Chapter 382: Is Danchen Really Your Daughter?

"What's going on? You haven't said a word and already you have started crying. Here, wipe your tears away," Grandmother Qi said, but she did not move to hand her a tissue or anything like that.

As these visitors are their guests, Grandmother Qi was being courteous to them. This did not mean that she did not notice their hostile aura.

These three visitors came by suddenly, uninformed. No one with even the slightest decency would pay someone a visit without calling in advance, especially on such a day.

Besides, Grandmother Qi had regarded Liu Ronghua with contempt. On such a festive day, she had come to their house and cried. Was that not intentionally causing trouble for them? Crying on a Chinese New Year?! It was going to bring bad luck.

Grandmother Qi was usually very particular about such customs. When she saw Liu Ronghua weeping, she began to sigh silently in her heart.

Shen Zhijing handed Liu Ronghua a tissue for her to wipe away her tears.

Liu Ronghua was still sobbing as she tried to dry her eyes. Even after she had wiped away the tears, new tears began to slide down her face.

"It's Chinese New Year's Eve and you're here at our house. Why did you cry before even uttering a word?" Grandmother Qi was frustrated with Liu Ronghua's fragility.

No woman in the Qi family was like Liu Ronghua. Grandmother Qi detested such character.

Liu Ronghua sniffled and said, "I... I'm sorry. I just feel... hurt."

"This... We've not upset you in any way, right? Why did you start crying immediately after sitting down? Looking at you like this upsets me as well," said Grandmother Qi, glancing at Liu Ronghua unamusedly, imitating Cai Ming's sketch.

"It's... It's Danchen..." Liu Ronghua sobbed. Her eyes focused on no one apart from Ruan Danchen. She stretched out her hand to grab Ruan Danchen's arm but pulled back when she was blocked by Qi Chenglin. She did not dare act rashly under his glare.

"Danchen, I know that you look down on me, seeing that I was not given a place in the Shen family. Since being in a relationship with Qi Chenglin, you've not visited me and you no longer wish to keep in touch with me. In fact, you've also kept your relationship a secret from me. You don't even want to celebrate Chinese New Year with me. Instead, you had rather celebrate with the Qi family in secret. I know you feel that I'm an embarrassment, but do you know how much you've hurt me? My daughter refuses to acknowledge me. Do you intend to push me away forever? Do you no longer wish to be my daughter? You're afraid that the Qi family will not accept you, so you've concealed your identity, isn't it? I begged you... I begged you to come home and spend this day with me but you turned me down... Danchen, do you still think of me as your mother? I have to visit someone else's home just to meet my daughter. I... I'm sorry... I've shamed you..."

Ruan Danchen's blood ran cold. Even when she was embraced by Qi Chenglin, she still felt a chill running throughout her body. Tears rolling down her cheeks and lips quivering, she looked at the person in front of her who suddenly seemed unfamiliar.

That was her mother?

Her mother had come to deliberately distort the truth just because she had refused to help the Shen family?

Ruan Danchen was so shaken that she could not utter a word, allowing Liu Ronghua to further propagate those lies.

Her left hand was held by Qi Chenglin while her other empty hand was clenched tightly on top of her knee, turning her palm and fingers white.

As she cried silently, she also felt like laughing out of the blue. That had caused her lips to twist and her hands to tremble uncontrollably.

"Grandfather Qi, Grandmother Qi, we understand that it's rude of us to visit at such an inappropriate time. It's just that Ronghua was so saddened by this that her tears began to fall while eating during the Chinese New Year reunion dinner. I could not bear to see her in distress. So, I brought her over to ask Danchen if she still recognizes Ronghua as her mother," Shen Jialiang said, her voice laced with pain.

"Ow!" Grandmother Qi felt a sudden headache. She furrowed her brows. Her fingers were massaging her temple as she leaned on the sofa limply.

Guan Liya glanced at Ruan Danchen and asked in disbelief, "Danchen, is Madam Liu your mother?"

"Yes," answered Danchen weakly as she sniffled. Shedding her tears, she found it funny all of a sudden and her lips curled up in a sneer.

What she said in the Shen Residence was true. She had been prepared for the Shen family to cause her distress. Nonetheless, she did not expect it to be on such a day, neither did she expect Liu Ronghua to participate in the spreading of such lies

Seeing that Ruan Danchen did not speak anymore, Shen Jialiang secretly gave Liu Ronghua a jab on her back, urging her to continue.

