C17 He Felt Guilty

Hua Xiangxue realized it was the perfect moment. She softened her approach, letting her eyes convey emotion instead of force.

“If that's the case, my mother has passed away, and I have no one left in this world. My father no longer cares for me, no longer looks after me. You might as well hit me, beat me to death—”

At this, Hua Xiangxue choked up, her tears genuine and heart-wrenching.

Hua Gongfeng's eyes were filled with hesitation and confusion. Indeed, over the years, he had felt some guilt, though he had always deceived himself about it. He had promised not to take another wife when he married her, relying on her to rise in society. But when the Bai family had their troubles, and his career advanced, he forgot that promise and brought Mrs. Lau into the home. He gradually forgot about Bai Cangmin, even neglecting to remember her death anniversary.

Being confronted by Hua Xiangxue like this was the first time he truly felt regret. Previously, when the Bai family had come to confront him, he felt no remorse and even quarreled with them several times. Eventually, the Bai family grew tired of the conflict and stopped coming.

Now, hearing Hua Xiangxue speak, Hua Gongfeng genuinely felt a pang of guilt. He pressed his lips together, his face pale. “Someone, take the young lady to the ancestral hall. She is to kneel there until midnight before she can return.”

Hua Xiangxue glanced at Hua Gongfeng, feeling a slight sense of relief. It seemed playing the emotional card worked. Otherwise, given how little favor she held, she might have been beaten half to death by Hua Gongfeng today.

Hua Xiangxue felt she had come out even today. Despite being slapped twice by Hua Gongfeng, she had managed to slap Hua Yunjin three times in return. It seemed only fair that his daughter bore the brunt of what she had suffered.

Seeing Hua Xiangxue receive only a minor punishment, Hua Yunjin was unwilling to let it go. She stomped her foot, a hint of petulance in her voice, "Dad, she hit me! How could you punish her so lightly?"

Hua Yunjin's words made Hua Gongfeng's face darken instantly, and just as he was about to explode, Lau Yuemei stepped forward and held his hand. She gave Hua Yunjin a reproachful look, signaling her with her eyes while scolding, "Yunjin, if no one else understands your father, you must! You were in the wrong earlier. I know you sometimes speak without thinking, wanting to defend your father, but you should never speak against the lady of the house."

After speaking, Lau Yuemei looked at Hua Gongfeng with a gentle expression, her tone slightly apologetic, "Dear, regarding the lady's matter, I was at fault too. I'll go tonight and light a few more incense sticks for her."

Upon seeing Yuemei's gentle demeanor, Gongfeng's earlier sternness gradually faded, replaced by a calm acceptance. "Alright," he said.

With a sigh, Gongfeng added, "Okay, everyone disperse. Go tend to Yunjin's wounds. I'm heading to the Lotus Heart Residence." With that, he strode away.

Once Gongfeng was gone, Yunjin began to stomp her feet in frustration. "Mom, she hit me—"

Seeing Yunjin's lack of composure, Yuemei sighed, "You really brought this on yourself! Of all the things to say, why bring up her mother? Your father may seem aloof, but he still feels some guilt towards Bai Cangmin. You gave her the perfect opportunity to exploit that. If you hadn't said those extra words, she might have only ended up kneeling in the ancestral hall today, and you wouldn't have gotten hit for nothing."

Yunjin pouted, tears of frustration welling up again.

"I'm not blaming you," Yuemei said, hugging her daughter tenderly. "Don't worry, there's plenty of time. We'll see how things unfold."

"But why did Dad suddenly go to the Lotus Heart Residence?" Yunjin asked, puzzled.

Yuemei frowned slightly at this. "I underestimated Xiangxue. Ever since she woke up, she's changed a lot. Her personality has completely transformed, and she's become smarter, using emotions to protect herself."

Hua Yunjin gritted her teeth, her mind sharpening its resolve: "Xiangxue, just wait. Sooner or later, I'll make sure you admit defeat willingly."

Lau Yuemei noticed Hua Yunjin's overconfidence and whispered, "Yunjin, remember what I told you. When dealing with her, don't confront her head-on. Sometimes, taking a step back is the best strategy."

Hua Yunjin glanced at Lau Yuemei and could only nod. "I understand, Mom. I'll remember."