Madam?Xia Yehua, who was lying on the bed, was surprised . However, she spoke laughing, âOld Li, Iâve became Old Madam, why are you still addressing me as Madam- Ah!â
As she exclaimed in surprise, her gaze landed on Qiao Lian!
MadamâŠ
Her irises swelled as she suddenly sat up and stared at Qiao Lian in disbelief . âXiao Qiao, you- youââ
Caretaker Li had no idea what was happening . She walked forward with the food and said, âMadam, have you came to visit Old Madam with Sir? Iâve bought a lot of ingredients today . Iâll cook good food for both of you in the afternoon, stay for lunch, ok?â
After she finished her words, she then realized the weird atmosphere in the room . She looked at Qiao Lian, looked at Xia Yehua and then looked at Shen Liangchuan . She then shut her mouth with understanding and hid in the kitchen . Qiao Lianâs body had froze as she stood rooted to the ground, not daring to move .
Behind her was the concentrated gazes of both Shen Liangchuan and Xia Yehua . Their gazes, one hot and one cold, were respectively on Qiao Lian, making her feel as if her body was immersed in both warmth and cold .
Was Aunt Xia angry?
Aunt Xia had a strong dislike for her daughter-in-law, so she didnât like her now, right?
After spending such a long time with her, Qiao Lian had found the motherâs warmth on her and she yearned for it . However, nowâŠ
She slowly turned her body and lowered her head . She didnât dare to look at Aunt Xiaâs expression as she apologized, â Aunt Xia, I- I didnât know you were- I- Iâm sorryââShe gave a deep bow and when she was about to turn to leave, she suddenly heard Xia Yehuaâs stern voice, âXiao Qiao, come back!â
Qiao Lian stopped in her tracks .
Her eyes were filled with tears .
In her whole life, she had never been afraid of people making life difficult for her or questioning her . Yet, she couldnât bear to hearing those mean words, if it were to come out from Aunt Xia .
She bit her lips and then heard Xia Yehuaâs voice, âYouâre my daughter-in-law?â
Qiao Lian nodded her head . Just as Xia Yehua wanted to continue, Shen Liangchuan quickly took a step forward and said, âMom, if you are feeling alright, then weâll take out leave first . â
When he finished, he reached out his hand and grabbed Qiao Lianâs arm, dragging her to the exit .
Qiao Lian looked at Shen Liangchuan in confusion and surprise .
This man⊠He had been suspicious of her just a while ago and now he wanted to take her away quickly . Did he want to protect her from being picked on by Aunt Xia?
Her eyes suddenly blurred .
However, Qiao Lian suddenly stopped and reached her hand to hold Shen Liangchuanâs big hands, saying, âWait a moment . â
Her palm was warm and soft . It sent a shock to Shen Liangchuanâs body, as he unconsciously looked down at their holding hands .
Qiao Lian turned around and walked in front of Xia Yehua . She lifted her head up and exchanged eye contact with her . âAunt Xia, can I still address you as an âAuntâ? Can I still play games with you in the park?â
She gathered her courage and asked, as she didnât want to lose this kinship .
She felt perturbed as she waited for her reply, but she then heard Xia Yehuaâs cold answer, âNo . â
Qiao Lianâs heart swelled in pain and sadness .
She bit her lips and spoke sadly, âOk, I understand . â
She turned around and just as she was about to leave, she heard Xia Yehuaâs strict voice, âWhy are you addressing me as âAuntieâ instead of âMomâ when Iâm your mother-in-law?â
Qiao Lianâs body was stunned as she turned her head in disbelief . Xia Yehua then continued fiercely, âAnd letâs not go to the park anymore! Donât you know that itâs getting cold? If you want to play, come home instead and play . â