Everyone Thought The Fake Heiress Had Her Reasons Ch. 31
“Aunt?”
The voice on the other end of the line carried no discernible emotion. After brief pleasantries, she cut straight to the point. “Jiaojiao, the matter you asked me to look into has made progress. But it’s not convenient to discuss over the phone. Where are you? Let’s meet.”
Ming Jiao hesitated briefly. “Really? My friend lives in quite a remote area. It would be inconvenient for you to come here. I should come to you instead.”
Aunt paused for a moment. “Very well. Let’s meet at that club you used to love. It’s secure and offers good privacy.”
Ming Jiao quickly recalled the club’s details and agreed. “Alright.”
After arranging to meet in an hour, Ming Jiao ended the call. She abandoned her leisurely breakfast and conversation, rising to change clothes.
The System expressed surprise. 【Host, you just promised the protagonist yesterday that you wouldn’t go out. Shouldn’t you send her a message?】
Ming Jiao raised a pale finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. 【No need to distract her with such trivial matters. Besides, it’s not like we’re completely defenseless now, are we?】
Wandering around with zero capability was suicidal, but having some self-defense skills yet remaining timid was just incompetence.
Moreover, what were the chances that the hunter—who had been quiet as death for days—would suddenly appear just when she was meeting Aunt?
If that really happened… how wonderful.
The System conceded the point but still reminded her, 【We should make it quick. It wouldn’t be good if the protagonist discovers you sneaked out.】
Ming Jiao responded, 【Don’t worry. If she returns, it won’t be until evening.】
Besides, she had a feeling Tang Xiaoyu probably wouldn’t be back for several days.
She brushed aside the momentary gloom this thought brought and soon returned to her room to change before preparing to leave.
As usual, she placed the glass vial Tang Xiaoyu had given her into her bag before departing.
She still hadn’t figured out the vial’s true purpose. Perhaps she’d only understand when the time came to use it.
Maybe she should ask Tang Xiaoyu about it when she had the chance.
·
The club was located in a central yet tranquil and comfortable area, typically frequented by elite second-generation heirs.
On her way, Ming Jiao worried about encountering rivals or people she’d offended in the past, replaying a conflict like the one with Xu Tingting.
Although the System suggested she replace “worry” with “anticipation,” that wasn’t the point. The important thing was that she met Aunt without any complications.
Aunt was again dressed in an elegant white gown, though the style differed from last time. She remained beautiful, but her complexion was still poor.
Under the bright lights of the private room, for a moment, Ming Jiao mistook the lipstick on Aunt’s lips for freshly flowing blood.
She felt puzzled. 【Why does she still look so unwell? Did investigating Xie Chu for me exhaust her?】
The System went straight for the jugular. 【If that were the case, Host, would you be touched?】
【Of course. Do you think I have no heart?】 Ming Jiao said earnestly. 【Not only would I be deeply moved, but I’d also redouble my efforts to be filial toward Aunt.】
The System: 【…】
Though the host’s tone sounded sincere, it couldn’t shake the feeling that this particular brand of filial piety wasn’t what Aunt had in mind—and that Aunt probably didn’t want any part of it.
Aunt was absentmindedly sipping red wine from her glass, not even noticing Ming Jiao standing at the door until a moderate knock sounded. She suddenly snapped back to attention, “Jiaojiao, you’re here. Come in quickly.”
Ming Jiao casually closed the open door and sat down opposite her.
Aunt looked at the tall, elegant girl before her, her gaze lingering on the simple black hoodie and jeans she wore. A complex emotion suddenly welled up in her heart.
Ming Jiao had almost never worn this style of clothing before – her fashion had always pursued intricate and flamboyant beauty.
Though she still looked beautiful now, the simplicity didn’t appear plain. The black silk ribbon bow hair clip on her high ponytail added a touch of quiet elegance that perfectly complemented her look.
It just made her feel somewhat unfamiliar.
Aunt sighed softly, “Every time I see you after some time apart, I feel you’ve changed quite a bit. Even your clothing style has changed.”
