Chapter 21: 21

Ten minutes later, a black Bentley slowly stopped in front of the hotel. The driver opened the door for the passengers.

Father Bai stepped out from the passenger seat, his face gloomy. He had also deliberately changed into a gray chinese tunic suit, which looked very formal.

Sitting at the back seats were Yang Su Ping and her daughter.

Bai Zhen Zhen was astonished when she saw that Bai Meng Ru had tagged along.

Huo Xiang chuckled lightly, and whispered to Bai Zhen Zhen: “Your sister isn’t simple.”

Bai Zhen Zhen responded with a smile.

Yes, she really wasn’t simple.

Looking at the way she had dolled up today, a new light-yellow lace dress that showed off her long legs, and was clearly tailored to fit her figure, showing off her figure and temperament. In addition to the exquisite make up on her face, those unaware of the truth would think that she was the protagonist today, and the whole family had accompanied her on her blind date.

Huo Xiang glanced at Bai Zhen Zhen again, quietly asking: “Ah, you’re also here to meet my family’s elders. Why don’t you learn from your younger sister and dress up more?”

Bai Zhen Zhen’s lips curled up: “I’m already naturally beautiful. If I dressed up, how will they be able to survive!”

“That make’s sense!” Huo Xiang was enlightened, nodded slowly.

“Sister, what are you chatting about so happily!” Bai Zhen Zhen let go of her mother’s hand and skipped up to Bai Zhen Zhen, intimately hugging her arm.

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t rush to push her sister away this time, and replied calmly: “Nothing. I didn’t expect that you would be here today, so I was slightly surprised when I saw you.”

Bai Meng Ru smiled shly: “Sister, we are one big family! Since it’s our first meeting with my brother-in-law’s grandfather, of course I should be here!”

She turned towards Huo Xiang: “By the way, brother-in-law, I was busy for the past two days and haven’t had the opportunity to congratulate you and my sister on your marriage!”

“No problem, we don’t care anyway.” Huo Xiang replied casually.

Bai Meng Ru’s face became stiff in an instant.

Bai Zhen Zhen couldn’t hold it in, clutching her stomach as she bowled over in laughter.

Yang Su Ping, who had just walked over, didn’t realise that her daughter had been humiliated. Instead, she smiled and ask the exact same question as her daughter: “What are you chatting about so happily?”

“It’s nothing, just made a small joke!” Huo Xiang kept an amused smile on his face.

Bai Meng Ru subconsciously let go of Bai Zhen Zhen’s hand and returned to her mother’s side.

Her expression was terrible, but she kept silent.

“Uncle Bai,” Huo Xiang said to Father Bai, “My grandfather is already waiting for you in the private room. Let’s go in together.”

Father Bai nodded with a solemn face. After a few steps, he couldn’t help but give a few glances to Bai Zhen Zhen.

Bai Zhen Zhen smiled at him.

However, compared to the natural smile previously, her smile today was a little more deliberate and estranged.

****

Huo Xiang, Bai Zhen Zhen and Father Bai lead the way. Yang Ping Su and Bai Meng Ru followed slowly behind them.

Yang Su Ping was curious, quietly asking her daughter: “What happened just now? Why do you look dispirited?”

Bai Meng Ru finally told Yang Su Ping the story, while adding embellishments.

While speaking, she even choked out: “Mom, how did sister become the way she is now… Belittling and taunting me out of nowhere…”

When Yang Su Ping heard this, her teeth gnashed in anger: “It’s just a Bai Zhen Zhen, yet she dares to treat my daughter in this manner!”

But considering Huo Xiang’s current status, she couldn’t pluck up the courage to openly criticise Bai Zhen Zhen, and could only pretend to be fierce behind their backs.

“Mom, when you called me today, you mentioned our family can rely on Bai Zhen Zhen to rise up the social ladder. Based on my opinion, even if we manage to climb up, it’s only dad who will be able to enjoy the benefits. In sister’s eyes, she doesn’t consider us as family; she can’t wait for us to be down in the dumps!” Bai Meng Ru said aggrievedly.

Yang Su Ping listened to Bai Meng Ru’s analysis, and found it reasonable.

“That’s right. Why was I so muddleheaded!” Yang Su Ping carefully pondered, “Bai Zhen Zhen isn’t my biological daughter. Even if she marries into a rich family, I don’t get any benefits!”

“Not only that, I’m afraid she will change her ways and start to humiliate us…” Bai Meng Ru added quietly.

