Jiang Lai stood awkwardly in the center of the living room, her gaze drifting back and forth between Chi Yingyu and Xu Ruobing.
She could feel a subtle tension permeating the air, like a tightly wound string that could snap at any moment.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but a wave of helplessness and exhaustion washed over her.
The two people beside her were the most important individuals in her life.
Although her sister-in-law held a more vital place in her heart, that did not mean Xu Ruobing was someone she could simply cast aside.
Both were equally dear to her.
“I still hope the two of you can get along peacefully. There’s really no need to argue.”
Jiang Lai’s voice carried a hint of fatigue, yet it was laced with an undeniable firmness.
She knew she could no longer avoid this issue as she had in the past.
She had originally thought that after everything they had been through, their relationship would have softened.
A few days ago, for her sake, they had even joined forces to help her.
But now, it seemed the reality was not as she had imagined.
Now that the situation had passed, the two of them had reverted to their former selves.
The mutual animosity between Chi Yingyu and Xu Ruobing was no longer just a matter between the two of them; it affected Jiang Lai’s life, her emotions, and her daughter.
During the days of the Lunar New Year, Xu Ruobing had looked after her daughter.
The little one often asked her, “When will Auntie Ruobing come over as a guest again?”
If possible, Jiang Lai truly did not want the people close to her to be at odds.
Chi Yingyu swept a cold gaze over Xu Ruobing, a disdainful smile curling at the corners of her mouth.
She had no intention of backing down.
She wouldn’t even yield to her own sister, let alone Xu Ruobing.
She was well aware that Xu Ruobing’s feelings for Jiang Lai were not simple.
On the surface, the woman appeared to be a perfect partner, but the hidden possessiveness and dark emotions beneath were enough to make one shudder.
Chi Yingyu would never allow anyone to take Jiang Lai away from her.
“Jiang Lai, you don’t need to be troubled. As long as certain people don’t keep thinking about things they shouldn’t, everything will be fine.”
Hearing this, Xu Ruobing’s brows furrowed slightly, and a flash of displeasure crossed her eyes, but her gaze never left Jiang Lai.
She knew exactly what Chi Yingyu was implying, but she had no intention of explaining herself.
From the moment she entered the room, she had been standing by Jiang Lai’s side.
What the other woman said was, in fact, the most honest reflection of her inner thoughts.
Her feelings never needed to be hidden; she simply didn’t want to make things difficult for Jiang Lai.
If it weren’t for professional considerations, she might even want to announce Jiang Lai’s existence to the whole world.
“I’m not as petty as you, however. Jiang Lai, I only want you to be happy.”
Xu Ruobing’s voice was soft as she reached out to gently embrace Jiang Lai.
“As long as you are happy, I can accept anything.”
Jiang Lai felt a pang of bitterness in her heart as she listened to them.
She knew they were both thinking of her, but she didn’t want to see them fight, nor did she want them to do anything drastic because of her.
She was the type of person who would rather be hurt herself than see those around her suffer.
She walked over to the sofa and sat down, her hands folded over her knees.
With her gaze lowered, she curled herself into a small ball.
After a moment of silence, she slowly raised her head to look at the two women standing before her.
“I know you both mean well, but have you ever thought about how painful it is for me to be caught in the middle?”
“Yingyu, you are very important. In my heart, no one can compare to you. I would rather lose everything than lose you.”
“Ruobing… you are truly good to me. No matter what I do, you only care about whether I am happy or not. I always act spoiled in front of you. By your side, I don’t have to carry any burdens; I can just be myself. Being able to stay with you is also my greatest happiness.”
Chi Yingyu and Xu Ruobing looked at Jiang Lai simultaneously, their eyes flashing with complex emotions.
Neither spoke, as if waiting for Jiang Lai to continue.
One was a person she could never lose, and the other was the person who could give her the greatest happiness.
Yet both believed they were the one most suited for Jiang Lai.
Chi Yingyu looked at Xu Ruobing, a cold sneer in her heart.
‘So what if you can bring her happiness? In Jiang Lai’s heart, I am still the most important.’
Xu Ruobing felt the same.
She believed that if she couldn’t even give Jiang Lai happiness, what would be the point of being together?
It was precisely this confidence that left Jiang Lai feeling somewhat at a loss.
She looked up, seeing the faint traces of smugness on their faces, and realized they hadn’t truly taken her words to heart.
Rather than continuing with gentle persuasion, it was better to be direct.
Although giving orders wasn’t her style, she had to make things clear now.
“I don’t want to see you two fight anymore.”
“You are both my most important family members. I hope you can get along peacefully. Can you do that, if only for me?”
Chi Yingyu pursed her lips, a flash of struggle appearing in her eyes.
She knew this would make Jiang Lai feel miserable.
Her sister was sensitive; once something was on her mind, she would stay awake all night, and Chi Yingyu would be the one feeling distressed in the end.
Even so, she still couldn’t let down her guard against Xu Ruobing.
She understood Xu Ruobing’s feelings all too well.
If she wasn’t careful, this woman would strip Jiang Lai to the bone and devour her completely.
She could not accept Jiang Lai being taken away by anyone.
But now, Jiang Lai had personally asked them to get along.
“Jiang Lai, I — “
Chi Yingyu’s voice was somewhat raspy, her words trailing off.
She didn’t want to make peace with Xu Ruobing, but she didn’t want to make Jiang Lai angry either.
She was caught in a dilemma.
Xu Ruobing looked at her, her eyes reflecting a mix of complex emotions.
She knew why Chi Yingyu was hesitating — because she was accommodating Jiang Lai.
But even so, the other woman still didn’t dare to express her feelings openly.
Xu Ruobing would not retreat.
Her feelings never needed to be hidden.
“Jiang Lai, I understand what you mean, and I know you’re doing this for our own good.”
“But on this matter, I won’t listen to you.”
Her voice remained gentle, yet it carried an immovable firmness.
“Some things need to be competed for to be obtained. You don’t need to worry about the relationship between us.”
“We are adults; we know where to draw the line. In the future, you can be with whoever you want to be with. As long as you are happy, just make your own choice. You don’t need to worry about us.”
These words were partly directed at Chi Yingyu.
She wouldn’t allow her rival to be so cowardly.
“Alright, don’t worry about this anymore. I want to sleep here tonight. I wonder if there’s a spot for me?”
Missing Jiang Lai was one thing, but she had come here mostly for what came next.
Chi Yingyu had handled many lawsuits and possessed strong professional judgment, but when it came to Jiang Lai, she was prone to being emotional.
At such times, Xu Ruobing was needed to make cooler judgments and fight for Jiang Lai’s best interests.
The two had been discussing these matters all day.
By the time night fell, they had to be arranged to rest together due to the lack of rooms.
***
The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting a soft glow into the bedroom.
Jiang Lai lay on the bed, her breathing steady as she drifted into a deep sleep.
With the most important people by her side, she felt incredibly happy at this moment.
While she was fast asleep, the bedroom door was pushed open gently, making a faint creak.
Jiang Lai’s eyelashes fluttered slightly.
She slowly woke from her dream, but she did not open her eyes.
She could already guess who the person coming in was.
After all, the only one likely to do something like this was her sister-in-law.
She wanted to see what the other woman intended to do after breaking in so late.
The person from outside the door walked in softly and sat on the edge of the bed.
The mattress sank slightly, and her body pressed close to Jiang Lai.
“Jiang Lai…”
Xu Ruobing’s voice was low and soft, carrying a hint of hesitation.
She sat by the bed, her fingers gently brushing across Jiang Lai’s cheek with a touch so tender it felt as if she were touching a fragile treasure.
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