The change in clothing style was minor – what mattered most was that she no longer relied on her, trusted her, and obeyed her in everything like before.
“People can’t remain unchanged forever,” Ming Jiao’s tone carried some profound meaning. Before Aunt could detect anything, her face slowly showed unease and tension, “Aunt, how’s your investigation going? Was it him?” Aunt looked troubled and reluctant, sighing, “I haven’t found clear evidence, but I can only say his suspicion is very high.””
Ming Jiao wasn’t surprised at all. If Aunt could actually obtain solid evidence, that would be problematic.
After all, it was highly likely that Xie Chu had hired the hunter and they had discussed it face-to-face. Ordinary methods like tracking payment transfers, eyewitness accounts, or audio/video recordings probably didn’t exist.
To obtain solid evidence, they would need to capture the hunter himself first.
Aunt glanced at Ming Jiao’s expression and continued, “I didn’t realize until I investigated – there are too many people in the Xie family who have died under mysterious circumstances. Many were his half-siblings. It’s unlikely he had nothing to do with it.”
She paused briefly before adding, “In other words, even if he’s not involved, the Xie family is too chaotic internally. If you marry into that family, you’ll definitely suffer, even encounter many dangers, let alone the suspicion that he hired someone to kill you.”
Ming Jiao looked up at Aunt. That Aunt could uncover this much showed she had some capability. Unfortunately, judging by her tone, it was likely as Ming Jiao had expected – she probably wouldn’t stand up for her.
Sure enough, Aunt continued persuading her, “Listen to me, someone like him is too calculating and dangerous. You should break off the engagement! Don’t tell me that even now, you still have feelings for him and can’t bear to let go.”
Through their previous phone calls, Ming Jiao had gradually shown signs of being persuaded, and now it was time to completely yield, like water flowing naturally downstream.
Frowning with reluctant resignation, she said, “He wants to kill me – how could I still be attached? But just letting it go like this… I can’t accept it.”
“Now isn’t the time for stubbornness,” Aunt said patiently. “Times have changed. Think about it – you’ve moved out for almost two months, and neither your mother nor Grandma have reacted at all. So you can’t rely on the family anymore.”
She sighed, “Now I’m the only one protecting you. How many people do you think still take you seriously? Ultimately, they don’t even think much of me, let alone you.”
“Besides, if something really happens, it’ll be too late for the family to react. Not to mention, I think their hearts are already leaning toward Tang Xiaoyu now. If anything happens to you… In any case, let’s first annul the engagement and take back everything that belongs to you. Once we have the leverage, it won’t be too late to get back at that ungrateful Xie Chu.”
Going round and round, she was still trying to incite her to go against the Ming family, Ming Jiao thought to herself, her face showing clear indignation. “But I just can’t swallow this anger! How dare he? How dare he treat me like this!”
Aunt stood up and patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Jiaojiao, you’re unwilling to accept this, and so am I. But that’s how the world is—some people are just that pragmatic. We can only say we misjudged him before, and…” She hesitated, as if afraid of upsetting Ming Jiao further, unsure whether to continue.
“What is it?” Ming Jiao looked up, her shimmering eyes clearly reflecting Aunt’s image, making Aunt instinctively avert her gaze. “I’ve just heard that he’s been getting close to Tang Xiaoyu lately. It seems he values the status of the Ming family’s biological daughter after all.”
Ming Jiao’s brows immediately furrowed. Although Aunt loved to sow discord between her and Tang Xiaoyu, she never fabricated things outright—after all, outright lies were too easily exposed.
[I knew it,] she said to the System. [I could tell from that banquet that he had ulterior motives and was scheming against Tang Xiaoyu.]
As for Tang Xiaoyu, she was probably letting him get close to make it easier to investigate.
The System agreed, articulating her thoughts more precisely. [A scumbag like him, a combination of Chen Shimei, He Shuheng, and even a bit of Fu Shenxing—a lawless rogue, the worst of the worst—is he even worthy? We won’t even give him a key, let alone a door.]
[System, my soulmate in life, it’s so you.]
[You flatter me.]
