"Worry" about money 1

After calming Wu Hua down, Song Zhao didn't give herself any time to rest and went straight home to the city that night. For her father, Song Hui, 2 million was nothing; after all, the necklace he gave Xu Jinghao cost one or two million.

Hearing the urgent knocking, the nanny, Aunt Wei, opened the door in confusion. "Zhaozhao, why did you suddenly come back?"

Is my dad home?

"The master is in his study."

Song Zhao rushed inside in a hurry.

"Hey, I haven't changed my shoes yet!"

When she reached the study door, she stopped, took a few deep breaths, and then knocked respectfully. The door was already open; Song Hui heard the knock, glanced at her, and said nothing.

Since he didn't say no, it meant he allowed her to come in.

"Dad, how are you?"

Song Zhao awkwardly uttered the greeting, but Song Hui didn't even glance at her, continuing to look at the documents in his hand, only giving a curt "hmm".

"I was wrong about what happened during the New Year. I shouldn't have argued with my aunt. I won't do it again."

"Um."

As always, Song Hui remained taciturn and composed, making it impossible for anyone who sought to negotiate with him to guess his thoughts.

Song Zhao pinched his thigh and mustered his courage to say, "I've come here today because I have something to ask of you."

This time, Song Hui didn't make a sound, but he gave her a faint glance.

"Can you lend me 2 million?" Song Zhao said, tears welling up in her eyes instantly.

She never made any demands of Song Hui, and she never even complained about his neglect of her since childhood. Even when they argued during the New Year, it was because her stepmother's words were too harsh and involved her grandmother that she couldn't help but retort.

Song Hui said, "You're asking me for money, what are you complaining about?"

Song Zhao wiped away her tears hastily and choked out, "No, I'm not wronged."

"Explain yourself clearly."

Song Zhao adjusted his breathing, trying his best to suppress his hoarse voice, and said, "My classmate is injured and needs medical expenses. I want to help him."

"Is that so?" Song Hui asked rhetorically, as if he were interrogating a criminal.

“…”

"Is it or isn't it?" Song Hui's tone suddenly rose, his expression as if he had seen through everything.

Based on Song Zhao's understanding of Song Hui, his approach wasn't an interrogation, but rather an attempt to ascertain something he already knew.

"..."

"If you're not going to say anything, then you can leave."

Song Hui's renewed pressure gradually broke down Song Zhao's defenses. "I really need money to save my life."

Song Hui asked, "Which hospital?"

"C District Hospital"

Song Hui closed the documents in his hand and said impatiently, "Do you want me to ask you questions one by one?!"

"He's in the orthopedic ward at Hospital C, his name is Li Cheng," Song Zhao said quickly with his eyes closed.

"Okay, I understand."

"..."

"I will arrange for someone to contact the hospital, so you don't need to worry about his medical expenses."

"No!" Song Zhao exclaimed, somewhat agitated, then quickly added in a panic, "That's not what I meant."

Song Zhao was furious at her own stupidity for coming up with such a flimsy excuse. Song Hui's intimidating presence was too great, making it easy for her to lose her composure.

"dad…"

"Speak or get out!!" Song Hui's patience was almost at its limit.

Song Zhao braced himself and recounted the whole story in detail, eventually breaking down in tears.

“You know I hate it when you cry. Just say what’s on your mind. Crying is so annoying.”

Song Zhao kept her mouth shut, swallowed hard the bitter water in her throat, and forced back her tears.

"Her and you?"

Song Zhao knew he couldn't hide it any longer, so he nodded.

Song Hui snorted coldly, "I used to think you lacked maternal love, but now it seems you've really lost your mind!"

"Yes, it's all my fault. You can scold me however you want, please lend me the money."

Upon hearing her words, Song Hui abruptly raised his eyelids, stared at her, and remained silent for a long while, his fingertips clenching until they turned white. Song Zhao stood motionless, like a startled cat.

Song Hui suddenly said in a calm tone, "Actually, I don't understand why you would use the word 'borrow' with me. Do you think I would ask you to pay it back? I've raised you all these years, when have I ever mistreated you financially? If you want money, just say so."

