Despite his dissatisfaction at Elena's casual response, Zhang Fu felt a faint spark of approval. If this had been the old Xiulan, she would have exploded by now. There would have been shouting, accusations, and a dramatic exit. This version of her remained steady and dignified. Perhaps the rumors about her change after the coma were true.
The Zhang siblings had never been close. Different mothers and separate upbringings ensured polite distance at best. Zhang Fu's position as heir was unshakable, so the others never challenged him. Only Xiulan had dared to clash with him openly, secure in her status as a legitimate daughter.
Truthfully, all of them, including Zhang Fu, had once looked down on their youngest sister. Spoiled. Entitled. Reckless. Their father had always protected her, telling the others to give way whenever conflicts arose. That favoritism bred resentment.
