Chapter 78: You Have More Guts Than They Do

Chapter 78

The servant brought over a chair, and Wei Xuanming slowly sat down before asking, "Do you know why I hit you?"

Wei Lin prostrated himself on the ground, appearing very respectful, and answered through the pain, "Because I failed to control the situation today and almost brought shame to the family."

"Is that all?" Wei Wenjuan interjected angrily, unable to contain his fury.

Even at this point, he still had the nerve to play dumb?

But Wei Lin ignored Wei Wenjuan's questioning, continuing to prostrate himself on the ground, waiting for the old master's judgment.

Wei Xuanming rested one hand on the armrest of the chair, lowered his head to rub his brow, and asked, "Where did you bring this child from?"

"Li Family Village in Stone Town, Dong County, South Province."

"What else?"

"She is Wei Yu's child."

Wei Xuanming raised his cane again, pressing it on Wei Lin's shoulder: "You've grown too bold, daring to withhold even such matters."

Wei Lin kowtowed heavily, and even Li Xiaoya heard the "thud" sound.

"I dare not disappoint you again," Wei Lin's voice took on a tearful tone. "Your health has gradually deteriorated through one disappointment after another."

"As soon as I received the news, I immediately sent Wei Zhen to confirm, and then I went to bring her home. I still wanted to keep it from you for a while..."

"Firstly, the young miss grew up in a mountain village after all, and might find it difficult to adapt everywhere. It would take a long time for her to get used to all these suddenly appeared 'relatives'."

"Secondly, back then... Wei Yu left home with the young master after an argument with you. Over these years, none of us knew what Wei Yu had been through out there. I really couldn't be sure what your attitude towards the young miss would be. Whether you would acknowledge such a bloodline."

"Thirdly..." Wei Lin's choked sobs grew stronger, and his whole body began to tremble, "I brought Wei Yu home, but only her remains were left. Such news... such news... how could I dare to gamble with your health?"

After finishing, Wei Lin kowtowed twice more, crying, "Please accept my condolences!"

The courtyard suddenly fell into silence.

Wei Wenjuan was so angry that he started trembling too, but he couldn't refute Wei Lin's last words.

Indeed, the old master's health was no longer what it used to be...

He feared his father, and also despised his father for his poor judgment in allowing Wei Lin, this wolf in sheep's clothing, to lurk in their home. Sometimes he hated his father's coldness and severity even more...

But after all, he was his father.

So Wei Wenjuan hadn't planned on rushing to confront his father with the news of his sister's death.

But what about Xiaoya?

She had suffered so much in that poor, backward place, and had even nearly been sold... yet upon returning, she still had to endure Wei Lin's manipulation. T/his chapter is updat/ed by nov(ê(l)biin.c/o/m

It shouldn't be like this!

"You're full of crap!" Wei Wenjuan cursed.

If he could stand up right now, he would definitely kick Wei Lin.

But Wei Lin still had no reaction to Wei Wenjuan's abuse.

Even Wei Xuanming didn't spare his son a glance.

Li Xiaoya couldn't help but gently tug on her second uncle's sleeve, saying softly, "Don't be angry."

"How did Wei Yu end up in that place? Have you figured out the details?" Wei Xuanming immediately asked Wei Lin.

"The police are still investigating, and I've also sent people to look into it... It might take a while to get results."

"Go inside and kneel," Wei Xuanming said.

Wei Lin didn't argue or beg for mercy, nor did he fear losing face. He kowtowed once more before getting up and going inside. After a few steps, he knelt down again facing a wall.

For a moment, all the servants in the courtyard looked at Li Xiaoya in horror. How dare this child say such things?

"You're not only speaking up for your mother, but also for your uncle," Wei Xuanming's expression darkened slightly. "Your uncle doesn't even dare to speak up for himself..."

Wei Xuanming paused, carefully examining Li Xiaoya's face.

He found that she still showed no sign of backing down.

A laugh squeezed out of Wei Xuanming's throat: "Good! You've got more guts than all of them!"

He stood up and said, "Come with me."

Li Xiaoya followed him into the living room, where Wei Lin was still kneeling.

Wei Xuanming walked closer with his cane and said to Wei Lin, "I already saved your face by not taking action at the hotel today."

"I know," Wei Lin said gratefully.

"But for such a big mistake, I can give you face, but your punishment can't be light. Step away from the company affairs for a week."

"I know you've already shown leniency."

Wei Xuanming turned to ask Li Xiaoya, "You're seven this year? Have you been to school?"

Li Xiaoya nodded, "Yes, I'm in third grade."

Wei Xuanming nodded silently.

She speaks up for others, but doesn't sulk and ignore his questions.

In comparison, Wei Wenjuan seemed more childish.

"I suppose we should thank the government for building Hope Primary Schools in remote mountain areas," Wei Xuanming sighed, then said, "The school transfer procedures need to be done, and after that..."

Wei Xuanming stared at Wei Lin and said, "You'll be responsible for taking her to school. From now on, no matter who tries to act out in front of her, you must shield her. Don't let people think we're easy to bully."

Wei Lin nodded in agreement.

"Kneel for another hour," Wei Xuanming said, then led Li Xiaoya upstairs.

In the vast study, only the grandfather and granddaughter remained.

"What did your uncles tell you? That Wei Lin has wild ambitions? That he's ungrateful? That he harmed your mother?" Wei Xuanming paused.

"Do you now feel that I let Wei Lin off too lightly, that his punishment wasn't enough? Do you want to seek justice for your mother and your uncle?" Wei Xuanming asked, following up quickly.

Li Xiaoya's eyes revealed a hint of confusion. "Wasn't he the one who harmed my mother?"

"Treacherous and ungrateful—that's not wrong. But the person who harmed your mother might not be him," Wei Xuanming's gaze turned cold. "Your mother... before she disappeared, she had a boyfriend. After she vanished, this boyfriend completely disappeared without leaving a trace. This person is more suspicious. Of course, these are not matters for someone your age to worry about."

"Starting tomorrow, you'll move in here. Don't live with your uncles anymore. They'll only teach you weakness."

"Crying doesn't solve any problems. Your opponents won't soften their hearts because you cry; they'll only think you're easier to bully. That's how this world works."

After speaking, Wei Xuanming pressed the bell beside him.

Servants immediately entered.

Wei Xuanming told them, "This is the young miss. From today on, she'll be living here. Take her to her room."

The servants nodded and led Li Xiaoya out by the hand.

When Li Xiaoya reached the doorway, she turned her head back and said, "Grandfather loves mother, right? He doesn't cry because he thinks crying can't solve problems, is that it?"

Wei Xuanming had never had someone so directly expose his complex emotions before.

He fell silent, waving his hand to have the servants take Li Xiaoya away.

Once the bedroom returned to silence, Wei Xuanming made a phone call, his tone noticeably more spirited: "Old friend, about that doctor we discussed before—I'd like to meet him after all. I suddenly want to live."