Lin Xinlan was stumped by his question and didn’t know how to respond.
She didn’t understand matters of business, but she could comprehend what Rong Mingyan was saying.
A glint of determination flashed in Rong Guangguo’s eyes. He gathered his strength and declared resolutely,
"Mingyan, do as you’ve suggested! Now... the Rong Family only has you left... it’s all on you, Shengjue... you must not let Shengjue fall into ruin, and you must continue the Rong Family’s legacy of wealth..."
Rong Mingyan quickly nodded, promising, "Grandfather, rest assured, I will not disappoint your expectations."
Rong’s mother bit her teeth hard, unable to utter a word.
With Rong Guangguo having made his stance clear, anything she said was pointless.
She clenched her fists tightly, feeling bitterly discontented; after all, Shengjue belonged to Shaoze, and its present glory was the result of Shaoze’s hard work.
But now, it had all become Rong Mingyan’s.
He hadn’t experienced any hardship, so why should he get Shengjue? Why should he inherit the Rong Family’s fortune!
Despite her resentment, what could she do?
Rong Mingyan was a descendant of the Rong Family, and regardless of her objections, it was inevitable that the family would fall into his hands.
Rong’s mother’s gaze settled on Lin Xinlan, and suddenly her eyes lit up.
"Xinlan, help me back to my room to rest, I’m somewhat tired," she said faintly.
Lin Xinlan nodded and assisted her out of Rong Guangguo’s bedroom, into her room.
Sitting on the bed, she didn’t lie down to rest but patted the space beside her, saying, "Sit down, I have something to tell you."
Lin Xinlan was somewhat puzzled but dutifully sat beside her.
Rong’s mother took her hand, holding it gently. Her eyes fixed on Lin Xinlan’s stomach with a strange expression.
Lin Xinlan felt increasingly perplexed under her gaze and couldn’t help asking, "Madam, what is it that you want to say to me?"
Looking up to meet her gaze with a smile, she asked, "Xinlan, do you think you might be carrying Shaoze’s child?"
Lin Xinlan froze, her expression stiffening, "Madam, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, I’m not pregnant."
This time it was Rong’s mother who was taken aback, disappointment flickering deep within her eyes.
"Really not? It generally takes a month before a pregnancy can be detected. Perhaps there’s already Shaoze’s child in your belly, and you just don’t know it. How about this, let’s go get checked out later. You lack experience, maybe you’re pregnant and you don’t even realize it."
Lin Xinlan listened to her as if she were serious, almost believing herself to be truly pregnant.
"Madam, there’s no need for a checkup, I’m certain I’m not pregnant."
She couldn’t possibly be pregnant; she was clearer about this than anyone else.
"You are so stubborn!" Rong’s mother exclaimed irritably.
"I say you’re pregnant, so you are pregnant! Rest assured, the child in your belly will be safely born!"
Lin Xinlan had an ominous hunch and tentatively asked, "Madam, why are you so insistent that I’m carrying the child? Are you planning to use this child to..."
Rong’s mother nodded firmly, "Exactly. Only if you are carrying Shaoze’s child will Shaoze’s wealth not fall into Rong Mingyan’s hands. Xinlan, I know you care a lot about Shaoze, right? You don’t want his belongings to end up in someone else’s hands. Help Shaoze, please. Right now, only the child in your belly can secure all of Shaoze’s wealth!"
Lin Xinlan understood; even if she wasn’t carrying Rong Shaoze’s child, Rong’s mother would find a way to fabricate one.