Chapter Twenty-Six: So-Called Family Affection

My Fiery Girlfriend
Chapter 26: What They Call Family

“Some brat with dyed hair trying to lecture me?” Li Xiaoya’s father sneered darkly, pointing at her nose and shouting, “You little bastard, get back here right now, or I’ll break your legs!”

Hearing her father’s fierce scolding, Li Xiaoya’s face turned pale as she trembled, shrinking into Su Xuefei’s embrace.

“Sir, this is the police station. Please don’t speak to your child like that; it could cause her psychological harm,” a policeman stepped forward, attempting to stop the middle-aged man’s tirade. Though his voice was quieter, his words grew even more aggressive. Before long, Li Xiaoya was brought to tears by the verbal assault.

“You’re just like that damned beast of a mother, always stealing chickens or men outside!” Li Xiaoya’s father grew increasingly enraged. He shoved the policeman’s hand aside and raised his fist, ready to strike Li Xiaoya’s head!

The almost inhuman punch froze midair, never falling. Su Xuefei stood firmly in front of Li Xiaoya, her gaze unwavering as she met the man’s furious eyes, showing not an ounce of fear despite the raging fist.

I watched the dangerous scene unfolding with terror in my heart, silently relieved that the man still had a shred of reason left. If that fist came down, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“Are you not going to do anything? Are you just going to let him cause a scene here?” I rushed forward to shield Su Xuefei, looking helplessly at the policemen and demanding sternly.

My words seemed to have some effect. The previously stunned officers moved again, pulling Li Xiaoya’s father back to maintain a safer distance. Witnessing the earlier scene, I gained a clearer understanding of the man. He was restrained only by the law; without it or if provoked further, he could easily become a desperate outlaw.

“Feifei, don’t provoke him further. Let’s go back and figure this out later.” Given the situation, we had to stall for time. Though the man showed dangerous signs, he hadn’t crossed any legal boundaries yet. We couldn’t yet use the law to protect Li Xiaoya’s rights. And there was no way we could hand her back to him—anyone could see the torment awaiting her if she returned.

Su Xuefei immediately understood my intention and nodded gently. She tightened her hold on Li Xiaoya’s arm, silently conveying a reassuring message.

I called over a policeman and quietly said, “We can’t return this girl to her father today. I suspect he has psychological or mental issues, making it unsafe.”

“But you two are strangers to her with no guardianship rights. Based on current information, we can’t just take your word for it,” the policeman pondered briefly. “How about this—we keep the girl here temporarily, arrange for someone to negotiate with her father, and try to locate her mother. Then we’ll decide the best way to handle this.”

“I don’t agree with that. Li Xiaoya is just eleven or twelve. Leaving her alone at the station would only harm her emotionally. It’s better if she stays with us. Though we don’t have guardianship, her wishes should count, right?” I refused to accept leaving Li Xiaoya behind—it would be no different from her wandering alone outside.

After a moment’s thought, the policeman nodded. “Alright then, if she wants to come with you, we can’t stop her. But for her safety, please leave your contact information so we can reach you anytime.”

Nearby, Li Xiaoya’s father continued to rant obscenities, so vile even I felt like lashing out. Yet Su Xuefei seemed unfazed by the insults aimed at her. She knelt down, gently stroked Li Xiaoya’s smooth hair, and smiled warmly. In a soft voice she asked, “Xiaoya, would you like to come back with me and big brother?”

Though her voice was quiet, it carried clearly to everyone present, as if time itself paused in anticipation of Li Xiaoya’s answer.

Su Xuefei knelt, her long black hair flowing down her back like a silken curtain. Her white down jacket clung to her like a pure, flawless veil. Her delicate face, framed by shining dark eyes, looked at Li Xiaoya with gentle expectation and innate sincerity.

“I... I’m willing to follow sister,” Li Xiaoya lowered her head, cheeks flushed. “As long as sister doesn’t mind having me.”

“Of course not...” Su Xuefei embraced the poor girl again. “Silly little sister.”