Yang Su Ping thought deeply and agreed, saying bitterly: “I knew that Bai Zhen Zhen had changed recently. Previously she would still pretend to be filial and call me ‘mom’. However, recently, she suddenly changed the way she calls me to ‘aunty’, and always talks back to me! She must have long known of Huo Xiang’s identity, and known that she was about to be rich, thus finally exposing her true nature!”

Bai Meng Ru sighed: “I never expected that sister would actually be such a person…”

Yang Su Ping’s eyes flashed fiercely. She secretly tugged on Bai Meng Ru’s hand, hoarsely saying: “Meng Ru, we can’t let Bai Zhen Zhen continue to be so arrogant! The more she wants to draw lines with us, the more we have to ruin her marriage! When the time comes, let’s see how all her efforts come to naught!”

“Mom, it’s not good to behave this way… And from what I see, Young Master Huo truly fancies sister…” Bai Meng Ru pretended to hesitate.

“What do you know! No man is truly dedicated! In addition, he was in a destitute position when he fell in love with Bai Zhen Zhen. But now that he’s rich, could he still feel the same way?”

While whispering with each other, they had unknowingly reached the entrance to the private room.

Yang Ping Su continued: “Relax, just be prepared to watch the show later, see how I deal with her!”

****

The group walked into the ‘Crane’ room together.

This was the biggest room in the entire restaurant. It was spacious and luxuriously decorated. The chandelier above sparkled elegantly, infusing the entire room with magnificence.

The area of the private room was tremendous, with the lounge corner occupying thirty or forty square meters alone, and the dining area was even more spacious. However, what surprised Bai Zhen Zhen the most was that in that huge dining area, a small round table, similar to that at her house, was placed conspicuously, surrounded by six luxurious chairs. It gave off a warm atmosphere, yet didn’t feel cramped.

Currently, a white-haired old man sat at the main seat of the round table. Though he was already in his twilight years, his spirit was still energetic.

“You’ve arrived…” Watching them walk over, Elder Huo stood up from his seat, wanting to greet them.

A middle-aged man, dressed as a butler, hurriedly walked over, wanting to assist him up.

However, Elder Huo rejected his help.

“Grandfather!” Huo Xiang called out with a smile, smoothly grabbing on to Bai Zhen Zhen’s hand.

Bai Zhen Zhen was surprised, but not adverse to his motion, letting him hold her hand firmly and walk over to Elder Huo.

“Grandfather, let me introduce you. This is your granddaughter-in-law, Zhen Zhen! This is Zhen Zhen’s father, and to the side is Aunty Yang and Sister Meng Ru.”

“Hello, grandpa!” Bai Zhen Zhen greeted obediently.

Sometimes fate really took one by surprise.

The moment she met this grandfather, she felt close to him.

“Hello, Zhen Zhen!” Elder Huo smiled kindly, nodding to Bai Zhen Zhen.

He turned to Father Bai and stretched out a hand: “Mr Bai, come. Let’s have a seat first.”

Father Bai shook hands with Elder Huo, barely squeezing out a smile.

After everyone was seated, Elder Huo began to explain the layout of the room: “Actually, this place originally had a big table. However, I thought that there were only six of us in total, so I asked the restaurant to change it to a small table, so that it resembles a normal family dinner, and also makes one feel more welcoming.”

Bai Zhen Zhen said: “Grandpa is really thoughtful.”

On the other hand, Father Bai said: “Elder Huo sure is wealthy, having both authority and power. I’m guessing that even if you wanted to fully refurbish the private room, the restaurant wouldn’t refuse.”

Father Bai’s tone was a little strange, making one feel uncomfortable. It didn’t seem like he was joking either.

The expressions of the others at the table changed. The butler standing by the side also gave Father Bai a second look, displeasure evident in his eyes.

“But with our small family and small status, it’s true that we are only worth a small table like this.” Father Bai added on.

Yang Su Ping was afraid of triggering the richest man. She faked a laugh, subconsciously gritting her teeth at Father Bai: “Old Bai, you’re joking again!”

Elder Huo’s smile froze for a few seconds, before slowly relaxing.

“It’s my bad; I was the one who came up with this bad idea and neglected Mr Bai.” Elder Huo warmly said, “Next time, I will choose a better place before apologising to Mr Bai.”

“Grandpa, you speak too seriously.” Bai Zhen Zhen hurriedly said, “We are honored to have received your invitation. Thank you, grandpa. Next time, it’s my father turn to invite you over for a meal.”

Elder Huo laughed after hearing her words. However, his laughter was brusquely cut off by Father Bai’s words: “Zhen Zhen, how could Elder Huo tolerate our shabby house, not to mention inviting him over for a meal. You shouldn’t make a fool of us in front of others.”

