Chapter 478 - 467+468: Fate

Gu’er was happy that Lin Shan could see Liu Fang’s true intentions. So many people are blind to what’s right in front of them when they’re in the middle of a situation.

"Dad, helping people always comes from a good place. No one knows what will happen later on. Not every act of kindness ends well. Sometimes you help someone, only for the outcome to be nothing like you imagined, and your good deed brings you endless trouble. But Dad, it’s okay. The choice you made back then wasn’t wrong."

Gu’er comforted Lin Shan.

Meanwhile, Liu Fang frowned at Gu’er, her eyes betraying a hint of worry. Chen Fengjiao, however, looked pleased.

"You’re right, Gu’er. My meeting here won’t end for another two days, so I’ll have to rely on you. No matter how difficult her situation is, Liu Fang cannot stay in our home. I’ll take care of this when I get back."

Lin Shan had made his decision.

"Dad, do you remember Mom’s... her family’s home?"

Instead of responding to Lin Shan, Gu’er asked this question.

Lin Shan, on the other end of the line, was taken aback. ’What does Gu’er mean by that?’ Of course, he remembered Chen Fengjiao’s family home. But Chen Fengjiao was on bad terms with her family and almost never went back. The last time they’d shown up was for Gu’er’s wedding, and in the end, Gu’er and the others had to forcibly send them away.

’Gu’er surely doesn’t mean we should force Liu Fang out. A person like her, if she’s determined, will just come back even if we send her away. She’ll see this through to the bitter end.’

’But if Gu’er isn’t suggesting we force her out, why bring up her mother’s family? Liu Fang doesn’t get along with her own family either, from what I hear. Is Gu’er suggesting we send Liu Fang back to her family?’

’It’s not an impossible idea. If Gu’er is suggesting it, she must have a plan. But Liu Fang’s family treats her poorly. If she’s sent back there, her life will likely be very difficult.’

’But Gu’er has offered her a way out, and she refused to take it. Liu Fang is the one who chose this dead-end path.’

Having thought it through, Lin Shan sighed. "Gu’er, I understand what you mean now. Try talking to her one more time. If she’s truly set on this and refuses to back down, then we’ll do it your way."

Although Lin Shan was a good official who treated the public well, he wasn’t the type to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. If he gave in and let Liu Fang stay, his own life would become a complete mess and cause trouble for many others. He couldn’t sacrifice the greater good for a minor issue.

"Okay, Dad. Don’t you worry. I’ll have a good talk with Sister-in-law Liu and see if she’s willing to take the job. If she isn’t, Mom and I will be sure to treat her very well. We’ll wait for you to come back, and we’ll do whatever you say. We won’t tarnish your reputation."

Gu’er nodded. She knew her father understood her, which meant he approved of her plan. Gu’er breathed a sigh of relief. With Liu Fang sitting right there, she couldn’t speak plainly. This was the only way.

Hearing Gu’er’s words, Liu Fang relaxed slightly. ’It seems Lin Shan really is a kind, soft-hearted man. He must have believed at least some of what I said. From the sound of it, he’s not kicking me out. He just wants to wait until he gets back. As long as I don’t have to leave, as long as I can just wait to see him, I’m confident I can convince him to let me stay.’

At this thought, she glanced at Chen Fengjiao, whose face was a mask of fury. The look in her eyes made it seem like she wanted to eat Gu’er alive. Liu Fang was certain that if Lin Shan were here, Chen Fengjiao might have even started a fight with him.

’Good. This is perfect. The more furious, unreasonable, and shrewish Chen Fengjiao acts, the angrier Lin Shan will become. It will only make me seem gentler, more wronged, and more considerate in comparison. In time, Lin Shan will grow tired of Chen Fengjiao, and that will be my chance.’

’I will win. I’ll be the mistress of this house. Lin Shan will be my provider. My life won’t be any worse than anyone else’s. And when that day comes, we’ll see who dares to look down on me then. I’ll finally be able to hold my head high.’

At this thought, Liu Fang straightened her spine, and a triumphant glint appeared in her eyes.

Gu’er understood the moment she saw it. She gave a cold smile. ’No rush. The first step is to keep Liu Fang complacent.’

"Gu’er, you—"

Chen Fengjiao pointed at Gu’er, so furious she was speechless.

"Mom, Dad’s the head of this household. He’s given his word, so we should just do as he says. I think he’s right. No matter what, Sister-in-law Liu is in a pitiful state. We can’t just ignore her."

Gu’er said, pulling on Chen Fengjiao’s arm to placate her.

"You pity her? Why don’t you pity your own mother?! I’ve been with your father for so many years, and this is how he treats me in the end! If he wants that woman to stay in this house, it’ll be over my dead body! You’re all heartless! I don’t have a daughter like you!"