Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
âI donât like having strangers in our home. Weâre unlike you to have Aunt Chen, Aunt Yang, and Aunt Liu who have already been working with us for so long. If we hire a housekeeper, sheâll be a total stranger to us,â said Qi Chengyue.
Both Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge were living a very sweet life at the moment. They would usually prepare meals together and enjoyed each otherâs company.
âEveryone starts with being a stranger. Arenât they the same in your brothersâ homes? Perhaps you donât feel the need for it but once your baby is born, youâll not be able to care for the child alone. Youâll still have to hire a maternity matron. As the maternity matron cannot manage the household, you need to get a housekeeper as well.â Guan Liya felt that her daughter did not think things through.
âThen Iâll get my brothers to find someone trustworthy for me,â Qi Chengyue chirped. Having two competent brothers saved her so much trouble.
Guan Liya stopped her nagging after hearing that. âAs long as you have a plan in mind. Donât wear Dongge out too much.â
âAs expected, the more the mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more satisfied she is with him! See how protective youâre of him,â teased Qi Chengyue with a laugh and a scrunched nose.
âIsnât it so? Iâm very satisfied with this son-in-law anyway!â Guan Liya spat at Qi Chengyue before snacking on the sunflower seeds.
In the cradle beside them, Little Youjin was moving about.
As he had learned to flip on his stomach, he was rolling himself back and forth restlessly.
He was at the stage where he would begin to roll around as soon as he woke up, cry for milk when he was hungry, continue to roll around after his meal and fall back asleep after he had exhausted himself. As a result, Song Yu often found him in different sleeping positions depending on the extent he rolled himself over.
Sometimes, he would roll to his side, close his eyes and go to sleep shortly after the drowsiness hit him. There was no interim in his actions. It happened so fast as though he had consumed the sleeping pills.
At other times, he would roll to his front and fall asleep on his stomach.
He hardly ever slept on his back in the proper posture.
Thus, Song Yu could only pay him more attention to prevent him from falling asleep in a bad posture after rolling around.
When Guan Liya was talking with Qi Chengyue earlier, Little Youjin was already awake and began the struggle of rolling around on his own in silence.
Meanwhile, Qi Youxuan was guarding by the side of the cradle the entire time. He was unable to visit his brother last week because he had gone to the winter camp. So, he was staring at Little Youjin regardless of whether Little Youjin was asleep or awake.
As Little Youjin was entertaining himself, Qi Youxuan felt that his little brotherâs dumb action was really unlike his uncle. His uncle would never act inefficiently and do useless things which were a waste of time and energy.
âAuntie, isnât little brother a little dumb?â Qi Youxuan was baffled as he gazed at Song Yu. His large clear eyes were overflowing with concern. He was afraid that his brother might be mentally retarded.
â...â Qi Youxuanâs concern expression had rendered Song Yu speechless. She felt a prick in her heart as her son was scorned.
Her sight fell back on her son who was still rolling around while blowing bubbles. His little face was flushed from exhaustion. He was puffing and blowing yet he rolled around relentlessly.
Even his mother, Song Yu, had to agree that her sonâs actions seemed a little dumb. She did not know how else to refute Qi Youxuan.
Then, she caught sight of Qi Youxuanâs suspicious look.
Song Yu: â...â
What was with the expression in that childâs eyes?
âAuntie, can it be that little brother inherited your traits? Were you also like this when you were young?â Qi Youxuan looked at Song Yu in disdain. Then, he turned his gaze towards Little Youjin who had just rolled to the edge of the cradle and collided with the bed frame.
The collision was merely a soft bump. Nonetheless, Little Youjinâs tiny nose was smashed flat against the bed frame.
His face puffed up instantly like a bun. He seemed to be mad at the bed frame that was hindering his actions. He pursed his lips and glared at the bed frame so hard as if his glare could snap it into half. Then, he mustered up his energy to kick the bed frame with his two soft tiny plump legs and began to roll back to the other side.
Qi Youxuan covered his eyes with his palms. Although his brother was born with a good look, his actions were too dumb for goodness sake.
