The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 16: I will not apologize to her.

Chapter 16: I will not apologize to her.

Editor: Larbre Studio

"Because you disdain." The man’s voice was sonorous.

Shen Qinglan’s heart was shaken.

It turned out, apart from those related by blood, there was another man in this world who would unreservedly believe in her, even though they could be considered strangers.

Fu Hengyi looked at Shen Qinglan, his gaze tender, "You are a proud person, disdainful of using such means. But sometimes, explanations are still necessary, after all, not everyone will believe you as I do."

Shen Qinglan stared blankly at the man before her, the calm sea of her heart stirring for the first time because of a man.

**

The swelling on Shen Qinglan’s face persisted, showing no improvement despite applying ice.

Grandpa Shen didn’t inform Granny Shen about Shen Qinglan’s beating to spare her worry, only mentioning the two sisters had a verbal spat, and Shen Xitong accidentally fell and injured her foot. Knowing Qinglan was unharmed, Granny Shen was somewhat relieved, despite the noise that had occurred earlier. Being bedridden and without the strength to get up herself, she could only worry silently.

Chu Yunrong didn’t return until the evening, looking exhausted.

"How’s Xitong?" Old Sir Shen asked.

"The doctor said it’s a fracture of the right shin, otherwise nothing serious. But Tongtong’s performance is imminent; now, with this matter, she certainly can’t participate. She’s a bit downhearted."

After all, the opportunity was hard-won. Even though Shen Xitong was somewhat known in the industry, such an opportunity was precious to her.

After speaking, Chu Yunrong looked toward Shen Qinglan, who sat silently on the side, "Qinglan, today’s matter is ultimately your fault. Regardless of any misunderstandings or conflicts between you, she’s still your elder sister. It was wrong for you to push her, and now she’s lost such a rare opportunity because of you. Though Tongtong said she doesn’t blame you, you can’t be so inconsiderate. Go to the hospital with Mom tomorrow and apologize to her."

Shen Qinglan finally lifted her gaze to her mother, her eyes clear and devoid of emotion, "I won’t apologize to her."

"You... this child committed a wrong, yet refuses to repent and talks back to elders. Is this how I’ve taught you?"

Shen Qinglan’s lips curved slightly, ambiguous in meaning, "I only know I’m an orphan without parents and no one to teach me what manners are. Many people say I am a bastard unwanted by anyone."

Shen Qinglan’s voice was light, but in the quiet living room, her words reached Old Sir Shen and Chu Yunrong’s ears unmissed, and their expressions instantly turned grim.

Upon uttering the words, Shen Qinglan realized her mistake. Seeing Old Sir Shen’s unpleasant expression, she felt a tinge of regret, as her intention was not to hurt her grandpa’s feelings.

"Enough, Yun Rong, I’ve said this matter is to end here. Since Xitong can’t participate in the performance, let her rest well at home for a while. Lanlan, don’t you have final exams tomorrow? Go to bed early tonight."

Old Sir Shen concluded decisively, stood up, and went upstairs.

Shen Qinglan stood up, also prepared to go upstairs.

"Qinglan, I know you have always blamed Mom. If it weren’t for Mom not keeping an eye on you back then, you wouldn’t have been taken by human traffickers, wouldn’t have suffered so much. You would have grown up with our love, the beloved daughter of the Shen Family. You can blame Mom. But Tongtong is innocent; you don’t know, after losing you, Mom nearly went mad. If not for Tongtong, the Mom you see now would probably be a lunatic. Mom knows ever since you’ve returned, Mom has indeed favored Tongtong, but what else could Mom do? If because you returned, Mom favored you, how would others perceive Mom, and how would they view our Shen Family?"

Chu Yunrong spoke, her eyes reddening.

In this matter, it’s not just you, Shen Qinglan, who is wronged. I am even more aggrieved; I lost my biological daughter, the child I carried for ten months. Who can understand my pain?

Shen Qinglan’s steps halted, her beautiful eyes flickered slightly, "You’re overthinking. I’ve never resented you."

"No, you do hate me. You hate me for losing you, for not looking for you, for favoring Tongtong over you. You even hate Tongtong for snatching away everything that should have been yours," Chu Yunrong accused.

A strange emotion flickered in Shen Qinglan’s eyes; she didn’t turn around. "If that’s what you want to believe, then go ahead if it makes you happier."

Shen Qinglan didn’t want to argue with Chu Yunrong.

But Chu Yunrong seemed suddenly stimulated, rushing in front of Shen Qinglan, her expression resentful, "Again, Shen Qinglan, you have that same expression. Do you feel I’ll always owe you? So, even if I want to make amends, you always keep me at a distance."

Shen Qinglan looked at the emotionally unstable Chu Yunrong, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, "I never thought that way."

"No, you have."

"Qinglan, Mom’s mistakes are Mom’s; don’t take it out on Tongtong. If you’re discontent, you can tell Mom, and Mom will do her best to compensate you, but Tongtong is innocent. Go with Mom and apologize to her tomorrow, okay?" Chu Yunrong softened her tone.

Shen Qinglan’s beautiful eyes were mixed with a coolness, "I said, I won’t apologize to her."

Chu Yunrong suddenly raised her hand.

"What, do you want to hit me again?" Shen Qinglan looked directly into Chu Yunrong’s eyes, her back straight.

Chu Yunrong retreated a few steps, staring blankly at Shen Qinglan’s left cheek. Five clear fingerprints were still there, undiminished from the afternoon.

"Qinglan, Mom... Mom didn’t mean it." Chu Yunrong’s eyes filled with redness as she reached out, wanting to touch the injury on Shen Qinglan’s face.

Shen Qinglan turned her face away, avoiding Chu Yunrong’s hand.

She walked past Chu Yunrong, heading upstairs.

Chu Yunrong stood frozen, staring blankly at her right hand. This was the hand she used today to hit her much indebted daughter.

As if receiving a huge blow, she staggered a few steps and fell directly onto the sofa behind her.

In her room, Shen Qinglan buried her head in the quilt, looking despondent.

Had she really been living a life too free of worries, unable to even manage her emotions?

She laughed at herself, not even understanding where her sharpness had come from earlier. She clearly didn’t care anymore.

If those people knew, they’d probably laugh at me, she thought. I can’t even handle such a small matter, got splashed with dirty water, and even got slapped. Truly regressing with each passing day.

Thinking this, she suddenly recalled Fu Hengyi, who resolutely said, "I believe you," despite them only having met a few times.

Shen Qinglan rubbed her face, trying to dispel the heat, but forgot about the injury. The pain made her wince softly.