Shi Yin followed the two out of the hospital room. She knew that in front of Old Master Shi, anything she said would be wrong, and whatever she did would just sound like excuses. So, she kept silent.

But the moment she stepped out, she broke down in tears.

“Mom…”

“Don’t cry. Mom knows you’ve been wronged…” Bai Wanjun wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at her husband.

“Azhen, Dad is already talking about canceling the adoption agreement. Can you think of something to do?”

“Are you crazy?” Shi Zheng looked at Bai Wanjun like she’d lost her mind.

Their father had built everything from nothing and had dealt with all kinds of people. Their petty schemes wouldn’t fool him for a second.

Besides, Old Master Shi was furious enough to kick them out of the family. Who had time to care about Shi Yin’s matters now?

Sure, the adopted daughter was obedient, smart, and well-behaved.

But there were plenty like her, and any future benefits she might earn wouldn’t be his—they’d only gain a good reputation.

Thinking it through, why should he risk offending his beloved biological daughter for an adopted one?

Why gamble his own future wealth and status over her?

Shi Zheng turned and looked at Shi Yin’s tearful, whiny expression and couldn’t help but think it was overly delicate and fake.

“What’s there to cry about? Because of this family mess, I’ve had a terrible day. Besides, this family has never treated you unfairly. Look around—your room, your clothes, which of them aren’t better than Shi Han’s?”

As he spoke, he gave Shi Yin a once-over from head to toe. Her hair was meticulously styled, she wore a designer dress, and on her feet were brand-name shoes.

Then he glanced at Shi Han’s cheap clothes and his anger flared even more.

Where exactly has the Shi family ever wronged her? She can’t handle even a little hardship and bursts into tears at the slightest thing.

Shi Yin’s hand froze mid-wipe as her eyes widened in shock.

She clearly hadn’t expected Shi Zheng to mock her instead of comforting her.

But Shi Zheng had no time to watch her reaction. Turning back to Bai Wanjun, he said,
“You go apologize to Shi Han right now, then go kneel at the ancestral hall. I’m heading back to get the room cleaned up.”

Bai Wanjun was speechless.

Before she could say a word, Shi Zheng hurriedly left the hospital.

“Mom…” Shi Yin suddenly stopped crying.

“It’s okay,” Bai Wanjun bit her lip. “Your father’s just scared of your grandfather. He’s in a bad mood right now, but he’ll get better after a while.”

Bai Wanjun’s expression darkened.

Anyway, the old man won’t live much longer—just have to endure it.

Meanwhile, Shi Bei, having taken his medicine, lay on the hospital bed flipping through photos of Shi Han from before she was five.

Shi Han had been well cared for as a child—fair-skinned and tiny, with two little pigtails, rosy lips, white teeth, and big, glistening eyes like grapes. She was incredibly adorable.

By the side, Butler Song frowned with concern. “It seems the young lady doesn’t have a good relationship with the family.”

“Do you think I haven’t noticed?” Shi Bei sighed deeply. “I’ve been busy treating my illness these past two years. I didn’t expect their relationship to get this bad. If I hadn’t pretended to be sick today, Shi Han might really have run away from home.”

“Then why insist on having the young lady live with them? What if she gets bullied?”

Shi Bei rubbed his thumb over the photo and let out a bitter smile. “You know I don’t have much time left.”

“They’re still her parents after all, and they’ll protect her to some extent. Now that I’m here as her backing, they won’t dare to bully her. With time, they’ll learn to get along. Eventually, she’ll have someone to rely on.”

This was the best plan he could see for now, but he wouldn’t rely solely on Shi Zheng and Bai Wanjun.

Before he was gone, he had to find Shi Han a solid pillar to lean on.

…

Lu Yan’s dark eyes dimmed as he watched Shi Han deny him so quickly.

She clearly didn’t want to have anything to do with him — yet she still cared enough to worry. There was only one explanation.

She pitied him.

Even though he knew he shouldn’t be so eager, the beast inside him stirred restlessly.

Images kept flashing through Lu Yan’s mind.

Just lock her up, and it’ll be easier—no need for all this trouble.

But if he locked her away, would she never learn to love him?

=^_^=