"Dad, how can you think that way?" Qin Si Ye felt a pang of pain and stepped forward to stand by his father's bed.
"If I had such thoughts, would I still be worthy of being a son?"
"A son? Is this how you are as a son? Publicly defying your father, ignoring the family's pleas, and insisting on being with a woman of questionable character, vowing to marry no one but her.
What's worse, that woman has three children of unknown origin. Your actions not only make the Qin family a laughingstock in K City but also betray your ancestors."
Thinking of the nasty comments he had seen on the news that morning, Qin Xiu Zhi’s suppressed emotions erupted, his voice rising slightly.
"Dad, it's not what you think. Shen Xi is a good girl, and the children were an accident. She is also a victim," Qin Si Ye said urgently, his brows furrowed.
Although he had the ability to overrule Qin Xiu Zhi and be with Shen Xi, even marry her.
However, his father was currently in poor health, and he couldn't stimulate him. He still wanted to try his best to gain his approval.
"What good girl? The news reports about her today are overwhelming. Her bad reputation is probably known to everyone in K City.
A woman of such questionable character, who participates in competitions with children and parades herself publicly, don't you think she lacks any sense of shame?"
Qin Xiu Zhi grew increasingly angry. Thinking of that outstanding child, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pity.
How could he have such a mother, who would ruin her child's bright future?
After hearing his words, Qin Si Ye's heart skipped a beat. So, he knew about it too.
It must have been that woman who told him.
It seemed the power of a whispered word from a lover was indeed strong, something he had overlooked.
But, at the moment, he couldn't do anything about her, as his father still couldn't do without her.
He could only be more careful.
"Those news reports were taken down this morning. It was a deliberate act. Don't you think all the content is consistent with what was said at the birthday banquet?"
Qin Si Ye paused slightly and continued,
"Someone wants to take this opportunity to muddy the waters, ruin Shen Xi's reputation, and damage the relationship between father and son so that she can reap the benefits."
"Who are you talking about? Don't insinuate!" Qin Xiu Zhi immediately sat up straight upon hearing this, glaring at him.
Perhaps due to the primacy effect, he couldn't listen to Qin Si Ye's analysis and judgment at this moment.
No matter whom Qin Si Ye implicitly referred to among his new allies, he would defend them.
"Whoever proactively showed you those news reports is the most suspicious person."
Qin Si Ye stopped at the right moment. Saying too much might provoke his anger and affect his recovery.
He hoped his father would calm down and think everything through.
"Alright. The reason I came tonight is to tell you that I've arranged for a Chinese medicine practitioner to perform acupuncture on your head tomorrow. It will be very beneficial for your recovery."
He remembered that Han Hao Ming's mother had also been hospitalized for a cerebral hemorrhage some time ago, and after Shen Xi treated her with acupuncture for a period, her recovery was very good.
"You can arrange it. But I don't want that woman to do it," Qin Xiu Zhi readily agreed, but his attitude was firm when stating his condition.
"Alright. I will arrange for another TCM practitioner to come," Qin Si Ye said, lightly pursing his lips, and continued, "You should rest. I'm leaving."
He had originally intended to discuss Shen Xi performing acupuncture for his father, as her professional skills were evident.
However, he hadn't expected that the news report would further solidify his father's misperception of Shen Xi.
Therefore, he gave up on the idea of Shen Xi coming to treat him.
Opening the door, he saw Jiang Jie standing by the wall not far away.
Qin Si Ye paused briefly, feeling it was necessary to warn this woman.
He strode towards her, his gaze locking onto her coldly. The chill emanating from him made Jiang Jie shiver.
"Si Ye, are you finished talking?" She looked at him with a forced smile, not understanding why he was walking towards her.
Qin Si Ye said sternly, "The nodules in my father's lungs are not a big issue, but they are not small either. If he remains in a bad mood for a long time, they could worsen and endanger his life.
In front of him, what to say and what not to say, I hope you know your place. Otherwise, your and your son's future could be in jeopardy."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Jie couldn't help but step back.
Watching his indifferent retreating back, her body trembled uncontrollably.
What did he mean by that? Was he suspecting her of being involved in today's news incident?
And that last sentence, was he implying that after Qin Xiu Zhi passed away, she and Si Yu would be expelled from the Qin family?