"Danchen didn't even tell me that she's in a relationship with Chenglin. She hasn't come home for a long time. Whenever I give her a call, she doesn't pick up. I had gone to look for her at her former company when I missed her. Even so, I didn't dare let the others know that I'm her mother for fear of embarrassing her. I could only say that I'm her mother's friend. Only then did I find out that she had resigned for some time and is in a relationship with Qi Chenglin," Liu Ronghua sobbed, her face filled with tears.

Before coming by the Qi family manor, she had removed her makeup. Her bare face looked more haggard as she cried.

"Danchen, are you hoping that I don't show up when you and Chenglin get married? You're afraid that I'll embarrass you, right? Grandmother Qi, I don't know what Danchen told you about me, but what she did really hurt me!" Liu Ronghua took yet another tissue to wipe her tears. Her eyes were already swollen.

While massaging her temple, Grandmother Qi let out another groan, before she glanced at Liu Ronghua feebly. "Oh, Madam Liu!"

"Grandmother Qi," Liu Ronghua wept pitifully.

Sitting beside Liu Ronghua, Shen Jialiang and Shen Zhijing were pleased with the situation but did not express their delight. Instead, they stared coldly at Ruan Danchen.

If they could not benefit from her relationship, she would not as well!

Ruan Danchen must not have expected them to harm her without benefiting themselves!

That was why she should have just agreed to their condition. Would it not be better for both parties?

Grandmother Qi sighed again, "Madam Liu, are you Danchen's biological mother?"

Liu Ronghua was startled and blinked. She seemed to be stunned by Grandmother Qi's question. After a short while, she resumed crying and wiping away her tears. "Grandmother Qi, what are you talking about? How am I not Danchen's mother?"

"If you're her biological mother, why aren't you hoping for the best for your daughter?" Grandmother Qi said slowly in a kind tone.

Qi Chenglin smiled as he caught on to Grandmother Qi's insinuation.

However, Liu Ronghua could not make out what she meant. Her tears stopped momentarily. Sniffling, she asked, "How can I not hope for the best for her?"

"Madam Liu, I perceived, from your outpouring, you feel that you are looked down upon. Even common families are reluctant to welcome someone whose mother is a mistress into their families, let alone a family like ours, isn't it? You're aware of this yet you come by without informing us beforehand. The things that you were saying in our presence implied that Danchen is unfilial. She refuses to recognize you as her mother in order to stay with Chenglin. Any family who heard of this will no longer accept Danchen as their daughter-in-law, right?" Grandmother Qi explained while rubbing her head, seeming to still be in pain.

Seeing that, Xia Wenna left to bring back a bottle of Wood Lock medicated oil. Grandmother Qi took the medicated oil, poured a few drops on her fingertips, and rubbed it on her temple.

Ruan Danchen's mind was empty at that moment. She heard Grandmother Qi but did not listen to what she was saying.

If only she was not too depressed, she could also grasp Grandmother Qi's implication. Addressing her affectionately as Danchen was an indicator that Grandmother Qi held her in high regard.

Suddenly, Ruan Danchen felt a strong arm drape across her shoulders. She knew that it was Qi Chenglin without needing to turn her head around. His body scent had calmed her down slightly. Nevertheless, her body was still trembling.

Qi Chenglin noticed her glassy eyes and stupefied expression. Her pale face was drenched in silent tears. She could not say anything in her own defense. His heart ached for her. As it was improper to put her on his lap and hug her tightly with the elders around, he closed in on her ear and whispered, "Don't worry."

Soon after, Grandmother Qi continued, "A mother in your position, who really thinks for the sake of her daughter, wouldn't even need her daughter to conceal her identity. She would immediately cover up the truth on her own, fearing that she may hinder her daughter's happiness. You, on the other hand, have brought along your lover and his daughter to our house. This is to blatantly cause us troubles during Chinese New Year!"

"Our Chenglin has a good family background, character and appearance. He also treats his beloved exceptionally well. He is the perfect man for your daughter from every angle. Any mother would usually fight to bring them together. What's the logic behind pushing away such an opportunity? Madam Liu, are you truly hoping for the best for her?"

At Grandmother Qi's rationalization, Liu Ronghua instantly evaded her gaze and lowered her head. "I'm genuinely hoping for the best for her! I... I just miss her so much that not being able to celebrate Chinese New Year with my daughter hurts me deeply! Thus, I came here without thinking this through. Grandmother Qi, I'm a straightforward person. Sometimes I speak and act impulsively without much thought. It's hasty of me to come like this but I really couldn't meet her had I not done so. She didn't pick up my calls and refused to meet me when I went to Qilin. I..."

"Madam Liu." Song Yu, who was in Qi Youxuan's room earlier, walked into the living room. "Do enlighten me. Is it Danchen who refuses to meet you, or you who refuses to meet her?"