â...â Song Yu also had no idea whose traits Little Youjin had inherited. Nevertheless, she decided to defend her own image. âI used to be a very quiet baby. My mom told me that I didnât simply move around when I was sleeping. I would wake up in the same posture that I fell asleep in. I wouldnât cry when I woke up. Even when I peed, I wouldnât cry or move around.â
As she was reminiscing about her past, Song Yu could not help glancing at Xia Wenna. It was blatantly clear in her glance that she was questioning if Little Youjin had perhaps inherited Qi Chengzhiâs traits.
Xia Wenna quickly shook her head. She could let the matter rest if it was someone else but her son must not be embarrassed in front of Qi Youxuan.
âYour uncle was very obedient when he was young. Look at how sedate he is now. Can you even imagine him rolling around in bed?â said Xia Wenna earnestly.
Qi Youxuan shifted his gaze back to Little Youjin. Little Youjin was resting on his stomach. He lifted his head to watch them curiously. Why were those people staring at him?
He let out a few babbles and resumed to blow his bubbles. Since he was tired of rolling around and had wanted to do something new, he tried to kick his legs instead. His kicks caused him to inch slightly forward unintentionally each time his knees hit the mattress.
Song Yu had brought him to swim periodically since his birth. So, Little Youjinâs limbs had managed to gain some strength from the training.
Little Youjin was overwhelmed with excitement at that unexpected move. He believed that his achievement in moving forward that way was much better than merely rolling around. Hence, he began to kick his legs to move forward little by little.
The strength of his kicks was still insufficient to move him much. It was almost unnoticeable as though he was staying in the same spot if one did not observe carefully.
Despite that, Little Youjin was persistent in thumping his short arms and legs. Before he could even inch a considerable distance, the bedsheets were already scrunched up into a messy pile.
Seeing his silly appearance, Qi Youxuan burst out into a laugh as he walked to one end of the cradle.
While everyone else was wondering what he had in mind, Qi Youxuan said, âLittle brother, look at how fast I walk!â
Then, he swiftly took a few steps backward to the other end of the cradle. âLook, I can also walk backward.â
He continued to walk forward and backward from one end to the other end of the cradle.
Little Youjinâs small round face turned bitter as he let out a humph. Turning around to leave Qi Youxuan with the sight of the back of his head, he continued to inch his way forward.
âYouxuan, come here.â Ruan Danchen beckoned the little one over.
The little one gave Little Youjin a few smug chuckles before running toward Ruan Danchen. He stopped in front of her and called out softly, âMom!â
Ruan Danchen grazed his tiny nose and asked, âWhy are you teasing your little brother?â
Qi Youxuan puffed up his small cheeks. âHe is growing too slow that itâs making me anxious! I want to bring him out to play!â
Suddenly, he heard a string of baby babbles and quickly noticed that Little Youjin was pushing his upper body upward. Little Youjin was babbling nonstop at Qi Youxuan as if in protest.
Song Yu lifted Little Youjin out from his cradle and sat him on her lap. âYour little brother is growing up very fast. When he was just born, he could only lay down in bed. It has been only four months but he can now roll over and crawl forward a little. Give him a bit more time and heâll learn to walk. When that time comes, heâll be following you around. So, you better not find him annoying then.â
Song Yu squeezed his sonâs little plump arms lightly. The feeling of his small arms was so soft that they were pleasant to touch.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Little Youjin also flattered her by gripping her finger tightly in his tiny hands.
Song Yu rubbed her sonâs little fingers and told Qi Youxuan proudly, âMy son is very smart.â
Qi Youxuan stared at Little Youjinâs face that was so similar to Qi Chengzhiâs and nodded his head earnestly. âLittle brother, quickly grow up so you can follow me around. I wonât get tired of you. You look a lot like uncle itâll be as if uncle is following me around and listening to my command. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. So little brother, you need to listen to me in the future!â
Song Yu: â...â
Xia Wenna: â...â
That little one actually held such ideas in his mind. He was having the delusion of overpowering his uncle through Little Youjin!
