Despite being stared at coldly by Han Songyan, Xu Hualan maintained a moderate smile on her face.
“I’m not really in a position to say anything about this, but since you’ve made the old man so angry, as Kangcheng’s wife and the old man’s daughter-in-law, I’ll just say a few words on their behalf.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Hualan's sharp gaze turned towards Bai Xiruo.
"You should know very well that Xi Ruo's crying and fussing can throw your parents into a panic, right? You keep saying you don't fight or compete, but who are you putting on this show for? The old man's words just now made it very clear. Although it was a mistake by the hospital that led to the babies being switched at birth, you also need to face this fact: the life you've lived in luxury for the past twenty years should have been Qian Mo's, while she suffered for twenty years—that's the life you should have lived. So what exactly are you feeling wronged about?"
Xu Hualan's words went straight to the point, revealing Bai Xiruo's true intentions in plain sight.
Bai Xiruo trembled with anger, but felt a chill in her heart. She bit her lip tightly and remained silent.
She always felt that her aunt disliked her, and that because she was from a prestigious family, she always looked down on people with an air of superiority.
Unexpectedly, she actually stood up for Bai Qianmo today.
Could it be that Bai Qianmo gave her some kind of benefit?
"Sister-in-law, you've misunderstood Xi Ruo. She's simple and kind-hearted; she wouldn't have so many ulterior motives." Han Songyan suppressed her displeasure.
It must be very upsetting for a mother to see her daughter humiliated like that.
"Simplicity may exist, but kindness is a matter of opinion," Xu Hualan scoffed.
Bai Qianmo looked towards Xu Hualan.
She thought that the only person who would speak up for her at today's dinner was Old Master Bai. Even Bai Kangyan would side with Bai Xiruo when she was acting out this "suffering a great injustice" scene, let alone anyone else.
Xu Hualan's words really surprised her.
"Aunt, I don't know why you would say that to me. I'm sorry, maybe I really didn't do well enough." Bai Xiruo apologized softly while tears streamed down her face.
When Han Songyan saw her like this, her heart ached terribly.
“You child, you haven’t done anything wrong, so why do you always stand up and apologize? I’ve raised you with love and care since you were little, not so that you could be laughed at by others.”
After saying that, Han Songyan glared coldly at Xu Hualan.
"Mom, have you chosen the wrong side?" Bai Yitang muttered softly.
Xu Hualan immediately tapped him on the forehead: "You can't even tell the difference between close and distant relatives. You're still fooling around here. When your tutor comes to your house tomorrow, you'll be locked in your room and studying properly."
The phrase "distant and close relatives" seems to be a lecture to his son, but it also carries a hint of sarcasm.
Han Songyan's face darkened and turned ugly; Xu Hualan's words were clearly meant for her.
“Sister-in-law, there’s no need to make veiled sarcasm at me. I watched Xi Ruo grow up, and I know her best. Similarly, Qian Mo has been by my side for a while, and I admit that I don’t like her, but there are reasons for that. Since you don’t know, it’s best not to jump to conclusions.”
Xu Hualan glanced at Bai Qianmo, a hint of heartache in her eyes.
As the true daughter of the Bai family, being treated so coldly by her own mother would chill anyone's heart.
"If this is your attitude, I, as an outsider, have nothing to say. But I still want to remind you that once your heart is dead, it can't be warmed up again. Don't wait until one day you suddenly realize this and then try to make amends."
Han Songyan snorted coldly: "Thank you for the reminder, sister-in-law, but that day will never come."
"Bang!" Old Master Bai slammed his teacup down on the table.
With a loud bang, the water in the teacup splashed everywhere.
Han Songyan's arrogant demeanor immediately subsided, and she stood stiffly in place, holding Bai Xiruo's hand.
Bai Kangyan immediately went to Bai Lao's side: "Dad, are you alright?"
Old Bai gave his youngest son a cold look, a hint of disappointment showing on his indifferent and profound face.
"Your household is in turmoil; have you ever wondered why?"
Bai Kangyan immediately lowered his head guiltily.
"It's fine for a man to indulge his wife in small matters, but it's foolish for him to turn a blind eye to big matters!"
After Bai Lao finished speaking angrily, he coughed violently. Bai Kangyan reached out to pat his back, but was scared away by a look from the old man.
Bai Qianmo immediately got up and walked to the old man's side, gently patting his back with one hand and pressing his acupoint between his thumb and index finger with the other.
"Grandpa, don't be angry because of me. Taking care of your health is the most important thing."
Taking a deep breath, Elder Bai looked at Bai Qianmo with pity.
"Child, I'm sorry you had to suffer."
Although the words were not explicitly stated, Bai Qianmo understood the deeper meaning behind the old man's statement.
The old man clearly saw Han Songyan's cold attitude towards her and her deep protectiveness towards Bai Xiruo, and naturally he would also think about what she had gone through during her time back in the Bai family.
"Grandpa, I'm not as aggrieved as you think. Some things are better left unsaid once you take them lightly."
Bai Kangyan and Han Songyan's expressions both changed.
Bai Kangyan was filled with guilt. He wanted to protect Qianmo, but he couldn't ignore Xiruo either. Seeing Xiruo's sad and tearful appearance just now, he couldn't help but go up to protect her.
Such behavior would undoubtedly harm Qianmo.
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