After eating and drinking to her fill, Lin Lishan walked out of the Cheng Family gate. With a broad smile on her face and carrying her bundle, she walked along the path, humming a song.
A striking figure erged not far away; although she couldn’t see the face, the silhouette and walking posture made it clear that the other person must be soone with exceptional looks.
Lin Lishan glanced over and lightly furrowed her brows, muttering to herself, "Why is Qu Xiaoyue back again? Isn’t it quite nice staying with the Old Russians? Still not giving up, huh?" With a quick turn of her eyes, she decided to ignore the person and turned around as though she was eting her face to face.
"Shanshan, what’s with the look? Don’t recognize ?"
Lin Lishan pretended to have a sudden realization, "Oh, it’s Sister Xiao Yue; I thought it was so young lady. When did you co back? How’s your health these days?"
Qu Xiaoyue frowned and pressed her hand to her chest, "I’m already old, what young lady are you talking about? You are as young and beautiful as ever. Where are you coming from?"
Lin Lishan carefully examined herself and then looked at the other person, shaking her head, "No comparison. A beauty is always a beauty. Seeing you like Xishi clutching your heart makes uncomfortable. Did the doctor say what illness you have this ti?"
Qu Xiaoyue locked her brows, speaking gloomily, "They didn’t say, just told to continue resting. My illness might never get better."
Lin Lishan showed no interest in idle talk with her. Seeing her standing silently, her gaze constantly shifting beyond Lin Lishan, an idea struck: Is she hoping to encounter my husband?
Lin Lishan determined no doctor diagnosis was needed; she knew this woman was ntally disturbed—definitely brain issues. Her husband had nothing to do with her, yet she acted as if she was abandoned. She secretly despised the other woman for being audacious yet cowardly—if only she wouldn’t run away whenever she saw Brother Zheng.
"Suit yourself; I’m off to find my dad." With that said, Lin Lishan lifted her foot to leave.
"Hey... don’t rush off. Stay and chat with for a while."
Reluctantly, Lin Lishan raised the parcel in her hand, "It’s a bundle from my Jiao Jiao for her maternal grandfather; I need to deliver it. Go ahead, say what you want to say?"
Qu Xiaoyue gazed from her hand to her face, speaking softly, "You are really blessed to have a daughter. Unlike , I have no one to care about."
Lin Lishan opened her mouth wanting to say sothing, but found herself at a loss for words of comfort. Should she say that her life was just fine, aside from infertility, and wasn’t inferior to her own?
"Shanshan, you know? All my life, I’ve envied you the most. If only I had been as brave as you back then, I would be so happy now—with a loving husband and a smart daughter."
Lin Lishan shook her head with a bitter smile. What is there she has to envy about? She’s enjoying life while Lin Lishan lives in pain every day. She has parents who adore her so much, but Lin Lishan? Only a mother who wants to drain her. She has brothers who cherish her, but Lin Lishan? She has nothing.
Then, Lin Lishan thought of her husband, her daughter, her son-in-law, and her little grandson, and a joyful smile spread across her face.
Lin Lishan laughed and said, "Fate isn’t reliant on bravery. You’re great, but not suitable for Brother Zheng. My Jiao Jiao has said that so things aren’t ant to be forced. I find it quite reasonable. Back then, besides you, there were more beautiful and braver individuals with better family backgrounds, yet you see, Brother Zheng chose , an ordinary person.
Moreover, you are not ; you can’t match my feelings for him. If I were you, I would have never married; I would silently watch him forever.
For , Brother Zheng is my heaven; nothing is more important than him. But can you do that? You can’t. I know you’ve always hold a grudge against , believing I’m not worthy of Brother Zheng, and many people think I’m not. But I truly believe I’m worthy. I don’t compare exterior factors; I only compare a heart. I can give birth for him, I can die for him. Can any of you who claid to love him do it?"
Qu Xiaoyue stared at Lin Lishan intently, both won silent and gazing at each other.
"Aunt, don’t send her off..."
Zhou Xiaozheng’s voice faintly drifted, awakening Qu Xiaoyue and Lin Lishan.