Even so, Little Youjin still appeared to be extremely happy in Song Yuâs embrace. He let go of her hands and lifted those tender small pale arms in front of him. He waved his arms excitedly while calling out, âA... A...â
Qi Youxuan was also very glad about it. It seemed that his brother had begun to listen to him since young. That was great.
The little oneâs mouth widened into a grin. Although Little Youjin did not understand why his brother was so happy all of a sudden, he still put on a silly smile for his brother.
His short plump arms reached out for Qi Youxuan. âA... Ya...â
He was asking Qi Youxuan to hold him.
Xia Wenna could not help sighing, âOh, my silly grandson!â
âSay, your dad is so smart. Even your mom has a quick mind. Why are you like this? Your brother is plotting against you yet you still throw yourself on him!â
âOh, my little brother is so obedient. Come here. Let big brother hug you.â Qi Youxuan grinned so broadly that his big round eyes narrowed into crescents. He held his arms out toward Little Youjin as well.
Ruan Danchen was worried that the little one could not hold Little Youjin well while sitting on her lap. So, she shifted him to the sofa.
The sofa in the old mansion was very wide. It was just like a small bed. When the little one sat on it, only his ankles and feet protruded out of the sofa. Hence, she was not afraid that an accident could happen while he was holding Little Youjin in his arms.
Song Yu placed Little Youjin in Qi Youxuanâs arms. As the little one often observed the way Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi held Little Youjin, he was also doing quite well himself. However, Little Youjin was restless in his embrace. His short legs were kicking relentlessly. His little body was twisting about and rubbing against Qi Youxuan. It was apparent that he did not want to be held like a baby.
Qi Youxuan lifted Little Youjin and sat him so they faced each other. Little Youjinâs short chubby legs were split open. His soft clean toes were pressing against Qi Youxuanâs soft little belly.
Little Youjin was finally satisfied. He kept on bouncing on Qi Youxuanâs lap. His legs were bent as they pressed forward. They were also kicking Qi Youxuanâs little stomach.
Even though Little Youjinâs kicks were not too hard, Qi Youxuan felt the pain after a few kicks. His small round face scrunched up and his facial features were shoved together like a bun.
âDonât kick me,â Qi Youxuan admonished. As his small arms were wrapped around Little Youjin, he could only subject himself to those kicks.
Ruan Danchen suspected, âIs the little one taking this opportunity to retaliate Qi Youxuan?â
Song Yu noticed Qi Youxuanâs small round face crumpling and hurriedly took Little Youjin back into her arms. âBe good. Donât bully your big brother.â
âYa...â Little Youjin was babbling again while waving his arms happily.
âThatâs right. Zeer is coming over to our house tomorrow. Iâm thinking of buying some snacks at the supermarket later so we can serve them during their visit,â Ruan Danchen told Qi Youxuan. They had not bought any snacks since Qi Youxuan was put on a diet.
âI want to go too!â The little oneâs spirit lifted as soon as he heard about buying delicious food that he almost drooled.
Ruan Danchen could not help pinching his cheeks. His face felt slimmer as there was less fat on his cheeks than before.
âSince Iâm telling you, I intend to bring you along.â Ruan Danchen carried him and placed him on the ground. âGo and change your clothes.â
âI want to go too,â exclaimed Qi Chengyue suddenly.
âThe supermarket is very crowded. It wonât be a good idea for you to come along with your rounded belly. What if you are crushed in the crowd?â said Ruan Danchen.
Guan Liya had the same concern but kept her silence because Ruan Danchen had already voiced it out to Qi Chengyue. Nevertheless, she nodded along with Ruan Danchen and praised her daughter-in-law for being tactful in her heart.
Qi Chengyue rubbed her abdomen with a flushed face. âMy belly is not that big yet.â
Ruan Danchen raised a brow and teased, âCan it be that youâre missing Dongge right now?â
The news of Qi Chengyue peeking at Cheng Dongge occasionally in the office was already widespread throughout the company. Despite that, no one was laughing at her. Instead, they felt that the coupleâs action was rather interesting.