Stunned, Liu Ronghua raised her head to look at Song Yu. The Qi family had always been one to keep a low profile. There was seldom news about them; their photographs were also blurry the few times they were in the news. Therefore, Liu Ronghua did not know Song Yu even if she could guess her identity in the family.

Song Yu returned to her seat next to Qi Chengzhi. Qi Chengzhi's cold gaze softened instantly. Since she came into the living room, his sight had been on her until she sat down beside him. He held her hand in his and kneaded it unconsciously.

Shen Zhijing had nothing to do and could not bare to focus solely on Ruan Danchen's soulless expression. So, she quickly caught sight of Qi Chengzhi's little action, her eyes flashing in jealousy. Why was there no such outstanding man treating her that way?

When she turned her gaze back to Ruan Danchen and saw Qi Chenglin embracing her tenderly, she fumed.

Song Yu calmed down a little as the back of her hand was kneaded by Qi Chengzhi. "Madam Liu, do you recognize me?"

"You must be the eldest young master's wife." Liu Ronghua managed a delicate smile.

Song Yu added with a smile, "I used to be Danchen's colleague at her former company. In the whole company, we were closest to each other. Madam Liu, do you not know me?"

"I-"

She was cut off by Song Yu, "Madam Liu, didn't you say that you often went to Chengshi to look for Danchen?"

"I... used to wait for her downstairs," stammered Liu Ronghua.

Song Yu nodded. "No wonder I've not seen you before."

Liu Ronghua's lips quivered. She chose not to launch in a hasty response.

Song Yu continued slowly, "Has it been seven years since Madam Liu lived with the Shen family?"

Liu Ronghua only nodded. She did not answer verbally, not knowing what Song Yu intended to say next.

Song Yu smiled and said, "I was Danchen's colleague for three years. She used to celebrate Chinese New Year on her own every year. On the eve, when everyone was enjoying their reunion dinner, she would make dumplings for herself in her rented apartment. There was even a time when, because of an emergency, I went to visit her and found her sitting with her dumplings in front of the television. Madam Liu, if you really wanted to enjoy the reunion dinner with her, why did you leave her alone in her rented apartment then?"

"I..." Liu Ronghua lowered her gaze, her eyes shifty. "I did ask her to come back with me but she declined. She..."

Even if Liu Ronghua did not explain further, the members of the Qi family who were present understood Ruan Danchen's reasoning.

Liu Ronghua did not have any official status in the Shen family. Shen Jialiang and Shen Zhijing did not seem to be tolerant too. Perhaps, if Shen Jialiang was truly head over heels in love with Liu Ronghua, he would be more accepting of her daughter. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Otherwise, why were they still not married to each other? How could he treat her daughter well if he had never loved Liu Ronghua?

It was obvious that Liu Ronghua desired wealth and her life in the Shen family. Thus, she sacrificed her relationship with her daughter in order to stay with the Shen family.

Grandmother Qi almost could not contain her anger. 'You have no official status in the Shen family, but you insist on staying with them rather than celebrating Chinese New Year with your daughter. Are you being reasonable?'

"Although she didn't return with you, you too didn't seek her out to celebrate Chinese New Year for all these years. Why did you choose to come by today, crying aloud saying that you miss Danchen when she has finally had the chance to celebrate a proper Chinese New Year?" Song Yu clenched her hands tightly before relaxing them when Qi Chengzhi began rubbiong soothing circles into them.

Despite the Song family being bankrupt, her parents were still there for her. She did argue with Yu Qianying sometimes but she knew that Yu Qianying did it out of love. The more loved she was by her parents, the more she detested Liu Ronghua.

It was unimaginable how there was a mother like Liu Ronghua.

"I..." Liu Ronghua became speechless fleetingly.

Shen Jialiang's face turned solemn. He thought to himself, 'Even Song Yu has quite a sharp tongue and is difficult to handle. As expected from the Qi family."

Just when he wanted to start talking, the sound of a door opening could be heard. After a while, they saw Qi Chengji coming in with a file in his hand.

Qi Chenglin pursed his lips in distaste, "What took you so long?"

"Just received a call," Qi Chengji answered, handing the file to Qi Chenglin.

Qi Chenglin took the file but did not open it. The Qi family was curious about his intent when he asked Qi Chengji to get that file when the Shen family came. They wondered what was inside the file.

"Madam Liu, let me ask you again. Is Danchen really your daughter?" Qi Chenglin questioned coldly.

