looked at Chu Feng with gratitude; thank goodness they’d agreed to let him continue playing the ‘fake father’, otherwise she really didn’t know how she’d placate Duo Duo.