Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Wang Yizhi and his parents stood halted at the threshold.
âWhy are you here? Leave this instant!â
Without hesitation, Wang Yizhi retorted, âWeâre here because we miss Xiaoyu.
Weâve brought gifts to see her. You canât just deny our right to visit.â
Noticing the spectators around, his parents chimed in, âSince you took Xiaoyu away, we havenât had a peaceful nightâs sleep. We implore you to let us meet her.â
His motherâs eyes welled up, tears smeared on her sleeves.
His irritation surged. He had never encountered such audacity.
Despite knowing their true intentions, they were using Xiaoyuâs absence as an excuse, claiming to miss her. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Had they genuinely yearned for her, they wouldnât have arrived so belatedly.
He was on the verge of shooing them away with a broom when Su Lan and Qin Zhenzhen emerged.
Su Lan intervened calmly. âAllow them in.â
She wouldnât obstruct their meeting with Xiaoyu.
Nothing else.
Seeing Su Lanâs agreement, Wang Yizhi felt a hidden relief. He believed that Su Lan could still be pushed around easily, as before.
His parents shared a similar sentiment, easing up and sensing that reconciliation might be achievable.
As they stepped into the courtyard, Wang Yizhi reached out to lift his daughter. âXiaoyu, let Daddy carry you. Iâve brought all sorts of delicious treats for youâ¦â
Yet, despite her proximity to her father, she remained cowering, her fear still palpable.
Not even delectable food could coax her out of her shell.
Su Ping derided Wang Yizhi, âYour very own daughter treats you as though youâre a ghost. You truly lack shame!â
Flushed with embarrassment, Wang Yizhi retorted, âWho knows what youâve been telling her!â
Desiring to cradle Xiaoyu, Wang Yizhiâs mother attempted to do so, yet Xiaoyu clung to Su Lan, resisting her grandmotherâs touch.
Su Lan scooped up her daughter, comforting her, âFear not, Xiaoyu. This isnât the Wang family anymore, and you no longer bear the Wang surname. They wonât dare harm you.â
In a hushed tone, Xiaoyu questioned, âReally?â
Witnessing her nieceâs apprehension, Su Ping offered reassurance, âAbsolutely! If anyone dares lay a finger on you, Second Uncle will step in.â A shy smile curled behind Wang Yizhiâs back. âThanks, Second Uncle!â Su Lan patted her daughterâs back, affirming, âNo need to be afraid.â
Her resolve solidified â she wanted nothing to do with the Wang family.
The Wangs were nothing but scoundrels.
Whenever their moods soured, they would vent their frustrations on Xiaoyu.
Wang Yizhiâs father, displaying more acumen, refrained from attempting to carry Xiaoyu.
He arranged the snacks on the table, enticing her to come closer.
âXiaoyu, look, these are your favorites: sesame candy, pig field cake, dried sweet potatoes⦠Come to grandpaâs side, and Iâll save them for you to savor slowly.â
Yet Xiaoyu shook her head, resolute. âI already have everything. My Third Uncle and Third Aunt-in-law got them for me!â
Wang Yizhi and his parents felt their embarrassment keenly.
However, Wang Yizhi hadnât lost sight of their initial purpose for being there.
Suddenly, he cast an affectionate gaze upon Su Lan and advanced in her direction.
Su Lanâs astonishment was evident, a reflexive urge to retreat tugging at her. Yet, she reined in the impulse.
This was her domain, her sanctuary; there was no reason to fear Wang Yizhi.
Wang Yizhi was likely orchestrating a spectacle, attempting to sway her emotions.
Backing down would signify a victory for him, and that wasnât something she Intended to concede.
Observing the shift in Su Lanâs expression, Wang Yizhi pondered the odds of his success..