I sincerely admire and respect him, and I sincerely hope that he will get better and better.

I don't want anyone to ruin this beauty or tarnish it, including myself.

So don't make it clear, just keep it ambiguous and hypnotize yourself: we're just ordinary friends.

"Are you sure you've taken care of things at home?" While I was lost in thought, Su Shenglin and his sister had already started eating and were chatting with me casually.

I nodded: "It's been settled. Anyway, my father has been arrested, and the evidence is irrefutable. I've consulted a lawyer, and he'll definitely be held legally responsible. It's just a matter of how many years he'll be sentenced to. But no matter what, he's definitely back to square one."

I thought to myself, if the tax bureau imposes a severe penalty, I might end up in debt and never be able to recover in this lifetime.

After I finished speaking, Su Shenglin exclaimed, "You have a strong mentality. You were framed by your own father, but instead of making a scene, you remained calm and composed, launched a counterattack from a desperate situation, and acted swiftly."

I smiled faintly: "What's the use of making a scene? Ever since I was old enough to understand, ever since he divorced my mother, I've seen his true colors. You could say I've been waiting for this day for countless years, enduring hardship and biding my time. If he hadn't framed me this time, I wouldn't have had the chance to find something to hold against him. He brought this on himself."

Su Shenglin nodded, seemingly approving, yet also surprised, "It's really not easy for a girl."

Hearing this, I suddenly felt a sense of calm. I looked up at them and asked somewhat nervously, "Do you think... I'm a bit dark-hearted? That I'm scheming, cold-blooded, and ruthless? After all, he's my own father, and my half-sister just passed away..."

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Muxi quickly said, "How could that be? What's wrong with protecting yourself? Does being eaten alive by your family mean you have to be filial and a good person?"

“Mu Xi is right. Protecting yourself is the first principle of survival. You have never intentionally hurt them, but they have repeatedly ostracized and even framed you. You did the right thing.” Su Shenglin also highly agreed.

My expression softened a bit, and a smile appeared on my lips.

Su Shenglin smiled slightly and continued, "Moreover, your father committed crimes and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of the country and others. As a family member, you were able to put aside your own family for the greater good. Not only were you not wrong, but you were also exceptionally great and selfless, and can be called a hero."

"Yes, hero!" Chen Muxi gave me a thumbs up, then picked up her teacup. "Come, let's toast the hero with tea instead of wine!"

I was initially quite anxious, but after what they said, I felt completely relieved.

"You guys are so good at providing emotional value, thank you." I smiled, picked up my teacup, and breathed a sigh of relief.

After finishing her tea, Chen Muxi put it down and continued to comfort me: "Girls in this society already face a lot of prejudice and injustice, and only their families can provide us with a safe haven. But your family not only didn't protect you, they also plotted to frame you. If you weren't smart and strong and brave, you wouldn't have survived. They would have devoured you alive long ago."

Chen Muxi's words struck a chord with me.

I was so grateful that my eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Actually, I still have my maternal grandmother and aunt, who are very good to me. In my heart, they are my family." As for the Jiang family, they have always been my enemies.

Su Shenglin noticed my emotional fluctuations, reached out and handed me a handkerchief, "Let's not talk about this anymore, you'll get better and better in the future."

I looked at his handkerchief, hesitated for a moment, and then took it, saying, "Thank you."

The thought that he still had a handkerchief with me made me feel uneasy again as I held it in my hand.

After rubbing my eyes and calming down, I awkwardly held out a handkerchief: "Um... I'll wash it later—"

"No need, give it to me." Before he could finish speaking, Su Shenglin interrupted and took it back.

My cheeks felt hot, so I quickly lowered my head and focused on eating.

After finishing my meal, I called the waiter to pay the bill, but was told, "Ms. Jiang, the bill has already been paid."

"You paid the bill? Who paid?" I was taken aback.

Before the waiter could answer, Chen Muxi said cheerfully, "My brother has already bought it, let's go!"

The brother and sister stood up, and I stood up too, but I was very embarrassed: "Mr. Su, it was supposed to be my treat to thank you for helping me the other day, so why are you paying the bill again?"

"Oh, it's just a meal, why are you making such a fuss? My brother has plenty of money, he can give it to whoever he likes—"

"Ahem!" Before Chen Muxi could finish speaking, Su Shenglin suddenly coughed.

Chen Muxi paused, then immediately changed her tune with a forced smile: "I came uninvited, so we should treat you. Don't worry about the meal."

I was a little stunned, still pondering the unfinished sentence Chen Muxi had said.

What should I give to someone I like?

Does that mean Su Shenglin likes me?

Seeing that I was still stunned, Su Shenglin smiled gently and said in a low voice, "Next time you treat, I promise I won't fight you for it."

I snapped out of my daze and immediately followed up, saying, "Okay, then it's settled."

I was secretly delighted, thinking I had another reason to "date".

"Thank you for today's meal." I picked up my bag and went out with them.

"Don't mention it!" Chen Muxi walked beside me, her tone light and cheerful. "By the way, I'm going to perform in London next month, and I was wondering if you had time to make me a horse-face skirt. My brother said you have some ready-made designs. Can I go take a look?"

I nodded happily: "Sure! Then come with me."

"Okay, I'll ride in your car."

Chen Muxi immediately took my arm and said to Su Shenglin, "Brother, I'm leaving with Jiang Wan. You can go back by yourself."

Su Shenglin's face was full of gentle affection, and he didn't forget to remind her: "Don't cause trouble. Go back as soon as you're done with your work, and don't delay Jiang Wan's work."

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