"The Eldest Young Master has arrived."
Ever since Rong Mingyan had returned, Rong Shaoze had become the Second Young Master, and he became the Eldest.
Rong Mingyan, tall and upright, walked in, first respectfully greeting the elders before sitting opposite Rong Shaoze, and with furrowed brows asked in a grave tone,
"I saw a rumor all over the internet today, alleging that Shaoze suspected his sister-in-law of infidelity, harmed her, and even caused the death of the child she was carrying. Is that true?"
Rong Shaoze’s gaze darkened, that matter was a thorn in his heart; anyone mentioning it made him uncomfortable.
Exhausted, their mother nodded and sighed, "Xinlan’s child is indeed gone. I don’t know who leaked the information, but I’m a hundred percent sure it’s meant to frame Shaoze."
"Second Aunt, did Shaoze actually cause the death of his sister-in-law’s child?"
The mother’s eyelid twitched as she ambiguously replied, "I don’t know either. When I got there, Xinlan was already without child. No one knows what happened between the two of them."
Rong Mingyan’s gaze fell on Rong Shaoze.
He was waiting for his response.
Rong Shaoze pulled at the corner of his mouth but said nothing.
At this moment, he couldn’t bring himself to lie, yet he couldn’t admit it in front of his cousin either.
One must always guard against others...
"Grandfather, what do you think of this matter? I believe that our top priority should be to contain this scandal. The Rong Family’s reputation cannot afford to be tarnished. If there is anything I can assist with, Uncle and Aunt need only ask, and I shall not shirk my duty."
Rong Guangguo nodded slightly, "We are truly grateful for your concern."
"Why say that, Uncle? We are after all one family. Whatever trouble befalls one of us, it is the responsibility of others to share."
His words seemed to have a deeper implication.
The mother, a woman of sensitive thoughts, immediately caught on that he was implying that Shaoze’s trouble could affect the entire family.
Her heart grew even less fond of this nephew, though she didn’t show it on her face.
Having been born into, and married within, wealthy families, she was all too familiar with the intrigue and scheming that took place within such circles.
Aside from her own flesh and blood, she trusted no one else.
Worn out, Rong Guangguo said to Rong Mingyan, "Help me upstairs to rest, and along the way tell me about the recent affairs of the company."
"Yes, Grandfather." Rong Mingyan moved to support him, and together they headed upstairs.
With an air of displeasure, the mother withdrew her gaze and looked towards Rong Shaoze, "Shaoze, have you figured out a solution? If it really becomes untenable, we should claim that Xinlan indeed had an affair."
She pulled a photograph out of her bag and placed it on the table, her tone displeased, "Even if she doesn’t have another man, with this photo alone, we can drive her out of the Rong Family! It’s scandalous, how could she sleep with another man?"
Rong Shaoze stared blankly at the photograph, feeling increasingly suffocated.
He casually averted his eyes, unwilling to look any longer.
Rong Guangguo took the photograph and his face immediately darkened, "Outrageous! We cannot keep a woman . Shaoze, divorce her immediately, make this photo public, let everyone see the disgraceful things she has done! I actually thought she was carrying a child of our Rong Family, turns out to be a bastard!"
"Dad..." Rong Shaoze suddenly interjected, not knowing why he felt compelled to interrupt.
After all, it was unbearable, the sting within him. When Lin Xinlan was insulted, it felt as though he himself was being scolded.