Chapter 1003: Chapter 997: Got Together Again_1 Chapter 1003: Chapter 997: Got Together Again_1 It wasn’t that Jing Peng hadn’t considered certain things, but because he had, and knew how it all worked, that he chose not to act. Even a fool could understand why a chosen heir was given preference over an illegitimate child.

Thus, ever since he discovered his true origins, Jing Peng kept silent, pretending he was blissfully ignorant. That way, everything owned by the Jings would be his, and no one would challenge his right to it. Only a fool would forfeit such a comfortable life.

“Yuanyuan, you’re overthinking things. How could Mother not love you? She’s just more strict with you. As you know, we’re not a farming family but quite wealthy. Why would she treat you like any other child? If she did, it would mean she truly didn’t love you. Don’t you think I’m right?” Jing Peng attempted to echo Jing Yuan’s sentiments to expedite her acceptance.

“Indeed, Second Brother, you’re right. Just like Cui’er. Her family has many siblings, and she isn’t a biological child, hence she goes hungry and cold each day. Her mother berates and hits her and makes her do tons of chores.” Jing Yuan voiced her understanding by citing a rural family she knew, queuing up perfectly with what they just discussed.

Once Jing Peng said his piece, Jing Yuan readily agreed. Although her own mother wasn’t kind to her, it was still better than Cui’er’s situation by at least tenfold. This made Jing Yuan consider perhaps her mother was just stricter with her.

What she didn’t know was that her father, Jing Xiaonan, had made a prior arrangement not to marry her biological mother, meaning Mrs. Jing had to be kinder to Jing Yuan. Even if she couldn’t treat Jing Yuan like her own daughter, she couldn’t be excessively harsh. This was because Jing Xiaonan genuinely cared for Jing Yuan’s mother, otherwise, given his philandering ways, he wouldn’t have thought of having a daughter with her. This was a classic case of loving someone by proxy.

“Exactly. So, Yuanyuan, don’t overthink things. Let’s go back to my room and rest. We’ll head home once you’re sober.” Jing Peng knew Jing Yuan would believe him.

“Okay, Second Brother, I’m so hot.” Jing Yuan’s face was flushed, her eyes foggy. Even though she was drunk, she was still lucid. Her actions, however, were not her own, hence she needed Jing Peng’s support to walk.

Without Jing Peng’s support, she might have faltered and fallen to the ground.

“What do you want to do, then?” Jing Peng asked Jing Yuan, who was tugging at her clothes.

“I want to take a bath.” Jing Yuan was feeling really hot and uncomfortable and believed a bath might sober her up.

“But how can you bathe now, as you can’t even stand steady? Why don’t you wait until tomorrow when you’re sober?” Jing Peng placed her on the bed, intending to cover her with a blanket. He stayed calm because he knew Jing Yuan was still clear-headed.

If he made a move now, she would know that last time was orchestrated by him. He, Jing Peng, wouldn’t ever engage in a scheme that incurred loss to both sides.

“Second Brother, I’m hot, and I feel unwell. Can you bathe me, please?” Jing Yuan pleaded, pulling at Jing Peng’s arm when he didn’t immediately agree.

“Yuanyuan, do you know what you’re saying? I’m your brother and there should be boundaries between us.” Jing Peng was tempted by Jing Yuan’s words but wasn’t quite ready to agree.