“Come and sit,” Xiao Yi said, leading her inside. His gaze swept across both sides, and the unrestrained, appraising stares subsided slightly.
Xia Wei Liang subtly tugged at his lapel, signaling him not to worry too much; this was small fry!
So easy!
After they were seated, someone spoke up, “Young Fourth Master, today is New Year's Eve, and everyone here is from the Xiao family. It doesn't seem quite appropriate for you to bring an outsider.”
Then, someone immediately chimed in, “That’s right, our Xiao family isn’t just any ordinary family; we’re quite particular about rules.”
“It’s probably not right that Young Fourth Master brought someone back without first informing the Old Master.”
Xia Wei Liang listened silently, shaking her head as she did. While these people were targeting her, she didn't feel particularly angered. Instead, she felt more for Xiao Yi. No wonder he had been so busy that she couldn’t see him; it was clear how much grievance he must have endured at home! On the surface, they called him “Young Fourth Master,” which sounded respectful, but in reality, they were more like leeches attached to him! They’d suck a mouthful of blood whenever they pleased. If you dared to be strong, they’d suck twice!
Lin You You glanced at her sister and quickly added, “Yes, Grandpa Xiao dotes on Fourth Brother the most. Fourth Brother absolutely cannot set a bad example by breaking the rules.”
“Rules?”
Xiao Yi slowly raised his head and looked around.
“Besides Qi Chi and myself, how many others present truly adhere to 'rules'?”
His words were a direct blow. Though the room was filled with people, only Xiao Yi and Qi Chi were of the direct lineage – true Xiao family members, direct descendants of Xiao Deye. The rest, even if they shared the Xiao surname, were from collateral branches. Even more so for people like Lin You You and Lin Sui Xiang, who weren't even considered true Xiao family members.
Lin You You felt her face flush. When she spoke, she hadn't considered herself an outsider. For so many years, she had identified herself as a "Xiao family member," almost forgetting that her surname was actually "Lin." It was simply because the surname "Xiao" was so well-known. Everyone knew about the Xiao family, leading many to try every way possible to curry favor with her. She used to speak this way often, and even Xiao Yi had no objections. But what was happening today?
She bit her lip, looking wronged, and occasionally cast glances at Qi Chi. The feeling was complex; she wanted him to say a few words for her but also didn't want him to witness her embarrassment.
Lin Sui Xiang sat to the side, lowering her head as she spoke softly, “Yes, how can we be considered Xiao family members? We merely consider ourselves close, treating ourselves as family.” She then looked directly at Xiao Yi, “Today, I must thank Young Fourth Master for making me understand my own identity. What family is merely something we overthink.”
The bluntness of her words made everyone present exchange glances, unsure how to respond. Although Lin Sui Xiang didn't have the Xiao surname, she was Lin Guan Yan's daughter! Lin Guan Yan had been with the Xiao family for years, handling all sorts of matters for Xiao Deye, including business, and his influence within the family was deeply entrenched, his power not to be underestimated.
Xia Wei Liang listened carefully, then looked at Lin Sui Xiang. She wore an expression of being inexplicably questioned, just like when she participated in that program before. Truly, wanting to put on airs while being something else!
She didn't hesitate to ask directly, "Um... Teacher Xiao, while I don't fully understand your internal hierarchy or everyone's circumstances, I do have one immature little question."
Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, knowing what she was up to without needing to ask. Still, he nodded in acknowledgment, "Ask away."
"Does your Xiao family not pay your staff?"
He raised an eyebrow. "How is that possible? On the contrary, the Xiao family offers the highest salary and benefits in the industry."
"Oh! So that's how it is. I thought you didn't pay them and just fooled people with emotional investments! So you do pay them!"
Her intention was too obvious. Since you pay them, why are you babbling so much? Acting as if it's volunteer work, and you're family? Do people who get paid conduct themselves as family?
Lin Sui Xiang understood her meaning, and everyone else present also understood. Her face immediately turned unsightly. She looked up and glared angrily at Xia Wei Liang.
Xia Wei Liang was unfazed. If we have reason, we reason; if not, we fight! As the saying goes: Damn it, I hate pretentious people the most! Do you have any idea whose influence allows you to sit here so comfortably in the Xiao family? If you don't feel grateful for the benefits you receive, and instead blame others for not treating you as family?
Qi Chi had been "dragged" here. He was supposed to rush back to keep his grandmother company during her New Year's Eve vigil after dinner. He never expected this trip would be so worthwhile! There was such exciting drama to witness! He knew that Xia Wei Liang was an unconventional woman, and she certainly hadn't disappointed him! He watched with keen interest, afraid the scene wouldn't be lively enough. Leaning his cheek on his hand, he smiled and said, "Miss Xia asks a very good question. It's not a new thing for some people in the family to be confused about their position. Sometimes, even I find it strange that the number of 'family members' keeps growing. To the point where, on such an important day as New Year's Eve, I only recognize Fourth Brother among so many present."
Good heavens, Qi Chi was also a frontline soldier in war. His words offended everyone in the room. Lin You You, who had intentions towards him, found his words particularly hurtful.
"Xiao Lan... Qi Chi, how can you say that?"
Qi Chi shrugged. "It's the truth."
Xia Wei Liang gave him a thumbs-up from across the room. This young man was sharp!
Xiao Yi lowered his gaze, a faint curve on his lips, as if he wouldn't be bothered no matter how his girlfriend and brother stirred up the situation. It was his grandfather who liked such grand occasions, not him. That's why, when he heard the Old Master had arranged a blind date for him, he brought Xia Wei Liang back without a second thought to make an announcement.
Lin Sui Xiang pursed her lips and took a deep breath, then slowly looked up at him. "Young Fourth Master, do you also believe that our Lin family's contributions only require repayment and don't need to involve emotions? Can our sincerity be disregarded?"
Lin You You also said angrily, "What a joke! We've always treated the Xiao family as our own. Now, someone we don't even know is here pointing fingers. It's truly disgusting!"
Xiao Yi's expression initially remained unchanged, but upon hearing her words, it gradually turned grim and cold.
Xia Wei Liang rolled her eyes at her. That's enough, this is getting on my nerves!
"Look, Teacher Xiao, if you brought me here just to meet these people, then don't ask me to do this again in the future. It's a waste of my time! Sister here can go out and support brand events, and even get red envelopes!" She started to get up to leave.