Chapter 84

Nie Lingbo got the answer she wanted, and with a conclusion in her heart, she indicated her intention to leave, seeing that Song Xuehen and the others had other guests to attend to. She put down her glass, showing her intention to leave.

Luo Ruzhi personally escorted Nie Lingbo to the small garden outside the Song residence, where a Nie Family driver pulled up in front of the gate and took Nie Lingbo away.

Luo Ruzhi stood still, watching the Nie Family’s car drive away, feeling relieved.

She was about to turn back inside to personally entertain the other Nie Family main wife, Tian Yi, when she saw a car hastily stop in front of the hall, and a young man got out. As he got out of the car, he glanced back in the direction the car had just left, then rushed over to her.

“What?” Xi Heng felt like he misheard. Was he being given the cold shoulder?

The Song Family was influential, and Xi Heng had to swallow his pride, but he couldn’t hide the sharpness in his words:

“Is this how the Song Family treats guests? I came with sincerity. What’s your reason for not letting me in?”

“The reason is simple.” Luo Ruzhi adjusted her shawl calmly, “My invitation was sent to the Xis, not your family of three.”

“I bear the Xi surname,” Xi Heng declared loudly.

“Heh,” Luo Ruzhi chuckled behind her hand, “If you insist on an explanation, don’t blame me for not giving you face—what kind of Xi Family member are you?”

“A legitimate member of the Xi Family, unlike you,” Xi Heng retorted.

“Legitimate member? The true Xi Family member is Zihua inside the house, not you,” Luo Ruzhi glanced at Xi Heng again, her eyes filled with disdain. “You don’t even come close.”

With that, Luo Ruzhi turned and went inside, leaving Xi Heng alone at the door, bearing the scrutiny of onlookers, his face alternating between pale and flushed with anger.

This was the second time tonight he had been rebuffed at the door, unable to enter.

The whispers and laughter behind his back seemed to echo endlessly in his mind, stinging his face with embarrassment.

The commotion at the door had already attracted attention, and now that Xi Heng had been humiliated by Madam Song, everyone had their own thoughts.

From the earlier incident where Fu Siyuan and Bai Rong were kicked out by Song Xuehen to now being rejected by Luo Ruzhi, the Song Family’s attitude towards their family was crystal clear.

This was not just embarrassing; if the Song Family intended to return to domestic affairs…

And with Madam Song’s tacit acknowledgment, even support, of Xi Zihua, whom Nie Lingbo personally brought in, the attitude of the two families towards the Xi Family was obvious.

Many discerning individuals had already begun to speculate that with Xi Zihua accompanying Nie Lingbo back to the country, there might be turbulence ahead for the Xi Family.

Nie Lingbo returned to the Nie Family and took out the documents from the drawer to review them once again.

She was already familiar with the contents, but holding the information about Song Pianxian made her feel reassured.

Previously, out of selfishness and inexplicable intuition, she investigated Song Pianxian and actually found some doubts.

Because this information was what she wanted, the subordinates were diligent. At the end of the data, some trivial supplements were even listed as references.

One of them was about Song Pianxian’s age. The investigators indicated that they deliberately found the retired deputy director of the orphanage to inquire about the details.

According to the deputy director, when Song Pianxian entered the orphanage, she personally asked, and Song Pianxian at the time said she was six years old. However, the official record provided by the authorities stated she was four and a half years old, so the orphanage followed the official statement and registered it.

And according to the age of six, Song Pianxian was born in 2199.

After matching the age, the time she appeared in the orphanage was basically consistent with the time when the Song Family’s daughter went missing, making it highly likely that she was the daughter of the Song Family.

Nie Lingbo found it strange. Why did no one suspect that Song Pianxian, who looked so much like herself and came out of the orphanage with unknown parents, might be related to her?

Although her relationship with the Song Family was convoluted, there were very few noble families who had lost their daughters—shouldn’t someone have mentioned it or speculated about it, especially Xi Heng, as Song Pianxian’s former lover?

Thinking of this, a hint of disgust and even hostility flashed in Nie Lingbo’s eyes.

