Only Nan Qingqing knew.
The person she was questioning wasn’t just Nan Fusheng in this lifetime.
It was also the Nan Fusheng from her previous life, who upon learning of her death had merely remarked lightly, “She was just unlucky in fate, destined not to enjoy good fortune.”
Nan Qingqing had no doubt.
If the police officers later uncovered the truth of the matter, Nan Fusheng would still sign a letter of understanding for Nan Honghong without hesitation.
But clearly…
She had exhausted all her efforts to be filial to Nan Fusheng.
She bought him a house in the best city, in the best location. She hired a nanny for him, enrolled him in a university for the elderly. She did everything a daughter could possibly do for her father.
Yet in Nan Fusheng’s heart, he remained closest to Nan Honghong.
Nan Fusheng was stunned.
His gaze, slightly dazed, fell on Nan Honghong’s face as he asked, “You… didn’t you say it was Qingqing and Jianguo’s uncle… who were caught?”
Nan Qingqing sneered.
Nan Honghong fell to her knees with a thud.
She prostrated herself on the ground.
Weeping bitterly, she said, “It’s my fault, Dad. Jianguo and I fell in love, we wanted to be together, but we didn’t dare say it.
Yesterday I originally intended to break things off with Jianguo, but unexpectedly my younger sister saw us. She absolutely refused to marry Jianguo after that…”
Nan Fusheng staggered.
Fortunately, Wang Meihua firmly grasped his arm, preventing him from falling. “You… then why didn’t you tell the truth? What did you mean by throwing dirty water on Qingqing?”
Nan Honghong wailed loudly, “I was wrong.”
Wang Meihua wiped her tears nearby and said, “It’s all my fault. After I lost that boy back then, I became much more lenient in disciplining the children. I couldn’t bear to be strict with them. Now Honghong lies, and Qingqing’s reputation is completely ruined outside—it’s all my fault.”
Nan Qingqing nearly laughed aloud.
That unborn child was being used as a shield yet again.
What a masterfully crafted statement.
First: I lost a child for you, and it was a boy.
Second: As a stepmother, I treated your daughter and my own biological daughter equally.
Third: Honghong merely told a lie, but your daughter is accused of theft out there.
Sure enough.
The reproach in Nan Fusheng’s eyes toward Nan Honghong instantly vanished. He said, “What’s done is done. Let’s not dwell on who’s right or wrong. Whether it’s Qingqing and Baiyang, or Honghong and Jianguo, you should all live well from now on.
Two sisters marrying into an uncle-nephew pair—this makes our families even closer. You must support each other in the Lu family from now on. Remember, you are sisters who left from the same threshold.”
Nan Qingqing smiled.
Here it comes again.
The dumpling wrapping again.
The grand reunion again.
Nan Qingqing was determined to shatter this false harmony. She asked, “Auntie, how is my reputation bad? Where exactly is it bad?”
Wang Meihua said meaningfully, “Your brother-in-law is here today. It’s not appropriate to talk about these things. Qingqing, be good and don’t throw a childish tantrum.”
Nan Qingqing felt utterly scornful. She retorted, “Have I ever thrown a childish tantrum since you married into this family? How my bad reputation spread—you understand it better than I do.”
Wang Meihua: “…”
She gave an awkward smile and said, “I was never your biological mother to begin with. It’s only natural that you’ve always looked down on me. I won’t say anything more—I don’t deserve to speak a single word in your house. I’ll just act mute.”
Nan Fusheng immediately saw that his wife was being wronged.
Without any hesitation, he declared, “Apologize to your aunt.”
Nan Qingqing retorted, “What for? Why should I apologize to her? For all the hardships I’ve endured over the years? For my honesty? For my sincerity?”
Nan Fusheng abruptly raised his hand.
Just as his palm was about to strike Nan Qingqing’s face, Lu Baiyang intercepted him.
He gripped Nan Fusheng’s wrist.
Without even exerting force.
Nan Fusheng found himself immobilized.
After hearing the whole story from beginning to end,
Lu Baiyang didn’t care what others said about Nan Qingqing, nor did he concern himself with how much truth there was in those rumors.
But as of today, at this very moment,
everyone was bullying Nan Qingqing.
Her own biological father stood shielding two women who shared no blood relation with him, directing malice toward his only flesh and blood.
Lu Baiyang felt nothing but contempt.
His eyes darkened, filled with boundless ferocity and authority.
His voice, as if tinged with the frost of autumn, was heavy and cold as he said, “Father-in-law, Qingqing is my wife. What gives you the right to raise your hand against my wife right in front of me?”
Nan Fusheng, accustomed to resorting to violence,
had momentarily forgotten his son-in-law was present.
He hurriedly forced a smile and said, “Son-in-law, I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you. This child lost her mother at a young age and has been spoiled by me.”
Lu Baiyang released Nan Fusheng’s arm.
Nan Fusheng let out a pained cry, feeling as though his bones were about to dislocate.
Lu Baiyang’s expression remained inscrutable, neither angry nor pleased, as he stated, “I don’t see how you’ve spoiled her. What I do see is that you’ve beaten her.”
Nan Fusheng: “…”
Nan Qingqing gazed at Lu Baiyang.
For two lifetimes, this tangled family debt had always been hers alone to face, to internalize—even Lu Jianguo would say, “He’s your father; he has every right to hit you.”
This was the first time,
during an argument with Nan Fusheng, while being struck by him,
that someone had stood up for her.
When she was six years old, her grandmother passed away.
From then on, there was no one left in this world to protect her.
Until now.
Once again, someone was shielding her.
A faint redness tinged the corners of Nan Qingqing’s eyes.
As a junior and a son-in-law, Lu Baiyang’s words stung.
Being scolded by his own son-in-law flushed Nan Fusheng’s face crimson. “Nan Qingqing, did you come back today just to make me miserable?”
At that moment,
a woman rushed in from outside. “Qingqing!”
Recognizing the newcomer, Nan Qingqing called out softly, “Aunt.”
Nan Zhaodi embraced her niece. “I’ve heard everything. Come home with me—I’ll make you something delicious.”
Nan Qingqing murmured in agreement.
Wang Meihua gave an awkward smile and said, “Sister, this isn’t right, is it? Today is her bridal return to her parental home, not her aunt’s.”
Nan Zhaodi glared at Wang Meihua with displeasure. “With Mother gone, what parental home is there? This is my own niece. I’m closer to her than you are. I’m taking Qingqing with me today. Shut your foul mouth—not even your husband can stop me, let alone you.”
Wang Meihua looked at Nan Fusheng with a hurt expression.
Nan Fusheng had been raised by his elder sister during the most difficult years of his childhood.
Nan Zhaodi sold herself to a pockmarked man in exchange for Nan Fusheng’s rations, saving Nan Fusheng’s life.
Nan Fusheng never dared to defy this elder sister.
So he pretended not to see Wang Meihua’s grievances.
Nan Zhaodi pulled Nan Qingqing away immediately.
Nan Qingqing’s voice carried a thick, tearful quality as she still remembered to instruct Lu Baiyang, “Bring all the things, for our aunt.”
Lu Baiyang: “…”