Chapter 771: Moral Blackmail....
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
After a while, neither Ye Hongxuan nor Lian Mengzhu spoke.
Ye Leng’an didn’t rush them. Instead, she sat quietly, waiting for them to speak. She appeared relaxed as if she was simply enjoying afternoon tea without the discomfort of a serious conversation.
Finally, after Ye Hongxuan let out a long sigh, he began, “In a month, it will be your grandfather’s 300th birthday. This time, the Ye family plans to celebrate extravagantly. On that day, I hope you’ll attend his birthday party.”
“Birthday party?” Ye Leng’an narrowed her eyes and sneered. “Are you sure I won’t anger him to death if I show up?”
“You…” Ye Hongxuan was exasperated by her words. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner anger and speak calmly. “Leng’an, I understand that you have some misunderstandings about your grandfather due to past events. But you must know that everything he did was for the future of the Ye family, not to deliberately target you.”
“Oh!” Ye Leng’an said indifferently, “What does that have to do with me? I’m not a member of the Ye family, so don’t try to morally manipulate me into understanding him. I’m not that kind of person.”
These words left Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu almost speechless. Ye Leng’an’s disregard for convention left them unsure of how to respond.
“Leng’an, regardless, you are our biological daughter. You carry the blood of the Ye family,” Lian Mengzhu intervened after a moment of contemplation. “Your grandfather is just stubborn, but he still values you greatly as his granddaughter.”
“If he values me so much, then why keep Ye Wanwan around?” Ye Leng’an smiled and asked, “Do you all think that Ye Wanwan and I will get along?”
“Why not?” Lian Mengzhu replied matter-of-factly. “I’ve watched Wanwan grow up. She’s kind and generous. Though a bit headstrong, she’s fundamentally good-natured. I believe you two could be good sisters. Leng’an, I understand you resent Wanwan for taking your place for so many years. But consider, she’s innocent. Once you’ve spent time with her, you’ll understand my perspective.”
“Hmm.” Ye Leng’an nodded in agreement. “She’s a good child, very kind. But remember, I’m not a good child. I’m not kind at all. Aren’t you afraid I’ll devour her whole?”
With that, the conversation ground to a halt.
Ye Hongxuan’s expression darkened. “Leng’an, are you deliberately retaliating against us?”
“No.” Ye Leng’an shook her head. “I’m rational. I know you were also victims of past events. But, just as you can’t let go of your feelings for Ye Wanwan, I have no feelings for you at all. Even now, knowing the truth, you still treat Ye Wanwan as your biological daughter. Then don’t try to impose your presence on me. Isn’t it better for everyone to mind their own business? Why do you keep seeking validation from me?”
“Leng’an, you…” Lian Mengzhu was on the verge of tears at Ye Leng’an’s cold-blooded words. “Do you still harbor resentment toward us? Otherwise, why refuse to acknowledge us?”
“Mrs. Ye, there’s a saying, ‘You can’t have your cake and eat it too.’” Ye Leng’an’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “You want both an adopted daughter and a biological daughter. But have you ever considered what I need?”
“Ye Leng’an, don’t push your luck.”
Ye Leng’an’s repeated rejection and merciless attitude pushed Ye Hongxuan over the edge. “We’ve been patient with you due to our past negligence, but that’s no excuse for your relentless pressure. If you truly want to disown us, why expose this matter?”
Ye Hongxuan’s words caused Ye Leng’an’s expression to change subtly. She emitted a chill. When she looked at Ye Hongxuan, it was more like she was staring at a stranger than her father.
“Master Ye, watch your words.” Ye Leng’an’s tone was icy. “Don’t assume the Ye family is superior in this world, and everyone desires to be a part of it. I’ve said it before. I revealed this matter solely because of what Ye Wanwan did. If you think I shouldn’t have exposed it, then pretend it never happened. Ye Wanwan can remain your precious daughter.”
Under Ye Leng’an’s cold gaze, Ye Hongxuan felt as though he were in an icy abyss.
He regretted his words the moment they left his mouth. But as a father, he couldn’t bring himself to apologize to his daughter, especially when she was so cold and defiant.
“Leng’an, your father didn’t mean it like that,” Lian Mengzhu, growing anxious, interjected. “He was just anxious and spoke out of turn. You’re our daughter, and we’re happy to know the truth.”
“Your feelings have nothing to do with me,” Ye Leng’an said coldly to Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu. “But remember, you’ve never raised me. Don’t try to act like parents in front of me. And please, don’t disrupt my life in the future. I don’t want to continue dealing with you or have any interaction with you. If you’re willing, you can pretend I don’t exist as your so-called biological daughter. That way, everyone will be happy, right?
Her words pierced Lian Mengzhu’s heart like a knife. She couldn’t understand how things had come to this. Her own daughter stood before her, yet it felt like an insurmountable chasm separated them.
She couldn’t help but resent Lian Zixin even more, for she was the cause of all this. If Lian Zixin hadn’t switched the children back then, none of this would have happened.