Not only did their relationship become estranged, but Yao Tang was now officially known as the child of his younger brother’s family. Her household registration was also filed under them.
Such an outstanding child should belong to his family, right?
How could he lose to them?
As he thought of this, the remorse on his face grew deeper and deeper. He clenched his fists, and so many emotions flashed across his eyes.
After a long while, he sighed. “This child is truly outstanding,” he murmured. “She has such a distinguished teacher, and she’s never said anything about it. She keeps everything at a down low.”
As soon as he said this, Yao Ran’s expression changed.
Yao Yuan had always wanted to reconcile with Yao Tang. Now that he knew that she was quite distinguished in the music field, it was likely that he’d want for her to return to their family.
Thinking of this, Yao Ran gritted her teeth.
“She’s naturally more talented than me,” she murmured as she flushed in embarrassment. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t have spent time pointing out all of my mistakes.”
Just then, Qin Man’s eyes widened.
“You don’t have to say anything! She’s the one who has been spouting nonsense because she wants to eliminate you as her competitor!”
As she said this, Qin Man became even more agitated.
Yao Ran shook her head. “Cousin really did understand what I have done wrong,” she murmured. “I also saw the judges nodding along, and they didn’t have any objections.”
At that moment, Yao Yuan nudged his wife and shot her a warning look.
Qin Man appeared surprised at first before glancing up. Only then did she realize that Master Zhang was also in the car with them. “I’m sorry that you have to witness this, Master Zhang,” she said quickly. “I’ve never hit Ranranbefore. It’s just…I’ve misunderstood her. That’s why I acted on impulse. This is…this is for her own good, after all.”
She shot him an apologetic smile.
While Master Zhang disapproved of the way she had slapped her, Qin Man was still her mother. He was simply an outsider, so it wouldn’t do him any good to interfere with her parenting style.
“Don’t be so rash next time around,” he said, nodding. “You have to have faith in your child.”
He didn’t know if this was the first time she had hit her child.
At this point, it was obvious that Qin Man cared for her reputation far more than she did for Yao Ran.
Their reputation was far more important.
After hearing Master Zhang’s reply, she nodded repeatedly, trying to appear as apologetic as possible. “I understand.”
The middle-aged man glanced in the younger woman’s direction. “Ranran,” he said softly. “Does your face still hurt?”
Before she could reply, Qin Man hurriedly clutched her face. “Ranran,” she called out. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have hit you so impulsively. Does your face still hurt? When we head back, I’ll have someone bring you some medicine, okay?”
Yao Ran shook her head. “I’m fine, Mom,” she said softly. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. I understand.”
Her eyes were filled with sincerity. There was no resentment toward her at all.
Upon seeing this, Qin Man felt relieved.
At least her daughter was sensible!
She was far more sensible than that wretched girl! But why couldn’t Ranran’s performance be comparable to Yao Tang’s?
Her face darkened.
However, when she saw Master Zhang’s gaze boring into her face, she quickly changed her look to that of pity and affection.
“With a daughter like you, I won’t expect anything less, okay? I’m sure you’d be able to become even more outstanding in the future!”
She smiled.
As she said this, she glanced over at Master Zhang’s expression. Seeing that his face had brightened up just a bit, she smiled.
That was better.
What she didn’t know was that Master Zhang was thinking differently. He couldn’t help but feel as if this woman was just putting up an act.
He turned around.
He was not a tool that could be easily manipulated by her.
