Chapter 1187: Chapter 1187: A Paternity Test

Jiang Zhilan hesitated, wanting to say something, but she lowered her head.

Zhou Ran watched her, faintly sensing that Jiang Zhilan had something on her mind, yet brewing over whether or not to speak.

The two remained silent for a while before Zhou Ran broke the silence, “Achi is very fond of Chaomu, and he would listen to Xu Chaomu, regardless of whether it’s right or wrong.”

“Are you saying that if Xu Chaomu asked Achi to do something bad, Achi would do it?” Jiang Zhilan was skeptical.

“That’s not necessarily the case,” Zhou Ran replied. “I’m just saying that Xu Chaomu’s words carry considerable weight.”

Zhou Ran was still testing the waters; she observed the subtle changes in Jiang Zhilan’s expression.

“There is no surveillance here, but the time the warden has given me isn’t much, Zhilan. If you have any idea that could save the Bai Family, you could tell me; maybe I can help you,” Zhou Ran stated bluntly.

“You know, Cexian and I can’t make any decisions ourselves now, but we can still offer advice,” Zhou Ran continued, “Our families have been friends for generations, and I don’t want to see us fall out.”

“Aran, I know you’re sincere,” Jiang Zhilan sighed. “Thank you, but it seems it’s true what they say: ‘You reap what you sow, and there’s no way out.’ I accept that.”

Zhou Ran narrowed her eyes slightly as she gazed at Jiang Zhilan, seeing that the woman still harbored some thoughts.

“I’ll think of more ways to help when I get back. Take care,” Zhou Ran said lightly.

With that, Zhou Ran was ready to leave the prison.

She wanted to help Jiang Zhilan, but without Jiang Zhilan being willing to say anything, there wasn’t much she could do.

Moreover, it was clear that Jiang Zhilan had something on her mind, yet she remained entirely silent. It seemed she still hoped for a turnaround.

“Zhilan, you should know, no one can influence Achi’s thoughts… except for Xu Chaomu,” Zhou Ran added before leaving, “What he wants to do, no one can stop him, except Xu Chaomu.”

Her words were very clear.

Jiang Zhilan had her head down, not uttering a word, her face showing a complex expression.

Several times, Jiang Zhilan moved her lips, but she still chose silence.

“Zhilan, take care,” Zhou Ran repeated, clearly disappointed in Jiang Zhilan.

Having said that, Zhou Ran turned around, ready to leave the place.

But, in the last few seconds, Jiang Zhilan made up her mind and called out to Zhou Ran, “Aran, wait.”

Zhou Ran halted her steps, turned her head back, and smiled breezily, “Hmm? Anything else you want to say?”

“I have something to tell you,” Jiang Zhilan said, her face displaying a nervous expression.

Zhou Ran looked around and said with a smirk, “There’s no one here, if you have something to say, just whisper it to me.”

Zhou Ran walked a few steps forward, standing directly in front of Jiang Zhilan.

At that moment, it was extremely quiet, as though one could even hear a pin drop. Both held their breath, the atmosphere tense and desolate.

Jiang Zhilan lifted her head, twisting her fingers and nervously looking at Zhou Ran, “Aran, there’s something that has been weighing on my heart for a long time.”

“What is it?” Zhou Ran asked directly, her expression remaining impassive.

Jiang Zhilan spoke haltingly, her face fraught with panic.

“Aran, I suspect… suspect that Xu Chaomu is Bai Xuan’s illegitimate daughter,” Jiang Zhilan whispered.

Her voice was as low as a mosquito, but Zhou Ran still heard it clearly.

Zhou Ran’s face remained calm, as if she had expected it, so it was no surprise.

Jiang Zhilan still nervously twisted her fingers, her face filled with panic.

“Aran, I secretly had someone look into this, and they found nothing, but I just have this intuition,” said Jiang Zhilan. “I’ve connected many things from years ago, and I think my guess is correct.”

“Oh…” Zhou Ran softly acknowledged.

Jiang Zhilan continued, “Six years ago, when I took Xu Chaomu away, it was firstly because I was afraid she would cause disruptions between Manman and Achi, and secondly because I suspected her identity, scared that she would compete with Manman for everything.”

“So… you’re not sure?” Zhou Ran looked at Jiang Zhilan and asked.

Jiang Zhilan nodded, “Not sure… but I still believe in my own judgment.”

“What if Xu Chaomu really is Bai Xuan’s illegitimate daughter?” Zhou Ran asked faintly.

“Maybe… only she can save the Bai Family, perhaps Bai Xuan and I can plead with her,” Jiang Zhilan said.

But Jiang Zhilan spoke without any confidence.

The Bai Family hadn’t raised Xu Chaomu for even a day, why would they expect Xu Chaomu to save the Bai Family, just based on this simple blood relationship?

Jiang Zhilan felt very uncertain, but she knew Xu Chaomu was kind-hearted.

Yet, being kind-hearted doesn’t mean being without limits, so Jiang Zhilan felt uneasy. Zhou Ran was more stable, she thought, speaking it out, could Zhou Ran help them?

“Zhilan, you should know, the current situation involves your daughter Bai Man killing Xu Chaomu’s biological son. Even if you beg her, would she sympathize?” Zhou Ran said. “Also, don’t forget, the Bai Family hasn’t fulfilled even a day’s obligation of upbringing.”

“But Bai Xuan and she still have a blood relationship, you can’t deny that,” Jiang Zhilan exclaimed excitedly.

Although she was still unsure whether Xu Chaomu was truly Bai Xuan’s biological daughter, this was her only lifeline.

If she couldn’t grasp it, it meant that she and Bai Man would face grim fates, Bai Xuan included.

If they could hold onto it, they would make good use of it.

“Aran, could you find a chance for Bai Xuan and Xu Chaomu to have a paternity test?” Jiang Zhilan pleaded hopefully.

Zhou Ran was calm, “That’s impossible.”

Jiang Zhilan was immediately disappointed, utterly despairing, “Does that mean I can only spend the rest of my life in prison, while Manman has to hide everywhere…”

“Xu Chaomu is Achi’s bottom line. What he has done so far is already polite,” Zhou Ran said.

“People are selfish,” Jiang Zhilan also calmed down, “I just hope for the best for Manman.”

“I’ll try my best to help you, but the decision is up to Xu Chaomu,” Zhou Ran said. “Currently, Xu Chaomu and Achi are at a stalemate, and Xu Chaomu is quite stubborn. Given the current situation, she definitely won’t soften for the Bai Family considering Achi.”

“What should we do…” Jiang Zhilan felt helpless.

“I can’t tell if she is playing hard to get by intentionally leaving Achi, which makes him miss her even more,” Zhou Ran said.

“Aran, no matter what, please help me. I’ve told you everything,” Jiang Zhilan said. “Because there’s no solid evidence, I haven’t even told Bai Xuan, and of course, I don’t dare to. If I did, Bai Xuan would definitely take Xu Chaomu back to the Bai Family, then what would happen to me and Manman.”

“I understand your feelings,” Zhou Ran sighed, “It’s very much like the Shen Family, isn’t it?”