â...â Qi Chengyueâs face reddened yet she did not deny that notion. She mumbled, âItâs all because of mom. I started to miss Dongge when he was brought up in our conversation!â
â..â Guan Liya also felt embarrassed at her accusation. âIf you miss him, just go and meet him directly. Why do you even need to squeeze through the crowd in the supermarket?â
âIsnât it less embarrassing if she drags Danchen along?â Song Yu gave away Qi Chengyueâs intention with pleasure. âAlthough itâs an off day, there are still people working overtime in Qilin. She has already frequented Dongge during working hours and the whole company knows about it. So, she is a little self-conscious to visit him on an off day!â
âYou call this self-conscious?â Guan Liya gave her daughter a teasing glance.
âOh my! All of you!â Qi Chengyue glared at them.
However, she was born with an adorable face and it became rounded during her pregnancy. She was also not really angry at them. Thus, her glare was not all that ferocious.
âThen letâs drop by Qilin first. After Dongge is done with his work, Iâll go to the supermarket with Chenglin and Youxuan. You can come back here with Dongge. If you still want to go to the supermarket, at least we are relieved to know that Dongge is there with you,â explained Ruan Danchen.
Guan Liya nodded in agreement with Ruan Danchenâs plan.
âDanchen, youâre so good to me!â Qi Chengyue hugged Ruan Danchen instantly. Apart from the children, Qi Chengyue was the youngest in the family. Furthermore, she felt her mentality dropping slightly with her pregnancy which added to her already childish behavior.
âAye, your belly is pressing against me.â Ruan Danchen made a distasteful expression as she allowed Qi Chengyue to hug her.
âAuntie, whatâre you doing!â Qi Youxuan ran back to the living room after changing his clothes. When he caught sight of Qi Chengyue hugging Ruan Danchen tightly, he felt as though being confronted by a formidable enemy.
Qi Chengyue purposely picked on the little one further by rubbing herself against Ruan Danchen a few more times before loosening her grip.
âAre you ready?â When she noticed Qi Youxuan had already changed his clothes and was ready with his backpack, Qi Chengyue ushered, âLetâs hurry along.â
âDo you want to give Dongge a call? So, he wonât leave the office after work before we even arrive,â reminded Ruan Danchen.
âWell, we can always come back here. It wonât be a surprise anymore if I call him,â Qi Chengyue responded without much care. She had nothing to do anyway. She could treat the trip as going for a drive.
As the little one walked toward the entrance, Little Youjin who stayed in Song Yuâs arms became restless. His little head tailed along Qi Youxuan as he cried out for him.
Qi Youxuan turned around to find Little Youjin glancing at him eagerly. His short arms were reaching out for Qi Youxuan. Therefore, the little one asked, âAuntie, does little brother want to come along?â
âA... A... A... A!â Little Youjin seemed to understand the question. His cries became more anxious and his legs were kicking around more vigorously.
Song Yu looked at the weather outside. It was the Tomb-Sweeping Day. The weather had just turned warm and there was no need to put on layers of thick clothes. Usually, she would also bring Little Youjin out under the sun if the weather was good in the afternoon.
Therefore, Song Yu informed the elders before tagging along with Little Youjin.
On the way to Qilin, Song Yu called Qi Chengzhi to check the time they finished up their work.
âMiss me?â asked Qi Chengzhi as he picked up the phone. There was a hint of laughter in his low mellow voice.
Song Yu evaded his question. Instead, she asked, âWhen will you be done?â
âShould be done before three,â responded Qi Chengzhi while checking the time on his watch.
Song Yu took a glance at Qi Chengyue who was sitting beside her and chuckled, âChengyue misses Dongge. So, weâre now on our way to Qilin. Donât let him know first. I just want to have an estimated time when youâll be done. If we reach earlier, we can find a place to sit while waiting for you.â
Then, she heard Qi Chengzhi clicking his tongue. âLook at how Chengyue misses her husband. Why donât you miss me? You even call me to ask about someone elseâs husband.â
Song Yu blushed lightly. She tried to hide at a side and whispered, âDanchen and Chengyue are both with me.â
âDanchen is also coming to look for Chenglin?â Qi Chengzhi asked with a raised brow.
âHum,â Song Yu had wanted to explain the truth. However, Qi Chengzhiâs voice leaked from her phone and his question was heard by Qi Chengyue. With her waist pinched at the mercy of Qi Chengyue, Song Yu did not embarrass Qi Chengyue further.
