He’s… not angry?

Shi Han glanced at Old Master Shi.

He still felt like a stranger—but oddly, there was something familiar about him, something warm.

What she didn’t know was that the old man had no idea she had already forgotten him. He simply assumed she was still holding a grudge.

After all, she’d been overseas for two years, all alone. She must’ve gone through a lot.

He asked, “Anyone else you want me to hit?”

“…”

“Smiling more is good for your health, too.”

“…”

Bai Wanjun and Shi Zheng were left speechless.

Shi Yin, on the other hand, was practically grinding her teeth in rage. She couldn’t understand—what did Shi Han have that she didn’t?

Why couldn’t Shi Bei love her the way Bai Wanjun did?

She was obedient. Sweet. Always did what she was told. Wasn’t that enough?

Meanwhile, Old Master Shi let out another hearty laugh.

“You’re just like me—stubborn and proud. Don’t like taking crap from anyone. So, tell me: how do you want them to apologize? Whatever you say, Grandpa’s got your back.”

Shi Han: “…”

Just as Shi Han was still trying to figure out how to respond, Butler Song rushed in with the family doctor in tow.

The doctor took one look at the scratches on Shi Han’s hand and froze.

…Seriously?

They’d called him over like it was an emergency—he thought someone had been stabbed.

For this?

Still, he’d been paid, so the doctor dutifully disinfected the wound. He had just reached for a band-aid when Old Master Shi frowned.

“Where’s the gauze? Wrap it up properly!”

The doctor: …

“It’s fine,” Shi Han said, pulling her hand back slightly.

“Nonsense. We’re not short on money,” Old Master Shi declared, full of swagger and wealth.

Shi Han: …That’s not the point.

But no matter what she said, the old man wouldn’t budge. He insisted on the gauze and used the opportunity to have her suitcase quietly taken upstairs.

“You just got back—you’re staying home. No need to live anywhere else. Sure, I transfer a million into your account every month, but that doesn’t mean you get to waste it. Be frugal when you can, you hear me?”

Shi Han frowned.

Two years ago, not long after Shi Han ran away from home, the Shi family froze her card.

Since then, she hadn’t spent a single cent from it.

Shi Han turned her gaze toward Bai Wanjun, whose expression had grown visibly tense.

So then—how many lies had she fed Old Master Shi over the past two years?

Bai Wanjun tilted her head slightly, avoiding Shi Han’s eyes with a flicker of unease.

Shi Han looked up at the old man’s back as he struggled to haul her suitcase up the stairs.

Shi Bei’s health had been deteriorating for years. A doctor had even quietly warned the family in private: he didn’t have much time left.

And yet—she was still terrified of him.

She had never imagined that Old Master Shi would indulge Shi Han to this extent.

If he ever found out just how much they’d hidden from him about Shi Han… Bai Wanjun didn’t even dare to picture what kind of punishment would follow.

Under the weight of so many watching eyes, Old Master Shi made his way upstairs.

Ever since Shi Han had gone abroad, he hadn’t once returned to the Shi residence. He’d stayed in the old estate, resting and recovering.

Still, no matter how much time had passed, he never forgot which room belonged to Shi Han.

He flung the door open eagerly—only to stop short at the sight inside.

A beat of silence.

Then he roared.

“Shi Zheng—!”

Old Master Shi was so worked up, he hadn’t even finished shouting before a violent coughing fit overtook him.

Butler Song rushed forward to support him, patting his back while urging anxiously,
“Master, deep breaths… slowly, deep breaths…”

Shi Han quickly stood up and hurried upstairs.

“Dad…”

Shi Zheng followed behind, unsteady on his feet, the others trailing after him in a tense line.

“It’s not a big deal. Please don’t get upset,” Shi Han said softly, holding Old Master Shi steady. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, her emotions a tangled mess.

She didn’t know if it was something long-buried being stirred up… but for a moment, a strange sense of grievance rose in her chest.

Like a child—finally being protected.

“Don’t be afraid. Grandpa’s here. I’ll make it right for you.”

Shi Bei gripped Shi Han’s hand, catching his breath before slowly lifting his head.
His gaze locked onto Shi Yin, who stood at the very back of the group.

“You—kneel!”

“Grandpa…” Shi Yin’s eyes welled with tears instantly, her face going pale.

The house staff was gathered all around, and now Old Master Shi was demanding she kneel—without warning, in front of everyone?

Panicked, she looked to Shi Zheng and Bai Wanjun, pleading for help.

But neither of them met her eyes.

Shi Zheng never cared much for household affairs to begin with. And besides, if his father didn’t hesitate to hit him, why would he care about making a foster granddaughter kneel?

“I won’t say it again,” Shi Bei snapped, his voice sharp and commanding.

=^_^=