"And why exactly should I listen to you?" Qiao Meixia asked in return.
Her voice remained remarkably calm and steady despite the obvious, mounting anger radiating from Jiang Lukang.
"You!" Jiang Lukang glared fiercely at her.
His face darkened as he was clearly pushed to his absolute limit by her indifferent and nonchalant attitude. He was a man used to being obeyed, and her refusal to acknowledge his authority was like a slap to his face.
"Sister Meixia, you really should not upset Dad like this. It is not right. You should apologise to him immediately and make things right." Jiang Yanna advised gently.
Her voice was soft and full of feigned sisterly concern, though a hidden, sharp glimmer of calculation flashed deep within her eyes as she watched the conflict unfold.
However, Qiao Meixia completely turned a deaf ear to Jiang Yanna's words, treating her as though she did not even exist in that space. Seeing Jiang Yanna being ignored so blatantly once again, Jiang Chinan's volatile temper instantly flared up.
"Hey, country bumpkin! Sister Yanna is talking to you! Can't you hear her?" Jiang Chinan shouted furiously, stepping forward aggressively as if he intended to physically intimidate her.
Qiao Meixia ignored Jiang Chinan as well, which only served to further fuel the fire of rage already raging inside him. Jiang Chinan became so incredibly enraged by her silence that he almost rushed forward to strike Qiao Meixia directly. Fortunately, Jiang Yanna was quick enough to grab his arm, stopping him just in time to prevent a scene that would have been difficult to explain.
At that exact moment, the low, powerful rumble of an approaching motorcycle could suddenly be heard echoing from the street outside. A sleek, high-performance motorcycle soon slowed down before coming to a stop directly in front of the ornate iron gate. The rider was completely covered up in dark gear and a tinted visor, making it absolutely impossible for anyone to see their face clearly.
Qiao Meixia did not hesitate. She immediately began walking toward the idling motorcycle. However, before she could leave their sight completely, Jiang Lukang suddenly spoke again, his voice sounding as cold as ice.
"If you dare to leave through that gate right now, then you had better not bother coming back to this house ever again." Jiang Lukang said harshly, issuing what sounded like a final, bridge-burning ultimatum.
Qiao Meixia immediately stopped in her tracks. Slowly, she turned her body around to look back at him, a strange, unreadable glint flashing faintly within her eyes.
"Are you entirely sure that you really want me to leave?" Qiao Meixia asked while tilting her head slightly to the side.
Her calm, quiet question somehow made the atmosphere feel even heavier and more oppressive than his loud threats had.
"No! Your father only said that because he is understandably angry right now. Please don't listen to him. This is still your home, Meixia. Of course, you are welcome to come back anytime you want." Feng Lan immediately chimed in anxiously.
She was truly afraid that the headstrong Qiao Meixia might actually take Jiang Lukang's harsh words seriously and disappear before they could make use of her.
At that moment, Jiang Lukang also realised in the back of his mind that he had spoken far too harshly in the heat of his anger. However, even after recognising his mistake, his pride remained too great for him to back down, and he stubbornly refused to lower himself to offer an apology.
"I see." Qiao Meixia glanced at Jiang Lukang one final time with a look of quiet, piercing understanding before calmly turning around and walking away toward the gate without even the slightest hint of hesitation.
"Sister Meixia, remember to come back safely after you finish playing outside!" Jiang Yanna shouted loudly from behind, her voice ringing out across the driveway.
***This novel is a work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If it is not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, then it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***