C2 2

The man in the wheelchair was obscured, his features indistinct, but judging by Tong Hongliang's demeanor, it was undoubtedly her husband, Fu Chijing. Whether he sensed her stare or it was merely coincidental, the man abruptly lifted his head, his gaze piercing directly toward the second floor. Tong Qing's eyelids twitched, and she instinctively ducked behind the curtains, her hands clasped tightly over her chest. Just now, it seemed their eyes had locked. Downstairs, Tong Nianyu watched the endless stream of luxury cars in the courtyard, her face twisted with envy. "He's nothing but a bastard, and yet he warrants such a fuss from the Fu family?" That little tramp is getting off too easy. Yao Qing's eyes hardened as she sneered, "No matter how prestigious the Fu family is, Fu Chijing is still useless. And I've heard that since his accident, not only does he avoid people, but his temperament has become incredibly volatile. Once Tong Qing marries into that, she'll see how good she has it." Tong Nianyu reveled in schadenfreude. "She had it coming." Tong Qing, descending the stairs, overheard the entire exchange between mother and daughter. She shot them a sidelong glance and continued on as if she hadn't heard a word. Feeling slighted by the disregard, Tong Nianyu lashed out in a fit of rage. "A shameful illegitimate daughter thinks she's turned into a phoenix? Just wait until Fu Chijing tires of you, and you'll be discarded just like your sickly mother." Tong Qing paused mid-step, turned around, and asked icily, "What did you say?" Tong Nianyu stiffened under Tong Qing's penetrating gaze, then a flush of humiliation and anger flooded her. Damn it, she was being overpowered by the presence of a country bumpkin. Blood rushed to Tong Nianyu's head as she stormed up to Tong Qing and slapped her smooth, pale face. Caught off guard, Tong Qing took the blow. She bowed her head, her eyes brimming with loathing. Seeing Tong Qing's lack of response, Tong Nianyu grew bolder. "What's wrong? Did I speak falsely? Your mother is nothing but a worn-out plaything of my father's." At those words, Tong Qing felt her ears ring as if they had exploded.

Tong Nianyu could hit and scold her, but she absolutely could not slander her mother. Tong Qing's face turned stormy as she lifted her hand, ready to retaliate with a slap. "Stop!" A thunderous voice cut her off. Tong Hongliang had appeared behind her, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Tong Qing. "What do you think you're doing?" Upon seeing Tong Hongliang, Tong Nianyu pointed at Tong Qing and played the victim. "Dad, this little slut is trying to hit me." She spat out the words "little slut" with venomous contempt. "How dare she?" Tong Hongliang, fiercely protective of his daughter, did not bother with the facts and commanded, "Tong Qing, come here and apologize to your sister." She was the one who had been struck, yet Tong Hongliang was demanding an apology from her. Tong Qing nearly burst into laughter. "Apologize? You must be dreaming." Tong Hongliang's face quivered with rage as he clenched his fists, looking like he was about to strike. In that instant, a hand reached out, took hold of Tong Qing's hand, and pulled her into a protective embrace. Tong Qing's head spun as she found herself securely seated on the man's lap. "You..." Before Tong Qing could get a word out, the man's hand pressed against her cheek, his gaze inscrutable. "Who hit you?" Tong Qing paused, taken aback. Was he asking her? Fu Chijing's voice was icy. "Speak." His tone was frosty, yet his eyes held a softness. Encircled by his arms, Tong Qing inexplicably felt like a child who had found solace in a parent's embrace. She suddenly felt empowered and pointed an accusing finger at Tong Nianyu. "She did it." Fu Chijing's gaze shifted to Tong Nianyu, filling with a chilling intensity. Tong Nianyu shuddered under his stare, nearly collapsing to the ground. But upon noticing that he was in a wheelchair, she let out a derisive laugh. "Tong Qing, do you really think you can rely on a cripple?" Fu Chijing's eyes narrowed. Tong Hongliang frantically signaled to Tong Nianyu. "Nianyu, be quiet."

Tong Nianyu acted as if she could not see, brazenly threatening Fu Chijing. "A servant of the Fu family should know better than to interfere. Otherwise, I'll make sure both you and this little slut learn your lesson." Tong Hongliang's face turned an ugly, liver-like shade as his patience finally snapped. He raised his hand to block her and, with a swift backhand, slapped her hard while bellowing, "Stop your ridiculous babbling." "Dad!" Tong Nianyu clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You hit me over a cripple?" "How dare you speak like that. Do you even know who this man is?" Tong Hongliang snarled as he dragged her in front of Fu Chijing. "Apologize to Mr. Fu right now." Mr. Fu? In all of Jiangcheng, how many people could be called that? Even within the Fu family, there was only one Mr. Fu, and that was Fu Chijing. This "cripple" was actually Fu Chijing. Hadn't the rumors said Fu Chijing had been burned so badly that his face was disfigured, that he did not even dare show himself? "Mr. Fu," Tong Nianyu said, too frightened to think any further. Sweat dampened her as she lowered her head and forced out an apology. "I'm sorry. I was blind and spoke like trash. Please, I beg your forgiveness. Don't stoop to my level." Tong Hongliang hunched forward and hurried to agree. "Mr. Fu, Nianyu is young and doesn't know any better. Please let today's incident go. From now on, I'll discipline her properly." They thought it could end like this. Delusional. Fu Chijing sneered to himself. His thin lips parted, and his voice left no room for argument. "Kneel."

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