At The Beginning Of The Novel, The Villain Forced The Protagonist’s Step-Mom To Bear His Children

Chapter 58:

Xu Hao was eager to return home and enjoy some playful moments with his beautiful wife. However, he was unsure of the power of “Kidney Strengthening.”

As Xu Hao approached the door, noticed Xu Hongjiao through the window, sitting in the living room and staring intently at her phone. 

She hadn’t gone back to the bedroom yet. It seemed as if fate wanted him to conquer his third daughter even quicker.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, a newly drawn reward—a brand-new Steinway piano—appeared before him. 

Xu Hao reached out his hand and lifted it effortlessly, despite expecting it to be heavy. 

Carrying the piano in one hand, he walked into the room where Xu Hongjiao was chatting with her sisters.

When she heard movement outside, she looked up and saw Xu Hao approaching with the piano in one hand. 

Startled, she wiped her eyes, thinking she was seeing things. 

But as she confirmed the sight, she was shocked. 

When did her usually stern father become so strong?

She couldn’t help but recall how her two sisters had mentioned Xu Hao’s effortless handling of a few killers. 

Their words were now validated, leaving Xu Hongjiao with a whirlwind of emotions. Remembering the concert hall, Xu Hao’s earlier remark about not being deceived by appearances seemed to hold a deeper meaning now. 

Could there have been something hidden all along? Was his cold demeanor towards them intentional?

While she was lost in thought, Xu Hao approached her with a smile. “Hongjiao, I know you love pianos. You might feel a bit out of place without one at home, so I had one ordered for you. Where do you think it should go?”

He casually placed the piano aside, not seeking praise or recognition, leaving the decision to her. 

His goal was to show kindness and create a sense of gratitude, prompting the heroine to repay the favor.

Xu Hongjiao, snapping out of her reverie, was incredulous. “You bought it for me?”

Seeing her confused expression, Xu Hao nodded. 

It was clear now that he had bought the piano after seeing her return home, and the fact that he moved it in himself touched her deeply. This act of care made her heart flutter.

“Hongjiao, tell me where to place it. I can’t hold it much longer.” Xu Hao pretended to struggle, adding a playful tone.

Still dazed, Xu Hongjiao absentmindedly replied, “Put it in the study room.” 

But as soon as she said it, she realized how inappropriate it was to be so blunt. 

Xu Hao had bought the piano for her and kindly asked where to place it; she should be more considerate.

So, she led him to the study room. 

The Xu family had two studies—one for the daughters and one for Xu Hao. They decided to place the piano in the daughters’ study in an open space.

“I just bought it, so I’m not sure how the keys sound. Could you give it a try, Hongjiao?” Xu Hao asked with a smile.

Xu Hongjiao brought a stool, placed it in front of the piano, and sat down. 

She was momentarily taken aback when she noticed the brand. It was a new model from Steinway that she had been dreaming about, but the price—eight to nine million—was far beyond her reach. Xu Hao had actually bought it for her.

At this moment, the ripples in her heart turned into waves. She took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. 

When her fingers touched the keys, every note resonated with perfect clarity. This was the best piano she had ever played.

“Since there’s no problem, I’ll take my leave.” Xu Hao said, turning to go.

Suddenly, Xu Hongjiao stopped him. 

After a brief pause, she quietly said, “Thank you.”

[Ding! Xu Hongjiao was deeply moved, emotional value +362…]

“Thank you for what? You’re my daughter. You should go to bed early; girls shouldn’t stay up late,” Xu Hao replied with a fatherly smile, waved, and left.

Xu Hao’s timing in giving the piano to his daughter was no coincidence. He wanted her to play it when she had free time, hoping she would notice the gap in her skill and start to panic. 

Xu Hongjiao had been hesitant before, but if her fans discovered a significant difference between her playing and that of the “Symphony of Destiny,” they would certainly turn against her. 

She would realize this once she started playing, and when the time came, she would have to seek his help.

The thought of outwitting his daughter in this subtle battle of wits brought Xu Hao endless amusement. 

…

As he returned to the bedroom, Su Wanqiu, dressed in a maid outfit, was standing by his side. She greeted him shyly before obediently helping him undress. 

