"Okay, let's go to the hospital tomorrow morning. I should get a checkup too."
“The company business is finished, let’s all five of us go tomorrow.” Carlos quickly suggested, appreciating his mother’s care for him, her protection of him, and her complete selflessness.
I knew Zhang Hongmei wouldn't bring this up without a reason, especially not just before Christmas Eve. She must have discovered something.
"Okay, our whole family will go."
He glanced at Carlos and said, "I have no other expectations, I just want you to get married next year and give birth to the McKen family heir as soon as possible."
Carlos, I have never interfered in your private affairs before, but this time I am giving you a command.
Carlos was startled. Looking at his listless mother, he felt dissatisfied with his daughter for the first time. It was all because of this ignorant child; otherwise, his mother wouldn't be like this.
"Mom, I'll be obedient. I'll leave everything to you. Whichever family's daughter you think is better, that's the one. I have absolutely no objection. I'll follow your arrangements completely."
"Okay, I'll make a choice within a month, give you two months to get to know each other, and we'll get married within six months. Can you listen to me?"
Carlos nodded repeatedly, "I'll listen to you, please don't scare me, I'll absolutely obey."
Anne was a very sensitive child. She sensed her father's displeasure with her earlier and felt very sad. However, she also knew that she had to be obedient and not upset her grandmother.
Zhang Hongmei put her arm around her shoulder and patted her reassuringly.
I felt helpless. This really can't be entirely blamed on the child. She's still so young, what could she possibly know? But it's their family matter, so all I could do was comfort the little girl.
Beth put her arm around Huang Meihua's shoulder and said, "I told you not to overthink it. Look, how could you get sick? What would I do if something happened to you and I was all alone?"
Huang Meihua patted his thigh, "It's nothing, he's just not feeling well. Hongmei is being too cautious."
"What do you mean by being too cautious? You promised me you'd always be there for me."
"Yes, I know, so let's go to the hospital tomorrow."
Annie ate very little at dinner. Carlos comforted her a couple of times, but Beth didn't show any expression and didn't comfort the child either.
Lying in bed that night, Annie hugged Zhang Hongmei's waist and asked, "Mom, was I very naughty?"
"How could that be? I think Annie Baby is very understanding."
"But I made Grandma sick, and Grandpa and Dad won't forgive me."
Zhang Hongmei sat up. "Annie, you get up too, let's talk."
Anne, Mom is asking you this seriously now: "Do you still want to be an actress?"
Annie lowered her head. "Mom, I really like being the center of attention, but since everyone in the family is against it, I won't insist."
"But it's also a regret for you, isn't it? You went to the film set today, and after coming back, you still have these thoughts?"
“Mom, I am not like them, I will not be unloving of myself.”
"Annie, do you like standing in front of people? Do you think you're very beautiful?"
Anne lowered her head and remained silent.
"But when you wear beautiful clothes and exquisite jewelry, have you ever thought that perhaps your beauty is enhanced by these top-notch items?"
When the weather gets warmer, I'll take you to the slums. There are people in the world who are prettier than you. If you don't believe me, take your clothes and let other children try them on. If they have some of your advantages, they might not be any worse than you.
We all say you're beautiful because you're our child, and of course we think you're the most beautiful child in the world!
"Mom, are you against me becoming an actress too?"
"No. Mom just doesn't want you to regret it in the future."
Will I definitely regret it?
"I don't know, I'm not you, I can't guess what you're thinking, but I really agree with what your grandmother said. You should be an elegant and dignified young lady, not an actress who can be ordered around by others?"
You've seen the general situation today. Do you want it to end up like that?
Anne shook her head. "I would never do that."
"But if you don't do this, you won't get any roles. What will you do then? How will you stand in front of the audience?"
Not everyone is willing to degenerate, but in order to have a chance, they will give up a lot.
Anne, here's what we'll do. I'll start a film company and convince Grandma to let you go there, but you won't be acting. You also can't be called the heiress of the McCann family. You'll have to rely on yourself. If you still have this idea before I leave, there's nothing I can do to help you.
You're a filial child. Your grandmother is so old; she's seen more of life than you have. She might be a little extreme, but her intentions are for your own good. Think about it. Do you want to be a pampered princess, or someone who's bossed around and looked down upon?
You are still young. I don't want you to think that your parents stifled your dreams, so that you will regret it and blame your family one day.
I want you to figure this out yourself. Does it mean you won't be pretty if you're not an actress? Does it mean you can't be admired by others if you're not an actress?
If you could become a leader through your own efforts, wouldn't you receive even more attention than a celebrity?
"Mom, are you telling the truth?"
"Annie, do you know who the current leader is?"
"I know!"
Do you know what he looks like?
"I know!"
"Isn't that right? Look, even a little kid can recognize a leader. Do you think he's any less impressive than a celebrity?"
Anne shook her head. "Mom, I've decided. I don't want to be a star; I want to be a leader."
"Hehe, that's right. As long as you're good enough, with the McCann family's capabilities, you definitely have a chance. Annie, keep up the good work!"
“Okay, Mom!” Annie finally smiled.
Zhang Hongmei breathed a sigh of relief; it really hadn't been easy.
The next morning, Annie greeted her family cheerfully. Before everyone had eaten, she stood up and said earnestly, "Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, I've decided that when I grow up, I want to be a leader. That way, I'll receive even more attention than a celebrity."
Huang Meihua smiled and said, "That's the kind of daughter the McCann family has. You're ambitious. Grandma supports you."
"Hehe, me too. Grandpa supports you. The McCann family will be your strong backing in the future."
Carlos smiled contentedly, gently stroking his daughter's head. "My baby is the best, Daddy supports you."
The three of them looked at Zhang Hongmei with gratitude, knowing that it was she who had persuaded the child. It was she who had instilled in the child the right outlook on life.
Beth felt that the McCann family was truly blessed to have this adopted daughter.
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