When Su Xiaofei returned to her mother's hospital room, she found the three of them waiting for her. Without preamble, she went to the other side of Yun Qingrong's bed, pulled a chair and took a seat.
"Feifei, now that you know who your father is, I hope that you and my husband can start anew." Liu Shulan told her.
"Aunty isn't upset that I'm Uncle's missing daughter?" Su Xiaofei couldn't help but ask Liu Shulan.
Technically, Liu Shulan was her stepmother and many stepmothers, including Wang Peilan, Xi Qian's stepmother, hated their husband's child from a previous relationship. It was only natural for Su Xiaofei to distance herself and be wary of Liu Shulan's motives. She wouldn't doubt her father's love for her, but it was a different matter when it comes to Liu Shulan.
Liu Shulan shook her head and smiled at her.
"You were conceived even before your father and I got married. I've also witnessed how your father struggled to find you and know very well how important you are to him. Since I love him, I also need to accept that I'm not the only one occupying his heart. I need to learn to get along with his loved ones as well." The older woman explained.
Su Xiaofei was rendered speechless by Liu Shulan's answer and fell silent. She hadn't expected that Liu Shulan would say those words, but that wasn't enough for Su Xiaofei to lower her guards. Only time could tell whether Liu Shulan would live up to her words or not, and Su Xiaofei refused to set any expectation towards her.
"Uncle Qiao…" She then turned to her father and looked bashfully at him. "I'm sorry, I don't think I'm ready to call you Father just yet." She admitted.
Qiao Fengying's gaze softened at her and shook his head.
"I understand. There's no need for you to force yourself to do something you aren't comfortable with, Xiaofei." He said. "If you're more comfortable calling me Uncle, then you may continue to do so." He added.
"I heard from Feifei that you want to add her on your will, President Qiao. Are you sure this is alright?" Yun Qingrong asked, glancing at Qiao Fengying, then to his wife.
"Miss Yun shouldn't worry too much." It was Liu Shulan who answered her question instead. "My husband and I have long decided to keep his daughter's inheritance separate from Xiao Han's, whether we find her or not. If in the end we failed after all avenues were exhausted, her part would be donated to a charity instead."
"Then you can keep it that way, Uncle." Su Xiaofei interjected. She had no interest over the inheritance she could get from her father.
"But Xiaofei…" Qiao Fengying pressed his lips together, wanting his daughter to take her share.
"I already have Bluemedia and the other properties Mama had recently transferred to my name. Uncle should also not forget that I'm already married to the Lu family." Su Xiaofei reminded him.
Qiao Fengying then understood what his daughter was trying to say. She was right. Compared to the wealth he could give her, it was nothing compared to the riches Lu Qingfeng could offer her. After all, the Lu family was one of the wealthiest families in the country, albeit, they were very private and rarely made public appearances since the death of Chairman Lu's sons.
"Won't you consider it?" He asked.
He knew that Lu Qingfeng could easily provide for her, but Qiao Fengying believed that married women should have money of their own and shouldn't depend too much on their husbands.
This was one of the things he learned from Liu Shulan and what he liked about his wife the most. Qiao Fengying liked how self-sufficient his wife could be, but still willing to be his equal partner throughout their marriage.
Su Xiaofei shook her head. She had already discussed this with Lu Qingfeng yesterday over the phone and he agreed to support her decision not to accept her inheritance.
"Uncle, it's alright. I'm still your daughter. I only wish that I could meet your expectations as your daughter."
Qiao Fengying sucked in a deep breath, feeling as if someone threw a punch right on his gut. He could see the sadness in his daughter's eyes even though she tried to hide it. He was aware that she didn't have a good relationship with Su Haoran and wondered how the man had treated his daughter over the years.
For his daughter to doubt herself like this, just what did Su Haoran teach her when she was growing up? Fathers were supposed to be role models. They were expected to lay a foundation of security, trust, and love. Daughters tend to judge all other men who come into their lives later based on the example their fathers set for them.
Also, fathers who provide praise, support, and unconditional love give their daughters the gift of confidence and high self-esteem. Daughters who have these traits grow into happy, and successful adults. Simply being present, encouraging, and a good listener is often all daughters need to flourish.
So for Su Xiaofei to doubt herself like this… Qiao Fengying regretted that he was absent during her childhood years. When she was a child, he was supposed to be her superhero, while she was his darling little princess. He should have been with her.
Knowing how busy Su Haoran and Yun Qingrong were, Qiao Fengying thought that Xiaofei must be really lonely being on her own and knowing that Su Haoran somehow didn't like her.
"Xiaofei shouldn't say these words. Even before knowing that you are my daughter, I'm already proud of you. Do you know how hard it is for a woman to work in an industry dominated by men? You stood your ground, lifted your head and overcame challenges one after another. So how can I be disappointed in you? You are better than you think, Xiaofei. Never doubt yourself."
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