Bai Zhen Zhen’s face instantly became black.

Elder Huo was not bothered, still laughing cheerfully, replying: “My granddaughter-in-law is inviting me for a meal. No matter where it is, I will like it!”

Only mentioning “granddaughter-in-law”, and not the Bai family, those seated at the table instantly understood his intentions.

With that said, he took the initiative to turn the turntable, moving the peanuts on the table over to Bai Zhen Zhen.

“Come, Zhen Zhen, eat some peanuts and smile.” *

Bai Zhen Zhen’s expression finally eased slightly. She pursed her lips in apologies towards Elder Huo, but Elder Huo was not angry with her. Instead, he smiled and nodded at her, beckoning her not to mind.

The trace of warmth from Elder Huo lingered in Bai Zhen Zhen’s heart.

Father Bai didn’t give up, continuing: “Elder Huo, I don’t want to hide it from you. I came here today not to have a meal, but to personally talk to you about the marriage between my daughter and Huo Xiang.”

Elder Huo smiled: “I know that Mr Bai is worried about the marriage, rest assured…”

“Elder Huo is mistaken. I wanted to discuss with you — their divorce.” Father Bai said.

Elder Huo was obviously taken aback, turning to look at Huo Xiang.

Huo Xiang frowned, immediately looking at Father Bai: “Uncle Bai, how could you bring this up again? Zhen Zhen and I have already obtained our marriage certificate…”

“Elder Huo, I won’t hide it from you. I know the social status of our Bai family. Before Huo Xiang reunited with you, I was still very satisfied with him. But now, we cannot afford to marry up.” Father Bai directly ignored Huo Xiang’s words, only speaking directly to Elder Huo.

Bai Zhen Zhen picked up a peanut and began to chew, her face cold.

Elder Huo was at a loss: “Mr Bai, from your words, it seems like our family’s background has implicated my grandson.”

Father Bai replied: “We are just being self-aware, and will not look for self-humiliation.”

Elder Huo said: “Mr Bai, I believe you are mistaken. I have never asked Huo Xiang about Zhen Zhen’s family background, because I feel that a person’s family background cannot determine her character or life. Besides, the matter is between the two children. As long as they like each other, as elders and parents, we should bless them, don’t you think?”

“Yes, Uncle Bai, Zhen Zhen and I are truly in love. This has nothing to do with who I am.” Huo Xiang sincerely said.

He looked at Bai Zhen Zhen.

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However, Bai Zhen Zhen gave him a “don’t waste your effort” look.

Indeed, children knew their parents best. Huo Xiang and his grandfather’s words didn’t shake Father Bai’s conviction at all.

“Elder Huo, I don’t agree with what you said. Marriage is a matter of two families. A marriage of unequal social status will not be a happy one.”

Elder Huo smiled: “Mr Bai, look at me. I’m a generation above you, yet how is your way of thinking even more decayed than an old man like me? Marrying within social classes, how many decades ago was that? Current society emphasizes on free love!”

Elder Huo’s words deeply touched Bai Zhen Zhen’s heart. She couldn’t help but cheered: “Grandpa, well said!”

Father Bai was annoyed when he heard it, rebuking: “Bai Zhen Zhen!”

“What’s the matter, dad?” Bai Zhen Zhen pretended to be innocent, blinking at her father.

She couldn’t beat or scold her treasured father, but she also wasn’t allowed to watch the show and cheer them on by the side?!

Yang Su Ping saw this scene, secretly gloating in her heart.

It looks like she didn’t need to step up. Bai Zhen Zhen’s marriage was about to be personally ruined by her father.

At this moment, a few waiters carried the exquisite dishes to the table and began serving it.

Huo Xiang hurriedly soothed the situation, saying: “Why don’t we eat first, and we can continue talking while eating.”

Elder Huo had an easy-going expression: “Mr Bai, since we gathered for a happy occasion, no matter what, let’s talk peacefully. We still have to enjoy this meal.”

Fathr Bai gritted his teeth, but didn’t continue to speak.

“Yes, let’s eat.” Yang Su Ping smiled.

She proactively stretched out her chopsticks and picked up a slice of beef for Father Bai.

“Elder Huo, Old Bai’s worries aren’t unfounded either.” Yang Su Ping took the opportunity to join in, “After all, Zhen Zhen is… Sigh…”

She paused in the middle of her words, sighing deeply.

Elder Huo asked with interest: “Oh, what’s the matter with Zhen Zhen?”

