Zhao Youlin paused. Her lowered eyelids were raised and she cast a glance at the former master of the Zhao family. She said playfully, “Are you saying that you want to take Joy and me back to the Zhao family house?”
“That’s right. You and Joy are members of the Zhao family. Naturally, you two should return to the Zhao family home.”
Zhao Youlin smiled after hearing the former master of the Zhao family’s words. She withdrew the switchblade, straightened her body and stared at him with narrowed eyes. She smiled as she said, “Grandpa, do you want Joy and I to stay in the so-called safest place when it is in fact the most dangerous place of all?”
The former master of the Zhao family froze. ‘Dangerous?’ The images of Uncle Zhao giving him various reports over the past few days appeared in his mind. He instantly understood the underlying meaning of Zhao Youlin’s words.
The former master of the Zhao family had never expected Zhao Shuncheng and his illegitimate daughter to come over and humiliate Zhao Youlin right after her divorce from Mu Tingfeng.
Not only had he hated his son for being a good-for-nothing, but he was also incredibly disappointed that the Zhao family had produced such a weak, coward and idiotic descendant. Of course, he was even more disdainful of the woman by his side who had stirred up all the troubles.
“Your concerns won’t be happening. After you and Joy return to the Zhao family house, you can ignore your father. There’s no need to stay with them under the same roof. You two will be staying with me in the main residence.”
Zhao Youlin’s eyebrow twitched right after the former master of the Zhao family finished speaking. She frowned and was deep in thought for some time. She could not think of any reason why the former master of the Zhao family would be so insistent on bringing her and her son back to his residence.
“Grandpa, I’ve already divorced Mu Tingfeng. Even though Joy is his flesh and blood, Joy had already cut ties with him the moment we divorced and signed the divorce agreement. So, Joy is no longer related to Mu Tingfeng as well as the Mu family. If you intend to use Joy and myself to maintain the business relationship with the Mu family, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”
After Zhao Youlin spoke, the former master of the Zhao family expression hardened. He gave off an imposing aura, the kind of aura that could only be exuded after spending many years of dominating from up top.
“Do you really think I’m taking you and Joy back home just for the sake of maintaining any business relationship with the Mu family?!”
Zhao Youlin did not bother about the former master of the Zhao family’s fury. She sneered, “If not?”
“Nonsense! Although the Zhao family business is not as expansive as the Mu family’s, we have a hundred years of foundation at the very least. Why do we still need to act according to one’s pleasure?!” As soon as the former master of the Zhao family finished speaking, he suddenly thought of something and his expression changed slightly.
He paused for a moment and looked at his eldest granddaughter whose eyes carried an obvious hint of cautiousness. He heaved a sigh and unwittingly lowered his voice and said gentler, “I don’t want you and Joy to experience hardship outside.”
“Grandpa, I don’t actually think Joy and I have been experiencing hardship outside. Despite Joy and myself being members of the Zhao family, I’m already twenty years old this year and am a grown-up. I am capable of protecting myself and Joy as well.”
As Zhao Youlin was speaking, she looked away as if she thought of something. Then, she added, “Grandpa, the failure in my marriage with Mu Tingfeng has taught me that one must learn to be independent in order to grow up. Overprotectiveness would only cause one to grow weaker. I’m very grateful for your offer of protection and care for Joy and myself. But, I don’t want to be taken under your wings for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t grow up under such circumstances. Moreover, as long as certain people from the Zhao family do not come to offend me out of nowhere, I can live happily with Joy.”
The former master of the Zhao family had never expected Zhao Youlin would speak like this. He was stunned for quite some time, then he sighed and said, “If possible, I also wish to fulfill your wishes. However, the rest would think otherwise since you’ve unintentionally gotten involved in the Zhao family’s dispute. So long as you’re still the eldest lady of the Zhao family and hold five percent of the Zhao Group’s shares, those people who have been targeting you will never give up so easily.”
