Second update, asking for pink ribbons.

*****

Seeing the strange expression on Lian Shouxin’s face, Lian Manman couldn’t help but be curious, did Lady Zhou make a scene or not this time?

"Your grandma didn’t make a scene this time." Lian Shouxin glanced at the three children looking at him and let out a gentle sigh. He knew what kind of image Lady Zhou had in the children’s minds.

"Didn’t make a scene? Then what did she say?" Lian Manman asked.

"She didn’t say much,... just said for me to help if I could. I said what your aunt said was too exaggerated, it wasn’t like that at all, nothing about helping or not helping. Your grandma didn’t say much more,... just asked when I could go to Taicang to visit your elder aunt." Lian Shouxin replied.

"Oh." Lian Manman responded, exchanged a glance with Wu Lang and Xiao Qi, and the three children understood.

Lady Zhou’s affection for Lian Lanlan wasn’t as strong as it used to be, but after all, that’s her daughter. Lady Zhou would never criticize her daughter in front of her son. Lady Zhou’s request for Lian Shouxin to help Lian Lanlan was just said in passing. When Lian Shouxin didn’t agree, Lady Zhou immediately suggested he visit Lian Xiuxiu.

Lian Xiuxiu was now the most important person in Lady Zhou’s heart. In the past, Lady Zhou would certainly have put in an effort for Lian Lanlan too.

Was it because Lian Lanlan hadn’t visited her and Old Master Lian for so long, making Lady Zhou feel disappointed?

No, probably not. Lian Manman thought for a moment and dismissed that possibility. Lady Zhou always believed that Lian Lanlan had a hard life. She never took issue with Lian Lanlan’s rare visits to Thirty Mile Camp or the sparse gifts she sent to her and Old Master Lian. After Lian Lanlan’s behavior during the high-interest loan incident, Lady Zhou’s feelings for her didn’t change.

So, it must be because of Lian Xiuxiu. Lady Zhou must have realized something. Before, when Lian Xiuxiu lived well, Lady Zhou glossed over things. But now that Lian Xiuxiu was in such dire straits, Lady Zhou seemed to have tallied both old and new grudges. It’s as if Lady Zhou now wished Lady Gu would just die.

As for Lian Lanlan, Lady Zhou’s attitude towards her now was much like how she dealt with Lian Shouren, Lian Shouyi, and Lian Jizu.

The family was talking inside, but they hadn’t forgotten that Lian Lanlan was still outside. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"Showing up at this time, she must know our father just got back from Thirty Mile Camp. She’s here to get some news." Lian Manman said.

"What should we do?" Lian Shouxin asked.

"We’re all home; it wouldn’t look good not to let her in. How about this, invite her to the side hall, and dad, we’ll all stay here. You go over and clearly explain to her the intentions of grandpa and grandma." Lian Manman suggested.

"That’s good. Once she knows what grandpa and grandma think, she won’t have much support and can probably calm down in the future." Wu Lang said.

"Alright, I’ll go tell her."

Lian Shouxin went out and returned only after about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea.

"Dad, what’s the matter, feeling uneasy?" Lian Manman asked quickly when she noticed Lian Shouxin return with a troubled look.

"Ah,... your elder aunt left crying." Lian Shouxin sat on the edge of the kang and sighed.

Lian Shouxin was soft-hearted and couldn’t bear to see people cry, sometimes forgetting whether the other person’s demands were reasonable. Moreover, Lian Lanlan crying wasn’t just because Lian Shouxin refused her request. How many times has she been refused? Lian Lanlan cried because she knew Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou were no longer on her side.

"Crying, who can’t cry? Xiao Qi, cry one for our dad." Lian Manman nudged Xiao Qi with her elbow.

Xiao Qi was in high spirits and couldn’t cry even if he wanted to. He made a funny face which made Lian Shouxin smile.

"Dad, later when our family businesses get bigger and more people come to us for help, we’ll have to discern carefully. We need to help those who are worth it and not just anyone. Just because someone cries doesn’t mean they’re truly pitiful or in the right... My elder aunt keeps showing up because she has the confidence. One is the backing of our two elderly from Thirty Mile Camp. Secondly, she knows that we care about face, and also because you and mom are both soft-hearted."

"The reason we can’t indulge her is also because you and mom are too straightforward. Such people, if you get too close, we can’t guard against them."

"Mm." Lian Shouxin nodded.

"Dad, did mom send any message for us?" Xiao Qi cleverly changed the topic when he felt it had been exhausted.

"Your mom sent a message, saying she misses you and wants you to come back." Lian Shouxin laughed and said, "Mr. Loo also asked about you, saying it’s time for you to return to school."