C16 I Didn't Ask You Not to Report It!

"Xinxiao, do you think what Siya said is true?" Pei Zhengjun's hand trembled with anger, each word forced out through clenched teeth.

Xinxiao was about to refute but was cut off by Zheng Siya: "Second sister, I'm sorry, okay? I apologize. Please, don't disrupt my family!" She cried, looking pitiful, and for added effect, she even knelt down.

Seeing this, Xinxiao sneered and disdainfully moved a couple of steps away.

Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her emotions slightly and met Pei Zhengjun's cloudy eyes with calm determination: "Dad, do you really believe what my sister says?"

Pei Zhengjun was taken aback, suddenly feeling like he didn't recognize the familiar person in front of him.

"I'm your daughter. I've lived by your side for so many years, and yet you still don't understand me. Instead, you seem to know someone who's not even your own child much better." She ended with a self-mocking smile.

"I believe I've done nothing to wrong anyone and have always shown respect to the two people in this family. But what has my respect earned me?" She slowly turned, looking down at Zheng Siya, who was still kneeling on the ground. "You've repeatedly tried to drive a wedge between Dad and me, and you've hurt the person I care about the most!"

Oh, she would definitely settle this score.

Zheng Siya's face turned pale, not expecting the usually compliant Xinxiao to fight back. Her planned scene was now useless—what should she do next?

"Zheng Siya, Zheng Rulan, mark my words: what you took from me, I will reclaim with interest one day!" With that, Pei Xinxiao turned and left, composed and determined, a stark contrast to her former self.

"Stop right there! I didn't give you permission to leave. What makes you think you can just walk out?" Pei Zhengjun stood up, his cane striking the floor with a sharp thud.

Xinxiao slowly turned back to face him, a faint smile on her lips. "Dad, what do you need from me?"

Pei Zhengjun pointed at Zheng Siya. "Apologize to her." His voice brooked no argument.

"Sorry, that's not going to happen." With those words, she walked away calmly.

Du Zeming had been watching her from the corner the whole time, only looking away when she disappeared from view. As he did, he met Zheng Siya's murderous glare. He had no intention of explaining and turned away in silence.

Outside, Xinxiao sent a text to Du Zeming, asking to meet. He replied quickly, and they arranged to meet at the Elegant Café at noon.

The afternoon sun was gentle as she relaxed on the sofa, savoring the rare leisure time. The view here was lovely. Although it was a café, it had a unique charm that made it feel cozy and inviting.

Du Zeming arrived in a hurry, his suit immaculate, eyes still carrying a hint of sharpness, likely fresh from a negotiation.

He sat down across from Xinxiao and ordered a black coffee.

"Go ahead, tell me why you wanted to meet. I have a meeting this afternoon and only ten minutes to spare," he said, his words cold enough to dampen Xinxiao's enthusiasm.

"My current situation is all because of Rulan and her mother. So, I want revenge. I want to take back everything that was once mine," Xinxiao said, getting straight to the point.

Zeming paused mid-sip and looked up at her. "Do you really think you can take them on by yourself? You're not ready for this. You should just keep living your peaceful life."

Family feuds are complicated, and once you're involved, it's hard to get out.

Xinxiao met his gaze, her face resolute. "No, I can't just give up."

Thinking of everything that had happened, she gave a bitter smile. "They took away my loving father, made my caring brother disappear, and stole you from me, calling me jealous... I can't forgive them." This time, she was determined to see them face the consequences.

Zeming chuckled softly. "What can you do now? Besides putting on a brave face, what do you have to fight them with? They've been strutting around the Pei family for a long time, and most of the staff have been replaced. Your father sides with them, and you don't have a good reputation in the family. Who would support you?" He stood up, patting her shoulder. "Just endure it, pretend nothing happened."

Xinxiao looked at him coldly. "Ha, you think I can just pretend nothing happened? Not a chance. I thought you had some unavoidable reason for marrying Siya, and foolishly, I believed you were still the same person you used to be. But I was wrong, deeply wrong. You married Siya just to get your hands on the Pei family's wealth. I was blind to have misjudged you!"

Her eyes, sharp as knives, pierced him deeply, making him feel incredibly uncomfortable.

"Don't misunderstand, I'm not telling you to stop..."