Xiong Rui stepped back, her mind chaotic.
This was not the response she had expected or hoped for.
The idea that such behavior could be brushed off as 'normal' or 'playful' was unthinkable to her. "But, Mom, it didn't feel right. It felt... wrong," she stammered, her voice trembling.
Qiu Xingyu sighed, a hint of impatience creeping into her tone. "Rui, you're overthinking this. Zhang Wei is part of the family now. It's important to maintain harmony in the household. Sometimes, we have to overlook small matters for the greater good."
The words felt like a cold dismissal to Xiong Rui. Her search for support and understanding had led her to a dead end, leaving her feeling more isolated and confused than before.
The realization that her mother viewed the situation so differently – and was willing to justify it – was a painful blow.
