Chapter 18: Discovery

Especially since Sang Ye is a veterinary doctor, it was clear that she usually treated stray cats and dogs with great kindness.

Therefore, regardless of the situation, it proved that Xie Yirou was a thoroughly despicable person.

To be so disliked by animals was truly remarkable in its own way.

Bai Zhen hadn’t noticed this before; it was only after learning about Sang Ye’s profession that he realized it. Not only Bai Zhen, but everyone else would surely come to the same conclusion soon enough.

Fortunately, Xie Yirou was not a daughter of the Bai family; otherwise, years of the family’s hard-earned reputation might have been destroyed in an instant!

If she had truly been his biological daughter, it would have been one thing, but she was a fraud!

If such a fake were allowed to ruin all their accumulated legacy, he feared he would be too ashamed to face his ancestors even in death.

Because of this, Bai Zhen, who was already emotional to have finally found his lost daughter, now regarded Sang Ye as a lucky star.

If she hadn’t shown up today, while it might not have shaken the foundation entirely, the impact on the Bai family would undoubtedly have been significant.

Sang Ye vaguely sensed that Bai’s father was looking at her with a strange expression. She understood the joy and excitement, but there was something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

Pride?

Sang Ye suspected she might be imagining things; otherwise, how could such an odd thought arise?

The clinic arrived quickly.

Sang Ye stepped out of the car, surprised to see Bai Zhen and Lin Ya getting out as well.

Bai Zhen surveyed the clinic and then the surrounding area, his eyes shining with pride.

To have opened such a clinic at such a young age—truly worthy of being his daughter.

Unaware of his thoughts, Sang Ye politely asked, “Would you like to come in and sit for a while?”

Then reconsidering, she added, “There might be a bit of an odor inside.”

Bai Zhen waved his hand dismissively, “It’s no problem. Nowadays, pets are treated better than people; most are washed clean, so there’s not much smell.”

“Old Bai is right. We’re not that picky,” Lin Ya said.

With that, Bai’s mother was the first to walk in, followed closely by Bai’s father.

Seeing that they didn’t mind, Sang Ye followed them inside.

Hearing their voices, Yao Yao stood up and smiled, asking, “Hello, do you have an appointment?”

Before they could answer, Sang Ye quickly stepped forward and called out, “Yao Yao, please bring two glasses of water.”

Sang Ye said, “Uncle Bai, Aunt Lin, please have a seat.”

Yao Yao was stunned when Sang Ye called Bai Zhen “Uncle Bai.” Bai?

Was her surname Bai?

Could it be as she thought?

Her mind raced, but her hands moved automatically to pour the water without pausing.

She swiftly brought two glasses and placed them before them. Both responded kindly with thanks.

Because of that one word, Yao Yao looked up and, seeing them at close range, finally recognized their faces clearly.

Her hands trembled in shock.

Bai… Bai…

She had seen that face many times over the past few days.

It turned out to truly be Bai Zhen, the billionaire CEO of Bai Corporation!

Then the woman beside him must be Madam Bai.

Yao Yao felt immensely relieved that she had only looked after putting down the water; otherwise, she might have spilled it out of surprise.

But then again, why would CEO Bai be here with Sister Sang Ye?

By all rights, they should be at the Hyatt Hotel holding Xie Yirou’s recognition ceremony.

Why were they here?

Yao Yao was filled with questions but didn’t dare ask Sang Ye now. She felt as if she knew some secret but didn’t quite grasp it—an irritating helplessness.

Yao Yao returned to her seat but remained highly alert, ready to respond if Sang Ye called her. She didn’t want to embarrass her.

Yet, she didn’t dare eavesdrop on their conversation either, so she focused intently, only listening for her name.

Bai Zhen examined the clinic’s environment and facilities. “Your place is quite nice, no strange odors.”

Madam Bai nodded in agreement. “Yezi manages it well.”

Most pet shops or hospitals have a strong unpleasant smell, but Sang Ye’s clinic smelled fresh, even with a few animals around. It was clear she cleaned often.

Sang Ye smiled slightly, “I get bored sometimes and tidy up. Many clients dislike strong odors, so I pay attention to that.”

Just then, a client with a cat carrier arrived.

Sang Ye addressed Bai’s parents, “Sorry, an appointment client has arrived. Excuse me for a moment.”

Madam Bai said gently, “No problem, you go ahead. We’ll leave after a while.”

Sang Ye nodded and rose to attend to the client.

Bai’s parents watched as Sang Ye confidently spoke in her professional field, conducting examinations and diagnoses with expertise. Madam Bai’s eyes shone with a mixture of pride and tenderness.

Even though their daughter wasn’t with the Bai family, she had grown well—humble yet composed, gentle and calm, yet strong and independent, unrestrained by others.

Just like today, after learning everything, she hadn’t caused a scene but had instead come straight to the scene and exposed everything with a simple gesture, effortlessly unraveling all Xie Yirou’s schemes.

Professional and earnest in her work.

Bai Zhen and Madam Bai exchanged a glance, both smiling softly.

It seemed their daughter was doing well even without them around, and that was enough.

Without telling Sang Ye, they quietly left.

As they departed, Bai Zhen noticed a white cat strutting into the clinic.

The little white cat walked proudly and, seeing guests, skillfully slipped into a cage to eat.

Bai Zhen felt the cat looked vaguely familiar but couldn’t recall exactly where he had seen it.

Yao Yao noticed the cat seemed very hungry and went to refill its water and food, gently rubbing its head. She whispered, “Where have you been? You’re so dirty. I’ll give you a bath later.”

At that moment, Bai Zhen also noticed a splash of color on the little white cat—wasn’t that the pink petal from the flower on the cake?

Madam Bai saw him pause and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Bai Zhen withdrew his gaze and smiled, shaking his head. “Nothing.”

Then he left with Madam Bai.

When Sang Ye finished her work, she found Bai’s parents were already gone.

She asked Yao Yao and learned they had left some time ago.

Sang Ye didn’t mind. She had only come to the recognition ceremony today to retrieve something left to her by her grandfather and to take revenge on Xie Yirou for damaging her grandfather’s heirloom.

Now that she had reclaimed the item and Xie Yirou had received her just desserts, it was time to move on with her life.

Seeing the little white cat, Sang Ye thought of Xie Yirou’s expression earlier and couldn’t help but smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

“Our great hero, Lord Meow, is back.”