Chapter 83 The heart won't break, it will only grow harder.

Ye Yu was not seriously injured, so he only stayed in the hospital for three days before returning home to recuperate.

Jiang Shiyuan took on the responsibility of being his younger sister, as her senior brother's parents had died early and he had no relatives in Beijing. For three days, rain or shine, she delivered lunch and dinner to him, each of which she made herself.

Moreover, she felt ashamed.

Ultimately, Ye Yu was targeted by Xie Jinghuai because of her.

Xie Jinghuai ruined the new outfit, so Jiang Shiyuan, worried that her senior brother would be upset, bought an even more expensive one and had it delivered to his law firm by a deliveryman.

She should find an opportunity to give this black trench coat to Fu Chenzhou.

That evening, Jiang Shiyuan was engrossed in studying the latest "Hidden Heart" big data model that Professor Xue had sent her in her studio.

She forgets everything else when she's doing academic work, becoming completely absorbed in it. She doesn't even hear her phone ringing several times on the table.

It was her son, Tongtong, calling.

Jiang Shiyuan took off his silver-rimmed glasses, hesitated for a moment, and then answered the call:

“Tongtong, you…”

How could you do this?!

The child's innocent voice pierced through the air, its sharp tone causing pain to Jiang Shiyuan's eardrums.

Her brow furrowed.

This child didn't even call her "Mommy," but instead launched into a barrage of inexplicable questions.

He completely ignored all the gentleness, refinement, and politeness she had taught him. She even felt that the child on the phone was a stranger.

"What's wrong with me?" Jiang Shiyuan asked indifferently.

Hearing her self-righteous tone, Tongtong became even angrier and started shouting:

"Why did you throw away that crystal bracelet, the birthday gift I gave to Aunt Xinxin?! It's something I gave to Aunt Xinxin, what right do you have to dispose of it?!"

Lin Zhixin not only manipulated the big shots, but she also didn't spare the small ones.

"So that's what it was for."

Jiang Shiyuan put her glasses back on, a half-smile on her face. "So what do you want to do? Call the police and have me arrested?"

Tongtong was speechless with anger: "You...!"

"It's already thrown away, there's no other way. Either you ask your dad to find someone to pick it up, or you can make her another one."

Faced with her mother's indifferent attitude, Tongtong felt angry and her chest felt tight.

In the past, whenever he called his mother, she would always answer within three rings, and she would always be very affectionate towards him.

Now, not only did she only answer after I called several times, but her attitude was also so bad when she did answer!

Shouldn't she be apologizing to him constantly and trying to cheer him up, just like before?!

But now, none of that is left.

Cold and aloof, like a stepmother!

"Hmph, I know why you threw away the birthday present I gave to Aunt Xinxin. It's because you're jealous! You're jealous that I gave my aunt a present but not you. How can you be so petty!"

Tongtong was furious and attacked her mother with sharp and sarcastic words, "If you were nice to Aunt Xinxin, I would have given you gifts too, but you don't, and you always bully her!"

The more you act like this, the less likely I am to give it to you!

"Is there anything else? If not, I have to go now." Jiang Shiyuan's expression remained unchanged.

She, who is usually very patient, even revealed a hint of impatience in her tone.

"I'll give Aunt Xinxin an even better and more expensive gift to make up for it!" Tongtong yelled at her, then immediately hung up.

Looking at the black screen, Jiang Shiyuan felt a sense of loss that was almost negligible.

It turns out that being hurt too many times doesn't break your heart; instead, it hardens it more.

...

Lin Zhixin has been in the hospital for almost a week, costing Xie Jinghuai one million yuan in hospital fees.

Actually, she was perfectly fine and could have been discharged from the hospital long ago.

But she still stayed there for three more days, creating the illusion that her body had suffered a great shock.

This will make Xie Jinghuai feel even more pity for her, and deepen his resentment towards Jiang Shiyuan.

"Mom, I don't think Brother Jinghuai will be coming today... I might as well just be discharged tonight." Lin Zhixin leaned against the headboard, drinking the soup Liu Nianrou had made for her, her expression sullen.

Liu Nianrou asked her, "Has President Xie not come to see you these past few days?"

Lin Zhixin shook her head dejectedly, "They only called once to inquire about my situation."

"Xinxin, what's going on, Mr. Xie? I feel like your relationship isn't as close as it used to be?"

Liu Nianrou looked worried. "This time you were harmed like this by that little bitch Jiang Shiyuan. If it were before, President Xie would definitely have stayed by your side and protected you every step of the way."

Why isn't anyone showing up this time? Did you two have a fight?

“How could I dare to argue with him? You said the reason you were able to win over Dad was because you were gentle, patient, and knew how to show weakness, which gradually softened Dad’s heart.”

Lin Zhixin pouted, "I've followed you step by step, one step at a time."

Liu Nianrou looked puzzled. "How did that happen?"

“Three days ago, I vaguely heard that Brother Jinghuai had a big argument with Jiang Shiyuan’s best friend outside the door. After the argument, Brother Jinghuai was in a bad mood and seemed absent-minded. That day, he left me alone in the hospital and left by himself.”

"Jiang Shiyuan's best friend? Where did this brat come from?"

Liu Nianrou frowned, "What are they arguing about?"

Lin Zhixin rubbed her temples. "I couldn't hear the specifics very clearly. I only vaguely heard something like... prolonged labor... mother and child safe... it seemed to be about Jiang Shiyuan's childbirth back then."

Liu Nianrou's pupils contracted sharply, a sinister look on her face.

Lin Zhixin's tone was contemptuous and disdainful, "I really don't understand, what's the point of bringing up those old grievances after five years? Does she think that saying these things will make Brother Jinghuai feel sorry for that bitch? What wishful thinking."

But then again, was it really that difficult for Jiang Shiyuan to give birth to Tongtong? I thought it went quite smoothly.

"Ha, God really is blind. If only she had died back then. There wouldn't be any obstacles between me and Jinghuai, and I'd even get a smart son for free."

Liu Nianrou remained silent for a long time before speaking with a cold laugh, her eyes filled with darkness:

"She almost died in the delivery room, but I never expected that the little bitch would have such a lucky life."

The atmosphere was unpredictable and turbulent; suddenly, it became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Lin Zhixin leaned forward abruptly, her eyes wide open:

"Mom, what do you mean by that? Could it be... that you sabotaged Jiang Shiyuan's difficult childbirth back then?!"

...

On the other side—

A charity art exhibition, attracting a large number of celebrities, is being held at the Beijing International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The art exhibition was spearheaded by Mrs. Xie, Ms. Li Xuehua, and is held annually. The charitable funds raised each time are donated to children from impoverished families suffering from terminal illnesses through the Xie Group's "Changyue Foundation".

Thanks to this act of kindness, Madam Xie has been able to hold the position of president of the Women's Federation in Beijing every year, and is the head of the upper-class socialites.

At this moment, Madam Xie was in high spirits, enjoying fine desserts and wine with other ladies, reveling in the wonderful feeling of being the center of attention.

Suddenly, the banquet hall doors swung open, and a blast of cold air rushed in.

Madam Xie pulled her shawl tighter and looked displeasedly toward the door—

To everyone's surprise, Xie Jinghuai, followed by Han Xu, suddenly entered their field of vision.

The man's cold, handsome face was like a block of ice that had never melted in a thousand years. He stared intently at Madam Xie, making her feel a chill down her spine.