âJust right. Weâve also planned to leave together anyway.â
âThen Iâm hanging up,â said Song Yu but was stopped by Qi Chengzhi.
âDo you actually miss me?â Qi Chengzhi asked again.
Song Yu: â...â
That man was really tiring. Did they not just split up at home that morning?
âMiss you.â Before Qi Chengzhi could say anything else, Song Yu quickly hung up the call.
Qi Chengyue who was teased earlier had caught the chance to return the favor. She shook her head and chuckled, âSee, Iâm not the only one who misses my husband. You all are too. Youâre just taking the advantage to come out as well.â
âXiao Fan, letâs head directly to the supermarket instead,â Ruan Danchen said faintly from the passenger seat.
â...â Qi Chengyue did not expect Ruan Danchen to say that. She responded quickly, âOh! Danchen, youâve become as nasty as my brother after being with him for some time.â
The car was full of laughter instantly. Even Xiao Fan could not help laughing. Of course, they did not turn around to head to the supermarket.
...
Liu Ronghua was in her house thinking about the incident with Chang Jingqiu. The more she played that thought in her mind, the more disturbed she became. Since being hinted by Jiang Yuan, she had not let that thought off of her mind.
She had tried to call Chang Jingqiu numerous times but they were unanswered. She went to the newspaper office where Chang Jingqiu was employed but was told that Chang Jingqiu was away on a long leave. Thus, she could not even cause a scene in the newspaper office.
After much consideration, she took the opportunity to get herself a new SIM card when the heat of the news was finally over and the paparazzi had left her alone.
Even with a new number, Chang Jingqiu had assumed that the call was from a journalist and refused to answer it.
Although the incident on her birthday did not make it in the newspaper, it was still exposed online. The few famous paparazziâ accounts on Weibo broke the news. Yet, it was not published in any legit newspaper since it was not a piece of proper news. One could only treat it as merely a rumor.
As a result of the revelation, she had become a subject in the wave of heated discussion and was even mocked by the netizens.
In a short period of time, Chang Jingqiuâs popularity had risen online. Many photographs of her in the past were shared on the Internet. She did not know who betrayed her but it was clear that the situation had made it difficult for her to even step out of the house.
Shortly after refusing to answer the call, she received the message: âI have your secret in my hand.â
Chang Jingqiu frowned at the message. She was at a sudden loss.
There was no new message subsequent to the last one. Chang Jingqiu was initially worried that it was a trick used by a journalist to get her to call back.
Nevertheless, she could not help her curiosity and had decided to call the sender. If it happened to be a journalist, she would hang up the call immediately.
She did not expect Liu Ronghua to answer the call.
âSo, youâve finally decided to call me?â spat Liu Ronghua through the phone.
âAuntie, what do you mean?â Chang Jingqiu feigned confusion.
âStop your act! You used me to dig up information on that incident in Ruan Danchenâs past. In the end, I was driven out of the Shen family and had to face Qi Chenglinâs retribution. You, on the other hand, merely left to my own demise. Do you think that all these have nothing to do with you?â Liu Ronghua was seething. âThereâs no way for you to disentangle yourself after using me!â
âAuntie, what are you talking about? I donât understand what you mean.â As soon as Chang Jingqiu confirmed that the sender was Liu Ronghua, she had thrown the message out from her head.
In fact, she had always looked down upon Liu Ronghua. That brainless woman only knew how to put on a pitiful facade. She doubted Liu Ronghuaâs ability to cause a commotion. Hence, she did not take her to heart. She was only being polite to Liu Ronghua because she did not want anyone to hold something against her.
âChang Jingqiu, stop your stupid act! Shortly after revealing Ruan Danchenâs past to you, the same information had become widespread on the Internet. It didnât matter if I was driven out of the Shen family. You, however, should not cast me aside so quickly. I couldnât even reach you when I called. You donât want to have anything to do with me, donât you?â Liu Ronghuaâs voice was raised higher from anger.