Yang Su Ping pretended to be conflicted, slowly replying: “Zhen Zhen has had a tough life. She didn’t receive a good education when she was a child, going out to work immediately after graduating from high school. Don’t think of her as just an innocent young girl. She would do anything to survive! Handing out flyers, selling tickets, washing dishes, working as a waiter… She has done all kinds of work!”

“Although she’s not my biological child, but even I feel distressed when I look at her.” Yang Su Ping paused, glancing at Bai Zhen Zhen with a pitying gaze before continuing, “But I know Bai Zhen Zhen. Her personality is too crude, and it’s difficult for her to change her ways. For a high-class family like yours, those who marry in should be girls with intelligence, talents and looks. Our Zhen Zhen really isn’t suitable!”

“Zhen Zhen isn’t your biological daughter?” Elder Huo was a little surprised.

He had indeed never asked Hu oXiang about Bai Zhen Zhen’s situation, and didn’t know that the family’s relationships were so complicated.

“Grandpa, Aunty Yang is my step-mother. She married my father when I was ten years old. As for Bai Meng Ru, she is Aunty Yang’s daughter with her ex-husband.” Bai Zhen Zhen explained. Her tone was calm, without a single fluctuation.

Bai Zhen Zhen could tell that Yang Su Ping was trying to belittle her in front of Elder Huo, so that she couldn’t marry into the Huo family.

IT seems like her two thousand dollar salary was not sufficient to satisfy her greedy step-mother. Yang Su Ping had probably thought it out. If she married into a wealthy family, not only would Yang Su Ping and her daughter not obtain any benefits, their situation would even deterioriate. So, she decided to ruin her marriage.

She probably had further plans to “recommend” Bai Meng Ru.

— If the Huo family was willing to accept her biological daughter, then she could live without any worries in the future.

Bai Zhen Zhen understood Yang Su Ping’s entire thought process, glancing at Bai Meng Ru.

Bai Meng Ru didn’t say anything throughout, only silently eating. But Bai Zhen Zhen knew that her true thoughts ran deep.

She was curious whether Yang Su Ping’s change was due to her own enlightenment, or was it because she was brainwashed by her daughter.

“A child’s education is indeed very important,” Elder Huo spoke up, “Apologies if I cause any offense — can neither of you afford for the children to go to school?”

Yang Ping Su replied: “Elder Huo, you don’t know our situation! Our family background was originally poor, the whole family was supported by Old Bai. After Old Bai lost his job and fell ill, we couldn’t afford for both children to continue their studies. Zhen Zhen couldn’t compare to our Meng Ru; Meng Ru has been smart since young, and even managed to be admitted to a prestigious university…”

“Your second child is in university now?” Elder Huo interrupted Yang Su Ping.

When Yang Su Ping saw Elder Huo’s interest towards her own daughter, she immediately became excited, rushing out: “Yes! Our Meng Ru is studying in the best university in the city, and her academic performance is also the best every year. She also knows how to dance!”

“Oh, even learning to dance?”

“That’s not all! Our Meng Ru is not just a natural beauty, but also a natural dancer! She was even invited to an interview at an entertainment company last week. They saw how well she dances, and with her good temperament, they wanted to sign her immediately to be a star!”

While speaking, Yang Su Ping elbowed Bai Meng Ru who was sitting beside her, suggesting: “Meng Ru, why don’t you give a live performance to Elder Huo!”

“Pfft — ” Bai Zhen Zhen couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Facing everyone’s gazes, she huriedly waved: “Sorry, I may have eaten too much peanuts and choked…”

Her step-mother was also a talented person, to ask her daughter to dance in front of so many people. Even if they didn’t find it embarrassing, she didn’t want that sight to burn her eyes.

Elder Huo looked towards Father Bai, and said thoughtfully: “Mr Bai, I didn’t expect you to be so selfless, actually having to make a choice between the two children, and ultimately choosing to send the younger girl to school…”

Yang Su Ping hurriedly replied first: “Zhen Zhen is the elder sister, so naturally she should pander to her younger sister! Besides, her results were not comparable to Meng Ru’s. She probably couldn’t get into a good university any way. It would be a waste if she continued to study!”

Father Bai continued: “It was Zhen Zhen who took the initiative to work after graduating high school. She’s a sensible child who doesn’t want to burden her parents.”

Reading the meaning between his lines, it seemed he was afraid that others would think that he was mistreating his own daughter.

“Yes mom, don’t speak of sister that way.” Bai Meng Ru said, “Sister hasn’t had it easy either. If it wasn’t for me, she wouldn’t have to suffer so much; it’s all my fault…”

Father Bai interrupted Bai Meng Ru’s words, with some pity laced within his stern tone: “Meng Ru, what are you saying! You’re also a good child! You and your mother have both accompanied me during these hard times, I should naturally make it up to you…”

Bai Zhen Zhen picked up a meatball and stuffed it in her mouth, almost grinding her teeth as she ate it.

