Chapter 85: The Perfect Scheme of Husband and Wife

Fortunately, the panic did not last long. Bai Ling, after all, had been reborn. Seeing Bai Zhengyi and Lin Fenfang appear, she realized that both she and Sister Ge had been ensnared by the show. So this was where the real drama unfolded.

“Bai Ling!” Bai Zhengyi stepped forward, looking at Bai Ling. Her biological father was still as cold and distant as she remembered from her childhood, though now he tried to mask it a little. He hesitated, suppressing the urge to scold her, then finally spoke: “Your mother and I realize we were wrong. Come home with us.”

Lin Fenfang chimed in, stepping closer. “Yes, we’ve only recently understood that some things we did in the past weren’t right. We were new to being parents, didn’t understand much, and maybe caused you some harm. But you were so young, so those feelings lingered, making you biased against us. Come home, let’s talk it out properly, please?”

Bai Ling looked at their so-called apology, a cold smile on her lips. An apology, but where was the sincerity? What did they mean, new parents who made mistakes? Bai Ling was already in her twenties, and the beatings she endured as a child were countless. How could they claim to be inexperienced parents? Were they the children, really? And to say her childhood emotions made her biased against them—what nonsense. Not long ago, Lin Fenfang had aggressively demanded money from her, and Bai Ling hadn’t forgotten.

She was about to rebuke them, but as she glanced at her surroundings, she suddenly understood. Her so-called parents were not apologizing—they were using this stage to pressure her. Now that Bai Ling was a bona fide celebrity, she had to weigh the consequences of any action. On this stage, could she embarrass them? Perhaps, perhaps not. But so long as she had concerns, Bai Zhengyi and Lin Fenfang held the advantage. In truth, they would not have chosen this path if they hadn’t been desperate.

The blame lay in Bai Ling’s performance on “New Year at My House.” Before the show aired, the couple had been making money by exploiting Bai Ling’s fame, streaming online for donations. It wasn’t much, but better than gambling. Having never worked a day in their lives, the thrill of receiving tips from their first stream hooked them immediately. What could be more exhilarating?

Unfortunately, Bai Ling’s performance on the show ruined their plans entirely. No more streaming, no more income. So they turned to Bai Zihao. But that brat avoided them just like Bai Ling did. They cursed the siblings for ages, but cursing alone wasn’t enough—they wanted money! Money, money, money! As long as they could get money, nothing else mattered.

So they began plotting. When the producers of “Tonight’s Appointment” approached them, they readily agreed. If they couldn’t squeeze money from Bai Ling and Bai Zihao, they’d find another way. Participating in the show meant a fee—that was secondary. The main thing was to force Bai Ling, in a public setting, to acknowledge her connection to them. If Bai Ling, for the sake of public opinion, forgave Bai Zhengyi and Lin Fenfang, then the money would come. They could resume streaming, and the profits would roll in again—wasn’t that sweet?

If Bai Ling chose to burn all bridges, that worked too. Infamy was still fame! Their time streaming had taught them that some people loathed Bai Ling so much, they were willing to pay to see her brought down. So, one way or another, the couple would always skin something off Bai Ling.

“I don’t accept your apology,” Bai Ling said. “Ms. Bai Rou, this segment wasn’t discussed in advance. So, please excuse me—I’ll be leaving now.”

Bai Ling was no fool; she wouldn’t waste any more time here. Maintaining her composure, she rose to leave.

Bai Rou interceded. “Miss Bai Ling, forgive our show for acting on its own—I only learned of this segment just moments ago. I’m as surprised as you are. But don’t you think this is an opportunity? Whatever happened, they are your parents—blood is thicker than water. Since this is a rare chance, why not clear the air? Maybe there’s some misunderstanding?”

Bai Ling let out a soft laugh. “Misunderstanding? Ms. Bai Rou, perhaps you’re making light of things. Can there be misunderstandings after more than twenty years of life?”

She turned to face everyone, her demeanor resolute, refusing to give the show any material for malicious editing. “This matter was settled long ago. My parents personally called to demand large sums of money, repeatedly harassed me, and committed extremely vile acts. I don’t think ‘misunderstanding’ is an adequate explanation.”

With that, Bai Ling nodded to the audience and prepared to leave again. Yet Bai Rou was still unwilling to let her go.

“Miss Bai Ling, please don’t be so hasty. Even if there’s no misunderstanding, they came today with sincerity to apologize—why not give them a chance?”

Lin Fenfang seized the moment: “Yes, Bai Ling. Let us explain. This wasn’t our intention—we were tricked, set up. Someone threatened us, made us do it. We are your parents, after all…”

Bai Ling’s eyes flashed like a blade. The old Bai Ling could never have faced Bai Zhengyi and Lin Fenfang so sharply, but now, with her acting skills honed, she had grown fiercer.

“Someone threatened you? Do you dare say who? And even if someone did, does that justify helping others harm your own daughter? Having done such things, how can you shamelessly claim to be my parents? Is your skin so thick even missiles couldn’t pierce it?”