Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 43.2 – Second Uncle-In-Law Is Here! (II)

“Huo Xuewen isn’t actually the biological son of the Huo family.” Ning Shaobai stated flatly, casually revealing a major secret. “The old lady only managed to marry Huo Pengyi by taking advantage of his difficult circumstances, and she was fortunate enough to get pregnant right away. Huo Pengyi’s father was sent to a farm for re-education back then, so Huo Pengyi, with a compromised background, had no way to resist Hu Cuihua’s family and was forced to marry her. They ended up together under those circumstances.”

“Later, when his father was rehabilitated, Huo Pengyi returned with him. Unfortunately, the Huo family had already been dwindling by then, and even the previous Old Master Huo was already in poor health and did not have long to live. His only hope was his grandchild.”

Xia Mian quickly grasped the key point. “So, Old Madam Huo’s biological daughter is actually Zhou Qianqian?” That would explain everything—especially why the old lady treats Zhou Qianqian so well.

“I looked into it. The old lady and the Zhou family’s daughter-in-law gave birth after slipping while gathering firewood together. By the time their families arrived, both had already delivered.”

Although it’s unclear how the old lady had managed it, the result was that she swapped her daughter with the Zhou family’s son. Thus, with the merit of giving the Huo family an heir, she returned to Yan City with Huo Pengyi, forced out his childhood sweetheart, and secured her position as Madam Huo.

“No wonder she’s so insistent on pairing Huo Xuewen with Zhou Qianqian,” Xia Mian remarked. “If they get married, then their children would be the true descendants of the Huo family.”

“It’s just like a plot from those melodramatic TV dramas,” Xia Mian thought. Then she recalled how Old Madam Huo’s expression changed drastically after Ning Shaobai whispered something that day. “Did you use this to threaten Old Madam Huo?”

“Shouldn’t we tell Sister Ning and Huo Xuewen about this?” She wondered, “Also, how did you find out?”

“Thanks to your reminder that Old Master Huo had an illegitimate child,” Ning Shaobai replied. “Afterward, I checked how my sister and Chenchen had been doing in the Huo family. When I learned that they weren’t doing well, I felt suspicious and began to dig further. By the time I met with the old lady, I had only suspicions—though no concrete evidence yet.”

“And now, you’re sure?” Xia Mian asked.

Ning Shaobai nodded. “I confirmed it not long ago. Everything checks out.”

“You said that everyone saw Chenchen as a hindrance…” Xia Mian was puzzled. “So, Old Master Huo knew about this, too?”

Ning Shaobai gave a sardonic smile. “The Huo family is dwindling, so they care deeply about descendants. But you have met Huo Pengyi once—do you think he cares for Huo Xuewen or Chenchen?”

Xia Mian’s eyes widened. “So he really knew? He’s just using Huo Xuewen to work for the Huo family until his illegitimate child is old enough?”

Ning Shaobai sneered. “As for that illegitimate child… even Huo Pengyi knows he’s hardly promising.”

“So that’s why he doesn’t expose the truth and continues exploiting Huo Xuewen?” Now, Xia Mian felt pity for Huo Xuewen. No wonder she found the Huo family so cold—because in the eyes of the so-called parents, Huo Xuewen was nothing but a convenient tool.

Still, while Huo Xuewen was miserable, Ning Shaoyun and Chenchen had it even worse. The Huo family took benefit from Huo Xuewen’s marriage to Ning Shaoyun but never intended to treat the family well. Ultimately, Old Master Huo wanted to support his biological son, and Old Madam Huo wished to bring her own daughter back into the family. To them, it didn’t matter if Chenchen died or became disabled—they’d be content either way.

Remembering how Huo Yuchen was abandoned by the Huo family in such dire conditions in the original plot, a surge of intense anger washed over Xia Mian, causing her to clench her fists.

“They each have their own selfish desires. Why should my sister and Chenchen be sacrificed?” Ning Shaobai’s expression remained calm, but Xia Mian sensed a volcano simmering within him.

