No

"She was deceived." He abruptly answered. He was surprised how he automatically answered her. Wasn't he supposed to stay quiet and let her read those documents?

Han Meixiu placed the report down on the table and looked at her husband.

"By who?" She couldn't believe that someone would be bold enough to deceive the only daughter of the Zhang Family. But then again, considering her mother's age that time it might be possible if the other person was somewhat she knew or trusted.

"Old Han."

"Grandfather? But why?" If she's in her mother's position, whatever Mr. Liu ordered her to do, she would definitely obey. But the two men were different.

Her father in law wasn't someone who manipulates people for the benefit of the family. It was based from her personal observation.

"Do you want to continue reading? Or I should just tell you?" He gently asked when he saw her massage the temple of her head while she was asking him a series of question.

Before answering, Han Meixiu looked at the remaining pages of the report she's supposed to read.

"It's okay. I'll just take a short break. You can do something else instead but don't leave me alone here." Both of them could co-exist in the study.

"I don't have anything to do." Liu Zijian simply answered. He already freed himself today thus he didn't want to do anything else aside from observing her.

He then moved closer to his wife and positioned her to lean on him so he could give her a gentle massage on her head.

"Zijian, if we didn't get married the way we did… Do you think you would like me?" After reading the story of her parents she couldn't help herself to wonder if both her and Liu Zijian have the same circumstances, would the Second Young Master Liu court her like what her father did to her mom?

"I don't know. Maybe not." He answered honestly.

"I think so, too." For that simple answer Han Meixiu was indeed thankful that they had that kind of condition when they got married.

She took the report again and started to read. As she continued to unravel the story of her own mother from the moment she was left behind, she couldn't blame her why she seemed to forget her own daughter.

It was indeed for her own good that her mother wasn't with her.

Her mother, Zhang Huiling, was 'imprisoned' in Han Family's main house after she was deceived to lure out her father. But until she was able to escape five years later; her father never appeared.

Her eyes dimmed as she somewhat felt guilty.

Even though her grandparents were always there for her, there were still some moments that she dearly missed her mom. During those times, she's been blaming her why she left her and never came back. She even felt she was an unwanted child.

It wasn't because her mother didn't want to come back but it was because she simply couldn't.

Zhang Huiling was seemingly left alone in that house.

But when she escaped, why didn't she see her? When her grandparents died, why didn't she pay her respects?

After calming herself and pressing down the questions on her mind, she continued to read.

Her body tensed up as she held the last page of the report.

She read several times what was written on that piece of paper. She even blinked vigorously to check if her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.

When she couldn't finally hold back her reaction, she abruptly looked at her husband and seemingly pleading to be answered.

"Is..this really…true?" Although she most likely knew the answer, she still wanted that someone might tell her that she was reading a complete fabricated information.

Unfortunately, she was destined to be disappointed.

"Yes, it's true." Liu Zijian answered. He was worried about how she's going to handle it.

Her hand was slightly trembling when she continued.

"My mom, was she deceived again?" She would rather accept the fact that her mother was a gullible woman thus what's written on the report could be excusable.

"No. It was her own choice."

Han Meixiu could not seem to accept. Her emotions were in mess as if she was having a severe emotional stress.

"Why did my mom join black.com?" She asked as her voice weakened thus the end of her question was just like a soft whisper that barely reached Liu Zijian.

Her eyes were in a clear state of confusion as they moved around restlessly. Her knitted eyebrows added the sign of anxiety on her overall expression.

'Why?'

Liu Zijian of course knew the answer. It wasn't written on the report, though.

"Meixiu…" He gently called her.

"Zijian, do you know why?" Her eyes were communicating to him. They're asking for answers and they're pleading. It was hard for Liu Zijian to disappoint her but it's also hard for him to tell her the truth.

He was conflicted. He normally didn't care about what others would feel once he delivered the news to someone. No matter how harsh the report, he could always detach himself.

But, Han Meixiu's different. He quickly weighed the pros and cons of telling her and not telling her. In the end he decided to let her know.

He let out a deep breath before he answered.

Liu Zijian nodded.

"I know."

"Why?"

"Because your father was a member."

"No…" She shook her head. Not her father, too. She continued to stare at Liu Zijian and distanced herself. She was waiting for him to retract his words. But she waited for nothing.

Her eyes started to moisten as her mind kept on denying what she read and heard.

"No, there must be some kind of mistake here.." She even let out an empty laugh. She tried to deceive herself.

But her emotions were getting out of control. Her tears started to fall one by one until her vision was clouded. She was still deliberately looking at the paper that was now partially covered with her teardrops.

Liu Zijian was clearly at loss. He didn't know what he should do. He wanted to hug her again but he was also afraid. As for what he's afraid of, he himself also didn't know.