“Sister-in-law, I’ll do it myself,” Summer Xi refused the outstretched hand and walked expressionlessly into the hall. “Where is the Chairman?”
She never called him father; the words “Chairman” best illustrated their relationship – purely a business one.
“He’s u
“No, I just wanted to confirm he’s here,” Summer Xi answered coldly. “If he’s not, I’ll leave immediately.” Today was the monthly family gathering her father had mandated. Despite not wanting to attend, she chose to show up to avoid giving people more reason to talk. The Chen family already had enough opinions about her; there was no need to add another item to their list of complaints.
“Listen to her tone, how proud and arrogant!” Qian Shuihong deliberately sighed. “She should remember who fed and clothed her to grow up like this. She’d be more obedient if she were a dog.”
“Then go raise a dog!” Summer Xi stared at her expressionlessly, “When are we going to eat? The air here makes me sick.”
“Summer Xi, you’d better watch your words!” Qian Shuihong stood up angrily, glaring at her with resentment. Summer Xi’s beauty was a thorn in her heart, practically a carbon copy of that despicable mother of hers.
“What right do you have to speak to me like this? You’re nothing but an illegitimate child born outside.”
“Provoking me will do you no good, Madam Chen,” Summer Xi emphasized her words. She most detested anyone criticizing her deceased mother. It was Chen Yuanhong who had deceived her about his marital status – he was the one with unforgivable sins, so why insist on placing all the blame on her mother! At most… her mother was just foolishly too trusting of love.
“I’m no longer the child you could bully at will,” she warned.
“Oh? Meaning you’ve grown tough? Thinking Alon can’t do without you?” Qian Shuihong retorted sarcastically.
“Think what you want!” Summer Xi couldn’t be bothered to even look at her again, immediately turning to leave. Since they weren’t about to eat immediately, she had no reason to face Qian Shuihong directly!
