She Lost Memory Before the Divorce

Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Counter the Moves, Turn the Tables

Sheng Xueqian, seeing that Mu Lan was hesitant to speak, thought she had caught her in a misstep and a sense of triumph couldn’t help but flash in her eyes.

And Huo Qitang also thought it was a good opportunity to intervene:

“Mu Lan, what Xueqian said isn’t wrong. Since you’ve already admitted your mistake, why not visit the Sheng Family’s home? Or is it that you don’t actually want to apologize…”

Huo Qitang had only gotten halfway through his sentence when Mu Lan finally spoke up hesitantly, looking even more pitiful than before.

“Auntie, you’ve misunderstood me too.

If Miss Sheng feels better with me coming over to apologize, then I’ll do it.

...

But… I cannot visit.”

Sheng Xueqian glared angerly, thinking that Mu Lan was deliberately toying with her.

“You say you’re willing one moment and then the next you say you can’t visit; what do you mean by that? Grandfather Huo, you see now, don’t you? She’s clearly just looking for excuses.”

Old Master Huo didn’t understand, he furrowed his brows, his gaze towards Mu Lan filled with more scrutiny.

Only Huo Tingxiao remained relaxed and composed the entire time, not at all concerned that this little fox in front of him might be bullied by anyone.

“I’m not looking for excuses; I’m just afraid Miss Sheng will be misunderstood by others.”

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“Misunderstood? Misunderstood about what?”

Huo Qitang genuinely didn’t understand.

“Of course, it’s about being misunderstood that she…”

She glanced at Huo Tingxiao, and though she didn’t finish her sentence, everyone present understood her implication.

“What do you mean by that? Are you trying to slander my sister?”

Sheng Xueqian truly intended to defend Sheng Xueqian.

“Of course not, what good would it do me to slander Miss Sheng? That would also affect Tingxiao.

The Huo and Sheng families have a deep relationship; the whole of Sea City knows this. But if I suddenly visit to apologize, and given that Miss Sheng is currently ill at home, outsiders might not know what kind of rumors they’ll spread.

I, a married woman, am not afraid for myself, but Miss Sheng is still an unmarried lady of good standing in Sea City, known for her reputation. If some idle gossip from the streets stirs up scandalous rumors, it will ultimately hurt Miss Sheng.

If Miss Sheng is hurt, then what’s the point of my visit to apologize?”

Huo Qitang did not expect Mu Lan to be so eloquent, but he had to admit there was some logic in what she said.

Old Master Huo thought it over and agreed that there was truth in her words. But Sheng Xueqian was not convinced; she found the excuse more pleasant to the ear than music, clearly just shirking responsibility!

“So are you suggesting we downplay this whole incident then?”

The ball was back in Mu Lan’s court; if she dared to say yes, it would certainly seem insincere, so…

“Of course not, isn’t grandfather’s birthday coming up in a few days?”

“What does Grandfather Huo’s birthday have to do with this matter?”

Sheng Xueqian was beginning to lose her patience.

“Of course, it matters! Miss Sheng will certainly be there, and we can resolve this issue face to face then, can’t we? This way, it won’t lead to any unnecessary speculation.

Grandfather, what do you think of my suggestion?”

Old Master Huo nodded his head, thinking it was a very good idea.

“I think it’s acceptable.”

But Sheng Xueqian found it utterly absurd; she had never heard of an apology where the one being apologized to has to go to the home of the one offering the apology, but it was Grandfather Huo’s birthday, after all, a matter of giving face to an elder.

It was a situation with no easy exit. Other than agreeing, there was no other solution. Sheng Xueqian had been at a disadvantage repeatedly, feeling so stifled it was almost unbearable.

“Since Grandfather Huo thinks it’s acceptable, then, of course, I have nothing else to say.”

“I knew Xueqian was a sensible girl. Good, good, since you’re all here, let’s have lunch together and tell the kitchen to prepare a more lavish meal today.”

“Tingxiao, come with me to the study, Qitang, Mu Lan, you two entertain the guests properly,” he said.

Speaking, the elder and the younger went upstairs, leaving only three women on the first floor, which effectively turned into a stage for a play.

Sheng Xueqian really didn’t want to stay and have dinner with Mu Lan, but she couldn’t refuse without appearing poorly raised.

“Xueqian, your aunt knows you’re standing up for your sister, sigh, it’s just… never mind, the old man has spoken, let’s put this matter behind us, and you should stop thinking about it too,” she said.

As expected, as soon as Huo Qitang opened his mouth, it was akin to a dog trying to spit out ivory, with every word being a pin, ready to prick someone.

Mu Lan had also grown wise to it; the more you confront these kinds of people head-on, the more you stand to lose in the end.

“Aunt is right, let’s not dwell on the past anymore,” she agreed.

“Easy for you to say, of course you don’t want to dwell on it, reaping the benefits and acting coy,” retorted Sheng Xueqian.

Sheng Xueqian continued to throw knives, but Mu Lan was invulnerable to such trifles; these little tricks were insignificant to her.

The stage was set downstairs, while upstairs, the grandfather and grandson were also confronting each other sharply.

“This incident has occurred, and an old man like me still needs to deal with it?

Tingxiao, your wife has been somewhat disappointing,” he remarked.

Huo Tingxiao didn’t take it to heart and calmly replied:

“Grandfather, some people want to stir up trouble, but we don’t need to bother with them. The more we do, the bigger the waves become.”

The old Huo sir frowned, wondering when he had started to be so protective of Mu Lan.

“This should have been a matter between you and your wife, and I shouldn’t have interfered too much, but you must know, I’ve spent so much effort to raise you, all for the sake of the Huo Family’s foundation.

You’ve been establishing yourself outside for these past few years; it’s time to rein it in and consider the family’s affairs.

While I’m still in good health, those demons and monsters don’t dare come home.”

Huo Tingxiao was all too aware of what those so-called demons and monsters were.

His philandering father had so many lovers outside that it was probably hard to keep track.

“Grandfather, you are still healthy, and the Huo Family needs you to take charge,” Tingxiao insisted.

These words made the elder Huo sigh.

“This old body is wearing out, Tingxiao, don’t blame your grandfather for being ruthless. I’m worried about facing our ancestors without any honor a hundred years from now; I must ensure that the Huo Family’s business continues.

The clan is the root! As the first-born and the direct grandson, this responsibility can only fall on you.

And as for women, they may be pampered, but they must never be loved!

You must remember this firmly: beauties bring disaster. If you fall in love with a woman, that becomes your weakness. If your enemies grab hold of that weakness, could you still survive?” he advised.

Huo Tingxiao frowned, not understanding why his grandfather had suddenly started on this topic.

“Are you afraid of my feelings towards Mu Lan? Then you are really worrying too much,” he said.

The old Huo didn’t quite believe him, nor did he completely doubt him.

“I’m sounding the alarm for you, hmph, don’t be like your father who, for a woman’s sake, actually…”

“My father, for a woman?”

This was the first time Huo Tingxiao had heard the elder speak of such matters.

“I mean, he neglected his proper duties, spending all his time amidst pleasure-seeking; don’t follow in his footsteps.”

Staring intently at the elder, Huo Tingxiao felt that what he had just said clearly didn’t carry that meaning.

“Let’s not talk about him anymore; it’s infuriating.

In any case, you must promise your grandfather to always put the clan, the business, first! Do you hear me?” he pressed.

Huo Tingxiao responded perfunctorily, without noticing the slender figure standing behind the half-open door of the study.