“Do Sister Ning and Huo Xuewen know about this?” Xia Mian asked again. “What do you plan to do? Will you tell them directly?”

“I’ll talk to her later,” Ning Shaobai replied. “As for Huo Xuewen, he no longer has any ties with our family. He can discover it on his own.”

Xia Mian understood—it wasn’t yet time for Ning Shaoyun and Huo Xuewen to learn the truth. What kind of grand scheme was this hidden big boss plotting?

“In any case, just wait patiently to take over the remaining courtyards,” Ning Shaobai said, returning to the initial topic. “As for Zhou Qianqian…” he pondered, “what did you promise her about the remaining balance?”

Xia Mian shrugged. “Oh, she asked what would I do if I couldn’t pay it off, so I told her I’d return the courtyard as it was.”

“Why are you asking this…” She paused, her eyes glinting as she caught on. “So Zhou Qianqian is starting to plot again? She wants to get the courtyard back?”

Given Zhou Qianqian’s personality, this was almost a sure thing.

“But what splash could she possibly make?” Xia Mian frowned, “Old Madam Huo has been dealt with, and Old Master Huo…”

“Ah, didn’t you say Old Master Huo knows the truth?” Xia Mian suddenly recalled. “He knows Zhou Qianqian is his daughter, right?”

“Why do you think the old lady was able to transfer the courtyard to Zhou Qianqian so easily?” Ning Shaobai explained. “Although Huo Pengyi rarely bothered himself with domestic matters, the old lady went to great lengths when she prepared the courtyard for Zhou Qianqian.”

Seems like the old master did not object to giving the courtyard to his real daughter, huh?

“Then why didn’t he arrange a marriage between Zhou Qianqian and Huo Xuewen from the start?” This puzzled Xia Mian.

Ning Shaobai sneered, “Because Zhou Qianqian isn’t of much value.”

So, in the final analysis, Old Master Huo valued profits over his daughter. He did not mind giving Zhou Qianqian some small benefits, but when it came to the family business, he believed using Huo Xuewen to marry into the Ning family would bring greater returns…

Now, Xia Mian fully understood why the Huo Yuchen in the novel would end up destroying the Huo family so mercilessly. Their selfishness had destroyed his life and his mother’s life. Anyone in his shoes would probably do the same.

Too despicable!

“Old Master Huo has no intention of acknowledging his daughter, Old Madam Huo is powerless, and Huo Xuewen dislikes her…” Xia Mian counted with her fingers. “So, what exactly gives Zhou Qianqian the confidence? Isn’t she wary of you?”

“There’s still the Fan family,” Ning Shaobai said.

“The Fan family?” Xia Mian couldn’t immediately recall.

Ning Shaobai remained silent, but the look of utter disgust on his face made Xia Mian suddenly realize, “Your stepmother’s family!”

Ning Shaobai nodded.

Whether it was framing Ning Shaobai or colluding with criminals to kidnap Chenchen, it was clear that this stepmother had no moral bottom lines.

“Looks like we got sidetracked by all the Huo family drama,” Xia Mian nodded. “You reported Chenchen’s case, right? How’s the investigation going? Has she been arrested?”

Ning Shaobai’s expression darkened, and just as he was about to reply, his mobile phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said to Xia Mian, “I have to go. Anyway, if anyone comes looking for you or my sister…” He suddenly paused, a sly smile forming. “Actually, never mind. It’d be silly to remind you, wouldn’t it?”

Xia Mian rolled her eyes, “I know my limits, okay? If it’ll affect you and Sister Ning, I will restrain myself a little.”

“No need to hold back.” Ning Shaobai tapped the brim of her cap. “Do as you wish. Don’t worry; I’ll back you up.”

“Wow!” Xia Mian exclaimed, her eyes twinkling, “That’s the best thing you’ve ever said!”