Rebirth in the 90s: Her Counterattack and Redemption

Chapter 655: Chapter 385: Madness/Disfigurement

After dinner, everyone sat in the living room for a casual chat, when Second Uncle Qiao’s son Qiao Song suddenly asked: "Lianlian, you’re only twenty years old, have you graduated from university?"

"Qiao Song!" Uncle Qiao’s son Qiao Lang glared at him displeased, then looked apologetically towards Luo Lian: "Lianlian, don’t take it to heart, Qiao Song is just like that—speaking without thinking. You’re only twenty years old, there’s still plenty of time."

Luo Lian smiled faintly: "I graduated with a bachelor’s degree last year, and I’m currently a first-year graduate student, but my advisor has already arranged with the school that I can return to France for exams at scheduled times."

Old Madam Qiao glared fiercely at Zan Feng, knowing full well that it must have been her idea to prompt Qiao Song, wishing to remind everyone that Luo Lian’s level might drag down the Qiao Family.

"You all, compared to Lianlian, are far from just a little bit lacking. This child grew up under someone else’s care, and yet she did not neglect her studies or her career. She is now the general manager of L.L’s China branch..." Old Sir Qiao huffed: "Qiao Song, you are 24 this year, also a first-year graduate student, don’t you have any aspirations?"

Qiao Song chuckled and said ingratiatingly: "Grandpa, this shows that my upbringing was too easygoing, which dulled my fighting spirit. From now on, I will certainly take Lianlian as my goal and strive to do better."

Qiao Aimin stood up and cleared his throat: "Today, besides Fourth’s family, Qiao Xin, everyone else is here, and I want to take this opportunity to make my stance clear.

In this lifetime, the person I’ve wronged the most is Luo Xiang. She gave me so much, yet I was oblivious, and I even caused her to pass away prematurely.

Because of this, Lianlian has had to bear so much suffering that does not befit her age. Fortunately, fate has been kind to me, giving me the opportunity to meet her and acknowledge her as my own.

As for Luo Xiang, even if I wish to make amends, no opportunity will ever arise again. So, the only thing I can do is to protect our daughter to the best of my abilities and provide her with a warm home.

Second sister-in-law, I know you’ve talked to mom and suggested that I should not acknowledge Lianlian back into the family. You think it’s for the sake of my future, but to me, Lianlian is the most important.

I am already forty-six years old; even without any accidents, how many more years can I protect her? Hence, none of you are allowed to discuss certain matters with Lianlian. If I learn that anyone has done so, that person will no longer be a relative of mine, Qiao Aimin!"

Old Sir Qiao glared at his son: "At such an old age, you’re still acting rashly." Then he looked towards his other sons and daughters-in-law: "I and your mother fully support Aimin’s decision. If anyone disagrees, keep it to yourself; there’s no need to voice it out."

Old Madam Qiao affectionately held Luo Lian’s hand and said: "Lianlian, if anyone speaks ill of you or gives you a sour face, just tell your grandparents. This home will no longer welcome them back."

"Grandma, Grandpa..." Luo Lian fought hard to hold back her tears, moved as she said: "Having this happiness now, I don’t mind all the hardships I’ve been through."

"My granddaughter is the most understanding," Old Madam Qiao choked up: "Even if you don’t say it, grandma knows how much you’ve suffered over the years. In the future, if anyone dares to bully my precious granddaughter, this old lady will be the first to refuse!"

Zan Feng secretly curled her lip but dared not say anything further.

"Mom, look at what you’re saying, would I dare to speak? Our family of three loves Lianlian so much, we could never hurt her," Aunt hastily reassured and patted her son, "Qiao Lang, you should get in touch with Lianlian more often. If Lianlian needs anything, you, as her big brother, must help."

"Mom, do you even need to say it?" Qiao Lang laughed looking towards Luo Lian: "Lianlian, I am now the deputy head of the second division at the city tax bureau; if you need anything, just ask."

"I will," Luo Lian replied gently, smiling: "But don’t worry, brother, I definitely won’t ask you to do anything against your principles."

"This child," Old Madam Qiao tapped Luo Lian’s forehead, "Your big brother knows your temperament just by looking at you; there’s no need to even stress this. If it were Xiao Wan, she wouldn’t even pick up the conversation."

When it comes to Qiao Xiaowan, Qiao Aimin’s eyes instantly darkened. They were both his daughters, but the two children’s personalities were worlds apart. The more he thought about it, the more he felt like a scoundrel; for the so-called duty, he married Lian Qinghua but was also entangled with Luo Xiang’s affections. In the end, neither side was pleased, alas!

"Lianlian, there’s something your dad needs to ask for your opinion," Qiao Aimin said earnestly, looking at Luo Lian: "It’s about your household registration and name. Dad wants to hear your thoughts."