Seeing Claire Zheng's expression turn a bit dazed, Gavin Pan didn't dare press further into what happened in the Zheng family back then.
Back then, the whole thing with Joy Zheng blew up and everyone heard about it, but the internal family politics of the Zhengs were way out of his league.
No matter what, he was still just a Pan.
"Why does the old man want her to go to Oceanport for New Year this year?" Hearing this, Claire Zheng shook her head. "Because this marks the seventeenth year since Joy left. After New Year, it'll be eighteen years."
Claire Zheng let out a quiet sigh.
"What's so special about the eighteenth year?" Gavin Pan still looked confused.
"Eighteen years is enough for a child to grow up."
There was a clear note of melancholy in Claire Zheng's voice.
Gavin Pan suddenly understood after hearing Claire's words.
"Wait, but Joy Zheng—shouldn't she be struggling to get by in Whitewood? How come she was just living in a villa?" Gavin Pan suddenly remembered.
A villa at Mooncrest Manor is nothing special in the eyes of Claire Zheng and Gavin Pan.
But back then, Joy Zheng left home on her own, never asked the family for help, and worked as a teacher in Whitewood—how could she possibly afford a villa?
Absolutely unbelievable!
"Didn't you see the desks and chairs set up in the villa's living room?" Claire Zheng looked out the car window. "I asked around before—she's tutoring students now, and for Whitewood, her monthly income is actually pretty decent."
That villa is probably just a temporary rental—partly for her tutoring business, and partly, maybe just to show off for us.
As soon as Claire finished, Gavin Pan looked a bit annoyed. "That's what I thought too. Even if she runs a cram school and makes good money, she still couldn't buy a villa!"
Who would've thought, after all these years, she's still playing hardball? No wonder she won't budge—she's probably just waiting for us to name a price so she can raise it!
What a cunning woman!
Gavin Pan fumed with indignation.
Claire Zheng frowned at his words, but couldn't be bothered to argue.
Faye Zheng was in a foul mood as she entered, her pretty face twisted with annoyance.
How long? Until she agrees to go back to the Zheng family. If we go home now, the whole clan will laugh their heads off at us. Gavin Pan poured himself some Longjing tea and took a sip.
That woman’s got no sense at all! Why not just tie her up and drag her home? She’s just an elementary school teacher—who does she think she is, putting on such airs! Faye Zheng’s anger flared even hotter.
She was always proud and stubborn, and now that she was Master Yan’s disciple, she was even more spoiled in the Zheng family.
She’d thought about leaving Whitewood early, but couldn’t stand the idea of her parents wasting time here for nothing.
"Faye! She’s still your aunt!"
Claire Zheng’s expression shifted as she called out.
Aunt? What aunt? I’ve never even met her—I’m not recognizing some random so-called aunt! Faye Zheng sneered, arms crossed. Besides, doesn’t she have a son? He hasn’t shown up for days—maybe he’s not even alive. Maybe he died ages ago! She’s just dragging this out to mess with us.
Grandpa wants her son to "recognize his ancestors"—that’s already a massive favor! Not just anyone gets to climb into the Zheng family. And she keeps dodging and refusing—what a joke!
The more Faye Zheng ranted, the angrier she got. She’d lost face at Whitewood Hills Resort today, and now she blamed it all on Joy Zheng.
If she had just agreed and gone back to Oceanport for New Year, none of this mess would’ve happened. Leo Li wouldn’t have had his front teeth knocked out, either!
Faye!
Claire Zheng’s face darkened as she snapped.
Her voice was loud and edged with anger.
Only then did Faye Zheng finally shut up, but the arrogance on her face didn’t fade—she just huffed, making her displeasure clear.
Seeing this, Claire Zheng sighed. "She said her son is still away at school and hasn’t come back yet—she wants to wait until he’s home and then talk things over."
Honestly, I get why she’s worried. If that kid goes back to Oceanport with us, knowing how Grandpa is...
She trailed off, then looked at Faye Zheng. Seeing her daughter’s eyes go red from that earlier scolding, Claire softened and said gently, "Faye, whatever’s happened, she’s still my sister. Back then, when I got into trouble, it was always her who pleaded for me with Grandpa."
I’m not asking you to do anything for this aunt—but you need to show at least the most basic respect!
Mom, how much longer do we have to rot in this dump?
Faye Zheng stomped into the room, face twisted with irritation.
How long? Until she agrees to return to the Zheng family. If we bail now, the whole clan’ll laugh themselves silly. Gavin Pan poured himself some Longjing tea and took a sip.
That woman’s got no shame! Why not just tie her up and drag her home? She’s just an elementary school teacher—what’s with the attitude? Faye Zheng’s anger spiked.
She’d always been proud and stubborn, but after becoming Master Yan’s disciple, she was even more spoiled at home.
She’d considered ditching Whitewood early, but couldn’t stand to watch her parents waste time here.
"Faye! She’s still your aunt!"
Claire Zheng’s face changed as she called out.
Aunt? What aunt? I’ve never even seen her—I’m not calling some random woman my aunt! Faye Zheng sneered, arms crossed. And doesn’t she have a son? He’s been MIA for days—maybe he’s dead already! She’s just dragging this out to annoy us.
Grandpa wants her son to 'recognize his ancestors'—that’s already doing her a huge favor! Not just anyone gets to climb into the Zheng family. And she keeps dodging and refusing—doesn’t know what’s good for her!
The more Faye Zheng vented, the angrier she got. She’d lost face at Whitewood Hills Resort today, and now she blamed it all on Joy Zheng.
If she’d just agreed and gone back to Oceanport for New Year, none of this mess would’ve happened. Leo Li wouldn’t have had his front teeth knocked out, either!
Faye!
Claire Zheng’s face darkened as she snapped.
Her voice was loud and edged with anger.
Only then did Faye Zheng finally shut up, but the arrogance on her face didn’t fade—she just huffed, making her displeasure clear.
Seeing this, Claire Zheng sighed. "She said her son is still away at school and hasn’t come back yet—she wants to wait until he’s home and then talk things over."
Honestly, I get why she’s worried. If that kid goes back to Oceanport with us, knowing how Grandpa is...
She trailed off, then looked at Faye Zheng. Seeing her daughter’s eyes go red from that earlier scolding, Claire softened and said gently, "Faye, whatever’s happened, she’s still my sister. Back then, when I got into trouble, it was always her who pleaded for me with Grandpa."
I’m not asking you to do anything for this aunt—but you need to show at least the most basic respect!