Linda, astute and observant, noticed Tian Youyou's discomfort and reassured her warmly, "Just relax and enjoy the care. We're all in the secretarial team together, like brothers in arms. When Mr. Zhou gets tough, we'll cover for you."
In the quiet of the CEO's office, with Zhou Moyan away, Tian Youyou found rare moments of peace. During this brief interlude, only Lin Yue Rong called to check on her, and no one else reached out. But then, Hou Xiaomei's call shattered the tranquility, "Tian Youyou, where are you? Han Jianjun has run out of living expenses. Send money quickly!" It was typical of her to be so direct.
Ever since discovering the existence of this biological mother, Tian Youyou felt burdened by debts. She could never forget the day she first met Hou Xiaomei.
Lying in the hospital with her wrists slashed, struggling between life and death, Hou Xiaomei demanded alimony while carrying her disabled husband Han Jianjun. Hou argued that Tian Youyou had enjoyed over two decades of good living and it was time to take care of her real parents and their household, as Han Jianjun couldn't work and Hou had to maintain the household by herself.
Hou plainly stated that she didn't expect Tian Youyou to return home; she just hoped to get more help as long as Tian Youyou was in a better financial situation.
Han Chong added that they couldn't just provide for Han Miaomiao for nothing; having benefitted from their household for years, she should also support Han Jianjun. A quarrel erupted, with Han Miaomiao vehemently refusing to give Hou any money.
This encapsulated the dynamics of her birth family.
Lying in the hospital bed, Tian Youyou watched them argue fiercely, realizing that Han Miaomiao had long wanted to dissociate from her family, never contributing financially, which explained her undisguised disdain for them.
Tian Youyou sighed, "I don't have any money right now; I just started a new job and haven't received my salary yet."
"I know! How else would I know to ask you for money? Han Miaomiao told me you landed a job at a big company. You can support us, no problem. I promise I won't come to your workplace as long as we have food to eat. I'll wait for your first paycheck," Hou Xiaomei's calls were always concise, part notice and part threat, rarely engaging in small talk.
Every time money was needed, Hou would ask both Han Miaomiao and Tian Youyou, though Han Miaomiao never contributed, only providing Tian Youyou's contact details, which she tracked with unsettling accuracy.
It was clear that Tian Youyou would never truly fit into her biological family, a vulnerability exploited by Tian Sheng, allowing him to manipulate her freely, exemplified by figures like Mr. Li.
Hou, aware of her limits, had no intention of Tian Youyou returning home; it was easier to morally blackmail her from afar, treating her like a family cash cow.
"Can we skip this month? I really am..." Tian Youyou tried to negotiate, touching her still-swollen ankle.
"What happened now?" Hou Xiaomei asked abruptly.
"Don't even mention it!" Han Chong scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, "Yesterday, mom went to ask Han Miaomiao for living expenses. Not only did she refuse, but she also pushed mom out the door, causing a huge bruise on her leg. I went to confront Han Miaomiao; she was so rude that I couldn't help but hit her. I've wanted to do that for a long time. Can you believe she even called the police on me, the fool!"
"You talk as if it's nothing. Do you not understand that assault is illegal? Do you think I want to deal with this?" Tian Youyou was frustrated.
"Who will take care of it if not you?" Hou Xiaomei's shrill voice rose, her hair wild and her eyes red, likely from stress and lack of sleep over Han Chong's situation.
"Mom, mom, calm down! My sister was just venting. Don't yell at her!" Han Chong tried to smooth things over for Tian Youyou.
"I'm telling you, Han Chong being detained is also your responsibility. If he hadn't always been defending you in front of Han Miaomiao, it wouldn't have come to blows! Hurry up and figure out how to get him out; it's not you suffering in there!" Hou demanded boldly, as if it was simple to just "get him out," oblivious to the legal proceedings involved.
"Under the current evidence, Han Miaomiao's injuries are considered minor, and Han Chong is suspected of a criminal offense. For now, bring him some personal items. If he meets the conditions for bail pending trial, we can consider it," the officer explained to Tian Youyou.
"What are the conditions for bail?" Tian Youyou inquired.
"Generally, adequate compensation must be provided to the victim, and the victim's forgiveness and consent are required for bail. The procedure involves finding a guarantor or posting bail to ensure that Han Chong will not cause further trouble. Do you understand?"
"I get it, I get it. So, my son's release depends on Han Miaomiao's agreement, and it will cost money!" Hou Xiaomei responded quickly, "That wretched Han Miaomiao, how can she be so cruel! I'll confront her, and if she doesn't agree to let Han Chong out, I'll make her pay!"
"You better not go; you know what Han Miaomiao is like better than I do. If she was willing to have Han Chong detained, she won't easily let him out. Arguing with her will only lead to more trouble. Let's discuss what we can actually do," Tian Youyou restrained Hou.
"Mom, listen to my sister. Han Miaomiao is cunning and malicious; you can't outplay her," Han Chong said from his cell, appearing regretful about his fight with Han Miaomiao.
Hou was reluctantly dissuaded.
As Tian Youyou was gathering her thoughts, a familiar voice halted her, "Youyou, it's been days since I've seen you, and I just can't stop thinking about you! If it wasn't for your father telling me your brother had an issue, I wouldn't have known you were in trouble. There's no better time for a hero to come to the rescue..." Mr. Li said as he reached out to grab her hand, which Tian Youyou swiftly pulled away in disgust.
"Back off! Where did you come from? Don't touch my sister!" Han Chong, seeing through Mr. Li's intentions, stood up and warned him off.
"Heh, your brother sure has a temper!" Mr. Li smirked, glancing disdainfully at Han Chong.
"Tell you what, I'd rather stay in here forever than let my sister suffer. Take a good look in the mirror with your pig head, do you think you're worthy of her? Stay away!" Han Chong was unapologetic, his protective instincts for Tian Youyou clear despite his youth and understanding of Mr. Li's motives.
Tian Youyou's heart felt a pang of unexpected emotion. Although she had never fully acknowledged Han Chong due to his constant antics, his genuine defense against Mr. Li touched her. Unlike Hou, Han Chong had never taken advantage of her; even now, in his own predicament, he was openly defending her.
"Ah, kid, you're just hot-headed. Don't make empty threats, let's get you out first. Your mom can't bear to see you locked up even for a day," Hou stated simply, her stance clear: anyone who could help release her son was a friend; other considerations were secondary.
"Mom, listen to my sister. Han Miaomiao is tricky and vindictive; you won't win against her," Han Chong, still crouched in his cell, looked somewhat regretful for his earlier actions.