Chapter 1003: Chapter 997: Got Together Again_1
It wasnât that Jing Peng hadnât considered certain things, but because he had, and knew how it all worked, that he chose not to act. Even a fool could understand why a chosen heir was given preference over an illegitimate child.
Thus, ever since he discovered his true origins, Jing Peng kept silent, pretending he was blissfully ignorant. That way, everything owned by the Jings would be his, and no one would challenge his right to it. Only a fool would forfeit such a comfortable life.
âYuanyuan, youâre overthinking things. How could Mother not love you? Sheâs just more strict with you. As you know, weâre not a farming family but quite wealthy. Why would she treat you like any other child? If she did, it would mean she truly didnât love you. Donât you think Iâm right?â Jing Peng attempted to echo Jing Yuanâs sentiments to expedite her acceptance.
âIndeed, Second Brother, youâre right. Just like Cuiâer. Her family has many siblings, and she isnât a biological child, hence she goes hungry and cold each day. Her mother berates and hits her and makes her do tons of chores.â Jing Yuan voiced her understanding by citing a rural family she knew, queuing up perfectly with what they just discussed.
Once Jing Peng said his piece, Jing Yuan readily agreed. Although her own mother wasnât kind to her, it was still better than Cuiâerâs situation by at least tenfold. This made Jing Yuan consider perhaps her mother was just stricter with her.
What she didnât know was that her father, Jing Xiaonan, had made a prior arrangement not to marry her biological mother, meaning Mrs. Jing had to be kinder to Jing Yuan. Even if she couldnât treat Jing Yuan like her own daughter, she couldnât be excessively harsh. This was because Jing Xiaonan genuinely cared for Jing Yuanâs mother, otherwise, given his philandering ways, he wouldnât have thought of having a daughter with her. This was a classic case of loving someone by proxy.
âExactly. So, Yuanyuan, donât overthink things. Letâs go back to my room and rest. Weâll head home once youâre sober.â Jing Peng knew Jing Yuan would believe him.
âOkay, Second Brother, Iâm so hot.â Jing Yuanâs face was flushed, her eyes foggy. Even though she was drunk, she was still lucid. Her actions, however, were not her own, hence she needed Jing Pengâs support to walk.
Without Jing Pengâs support, she might have faltered and fallen to the ground.
âWhat do you want to do, then?â Jing Peng asked Jing Yuan, who was tugging at her clothes.
âI want to take a bath.â Jing Yuan was feeling really hot and uncomfortable and believed a bath might sober her up.
âBut how can you bathe now, as you canât even stand steady? Why donât you wait until tomorrow when youâre sober?â Jing Peng placed her on the bed, intending to cover her with a blanket. He stayed calm because he knew Jing Yuan was still clear-headed.
If he made a move now, she would know that last time was orchestrated by him. He, Jing Peng, wouldnât ever engage in a scheme that incurred loss to both sides.
âSecond Brother, Iâm hot, and I feel unwell. Can you bathe me, please?â Jing Yuan pleaded, pulling at Jing Pengâs arm when he didnât immediately agree.
âYuanyuan, do you know what youâre saying? Iâm your brother and there should be boundaries between us.â Jing Peng was tempted by Jing Yuanâs words but wasnât quite ready to agree.
Source: Webnovel.com, updated on Nđ°vgo.co
If you find any errors ( Ads popup, ads redirect, broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.