Another Day of Pretending for the Wealthy Couple - Chapter 56

Sheng Wan removed her overcoat and took a seat.

Her entire demeanor exuded an elegance born of experience, a dignified grace complemented by her striking features.

She was exquisitely refined, a stark contrast to Zhou Yanyu’s aloof severity.

Meanwhile, Ji Qing, with his gentle and polished temperament, sat beside his wife in a black suit and began, “First and foremost, we must apologize. Huanghuang acted recklessly. No matter the circumstances, she should never have done something so absurd without considering your health.”

“As an adult, she ought to take responsibility for her actions and apologize herself. But as parents, we know that no matter how old our children get, they remain our children. I’m sure you, as in-laws, can understand this. So, Huanghuang’s mother and I are here to offer our sincerest apologies on her behalf.”

“She values Puppy more than her own life and simply lost her temper in the heat of the moment.”

With these words, Ji Qing laid the matter out plainly, acknowledging that Ji Tanyuan had acted inappropriately, yet implying that the fault did not lie entirely with her. Clearly, someone else had failed to act with propriety first.

Then Sheng Wan took over. She smiled lightly and said, “To be honest, when you first suggested letting the two children spend time together to build their relationship, I thought it was a good idea. I believed you, as in-laws, must truly care for your children. After all, it’s always best for a married couple to live a proper, stable life together.”

“Since we’re family now, allow me to speak frankly, as one parent to another. Let’s have an equal conversation from the perspective of parents who only want the best for their children.”

“Marriage is between two people. As parents, we must learn to step back. So, why are you, as adults, involving yourselves so deeply in their lives?”

As she spoke, her lips curved into a smile, and her eyes sparkled with amusement. Yet her words were sharp and unsparing, her tone colder than the autumn air outside, piercing to the bone:

“Every family has its rules, we understand that. But this is a marriage alliance, not a sale of our daughter to your family. If she’s unhappy, why must you insist on making things difficult for her? Just because she’s not your own flesh and blood, does that mean you feel free to torment her as you please?”

The moment her words fell, the room fell into silence. Though Sheng Wan’s voice was not loud, the anger behind her gritted teeth was palpable.

Zhong Fangqi responded, “That’s putting it too strongly. We never forced Tanyuan to do anything she was unwilling to do.”

“Of course, we’ve given the children space to be alone together. We wouldn’t interfere unless something unexpected happened.”

The old man coughed twice, leaning against the headboard, and added, “But as you said, every family has its rules. In this marriage, it’s not A-Yan who’s marrying into her family, it’s Tanyuan who’s marrying into the Zhong family. Naturally, she should adapt to our ways.”

“Otherwise, if both spouses harbor their own separate agendas, it won’t bode well for their relationship.”

Sheng Wan let out a light laugh. “If they end up divorced because they can’t see eye to eye, then that’s their fate to bear. Even though Zhong Yan is your grandson, meddling excessively in their affairs won’t do you any good either.”

The old man waved his hand dismissively. “It seems to me you’re not here to apologize at all.”

His expression darkened, and he clearly had no desire to speak further. The Ji family had pinpointed his weakness, the reluctance to air dirty laundry in public.

Zhong Fangqi glanced at his father, then said in a low voice, “We’re all one family now. We can let bygones be bygones. Brother Ji, you must weigh what’s truly important. Our families have collaborated this far, abandoning it midway would not be in your best interest.”

Ji Qing crossed his legs and replied calmly, “You’re absolutely right. This is a partnership, so let’s maintain mutual respect and refrain from interfering in their lives.”

With the two heads of household having the final say, there was no real possibility of Zhong Yan and Ji Tanyuan divorcing. Once this union had begun, it couldn’t end over such a trivial matter.

The Zhong family’s arrogance stemmed solely from their power and status. But no matter how high-ranking an official may be, beneath the title, they are still parents with their own family conflicts. Sometimes, stepping back is the only way forward.

When a problem can’t be solved but must be resolved, the only option is to simultaneously forget it as if it never happened. Holding a grudge doesn’t matter; what matters is that core interests remain unharmed.

Before leaving, Sheng Wan walked to the hospital bed, slightly bowed to the old man, and said, “Sir, you may not hear my daughter’s voice, but I am closer to your age. Perhaps you’ll take my words to heart. Please don’t worry about the children’s affairs, it’s better for everyone this way.”

With that, she stood up and left.

Ji Qing, following behind her, picked up the coat Sheng Wan had left on the sofa and explained to the old man, “Please don’t take offense. My wife speaks bluntly, but we believe it’s right for us, as adults, to guide the children appropriately. Overcontrol would only put the cart before the horse.”

Ji Tanyuan’s parents were both assertive and dignified, offering respect while clearly stating their stance. If things escalated into a confrontation, the Ji family would fall faster than the Zhong family. Ji Qing, long accustomed to navigating political circles, didn’t mind bending a little more.

The old man’s face darkened as he watched them leave. How audacious, a mere businessperson daring to lecture him.

Zhong Fangqi patted his wife, Zhou Yanyu, who had been distracted all day, and asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong with you today? You’ve been silent.”

Zhou Yanyu replied flatly, “Nothing.”

She was just stunned by Ji Tanyuan and equally surprised by Ji Tanyuan’s parents.

Her theories about being the matriarch of the household didn’t apply here, voicing them would only invite ridicule. As for official pleasantries, she couldn’t be bothered. She was genuinely exhausted: one old lady was enough to drive her mad, and now there was this old man too.

As the four stepped out, they saw Ji Tanyuan and Zhong Yan sitting apart, neither speaking to the other.

Hearing the noise, Ji Tanyuan looked up, spotted her mother, and immediately stood. “Mom.”

Sheng Wan gave a faint acknowledgment.

Zhong Yan rose to his feet. His tall stature carried a certain imposing air, with a sharply defined jawline, a high-bridged nose, and a stern expression that made him seem more formidable than usual.

He stepped forward to apologize, acknowledging that his grandfather had indeed overstepped and acted impulsively. While the elder couldn’t apologize, he could.

He cared nothing for his grandfather’s pride; his only concern was whether his marriage could proceed normally.

Sheng Wan glanced at him, then at her daughter. “It’s fine. From now on, each can live their own life without forcing anything.”

Just as Ji Tanyuan was about to nod in agreement, Zhong Yan tightened his grip on her hand.

“That won’t do. I won’t accept us cheating on each other.”

“Oh, then just let Huanghuang cheat on you, and as long as you don’t reciprocate, the problem is solved.”

So, it wouldn’t be mutual, just one-sided.

Zhong Yan clenched Ji Tanyuan’s hand tighter. Now, this was true sharpness. By comparison, Ji Tanyuan seemed like a novice in front of her mother.

And since this was his mother-in-law, he couldn’t talk back.

He gave a slight smile and turned to Ji Tanyuan beside him. “Darling, say something.”

Ji Tanyuan’s smile stiffened.