Song Zhao's eyes lit up immediately. She was afraid that she didn't matter much to him because no matter what trouble she encountered, Song Hui was capable but never helped her, and Song Zhao never asked him for help. But it was undeniable that Song Hui had always spoiled her.

However, Song Zhao would repay such a large sum of money no matter who lent it to her, even if it was her father's money.

Maybe he loves me too, but he expresses it differently. Or maybe I was too greedy in the past, wanting too much, which is why I thought he didn't love me.

"Dad, thank you..."

"Wait, I didn't say this money was for you. I'm just telling you that when you talk to me about money, there's no need to use the word 'borrow'."

Song Hui's words plunged Song Zhao's heart back to the brink of despair.

She sighed heavily and pleaded again, "Dad, please help me. I will pay you back, even with interest. I've thought it through. I'll start earning money as soon as I finish the college entrance exam. I'll work part-time while I study, and I promise I can pay it back within ten, no, eight years."

"You still want to settle scores with me?!" Song Hui seemed even angrier, looking at her with a sinister gaze. "Wasn't I clear enough?"

Song Zhao was completely bewildered by his words, her mind a jumbled mess. She didn't understand what Song Hui meant, and her anxiety grew. She blurted out, "I promise no one will know about our relationship..."

What am I saying...?

The atmosphere instantly plummeted to freezing point.

Song Hui lit a cigarette and said coldly, "You're quite something, you've even learned to threaten your father."

Now that things had come to this, Song Zhao mustered his courage and said, "This is not a threat, but a plea and a discussion."

He put two fingers together and beckoned to Song Zhao. As Song Zhao leaned down, he pressed her head down, letting her cheek rest against his thigh. From outside the door, it looked like a tender scene of a mother loving her child.

"I'll teach you today: when you don't have the strength, don't easily reveal your trump card. Whether you are my daughter or not is up to me to decide!"

Song Zhao didn't dare to breathe loudly.

Who can believe what you say, and who would dare to believe it?

"I will not help someone who corrupts my daughter, much less someone who allows my daughter to threaten me!"

"If you're so capable, solve it yourself. Don't come crying home and pass the buck to your father. And let me remind you, Fang Ping knows who her boss is, and I know exactly where my money goes. Never try to play tricks on your father!"

After issuing a warning, Song Hui released her. Song Zhao staggered and slumped to the ground, unable to help but laugh at herself: "What was I thinking? What was I expecting?"

"I see."

Song Zhao slowly stood up, turned and walked out. Reaching the door, he couldn't help but say, "You..."

She paused, then swallowed back the question she was about to ask. "Take care."

Leaving the study, she saw her stepmother and younger brother watching TV on the sofa. She recalled that half a year ago, Song Hui had just built an amusement park for his beloved son, even naming it after him: Yuanhang Amusement Park. During the Spring Festival, she heard her stepmother boast that Song Hui would go over to supervise the construction almost whenever he had free time.

He would hold Song Yuanhang, chatting and laughing with him, teasing him, and always fulfilling Song Yuanhang's wishes. He would also give Song Yuanhang things he didn't want. He would also present himself as a good husband and father to outsiders. Everyone knew about his family of three, but no one knew about his daughter.

At this moment, Song Zhao realized one thing: Song Hui did not love her. He supported her not out of love, but out of responsibility. This responsibility might not even be based on blood ties, but on her grandmother's dying wish.

Xu Jing smiled and waved at her, and Nan Qi politely greeted her, "Auntie."

Xu Jinghao said warmly, "Zhaozhao, come here quickly."

She shook her head slightly and went out the door. She hadn't gone far when Xu Jinghao chased after her, calling out, "Zhaozhao, wait!"

Song Zhao had no mood to deal with her, so he pretended not to hear and quickened his pace.

"Zhaozhao, oh dear."

Xu Jinghao, wearing slippers, kicked off her run. "I can help you."

Upon hearing these four words, Song Zhao paused in shock.

Xu Jinghao ran over to help Song Zhao, saying, "You child, why are you walking so fast?"

"Auntie, what did you say?"