Chapter 36.1

Xu Yuan practically blocked every path for Shen Xin, and with Meng Pingting already stating she didn’t have a boyfriend, anyone with a bit of intelligence would find a way to de-escalate the situation. However, Shen Xin was so enraged by Xu Yuan’s words that she was fuming, barely holding back the urge to slap Xu Yuan.

“Cousin, you really have a way with words, huh? I was just asking if Pingting had a boyfriend, why get so worked up?”

In the entire Meng family, probably only Mother Meng was kind to her. After all, she was her real aunt. Shen Xin felt that even if she said something inappropriate, Mother Meng wouldn’t hold it against her. Before Xu Yuan married into the family, she often argued with Meng Pingting at the Meng family home, and no one ever said anything to her.

But Shen Xin forgot one crucial point: no matter how important other relatives are, they can’t compare to one’s own children. To Mother Meng, her children are her Achilles’ heel.

Mother Meng thought Shen Xin was really failing to read the room. Xu Yuan was about to let the matter drop, but Shen Xin wouldn’t let it go, insisting on continuing the argument.

One could easily foresee that because of Shen Xin’s words, even if Father Meng believed Meng Pingting wasn’t in a relationship, he would still investigate. The family wouldn’t have peace for some time.

Xu Yuan, however, didn’t get angry at Shen Xin’s words. She smiled and said, “Cousin, you might not like what I’m about to say, but although you are also Zhengrong’s sister, everyone knows that Zhengrong has only one biological sister, and that’s Pingting. I married into the Meng family while Mom is still around, so I can’t claim to be a motherly figure, but when I hear someone talking about Pingting like this, how can I, as her sister-in-law, not get worked up? To me, Pingting isn’t just a sister-in-law; she’s like a real sister. I only have one brother, and I always dreamed of having a sister.”

At this point, besides Shen Xin, there were no other outsiders present. Shen Xin seemed to want to escalate the matter, but to Xu Yuan, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

From what happened this afternoon at the company, it was clear that Shen Xin was very jealous of Meng Pingting. Otherwise, why didn’t she correct someone when they addressed her as Miss Meng?

Haha, now she had to bring up something that Shen Xin was very concerned about.

It was unclear why Shen Xin was acting so arrogant, even trying to pick on Meng Pingting in front of Father and Mother Meng. Did she really think that a niece would be more important than a daughter?

Just as Shen Xin was about to say something, Meng Pingting cut her off, “That’s right, when family hears outsiders talking about me like this, of course, they get worked up. It’s only bystanders and onlookers who stay calm to listen to gossip.”

This statement clearly implied that Shen Xin was just a gossiping onlooker, not family at all.

Meng Pingting was always good with words, and now with Xu Yuan’s support, Shen Xin had no chance to respond.

“Pingting, what do you mean by that?” Shen Xin glanced at Xu Yuan. “I didn’t even finish my sentence before cousin cut in. How do you know I didn’t argue with outsiders? Pingting and I grew up together, are you saying our sisterly bond isn’t as deep as the one you’ve formed in just a few months?”

Interesting…

Xu Yuan looked at Shen Xin and calmly said, “I’m just worried about our parents, that’s all. Cousin, such unverified matters could be discussed privately with Pingting. What if we all get anxious over nothing? It’s my fault, really. I get anxious when I hear someone talking about Pingting. I don’t mean to offend, Cousin, please understand.”

Not knowing how to respond, Shen Xin almost laughed in anger. Xu Yuan had said all the right things, leaving her no room to speak.

Meng Pingting smirked, “Sister-in-law is right. Although we have known each other since childhood, I feel closer to my sister-in-law. After all, she is my real sister-in-law.”

“Pingting, I admit I was a bit inappropriate today, but I was concerned about you. When I heard rumors about you dating, I came to ask. And Pingting, I’m older than you, so even if it’s a relationship with an opposite-sex friend, there should be limits. Otherwise, what if people misunderstand?”

Shen Ming’s expulsion from the Meng Corporation was justified. Just look at the daughter he raised—it spoke volumes about his character.

Meng Pingting was so angry at these words that her eyes turned red. “Are you implying I’m unrestrained? Just say it directly. Why beat around the bush and force me to admit to a relationship to make you happy? Go ahead and tell your friends I’m dating, and that my boyfriend is poor!”

Xu Yuan couldn’t help but give Meng Pingting a thumbs up.

Present were her real brother, father, and mother. Seeing her cry with grievance, no matter if Shen Xin had a point, they would all side with her.

After all, Shen Xin wasn’t their daughter.

Xu Yuan had expected either Father Meng or Meng Zhengrong to put an end to this quarrel, but unexpectedly, it was the gentle Mother Meng who threw her chopsticks on the table with a crisp sound.

Mother Meng was known for her gentle and meek personality, a model wife and mother, never losing her temper. Her sudden outburst shocked even Father Meng.

“Enough!” Mother Meng stood up and walked over to Meng Pingting, bending down to hug her shoulders and gently pat her back, comforting her, “Why are you crying, dear? Of course, I believe you. If anyone dares to speak ill of you, I’ll fight them!”

Shen Xin realized the gravity of her words, seeing her only supporter, her aunt, now comforting Meng Pingting as if she were the villain. Her face turned pale.

She had spoken out of anger, surely her aunt wouldn’t hold it against her, right?

Just as Shen Xin was about to say something, Mother Meng straightened up and called the housekeeper, “It’s late, send Miss Shen home.”

“Aunt…” Shen Xin called out mournfully.

Mother Meng replied sternly, “Xiao Xin, it’s very late now. You should go home.”

If it weren’t for the inappropriate occasion, Xuyuan would have applauded Meng’s mother.

It seemed that Meng Zhengrong and Meng Pingting were her reverse scales. Indeed, to any mother, her children are the most important. Shen Xin had really shot herself in the foot. She couldn’t have imagined that Mother Meng already knew about Meng Pingting’s relationship. Already troubled, Mother Meng had Shen Xin stirring the pot at this critical moment, no wonder she lost her temper. Of course, Meng Pingting’s grievance and tears were the final straw.

Shen Xin, with tears in her eyes, couldn’t believe her aunt would treat her this way. She glanced at Meng Zhengrong, hoping he would say something, but he was busy serving Xu Yuan, ignoring her plight.

She stood up, said goodbye, and quickly left.

After Shen Xin left, the dining table fell silent. Though the atmosphere was awkward, it was better than the previous tension.

**