Rebirth: My Reclusive Husband Helps Me Get Revenge!-Chapter 77: The Nangong family is no where near the Mo family

Chapter 77: The Nangong family is no where near the Mo family

The morning stretched on as Lixue tried to steady herself, preparing for the confrontation that loomed ahead. She knew she had to meet her grandfather, to face the man who had remained a phantom presence in her mother’s life—and by extension, hers.

But how could she confront him without letting her emotions spiral out of control?

Lixue decided to call the hospital to ensure her mother hadn’t already been transferred.

When the receptionist confirmed that Nangong Leili was still in her room and scheduled for transport later that day, a small wave of relief washed over her. At least she still had time.

Her phone buzzed again, this time with a message from Mo Ran.

[I’ve sent someone to gather details on Nangong Jiantao. You’ll have everything soon. Stay strong.]

Lixue read the message twice, the calm reassurance in his words grounding her.

Whatever happened next, she wouldn’t face it alone.

Later that afternoon, a black car arrived at the Mo estate to take her to the meeting. Lixue had insisted on the location being neutral—no Nangong manor, no Mo family influence.

She chose a quiet teahouse downtown, one that exuded calm with its traditional wooden interiors and tranquil garden views.

As she stepped out of the car, she took a deep breath, clutching her bag tightly.

This was it.

Inside, the teahouse was serene, the faint aroma of jasmine and oolong wafting through the air. A private room had been reserved, and as the hostess guided her there, as her heart thudded in her chest.

When she entered, she froze momentarily.

Sitting at the low table was a man who could only be Nangong Jiantao. His presence filled the room—not in an overbearing way, but with the quiet authority of someone who had commanded respect his entire life. He was tall, even when being seated, with a dignified posture and sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her.

His silver-streaked hair and impeccably tailored suit completed the image of someone who was used to getting his way.

"Lixue," he greeted, rising to his feet with a polite nod. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me."

Lixue inclined her head slightly, her expression guarded. "I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?"

Jiantao didn’t flinch at her sharp tone. Instead, he gestured for her to sit. "Please. Let’s talk."

Lixue hesitated before lowering herself onto the cushion across from him. A teapot and two delicate porcelain cups sat between them, but she ignored the offer of tea.

"I don’t understand why you think you have the right to take my mother," she began, her voice steady but cold. "You’ve been absent for decades, and now you suddenly want to take over her care? Why?"

Jiantao folded his hands on the table, his expression unreadable. "You’re right—I’ve been absent. And that is my greatest regret. I won’t try to justify it or ask for forgiveness. But I’ve always kept an eye on your mother from afar. I’ve ensured that she was cared for, even if it wasn’t as direct as it should have been."

Lixue’s brow furrowed. "What are you talking about? My mother struggled for years. She worked herself to the bone trying to take care of me. Where was your ’care’ then?"

Jiantao’s gaze softened, and for the first time, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. "There were circumstances that kept me from stepping in directly. But I made sure she was never truly alone. The hospital bills,the change of staffs, the support she received during her most critical moments—those were from me."

Lixue’s breath hitched. "You...?"

"Yes," he said quietly. "I understand that it’s not enough to make up for my absence. But I’ve always cared for her, Lixue. And now, with her condition worsening, I want to bring her home—to a place where she can be surrounded by familiarity and the best care money can provide."

Lixue’s grip on her bag tightened. "You say it’s for her, but this feels like it’s more for you. What if she doesn’t want to go? Have you even thought about that?"

Jiantao nodded solemnly. "I have. And I would never force her. But I believe, deep down, she would want to return to the place where she was happy. I can’t undo the past, Lixue, but I can try to give her peace in the time she has left."

His words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Lixue looked down at her hands, her heart torn. Could she trust him? Could she really believe that this man, who had been absent for so long, now had her mother’s best interests at heart?

"I need time," she said finally, her voice quiet but firm. "I can’t make this decision right now."

Jiantao inclined his head. "Take all the time you need. I’m not here to pressure you, Lixue. I only want to do what’s best for your mother."

Lixue stood, feeling the weight of his gaze on her as she turned to leave. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, and she knew that whatever decision she made would change everything.

But one thing was clear: she wouldn’t let anyone—not even Nangong Jiantao—take the wheel without proving they had her mother’s best interests at heart.

As Lixue stepped out of the teahouse, the afternoon sun felt harsher than usual, its warmth doing little to soothe her tangled thoughts. Her hands trembled slightly as she clenched her bag. The conversation with Nangong Jiantao had stirred something she hadn’t expected—a sliver of doubt.

Could she trust him? Could his regret truly outweigh years of absence?

The car ride back to the Mo estate was silent, the soft hum of the engine was the only sound as she heard while staring out the window.

Her mind replayed Jiantao’s words, his calm demeanor, and the regret that seemed genuine in his eyes. But could it be enough to hand her mother over to him?

When the car stopped in front of the estate, Lixue hesitated for a moment before stepping out. She needed clarity, and there was only one person who could help her find it.

Inside, she found Mo Ran in the living room, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up as he went over a stack of documents. He looked up when she entered, his gaze softening instantly.

"You’re back," he said, setting the papers aside. "How did it go?"

Lixue didn’t respond immediately. She walked over to the couch and sat down across from him, the weight of the conversation settling over her again.

"He’s... different from what I expected," she admitted finally.

Mo Ran leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. "What do you mean?"

"He wasn’t pushy or arrogant," Lixue said, her voice uncertain. "He admitted to his mistakes. He said he wants to earn my trust, and he even claims he’s been helping my mother from afar all these years."

Mo Ran frowned. "Did he give any proof of that?"

"No," she replied, shaking her head. "But... I don’t know. He seemed sincere. And he talked about how the estate might help my mother—how it could bring her some peace..."

Mo Ran studied her for a moment before speaking. "And what do you think?"

"I don’t know," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "A part of me feels like he’s telling the truth, but the other part... I can’t forget how much my mother suffered. How can I trust someone who was never there for her before?"

Mo Ran stood and walked over to her, sitting down beside her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "You don’t have to make a decision right now, Lixue. Take your time. If he’s sincere, he’ll understand that you need to do what’s best for your mother."

Lixue nodded, grateful for his steady presence. "He said he wouldn’t force her to go, but what if..." She hesitated, her fears bubbling to the surface. "What if he changes his mind? He’s powerful, Mo Ran. What if he uses that power to take her away?"

"If it comes to that, I’ll take care of it. The Nangong family might he powerful but it’s still no where near the Mo family.." Mo Ran said firmly. "You’re not alone in this, Lixue. Whatever happens, I’m here. We’ll protect her together."

His words brought a small measure of comfort, but the uncertainty still lingered.

*************************

The next day, The polished floors of Dream Entertainment’s recording studio gleamed under the overhead lights, but to Lixue, the brightness felt oppressive. The usually soothing hum of the studio equipment was grating today, her thoughts louder than the faint buzz of activity around her.

She had received a call from Shi Haoyue, telling her to come to the company for a quick recording session, getting there she realized neither him nor miss Zhang, were around.

Sitting before the microphone, she stared blankly at the lyrics sheet in her hands. It blurred and shifted as if the words themselves were mocking her lack of focus.

"Alright, Y.L" the producer’s voice cut through her haze. He sounded patient but firm, as though trying to mask his frustration.