222 UNCOMFORTABLE (2/2)

Chu Ling had begged and even kneeled down to them, asking them to think of another way to rescue her baby. When she had met the grown up Hu Lei, the memories of that time had come flooding back. She had felt like the girl had come back to haunt her.

Zhong Tian had also felt burdened because Zhong Feng's poor health had been as a result of his own failings. And Hu Lei and her father had been the ones who had helped him remedy the consequences of failing to guard against the plots against his family.

Yes, they knew that their bias against the girl had been from their own hearts.

And, they needed to make amends.

”Hu Lei, we came to apologise to you.” Chu Ling firmed her resolve and spoke up.

Hu Lei did not expect her mother-in-law to speak such words.

Without giving an opportunity for a response, Chu Ling continued. ”We know that we have been harsh in our judgement of you. We are sorry.”

Hu Le felt like she could not bear this apology. ”There is no apology necessary. You were just trying to protect Ah-Feng.”

Chu Ling sighed. ”That was only part of it. Actually, we were also uncomfortable with you because of the matter that happened years ago. We know that you do not remember.”

”Ah-Feng told me a little about it.”

”It was such a dark time in our lives that we do not like thinking about it. We should not have blamed you. We should have thanked you.”

Hu Lei finally understood the matter, and the resentment that she had for these older people reduced. In her life, she had seen a lot of people die, both as a doctor's assistant and as a killer. She knew that in those moments, there was no meaning to human dignity. Those facing death begged, cried and forgot about shame.

And their loved ones would spare nothing, even their souls, to have one more moment.

In such a time, there was no status, just life and death.

And no one wished to remember the moments during which their souls, hearts and minds were torn and exposed to the world.