The two had moved beyond merely enjoying fun clothes and costumes; they had started role-playing. 

Today, Su Wanqiu was playing the part of a little maid, but there were still many other roles waiting—doctor, nurse, nanny, daughter…

Xu Hao gently lifted her chin with his fingertips. “Little maid, you didn’t do what I told you today.”

“No, I did say it,” Su Wanqiu responded, aware that Xu Hao was referring to the praise he expected her to give in front of her daughter. 

She had said something earlier in the car, though it was only a single sentence.

“Hmm… You dare to argue with me? I think you’re looking for trouble,” Xu Hao teased.

[Ding! Su Wanqiu couldn’t help feeling embarrassed, +695 emotional points]

…

The next day, Xu Hao was about to head out. 

Since his daughter had classes in the morning and needed to go to school, he offered to give her a ride. 

After dropping her off at Shanghai University, Xu Hao decided not to leave immediately. He wanted to visit the school.

After all, he hadn’t been to the campus since becoming a shareholder. The school had even prepared an office for him, but he hadn’t seen it yet.

As Xu Hao walked through the school grounds, a bald middle-aged man approached him. 

It was vice-principal Zhang Li. He seemed to recognize Xu Hao but wasn’t entirely sure, so he wiped his eyes and tentatively called out, “Mr. Xu?”

Xu Hao had indeed changed a lot. Though he was elegant and gentle before, there had always been something off about him. 

But now, he seemed more natural, refreshed, and even younger. 

Zhang Li almost didn’t recognize him, but after receiving Xu Hao’s response, he slapped his forehead in realization.

“Oh, Director Xu, I’m so sorry,” Zhang Li apologized. “You look so much younger now; I didn’t recognize you at first…”

The vice-principal, usually known for his stern demeanor, now wore a bright smile, eager to please. “Director Xu, do you have any business at the school today? Just let me know, and I’ll handle it perfectly for you.”

“Nothing in particular. I just haven’t visited the school in a while and wanted to take a look around.”

“Then I’ll accompany you,” Zhang Li volunteered. Xu Hao’s position at the school was powerful, and Zhang Li knew it was important to stay on his good side.

As they walked, many students noticed them. The usually stern and ruthless vice-principal was now respectfully accompanying a handsome gentleman.

“Old Zhang, I can look around on my own. I graduated from this school, so I’m familiar with the surroundings. There’s no need to trouble you,” Xu Hao said, noticing Zhang Li checking his watch. 

It seemed like he had something urgent to attend to, so Xu Hao tried to send him off. 

After all, the company of an older man wasn’t as enjoyable as that of a beautiful woman—preferably a female heroine.

“Of course, I know you’re familiar with the school. I don’t have anything urgent to attend to…” Zhang Li began, but before he could finish, his phone rang. He looked embarrassed and quickly hung up the call.

“Go ahead,” Xu Hao waved him off.

“But Director Xu, I can’t just leave you alone…”

Suddenly, Zhang Li had an idea. “How about I find someone to accompany you instead?”

He scanned the area and spotted a figure not far away. His eyes lit up. 

It was Wang Xueying, the most beautiful teacher at their school. It was perfect timing; she could accompany Director Xu. 

This way, even if Zhang Li left, it wouldn’t be considered neglect.

“Director Xu, wait here for a moment.” Zhang Li said and then hurried toward Wang Xueying. “Teacher Wang, could you wait a moment?”  Zhang Li called out.

Wang Xueying turned her head in confusion.

Seeing the vice-principal running toward her, she asked, “Vice-principal Zhang, is something wrong?”

“Teacher Wang, it’s like this…” Zhang Li paused to catch his breath. “A distinguished guest has come to the school, and I have urgent matters to attend to. Could you please accompany him?”

Wang Xueying frowned, her tone turning cold. “I’m sorry, Vice-principal Zhang, but I’m busy too.”

She had her own sense of dignity and came to the school to educate, not to serve as a guide for guests.

Zhang Li knew well the temperament of the school’s most beautiful teacher. He understood that being forceful wouldn’t work with her, so he opted for a softer approach. “Teacher Wang, please help me this time. Xu Hao rarely visits our school.”

