Chapter 637: Be Straightforward

Xiao Hong saw Ling Tianya and Ruan Zeyan, and there was a hint of panic and embarrassment on her face. She still walked up and placed the fruit plater on the coffee table. “Miss, the Chairman said that these are the fruits that you like,” she said in a gentle voice. “They were purchased this morning and they are all very fresh. Please try some.”

Ling Tianya looked at Xiao Hong thoughtfully, and her gaze went back and forth between her and Ling Tao.

Xiao Hong was in her early thirties, a few years older than Ling Tianya. She had worked for the Lings since graduating from university. For the first two years, she was just a clerk in the administrative department. Because she was a hard-worker and a quick learner, she was promoted to the executive office in the third year and became the chief secretary of Ling Tao soon afterward.

During her tenure at the Lings, she had mostly kept a low profile. In the past few years, Xiao Hong had only been to the Ling residence a handful of times, all of which were work-related occasions.

However, today she was dressed casually and was clearly not there to work. Was she here for personal reasons?

Ling Tianya looked at Ling Tao inquisitively with her eyebrows raised.

Ling Tao touched his nose uncomfortably and gestured to Xiao Hong to sit next to him. After a long pause, he finally said, “Xiao Hong is pregnant, and the child is mine.”

Although Ling Tianya had expected Xiao Hong’s appearance to be related to her father, she was still surprised when she heard that she was pregnant.

Noticing the change on Ling Tianya’s face, Ling Tao said, “I know that this is a little sudden, and you may find it hard to accept immediately. But since Xiao Hong is pregnant with my child, I am obligated to be responsible for her.” Ling Tao looked determined.

Ling Tianya looked at Xiao Hong. “Miss Xiao, can I talk to you alone?”

Xiao Hong had not expected that Ling Tianya would want to talk to her alone. She felt a little unnerved and looked over at Ling Tao.

Ling Tao seemed embarrassed. “Yaya, don’t make it difficult for her. I am the one to blame.”

“Dad, I just want to talk to her alone. After all, she is pregnant now with my brother or sister. The Ling Family is not like any other family. There are some things I want to ask her for clarity.” Ling Tianya looked at Xiao Hong, and there was not much animosity in her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’m not trying to make it hard for you. I just want to know your thoughts.”

Ling Tao clung to Xiao Hong’s hand and glanced at Ruan Zeyan, who had been quiet up to this point, hoping that he would say something to ease the atmosphere.

However, Ruan Zeyan turned his head toward Ling Tianya, indicating that he was in support of her request.

Ling Tao thought about it and then let go off Xiao Hong’s hand. “Go and talk to Yaya. These things are better discussed between women.”

Xiao Hong looked at Ling Tianya somewhat timidly, but in the end, she nodded. Ling Tianya stood up with her big belly, and Xiao Hong quickly walked over to help her. The two of them walked over to the wicker chairs in the backyard and sat down.

Before marrying Ruan Zeyan, Ling Tianya had always liked to read books here.

A light breeze was blowing, and Ling Tianya looked at Xiao Hong with those eyes that could seemingly see through everything.

Although Xiao Hong looked timid, her head was not bowed down. She let Ling Tianya study her and there was candidness in her demeanor.

Ling Tianya did not beat around the bush. “What happened between you and my father?” she asked straightforwardly. “I hope, Miss Xiao, that you can answer me truthfully.”

Xiao Hong bit her lip lightly and then said, “The Chairman has been depressed since he divorced his wife. On several occasions, I have seen him stay in the office after work and cry alone.”