Thinking about these matters was useless for now. Nie Lingbo temporarily set aside her doubts.

Since she had a certain degree of certainty, now the question was how to get Song Pianxian into the eyes of the Song Family and proceed with further paternity testing.

Nie Lingbo doesn’t plan to personally step forward as Song Pianxian’s benefactor. Therefore, she needs to find another way.

Just then, Tian Yi’s call came in: “Lingbo, where are you?”

Nie Lingbo replied concisely, “At home, what’s the matter?”

“Grandpa just talked to your brother…”

Tian Yi was helping to convey instructions from the family elders. There was a dispute over a property in one of the Nie Family’s industries, and Nie Lingbo was asked to handle it. After saying this, she hung up the phone. Meanwhile, Nie Lingbo on this end furrowed her brows and made a decision.

Tian Yi quickly noticed that Luo Ruzhi, with whom she had already bonded during the banquet, was very enthusiastic towards her even after the banquet. After a full day of shopping and visiting the beauty salon together, they were as close as sisters.

Seeing Luo Ruzhi buying several pairs of couple outfits in the mall, Tian Yi asked during a break:

“These couple outfits are for your wife, right? Who are the others for?”

“Oh, the dresses are for Little Fei, she should look good in these.”

“Your sister-in-law is nice to her.”

“Little Fei is quiet and looks like someone who needs care. Even her mother, although she feels sad when she sees her, still cares for her. She even sent the most trusted housekeeper to take care of her, and she spends her summer and winter vacations abroad.”

Tian Yi sighed, “It’s not bad for Little Fei to have the life she has today. Nothing is perfect. The most pitiful one is Ms. Song who went missing when she was young, originally destined for a life of luxury and love, but now…”

At this mention, both fell silent for a moment. Luo Ruzhi changed the subject:

“The other day, your sister-in-law also mentioned that there are relatives between the two families’ elders. Our families have quite a connection, no wonder I felt a connection with you when I first saw you.”

“Is that so?” Tian Yi’s eyes lit up.

Luo Ruzhi smiled but didn’t answer. This statement was half true and half false. Part of it was because they truly got along, and the other part was because Nie Lingbo was not in the city and had asked her to spend more time with Tian Yi.

Isn’t this a sign of goodwill between the two families? Luo Ruzhi certainly wouldn’t let it slip by.

The relationship between the two families was rapidly developing, becoming very close. In less than a month, the Song Family was invited to the Tian Family as guests. It was said that Nie Xingzhou and Song Fei were classmates, so they also brought Song Fei to the Nie Family.

When they arrived at the Nie Family, they saw a girl sitting on the swing in the garden, her head tilted to one side, reading a book.

As they approached, they realized the girl was sleeping soundly, using the Chinese textbook to block the sunlight.

“Nie Xingzhou?” Song Fei called out.

Nie Xingzhou hadn’t opened her eyes yet, still half-asleep, mumbling, “Ms. Xiaosong, give me five more minutes, and I’ll definitely memorize it…”

Even Song Xuehen, who seldom smiled, couldn’t help but show a hint of amusement upon seeing Nie Xingzhou in this state.

Luo Ruzhi was amused and curious about which teacher could scare the daughter of the Nie Family like this:

“Who is Ms. Xiaosong?”

Song Fei shook her head, “We don’t have a teacher with the surname Xiaosong.”

“Ahem.” Nie Xingzhou woke up suddenly and nonchalantly shook her ponytail, “Oh, you’re here? Ms. Xiaosong is the private tutor my aunt hired for me.”

She glanced at Song Fei, “She’s Xiang Sixi’s Big Sister, don’t you know?”

Song Fei smiled politely, her gentle face showing obedience, “I heard a little about her at school, but didn’t pay much attention.”

Tsk.

Nie Xingzhou dared not tsk out loud. Seeing Song Fei’s obedient appearance, she thought that Xiang Sixi was even cuter.

She turned and led the three guests inside, “Ms. Xiaosong is here today, and Xiang Sixi is also at home studying with me.”

