Chapter 108: The Sweater Was Knitted by Xiao Ling (Part 2)

"From the time you were little, yes, we may have favored your sister. She was always the first to get the best things, and we always let you two brothers give in to her when choosing gifts. But when it came to what was right or wrong, when have we ever treated you unfairly?" 

Old Master Jian reprimanded Jian Yunnao, his voice filled with stern authority. Not a single person in the entire Jian family dared to speak up in defense or protest. No one had expected the old man to get so angry over something that seemed trivial on the surface. 

However, Old Master Jian had his principles. As the head of the family, he allowed his grandchildren some leeway to misbehave, even to make mistakes from time to time. But on matters of principle, he was unyielding. The Jian family had managed to remain prosperous for over a century, and the most critical factor in their success had been maintaining harmony within the family.

Jian Yunnao's attitude had crossed a line—it challenged the very harmony Old Master Jian held so dear. 

Jian Yunnao was completely stunned. He stood frozen, unable to respond, overwhelmed by his grandfather's imposing presence.

Sensing the tension had reached its peak, Old Madam Jian decided to step in and defuse the situation. "Alright, alright, old man. Xiao Nao is just confused. If you explain things to him calmly, he'll understand. There's no need to get so worked up—you don't want your high blood pressure to act up again, do you?"

In the entire Jian family, Old Madam Jian was perhaps the only person who dared to speak up in such a situation. She was the voice of reason, guiding the conversation back to a more peaceful tone.

Turning to Jian Yunnao, Old Madam Jian softened her voice, "Xiao Nao, your grandfather might sound harsh, but he's telling you the truth. Take another look at Yujie's sweater—isn't it exactly the same as the one Yunsheng is wearing? You claim that your friend gave Yunsheng his sweater, but why would she give the same one to Yujie? If you don't believe me, ask Yujie who gave him his sweater."

Jian Yunnao was at a loss for words.

Earlier in the day, he had noticed Jian Yujie's sweater and had been puzzled by it. Now, as his grandmother pointed it out, he began to piece things together. The realization that his certainty might have been misplaced hit him hard.

He glanced toward his parents and his older brother again, his confusion growing.

Suddenly, he recognized how poorly he had treated them just moments before. His anger toward Jian Yiling had led him to lash out at the wrong people—his family, who only wanted the best for him. Jian Yunnao turned his head aside in frustration, his pride refusing to let him apologize directly.

Wen Nuan, his mother, sensing her son's internal struggle, spoke in a soothing voice, "It's alright. Mom knows you've been feeling down recently, and I don't hold your harsh words against you. I just want you to understand that your father, your brother, and I—all of us—only want what's best for you."

Jian Yunnao nodded slightly in acknowledgment, though he still found it hard to express his feelings. A mixture of guilt and frustration churned inside him, leaving him without an appetite for the rest of the meal.

Seeing that Jian Yunnao had accepted the truth, albeit reluctantly, the tension in the room finally began to ease. Jian Shuxing and Wen Nuan both let out silent sighs of relief.

Old Madam Jian, always quick to restore peace, turned to her husband and asked, "Old man, do you want another helping of soup?"

Old Master Jian, taking the cue from his wife, nodded gruffly. "Yes, bring me another bowl of soup."

His temper had flared up quickly but dissipated just as fast. With that simple request, the strained atmosphere around the table gradually lifted, and the family resumed their dinner in a more relaxed mood.

"Yunsheng," Old Madam Jian called out, "go fetch your grandfather another bowl of soup."

"Got it," Jian Yunsheng replied promptly, standing up to head over to where Jian Yiling was by the grill, cooking.

As he approached, Yu Xi, who had been observing the situation with a playful smile, chimed in, "So it turns out that both Yunsheng and Yujie's sweaters were hand-knit by Xiao Ling herself! They look so soft and warm, and the slim fit really shows off your figures."

Jian Yujie puffed up with pride, clearly enjoying the attention. "Of course! My little sister knitted them herself. No one else in the family has one—just me and Yunsheng. And Yunsheng only got his because it was his birthday!"

Yu Xi, not to be outdone, grinned at Jian Yiling. "Hey, Xiao Ling, how about you knit one for me and Brother Sheng too when you have some free time? After all, since Yujie is so smug about it, I think it's only fair that we get one too, right?"

Jian Yujie, quick to respond, interjected immediately, "No way! Didn't you hear what Grandma said? It takes a lot of effort for Xiao Ling to knit a sweater. If you want one, go buy it yourself!"

He turned back to Jian Yiling, almost panicking. "Xiao Ling, don't listen to Yu Xi. He's just messing with you. He's not short on sweaters!"

Feeling unjustly accused, Yu Xi protested, "When have I ever been the type to say something on a whim?"

But Jian Yujie ignored him, more focused on ensuring his sister wasn't burdened with unnecessary requests.

Before leaving with the soup, Jian Yunsheng glanced back at Jian Yiling. "The soup is delicious," he complimented.

"Mm," Jian Yiling responded with a simple nod, her attention still on the food she was grilling, her eyes never leaving the grill.