From the day Nan Dashu realized he had absolutely no biological connection to his children, he ceased to care about his reputation. Otherwise, he never would have made such a grand show of demanding children from Li Guihua, spending every penny the family had on tonics. Furthermore, given the way Nan Dashu beat Li Guihua and the intensity of her wailing, it was impossible for the neighbors not to know. Even if Nan Dashu had wanted to keep it a secret, he couldn't have.
He had tried for so long with Li Guihua, yet there was never any sign of a pregnancy, and Nan Dashu had long since abandoned hope of having children of his own. He even felt that his twilight years would be spent entirely alone, and he would likely die in his home without anyone ever knowing. Nan Dashu wasn't a fool; he understood perfectly well why Li Guihua would endure such beatings rather than leave with her children. She was simply counting on Nan Dashu to raise them to adulthood. Once her two children were grown and capable of supporting themselves—and her—she would surely leave him in a heartbeat.
Nan Dashu had even considered that once that little wolf cub, Li Hai, was strong enough to challenge him, he would likely be beaten by the boy. Even now, the way Li Hai looked at him was devoid of any affection; the hatred in his eyes was something Nan Dashu saw with crystal clarity. But even if he knew it, what could he do? He still harbored the fantasy that, just perhaps, Li Guihua might be able to bear his…
Chapter 365