Hearing Zhang Wan'er say that, the person guarding the gate showed a flattering smile and quickly corrected, "Of course there's a difference. You can move around freely at home, but not in prison. You want a phone? It's not impossible, but can we report it to the old man first?"
"Since it needs to be reported, hurry up and report it. What are you standing here like an idiot for?" Zhang Wan'er's face showed impatience. If she didn't urgently need a phone, she wouldn't have the energy to waste time with an imbecile.
The subordinate guarding the gate nodded repeatedly, then ran to Zhang Tieshan and recounted everything that had happened.
Zhang Hehua looked at Zhang Tieshan with worry and pleaded with him, "Dad, you can confine Wan'er at home, but you won't even give her a phone? Are you really going to let her suffocate! Dad, why don't you just give Wan'er the phone? Let her find something to do for herself. Maybe it'll ease her desire to leave!"
Seeing Zhang Hehua's sympathetic demeanor, Zhang Tieshan felt the situation was serious. If he didn't stop this mother and daughter from being together, would Zhang Hehua be easily swayed by Zhang Wan'er's few words? Even if she asked to be released, she would do as she was told?
With that possibility in mind, Zhang Tieshan's face fell, and he said gravely, "Actually, under normal circumstances, I shouldn't give her a phone. Wan'er is quite cunning. Who knows what unexpected things she'll do once she gets her hands on a phone?
Hehua, Wan'er is your only daughter, and isn't she my only granddaughter? Our Zhang family does have some influence in Kyoto, but only in the workplace. In official circles, we have no power at all.
Who are the He family? If Yang Zhiguo hadn't begged them face to face to intercede for you, how could you have gotten Wan'er out of prison? We cannot allow such a mistake to happen a second time!
I know confining someone at home is a bit too cold-hearted, but we're doing it for her own good. She had to fall for someone she shouldn't have, a married man! We can't just watch her walk into a fire pit!"
Zhang Hehua pondered for a while, then asked helplessly, "Dad, I understand what you're saying, but isn't this a bit too heartless? What if Wan'er resents us for this?"
"How dare she!" Zhang Tieshan's expression turned icy. He slammed his palm on the table, his voice tinged with anger. "If she resents us just because we didn't give her a phone, then she wouldn't have been imprisoned in the first place, needing us to rescue her!"
Zhang Hehua had never seen Zhang Tieshan so furious. She hunched her head into her clothes like a quail and mumbled, "Alright, Dad, I understand. I'll try to restrain myself and absolutely won't see Wan'er again, so I don't have to be so heartless!"
"Good." Zhang Tieshan, hands clasped behind his back, looked expressionlessly at the subordinate who came to deliver the message. "Tell Zhang Wan'er that when she's willing to go on blind dates, I'll restore her freedom."
The subordinate quickly nodded and disappeared from the study.
When Zhang Wan'er heard this news, her face turned red with anger. She smashed everything in the room, but her protest went unnoticed by Zhang Tieshan and the others. Zhang Tieshan simply had the trash cleaned up and everything returned to quiet.
As night fell, Zhang Wan'er sat on a chair like a madwoman. Suddenly, she heard a sound from the doorway. Mechanically, she lifted her head and looked towards the entrance.
"Wan'er!" Zhang Hehua exclaimed when she saw Zhang Wan'er's state, her eyes filled with concern.
"Mom?!" Zhang Wan'er thought she was hallucinating. When Zhang Hehua walked towards her and she realized the person was real, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Mom, where were you all day today? I didn't see you anywhere. Can you let me go? Don't you know how bored I am here doing nothing all day? Can you let me out? I still have important things to resolve!"
After speaking, Zhang Wan'er buried her head in Zhang Hehua's arms. In the past, just a little cooing like this would make her yield, but today Zhang Hehua hesitated.
She stroked Zhang Wan'er's head and comforted her, "Wan'er, not letting you go is for your own protection. There are rumors spreading outside, and I'm afraid you won't be able to handle hearing the bad news and get hurt.
Stay home for a while. I'll try to persuade Grandpa to relax a bit. When there's an opportunity, we mother and daughter can go shopping and relax properly."
"Mom! You mean I have to stay home until Grandpa relaxes? Do you know how unbearable a day here is?
There are so many people watching my every move. Don't worry, I absolutely won't escape. I just want a phone to chat with old friends and to know what's happening outside!
I am your child, born of you. Don't you know my personality? Don't worry, I won't lie to you, okay?!" Zhang Wan'er finished, pulling Zhang Hehua's wrist and looking at her with sparkling eyes.
Zhang Hehua had always doted on her daughter, so her spoiled plea made her forget Zhang Tieshan's warning. She smiled and agreed, "Alright, alright, I knew Mom couldn't refuse you. How about I lend you my phone for a few days, and I'll buy a new one tomorrow and secretly give it to you?"
Zhang Wan'er couldn't be picky anymore and could only nod, "Okay, then."
After handing the phone to Zhang Wan'er, Zhang Hehua reminded her, "Don't let anyone see it, or your mom will get scolded too!"