Wang Keru laughed awkwardly. "How can these two things be the same? Anxi is the child I brought in. I can accept her not being the host at her own birthday party, but should she also be made to entertain guests as if she were one of them?"
She had always been a person who cared greatly about her image; she couldn’t endure this!
Qin Han’s expression stiffened, any pretense of warmth vanishing. The room grew tense.
Qin Siling smiled softly. "Auntie, Anxi chose to leave; we didn’t drive her out. Wanqing and Siyuan are going to marry sooner or later. You know in your heart who’s closer and who’s more distant, Auntie. Arguing more about this is meaningless, don’t you think?"
Wang Keru naturally knew the matter was settled, and her heart felt like ice. After a moment, she said coldly, "I’ll ask her."
Then she put down her chopsticks and turned to go upstairs.
Qin Han knew his wife was upset. Wanqing’s idea was indeed a bit much. However, Wanqing and Siyuan were settled now. Indulging the young woman’s little whim was harmless and not a big deal.
As for Anxi, she might feel wronged, but he could compensate her later. He could find her a good job after graduation or introduce her to a suitable match.
When Qin Han went upstairs, Wang Keru was sitting at the vanity, combing her long, wavy hair that cascaded over her shoulders and back. With her fair skin, she exuded a distinctly feminine allure.
Qin Han’s heart stirred. He walked over and embraced her from behind. "Angry? How about I make it up to you?"
Wang Keru was somewhat aware of his refined yet scoundrelly nature. Though furious with him inwardly, she found herself unable to refuse him...
After a while, Qin Han rose. "The Old Master is still downstairs. I’ll go keep him company."
Wang Keru leaned back on the sofa, the flush of intimacy not yet faded from her eyes and brow. She went to help Qin Han straighten his clothes. "Anxi is going to hate me, her own mother, again," she murmured, her voice low. "I’m always the bad guy."
Qin Han patted her cheek. "Don’t overthink it. Just try to persuade her. Anxi isn’t a foolish girl; she knows there’s no benefit in alienating the family. My dear, I’m counting on you."
Wang Keru managed a smile, a mix of sweetness and vexation.
Once Qin Han had gone downstairs, she went to the vanity, took a cigarette from the case, and lit it, smoking with a sense of agitation. She knew this would push Anxi further and further away, but what could she do?
Wang Keru exhaled a ring of smoke, her eyes shimmering with a hint of bewilderment.
She had been happy once. Gu Yuntian had been the most powerful man in Qingcheng, and he had treated her exceptionally well. Every woman had envied her. When she couldn’t conceive, Gu Yuntian brought Anxi home for her to raise, saying this child was fated to be with them.
Wang Keru tilted her head back, a tear glistening in her eye as she gave a soft, sorrowful laugh. The Gu family was ruined—this was truly ’fate.’ If Yun Tian hadn’t saved Anxi, he wouldn’t be in a vegetative state, and she would still be the envied Mrs. Gu.
Anxi, don’t blame me.
After a brief rest, Wang Keru went downstairs. Several members of the Qin family were chatting on the sofa. Seeing Wang Keru descend, Shen Wanqing stood up and said cheerfully, "Auntie, you must convince Anxi to come!"
Wang Keru responded with a lazy murmur of assent.
Qin Han changed the subject. "Wanqing, now that things are settled between you and Siyuan, what did your mother say about the birthday banquet? The parents from both sides really should meet."
His son had become intimate with their daughter; they had to make things right.