Chapter 309: Chapter 309: Mrs. Sang: You’re still blaming me for being biased, right?

“Okay.” After leaving the office, Sang Qiao went directly upstairs to call her grandfather.

Old people generally get up early, so there was no concern about disturbing him.

After a few rings, the call was answered, and Mr. Sang Senior’s voice came through, “Qiaoqiao, what’s up?”

“I picked a few coastal cities’ sacred travel spots where you can see the ocean. I’ve already made detailed notes and will send them to your WeChat soon for you to choose from.”

“Alright, alright, send them over then,” Mr. Sang Senior replied enthusiastically over the screen.

“Mhm.” After hanging up, Sang Qiao immediately sent the information.

Then, she temporarily set her phone aside and started working on today’s tasks. Jiang Chaoyuan’s program had him in the spotlight due to Chen Ling’s departure.

During an interview, when asked what it felt like to be in the spotlight, Jiang Chaoyuan, looking visibly upset in the video, said, “I’d rather be second. This spotlight, not earned through my own strength, is meaningless.”

His words undoubtedly caused a sensation. Normally, anyone who advances in position would be happy, but he frowned and spoke carelessly.

The director was so startled that he almost didn’t ask Jiang Chaoyuan any more questions.

Sang Qiao closed the page, not sure what to say about Jiang Chaoyuan. His integrity was commendable, but he was too blunt with his words.

If his words were maliciously edited and released, it would certainly stir up quite the storm.

Compared to Jiang Chaoyuan, the person who originally ranked ninth, a Mr. Wang, was all smiles.

Sang Qiao couldn’t quite remember his name, but she knew he was from Lu Jiao’s company.

“Ring, ring, ring~”

The series of ringtones indicated that her grandfather had replied, and upon checking, Sang Qiao saw that her grandfather had circled two locations.

One had a warm climate all year round with an abundance of fruits; the other was a city by the sea known for its romantic atmosphere.

I really don’t regret the game: [I’ve hesitated over these two places for a long time and still can’t decide. You young people choose.]

Qiaoqiao is sleepy: [Okay, let’s visit both places since we have plenty of time.]

Seeing the new screen name her grandfather had chosen, Sang Qiao couldn’t help but curl her red lips into a smile. She rarely contacted her grandfather via WeChat, so she had never left him a remark.

Plus, her grandfather’s profile photo was very recognizable–the same photo of him sitting in front of a chessboard, holding a chess piece, year-round.

I really don’t regret the game: [That works.]

Sang Qiao immediately sent the two locations to Si Chenli, Qiaoqiao is sleepy: [We’re going to these two places, leaving tomorrow.]

Ah Li: [Okay.]

Ah Li: [(Cute kitty)]

Seeing the cute kitten emoticon above, Sang Qiao involuntarily thought of Si Chenli’s tall build and somber face, and couldn’t help but smile.

A tough guy sending cat emojis is really something…

After Si Chenli booked the flight tickets and itinerary, he sent it directly to her.

Sang Qiao then forwarded it to her grandfather and Ah He.

–

–

Upon receiving the itinerary, Mr. Sang Senior was overjoyed, dancing with happiness. He hadn’t expected the travel plans to be settled so quickly.

He had thought they would need to discuss it for a few more days.

“Grandfather, are you going out with Qiaoqiao?” Sang Shen had clearly seen the messages on his phone, yet he still asked knowingly.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit sour inside.

“Yes, you should get busy with whatever work you have. Don’t stick around the old house–I won’t be home to keep you company,” Mr. Sang Senior said with a hint of pride in his voice.

Sang Shen was very jealous, but also very happy that his grandfather was finally showing a smile.

Ever since his older brother’s incident, his grandfather had changed completely, no longer returning to their chess games or smiling, and he had become sullen and uncommunicative.

“Okay, I’ll go to work and wait for you and Qiaoqiao to come back.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to take you, it’s just really inconvenient if you come.”

Mr. Sang Senior sighed, seeing no alternative. He had seen Sang Shen’s recent attempts to keep him company, but he felt powerless and unable to intervene in the issues between Sang Shen and Qiaoqiao.

“I understand, Grandfather. Have a good time with Qiaoqiao.”

Sang Shen forced a smile, not wanting to appear too despondent, lest he ruin his grandfather’s mood.

“Alright, I’ll bring you some gifts when I come back,” Mr. Sang Senior patted his grandson’s shoulder, though whether he would bring gifts depended on how much luggage he ended up with.

But for now, the promise was made.

“Okay,” Sang Shen smiled.

“Qiaoqiao, did you come over yesterday?” Mrs. Sang also came over from the side, feeling regretful that she had missed seeing Qiaoqiao the previous day. It was rare for Qiaoqiao to visit, and she hadn’t been at home.

“Yes, I came to play chess with Grandpa,” Sang Shen responded, fully aware of what his mom was thinking.

They all harbored the same wishes.

“We’re planning to go out for fun, so you take care of the house, and don’t let that fool Sang Zheng in,” Mr. Sang Senior specifically instructed.

Just thinking about how Sang Zheng had started a company with Lu Jiao made his blood boil.

How could he have fathered such a son?

“I know,” Mrs. Sang nodded, no longer even answering Sang Zheng’s calls.

“I’m going up to pack my luggage; you two chat,” Mr. Sang Senior hurried upstairs, though they were not leaving until tomorrow morning. But he was already looking forward to it, feeling that every minute was dragging.

“Shen’er, I also want to go out with Qiaoqiao,” Mrs. Sang said wistfully, watching her husband’s retreating back and feeling miserable inside.

She couldn’t even call Qiaoqiao, as nights were filled with regrets over her past actions and the scarce pleasant memories with Qiaoqiao.

“Just think about it,” Sang Shen harshly snapped, knowing Qiaoqiao wouldn’t even talk to them, let alone go out with them.

“I really don’t know how to make amends. There are so many things I want to say, but I just can’t get through on the phone. I write a lot of text messages using someone else’s phone number, but I’m afraid to send them.”

Mrs. Sang expressed her torment, struggling to comprehend how they had become such strangers as mother and daughter.

“Even if you sent them, Qiaoqiao wouldn’t read them. It doesn’t matter,” Sang Shen recalled how he had naively sent messages after being blocked, seeking psychological comfort, and felt like he really hadn’t understood himself at that time.

“But I still need to do something,” Mrs. Sang’s fingertips trembled.

“You can’t do anything.”

“Do you all blame me? No one comes back to keep me company. I’m sorry for having wronged you, but with so many children, I truly couldn’t manage things alone. Since your childhood, you’ve blamed me for favoring Nanfeng, and you’re still holding grudges, aren’t you?”

Mrs. Sang felt weary at heart. She knew she had wronged Qiaoqiao, but she hadn’t failed her four sons, yet none of them thought well of her.