Chapter 16: As long as I'm Alive, No One Can Drive Her Away

Meng Jiahe then turned to Fu Xing in the passenger seat and said, "This is the Sang Qiao I was telling you about, the president of Rose Entertainment!"

"President Sang, nice to meet you," Fu Xing replied politely, his grin revealing two small fangs, radiating an exceptionally bright sunshine.

"Nice to meet you, Fu Xing, no need to call me President Sang, just be casual," Sang Qiao nodded.

One had to admit, just by looking, Fu Xing was exceptionally attractive, and for such a person to not receive good resources at his former company seemed such a pity.

"Alright, then I will call you Sister Qiao."

"That's fine."

"Qiaoqiao, do you want to go straight home or come with us and Xingxing for the audition?"

Meng Jiahe actually wanted her to come along, but considering that Sang Qiao had just finished a Variety show, she was worried about her being tired.

"I'll head home; you guys go ahead and send me the concert address and time on WeChat later."

Sang Qiao lazily leaned back on the cushion, her cheeks framed by fluttering strands of hair, the sunlight outside the window illuminating her face, making her look even more beautiful.

"Alright, you rest well," Meng Jiahe didn't insist further, as the audition wasn't a big deal, taking Fu Xing with her was fine.

She turned her head to the driver and said, "Driver, go to East Road Su Mansion first."

"Alright."

The car headed towards Su Mansion, and upon arrival, Sang Qiao got out first, taking her luggage with her.

She stepped into the hall and saw an unwelcome guest sitting on the sofa. Mrs. Sang too noticed her, and furiously rushed forward aiming to slap her.

Sang Qiao sidestepped, avoiding her hand, and looked at her with indifferent, clear-cut eyes.

Grandma Su hurried over to stop her, "Are you crazy? She's your daughter! What kind of mother attacks her daughter unprovoked!"

"Mom, don't protect her. Look at what she's become! I raised her—was it so she could come back and stress me out? I called her so many times, and she didn't pick up once. But she came as soon as you called. What does that show? She's purposely ignoring my calls!"

Mrs. Sang glared at Sang Qiao, so angry she could strangle her. She never listens, never learns!

"Maybe she was busy filming and didn't have her phone on her. Qiaoqiao, please explain to your mother."

"There's nothing to explain. Mrs. Sang, if you've come to see me, feel free to speak directly about the matter. If not, then I'll head upstairs."

Sang Qiao's eyes and brows remained calm; she moved her suitcase aside patiently.

"I'm tired of your excuses. I came here today to tell you to quit the industry. You're not allowed to film variety shows or dramas anymore—don't stand in Jiaojiao's way!"

Mrs. Sang breathed unevenly, filled with frustration and disgust just from looking at her.

Why was Sang Qiao her daughter?

She wished she had never given birth to her!

"In your dreams," Sang Qiao uttered coldly, her red lips parting slightly as she spoke.

"Sang Qiao! Have you forgotten what your older brother's company does? Do you think because you live with my mother, you can do whatever you want? I'm warning you, this is my mother's house, and it has nothing to do with you. Are you shamelessly clinging here because you think we'll coax you? I'm telling you, even if you die, no one will spare you a second glance! Get out, right now!"

Mrs. Sang had called the very first day she knew Sang Qiao had moved to her mother's house, asking her to drive Sang Qiao away.

Helpless, her mother ignored her entirely. Today, when she came to visit, she naturally wanted to take care of things cleanly.

"Slap!" Grandma Su, upon hearing these words, reached out and slapped Mrs. Sang.

"Mom, did you actually hit me?" Mrs. Sang stared incredulously at her mother, who had always doted on her.

"This isn't just your home; it's Sang Qiao's too. As long as I'm alive, no one can drive her away." Tears welled up in Grandma Su's eyes.

Had she not seen it with her own eyes, she would have always thought the rumors from the outside world were just exaggerations.

How could a biological mother despise her own daughter so much? But now...

"Do you know what fate Sang Qiao has? If you let her stay here, she'll be the death of you. She's a jinx!"

"Nonsense, get out of here and don't come back!" Unable to listen anymore, Grandma Su pushed Mrs. Sang.

She knew Mrs. Sang had come to say these things, not to make peace with Sang Qiao. She would never have let her in if she knew.

"Mom, how can you protect Sang Qiao? She's just a beast I bore! I'm your true relative." Mrs. Sang seemed unable to accept that her mother cared more for Sang Qiao.

"Keep spouting such low-class nonsense, and don't blame me if I rip your mouth apart!" Grandma Su pushed her out the door, her voice loud.

Mrs. Sang finally calmed down, understanding her mother wanted to protect Sang Qiao.

She sneered sarcastically, "Alright, I understand. One more thing, tomorrow night is Mr. Sang Senior's birthday banquet. Make sure Sang Qiao attends. Don't bother preparing a gift; she can't afford anything decent. Bringing something shameful is worse than bringing nothing."

Having said what she needed to say, Mrs. Sang didn't stay any longer and strode away from the Su Mansion.

Grandma Su wiped the tears beneath her eyes, "Don't mind your mother's words. She's just not thinking straight lately. I'll suggest she sees a doctor when I get a chance."

"It's okay, no worries." Sang Qiao pulled a few tissues from the table to wipe her grandmother's tears.

Whether her mother was sane or not, she did not know. But ever since she could remember, her mother had detested her; any mishap at home was blamed on her.

Luckily, her four brothers had always treated her well. But everything had changed since she came back from studying abroad for medical treatment.

"It's fine, it's fine. Take Xingxing with you to Mr. Sang Senior's birthday banquet. It'll be good for her to see the world, and she can help you if anyone bullies you."

Grandma Su heaved a long sigh. She knew Sang Qiao didn't want to go to the banquet.

But Mrs. Sang was Mrs. Sang, and Mr. Sang Senior was Mr. Sang Senior. It was a significant event; Sang Qiao couldn't avoid attending without causing gossip.

"Alright." Sang Qiao chuckled lightly, soothingly patting her grandmother's back.

Even if she hadn't mentioned it, she would have gone anyway.

Although her grandfather didn't interfere with his grandchildren, he had never shortchanged her when it came to shares in Sang Company.

"Have you lost weight recently from filming? You look quite haggard. I'll have someone cook something nice to nourish you."

"I haven't lost weight."

"Right, why haven't you been taking your mother's calls? Even if she's in the wrong, you should still pick up. If it's something important, just listen, and if she starts speaking nonsense, just hang up."

Grandma Su, after all, was from an older generation. She believed in not letting things become too strained.

"The production crew took my phone, and I only got it back when you called. But I had it on silent, so I didn't hear it."

"It's fine, it's fine. Your mom acts foolishly—never clarifying anything, just scolding right away. Oh dear."