CHAPTER 298: CHAPTER 298: THE SECRET IN THE CRYSTAL COFFIN (5)_1

"Sweetie, what’s wrong? Did someone bully you? Tell your Auntie, and I’ll take care of them for you," Liu Ruoling’s voice was thick with heartfelt concern as she gently pulled Shangguan You into her embrace.

"Auntie, SOB SOB SOB..." Shangguan You wailed, wrapping her arms around Liu Ruoling and burying her face in her embrace as she sobbed.

"Sweetie, what’s happened? Who bullied you?" Shangguan Hao’s voice drifted down from upstairs. Immediately after, Shangguan Yu and Shangguan Zhi also came down; the three of them had been discussing matters in the study. Hearing Shangguan You’s cries and seeing her collapsed into Liu Ruoling’s arms, they couldn’t help but voice their confusion.

"Daddy, I want to know about Mommy," Shangguan You fought back her tears and slowly spoke to the four people in the hall.

Upon hearing her words, the four of them stiffened for a moment. Shangguan Hao reached out and pulled her into his embrace, his heart aching as he looked at the tears on Shangguan You’s small face. "Sweetie, what’s wrong? Who bullied you? Tell Daddy, and Daddy will sort them out. Who dares to bully the daughter of Shangguan Hao?"

"Exactly, sweetie, who bullied you? Your Eldest Uncle will help you vent your anger," Shangguan Yu glanced at Liu Ruoling, who also looked puzzled, then patted Shangguan You on the shoulder and spoke softly.

"Sweetie, you’re a daughter of the Shangguan Family, why are you crying at the drop of a hat? And with the college entrance exams coming up soon, you need to keep a level head, understand?" Shangguan Zhi said gravely, observing Shangguan You, who seemed rather unusual this evening. Could the pressure of the college entrance exams be too much for her, causing her to break down like this? "Daddy, I saw Mommy today! I saw her! I want to know why. Why, for over ten years, has she never come to see me? Why?!" Shangguan You lifted her head from Shangguan Hao’s chest, her gaze serious as she looked at the people before her.

"I want to know what relationship there is between the Lin Family and the Shangguan Family. I want to know everything. If you won’t tell me, I’ll go ask Grandpa, I’ll go ask Maternal Uncle."

Shangguan Hao and the other two exchanged glances, looking at Shangguan You, who was acting so unlike her usual self. They remained silent, and a heavy silence descended upon the room.

"Sweetie, now is not the time for you to know," after a long pause, Shangguan Hao took a deep breath, gazing at Shangguan You, a flash of pain flickered in his eyes before quickly vanishing.

"Sweetie, in another year and a half, you will understand everything. Sigh, even if you knew now, it would be useless. In fact..." Shangguan Zhi took a deep breath, his words trailing off. Seeing how persistent Shangguan You was, he seemed to age ten years in an instant as he slumped powerlessly onto the sofa.

If it hadn’t been for him, things wouldn’t have turned out this way, he thought with a sigh. Shangguan Zhi took another deep, shaky breath.

"Sweetie, some things will be revealed when it’s time for you to know. It’s not time yet. You’ve endured these sixteen years, haven’t you? Can’t you wait another year and a half? We’re not telling you for your own good, dear. You must understand," Shangguan Yu also took a deep breath, his brow deeply furrowed as he gently questioned Shangguan You.

"Sweetie, Ouyang Xuan took Mengjie away, so it’s impossible for you to have seen Mengjie. Did you hear some rumors? Is that why you’re so upset? Come, tell Auntie what happened, and Auntie will sort things out for you." Liu Ruoling’s body tensed inexplicably for a moment. She then slowly relaxed, pulling Shangguan You gently into her embrace and asking softly.

"Daddy, Grandpa, Eldest Uncle, Auntie, I just want to know... what kind of person is my mommy? Everyone else has a mommy, but I don’t." Shangguan You longed to tell them about Lin Mengjie sleeping in the Crystal Coffin. She desperately wanted to tell them, but now was not the time.

They were all right; even if she knew now, she could only watch helplessly, unable to change anything.

Her current strength was insufficient to face those Hidden World Families alone. From Ye Sanshao and the people of the Zhuge Family, it was evident that the so-called Hidden World Families were not just one or two, but a formidable collective.

They existed somewhere in the world, inheriting their family businesses and cultivating. She didn’t know what she would have to face. It wasn’t time yet. So, she had to endure. She had to grow strong enough to become a powerhouse in this world, to ensure no one would dare look down on her, Shangguan You, or the Shangguan Family. Shangguan You regretted her actions tonight. She should have remained calm, not been so impulsive, not like this at all.

"Sweetie, your mommy is the best woman in the world. She’s not by your side because she has her own difficulties, so you must forgive her. In another two years, she’ll come back to see you, alright?" Liu Ruoling’s brow remained furrowed. However, when she spoke of Lin Mengjie, the corners of her lips curved up slightly, revealing a trace of relief.

Lin Mengjie was Liu Ruoling’s best friend, her closest sister.

"Alright, sweetie, we can talk about this tomorrow; it’s very late now. Even if you go out with classmates, don’t stay out this late again, understand? Some things, you’ll know when it’s time to know."

"That’s right, go upstairs to bed now. We can discuss things tomorrow. Tomorrow is the weekend, so you can rest well. Next week, you still have the college entrance exams to focus on. We’ll talk after they’re over."

"That’s right, You-girl, if you don’t want your Brother Qing to have to marry into the Yu Family, you must get first place and surpass that Yu Family girl, understand?"

"Exactly, sweetie! My boy is counting on you for his future; you can’t lose!"

"Come on, sweetie, Daddy will take you upstairs to rest."

Shangguan Hao held Shangguan You close as father and daughter ascended the stairs together. Watching the two disappear at the top of the stairs, Shangguan Zhi and Shangguan Yu exchanged a look. The earlier ease between them had vanished; their brows were now knitted even tighter. It seems the truth about Lin Mengjie can’t be hidden much longer.

"Dad, I think we should let You-girl know the truth," Liu Ruoling said softly, her eyes betraying her inner struggle and conflict.