Seeing Ming Jiao’s furrowed brows and gloomy expression, Aunt thought she must be resenting Tang Xiaoyu again and felt somewhat relieved.
Sure enough, Ming Jiao soon snapped out of it and turned to look at her. “Aunt, I understand what you’re saying. Sooner or later, I will take back everything that belongs to me.”
The problem was, there was nothing that truly belonged to her.
“And those who have wronged me will definitely pay the price.”
Xie Chu and the hunter have their own paths to follow, and you too have a place I’ve arranged for you.
A cold glint flickered in her bright eyes. “But you must keep an eye on Xie Chu for me. Even if we can’t find evidence that he hired someone to kill me now, there might be a chance later. And I don’t believe he hasn’t done other shady things.”
“How dare he look down on me like this, even trying to kill me? I’ll make him regret it for ten lifetimes,” she said fiercely, perfectly embodying the image of love turned to hatred.
Aunt quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, Jiaojiao. I’ll keep an eye on him for you. At the first opportunity, I’ll make sure he pays dearly.”
Ming Jiao hummed in agreement, looking full of trust and dependence.
Aunt studied her expression, smiled to soothe her agitated emotions, and then, as if casually, asked, “Jiaojiao, who are you living with now? Can’t you even tell your aunt?”
Ming Jiao’s eyes flickered briefly, but she had anticipated this question from Aunt.
Someone who had always been easy to control and straightforward to understand suddenly gave off a sense of slipping out of control. It was only natural to want to uncover the reason for this change.
She pretended to hesitate for a moment before saying, “Actually, I’m not with anyone. I’m still living alone, but the place is borrowed from someone else.”
Aunt’s heart stirred slightly, “Who is it?”
Ming Jiao instinctively lowered her voice, “Aunt, do you still remember Shi Yan?”
Of course Aunt couldn’t possibly forget Shi Yan. She was somewhat surprised, “Weren’t you two on bad terms?”
“We were, but when I ask her for help, she has to help me.” Ming Jiao said righteously, completely embodying the spoiled, willful manner of someone utterly indulged.
Aunt was speechless. At times like these, she often felt her niece hadn’t changed at all—still that same arrogant fool.
“Besides, you know how straightforward she is—stubborn and sentimental.” Ming Jiao smiled triumphantly, “I just had to say a few soft words, and she agreed to help me. But I didn’t tell her anything, Aunt. Don’t mention it to anyone else either. I don’t want people to know I owe her a favor.”
No wonder she had been so hesitant and unwilling to say earlier—she was too embarrassed to admit she’d asked Shi Yan for help. It wasn’t that she had other ideas or didn’t trust her aunt.
Aunt felt completely relieved, though also exasperated. Sometimes she truly couldn’t tell whether Ming Jiao was genuinely foolish or just pretending.
If she weren’t foolish, she’d be so easy to manipulate, doing things so stupid they were hard to comprehend.
If she were foolish, she’d know to pick on the easy target, seeking help from someone soft-hearted and upright.
But for her, this was ultimately more beneficial than harmful. Aunt thought.
·
Ming Jiao stepped out of the club’s entrance, tilting her head back and squinting as she bathed in the dazzling sunlight. She felt a pang of emotion, [Aunt has no real feelings for me—it’s all just using me.]
With the resources and abilities at her disposal, she couldn’t send Xie Chu to prison, but giving him a lesson wouldn’t be difficult at all. Yet she did nothing, not even her indignation seemed fake.
This wasn’t how an elder who had genuinely cared for a younger relative should react, even if it was only in the past.
The System said, [Host, there’s no need to feel sad over someone like this. Since she’s heartless, you can simply be more heartless than her.]
Ming Jiao smiled, [That makes sense.]
There was no hope to be had with Aunt. At most, she could still serve to attract Xie Chu’s attention and add some psychological pressure on him.
Speaking of which, if even Aunt could track him down, he couldn’t be so useless as to not have noticed her yet, right?
Ming Jiao thought for a moment and added, [No matter what, I should warn Shi Yan.]
To align the lies she’d told before and make her a bit more cautious.
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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