"Don't worry, brother will definitely help you. Your happiness is what matters the most," Xia Cheng promised, his usually gentle expression twisting into something fierce as he thought of a way to force He Xing into a response.
Xia Ning's lips curled up into a proud smile.
The A City was bustling with extraordinary excitement today, the scorching sun shining down on the streets and alleys, the weather exceptionally fine.
Xia Ning, who hadn't accompanied Grandfather He in a long time, was strong-armed by the old gentleman's adamant demands to join him in the courtyard to bask in the sun. She supported the elderly man, her face brimming with a smiling expression: "Grandpa, take your time."
"Alright, you are not allowed to run around again today. You're only back for such a short visit, but we can hardly even get a glimpse of you," Grandfather He said, his rough hand covering Fu Han's and patting it twice.
Fu Han smiled tenderly: "Today I won't go anywhere else, I'll just stay here with you."
Grandfather He beamed with joy, glancing back at He Xing behind him: "What are you standing back there for? Hurry up and follow!"
All of this was for this ingrate of a boy.
Fu Han pretended not to notice, swiftly arranging Grandfather He's lounge chair, helping him sit down, and then she brought over a stool and set up the fruit. Aside from having He Xing behind her, everything was peaceful and serene.
Cold indifference flickered in the depths of He Xing's dark eyes as he glanced at her left hand—there was nothing there.
The ring had been taken off again.
Just how much did she hate being engaged to him?
"He Xing!" Xia Cheng approached from not too far away, followed by a horde of maids, looking anything but like he was here for a friendly visit.
Grandfather He frowned: "What are you doing, Xia Cheng? Making such a fuss."
Catching sight of Grandfather He, Xia Cheng toned it down a bit, "Grandfather, you're here too. Just in time to help me seek justice."
Seek justice?
Fu Han arched an eyebrow, it was probably about the Xia Ning incident, right? She crossed her legs and casually handed an apple she had peeled to Grandfather He: "Grandpa, here, have this first. We'll listen to him slowly."
With an air of utter disregard, she infuriated Xia Cheng: "Lady Fu, I'm here today to seek justice! You haven't forgotten about pushing Xia Ning into the water that night, have you? Xia Ning has fallen ill with a high fever and is lying at home—it's partly because of you."
His tone was sharp and spiteful, out of his deep concern for his sister, making Grandfather He's expression darken once again.
What pushing into the water?
"I am well aware of the kind of person Fu Han is, she would never do such a thing," Grandfather He instructed Fu Han to put down the apple and straightened up, "Tell me what happened. I will not accept groundless accusations. While Fu Han may not be my blood-related granddaughter, she is still my granddaughter. If I find out that you dare to bully her, I will not let it slide."
This level of protection warmed Fu Han, who had remained silent. Sure enough, it was Grandpa who cherished her the most.
Xia Cheng scoffed, his gaze shifting to He Xing as if blaming him for bringing up the past.
"Yes, I'm here to seek justice today," Xia Cheng said, his voice lowered, his eyes full of worry, "Xia Ning caught a serious cold and has had a fever for the last couple of days. She's still bedridden. Shouldn't Lady Fu at least apologize?"
"Oh? Bedridden?" There was a hint of a smirk on Fu Han's lips, a teasing glance in her eyes as she elegantly lifted her head to look at him, "Wasn't Lady Xia working at the Xia Family business just a few days ago? I saw her when I was there for work. We even chatted for a bit, so how come she suddenly can't get out of bed?"
He Xing involuntarily lifted the corner of his mouth, staying silent.
How quick-witted she was.
Xia Cheng was taken aback, at a loss for words for a moment: "This... But there has to be an explanation for Lady Fu pushing Xia Ning into the water, right? Now that Xia Ning is sick, whether it's from falling into the water or not, surely Lady Fu has some responsibility."
"How can you prove it was Fu Han who pushed her?" He Xing suddenly cut in, his gaze subtle.
Fu Han turned her head. What was his problem? What was he trying to say?
"Everyone saw it that day at the party, He Xing. Are you trying to make excuses? I saw it with my own eyes," Xia Cheng said, his brow furrowed, a bad premonition taking root.
He Xing might be young, but he was incredibly cunning. Who knew what tricks he was thinking of now.
Fu Han watched him intently, waiting for his next words.
Then He Xing said, "It was getting dark at that time, and you probably didn't see clearly. The person who pushed her into the pool was me."
"What?!" Xia Cheng stared at He Xing in disbelief.
Even Grandfather He was shocked, his gaze falling on He Xing.
Wow, this was quite the game he was playing. He pushed Xia Ning into the pool? For what reason? To repay kindness with enmity? Or for her?
"I already mentioned it before. You pushed Fu Han into the water, I pushed Xia Ning into the water. Are we even now?" He Xing nonchalantly adjusted his cuffs, his demeanor aristocratic, silent as he locked eyes with Xia Cheng.
"It was clearly Fu Han who pushed her..." Xia Cheng started to argue.
Having listened for a while, Grandfather He also understood, and sat up straight: "Enough, stop fighting. No matter who did it, you need to provide evidence. He Xing, if you really did it, apologize to Xia Cheng."
"I'm sorry," He Xing bowed solemnly at a ninety-degree angle, and then straightened his back, as if ignoring everything as he sat beside Fu Han.
Fu Han looked at Xia Cheng innocently: "He Xing has apologized. Shouldn't you also apologize to me? I haven't forgotten what happened that night three years ago."
"Yes, Xia Cheng. We should be reasonable. You owe Han an apology too," Grandfather He immediately chimed in, his penetrating gaze holding Xia Cheng in place, not missing any of his expressions.
Xia Cheng gritted his teeth.
This whole family was obviously ganging up to bully him. One apology and they think they can send him on his way?