C12 He Casually Slandered Others!

Bai Xinyan, without hesitation, nodded her head and took a seat.

As she settled down, the old man gently took her hand in his, giving it a soft squeeze before speaking with a warm smile, "Xinyan, I asked you here today not for anything major, just to understand why you went to the engagement party of the Huo and Lin families."

After he finished, Bai Xinyan turned to him and calmly replied, "Grandpa, I’ve told you before, I like Huo Yinyao. I went there to talk to him, hoping we could have a chance."

"Xinyan!" The old man's eyes turned stern, his tone reproachful. "You were too impulsive. No matter how much a girl likes someone, causing a scene isn’t the way. It makes men think you’re too wild, and they’ll like you even less!"

"That's one thing, but also, Xinlan is engaged to the young master of the Huo family and they’re about to get married. Your actions make it difficult for both families to get along!"

Despite the reprimand, Bai Xinyan wasn’t bothered. She smiled, her face bright and clear, much more cheerful than when she faced the Hu family earlier. The old man, Bai Zhenye, genuinely cared for her, seeing a reflection of his beloved granddaughter who passed away three years ago, so his words were measured, neither too harsh nor too lenient.

“Grandpa, you're right. I was too impulsive. From now on, I'll think things through before acting. But I don't understand what my visit to see Huo Yinyao has to do with Duanming.”

Bai Xinyan blinked her big eyes, looking innocent and confused.

“Xiner, stop pretending to be innocent!” Bai Xinlan clenched her small fists and stood up angrily, tears welling up in her eyes, her expression a mix of frustration and anger. “If you hadn't caused a scene, would Duanming have broken up with me?! It's all because of you...”

Bai Xinlan, now nineteen, spoke in a childish voice, either due to her vocal cords or intentionally, showing no sign of maturity.

Bai Xinyan rolled her eyes internally but maintained a sarcastic smile. She said, “Second Miss Bai, I went to the engagement party, not to steal Duanming. How is it my fault that he broke up with you? Why are you blaming me?”

Bai Xinlan clenched her fists tighter and pointed at Bai Xinyan, her voice full of arrogance, “Jiang Xiner, if you hadn't caused trouble at the Huo family, tarnishing the Bai family's reputation, how could Huo Duanming have broken up with me? It's all your fault!”

“My fault?!” Bai Xinyan stood up as well, towering over Bai Xinlan. “Second Miss Bai, do you even know what you're talking about, throwing accusations around so carelessly?”

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Bai Xinlan, you've really mastered the art of throwing dirt, haven't you? Just like Hu Fanqin back in the day, spreading rumors about my mom and uncle, forcing my mom to jump off a building."

Facing Bai Xinyan, Bai Xinlan seemed a bit intimidated. She asked, "What... what do you mean?!"

"Miss Bai, Grandpa Bai recognized me as his god-granddaughter without any celebration or media coverage. Who in any family around here, let alone the Huo family, knows about my connection to the Bai family?!"

Bai Xinlan was speechless.

Seeing Bai Xinlan at a loss for words, Bai Xinyan rolled her eyes and sat down. "Miss Bai, I think if your engagement with young master Duanming fell through, you should look at yourself for the reasons. Stop blaming everyone else. Today, I'm letting it slide, but if it were someone else, they might... tear you apart!"

Bai Xinlan stammered, "You..."

"Xinlan!" Bai Xinyan interrupted her before she could say anything more, her dark eyes suddenly softening.