"Pei Nian, who are you threatening with this?!"

Pei Nian closed her eyes, feeling a deep sadness in her heart. After a long while, she managed to utter three words: "I'm sorry..."

"What's the use of saying sorry? My mother is dead!"

"I'm so sorry."

"It's all your fault!"

Lu Ran screamed out of control, but then a stern voice came from behind her.

"Ranran, what are you doing?"

Pei Nian was taken aback and looked up to see Lin Yuqing walking down the stairs.

She was wearing pajamas with a thin cardigan over them, and because she was wearing soft-soled slippers, she moved very quietly.

I don't even know when I got there.

Lu Ran panicked a little, especially when she saw Lin Yuqing's serious expression, which showed none of the usual pity and affection she had for her.

"Ranran, how could you take your anger out on Pei Nian?"

"Why not?" Lu Ran shouted, "It's all because of her!"

"Because of what?" Lin Yuqing's imposing demeanor, though not angry, was intimidating. "Because she genuinely cares for everyone in the Lu family, does that give you the right to act with impunity towards her?"

"Auntie..."

"Cheng Suyue's death wasn't because of Pei Nian!" Lin Yuqing emphasized. "Your mother has dissociative identity disorder, and the culprit behind her mental illness is Lu Ming! If Pei Nian hadn't kept a close eye on Cheng Suyue and discovered her problems, we don't know how much more harm we would have suffered! Wake up!"

Lu Ran lowered her head, her face pale, unable to utter a single word.

"Ranran," Lin Yuqing's tone softened, "I know that your mother's death was a huge blow to you, but she jumped off the cliff to protect you... You should understand her good intentions instead of blaming others."

"I understand, Auntie."

"Alright, everyone get some rest." Lin Yuqing took Lu Ran's hand and then Pei Nian's, their hands clasped together. "From now on, our family needs to be harmonious and happy. I don't want to hear any more arguments. Do you all understand?"

Lu Ran nodded, but the fleeting hatred in her eyes grew stronger in the darkness.