Song Lili felt a twinge in her nose. Her feelings toward her father had always been complex.
When she was little, she couldn't understand why he remarried so quickly. Was it so easy to forget their mother? Even for her sake, as a young child, shouldn't he have waited longer before starting a new family?
As she grew up, she gradually began to understand that people live for themselves. In this life, father and daughter are merely tied by fate, and there's no obligation to sacrifice one's happiness for the other.
There are so many profound family bonds in this world, but fortune had not bestowed such blessings on her.
"No need, I have plenty of money in my account. The monthly allowance you give me is already enough."
"Then remember, if anything happens to you when you're outside, tell Dad immediately!"
"Okay, Dad, you also need to take care of your health. Don't worry too much about me."
After finishing the call with Song Lili, Song Jiayu sighed without even realizing it.
Lerong, who was applying a facial mask, glanced at Song Jiayu.
"Is Xiao Li going traveling?"
"She said she wants to travel around the world."
Lerong paused, her hand patting her cheek, "Why does she suddenly want to travel the world? That girl always has whimsical ideas."
"Let her do what she wants; as long as she's happy, that's all that matters."
"You're right. After all, marrying you and bringing Qiaoqiao along greatly affected Lili... Now, I'm trying my best to make amends."
"I've told you, stop saying that. I'm the one who didn't handle your relationship well."
Lerong looked gently at her husband, crawled onto the bed, and took his hand.
"Jiayu, marrying you was the best decision of my life."
Song Jiayu patted her shoulder.
"Jiayu, there's something I'd like to discuss with you..."
Right before Song Lili was about to leave, Song Jiayu called her again. She thought her father was simply concerned about her, but to her surprise...
"Dad, my relationship with Wen Nian is not what you and Aunt Miu think..."
"No, this is my own idea, and it has nothing to do with your Aunt Miu."
Song Lili tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Do I not understand who you are? Song Xiangqiao wants to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so why not follow the procedure and get in on her own merits? Asking me to drop a hint to Wen Nian privately... Isn't this just the Miu Family's way of doing things?"
Song Jiayu was called out by Song Lili and couldn't help but sigh, "You..."
"Dad, I can't help her with this. Even if I could, I wouldn't."
"...Alright, Dad understands. Dad is just... trying to complete a task; I didn't mean to force you."
"Dad may... not be the best, but... my love for you is real."
Song Lili was silent for two seconds, then laughed, "I know, and I feel the same."
"When you're away from home, be careful and don't overdo it, okay?"
"Take care of your health, and don't get sick. And if you can, call Dad more often to put my mind at ease—"
"Dad, I have to catch my flight; won't talk much now."
Song Lili hung up the phone.
Miu Xiangqiao, with her cherry lips and big eyes, had a finely sculpted face and had been groomed since childhood by Lerong to be a top socialite in the political and business elites.
In talent, ability, social etiquette, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and the ways of a great nation, Song Xiangqiao could be said to be proficient in everything.
At a young age, she boasted master's and doctorate degrees and was the youngest secretary in the President's Secretariat. She often accompanied Wen Nian, attending international conferences and visiting countries around the world.
Back then, citizens would say: With Minister Song from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President Wen Nian, they would be the perfect match. If Song Xiangqiao were the President's wife, they would be wholeheartedly convinced!
In her previous life, before her execution, the last person she saw in prison was Song Xiangqiao.