Second update, asking for votes.

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Lian Huahua did not appear again, and neither side mentioned her during the banquet. When it was time to leave after the meal, Old Madam Shen had people bring out many things, saying they were gifts for Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou.

The Song Family had not visited or sent anything since the return of Old Master Lian, Lady Zhou, and the family members. Now, they wanted to pass the gifts through them to Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou, and the meaning behind this was quite clear.

Sending gifts to Old Master Lian and Lady Zhou was out of respect for them.

The group left the Song Residence and went straight out of the city, returning to Thirty Mile Camp.

Lian Manman still shared a carriage with Xiao Qi and Xiao Xi. Since it was near noon and they had just had lunch, Lian Manman and Xiao Qi felt a bit drowsy once they were in the carriage. Xiao Xi quickly brought out a pillow, and Lian Manman leaned against it, holding Xiao Qi, letting him lean on her. She asked Xiao Xi to bring out a thin quilt to cover their legs, and the siblings closed their eyes to rest.

"Sis, why has Sister Huahua become so fat?" Xiao Qi asked Lian Manman with his eyes closed.

"Who knows? Maybe it’s because she’s eating too well and not working," Lian Manman intentionally replied, "Xiao Qi, don’t be like her."

As she spoke, Lian Manman patted Xiao Qi’s belly. At such banquets, especially ones that are ceremonious visits, it’s more about appearance than appetite. Despite the abundance of the Song Family’s meals, the siblings ate only to about sixty to seventy percent full.

"I definitely won’t be like her," Xiao Qi replied.

At home, following Mr. Loo’s advice on health and wellness, they avoided overeating, and the family followed suit. However, apart from the three meals, there were plenty of fruits and snacks. Though servants had been hired to attend to them, they still habitually did many things themselves.

"Sis, Sister Huahua looks quite bad now," Xiao Qi whispered quietly again.

"You’re so young, what do you know about looking good or bad?" Lian Manman chuckled.

Although she said so, Lian Manman also thought Lian Huahua had gained so much weight she’d lost her shape.

How did Lian Huahua end up like this? Judging by her attire, the Song Family certainly did not skimp on her food or clothes. Yet, when they visited the Song Family, Lian Huahua could not appear in person, suggesting her movements might be restricted.

Indeed, Lian Huahua’s movements were undoubtedly constrained. Otherwise, if Lian Manman refused Lian Huahua’s invitation, with Lian Huahua’s temper, she should have come herself.

All her material needs were met, but she lacked dignity and freedom of movement, which seemed to define Lian Huahua’s current lifestyle.

With her eyes closed, Lian Manman thought, such actions really felt like Old Madam Shen’s handiwork. Looking at how Old Madam Shen previously treated Lian Shouren, Lady Gu, and their family who relied on her in the city, she did not hesitate to spend money.

But Lian Huahua clearly was not willing to live such a life; however, she could not resist Old Madam Shen. Even though Lian Huahua had lavish food and clothing at the Song Family, her spirit must be undergoing severe torment. Old Madam Shen was not fond of Lian Huahua marrying into the Song Family. After Lian Huahua gave birth, it left her with only a daughter, which further fueled Old Madam Shen’s displeasure. Before, Lian Huahua had her Scholar father as a backing, but now not only had this backing fallen, it had fallen with disgrace.

Lian Huahua also had two sisters-in-law, and from what Lian Manman observed last time when coming to collect a debt, their relationship seemed far from harmonious.

Lian Huahua’s current situation probably echoes the phrase "besieged by troubles both inside and outside."

Most crucially, it’s about Song Hailong’s attitude towards Lian Huahua. Just from today, Song Hailong’s annoyance towards Lian Huahua was naturally evident.

Was Lian Huahua’s sudden weight gain due to excessive eating under psychological stress? Or was there another unknown reason? Lian Huahua cared greatly about her appearance, and logically, if she could control it, such a situation should not have occurred.

Today, Lian Huahua’s sudden appearance might have been her attempt to use them to change her situation.

Lian Huahua’s position in the Song Family was awkward, and Old Madam Shen likely didn’t feel comforted either. Lian Manman recalled that when Aunt Sun wanted to help Lian Huahua out earlier at the Song Residence, she was watching Old Madam Shen’s reaction.

If she had spoken a word at that time, would Old Madam Shen still have insisted on sending Lian Huahua away?

The answer is obvious.

However, she truly had no reason to speak up.