Chapter 22
Last Hope
Cheng Ye and Qiao Xinhui continued piling food into Fang Yuan’s bowl, causing it to become a small mountain of dishes. While they also put some food in Cheng Yuqi’s bowl to make it seem fair, it was evident that more attention was given to Fang Yuan, rendering the food less enjoyable.
“Yuanyuan, you have endured so much over the years. Drink this soup to nourish your body.”
“Eat more meat, you’re too thin…”
Auntie Wang, standing nearby, felt her heart ache witnessing Cheng Yuqi’s neglect. Fortunately, Fang Yuan excused herself after dinner and went upstairs, giving Cheng Yuqi the opportunity to speak with her parents. She took her time carefully setting up the story before asking cautiously, “Mom, Dad, when you saw the online poster, how did you know that my sister is your biological daughter? Were there any proof or evidence?”
What she meant was that someone could be impersonating the daughter of the country’s wealthiest man, and they shouldn’t simply assume she was the genuine child just because they resembled each other.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Ye was initially taken aback but then explained with a smile, “I don’t have any concrete evidence. I just witnessed the fire back then, and it matches exactly what we remember.”
Cheng Yuqi wondered if she should believe his words.
Cheng Ye continued, “They even sent us a lock of Yuanyuan’s hair. We conducted a paternity test, and the result showed a 99.99% match. After meeting her, your sister bears a striking resemblance to your mother when she was young!”
Hearing Cheng Ye’s explanation, Cheng Yuqi’s heart sank. Yet, she wasn’t entirely convinced. “But how do you know that I am not your biological child?”
“After the paternity test with Yuanyuan, we went to your room to collect a sample of your hair…” That meant Cheng Yuqi was undoubtedly not a part of the Cheng Family.
Cheng Yuqi’s last glimmer of hope was shattered.
“Yuqi, you may not be Ye’s and my biological child, but after all these years, we have come to consider you as our own daughter…”
Qiao Xinhui gently caressed her head. “Just stay with us. If you find a good family in the future, we will ensure you have a splendid wedding.”
Though Qiao Xinhui looked at her with the same affection as before, Cheng Yuqi could sense that something had changed. If she could always be the daughter of the country’s wealthiest man, she would at most be an adopted child, unrelated by blood, or an outsider!
Her eyes dimmed. She reached out and embraced Qiao Xinhui. “Mom, I love you and Dad. I will always cherish you in this lifetime.”
After conversing with her parents for a while, Cheng Yuqi ascended to the second floor, only to discover that the entire layout had been altered. The floor had undergone a complete renovation, with each room reflecting the same style.
Cheng Yuqi stopped a passing maid and inquired, “What are these rooms for?”
“To welcome your return, the esteemed Old Master and Madame engaged the internationally renowned designer, Kim, and their top team to oversee the renovations. Except for your room, all the other rooms on the second floor were in ruins! Madame Yuezheng wasn’t sure of your preferred style, so each room was decorated differently.”
Cheng Yuqi’s expression darkened.
“But…” With no one else nearby, the maid lowered her voice. “The Sixth Miss grew up in a humble family, so she chose the most affordable option…”
Hearing this, Cheng Yuqi felt a slight relief.
The maid glanced around and continued, “Since childhood, the Sixth Miss hasn’t had much exposure to the world. She’s never even seen a famous painting. The painting of the Seven Galloping Horses was intended to be displayed in the living room for guests, but she hung it in the tea room instead.”
Cheng Yuqi was somewhat taken aback. “She cares about these things?”
“The esteemed Old Master and Madame dote on her tremendously. They attend to her every request, even hanging the painting as she desired in the tea room!”
“They even personally cooked for her and ordered a hundred sets of clothes and shoe bags.”
“They even gifted her 100 million as pocket money…”
Cheng Yuqi’s eyes shimmered beneath her long, fluttering lashes.
“Lady Yuqi, please forgive my audacity, but if you were to pursue studies abroad, your position within the household might be jeopardized,” the maid spoke up, mustering the courage to express her concerns.
Cheng Yuqi understood her predicament better than anyone else. “I understand. You may go about your duties now.”
The maid nodded, saying, “Of course.”
“Wait a moment, your name is Xiao Cui, isn’t it?” Cheng Yuqi suddenly halted her departure, removed the diamond-studded bracelet from her wrist, and handed it to her. “I’ve heard that you have family members who are ill in the hospital. Take this bracelet with you.”
“Thank you, Lady Yuqi!” Xiao Cui’s face lit up with joy, grateful for the gesture. She expressed her unwavering loyalty, saying, “I will always follow your lead, Lady Yuqi!”