Lin Qian remained as haughty as ever. Even with the Lin family on the brink of bankruptcy, she did not lower her stance in front of Fu Yan Ting.
In Lin Qian's eyes, Fu Yan Ting was her walking ATM. As his mother, she expected him to obey her words.
If Fu Yan Ting didn't follow her arrangements, Lin Qian had a thousand ways to provoke and hurt him.
In Lin Qian's heart, Fu Yan Ting was an expendable existence. Now that the Lin family was declared bankrupt because of him, Lin Qian naturally wouldn't let him off the hook.
Lin Nan also knew that his mother's attitude towards his elder brother was indeed excessive. However, Lin Nan had been brought up by Lin Qian. Lin Qian owed Fu Yan Ting, and if Lin Nan said anything, it would only make Fu Yan Ting misunderstand, thinking he was deliberately showing off.
Lin Nan felt terrible inside. He stood aside, observing the situation.
Suddenly, Lin Qian spoke.
She asked coldly and distantly, "Fu Yan Ting, what do you mean? You caused the Lin family's bankruptcy and your maternal grandfather's sudden stroke and hospitalization. Is this the behavior of a filial son?"
"Filial son?" Hearing Lin Qian's words, Fu Yan Ting felt as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world. Fu Yan Ting looked at Lin Qian with cold eyes and asked indifferently, "When did I ever say I was a filial son? Even if I were, what does the Lin family's affairs have to do with me? Don't forget, my surname is Fu."
"Fu Yan Ting, is this how you speak to an elder? I am your mother."
Mother?
What a讽刺 (fěng cì - ironic) word.
For so many years, Fu Yan Ting had desperately yearned for his mother's care.
Therefore, no matter how harsh Lin Qian's attitude was towards him, Fu Yan Ting always looked for reasons within himself. He always believed that as long as he became excellent and strong, Lin Qian would surely notice his brilliance, change her attitude, and like him as her son.
Years of effort had taught Fu Yan Ting a truth: if someone dislikes you, no matter how outstanding you become, they will never even glance at you.
Gradually, Fu Yan Ting's hope for the word "mother" turned into disappointment.
Finally, it became negligible.
How ridiculous. Now, Lin Qian stood before him, accusing him, and calling herself his mother.
Fu Yan Ting's lips curved slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Lin Qian also knew that Fu Yan Ting harbored resentment towards her all these years.
However, Lin Qian was indifferent.
What Lin Qian cared about was the Lin family. If it weren't for the Lin family, she wouldn't be here. Lin Qian stared at Fu Yan Ting and roared angrily, "I'm talking to you, Fu Yan Ting, what kind of attitude is this?"
"How can you be so sure that I was the one who caused trouble for the Lin family? Am I that idle?"
"Who else could it be? The Lin family has been in business for so many years without making any enemies. I know you've always wanted my approval. Putting aside whether you caused the Lin family's trouble or not, I'm giving you an opportunity now. As long as you can help the Lin family safely through this crisis, I will acknowledge you as my son."
Such a generous offer, Fu Yan Ting was almost moved.
Fu Yan Ting thought of Yan Xi crying in the hospital, and his anger intensified. He spoke with detachment, "Madam Lin is too kind to me. I lost my parents when I was young. I don't pay much attention to family affection. I appreciate your good intentions."
"Fu Yan Ting, don't regret this."
Lin Qian's voice was neither loud nor soft. Her demeanor suggested that it was Fu Yan Ting's good fortune to have her come to him. His current lack of respect was truly ungrateful.
The thought of Lin Qian's expression sent a chill down Fu Yan Ting's spine.
Fu Yan Ting never imagined that one day he would be threatened, and by his own mother.
Suddenly amused by Lin Qian's attitude, Fu Yan Ting responded in a detached tone, "The thing I regret most in my life is being born into the wrong family and becoming your son. If possible, I would rather have been born into an ordinary family than have a mother like you."
Lin Qian, enraged, raised her hand to hit Fu Yan Ting.
But as soon as she raised her hand, Fu Yan Ting stopped her.
Fu Yan Ting said indifferently, "What? Are you addicted to hitting people?"
Lin Qian knew that this son was gradually slipping out of her control.
Seeing that Fu Yan Ting and Lin Qian were about to fight, Lin Nan interjected, "Brother, Mom is just too worried about the Lin family's affairs, which is why she spoke without thinking."
After speaking, Lin Nan looked at Lin Qian and said, "Mom, can't you say a few less words?"
Lin Qian felt a lump in her throat. She looked at Fu Yan Ting, wanting to vent her anger, but ultimately gave up.
Yes, they came to the Fu family today to beg Fu Yan Ting. If she continued to act superior, she knew Fu Yan Ting's temper well; not only would he not help the Lin family, but he would also make the Lin family even more pathetic and downcast.
With this thought, Lin Qian fell silent.
She gave Lin Nan some face and did not continue arguing with Fu Yan Ting in front of him.
Lin Qian knew that if she blindly asked Fu Yan Ting for help for the Lin family, he would definitely refuse.
Lin Qian suddenly remembered that Yan Xi seemed to have a younger brother.
If she could work on Yan Xi's brother, then when Yan Xi went to beg Fu Yan Ting for her brother's sake, the outcome would be different.
With this thought, Lin Qian's lips curved slightly.
Lin Qian knew that arguing with Fu Yan Ting here would not yield any benefits and would instead lead to her being calculated and used by him.
This Fu Yan Ting, like his father, was narrow-minded.
With this thought, Lin Qian suddenly understood something. She let out a cold snort, ignored Fu Yan Ting, and left the Fu family with Lin Nan.
After Lin Nan helped Lin Qian into the car, he made an excuse, "Mom, I suddenly need to use the restroom. I'll go first and be back shortly."
Lin Qian knew very well that this was just an excuse, but she was always aware of Lin Nan's good relationship with Fu Yan Ting. Lin Qian said nothing, signaling Lin Nan to hurry back.
Lin Nan returned to the room and saw Fu Yan Ting sitting on the sofa, suppressing his anger, lost in thought.
As Lin Nan approached, Fu Yan Ting remained oblivious.
Lin Nan took a step closer and said, "Brother, Mom is just impatient. She has a sharp tongue but a kind heart. She doesn't have any malicious intentions. Today, she was just too worried about the Lin family, which is why her attitude was poor. Please don't take it to heart."
Fu Yan Ting seemed surprised that Lin Nan had returned, but this did not diminish his hatred for Lin Qian.
Fu Yan Ting opened his mouth slightly and said, "She is your mother, not mine."