Jiang Youli scoffed and pulled her beautiful new mother behind her. "Auntie, who’s throwing a tantrum with you? If you keep saying things like this in front of my mom and upsetting her, I won’t hold back!"
Seeing how fiercely Jiang Youli shielded Zhang Susu right in front of her, Qin Yulian nearly choked on her own rage.
Meanwhile, Zhang Susu stared dumbfounded at Jiang Youli’s protective back, unable to suppress a secret smile.
Though it was a pity she hadn’t stitched it herself, this "cotton-padded jacket" was utterly windproof.
"My daughter…" Qin Yulian’s eyes welled up with tears.
Jiang Youli quickly raised a hand to stop her. "Enough, Auntie. Your act is making me cringe."
She promptly took Zhang Susu’s hand with her left and grabbed Jiang Yehan’s with her right, turning to Qin Yulian. "Since Auntie insists on staying to help, then work hard! My parents have been busy preparing this homecoming banquet for days—they deserve a good rest tonight."
Zhang Susu and Jiang Yehan exchanged a knowing glance, smiling as they let Jiang Youli lead them away from the banquet hall.
Qin Yulian stood frozen in place, stunned.
Old Master Jiang walked past her, supported by the head butler. He cast her a disdainful look and shook his head. "A classic case of overreaching and ending up worse off."
With that, he too left the venue.
Qin Yulian: "…"
The few remaining guests were close relatives of the Jiang family. As they passed by, they couldn’t help but express sympathy. "Yulian, what’s going on with you and Yangxu? After finally finding your biological daughter, instead of cherishing her, you drove her straight into your elder brother and sister-in-law’s arms. How could you let things come to this?"
Qin Yulian was like the mute who ate bitter herbs—unable to voice her suffering.
Who could’ve known their real daughter would turn out so outstanding?
Originally, they’d assumed that once she was brought back, her life would be far better than in the rural village, so she should be content and obedient.
But who’d have thought the girl would challenge their authority the moment she returned, all because of their adopted daughter, Jiang Yonghe?
As elders, how could they tolerate such defiance?
Qin Yulian forced an awkward smile. "It’s all just misunderstandings between us. We’re her real parents—how could grudges last? We’ll make up with Youli soon enough."
"If you do, don’t make the same mistakes again."
"Of course not! Whatever she wants from now on, her father and I will give it!" Qin Yulian vowed.
Once the relatives left, they shook their heads among themselves.
"After tonight’s mess, do you really think reconciliation is possible?"
"Unlikely!"
"Elder Brother Jiang and his wife really lucked out. At their age, with no children, it seemed all the family’s wealth would go to the second branch. But now, with such an exceptional daughter, who knows how the inheritance will be split?"
"Tonight, the Jiang family’s true heiress made a name for herself, winning Old Master Qi’s favor. Do you think Old Master Jiang would shortchange her now?"
"The twists of fate are unpredictable."
"Unpredictable? More like deserved! How heartless to scorn their own flesh and blood!"
"True enough."
After perfunctorily seeing off the last guests, Qin Yulian glared at the chaotic banquet hall, fuming. That wretched girl! How dare she make her own mother clean up this mess!
Grudgingly, she had no choice but to oversee the cleanup.
……
Back at the eastern villa, Zhang Susu and Jiang Youli settled onto the sofa. "Seeing your aunt’s frustration tonight was so satisfying. Did she really think you were some object she could discard and reclaim at will?"
Jiang Youli leaned against Zhang Susu, soaking in her warmth. "She only regrets it now because I’m more valuable than Jiang Yonghe. As if I’d fall for her act! Besides, I already have the most beautiful, loving mom—why would I ever go back to her? Dream on."
Zhang Susu sighed. "Judging by how she tried cozying up tonight, she’ll probably keep trying to drive a wedge between us."
Jiang Youli sat up, clenching her fist. "I only acknowledge you and Dad. Anyone who tries to mess with our family will answer to me!"
Zhang Susu chuckled. "Exactly! And if anyone dares, your dad will handle them!"
Jiang Yehan, who had been listening nearby, solemnly raised his hand. "Just thinking about someone badmouthing my daughter makes my fists itch."
The usually refined Jiang Yehan’s deadpan declaration sent Jiang Youli and Zhang Susu into laughter.
Jiang Youli nestled back into Zhang Susu’s arms, murmuring softly but firmly, "Mom, as long as you and Dad don’t abandon me, I’ll never leave."
Zhang Susu’s eyes stung as she gently patted Jiang Youli’s arm. "Lately, I’ve been checking the family register every night before bed, just to see your name and reassure myself you’re really ours. You’re a blessing your father and I never dared hope for—how could we ever let you go?"
Jiang Yehan teased, "I joked that your mom might start sleeping with the register. At my age, I never thought I’d have to compete with a household document for affection."
Zhang Susu swatted at him playfully. "Since when did you become such a smooth-talker?"
Jiang Yehan caught her hand, interlacing their fingers. "Always wanted to be, but I was afraid you’d call me shameless."
"And now you’re not?"
"Seeing you happy is worth any embarrassment."
"Enough! Our daughter’s right here—behave yourself." Zhang Susu’s cheeks warmed, flustered. "We’re too old to be making fools of ourselves in front of her."
Watching her new parents’ affectionate banter, Jiang Youli smiled contentedly.
In a way, Jiang Yangxu and Qin Yulian had done her a favor.
If they hadn’t refused to acknowledge her, she’d never have gained such wonderful parents.
Jiang Youli stood. "Dad, Mom, I’ll leave you two to your romance."
Zhang Susu hastily pulled her hand free, scolding Jiang Yehan. "See? You scared her off!"
Jiang Yehan recaptured her hand, unrepentant. "Guilty as charged, but I won’t change."
Jiang Youli giggled. "I’d never laugh at you." She winked mischievously. "I’ve got my own fiancé to chat with upstairs!"
Jiang Yehan waved her off. "Go on, then."
"Will do!" With that, Jiang Youli bounded up the stairs, leaving her parents to their sweet nothings.
Zhang Susu watched Jiang Youli’s retreating figure, her heart swelling with unease once more. "Youli is far more exceptional than any of us realized. When it comes to marriage, she could have had so many better options. Now I can’t help but wonder—was supporting her decision to marry the eldest son of the Qi Family truly the right choice?"