What kind of logic was that? You want to make it up to them, what does it have to do with your daughter?! Using your daughter’s future to soothe your guilt towards them?! Because she’s your biological daughter, you think it’s natural to sacrifice her?!

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “I want to curse, but I don’t know if I should say it.”

— System: “Host, I warmly remind you: you shouldn’t.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Alright, anyway I have already arranged the medical treatment for him. I’ll be going on my business trip tomorrow. Out of sight, out of mind.”

“Zhen Zhen…” Elder Huo, who was observing the Bai family’s drama by the side spoke up.

He called out to Bai Zhen Zhen and waved her over: “Come here.”

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t understand what Elder Huo wanted to do, but she still got up and walked to his side.

Elder Huo looked up at her, took her hand slowly and said softly: “Thanks for your hard work all these years…”

Bai Zhen Zhen was absentminded for a moment.

She could see the praise and pity in Elder Huo’s eyes, as sincere as his tone.

“Zhen Zhen, you are an independent strong child! Not afraid of pain or hardship, accumulating so much work experience despite your young age, even contributing back to the family. Grandpa will praise you on their behalf!” Elder Huo continued.

Huo Xiang looked between his grandfather and Bai Zhen Zhen. The picturesque scene made him feel warm in his heart.

On the other hand, Yang Su Ping was dumbfounded. She gave a fake laugh, before saying: “Elder Huo, you’re really big-hearted! Our Zhen Zhen is so shameful, yet you don’t disdain her, and even praise her!”

“Zhen Zhen is such a good girl, why would I disdain her?” Elder Huo retorted, staring deeply at Yang Su Ping.

“That-That’s not…” Yang Su Ping stuttered, “Ah, it’s too embarrassing to mention! As a young lady not yet an adult, going out to muddle about in society, who knows what she has experienced…”

“Aunty Yang!” Bai Zhen Zhen couldn’t bear it anymore, fiercely interrupting Yang Su Ping’s words, prepared to fight back.

— She couldn’t fight her dad, but she could still deal with a mere Yang Su Ping, right?!

Unexpectedly, Elder Huo patted her hand, and said with a smile: “Zhen Zhen, don’t be angry.”

He looked towards Yang Su Ping, his smile instantly vanishing.

“Ms Yang’s words were overboard just now. I have never seen a mother — not to mention you’re a step-mother — speak about their own daughter in that manner.” Elder Huo said, before looking at Father Bai, “And as a father, you even remain silent on the sidelines.”

“I- I was just afraid that you didn’t understand the situation, and wanted to pre-empt you…” Yang Su Ping chuckled.

“I have a very clear understanding of Zhen Zhen’s situation,” Elder Huo said, “She is a kind-hearted, simple and tough girl. It’s an honor for my grandson to marry a good wife like her.”

“But Zhen Zhen, you have a shortcoming…”

Elder Huo paused, pretending to be stern: “If others take advantage of your kindness to bully you, you should fight back! Kindness is a good trait, but it doesn’t represent blind sacrifice and flattery. Do you understand?”

“Elder Huo, listening to your words, it’s as if our Bai family mistreated her…”

“Ms Yang.” Yang Su Ping’s words were once again cut off by Elder Huo, “If you contniue to treat my granddaughter-in-law with this attitude, as a grandfather, I will have to ask you to leave.”

Huo Xiang was astonished.

He always felt that his skills to infuriate others was quite good, but he didn’t expect that ginger was still spicier when older!**

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “What’s going on, Elder Huo is actually speaking on my behalf? It isn’t due to the effect of the female lead halo again, is it?!”

— System: “… Host, you think too much. Elder Huo is already 70 years old…”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Then this is…”

— System: “I believe he has sincerely approved of you.”

Bai Zhen Zhen felt tears prick her eyes.

What a open-hearted kind old man!

He really lives up to his name!! ***

——————–

Author’s note:

Give Elder Huo Zheng Qi a cheer!!

Rest assured, the male and female lead won’t take it lying down. Please look forward to their rise!!

——————–

*It’s like saying cheese when taking pictures – You have to bite down on the peanuts, and doing so makes it look like you’re “smiling”.

**The older you are, the fiercer and more experienced.

***His name is Huo Zheng Qi, which is a play on the herbal water name, but “Zheng Qi” can also be understood as “full of righteousness”

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