Nie Xingzhou chatted away, piquing Luo Ruzhi’s curiosity. Tian Yi had often mentioned that her daughter’s new tutor was excellent, which had motivated Nie Xingzhou to study.

But she hadn’t expected that when the Nie Family invited them over, they would also have Ms. Xiaosong stay, and even her little sister would be at the Nie Family. This was more than just satisfaction; it was like becoming close friends.

“Is your aunt not here?” Luo Ruzhi asked.

“My aunt came back early this morning and is resting in her room. She told us not to disturb her.”

On the second floor of the Nie Family, Tian Yi came out of Nie Lingbo’s room, feeling regretful:

“Earlier, you reminded me to invite Ruzhi over to play at our house, but now you’re too tired to attend.”

“The flight was delayed, there will be another opportunity.” Nie Lingbo’s voice was slightly hoarse. Not appearing at this gathering was a decision she had made long ago.

Presenting the facts to the Song Family was far from surprising them, but it was more valuable.

Especially, giving it to the Song Family from Nie Lingbo made it easier for the Song Family to be alert to Nie Lingbo’s intentions, letting Tian Yi, who didn’t care about family affairs, act as the intermediary, was more natural.

Lastly, Nie Lingbo didn’t want Song Pianxian to misunderstand.

Misunderstanding that she approached her with ulterior motives.

In the future, misunderstanding her—using kindness to seek favors.

Not letting Song Pianxian bear the psychological pressure from herself was Nie Lingbo’s most difficult concern, the most gentle and careful treatment.

If it weren’t for Song Pianxian, she really wouldn’t have discovered this side of herself.

Clearly, bestowing favor upon others and then seeking favors was a tactic she often employed.

Nie Lingbo clicked her tongue, picked up the whiskey, and drank down half a glass.

“Is Song Pianxian here?” She leaned back on the sofa, the corners of her eyes carrying a hint of elegant alcohol, confirming.

“Yes, she’s here. We’re having lunch together at noon.”

There was a noise in the living room on the first floor. Tian Yi turned to look, closed her sister’s door, and hurried downstairs.

Sure enough, the guests had arrived.

Tian Yi greeted the guests with a smile, while Luo Ruzhi joked about the scene in the garden, causing Tian Yi to shake her head repeatedly:

“I can’t control this girl. Fortunately, she listens to her aunt. Oh, now we have to add Ms. Xiaosong.”

“You have to let me meet this Ms. Xiaosong today, I’ve heard you mention her so many times,” Luo Ruzhi smiled.

“She’s in the kitchen,” Tian Yi said, looking towards the kitchen. Luo Ruzhi and her companions also turned to look.

Coincidentally, a girl of similar age to Nie Xingzhou came out from there. She looked very calm, even more stable and resolute than Song Fei. Luo Ruzhi made a judgment in her heart, and sure enough, Nie Xingzhou greeted her:

“Xiang Sixi, where’s your Big Sister?”

Song Fei also greeted, “Xiang Sixi.”

Xiang Sixi walked over with a few cups of freshly squeezed juice: “Big Sister is cutting fruits, so please be patient.”

Song Xuehen had been quiet all along, but she was good at reading people. Based on Xiang Sixi’s tone and demeanor, she could tell that this was a reserved girl, not accustomed to socializing.

Although she had just heard Song Fei say that Xiang Sixi’s grades were excellent, academic performance and overall quality were two different things.

Was the Big Sister who had raised a child like this really that outstanding? Could she make everyone in the Nie Family like her?

After scrutinizing Xiang Sixi, Song Xuehen had some doubts in her mind.

He picked up a cup of juice, intending to hand it to Song Fei, when footsteps sounded again.

“Teacher Xiaosong, come here quickly,” Nie Xingzhou’s lively voice rang out.

Song Xuehen glanced sideways.

With just one glance, the juice in his hand trembled violently, and even a drop or two splashed onto Song Fei’s hand.

---

Come join the Discord, where all the cool kids hang out!

Please support us on Ko-Fi. You can now read extra chapters by supporting.

Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

---

---