Lin Lishan watched Qu Xiaoyue, as if eting a ghost, escape frantically, disappearing in the blink of an eye. She covered her mouth, chuckling softly. She was more convinced that Qu Xiaoyue truly had a ntal disorder.
Listening to the increasingly close conversation, Lin Lishan stuck out her tongue, quickly lightening her footsteps, swiftly moving forward. She wasn’t foolish; she mustn’t let her husband know there was another woman interested in him.
In the Lin family’s study, Mr. Lin lovingly polished the wooden storage with a velvet cloth.
Suddenly, laughter echoed from outside, perplexing him, "Does the Zhou Family have good news again?"
As Lin Lishan’s conversation with her aunt concluded, a set of footsteps arrived outside the door.
Mr. Lin smiled and shook his head, "Aren’t you coming in yet?"
The study door was pushed open, revealing Lin Lishan’s smiling face, "I was afraid of disturbing you. Dad, aren’t you eating yet? Do you know what ti it is?"
Mr. Lin beckoned, "Quick, co in. What happy occasion made you so cheerful? Tell Dad about it. Let Dad be happy too; it’s been long since there’s laughter at ho."
"Dad, see what’s this? Jiao Jiao specially sent it for you. Happy now? Just perfect for a drink. Co, I’ll have a sip with you. Dad, you must take care of your health; don’t skip als." With that said, Lin Lishan stepped forward to pull him, urging him to co out. Without going out for a walk, where will good cheer co from?
Mr. Lin was pulled by his eldest daughter, happily laughing. He didn’t resist, following her force, returning to the dining table.
Lin Lishan broke the thread, took out the contents from the bag to look, and found that although the quantity was small, everything necessary was included. She placed a tray full of them, rewrapped the remaining ready-to-eat food, planning to hide it in the study later for Mr. Lin to enjoy alone. As for the two blocks of frozen wild boar at, she directly instructed the aunt for it to be prepared for Mr. Lin’s al tomorrow.
"How co Jiao Jiao thought of sending things over? Is she planning not to co ho for New Year this year?"
Lin Lishan nodded, pouring a cup of alcohol for Mr. Lin, "She wrote a letter saying it’s too troubleso to co over. Her dad goes along with her, anyway Brother Zheng says there’s a two-year limit, if not, she has to return ho."
"Hmm, returning earlier is good. With Jiao Jiao with you, Dad feels at ease. She’s a good child, but unfortunately, our family let her down."
Lin Lishan chuckled foolishly a few tis. She couldn’t bring herself to say words like it doesn’t matter. So things have already hurt the hearts of her family deeply, she didn’t want to bring them up again.
Mr. Lin took a sip, placed down the cup, "Did Jiao Jiao prepare for the Cheng Family this ti too? Rember to write and tell her, no need to send things; we have everything we need."
Lin Lishan laughed and said, "Her aunt always sends things over. You know, this child doesn’t want to owe favors. I heard she even sent over things for her godfather and several uncles."
Mr. Lin looked at her, silent for a mont, then said, "Shanshan, you should go and see your mom. No matter how bad she is, she gave birth to you. Dad won’t discuss her wrongs, just that she feels pitiable now. As her daughter, you shouldn’t harden your heart and ignore her."
Lin Lishan heard this, reined in her smile, furrowed her brows tightly. After a while, she bowed her head and said, "Dad, it’s not that I don’t want to go, but when I go, she’s unable to say anything, but still throws things at , wishing I were dead. I’m also hurt, what did I do wrong to mom?
I never dared tell you. Last year, before issues arose between our families, mom cursed Brother Zheng and Jiao Jiao in front of . Her words were very harsh, wishing they were dead. Back then, besides Brother Zheng not being there, Jiao Jiao hadn’t wronged her. I’m not blind. My mom hates that Brother Zheng returned alive, and resents Jiao Jiao for taking back the money."
Mr. Lin sighed deeply, sigh... a mother and daughter estranged.
He believed the eldest daughter’s words were entirely true. The old companion had muddled, her obsession with money was useless. Now, besides the eldest son often accompanying her, who else is there? Even her little daughter, who she loved dearly, often claims she’s busy with work.
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