Chapter Eighty-Nine: Hidden Intentions

It was as if there were a switch on Shao Siming’s face; the moment he heard Xie Qingtang’s words, his smile abruptly vanished, replaced by an expression of mockery and cold arrogance. Seeing this change, Xie Qingtang actually felt a sense of reassurance—this was the real him. His earlier display of humble deference had sent a chill down her spine, unsettling in a way his coldness never could.

Unexpectedly, that sinister look did not last long. Soon, his features softened, and after a moment’s thought, he said, “I know that no matter what I do now, you won’t trust me easily. The ice is not broken in a day, and the wrongs I committed cannot be atoned for overnight.”

“Dad, Qingtang, I’m not the same person I used to be. I’ll prove with my actions that I truly regret my mistakes and sincerely want to care for you both. Qingtang, please accept this money—think of it as a small compensation from me.”

After saying this, Shao Siming left with his entourage. Once they were gone, Zhou Jinfan let out a long breath and turned to Xie Qingtang. “Boss, what’s going on with your father? Has he really changed for the better?”

“A wolf that’s used to eating meat won’t start grazing on grass. Eating meat is its nature; that doesn’t change, understand?” Xie Qingtang would never believe anything Shao Siming said, especially after what he had done to her grandfather.

How could someone so greedy and ruthless transform so radically in just a few days? His very change was what kept her from being foolish enough to trust him.

After dinner, Grandfather Xie called Xie Qingtang into his room. Taking her hand, he spoke with concern, “Shao Siming is not someone who gives up before reaching his goal. He’s clearly set his sights on you for a reason—you must be careful.”

“Grandpa, I know you’re worried about me, but please rest assured, I’m not the submissive little girl I once was. I can protect myself now, and I can protect you too. I won’t give in so easily,” Xie Qingtang replied resolutely.

Her words, however, did little to dispel her grandfather’s worries. His eyes grew sorrowful as he murmured, “If your mother were still here, she would never let you suffer like this. She was strong-willed—if she knew you were being treated this way, she’d probably take a knife to Shao Siming herself.”

Hearing her grandfather describe her late mother in this way, Xie Qingtang couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes filling with nostalgia. Her mother had died when she was very young; her memories of her had grown faint. When Shao Siming sent her away to the countryside, not even a photograph of her mother had been left behind.

“Grandpa, I hardly remember Mother anymore. Could you tell me about her?” Xie Qingtang nestled beside her grandfather, her voice tinged with childlike pleading.

Grandfather Xie fondly ruffled her hair, his eyes distant with reminiscence, and began to recount stories from his daughter’s childhood. “Your mother was always stubborn and fiercely determined. Whatever she set her mind on, she had to achieve, no matter how much hardship it took—she would never give up. When she was little, I thought that was a good trait; only after she grew up did I realize that stubbornness could also be a flaw.”

He spoke with a hint of regret—for if she hadn’t been so headstrong, she might not have insisted on marrying Shao Siming, that wolf in sheep’s clothing, against his wishes.

Xie Qingtang listened in silence, not interrupting. Unwittingly, as her grandfather spoke on, he drifted off to sleep.

“Don’t worry, Grandpa,” Xie Qingtang whispered, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “This time, I won’t let misfortune befall you again.” With Aunt Lan’s help, she settled her grandfather in bed and quietly slipped out of the room.

Zhao Xianglan hesitated before speaking to her. “Young Miss, Shao Siming won’t give up so easily. What do you plan to do?”

At the mention of Shao Siming, Xie Qingtang’s expression turned icy, her eyes sharp and cold. “I don’t yet have enough strength to face him head-on, but I won’t allow him to scheme against me or trample over me. If he tries anything in the shadows, I’ll make sure he pays dearly for it.”

Though still anxious, Zhao Xianglan felt somewhat reassured by her determination.

Morning gradually dawned, the sunlight dispelling all traces of darkness. In the rear courtyard of Cunsan Hall, the sudden chirping of birds sounded. Xie Qingtang, stepping outside, was surprised to see a brilliantly feathered little bird perched at the center of the courtyard’s tallest tree, singing cheerfully.

The bird had a hawthorn-red beak, soft yellow plumage, and a tail as green as the leaves around it. Sunlight played on its feathers, casting a gentle glow—it was truly a beautiful sight.

“Where did such a lovely little bird come from?” Zhou Jinfan entered the courtyard from the main hall and spotted the bird at once, his voice full of interest.

Xie Qingtang shook her head. “No idea, but it is pretty. Let it be and get ready to open up for the day.”

“Yes, boss, got it!” Zhou Jinfan replied, hurrying to the front hall to open the doors of Cunsan Hall and sweep the floor.

When he reached the entrance, he was startled to find two flower baskets set outside. He had no idea who had left them, but a small card was tucked into one. Opening it, he was surprised to see Shao Siming’s name.

For a moment, he hesitated as to whether he should tell Xie Qingtang.

“What are you looking at? What’s with these flower baskets?” As Zhou Jinfan hesitated, Xie Qingtang came to the door and saw them, her brows knitting in displeasure.

Zhou Jinfan waved the congratulatory card. “Boss, looks like these are from your father—a belated gift for the opening of Cunsan Hall.”

“Throw them in the trash,” Xie Qingtang said without a moment’s hesitation. She turned and walked back inside, while Zhou Jinfan merely shrugged, unsurprised by her reaction, and promptly tossed both baskets into the garbage.

What Xie Qingtang didn’t know was that, from a black sedan parked across the street, Shao Siming was watching the entire scene unfold.