As she went about her daily life, Jiang Lai made a silent resolve to spend the rest of her life with Chi Yingyu, giving her the sense of security she lacked through companionship.
If Chi Yingyu’s eyes continued to flicker with unease like just now, Jiang Lai would feel uncomfortable seeing it. Since they were together now, she would treat her well.
Although she didn’t know how to stop Chi Yingyu’s restless thoughts, as long as she was always by her side, those insecurities would eventually dissipate, and the two of them would finally move toward a happy life.
However, a major event had recently occurred at home—their daughter, who usually didn’t come home during winter or summer breaks, had actually returned on an ordinary weekend.
Jiang Lai was very happy about her daughter coming home. Although her daughter had only been at school for a short while, it had already been a few days since they last saw each other, and Jiang Lai missed her terribly but hadn’t shown it. So the day before, when she learned her daughter was coming back, she cleaned the house spotless and prepared a lot of delicious food.
Although her daughter didn’t lack food at school, it could never compare to the taste of home. As for why her daughter came back on an ordinary weekend, Jiang Lai only had to think a little before understanding—she must have come back because of the relationship between Jiang Lai and Chi Yingyu.
Thinking that her relationship was about to be revealed to her daughter, Jiang Lai couldn’t help but feel nervous, even if it was just her own daughter. After all, she was no longer young, and this kind of youthful romance always felt a bit embarrassing.
To avoid embarrassment in front of her daughter, Jiang Lai had specifically asked Chi Yingyu the day before—at least for these two days, they must not be as intimate as before. It was just too embarrassing, and besides, her daughter was still young and shouldn’t see such things.
However, this small request only made Chi Yingyu even more audacious before her daughter arrived. By the time her daughter reached the doorstep, Chi Yingyu was still clinging to Jiang Lai.
When the doorbell rang, Jiang Lai finally steeled herself and pulled Chi Yingyu off her. They had been pressed together for so long that Jiang Lai could still ambiguously smell her unique scent. She placed her hand on the doorknob, hoping her daughter wouldn’t overthink things.
Before opening the door, Jiang Lai gave Chi Yingyu a pleading look—at least don’t be too close from now on. In front of her daughter, she still wanted to preserve some dignity as an “elder.”
The moment the door opened, the first thing she saw was her beloved daughter. Her smile was as bright as a flower. But the next thing Jiang Lai saw was Shen Ruxue standing behind her daughter.
The instant she saw Shen Ruxue, Jiang Lai’s heart skipped a beat, and her expression turned unpleasant.
Why did Shen Ruxue come back with her daughter? Even if they were close, there was no need to stick together all the time.
Jiang Lai looked at this unexpected person in front of her and forced a smile, but the curve of her lips was especially stiff. However, thinking that her daughter was still there, she managed to maintain the smile.
Just thinking about what Shen Ruxue had said and done at school—those excessive actions—Jiang Lai’s disgust surged up uncontrollably, and she barely managed to suppress it.
“Le Yi… you two, come in quickly.”
Because of Shen Ruxue’s appearance, Jiang Lai’s nearly perfect mood was ruined. Even though her daughter coming home was something to be happy about, she couldn’t help but want to avoid Shen Ruxue; she really didn’t want any involvement with her.
After all, young people today were quite bold in their persistence when it came to feelings. Jiang Lai was really worried that she might not be able to handle it.
However, her daughter would only stay for a day and a half over the weekend, so Shen Ruxue probably wouldn’t stay long either. Jiang Lai kept comforting herself—it was just one weekend; she could endure it.
She just needed to get through these two days safely. After all, Shen Ruxue wouldn’t show her feelings for Jiang Lai in front of her daughter, nor would she do those excessive things. As long as they weren’t alone together, that would be an extra layer of protection.
But Jiang Lai never expected that Shen Ruxue, who came today, had no intention of hiding her feelings at all.
After Jiang Leyi entered the house, Shen Ruxue handed the gifts she had bought to Jiang Lai.
Jiang Lai looked at those exquisite gifts. After all, one doesn’t strike a smiling person. Under the circumstances, she couldn’t say anything and could only awkwardly reach out to take them.
At that very moment, Shen Ruxue seized the opportunity and directly held her hand.
“I’ve missed you so much… Since we parted last time, I’ve missed you almost every day.”
Shen Ruxue’s voice was very soft, so the people inside the house couldn’t hear, but Jiang Lai heard it clearly.
Looking at the dazzlingly bright smile on her face, Jiang Lai instantly felt the urge to run away.
She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but could only force a smile on her face to hide her inner panic.
“If there’s nothing else, let’s go inside.”
After saying that, Jiang Lai was about to turn around and go inside, but Shen Ruxue grabbed her. Their distance suddenly closed, and Shen Ruxue took the opportunity to hug her.
The scent of her perfume washed over her. It was strangely familiar, making Jiang Lai momentarily dazed. She almost frantically pushed Shen Ruxue away, but that fragrance was unforgettable—it was extremely similar to the perfume her deceased wife had once used.
However, that perfume had long been discontinued; it was probably just similar.
Jiang Lai forcefully pushed Shen Ruxue away, her embarrassment instantly turning into anger. But when she saw Shen Ruxue’s innocent yet fervent gaze, and then thought of her daughter and Chi Yingyu still inside the house, her words ultimately got stuck in her throat.
She took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “Don’t be like this. Go inside first. A guest is a guest. As long as you don’t do anything excessive, I will treat you well.”
Shen Ruxue nodded obediently, but a hint of barely noticeable smugness flickered in her eyes.
As soon as she entered the house, Jiang Lai immediately walked over to sit beside Chi Yingyu, as if finding a pillar of support.
Chi Yingyu keenly noticed her unusual state and quietly held her hand, conveying silent comfort.
“Did something happen?”
“Nothing.”
Jiang Lai didn’t know how to say it. She couldn’t exactly say that she had been teased by a girl younger than her own daughter. Moreover, if she told Chi Yingyu, given her possessiveness, things might become even harder to handle.
Just thinking about Shen Ruxue’s actions just now gave Jiang Lai a headache.
She had no way to retaliate against this kind of thing, and she didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. She just hoped Shen Ruxue’s actions wouldn’t go too far from here on.