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CHAPTER 257

"I forgive you all. I understand you did this to protect grandfather. I must say a big thank you. I am glad grandfather has people like you by his side."

'Imagine her say those words with a smile as though all is well after threatening us a while back. Such a cunning fox. She learns quickly. My resource said she was meek and naïve, I guess it is either she is smart of she had been faking her true colors.' Hu Qi thought inwardly.

'Seems I have my work cut out for me. How would I make Jingyi inherit what was supposed to be his now? I was happy Quinyang had disappeared and even though all our efforts to disrupt Lin Zian's searched proved effective, her useless daughter still managed to show up all thanks to this troublesome Huilang.' Lin Xuilan said in her mind.

Both women had their own thoughts running through their mind but what more could they do other than to put up fake smiles like all was well.

"Thank you," both women chorused.

"Now that we all are good, I think it is time for the get-together proper." In as much as they were hungry, most of them did not eat due to the heated moments they had.

Lin Zian snapped his fingers and several maid came in and cleared the now cold food. Within a few minutes all had been replaced by a fresh plate of food.

Although they had each lost their appetites, no one dared not to eat his food. They all forced themselves to eat and even eat their strawberry and black berry cake desserts.

At the end of the day, everyone had a wonderful filled up stomach and heart. Soon enough they started bidding each person goodbye and taking their leave.

"Li Jing, I hope you have a nice time here. Make sure you explore the city, it has so many things you would love," Lin Huilang advised her.

"Thank you auntie and you too uncle for supporting me and trusting me."

"No worries dear," Lin Jie responded with a smile.

"But one thing though, why did you stand with grandfather especially when you two are not always agreeing? Forgive my asking, I am just curious."

"Oh… Let us see." He looked thoughtful for some seconds before returning his gaze to Li Jing and smiling widely. "Just kidding. Yes, it is true that your grandfather and I haven't seen eye to eye and I barely know you but I trust my wife and she already liked you even before we found out that we were related. What is more is that I did this for your mother."

"My mother?"

"Yes. Quinyang was a lovely, gentle, loving and hot soul. She was loved by all for her truthfulness and fairness alongside her divine beauty. Also, even nthough we did not have a child of our own, she still warmed herself to us and was like the child we never birthed."

'True to what he said. I loved Quinyang as my own and when your grandmother died, I became her mother figure. It was when my husband warned your grandfather that his behavior and forcing her to marry whom she did not want to, would make her leave him and eventually she left that he stopped talking with his brother and agreeing with him."

"It was Quinyang's disappearance that caused our rift. She meant the world to me even though she wasn't my own and yet he made her leave. Not only him lost, Huilang and I did as well but he was just too selfish to realize that."

"Oh, I see. Mother was indeed lucky then."

"Yes and somehow she disappeared without a trace. I still cry till this day when ni remember the memories I had with her. So seeing you alive today is a testimony and hope that she is out there somewhere."

Li Jing moved in closed and went to hug Lin Huilang. Even though she had not met her mother, she could feel the pain like she had known her as well.

Unknown to her, hugging Lin Huilang made the latter feel like Quinyang was the one hugging her back and before Li Jing knew what was happening, she felt the place on her shoulder feel wet.

When she pulled back from the hug, she saw Lin Huilang's eyes begin to water and the tears flowing freely.

"Auntie," Li Jing started to say and paused soon after. She did not know what more to say and did not know when she herself began to cry.

"Now come on you two. You are adults you know. Stop with the tears before someone things I bullied you both.

"I cannot help it. I miss Quinyang so much, Jie dear," Lin Huilang said in between sobs as she quickly took a handkerchief from her purse and wiped her tears away gently.

"I know. I know. She is okay wherever she is, I hope."

"Oh come on, do not start again… Quinyang is very much okay. She is just still mad at older brother-in-law that is why she is punishing us like this." Lin Huilang sobbed some more till her husband pulled her into his arms and began to pet her.

"Quinlang would be fine where she is. You just stop crying so you do not age on time and then die before she gets to reunite with you."

All of them turned to the direction of the voice and saw the two older brother walking towards them.

"Second brother, are you trying to pet her or make matters worse?" Lin Jie asked.

"Both. She is a mother, she would toughen up. Quinyang needs her to be strong and she should keep hope alive," he made them see reason before patting his sister-in-law on the back.

"Second brother-in-law, find Quinyang," Mrs Lin Huilang requested with puffy eyes and swollen cheeks.

"Of course. How can I refuse sister in law when she is this cute and asking nicely, hmm? My private investigators are still on the go. Have faith and hope."