Chapter 471: As a Daughter
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Xia Ye contemplated hiding away for a few days, but with her meager resources and lack of foresight, she found herself at a dead end. Kexin, the only friend she could turn to, was just as unreliable and financially strapped as she was.
With no alternatives, Xia Ye had to return home.
The moment she stepped through the door, she noticed the odd expressions on Xia He and Chen Lian’s faces.
She refrained from probing, suspecting that their unsuccessful venture to find Li Jin must have left them disgruntled.
Knowing they hadn’t profited from Li Jin, Xia Ye guessed they were likely looking for an outlet for their frustration. She decided it was best to keep a low profile.
Xia Ye was about to slip inside the house when Xia He’s sharp gaze caught her.
“Xia Ye! Stop right there!”
Frozen, she could feel the anger emanating from Xia He’s voice.
Ever since the family had split, Xia He had shed his timidity for irritability.
He frequently lashed out at Chen Lian and Xia Ye. Once, his outburst had even left a scar on Chen Lian’s head.
“Xia Ye! Don’t even think about school tomorrow! I’ve arranged a blind date for you with the son of the man with presbyopia!” Xia He decreed, allowing no room for dissent.
Xia Ye’s instinct was to object, but Chen Lian’s cautionary glance quelled her defiance, and she bowed her head in silence.
“What’s the matter? Didn’t you hear what I said?” Xia He barked, his temper flaring at her silence.
“I heard you,” Xia Ye murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, her reluctance clear.
Xia He scoffed, “Don’t think I’m oblivious to your thoughts!”
“Let me make myself clear: the presbyopic family expects this marriage to happen!”
“The Hua family’s boy is more than suitable for you. Don’t you dare be dissatisfied!”
“With your academic performance, you won’t catch up to Xia Wan even if you study for another ten years. Better to save the time and my money!” His tirade continued, Xia Ye’s tear-streaked face failing to dampen his vehemence.
“I’ve warned the presbyopic man not to mess up tomorrow! Otherwise, I’ll make you regret it!”
The ferocity in Xia He’s eyes left no doubt that he meant every word.
With a whimper, Xia Ye retreated to her room.
Chen Lian, realizing her attempts to moderate Xia He would be futile, followed her in, hoping to convince Xia Ye to resign herself to her fate.
Xia Ye lay on her bed, tears soaking her pillow.
Chen Lian sat beside her, patting her shoulder gently. “You must understand our predicament. We’ve done all we can to support your education over the years.”
“Our family is in dire straits. As a daughter, shouldn’t you help alleviate our burdens?”
Her words, however, did little to console Xia Ye.
Xia Ye sat up, facing Chen Lian, her face awash with tears. “Why must I shoulder this family’s burdens when Xia Yu can do as he pleases?”
Chen Lian’s face darkened. “What are you implying?!
“Xia Yu is your brother; how can you speak of him in such a manner!” With that, Chen Lian rose, her displeasure evident, and left the room, pausing only to remind Xia Ye, “Mind you, take care tomorrow. Dress appropriately and don’t bring shame upon our family.”
Left alone, Xia Ye’s sobs grew louder.
That night, to prevent any escape, Xia He slept by the door.
The following morning, as Xia Ye opened the door, Xia He stumbled in with a thud.
Her eyes red and swollen with resentment, Xia Ye faced the day with dread.
Undeterred, Xia He summoned Chen Lian to prepare Xia Ye for the blind date.
Despite her desire to resist, Xia Ye had no choice but to acquiesce under her parents’ pressure. She accompanied them to Aunt Xu’s house in the village.
Aunt Xu, a seasoned matchmaker known for her glib tongue, had settled in the village after marrying away years ago. With her husband earning scantily from his work outside, she had taken up matchmaking to earn a living.
Over the years, despite the modest means of the villagers, many had sought her services — she was said to have arranged unions for not just the living, but also for spirits long departed, whenever a suitable match arose..