SYLFS 20

Chapter: 20 

 An Apology to Master Jiang

Night had fallen, and the city lights shimmered outside.
At the Jiang family’s villa, despite it being dinnertime, the air was heavy and tense.

The patriarch of the Jiang family sat in the center of the living room. The second and third branches of the family were seated to his left and right, while their children sat silently, not daring to speak.
Across from the patriarch sat Jiang Yucheng, his expression as cold as ice, radiating an oppressive aura.

He had just heard the full story from Jiang Huai — about how the issue of “giving up the room” had unfolded earlier that day. Before returning home, he had also learned how Jiang Su and Jiang Han had criticized Guan Xuxu one after another, and how, in the end, Jiang Ying had even told her to “get out of this house.”

And he himself — without asking for details — had scolded Xuxu first, blamed her for going to the Song family without permission, and then, like the others, told her to “give the room to your sister.”

— No wonder she was disappointed enough to say she wanted to leave home.

As a father, he had failed completely.

“Brother, this all happened because Yingying said something childish today. It’s my fault. I’ll explain everything to Xuxu and try to get her forgiveness,”
said Yao Lin, the wife of the second branch, sensing the oppressive atmosphere and taking the initiative to shoulder the blame.

But Jiang Yumin, her husband, frowned and pulled her hand back.
“How is this your fault? Yingying is still a child. It’s normal for her to say what she wants. It wasn’t a big deal to begin with. Frankly, I think Xuxu overreacted. Leaving home after just two days back—”

Before he could finish, Jiang Yucheng’s icy gaze pierced him.
“Second Brother, my daughter comes home for the first time in eighteen years and is treated like she’s being driven out — and you call that ‘no big deal’?”

The sharpness in his tone made Yumin’s face twitch; he shut his mouth immediately.

Jiang Yucheng’s gaze swept across everyone.
“It’s not a big issue that Yingying wanted Xuxu’s room. The Jiang family isn’t short on space — if she wants, we can build her a new princess-style suite. But tell me, why force Xuxu to give hers up?”

His voice grew heavier.
“The room isn’t the real issue. You wanted to make her yield — to make her act obedient and eager to please — so she’d earn your approval.”

“Brother, that’s going too far! It was just childish bickering — there’s no such hidden motive—”

“Oh really? If you truly saw her as family from the start, then the words ‘get out of this house’ would never have been spoken. Even from a child’s mouth, some things are simply unacceptable.”

His severe tone made Jiang Ying tremble, clutching her mother’s arm, her lips quivering — she didn’t even dare to cry like before.

Yao Lin rushed to defend her.
“Yingying said something wrong, yes. I’ll apologize to Xuxu myself and bring her back. As elders, we can bow our heads — she’ll surely return. Brother, please don’t be too harsh on Yingying…”

But Jiang Han couldn’t hide his dissatisfaction and spoke up.
“Uncle, she left on her own. No one forced her. And it wasn’t my mother’s fault. Maybe she just made up an excuse to run away because she was scared of being scolded by Grandfather after angering the Song family.”

Jiang Yucheng’s glare turned razor-sharp.
“If Xuxu makes mistakes, I will correct her. She doesn’t need anyone else to defend her. But Jiang Han — if you don’t change that attitude, you can stop calling me uncle.”

Though his words were soft, the room’s atmosphere froze over instantly. Jiang Han’s eyes widened in shock.

Then Jiang Yucheng turned to include Jiang Su, Jiang Cheng, and the other younger family members.
“The same goes for you. If you can’t accept Xuxu as family, then don’t call me uncle either.”

The weight of his authority forced everyone to sit up straight and reply in unison,
“Yes, we understand.”

Trying to defuse the tension, Jiang Yutong, the third brother, laughed awkwardly.
“Big Brother, kids can say mean things, but they don’t mean harm. Xuxu is family — it’s not worth getting this serious.”

But Jiang Yucheng’s low voice carried restrained fury.
“Xuxu was missing for eighteen years. Though the Guan family fed and clothed her, she suffered many humiliations as an adopted daughter. Now that she’s finally home, I won’t let her endure any more.
No one has to pamper her, but at least treat her as family.
If you can’t even do that — I’ll take Xuxu and Jiang Huai and live separately.”

That declaration hit like a stone dropped in still water, sending ripples of shock through the room.
The second and third branches’ faces paled — he actually meant to separate from the main family, for the sake of one girl?!

At that moment, the patriarch finally spoke.
“Yucheng, I don’t ever want to hear such words again,” he said sternly.
“The Jiang family is one. As long as I live, no one will speak of leaving this house.”

His authority was absolute; no one dared to argue. Silence fell once more.

The old master turned his gaze to the second branch couple.
“The Jiang children may have what they desire — but they must also learn that not everything they want can be theirs.
If you can’t teach them that, I will.”

“Grandfather himself…!” Yingying trembled, on the verge of tears, but bit her lip to hold them back.

Once everyone had fallen silent in repentance, the patriarch turned to Jiang Huai.
“Find a time to bring your sister back. We’re preparing for the family banquet — she will be formally announced as the Jiang family’s eldest daughter. Make sure she returns.”

Jiang Huai smiled calmly.
“Understood.”

Just then, the butler entered and announced,
“Master Jiang, President Song and Madam Song are here.”

— At this hour? Jiang Yucheng frowned. It must be about Xuxu.
If the Song family had come to press the issue, that would be excessive — but he still softened his expression and went to greet them.

“President Song, Madam Song, my apologies. Xuxu acted willfully today and troubled you both. I’ve already given her a stern lecture.”

But to his surprise, the couple hurriedly waved their hands, flustered.
“Mr. Jiang, no, please! It was we who misunderstood the situation and failed to appreciate Miss Jiang’s kindness. We were rude — terribly so!
Please, allow us the chance to apologize to Master Jiang in person!”

— Master Jiang?!

The moment those words fell, the room went dead silent.
Jiang Su and the others blinked in disbelief.

The Song couple hadn’t come to complain —
They had come to apologize.

And that name — Master Jiang… what on earth did it mean?!