Chapter 10, Zhang Jin

Zhang Qi knelt and replied: "Father, I would like to bring A Lu along."

Xiao Mo smiled but did not respond. Instead, Zhang Shierlang glared at his daughter but did not scold her; he merely nodded towards Zhang Qi and said gently, "Child, you may go with this maid. I will come to find you later."

At this moment, Zhang Shierlang had already shifted his attention away from her. When she withdrew, he did not notice it either

Stepping back quietly, Zhang Qi, accompanied by A Lu, followed the delicate-looking A Lan, who held her chin high, as she turned and walked away

This Xiao Mo seems a bit familiar

Zhang Shierlang has several children, but never has a daughter treated him like this. At that moment, his heart softened like a lump of water. While allowing Zhang Qi to embrace his arm, he smiled at the young people and said, "I, this foolish child, have embarrassed you all."

Zhang Qi gracefully knelt and bowed, softly responding: "Yes." There was no grievance on her face; like everyone here, she was well aware of her own identity. With an identity like hers, there was no right to feel wronged. In fact, when Zhang Shierlang mentioned he would come to find her, she did not hold any expectations.

Just as Zhang Qi looked towards Xiao Mo, Zhang Jin also cast her gaze in this direction. Noticing Zhang Qi's attention, Zhang Jin's pretty face darkened, and with a pout, she huffed charmingly: "Xiao Lang, that shameless girl is looking at you! Being admired by such a person must be frustrating for you, A Mo."

Zhang Shierlang was originally a gentle person. Upon seeing Zhang Qi in this state, his heart softened. He looked at Zhang Qi tenderly and said softly, "I am naturally your father"

Xiao Mo was taken aback, and he turned to look at Zhang Qi. Meeting the gaze of Zhang Qi, who lowered her eyes and remained quietly obedient, an involuntary feeling of pity arose in his heart. At that moment, he no longer glanced at Zhang Jin and strode away.

Seeing that she seemed to be afraid of him, Xiao Mo revealed a bright smile, showing his snow-white teeth. He no longer looked at Zhang Qi, but instead quickened his pace and stepped into the group of young people.

Zhang Jin raised her head, her delicate and beautiful face adorned with a pair of long and slender eyes, which rolled towards Zhang Qi. With just a glance, she withdrew her gaze. Pouting slightly, Zhang Jin responded somewhat unhappily: "I understand."

Zhang Qi pointed to Zhang Twelve Lang, who was two steps behind him, and continued, "This is your sister, named Aqi. A Jin, you take her to meet your mother"

Amidst the sighs, Xiao Mo suddenly said: "Is your name Aqi? Zhang Qi?" The voice was very low, only Zhang Qi could hear it

Seeing Zhang Shierlang respond indifferently, Zhang Qi raised her small face, looking at him with a gaze full of admiration. In a tender and delicate voice, she cautiously called out, "Father, are you truly my father?" Her eyes were filled with tears, her petite lips trembled, displaying an expression of immense longing, yet she seemed unable to believe that she could possess such a reality

A-Lü was already in a daze. Upon seeing this, she quickly took a step forward. Zhang Qi tightly held her for a moment before gently letting go, signaling her to follow. Zhang Qi then focused intently on holding her father's arm, her crescent-shaped eyes still glistening with tears, yet she smiled with an air of innocence and contentment.

At that moment, as soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Qi had already rushed towards him with small steps. She ran to him, still looking up at him with a face full of admiration. Slowly, she tentatively reached out her small hand. Finally, her little hand grasped his sleeve; she held on tightly, her fingers turning pale due to the excessive force, yet her expression was cautious, as if she were afraid that her father might abruptly push her away if he were displeased.

Given his status as the legitimate second son of the Zhang family, it is likely that he would easily cast aside his insignificant illegitimate daughter the moment he turns away. Children born out of unrecognized unions, regardless of the dynasty, are always looked down upon and considered unworthy. This disdain is deeply rooted, making it difficult for even their biological parents to escape it. Moreover, we are currently in an era where social status is strictly observed, and the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring is as vast as the difference between heaven and earth

However, one's actions today still have an impact. Perhaps when the need arises, if one brings up oneself to this father, he will still remember and show compassion.

At that moment, a beautiful girl, about the same age as Zhang Qi, came running over, bouncing with joy. Upon seeing Xiao Mo, her face flushed red. Shyly glancing at him, the girl bowed slightly to Zhang Shierlang and called out, "Father"

She reached out and beckoned, calling out: "A Lan, come here and take her to meet my mother." After resolving this matter effortlessly, she ran towards Xiao Mo, lifted her small face, and looked at Xiao Mo with affectionate eyes. Zhang Jin bit her lip and gently called out: "Xiao Lang, you have come too?"

Just as she turned around, for some reason, she looked back at Xiao Mo.

Indeed, this aunt is also a person of strong emotions, and her admiration for Uncle Twelve is truly enviable

"Hmm." Zhang Qi nestled against Zhang Shierlang's arm like a little cat. While embracing him, she even rubbed against him like a child. In the midst of Zhang Shierlang's affectionate smile, Zhang Qi reached out her hand to A Lu.

Zhang Shierlang nodded and said, "Is it A Jin? Let me introduce you, she is your ... ... " At this point, he suddenly realized that Zhang Qi was no longer leaning beside him, so he turned his head back.

Zhang Shierlang felt a pang in his heart. He rubbed Zhang Qi's hair with his right hand and gently caressed her shoulder with his left. He softly patted her back and said in a hoarse voice, "Good child, it is your father, isn't it? I have made you suffer." Lowering his head, he examined Zhang Qi, who was dressed like a maid, her clothes old yet washed clean. His voice became even gentler, "Come, Aqi, follow your father."

At this moment, she has already made up her mind. All this time, being silent and unnoticed, she can only be overlooked by everyone. When it comes to marriage, she might not even be able to find a suitable partner. She needs to make her presence felt appropriately

A young man sighed, "Who in this world is not infatuated? The reunion of the twelve uncles and their daughters is indeed a fortunate event"

Zhang Qi shyly averted her gaze, letting out a soft sound of acknowledgment

At this moment, there was a flash of light before my eyes, as I stepped out of the thicket

In the distance, a burst of crisp and joyful laughter could be heard. Upon seeing that scene from afar, Zhang Qi gently withdrew her arm that was wrapped around Zhang Shierlang.

Zhang Qi, in this manner, drew the attention of many. A dark-skinned youth exclaimed, "Wow, Twelfth Uncle, your little sister-in-law is quite pleasing to the eye." With her face tilted upward, Zhang Qi's delicate and clear features were unmistakably revealed, easily evoking a sense of fondness in others