“Who are you talking about?” Wang Xueying’s expression changed when she heard the name.

“Director Xu, the CEO of Xu Group, and also one of our school directors,” Zhang Li explained, pointing toward the distance. “He’s over there.”

Wang Xueying followed his direction and saw Xu Hao not far away. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened.

“Teacher Wang, I wouldn’t have come to ask you if it weren’t an emergency.” Zhang Li pleaded once more.

After a brief hesitation, Wang Xueying nodded. “Alright.”

She might refuse to accompany most guests, but if the guest was Xu Hao, she made an exception.

“Thank you so much, Teacher Wang,” Zhang Li said, visibly relieved. He quickly led her to Xu Hao and introduced her. “Director Xu, this is Teacher Wang Xueying, our school’s most beautiful teacher. She’ll be showing you around.”

Xu Hao looked at Wang Xueying, who quickly lowered her head. A blush appeared onto her pretty face, and her heart pounded. 

She hadn’t seen Xu Hao since they had dinner together, where he had shown her special attention. 

She often found herself wondering what his intentions were. 

Did he like her? 

But he was married, and she was a teacher. 

Getting involved with a married man would have serious consequences.

Zhang Li, oblivious to the tension between them, apologized, “Director Xu, I’m really sorry, but something urgent has come up at home…”

“It’s fine, you can go,” Xu Hao said, waving his hand dismissively, eager to get rid of the intruding vice-principal.

As Zhang Li left, Xu Hao and Wang Xueying stood alone. 

Xu Hao smiled at her and said, “Teacher Wang, please, accompany me on a walk around the school.”

“Okay.” Wang Xueying replied softly.

The duo began walking together, creating a picturesque scene that caught the attention of passing students. 

They couldn’t believe what they were seeing—their goddess, Wang Xueying, walking side by side with a handsome man. Rumors started to spread.

[Heavens, the most beautiful teacher in our school has found a boyfriend. My heart is broken.], one student posted online.

[No way, I don’t believe it. My goddess has always been pure and untouchable. How could this happen…?], another responded.

[I’m so angry. Teacher Wang is so beautiful and kind. What man could possibly deserve her?], a third commented.

[This is unbearable… Such a good woman is about to be taken by a pig. I can’t stand it, I feel like dying.], another lamented.

Though the students whispered, Wang Xueying heard them. 

Her face flushed even more, and she gritted her teeth in frustration. 

Why were these students so quick to assume? 

They were just friends. 

She was simply giving Xu Hao a tour of the campus. 

What would Xu Hao think if he heard these rumors? 

Would he be upset that his reputation was being tarnished?

She glanced up at Xu Hao, but his expression remained calm, which relieved her.

As they walked, Xu Hao tried to make conversation. “Teacher Wang, how have you been lately?”

“I’m fine,” Wang Xueying answered, but she didn’t elaborate. 

Normally, she was more composed, but walking beside Xu Hao made her heart race. 

The students’ gossip had thrown her off balance.

Noticing her discomfort, Xu Hao asked a different question. “How are your twin daughters doing? I hope they aren’t causing you any trouble?”

Wang Xueying visibly relaxed at the mention of the two well-behaved twin daughters. 

“They’re very obedient and have become much more cheerful…”

Once the topic turned to her students, Wang Xueying became more lively, talking freely as they walked together. The atmosphere between them grew more harmonious.

Suddenly, Xu Hao stopped in front of a small wooded area and asked, pretending to be curious, “I remember when I was in school, this small forest wasn’t developed yet. I see there are many paths now. What’s it used for?”

In this life, he genuinely didn’t know, but from his past life, he was well aware of what went on there. It was a popular spot for students to take their dates.

As a teacher, Wang Xueying had never been to the grove, but she had often heard students talk about it. 

Her cheeks flushed again as she struggled to find the words. “This is where students often… hang out.”

“Haha, is that so? Do young people nowadays go to the woods to fall in love? Let’s go in and take a look.” Xu Hao said, already walking into the woods.

Wang Xueying reached out her hand to stop him, but he was already gone. 

Left with no choice, she followed him, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.