Chapter 17: Just Because You Are Related by Blood Doesn’t Mean You Are Qualified to Be the Head of the Family!

Mr. Qin sat in his usual spot, puffing away on his pipe with an air of stubbornness. The smoke swirled lazily around him, a stark contrast to the tension building in the room. His wife, with an irritated expression, was shelling beans methodically, her movements sharp and deliberate. Qin Jiqun and his wife were lounging nearby, munching on biscuits. The crumbs and skins from their snacks littered the floor, evidence of their careless eating habits. Qin Xiaotao, oblivious to the growing tension, lay on the floor, engrossed in playing with glass balls, their tinkling sounds punctuating the otherwise heavy silence.

The family table was quite complete, but the atmosphere was anything but serene.

Old Master Qin, clearly agitated, knocked his pipe against the ground, causing a few stray ashes to scatter. He turned to Qin Zhonghui with a commanding tone, "Close the door!"

Qin Zhonghui, taken aback by the abrupt request, looked around in confusion. "Dad, it's still early. Why are we closing the gate so soon?"

"Just do as I say and lock the door! " Mr. Qin's frustration was palpable. "Why are you wasting time questioning me? Don't you think this situation is already embarrassing enough?" In a fit of anger, he kicked the bench beside him, sending it skidding across the floor.

The bench careened dangerously towards Qin Ju and her sister, Qin Shi. Qin Ju, quick to react, pulled her sister into a protective embrace, her face cold and resolute as she shielded her from the impending collision.

Seeing Qin Ju's defensive move only fueled Mr. Qin's ire. "How dare you try to avoid it!"

Qin Ju maintained her composure, her voice calm but laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh, I see now. It seems the master's aim was intentional. I must have misunderstood. What did I do to provoke such anger?"

Su Yun, sensing the mounting tension, stepped in to shield her daughters. Her voice trembled slightly as she addressed her father-in-law. "Dad, if you have something to say, just tell me directly. There's no need to take it out on the children."

"I should tell her directly?" Mr. Qin retorted sharply. "Let her explain to you what shameful act she committed!"

The words spoken were eerily reminiscent of those from Qin Ju's previous life, and a bitter smile touched her lips. She had hoped that things would be different this time, but it seemed that history was repeating itself with the same hurtful accusations. Despite the resolution of the issue at hand—what had only been a baseless rumor—the family had chosen to side with outsiders rather than giving her a fair chance to explain. Instead of support, she faced harsh judgment and condemnation.

Is this still family?

This is not even as good as a passerby!

This wasn't just a family failing; it was an egregious betrayal of trust. The blood ties that bound them seemed insufficient to qualify anyone as a rightful head of the family.

Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui exchanged bewildered looks, their expressions reflecting their shock and confusion. Feng Lan, who had been observing the scene with a mix of disdain and satisfaction, finally stood up. She brushed her hands off, dislodging imaginary dirt, and walked over to close the door with deliberate slowness. Upon returning, she wore a sneer as she addressed Qin Ju, "Qin Ju, I must say, your audacity is impressive for someone so young. Tell me, is that young master Shen really as wealthy as they say?"

Qin Ju's eyes flashed with coldness. "Aunt, just speak plainly. There's no need for the sarcasm."

Feng Lan's lips curled in a disdainful smile. "Oh, you're quite the arrogant one, aren't you? It's truly embarrassing! So, you tried to cozy up to someone rich just to get on their good side? Tsk tsk."

Without a word, Qin Ju kicked the stool beside her, deliberately hitting Feng Lan's foot. Feng Lan yelped in pain and hopped back, covering her foot with a hand. She glared at Qin Ju, her face contorted in anger. "Qin Ju, have you lost your mind?"

"I'm not out of my mind," Qin Ju replied firmly. "I just want to know where you heard such ridiculous gossip. Not only are you dragging my name through the mud, but you're also bringing shame upon the Qin family!"

Feng Lan was momentarily taken aback, her anger giving way to confusion. She shot a resentful look at Qin Jue, her anger palpable. "You're the one who's done something shameful. Aren't you afraid of people talking about it?"

"I've never done anything of the sort," Qin Ju countered, her voice steady. "If I had, wouldn't the school have contacted you? It's clear you believe every bit of gossip you hear. What's your real issue, Auntie? Are you still holding a grudge from when Xiao Tao wanted to hit Xiao Shi and I stopped him? Is this your way of getting back at me?"

"I…"

Su Yun, her face flushed with anger, stepped forward and glared fiercely at Feng Lan. "Feng Lan, what's your problem? If you keep saying such nonsense, I'll be forced to take more drastic measures."

In the past, Su Yun had been deferential to Feng Lan due to family obligations, especially since the child had been left behind in the hometown and required Feng Lan's care. But now, Su Yun's patience had worn thin. She was determined not to let her daughters be maligned any further.

Qin Zhonghui, equally agitated, turned to his father with a plea in his eyes. "Dad, who is spreading these ugly rumors about my daughter? Xiao Ju is definitely not involved in anything like this!"

The seriousness in Old Master Qin's eyes began to soften slightly as he took in the scene. He tapped his pipe thoughtfully, then raised his gaze to Qin Ju. "Xiao Ju, did you really do such a thing?"

The question hung heavily in the air, a final test of loyalty and truth. The room was filled with an uneasy silence as everyone awaited Qin Ju's response.

(End of this chapter)

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