Chapter 924: Recognition

Editor: Henyee Translations

When Tong Rao saw Tong Wan and Xiao Dingkun, she realized that her plan was about to fail.

While she could pressure Gu Zhaoming, who had just returned to the capital, and leverage the weakened Gu family, she knew she couldn’t compete with the Xiao family, the top family in the region.

As the Family Head of the Tong Family, her primary concern was the family’s interests. She wasn’t willing to go to war with the Xiao Family over Gu Yang.

Still, she felt a pang of regret.

Looking at Tong Wan, who stood protectively in front of Gu Yang, Tong Rao sneered. “Alright, I won’t try to take your daughter.”

Turning her attention to Gu Yang, who had appeared between Tong Wan and Ruan Xueling, she added, “Gu Yang, even though you’re not my daughter, you should address me as Aunt.”

Tong Wan’s anxiety was palpable. “Tong Rao, don’t forget that we’ve severed ties. My daughter has nothing to do with you!”

Tong Rao scoffed, keeping her gaze fixed on Gu Yang. “You still have the Tong family’s blood in you. As long as you’re willing to take my surname, the position of heir will always be available to you.”

With that, Tong Rao cast one last glance at Tong Wan and departed with her bodyguards.

After Tong Rao left, the group in front of Gu Yang exchanged uneasy glances. The atmosphere grew a bit tense and awkward.

Gu Zhaoming felt as though he was grappling with a civil war after an invasion.

Xiao Dingkun took the initiative to introduce himself, extending his hand with a warm smile. “You must be Yangyang’s foster father, Mr. Gu Zhaoming? I’m Xiao Dingkun, Yangyang’s father. I’ve heard my wife mention you. Nice to meet you.”

‘Foster father… father…’

Gu Zhaoming might have been more convinced by this “amiable” demeanor if he hadn’t seen the formidable reputation of this man in the news.

Gu Zhaoming shook hands with a genuine smile. “Hello, Mr. Xiao Dingkun. I’ve heard a lot about you. I didn’t realize you were Yangyang’s biological father.”

‘Biological father… father…’

Despite his knowledge of Gu Zhaoming’s rise to become the richest man in Jin City and his recent efforts to establish himself in the capital, Xiao Dingkun couldn’t help but be slightly skeptical of Gu Zhaoming’s honest-seeming demeanor.

The two men shook hands firmly, their smiles harmonious but their thoughts more complex.

Compared to Gu Zhaoming and Xiao Dingkun, Ruan Xueling and Tong Wan shared a much more harmonious interaction.

“Wanwan, I didn’t expect Yangyang to be the daughter you’ve been searching for.”

“Neither did I. I’m so happy. It’s a relief that you’ve been with Yangyang all these years. She’s grown up so well, and I really must thank you.”

“It’s only right. Yangyang is not just your daughter; she’s our daughter too.”

“Yes, yes, Yangyang is our daughter.”

“We’re all Yangyang’s mothers.”

Ruan Xueling and Tong Wan reached a mutual understanding.

Gu Zhaoming and Xiao Dingkun were taken aback. When they looked over, they saw their wives holding hands and gazing at Yangyang with such affection, as if they were a family of three.

Suddenly, she felt a pang of betrayal.

The two men exchanged glances and quickly released each other’s hands, standing silently beside their wives.

“Yangyang…”

Tong Wan looked at Gu Yang with hopeful yet cautious eyes. “May I hug you?”

Ruan Xueling glanced at Gu Yang and gave a slight nod.

Gu Yang opened her arms and embraced Tong Wan. Resting her head on Tong Wan’s shoulder, she murmured softly, “Mom.”

The feeling was both strange and comforting.

She didn’t resist the idea of Auntie Tong Wan being her mother as much as she had resisted Tong Rao.

Tong Wan was momentarily stunned before tears of joy began to flow. She hugged Gu Yang tightly, as if afraid she might disappear.

“Yangyang, what did you call me just now?”

Tong Wan’s face was wet with tears, her voice trembling with emotion and excitement.

The beauty’s tears were so heartfelt and gentle that even Ruan Xueling’s heart ached. She quickly confirmed it.

“Mom, she called you Mom, Wanwan. Yangyang just called you Mom.”