Chapter 1263: The Fool’s Daughter (42)

Children like that were truly pitiful. Their own belongings were taken away and used as favors for others, and they weren't even allowed to cry over it. Tang Guo had always believed that parents like these had never once considered their children's feelings. Children were people too, and their possessions—their toys—belonged to them. Before giving them away to others, couldn't they at least ask?

Both of her parents were educated people. Didn't they know that taking something that belonged to someone else without permission was, in essence, theft?

If another family's brat caused trouble and damaged things in their home, the adults could still smile pleasantly and say, “They're just children. They like to fool around and don't know any better yet. It's understandable.”

Yet when their own child cried because her things had been taken away, she would be called unreasonable and scolded for being immature, as though she deserved no understanding at all.

Other people's children made mistakes and were readily forgiven.

Their own child suffered, and forgiveness never seemed to apply.

What bizarre logic.

It was exactly people like this who spoiled selfish, shameless parasites into existence.

In Tang Guo's memories, this couple had done such things countless times. When she was young, many of her little treasures had caught Tang Mengmeng and Tang Zhiming's eyes, and her parents had generously handed them over without hesitation. Even when her belongings were broken, they would still laugh it off, never finding Tang Mengmeng or Tang Zhiming annoying, only saying that children didn't understand and would mature eventually.

But if she cried or made a fuss because of it, she was guaranteed a lecture.

They said she was withdrawn, dull, and unable to fit in.

But if she hadn't grown up in such an environment, would she have become this kind of person?

Song Jinghua and Tang Lide tried persuading Tang Guo for a while, but every argument they raised was blocked by her words.

“Mom, Dad, I really don't dare continue living at home.” A trace of mockery curved Tang Guo's lips. “Right now, you're even planning to mortgage the house to help Uncle's family. You keep saying you'll never forget the kindness Uncle showed you, and honestly, it scares me.”

“Xiaoguo, how can you say that? We're only helping your uncle,” Tang Lide said. Even now, he didn't think there was anything wrong with helping Tang Liping's family.

“How can I say that?” Tang Guo laughed lightly. “Dad, I'm afraid that one day, for Uncle's sake, you might even sell me.”

Tang Lide's eyes widened in disbelief. He was so angry his face flushed red. “Me, Tang Lide, sell my own daughter? Impossible!”

“Then let me ask you something.” Tang Guo looked straight at him. “If one day you were faced with only two choices—either Uncle or me could remain, but not both—which would you choose?”

The system nearly exploded.

Oh my god! The host had just presented one of the greatest impossible questions in the history of mankind. No one could answer it perfectly.

Tang Lide was speechless.

On one side stood his biological elder brother.

On the other stood his own daughter.

The question was truly cruel.

Seeing him unable to answer, Tang Guo didn't continue cornering him.

“Dad, if that question is too difficult, then let me ask something simpler.”

She smiled faintly. “Suppose I continue living at home and finally save enough money for a down payment. Just as I'm about to buy a house, Uncle comes asking you for money. But you've run out of funds. His family has debts and refuses to mortgage their own house, so naturally they come to borrow from you, their dear younger brother. Would you ask me to lend them my money?”

Without even thinking, Tang Lide answered, “Buying a house isn't urgent. Of course you'd lend the money to your uncle first and help him through his immediate crisis.”

The moment he finished speaking, he saw Tang Guo looking at him with a bright smile.

“Dad,” she asked softly, “am I obligated to lend him anything?”

“He's your uncle,” Tang Lide replied instinctively. “And he's my real brother.”