Perhaps, Liu Ronghua had feigned weakness and delicacy in her whole life or it might be innate, even with a raised voice, her thin voice carried a hint of a quiver. It sounded so pitiful.
âAuntie, I donât get what youâve just said. You didnât tell me anything about Ruan Danchen. I only found out after the news was broken on the Internet. Whatâre you talking about?â Chang Jingqiuâs lips curled up sinisterly.
âYou...â Liu Ronghua did not expect Chang Jingqiu to stubbornly refuse any claim about her. âYou... You shameless woman! Chang Jingqiu, you dare not admit what youâve done. You have no gut!â
âAuntie, please mind your words. Donât simply put the blame on me. It could cause misunderstandings.â Chang Jingqiu sat lazily on her bed.
She felt rather bored to be confined at home. Tormenting Liu Ronghua like that was entertainment to her boredom.
âWhat misunderstandings? It was you who did it. Why didnât I notice that youâre such a treacherous person? Arenât you afraid that I tell Qi Chenglin youâre the one behind that Weibo post?â Liu Ronghua breathed out through her clenched teeth.
âAuntie, what are you talking about? This is not my doing. So what if you tell Qi Chenglin? Do you have any evidence?â Chang Jingqiu pursed her lips. âI heard that you even went to cause a commotion at Qilin. You were spouting out many things about Ruan Danchen to the bypassers in front of the office. Who knows how many people you have told before?â
âYou...â
Chang Jingqiu cut her off. âAuntie, I donât know what Iâve done to upset you so much so that you tried to wrong me out of hatred. No matter what, Iâll not admit it even if you tell Qi Chenglin.â
âChang Jingqiu, you got close to me on purpose to get something against Ruan Danchen from me. You refuse to admit it right? Itâs okay. Iâll just consider myself to be foolish enough to trust the wrong person this time. However, do you really think that I only have this information in my hand?â Liu Ronghua let out a sneer. Her confidence caused Chang Jingqiuâs heart to constrict in worry.
What could Liu Ronghua with that petty brain have against her?
Chang Jingqiu did not have much contact with Liu Ronghua. Even if she got closer to Liu Ronghua in the past, it was Liu Ronghua who did most of the talking. Liu Ronghua was unaware of the fact that she did not share much about herself with her.
What information could Liu Ronghua have against her then?
âIâm not sure what else about me that you know. Iâve been contemplating this in my mind but weâre not very familiar arenât we?â said Chang Jingqiu in clear disbelief.
Liu Ronghuaâs lips curled into a sadistic smile as she let on, âWhat if one day, everything you have now no longer belongs to you? What if youâre no longer Ms Chang? Do you still have the gut to appear so arrogant in front of me?â
âWhat do you mean?â Chang Jingqiu frowned deeper. âYouâre so crazy that youâre starting to spout nonsense!â
âIâm saying that your mom is a village woman and your dad is a farmer who is earning a living in the city. Youâre not blood-related with that Ms Chang who had passed on. What do you think will happen if the Chang family found out about this? Everything you have had till now is built upon their guilt towards Ms Changâs death. Grandmother Chang treats you well because she regrets treating her daughter that way. Chang Zhiyuan treats you well because she was her beloved sister. Once they know that youâre not her daughter, why do they even need to care for your wellbeing? Donât you think that they will feel disgusted when they find out that youâre not blood-related with them?â Liu Ronghua explained with hostility.
Chang Jingqiu shot up on her feet. She did not know why she was feeling a sense of guilt. Her heart was beating rapidly against her ribcage.
She took a few big strides toward the door and locked it. Then, she went into the washroom in her bedroom and locked herself in there.
âLiu Ronghua, are you crazy? Are you being delusional after being driven out of the Shen family? Do you think that I will believe in such cliche?â Chang Jingqiu lowered her tense voice.
Despite knowing that her voice would not escape the washroom, she still kept her guard guiltily.
