While Yao Tang may appear cold, Yao Yuanknew for a fact that she was just a little girl searching for a father’s love. At her tender age, who wouldn’t want a father who’d give her everything under the sun?

Moreover, it wasn’t as if he had directly insulted or harmed her. It was all Qin Man and Yao Ran’s doing. What they had done was not related to his actual thoughts or actions. In fact, had he not treated her civilly this entire time?

Yao Tang had grown up in the mountains for the past eighteen years. It’s obvious that she greatly needed her parents’ care.

With just a few words from him, he could make her return and even get along with Yao Ran.

It would be good for all of them.

If it wouldn’t be a harmonious start, then he’d have to find a way to discipline the both of them. Maybe then, they’d start getting along.

However, just as he had been thinking of ways in getting them to play along, he heard Yao Tang’s faint voice.

“If you really wanted to treat me well…”

Yao Yuan immediately looked up in anticipation. Whatever she’d say, he’d do it. “…then it’s best that you disappear from my sight. We shouldn’t see each other again.”

Hearing this, the smile on his face vanished.

He had been considered the head of the family for so long. No one would dare disobey him. In fact, just the thought of someone speaking to him like the way Yao Tang had done was completely unimaginable.

Although Qin Man would throw a tantrum from time to time, he always had the last say in all of the big decisions.

Yao Ran was also very obedient. In fact, whatever he’d say, she’d do it right away.

However, this Yao Tang…not only did she disrespect him by rejecting his offer, but she had also done it in public! Her tone was cold and distant as if he was nothing but a stranger to her.

“Tangtang,” he said, suppressing the anger in his heart. “You shouldn’t be deciding on these types of matters so rashly. We know that your situation right now is…complicated. But as your father, I only want what’s best for you.”

“There’s no need. I can think for myself.”

“But—”

“What can’t you understand?” Finally having enough, Old Madam Yao interrupted. “Whether or not she wants to forgive you is clearly up to Yao Tang. This isn’t something you should force.”

“Mom, this isn’t something that we should be arguing about!”

“We’re done with this conversation.”

Old Madam Yao slammed her crutch onto the floor.

Yao Yuan’s face turned green with anger, but knowing that he couldn’t win this round, he lowered his head and followed through.

With a shake of her head, Old Madam Yao leaned back and sighed.

Just watching these people speak was enough to fill her with exhaustion.

Yao Rong and Jiang Wanhurriedly stepped forward to help her, however, the old woman quickly waved her hand. “It’s fine. Please, Yao Rong, just send me back to the courtyard. I’ll leave you all here.”

“Of course.”

In the car, Old Madam Yao hopelessly closed her eyes. “Yao Rong, have I done something wrong for Yao Yuanto become like this? Perhaps, it really is my fault—”

“Mom, don’t think like that!”

Yao Rong hurriedly denied it, waving his hand.

Despite his comforts, Old Madam Yao continued to stare out the window. “If I hadn’t…” She sighed. There was no use in thinking this way.

“Mom, what did you say?” Yao Rong tilted his head.

“Nothing. Let’s just head back. I’m tired.” Old Madam Yao leaned back against her seat and closed her eyes.

..

After Yao Rong had sent Old Madam Yaoback, he returned to the private room to pick up the others.

Yao Yan needed to do something else at work, so he left first.

At that moment, Yao Tang and Jiang Wan had been lounging in the private room, chatting and laughing at what the other had to say. Jiang Wanhated the fact that she hadn’t met her sooner. She gazed at her lovingly with a smile on her face. How could Qin Mannot want to accept her own daughter?

“It’s time to go.” Yao Rong knocked on the door, and they nodded.

After staying in the car for a while, Yao Tang glanced out the window.

A genuine smile showed up on her face. “Thank you, Second Uncle and Second Aunt. You can drop me off by the roadside,” she said softly.