Chapter 23. I know.

Chapter 23 - 23. I know.The silent battle of expressions between Dad and Grandpa was visible to everyone unless one was blind. Seeing the inquiring look from Dad, Hua Jin sighed. She knew that Grandma and Mom were still upset, believing her fall from the mountain wasn't an accident. Hua Jin's personality was such that she'd address grievances as they came, accurately described as someone who doesn't let matters go. But she didn't dwell on everything; she'd genuinely seek revenge when needed but let go otherwise. Otherwise, the heart would be too burdened! She felt relieved after getting a little payback, yet forgot about her mom and grandma's care for her. How could this matter just pass so easily? Once no strangers were around at home, the two couldn't contain themselves. At this moment, Hua Jin didn't dare to speak, worried that once she started, it wouldn't just be her mom and grandma, but two more stern faces would appear. Hua Jin quickly ran to the kitchen and poured a bowl of tea for both Mom and Grandma. Sёarch* The nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Grandma, have some tea, don't be angry anymore! It's all in the past," Hua Jin said to Grandma with a bright smile. Although the evidence she found did point to Hua Xiaocao, it lacked the persuasive power of a witness. Besides, she intended to get revenge herself. Hua Jin sincerely hoped her family wouldn't remain entangled in this matter. Seeing her granddaughter's concerned gaze coupled with a radiant smile, Granny Hua sighed. "Oh, you, you have such a big heart." She had just remembered she was harmed, but then dismissed it in no time. However, having a big heart is good! It makes a person less prone to overthinking. Otherwise, facing a constantly wailing, forever melancholic granddaughter would give even Granny a headache. "Grandma, isn't this better?" Hua Jin personally fed granny some tea, fluttering her eyes while leaning bonelessly against Granny Hua's arm, lovingly standing by her side. Granny poked her forehead dotingly. "You little smarty!" Hua Jin laughed heartily. "Mom" having pacified Grandma, Hua Jin quickly handed her mother a bowl of water. "Mom, let's not fret anymore. She'll face her own hardships later," Hua Jin said, swaying as she hugged her mother. Listening to her daughter's soft words, Qi Shi's anger dissipated. Though her daughter was right, several others who went up the mountain today also had a fondness for being particular. Hua Xiaocao's reputation wasn't going to improve in the village, and offending their family—if the old Zhao Shi found out—Hua Xiaocao's life at home would be predictable. However, despite this, she still wanted to confront Hua Xiaocao's mother. Otherwise, she felt pent up, but to not worry her daughter, Qi Shi nodded, revealing a smile. Meanwhile, Old Man Hua and Hua Chengtian finally understood; the reason the mother and daughter were upset was related to Jin'er. No wonder both mother and daughter were unhappy simultaneously. Concerning their granddaughter and daughter, they couldn't hold back any longer and didn't care about any punching bags either. "What exactly happened, who bullied our Jin'er?" Old Man Hua's expression turned serious, and so did Hua Chengtian's. "Isn't it all because of you?" Granny Hua's face changed abruptly, suddenly confronting the old man with a glare full of anger. "Me?" Old Man Hua pointed to himself, unable to comprehend what he did wrong no matter how hard he thought. Moreover, as the village chief, villagers were eager to curry favor with him, so how could anyone bully Jin'er because of him? Realizing this, he understood. Indeed, with him as the village chief, no one should bully Jin'er in the village! He sensed something was amiss. "Wife, stop dawdling and tell me exactly what happened." "Jin'er went up the mountain to prepare a surprise for your birthday, or she wouldn't have encountered trouble." "Grandma, it's not Grandpa's fault, it's my own lack of vigilance," Hua Jin quickly said, fearing Grandpa would feel guilty. How unexpected, Grandma gave Old Man Hua another stern look, "See how filial our granddaughter is." Hua Jin: "..." "What did you say? Jin'er falling off the mountain wasn't an accident?" At this moment, Old Man Hua's mind was only on his granddaughter. Knowing it wasn't an accident sent a cold chill through him. "Mother, what exactly happened?" Hua Chengtian's expression also became serious. "Let me explain." Fearing Grandma's anger would affect Grandpa and Dad unnecessarily, Hua Jin quickly spoke up. "Here's how it went..." Hua Jin recounted the incident, explaining how Hua Xiaocao's strange reaction raised her suspicions, leading to the recovery of some memories and detailing the events that followed. "Jin'er, are you sure you really saw Hua Xiaocao that day?" Of course, Old Man Hua trusted his granddaughter, only wanting further confirmation. "I did see her, though from a distance, and I was intent on picking more herbs, so I didn't greet her." "Are you certain the only footprints there were yours and Hua Xiaocao's?" "A little farther out, it's unclear, but the spot where my accident happened only had our footprints," Hua Jin said honestly without exaggeration. "You mentioned Hua Xiaocao looked at you strangely?" Hua Chengtian inquired. "Yes, Dad, you know after my fall, I couldn't remember many things clearly, so I've been particularly sensitive. Today, when I encountered Hua Xiaocao, I wanted to remember their faces well; I observed carefully and noticed her gaze was peculiar. It wasn't just envy and jealousy; there was also fear and guilt. It was suspicious; she couldn't even look at me," Hua Jin explained. "Jin'er is right. Hua Xiaocao's demeanor was off, we all overlooked it. The evidence points directly at her, yet the child can extricate herself. That child has a deep mind!" Granny Hua spoke up, her tone displeased, evidently still angry at her own blindness. It's no wonder Hua Jin didn't foresee it; Hua Xiaocao was too good at pretending, none of them noticed, so how could Hua Jin as a child spot it? After all, who could have thought such a young child would have such heavy thoughts? This ordeal has sharpened Jin'er's instincts significantly, allowing her to notice the clues. Otherwise, a venomous snake lurking nearby is creepy to think about. Yet this kind of growth is truly unwanted. Upon hearing this, Hua Chengtian's expression fluctuated; judging from his daughter and mother's words, Hua Xiaocao's level of suspicion was indeed high. Even as a man, he knew the child lived a tough life; all household chores fell on her, leaving almost no free time. Going up the mountain to forage was at most to the foot of the hill behind the village. Spending time climbing was suspicious; moreover, not greeting his daughter was unusual given the children's relationships. With both his daughter and mother saying the child was off, something must have been awry. Daring to harm his daughter, Hua Chengtian couldn't stand it as he thought of the suffering his daughter previously endured. Enraged, he picked up a stick, ready to head out. "I'm going to find Hua Xiaodan." "Dad..." Seeing her father's anger, Hua Jin hurriedly pulled him back. "Dad, Hua Xiaocao won't admit it and without solid evidence, you'll only give them excuses for criticism, making things difficult for Grandpa," Hua Jin warned. Her father had likely thought the same but couldn't swallow his anger. Back then, they almost lost their daughter—if they were any later, the doctor said she might not have been saved. Those days he and his wife neared breaking, they couldn't close their eyes at night.