Qi Huan looked at Qi Yu with a faint, mocking smile. "Xiao Yu'er, if you're hoping to see me humiliated by marrying some worthless woman, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
Qi Yu quickly shook her head in denial. "Big Brother, you’ve misunderstood me! I’d never think that way. Of course, I hope the Jiang Family’s true daughter is talented and beautiful—even more outstanding than their adopted daughter, Jiang Yonghe! But let’s be realistic, if she were truly exceptional, why would Jiang Yangxu have her replace Jiang Yonghe in this arranged marriage with you?"
"After all, Big Brother isn’t the same as before, so there’s no point in deluding ourselves."
As she spoke, the corners of her lips twitched upward, barely suppressing her laughter.
Mocking Qi Huan was just too satisfying!
Qi Huan regarded her calmly. "If you really want to know what the Jiang Family’s true daughter is like, why not ask Qi Yue instead of wasting your breath on me? Or is it that, with Cheng Jing not by my side, you think you can say whatever you want without fear of getting slapped?"
Qi Yu subtly shifted behind Qi Tianxiang, feigning innocence. "Big Brother, I was just concerned about you and wanted to hear your thoughts on her. Must you always threaten me?"
She then added with a hint of resentment, "Besides, if you hadn’t suggested to Grandpa that I shouldn’t attend the welcome banquet, I wouldn’t be so clueless about everything."
Eager, she grabbed Qi Yue’s arm and shook it. "Brother, since Big Brother won’t tell me, you must! What happened at the banquet? Was the Jiang Family’s true daughter completely embarrassing?"
Qi Yue shook his head. "On the contrary, she was remarkable—even overshadowed Jiang Yonghe."
Qi Yu gasped. "What?! How is that possible? Wasn’t she raised in some village? How could she outshine Jiang Yonghe?"
Qi Yue replied, "Exactly. No one expected the real daughter from the countryside to be so extraordinary. Her reputation will spread quickly among Jing City’s elite circles."
"So Big Brother just lucked out?" Qi Yu blurted before hastily covering her mouth and glancing at Qi Huan. "Big Brother, don’t misunderstand me."
Lies!
That was exactly what she meant!
Qi Huan chuckled coldly. "Good thing you weren’t there. Otherwise, you might’ve bonded with Jiang Yonghe over your shared status as adopted daughters who refuse to know their place."
The repeated emphasis on her being an "adopted daughter" infuriated Qi Yu. She nearly screamed that she wasn’t adopted at all—she was Qi Tianxiang’s biological daughter!
Qi Tianxiang, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke with a weary expression. "Enough, Huan’er. Must you keep calling Xiao Yu an adopted daughter? You were the one who begged your grandfather to let her stay, pampering her like a sister for three years. Must you take out your frustration over your legs on her now?"
Qi Huan’s smile turned icy. "Father, your bias is showing. When Xiao Yu speaks disrespectfully, you stay silent. But the moment I reprimand her, you scold me. Anyone would think she’s your real daughter, and I’m just some adopted son."
Qi Tianxiang sighed, feigning concern. "Huan’er, I know your injury has been hard on you. Don’t overthink it. Tomorrow, the renowned psychologist I hired will arrive to provide daily counseling."
This so-called psychologist was actually a spy—meant to monitor Qi Huan and condition him into accepting his "worthless" state, stripping away his pride.
Qi Yu gloated. "See, Big Brother? Father cares so much—he even found you a top psychologist! And you accuse him of favoring me. Ridiculous!"
Qi Yue’s expression darkened. "Enough, Xiao Yu. Let Big Brother rest. His condition requires it."
Qi Yu stuck out her tongue. "Fine, I’ll listen to you! Wouldn’t want to disturb Big Brother’s precious recovery time!"
Then, with fake sympathy, she added, "Though, of course, no amount of rest will fix his legs. But at least sleep keeps the mind from wandering—good for mental health!"
With Cheng Jing absent, Qi Huan was defenseless. What could he do? Wheel himself over and hit her?
Hah! If she couldn’t retaliate directly, she’d at least mock him relentlessly—poking at his wounds with glee.
What could Qi Huan do about it now?
Qi Yue gave his sister a disapproving look, but Qi Yu just smirked, unrepentant.
Qi Huan observed their exchange silently.
This time, Qi Tianxiang didn’t even pretend to chastise Qi Yu.
Good. They were testing his limits, seeing how much he’d endure.
Qi Huan locked eyes with his father. "So, Father, you endorse Xiao Yu’s mockery?"
Qi Tianxiang frowned. "Mockery? She was only concerned for your mental well-being. Huan’er, stop overanalyzing and go rest."
Qi Yu grinned triumphantly—daring him to retaliate.
"I see." Qi Huan smiled, turning his wheelchair toward the night. "Grandpa, you heard everything. I think Qi Yu has overstayed her welcome in the Qi Family."
The three inside paled instantly.
Grandpa Qi was here?!
They’d personally escorted him home earlier—how was he here now?!
Grandpa Qi stepped slowly into view, his sharp gaze sweeping over them.
"Had I not heard this myself, I’d never believe an adopted daughter would dare insult my most cherished grandson under my roof."
Qi Yu opened her mouth, but Qi Yue gripped her wrist in warning, silencing her.
Qi Tianxiang stiffened. "Father, it’s just that Huan’er spoiled her too much before. I’ll discipline her properly from now on!"
Grandpa Qi’s voice turned glacial. "Qi Tianxiang, do you take me for a fool? A mere adopted daughter, trampling over my grandson’s dignity—is this how you treat your own son?"
