Chapter 4: Father

Because every time the New Year or other festivals arrived, the surrounding small nations would wantonly burn, kill, and loot, as they also needed sufficient supplies to have a good holiday, she had never once spent a New Year with this father of hers.

"Hmm, sit," Su Aotian said, sitting in the main seat. He slowly picked up a cup of tea and took a light sip.

Su Jingyao lowered her head and sat to his lower left.

"Yao'er is twelve this year, right?" Su Aotian said.

Su Jingyao was stunned for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, Father."

"Your mother has been gone for seven years now. I remember when she passed, you were only five," Su Aotian said, placing one hand on the tea table and tapping his index finger against it.

Su Jingyao did not understand his intent, so she remained silent.

"Yao'er, I have known since you were small that you were stubborn, but I never expected you to be so thick-headed. To jump into the water just for a fan belonging to Yin Yifeng!" Su Aotian’s tone grew noticeably heavier as he said this.

Only then did Su Jingyao recall the reason she had jumped into the water. It turned out it was for a man named Yin Yifeng, and it was merely for a fan in his hand! This reason truly left her between laughter and tears.

"It has been five years, Yao'er. I do not wish for you to continue like this!" Su Aotian knew that given his daughter’s appearance, figure, and intellect, how could Yin Yifeng possibly be with her?

A stunning face flashed through Su Jingyao’s mind. With such a face, such talent, and such a bearing, it was no wonder the original Su Jingyao had been so obsessed with him!

She had met him at seven and had been inquiring about him everywhere ever since. Whenever she heard news of where he was going, she would always follow behind him; even if she could only watch him in secret, she was satisfied.

Whenever Su Jingyao recalled these things, she couldn't help but get a headache. How could such a woman exist in this world?

Yet, she couldn't bring herself to hate such a woman, because the original Su Jingyao was an extremely kind person! She often helped lonely orphans and the elderly. For this reason alone, she could not bring herself to dislike the original owner.

"Father, I understand!" Su Jingyao replied.

Hearing Su Jingyao’s answer, Su Aotian was taken aback. He had expected Su Jingyao to talk back or even refuse to listen to him. It seemed she had grown up and understood some reason.

Su Aotian walked over to Su Jingyao and patted her head: "Yao'er, Father has failed you." And Yan'er, too. I didn't give you a complete home, and when you suffered bullying from others, I, as your father, could not help.

Su Jingyao was stunned, then immediately reacted: "Father is the best father in the whole world; how can you say such things?" Once she realized what she had said, she was somewhat surprised herself. How could she have said such a thing? It seemed the original owner’s subconscious was too strong, causing her to speak those words involuntarily.

She looked up at Su Aotian and noticed a few strands of white hair at his temples. Suddenly, her heart felt heavy.

"Haha, Yao'er’s mouth is indeed the sweetest. Alright, go back and rest. Hurry back to your room and change your clothes; wearing wet ones will make you catch a cold," Su Aotian said, his mood clearly much improved, an irrepressible smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Father, Yao'er has a request," Su Jingyao said. She was still completely unfamiliar with some things in this era, so she had an idea.

"Speak! What is it?" Su Aotian was a straightforward man, which was why he was well-liked by many.

Seeing her father’s straightforward manner, Su Jingyao smiled without restraint: "Yao'er wants to attend the academy!"

Su Aotian let out a surprised "Oh?" In the past, he had also asked Su Jingyao to attend the academy, but unfortunately, she had refused to go at any cost.

Seeing Su Aotian’s reaction, Su Jingyao felt a bit awkward. The reason the original owner hadn't gone before was because she wanted to follow that man named Yin Yifeng every moment of the day. If she went to the academy, how would she have the time to follow behind a man?