"Mom." Fu Qingli had to address the elephant in the room for Mama Fu to face reality despite knowing he would get a scolding and that she would be sad. "She's Li Jingran's daughter. She's not my sister and not Fu Qingxi!"
A one-time pain was better than reliving the sorrow at every encounter with Shen Xi. Fu Qingli was convinced Mom would think about Lil' Xi whenever she saw that face.
Fu Qingli felt he was a strong enough person. Yet, he could not help but be drawn to Shen Xi, thinking of her as Lil' Xi every time they met.
Fu Qingxuan clenched his teeth in anger but had nothing to say about it because he knew Qingli was right.
He promised Qingli not to let Mom know about Meanie because he did not want to see Mom upset.
However, it was cruel of Qingli to say that to Mom. Qingli was so heartless to crush any glimpse of hope.
