1198 [Bonus chapter] One Son
Tang Hebe never thought that one day, Raelle Xiang would put forward a request. She was requesting something from her. How unbelievable!
"Big families do pay attention to their lineage," commented Tang Hebe.
"If you haven't noticed, the Xiang family isn't a big one. We are pitifully few and it had been like this for far too long. My Opa says our clan had never been very blessed when it came to descendants. In every generation, having two kids was already considered a huge blessing. So, the fact that in my generation we are three siblings, exceeded so many people's expectations. Most big clans didn't even expect the Xiang family to survive until now. After all, they believe the more descendants, the more prosperity. But it had never been the case in our family. Opa says quantity doesn't matter, quality matters. So, in our family, education is a big deal." Raelle looked at the Tang Hebe and went on, "I'm not trying to pressure you here. But I'll still place some facts in front of you to decide whether it's a good decision for Justin to accept his roots or not."
Tang Hebe crossed her arms in front of her chest leisurely, "Go ahead."
"Firstly, we can protect him."
"From what?"
"From your family," answered Raelle and this answer made Tang Hebe's eyes widen in disbelief. "You are wondering how do I know? I have told you, don't underestimate my eyes. I see more than normal people. And you are a very easy person to read. A mother who doesn't care about you came to ask you to help her niece. When you show your strong stance, she'll move her ideas toward the person you love the most. You once went against her before. It was Shui Xian's sake. What happened? That mother made you break Shui Xian's heart with your own hands. So, if I was you, I wouldn't underestimate the schemes of your mother. What do you say, Miss Tang?"
Tang Hebe went silent in response. No, she couldn't refute Raelle's words. Because she did see the way her mother looked at Justin when she came and the way her mother looked meaningfully towards the closed door of Justin's room before leaving wasn't all that unnoticed by her either. She was a lot more guarded against her mother since she learned how she played her like a fool.
And Raelle struck right where all her fears resided. Yes, she was scared that Justin would get hurt because of her. She had a father who didn't mind betraying his brother for profit and a mother who didn't mind ruining her life just to avenge the insult her daughter gave her. How could it be possible to be at ease with such parents?
In fact, for the first time, she wondered if it was a good idea for Justin to be with her. Was she protecting him or harming him? She really couldn't understand it right now.
"Hold it!" said Raelle and put a stop to her wandering thoughts. "I didn't tell you this to put you in more self-doubt. I'm just reminding you that the world isn't that peaceful. I'll accept that you're strong and have the will to protect your son. But one additional layer of protection is never bad. And the Xiang family is not just that additional layer of protection but also a strong support of yours and Justin in the future. Do you still want me to go on?"
"No wonder people say you're very good at negotiating. Your words are very tempting. I'd give you that," said Tang Hebe. "You can see through my fears so clearly and it's still very creepy to me. Stop looking into my mind. It makes me feel vulnerable and also like a fool. I don't wanna feel like that."
"You can't ask a person to put a blindfold on their eyes just because you aren't able to hide your feelings in time. How is it my fault?"
"It's my fault. I know. But I'm just asking you to please, don't voice out my fears like that, and make me feel even more vulnerable. Just let me be. Can you do that?"
"Then can you let Justin come back home?"
"I didn't say from the beginning that I won't let him go back," said Tang Hebe. "In fact, it was never up to me. When Chi Xirui named him Xiang Ziyang. It's very obvious what her intention was. She wanted Justin to recognize his ancestors. Why would I be on the way when it's none of my business? I am not so muddled that I'd put my personal feelings above anything else. At least, not when it comes to my son. I know very well that for Justin to have the Xiang family is the best. I can't offer him the things that just the name of the Xiang family can bring to him."
"Well, it's not that absurd now."
"But it is," said Tang Hebe. "I understand now how things work in this world. And that's why I don't take risks in life. Even if the scenario you painted never happen, I still won't like to take any chances with my son. So, I really don't mind him accepting his roots. You can add his name to the genealogy but he is still MY SON!"
"I told you before, he will always be your son," said Raelle. "We aren't denying that."
"And I can't stay apart from him either."
"We are not taking him from you," repeated Raelle.
"I am just making it clear," said Tang Hebe. "After all, I only have one son."
"We also have only this descendant," reminded Raelle. "Justin is the eldest of the Xiang family's next generation. Do you understand what that means?"
Tang Hebe didn't understand how big families worked but she wasn't a fool either to not know the importance of the eldest child in these families. She could only sigh at how things took a turn. She only came to repay Raelle for her life-saving grace towards Justin and his mother. How did she get involved with so much?
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