Witnessing this tender scene, a warm wave of emotion flooded my heart. This must be the silent power of human connection—trust, warmth, friendship, and forgiveness—everything that moves one deeply.

“You bastard! How dare you run off with a stranger? Do you think you’re worthy of me? When I catch you, I’ll kill you, you little brat!” Li Xiaoya’s father raged like a madman, trying to rush forward but held back firmly by the police. He wildly gestured and cursed at us.

Su Xuefei, however, seemed unaffected by the man’s frenzy. She gently pulled Li Xiaoya to her feet and turned to the officers. “Could you please ask him to leave? His behavior is seriously disturbing us. If this continues, it could lead to trouble no one wants.”

“Alright,” the policeman replied, somewhat puzzled but compliant. I couldn’t help but marvel at the power of beauty—how simply stating something could achieve far more than my endless nagging.

By the time we left the station, it was nearly noon. I suggested Su Xuefei take Li Xiaoya home first to buy her some clothes. I needed to rush back to the drink shop—I’d already missed nearly half a day, and Yang Xiaoyu would no doubt mock me mercilessly.

“Let’s shop together this afternoon. I haven’t even been out to browse since we arrived,” Su Xuefei shook her head, holding Li Xiaoya’s small hand as she followed me, skipping the hotel.

“I have to work during the day; no time to go shopping with you,” I said helplessly, standing by the roadside waiting for a taxi.

“Fine, I’m not that into shopping anyway,” Su Xuefei replied indifferently, playing with a lock of hair and pouting.

“Sister, I’m fine in this outfit. Don’t spend money on me anymore,” Li Xiaoya overheard our conversation, looking up at Su Xuefei and then at me, speaking softly.

Only then did I notice Li Xiaoya was dressed in a brand-new white down jacket, matching Su Xuefei’s own—like two figures stepped out of a winter wonderland, their pure white garments complementing each other beautifully. Had she been wearing this since morning? I couldn’t recall, probably too rushed and preoccupied with getting things done to notice.

“Xiaoya, did sister buy you this jacket?” I asked, though it was a needless question. Most parents buy kids bright, colorful clothes, but only someone like Su Xuefei would pick out such simple white ensembles.

Finally, a taxi arrived. Before I could get in, Su Xuefei quickly opened the front passenger door and looked at me coquettishly, yet didn’t get inside.

“Before heading back to the hotel, why don’t you take Xiaoya for a little walk? The weather’s nice today.”

“Who said I’m going back to the hotel?” Su Xuefei said, signaling Li Xiaoya to hop into the front seat. Then she slid into the back seat with me. “I’m going to the drink shop for some cold drinks!”

“To my shop?”

“Yes.”

I sighed and told the driver the address, then turned to Su Xuefei with a sly smile. “Alright, but you have to work with us if you want to enjoy the cold drinks.”

“What kind of work?”

“Waitressing,” I said seriously, emphasizing each word, hoping to scare her off.

“Oh... but I’ve never done that before. Not sure if I can manage,” she answered seriously, instantly killing all my enthusiasm. If she came along, it wouldn’t be much help. I felt awkward asking her to work, but doing nothing would be a waste; it seemed she’d lost her mind.

As we got out of the taxi, I overheard the driver muttering, “Eating cold drinks in this freezing weather? Must be crazy.”

I smiled wryly, ignoring his sarcasm, and walked into “Xun” where I saw Yang Xiaoyu at the front desk, fiddling with her phone.

“Playing on your phone during work hours? Gotcha!” I teased, startling her as I approached.

“Boss Yang, you’re finally back!” she said eagerly, which gave me a bad feeling. She usually teased me, so this sudden seriousness meant trouble.

Sure enough, before I could ask what was wrong, Yang Xiaoyu signaled me toward the inner window of the lobby. I followed her gaze and froze in place. At that moment, the person sitting by the window also noticed me, smiled faintly, and beckoned me over with a curling finger.

Chapter 26: What They Call Family (End)