Ruan Yiqian’s words shook Cheng Xining to her core, her facial complexion instantly transformed, and the brazen confidence she had just displayed evanished.
Cheng Xining’s parents’ expressions also shifted abruptly.
With He Nan at the helm of the He Family, his temperament was well-known to all. If he personally intervened in the matter, the relationship between the two families would likely become exceedingly rigid.
If it truly was Cheng Xining who had done this, a fallout with the He Family would mean she couldn’t escape the consequences of her actions.
Considering all aspects, if Cheng Xining was responsible, it would be best to resolve the issue without involving He Nan. After all, Ruan Yiqian was Cheng Xining’s brother and would undoubtedly consider her welfare.
He wouldn’t let the situation become too dire.
Cheng Xining’s father’s face became gravely serious as he glared at her, saying, "Xining, tell us the truth, did you do it or not?"
Cheng Xining’s mother also realized the gravity of the situation and, gripping her daughter’s hand, asked, "Xining, if it really was you, just admit it. Your father and I will help you smooth things over. We won’t let you suffer, I know that if you did this, it was only because Shen Mianmian forced you into a corner."
Hearing her mother’s doting words, both Ruan Lingyu and Ruan Yiqian frowned. Cheng Xining’s character had become what it was now largely because of her mother’s influence.
Cheng Xining’s father also felt that his wife was wrong, but considering it was a moment to coax Cheng Xining into revealing the truth, he kept silent.
Cheng Xining began to fear, her gaze constantly darting around. She wanted to continue denying it, but she was also scared that He Nan might indeed come after her. If so, not only would her chances with He Nan be ruined, but the relationship between the two families would also be truly over.
Moreover, her aunt would definitely be disappointed in her. It might be better to confess now and play the victim. If she shed some tears, her aunt and Brother Yiqian, compassionate as they are, would surely go soft and help minimize the fallout.
With that thought, her tears suddenly poured down like rain, "Yes, I framed Shen Mianmian. I’m just jealous that she took Nan away from me. I’ve liked Nan since I was little, and our families thought we made a good pair; they all took for granted our relationship. Nan hasn’t had any other girls by his side all these years, and if not for Shen Mianmian’s arrival, I’m sure Nan and I would have gotten married. Why should Shen Mianmian be able to take him away from me without doing anything?"
"Ever since she appeared, He Nan liked her, Auntie’s family liked her, even Brother Yiqian and Aunt started siding with her. Why? Why does she get to take away everything that’s mine?"
Cheng Xining cried like a child, as if genuinely wronged, as though she did all this just like a child acting out of jealousy and vindictiveness, having made a small mistake.
Although Ruan Yiqian had long suspected Cheng Xining was behind it all, he was still disappointed to hear her confession, "Xining, do you realize how excessive your actions were?" Chapters fırst released on novel※fire.net
All this affection should have belonged to Mianmian. After suffering for so many years, Mianmian was finally feeling a bit of familial warmth, and Cheng Xining couldn’t stand it. If Mianmian’s true background were revealed, wouldn’t Cheng Xining be even less able to accept it?
Ruan Lingyu felt deeply pained too. She was aware Cheng Xining had done wrong but couldn’t help feeling sympathetic, "Xining, I’ve always cared deeply for you, but you were indeed wrong in this matter."
"Sister-in-law, don’t be too hard on Xining. When has she ever suffered before? She wouldn’t have gone this far if she hadn’t been pushed to the brink," Cheng Xining’s mother still defended her daughter, showing no intention of blaming her.
Cheng Xining’s father, however, wore a stern expression, "Foolishness. How could you do such a thing?"