Liu Ronghua stared blankly at him, not understanding why he asked her that question. Her eyes glinted and she frowned. "What do you mean? Of course, Danchen is my biological daughter. I carried her for ten months before giving birth to her."

Qi Chenglin nodded. He took out the documents from the file and threw a copy near her. "Being a woman who can't conceive, I wonder how you gave birth to Danchen."

Liu Ronghua's face turned pale. Ruan Danchen was astounded and turned to face Qi Chenglin instantly.

Qi Chenglin pulled her into his arms to comfort her. "Don't worry. Trust me."

Ruan Danchen glanced at Liu Ronghua, refusing to believe that that was the truth. How could she not be Liu Ronghua's biological daughter? Qi Chenglin must have made that up to trick Liu Ronghua.

She would rather be Liu Ronghua's biological daughter than not know who her parents were.

"I..." Liu Ronghua's face turned white. Her lips quivered. "I only became unable to conceive after an accident. I... I gave birth to Danchen. Her father met with an accident when she was born. I was suffering from anxiety and did not concern myself with postnatal care at the time. They are the root cause of my disability."

Qi Chenglin continued to nod as if accepting her excuse. "You used to live in Shuo City, didn't you?"

Liu Ronghua did not answer, not knowing what Qi Chenglin wanted to say.

"Shuo City is not a large city. It is currently a county-level city. Before bringing Danchen to B City, it was still a small county town. There were only a few hospitals, four of them in total. It's very easy to conduct an investigation. Based on the timing, we can no longer find Danchen's birth record. Nonetheless, you should be pregnant the year before Danchen was born. However, at the time, you were teaching in Shuo City First High School; you were: single, unmarried and without a boyfriend. At that time, getting yourself pregnant before marriage would cost you your teaching career. Moreover, you were not pregnant. I had sent someone to Shuo City First High School to investigate. If there was an unmarried pregnant teacher, there would have been an uproar back then but there wasn't any. There is an old staff member still teaching at the school who, unfortunately, remembers you. He told us that you were not on leave neither were you pregnant. I would like to know, how could you have given birth to Danchen?" mocked Qi Chenglin.

Liu Ronghua could not stand Qi Chenglin's gaze and panicked. Her eyes were shifty. Her mouth was moving but nothing could be heard.

Ruan Danchen stared at Liu Ronghua in disbelief. It was hard to accept the truth. The woman whom she called 'Mom' for twenty-six years was not her biological mother?

Impossible... It was neither a novel nor a drama. Where did such an accident arise from?

"Mom, tell me. Say something. What... exactly happened?" Ruan Danchen cried out.

"In fact, the easiest way to discern your biological relationship is through a DNA test. We can see the results at a glance," Qi Chenglin suggested soberly.

Liu Ronghua shuddered as she sobbed. Suddenly, she looked directly at Ruan Danchen, "Yes! You're not my biological daughter. You were adopted."

Ruan Danchen clasped Qi Chenglin's hand. Was that why she had been treated that way?

That was the reason why Liu Ronghua could use her without feeling guilty about it?

In her fits of rage, she had used to demand to know if Liu Ronghua was her biological mother; she understood now. Liu Ronghua had used her time and time again without guilt because she was not her daughter. Liu Ronghua could sacrifice her in any way she wanted for her own gain.

"Twenty-six years! You're only telling me now that you're not my mom? You've never considered me as your daughter, did you? Otherwise, you would have never done those things to me, right?"

"Danchen, how can you put it this way? I've raised you for so many years! Without me, do you think you can grow into what you're now? I gave you food and sent you to school, didn't I? Although we're not biologically related, I still raised you. What's wrong with asking you for some help? Can't you just treat it as repaying me? Seven years ago, you asked me if you owed me anything. Let me tell you now. Yes!" Liu Ronghua replied resentfully.

"I picked you up from the roadside. You were laying in a box, covered with a blanket. I pitied you and brought you home with me. I was young at the time. I had just graduated from school. I didn't even have a boyfriend. Every time I dated, my boyfriend would break it off with me when they found out about you. You were an obstruction to my many unrealized dreams. Despite these, I raised you up without abandoning you. I've done my duty to you! We're not related in any way, yet I treated you well. Don't you think that you owe me for that? If not for you, I would have been married to a good man already. Unlike now, having to beg you pitifully for a status."

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Author's Note:

I have written two supplementary editions. One is the story of Chengzhi and Song Yu during their younger days. It includes an explanation for everyone's question: Why did Chengzhi fall in love with Song Yu, and why did he start loving her at such a young age. Another story is about Little Youjin and his wife. His wife's identity is considered a credit cookie. You will find out after reading it~