Chapter 22: Kicked Out of the House?

Xia Yangyang’s eyes welled up, but she tilted her head back, forcing the tears back. She was naive. Gu Qichen, a man who considered himself above reproach, would never apologize. In his eyes, she had attempted to seduce Gu Zhaohan. His subsequent conversation with her was an act of magnanimity, not an apology. Hoping for one was foolish. He left angrily. Alone in the darkness, confusion filled her heart.

Penniless and without a place to go, Xia Yangyang returned home. It was late when she arrived at the Xia family villa. Everyone was asleep. She tried to unlock the door, but couldn't. The alarm blared, waking Xia Liangliang and Liu Ruyan.

It was midnight. Xia Liangdong came downstairs, startled to see Xia Yangyang at the door. "Yangyang, why are you back?"

Xia Weiwei, also roused, initially mistook Xia Yangyang for a burglar. "I thought we had a burglar! It's our little miss," she said pointedly.

Xia Liangdong, though surprised, was relieved. "Come inside. It's cold. Why are you dressed so lightly? Where's Ah Chen? Did you come back alone?" he asked, noting her appearance. "It looks like you've been kicked out by your brother-in-law. Did you have nowhere else to go? You look so pitiful," Xia Weiwei added.

Xia Liangdong glared at Xia Weiwei. "Shut up! Be respectful to your sister!"

Xia Yangyang had anticipated some resistance, but not this. They had changed the locks.

"Dad, why can't I open the door? Why did the alarm go off?" she asked.

Liu Ruyan, in a silk nightgown, explained, "I changed the locks. We had a burglary, and I lost jewelry. Yangyang, I'm not blaming you, but you've been away, so I couldn't give you a new key." Her tone was gentle, but Xia Yangyang knew it was insincere. The front door hadn't even been locked when she arrived. A real burglary would have been more secure.

Xia Yangyang remained composed. "Aunt Liu, just give me a key tomorrow," she replied calmly.

Liu Ruyan's smile faltered slightly. "But Yangyang, why so late and alone? Mr. Gu is irresponsible, letting a young girl wander around at night. It's worrying," she said.

Xia Liangdong's suspicions were aroused. "Yangyang, what happened? Did you fight with Mr. Gu?"

Xia Yangyang explained, "He's on a business trip to Japan. I lost my keys to Maple Villa, so I came back for a few days. Aunt Liu, you're overreacting."

Liu Ruyan chuckled. "As long as there's no discord, that's best. Your dad and I only wish for your happiness."

Xia Liangdong was relieved. "Yangyang, it's late. Go to bed."

Xia Yangyang nodded and went to her room.