âBut Xia Cheng suddenly wanted to go overseas to work. He requested to have one of our daughters accompany him. I couldnât bear to let the child leave, but Xia Yunlou, who was only six years old at that time, insisted on following him. Yunqiu and your uncle, Yunyi, couldnât bear to part with her. They begged her to stay, but she still left with Xia Cheng.
âAt that time, when I missed my younger daughter, I often called her. That child told me that she was afraid that her father would be estranged from his family after being away from home for a long time. That was why she was willing to follow him. I was very touched at that time and felt that although my younger daughter was only six years old, she was very sensible.
âBut Xia Cheng is a man, after all. How could he take care of a child alone? I was afraid that Yunlou would suffer with him. Every six months, I would bring the child back to stay with me for a month. The two sisters had a very good relationship and often talked about everything. I couldnât bear for the two children to be separated, so I asked Yunlou to move back. She agreed.â
Old Madam Yin paused.
âAt that time, Yunlou said that she still had some things to do over there. She went back abroad and said she would definitely return within a week. However, Yunlou didnât come back after a week. Yunqiu and Yunyi were worried about her and rushed over to pick her up. Who knew that not only was Yunlou not willing to leave, but she even scolded Yunqiu and told her to get lost.
âI really found it hard to believe that such an obedient daughter would become like this. I thought that Xia Cheng had said something, so I sent people to keep an eye on Yunlou. Who knewâ¦â
Although Old Madam Yin was suppressing her emotions, Qiao Xi could hear that she had suddenly choked up.
After a moment of silence, Old Madam Yin said sorrowfully, âWho knew that Xia Cheng had been cheating on me? Yunlou was staying with that mistress, even calling that woman her mother. They had become a family of three.
âAfter I found out about this, I wanted to divorce Xia Cheng. I thought the children would understand me, but Yunlou saidâ¦
ââMom, as a woman, you have to be tolerant. Daddy just made a mistake that every man makes. Moreover, you two have been living separately for so long. He needs a woman to accompany and care for him. You canât blame himâ.
ââDad isnât the only one who likes Aunt Xiao Ai. I like Aunty Xiao Ai too. Sheâs young, beautiful, and gentle. She treats me well too. I feel happy living with herâ.
âFrom then on, Yunlou never came back. After I divorced Xia Cheng, I brought Yunqiu and Yunyi back to the Yin family. However, after my two daughters grew up, Yunlou snatched Yunqiuâs fiancé, Xu Zhi, away. She became someone I didnât know. She had a fiery and vicious personality. She completely forgot about the kinship between siblings.â
Old Madam Yinâs voice was filled with sorrow. âI hold a certain responsibility for her becoming like this! Xi Xi, I hate her in my heart, but Iâm also filled with guilt. If I had insisted on keeping her by my side back then, perhaps everything wouldnât have changed.â
Qiao Xi remained silent. Perhaps Xia Yunlou had left home for her parents, but she abandoned her family for an outsider.
According to Old Madam Yin, Xia Yunlouâs temperament had suddenly changed drastically after a week. The younger sister, who was originally close to her elder sister, suddenly cursed at her when they met again.
Even Qiao Xi felt that Xia Yunlou had become a stranger.
At this moment, Old Madam Yin said slowly, âIn any case, you can discuss with me matters regarding Xia Yunlou. Donât be deceived by her.â
Qiao Xi said, âOkay, Grandma.â
After she hung up the call, this matter still lingered in Qiao Xiâs mind. She kept having the feeling that something was off. What exactly had happened? Could it be that the Yin family didnât find it strange that Xia Yunlouâs disposition had changed greatly in a short week?
Perhaps everyone suspected it, but they didnât find anything, so Old Madam Yin just gave up.
Just then, Gu Zheng entered and carried her into the car. âThis place is a little far from your university. Iâll send you there.â
The man looked at Qiao Xi who was frowning and said gently, âThe news on the internet was deliberately released by Xia Yunlou. Donât be troubled by this.â
Qiao Xi nodded.
Gu Zheng started the car, his heart in a mess.
Earlier, Song Shijing had called him and said anxiously, âPresident, Chairman Gu and the shareholders caused a ruckus this morning and invited several investors. They said that if you donât show up today, theyâll side with Chairman Gu.â