I could not reconcile this man with the one on full alert mode at Jing Ni’s place.

Like Auntie Lan, his words had double meaning too. What he meant was Mai Qi was on the wrong path in life when she was with Ye Qian and Gu Yan.

I couldn’t help but smile.

Auntie Lan happened to look over, and her gaze darkened. She reached out to grab my hand. “Our Nanxing has the same temperament as Mai Qi. I think Jing Ni is better. She is the real balancing influence between Nanxing and Mai Qi. Don’t you think, Jing Tian? Nanxing is still a bit unruly. Jing Ni is gentle as water.”

Her words confused all of us.

Qu Hao’s eyebrows arched. He looked at Jing Ni and said gently, “Auntie, I agree with you. I feel more reassured knowing Jing Ni will be by their side.”

Auntie Lan called everyone over. “Let’s sit. I haven’t had so many guests since I returned to the country. This is wonderful!”

Jing Tian and Old Master Jing couldn’t get a word in edgeways.

Auntie Lan personally arranged our seats. I sat opposite Jing Tian; Jing Ni sat opposite Qu Hao; Mai Qi sat opposite my little uncle; and Auntie Bai Rui sat opposite Ye Qian. The rest were assigned at the end of the tables. Gu Yan and Jing Tian were thousands of miles apart.

Auntie Lan said with a smile. “Bai Rui, you need to help me take care of Miss Ye. Miss Ye, don’t stand on ceremony. Just act like you’re at home.”

Jing Ning, Jing Yan, and Gu Yan were invisible like the air. Seeing this, I felt like worshiping Auntie Lan!

Unlike me, who voiced my dissatisfaction when I disliked someone, Auntie Lan’s response was much more elegant.

Auntie Lan chatted happily. Old Master Jing’s eyes filled with love. Qu Hao joined the conversation. There was nothing else for the rest of us to do.

Jing Tian was naturally reticent; My little uncle understood Auntie Lan’s misunderstanding towards him, so he said nothing; Mai Qi, Jing Ni, and I had too much admiration for Auntie Lan to say anything. Auntie Bai Rui dutifully completed the task given to her. She took care of Miss Ye and served her food.

Auntie Bai Rui knew Jing Ni was harmed by Jing Ning and Jing Yan. She didn’t say anything to them. She merely ignored them. She didn’t even acknowledge their presence.

The indignation within Gu Yan reached its peak. But no one cared about her other than Ye Qian. However, Ye Qian knew that, at that moment, it was best for her to say nothing.

After dinner, Old Master Jing invited Jing Tian and Jing Ning to join him in the study.

My little uncle and Qu Hao tactfully took their leave, taking away Mai Qi and me.

Auntie Lan pulled my hand and said in a loud voice that everyone could hear. “Nanxing, you should come over for supper and bring Mai Qi with you.”

I smiled and hugged her. “Okay! We’ll come quietly without bringing anyone else.”

She laughed like a child who had succeeded in her evil deed.

I couldn’t help but sigh when I saw the doting look in Old Master Jing’s eyes. If I were a man, I would fall in love with Auntie Lan too!

Jing Tian had a helpless expression on his face.

I couldn’t help but laugh. No wonder he was so resistant to my unreasonable pestering! He was exposed to it since he was young!

Auntie Lan was not ignorant. She had her reasons for Auntie Bai Rui and Jing Ni to stay with her. Her actions might appear willful, but they carried a deeper meaning.

Jing Ni and her mother had been through a lot, but I believed their lives should be better from now on. With Auntie Lan protecting them, at least the people from the Jing Family wouldn’t touch them anymore.

Moreover, since Jing Ni was staying with Jing Tian, the people from the Shi Family and their hired assassins would have to think twice before heading into Ardent Flame Alliance’s territory.

My anxious heart finally relaxed.

As for Ye Qian, Jingyan, and Gu Yan, they weren’t worth mentioning. They could sort things out among themselves.