Liu Ronghua ridiculed, âWhy are you so nervous then? I do have the evidence with me. Chang Jingqiu, if you had been sincere with me, Iâll not even tell you this. Being able to become Ms Chang is a gift from me to you. I am after all your benefactor!â
âIâve never planned to ask anything of you even after meeting you again after all these years. I donât even intend to tell you this. I would have considered this information nonexistence and you can remain as the Chang familyâs young lady. There was not much exchange between us and there will not be. I didnât want to use this against you.â
Liu Ronghua pursed her lips. Then, Chang Jingqiu heard Liu Ronghua continued, âWhen you tried to get close to me, I had thought that it was fate between us that began when I sent you to the Chang family. Who would have thought that a peasant is always a peasant? Your parents were not well off. You are also a malicious person with all those sinister acts.â
âRidiculous!â Chang Jingqiu was infuriated.
She had always looked down on Liu Ronghuaâs status. However, it was Liu Ronghuaâs turn to look down upon her.
âYouâre telling me this all of a sudden. Do you think Iâll believe in you? Do you think Iâm no longer Ms Chang just from your speech alone? Who do you think you are? Liu Ronghua, you need evidence to prove the things you said!â Chang Jingqiu tightened her grip on the phone. Liu Ronghua would never know how much she was trembling over the phone.
âSo, itâs Liu Ronghua now. Didnât you put on such a good act by addressing me as auntie earlier?â mocked Liu Ronghua. âSince I dare to tell you this, I definitely have the evidence with me. Chang Jingqiu, do you really think that Iâm stupid? I have all the cards in my hands. I only keep them with me until it is the right time to reveal them. By the way, I still keep the contact information of your blood parents. Do you want to meet them? You can also perform a DNA test if you like.â
âWhy do I need to believe in the things that you say out of the blue?â Chang Jingqiuâs pretty fingernails dug into her flesh, causing it to redden.
She was feeling startled and alarmed that her mind was empty for a short while.
She did not know what she could believe in. Her mind was a puddle of mess at the moment and she could not come up with any plan.
Liu Ronghua called her suddenly to tell her such unbelievable things. How could she believe in her?
She had been a young lady of the Chang family for twenty-seven years!
Then, one day, someone told her that she was not the young lady of the Chang family. Her mother was not Ms Chang but a rowdy village woman. How could she believe that? How could she accept that?
She felt a series of lightning striking hard in her brain. She was beginning to feel restless.
What if... What if what Liu Ronghua said was true?
What if she really had the evidence with her?
She chose to believe that an absent-minded person like Liu Ronghua would have the evidence if she dared to spill out the beans.
She was just reluctant to think and admit that fact.
She could not imagine what would happen to her if it was the truth and the Chang family found out about it.
The Chang family would no longer keep her under their wings. She would lose everything she had in her life.
Her circle of friends would stop befriending her. Yes, who would keep in touch with a person whose parents were from the village?
Everyone in their circle was indeed materialistic.
She could not bear to lose everything she had had.
âHehehe, I know. This is a big blow to you. I fully understand even if you donât believe in me.â Listening to Chang Jingqiuâs shaken voice, Liu Ronghuaâs mood lifted. She was feeling so much better.
âIâll give you a week to think about it. Otherwise, Iâll bring your blood parents over to the Chang family mansion for tea. One week is sufficient for you to accept reality. Give me a call when youâve come around during this period. I can show you the evidence, no worries.â Liu Ronghuaâs tone was becoming more relaxed. âOh right. My contact number still remains the same. It was the one I used earlier. After all, Iâm not one who would cast someone aside after they had served their purpose.â
âWhat do you want from this? Donât tell me itâs because I refuse to answer your call. Youâre not that brittle,â Chang Jingqiu said coldly. She did not want to be entangled with Liu Ronghua.
âIâll tell you when we meet.â Liu Ronghua hung up the call after saying that.
How could she not be a young lady from the Chang family?
Could it even be possible that the Chang family was mistaken about it?
Impossible! Since the Chang family raised her up as their family, they could not be wrong about it. How could they simply take in a child before confirming her identity?
With that in mind, Chang Jingqiu was slightly relieved. Nonetheless, the seed had been planted in her heart. There was no way for her to truly have peace of mind.
...
Ruan Danchen, Song Yu and Qi Chengyue were chatting in a cafe next to Qilinâs building. They were waiting for their husbands to finish up their work.