Su Chenghai's calculations were going smoothly. He fantasized about the Lu family arriving with a dowry of hundreds of millions to propose marriage, even dreaming of counting money. He was ecstatic, seeing even the trash cans downstairs with a smile.
Unlike his optimism, Qin Ruofang and Su An'an harbored different thoughts.
"Mom, am I really that bad? Why does everyone like Sister and not me..." Su An'an sobbed in her adoptive mother's arms, her tears falling like rain.
"What nonsense are you spouting! Our An'an is the best. Su He isn't even fit to carry your shoes!" Qin Ruofang gently stroked her beloved daughter's head, comforting her softly.
"But why did they choose Su He for both arranged marriages..." Su An'an's eyes welled up, her pitiful appearance causing Qin Ruofang great heartache.
"An'an, don't belittle yourself. It's their poor judgment." Qin Ruofang wiped her tears and coaxed her. "Mom knows you've always liked Lu Yanbei since you were little. You've worked hard to become excellent because you wanted him to see you."
"Lu Yanbei is just too filial. He must be marrying Su He for the sake of the elder."
"They're just too superstitious!"
"Our An'an is so beautiful and has such great temperament. Whoever marries you will truly be blessed!" As Qin Ruofang advised her, a terrible thought began to form in her mind.
No matter what, she had to help An'an achieve her wish. Only when Su An'an was firmly established in the Lu family would her own status be more secure.
Qin Ruofang's biggest regret in this life was not giving birth to a son.
Su Chenghai had often blamed her for it.
If it weren't for Su An'an's constant excellence, bringing the family considerable face, Su Chenghai might have divorced her long ago and married those flirty women outside.
Recently, she had even received news that Su Chenghai actually had an illegitimate son outside the marriage. Once this child was brought back and inherited the family business, there would be no place for her.
Therefore, she had to find a strong backing for herself.
If she didn't have a son, she would elevate Su An'an, her "sweet little padded jacket." If she could marry Lu Yanbei and become the future matriarch of the Lu family, no one would dare to look down on her.
At that time, even if Su Chenghai wanted his illegitimate son to inherit the family fortune, he would have to weigh the consequences.
After painstakingly coaxing Su An'an to sleep, Qin Ruofang tiptoed out.
Shortly after Qin Ruofang left, Su An'an, who had been asleep, slowly opened her eyes.
Having been by Qin Ruofang's side for so many years, how could she not understand her thoughts?
Qin Ruofang did dote on her, but ultimately, she wasn't a son and couldn't provide greater support. Even if she spent a lot of time and money cultivating her, it was merely for her own reputation.
Their relationship was, at best, mutual utilization, each taking what they needed.
She played the role of an excellent and well-behaved daughter, and Qin Ruofang played the role of a dignified and virtuous loving mother, achieving each other to gain more benefits.
This time, she believed, would be no exception.
Qin Ruofang feared that Su Chenghai would propose divorce, in which case she would lose everything. To maintain her position as Mrs. Su, she would spare no effort to help her.
Thinking of this, Su An'an couldn't help but reveal a triumphant smile.
However, Qin Ruofang's means were limited. To ensure the plan's smooth execution, she would inevitably need to seek external help.
Su An'an picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts to find an unfamiliar number from City C.
"Hello, daughter, you're finally contacting us!" a joyful yet hoarse voice came through after the call was connected. "Wife, An'an called back!"
Then came a cacophony of greetings.
Young and old, they scrambled to get close, creating a noisy commotion.
Su An'an held her phone further away with disdain.
"I've run into some trouble recently, can you help me?" Su An'an said, intentionally injecting a hint of tears into her voice.
"Are the Su family treating you badly? If you've been wronged, come back. Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma all miss you!" Upon hearing her cry, Father Qiao's heart immediately tensed.
"My adoptive parents are quite good to me... except for... Su He." Su An'an choked out.
"Their biological one?" Father Qiao tentatively asked.
"Mm." Su An'an sniffled. "She seems to have some misunderstanding about me. She even said she's back and that the Su family will have nothing to do with me from now on. She'll find a way to drive me out of the Su family..."
"How could she do that?"
"That's too much!"
The phone was on speaker, and the whole family was listening. Knowing that Su An'an was being bullied in the Su family, they gritted their teeth and cursed furiously.
Su An'an curled her lips and continued to lament, "I'm so scared..."
"It wasn't easy for my adoptive parents to raise me. I just want to stay by their side to fulfill my filial duties. I never thought of competing with her for family assets..." By repeatedly mentioning family assets, Su An'an was undoubtedly trying to lure them.
Her birth family was not wealthy. Upon learning that their daughter had grown up in a rich family, it was inevitable that they would develop certain intentions. Su An'an's enticement, even if they had no initial thoughts, would make them have them.
"This Su He is detestable!"
"An'an, don't your adoptive parents manage her?"
"Even if she did something wrong, at most they'd say a few words..." Su An'an gained momentum as she spoke. "Besides, she grew up on the streets and picked up all sorts of bad habits. My adoptive parents don't really like her either... but she is their biological daughter, so they can't do anything about her..."
Su An'an had gone to great lengths to stage this performance. Money had always been able to stir desires. If used properly, these people could become her pawns.
Su An'an didn't actually have any feelings for the Qiao family, having been separated for so many years and never living together. Currently, her position in the Su family was awkward, and the only people who could help her were this family.
"An'an, don't be afraid. Your father is here! I'll buy a train ticket right away and come help you teach her a lesson!" Father Qiao was immediately hooked by her few words of persuasion.
"No! Please don't do anything foolish for me!" Su An'an played coy, feigning humility while inwardly gloating. "I was just feeling down for a moment and wanted someone to talk to. I'll be fine in a couple of days..."
It had to be said that this tactic of retreating to advance was brilliant. The more she appeared to be wronged and submissive, the more the Qiao family pitied her and loathed the Su He they had never met.
After hanging up the phone, Father Qiao, along with his son, rushed to B City overnight. The other members of the Qiao family wanted to go too, but Father Qiao dissuaded them. "Wouldn't it be expensive for such a large group to travel? Food and accommodation, every single thing costs money!"
Mother Qiao pouted and said, "An'an has been in the Su family for so many years, she must have saved quite a bit of private money. Not to mention anything else, she can surely arrange a few hotel rooms, right!"
Grandma Qiao chimed in, "Yes! We are her relatives, she won't ignore us?"
Father Qiao was helpless. "That's what you say, but after all, we haven't seen each other for decades, and our relationship is distant. It would be difficult for her if our whole family showed up. Everything must be done step by step, otherwise, if we scare her away, who will support us in our old age?"
"Once we settle in and meet An'an, we'll bring you all here to enjoy yourselves." This was Father Qiao's original intention.
Only then did the Qiao family quiet down.