"I refuse to marry!" After announcing, Ming Ruo stared at the man she called 'father,' watching as his face went from pale to red, a comical sight to behold.
"Slap!" The anticipated slap echoed throughout the room. The man, Ming Shi An, had put a fair amount of strength into his strike, causing Ming Ruo's face to instantly swell, blood oozing out from the corner of her mouth.
Ming Ruo wiped the blood away with her hand, staring at Ming Shi An.
Ming Shi An pointed at her with his right hand and declared, "Ruo, whether you agree or not, you'll have to marry! Don't think I'm discussing this with you, I'm merely informing you! You've enjoyed the generosity of the Ming family for over two decades, it's about time you returned the favor!"
Ming Ruo coldly stared at Ming Shi An. After being away from him for several years, she noticed that he became more and more adept in spewing lies. What did he mean by her “enjoying the generosity of the Ming family for over two decades”? The ‘Ming’ family was supposed to bear the 'Bai' surname instead, a heritage left for her mother by her maternal grandfather and then for her by her mother. Yet, Ming Shi An, the man she had once called 'father,' altered her mother's will after her tragic accident and claimed all the Bai family's assets for himself when she was just five. It was that very year that her stepmother and stepsister officially entered the Ming household and claimed their rights as the legitimate family members. Only then did she found out he already had another family and child outside.
"Is that so? Since it's like this, I'll agree to the marriage then." At her words, Ming Shi An's face relaxed, and Yang Xiao Hui and Ming Mei, who were enjoying the drama from the sofas, shared a look before breaking into laughter.
"At least you understand." Ming Shi An sat next to Yang Xiao Hui and said.
"However, I have a condition."
Ming Shi An glanced at Ming Ruo, accepted the tea from Yang Xiao Hui, took a sip, and said, "Don't even think of setting conditions."
"If that's the case, then wait for Sister Ming Mei to marry into the Mo family with its rumored tyrant."
"Are you threatening me?" Ming Shi An stood up, moved towards Ming Ruo, "Unless you're dead, don't even think about it!"
"Well, then I'll go die, it's not like living is any fun."
Ming Shi An stared at Ming Ruo, watching her talk about death so calmly. It was as if she really would do something drastic if he didn't comply. "She's matured in these past few years," He thought.
"Go on then."
"Return Bai Yuan to me."
Ming Shi’an, Yang Xiaohui, and Ming Mei were all shocked when they heard his proposal. That Baiyuan was built on prime real estate. Selling it would easily bring in hundreds of millions. Plus, Baiyuan had some history. It was built by the Bai family's ancestors and the design had distinct characteristics from the 20s and 30s, thereby also making it a landmark in Feng City.
"You wish!" Yang Xiaohui exclaimed, standing up to reprimand Ming Ruo. However, after Ming Shi’an gave her a stern look, she resentfully sat back down without saying a word and enjoyed the show.
"Baiyuan is something I will not give you," declared Ming Shi’an. "Although, if you’re interested in other properties or cash, I might consider it."
"All I want is Baiyuan, nothing else holds my interest."
"Ming Ruo, a person should know how to take the hint. Like I told you before, you have to get married, whether you want to or not. But I figured, considering you’re my daughter, I would give you some benefits. Nevertheless, if you're not content, don't blame me for being a harsh father."
Ming Ruo gave a cold smile. "Ming Shi'an, right now you're the one begging me. I know that the Ming Corporation is facing a financial crisis. Without a robust capital injection, the Ming Corporation will likely crumble. You've managed to connect with the Mo family, but they want you to marry your precious daughter, Ming Mei, to the rumored tyrant Mo Yun Han. Unwilling to give up your beloved daughter, you now realize, you have another daughter to throw into the mix."
Ming Shi'an face turned alternatingly red and white, as Ming Ruo's words hit home. He pointed at Ming Ruo, panting heavily, unable to speak, only stammering out, "You... you..." Yang Xiaohui rushed over to help him sit on the sofa, coaxing him to calm down.
"Ming Ruo, look at what you've done! How dare you upset father this much?" Ming Mei glared at Ming Ruo and accused her.
Ming Ruo remained silent.
"Dad, look at her, she won’t even respond when her big sister talks to her." Ming Mei pouted, shaking Ming Shi'an's arm childishly.
"Ming Mei, can't you see your father is really upset right now? Go and make him a cup of tea." Yang Xiaohui gestured to her darling daughter using her eyes.
Ming Mei brewed a cup of tea, gently blowing on it before handing it to Ming Shi’an. He took a sip and said, "Ming Mei is always considerate."
Ming Ruo looked at the loving family scene playing out in front of her, the affectionate parents and the dutiful daughter, and she gave a cold, derisive smile in her heart.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving," She said nonchalantly, heading to the foyer without looking back.
"Hold it right there, did I say you could leave?" Ming Shi’an barked.
"You might not have said it, but these are my legs–they listen only to me." With that, Ming Ruo spoke, continuing to walk without looking back, heading straight toward the entranceway.
Ming Shi An watched as Ming Ruo, undeterred by his threats, continued to walk away. A sense of helplessness welled up within him. She was right; he did need her. The White Garden may be valuable, but it was nothing compared to the wealth of the Mo family. He let out a heavy sigh. As Ming Ruo's hand touched the doorknob, just as she was about to turn it, he spoke, "Fine, Ming Ruo, White Garden is yours. But you have to promise me, even if you become part of the Mo family after marrying into it, you cannot use the Mo's power to take revenge on Ming. After all, the predecessor of the Ming belonged to White, which was painstakingly built by your grandfather, and then passed on to your mother. Unfortunately, your mother's life was cut too short, and I had to take it over reluctantly."
Ming Ruo looked at Ming Shi An in amusement. It was quite a spectacle to see this poor boy, who had gained so much, portraying himself as if he had suffered a great deal. "Don't worry, I won't. I'm not interested in your Ming," she said. With that, Ming Ruo turned the doorknob to leave but then spoke again, "I hope the deed to White Garden is transferred to me by this afternoon."
Ming Shi An was taken aback for a moment, his face darkening. "Alright."
Ming Shi An had already made arrangements with the people at the housing administration office, so the transfer process went smoothly. As soon as Ming Ruo got the document bag, she took a cab to the cemetery. Kneeling in front of her mother Bai Xue'er's grave, she placed the document bag in front of the gravestone and started to talk to her mother about her day. In the end, she said, "Mom, don't worry. I remember your words, about not living in hatred. I reclaimed the White Garden so that they wouldn't get it so easily. When you ask a favor, there’s always a price to pay. Besides, you grew up there. Many of your memories are there. Mom, I will continue to live well in the future–for you and for myself. I will live well."
