Chapter 22 — My Daughter's Iron Box

Let her fight all she wants.

"I will take back everything, piece by piece, whatever Anan rightfully deserves."

The lawyer asked, "What about your daughter's side?" Shen Zhiqiang raised his head and looked toward the inpatient ward.

"She still refuses to speak to me."

Yet yesterday, she finally allowed the nurse to accept her Olympic textbooks.

The lawyer sighed softly.

"Even this much is already not easy."

Shen Zhiqiang murmured, "Is it not easy for me?"

"It is not easy for her."

On the day of discharge, the weather was exceptionally fine. Shen Anan wore a clean school uniform, her face still gaunt, but her gaze was far more resolute than before. Teacher Jiang gently supported her as they walked outside. Shen Zhiqiang stood beside his car without stepping forward. Next to his car sat another vehicle, one arranged by the school. Shen Anan glanced at him.

"I will go back to live in the school dormitory first."

Shen Zhiqiang nodded.

"Alright."

"If you need anything, just tell Teacher Jiang."

Shen Anan said, "I will speak for myself." Shen Zhiqiang felt a sudden tightness in his throat.

"Alright."

She took two steps, then paused.

As for the matter concerning Shen Anan, do not expect me to handle it.

Shen Zhiqiang immediately replied, "I won't."

"Whether he apologizes or feels remorse, none of it should be dumped onto my shoulders."

Shen Anan looked at him, a faint ripple finally stirring in her eyes.

"You used to never speak like that."

Shen Zhiqiang managed a bitter, self-deprecating smile.

In the past, I was wrong about far too many things.

Shen Anan did not press further. Before getting into the car, she suddenly said, "Return the iron box to me." Shen Zhiqiang instantly retrieved it from his pocket. The edges of the tin had been carefully wiped clean. The three shallow characters carved into the lid were still visible: To Shen Zhiqiang. Shen Anan took it, tracing her fingers over the surface.

"This no longer belongs to you."

Shen Zhiqiang froze. Shen Anan softly whispered, "This is evidence."

"And it is also a reminder to myself, never again wait until I am completely broken before walking away."

She cradled the iron box and climbed into the car. The door closed shut. Shen Zhiqiang stood rooted to the spot for a long time. He did not chase after it. Nor did he call out. He merely watched as the vehicle drove away in the direction of the school. "Teacher Jiang, sitting inside, turned her head for a final look." Shen Anan leaned against the window, clutching the tin box to her chest. The sunlight poured over her pale face. She did not smile. Yet her eyes were entirely free of that dead, desolate stillness.

Half a year later, Shen Anan returned to take part in the examinations. Her scores remained firmly at the top of her grade. In the Physics Olympiad, she successfully qualified for the provincial competition. On the day of the awards ceremony, the auditorium was packed with parents. Shen Zhiqiang sat in the very last row. This time, he had not missed it. When Shen Anan stepped onto the stage, she caught sight of him. She did not smile at him, nor did she avoid his gaze. With utter serenity, she simply raised her certificate high. It was as though she were announcing to everyone present that she had finally returned.

When the ceremony ended, Shen Zhiqiang stood outside the hall, holding a brand-new school backpack in his hands. It was not some exorbitantly expensive designer label, but rather the exact style Shen Anan herself had chosen--slate blue, sturdy, lightweight, with smooth, easy-to-use zippers. Shen Anan walked out. Shen Zhiqiang stepped forward and handed the backpack to her.

"You mentioned the old one could no longer be used."

Shen Anan stared at the bag in his hands. After a long moment, she reached out and took it. Shen Zhiqiang's eye sockets grew hot, but he said nothing more. Shen Anan slipped the backpack over her shoulders and took a few steps forward before coming to a halt.

"Father."

Shen Zhiqiang's entire body stiffened. This was the very first time she had addressed him as such since the ordeal occurred. Shen Anan did not turn back.

"I still have not forgiven you."

Shen Zhiqiang's voice trembled.

"I know."

Shen Anan spoke quietly, "But you may continue to attend the parent-teacher meetings." Shen Zhiqiang's eyes reddened as a smile broke through.

"Alright."