His brow was furrowed as he spoke, not from malice, but from a father's instinctual defensiveness.
He had to protect his own daughter first and foremost.
Kang Yan's eyes reddened, but she said nothing.
She wanted to object, but couldn't find a compelling reason.
The reality was right in front of them: they couldn't fully understand Ling Zhiwei's past, nor could they predict his future.
Ling Chengyao wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "You're kind, treating him like he's our son. But Shanshan is our real daughter."
His tone was gentle, yet it carried an unshakeable resolve.
Familial love can be extended, but it cannot be a substitute.
She buried her face in her husband's chest and took a stuffy breath. "...Fine. We'll do what you say. At least we still have Yun Sheng. He's mature, hardworking, and a good student. With him to look after Shanshan in the future, I can rest a little easier."
She knew she was giving up on a certain possibility, but she had no other choice.
