"Qingqing, come sit here with your aunt." Xie Jingyue sighed as she looked at the child who was standing there blankly, and took the initiative to beckon her over.
The dining table is huge; if Xie's father were to arrange it, she'd probably be at the very back. After all, nobody cares about her, nor would they care where she sits.
"Hello, Auntie." Xie Qingqing walked over.
The maid pulled out a chair, and she obediently sat down. To be honest, being with her aunt made her feel much calmer, less anxious than before. This sense of security was something she had never experienced even with her own parents.
Xie Jingyue was positioned very close to the old lady, so the old lady was able to observe her up close.
"Is this child starving at home? He's so thin. If word got out, people would think the Xie family is abusing their child."
The old lady had a sharp tongue but a kind heart. She actually felt sorry for the child, but her words were harsh and her expression wasn't exactly kind. Therefore, no one thought she was genuinely concerned.
Even Xie Qingqing herself couldn't help but lower her head, thinking that she had disgraced the Xie family.
Xie Wan'er rolled her eyes, and then began to complain.
"My sister has always had a small appetite. Today at lunchtime in the cafeteria, I was trying to see what she was eating when she saw me approach and suddenly spilled her food on the floor, almost getting me wet. My dad has always told me to cherish food and not waste it. So my sister's behavior was wrong. To teach her not to waste food, I made her pick up the food from the floor." She didn't mention that she didn't let the other girl eat afterwards.
She struck first, and even if Xie Qingqing later explained that she didn't have food to eat at school, her family would still think she deserved it.
Although the Xie family's wealth was accumulated from their ancestors, they also experienced a period of hardship during special times. The old lady had experienced those hard times herself, so she valued food exceptionally much.
Moreover, Chinese people place great importance on food.
In reality, how much food and grain do these Xie family members waste every day? They're just trying to please the old lady. If they have money, why should they care so much?
But now that the topic has been brought to the forefront, they can't pretend to be deaf and dumb.
“Wan’er did the right thing. Although our family is wealthy, it’s not a reason to be extravagant. Qingqing, you came from a poor background, so you should understand the value of food even more.” Father Xie said sternly, not wanting his child to become a spoiled brat like others in this circle.
Xie Qingqing lowered her head and remained silent, as if she had tacitly agreed.
Seeing that she didn't refute it, the others assumed Xie Wan'er was telling the truth. Their gazes towards her gradually turned disdainful.
Although he is indeed of Xie family blood, how is this behavior any different from that of a petty person who climbs the social ladder and becomes a phoenix? He went to great lengths to come to a wealthy family, only to act so stingily.
The old lady's friendly expression faded somewhat; she looked down on this kind of unambitious child. Having barely lived there for many years, and with this initial impression of a child who lacked drive, she had no interest in getting to know him better.
For a moment, Xie Jingyue wanted to quit. Humans are born with mouths, and mouths are for speaking, not for admiring. In front of so many people, they didn't even bother to explain, just tacitly agreed. Did they think their reputation wasn't bad enough already?
But after she calmed down, she felt a little regretful. If she hadn't asked for help so many times and been rejected and ridiculed so many times, she wouldn't have become so dejected. She was just giving up completely. Since no one would believe her explanation anyway, why bother?
"Qingqing, can you tell your aunt why you did this?" She reached out and put her hand on Xie Qingqing's shoulder, smiling with a firm and strong expression.
Xie Qingqing stared at her, hesitant. Should she explain? If she did, would they believe her? But this aunt was the only person who had shown her kindness.
"What else could it be? It's because they come from a small town and think they can act recklessly just because they have money." Aunt Xie despises people who suddenly become rich the most. How do poor people get rich, and then they cause a bunch of trouble?
Why is it important to marry someone of equal social standing? Because if two people are not of equal social standing, their values and beliefs will be different.
The saying "bad people come from poor and remote places" is not without merit.
Xie Wan'er was initially worried that Xie Qingqing would have to explain, but Xie San's few words only reinforced everyone's impression of Xie Qingqing. She couldn't help but feel smug; a country bumpkin is a country bumpkin, no matter what identity she changed, it's still a stain.
"Third Aunt, my sister already knows she was wrong. Please, for my sake, don't say anything more to her!"
She used Xie Qingqing's reputation to build a good one for herself. Although her methods were unacceptable, she was indeed clever and quite likable.
Aunt Xie smiled and looked at her, "You little rascal, Auntie will listen to you."
Xie Qingqing lowered her head again, thinking, "Look, no one will believe me."
They all like Xie Wan'er and dislike her, so no matter how much she explains, probably no one will believe her.
It's like back in school, when a high-achieving student deliberately dropped her textbook on the floor, but claimed she did it herself. The teacher believed her and told her to stop making such shady moves.
Because of her poor grades and inability to explain herself clearly, this became their excuse to bully her.
Whatever, I'm used to it. If they don't believe me, they don't believe me. Anyway, she's too lazy to explain.
Xie Jingyue looked up and saw Xie Wan'er's smug look. She looked down and saw the extinguished light in Xie Qingqing's eyes.
She sighed and patted the back of her head. "Silly child, if you don't tell me, no one will know what happened. Your aunt is asking you just to find out what happened, not to blame you. Why won't you tell me?"
Xie Qingqing remained silent for a long time. She raised her head and asked expectantly, "Auntie, will you believe me?"
"certainly."
"Auntie!" Xie Wan'er called out anxiously, "Auntie, my sister is a master liar, don't believe her."
Children can't hide their emotions after all; a seemingly random remark caused everyone to frown.
Xie Qingqing hasn't said anything yet, so how did she become the best liar?
"Wan'er, what are you doing?" Xie Jingchen looked at her strangely.
Although he disliked his younger sister's behavior, his aunt had already asked him questions, so she had the right to speak.
"Brother, I..." Xie Wan'er wasn't sure if her aunt would side with her, but she was certain that this matter would not end well.
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