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nTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

nMadam?

nXia Yehua, who was lying on the bed, was surprised. However, she spoke laughing, “Old Li, I’ve became Old Madam, why are you still addressing me as Madam- Ah!”

nAs she exclaimed in surprise, her gaze landed on Qiao Lian!

nMadam…

nHer irises swelled as she suddenly sat up and stared at Qiao Lian in disbelief. “Xiao Qiao, you- you—”

nCaretaker Li had no idea what was happening. She walked forward with the food and said, “Madam, have you came to visit Old Madam with Sir? I’ve bought a lot of ingredients today. I’ll cook good food for both of you in the afternoon, stay for lunch, ok?”

nAfter 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.

nQiao Lian’s body had froze as she stood rooted to the ground, not daring to move.

nBehind 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.

nWas Aunt Xia angry?

nAunt Xia had a strong dislike for her daughter-in-law, so she didn’t like her now, right?

nAfter spending such a long time with her, Qiao Lian had found the mother’s warmth on her and she yearned for it. However, now…

nShe slowly turned her body and lowered her head. She didn’t dare to look at Aunt Xia’s expression as she apologized, “A- Aunt Xia, I- I didn’t know you were- I- I’m sorry—”

nShe gave a deep bow and when she was about to turn to leave, she suddenly heard Xia Yehua’s stern voice, “Xiao Qiao, come back!”

nQiao Lian stopped in her tracks.

nHer eyes were filled with tears.

nIn her whole life, she had never been afraid of people making life difficult for her or questioning her. Yet, she couldn’t bear to hearing those mean words, if it were to come out from Aunt Xia.

nShe bit her lips and then heard Xia Yehua’s voice, “You’re my daughter-in-law?”

nQiao Lian nodded her head.

nJust as Xia Yehua wanted to continue, Shen Liangchuan quickly took a step forward and said, “Mom, if you are feeling alright, then we’ll take out leave first.”

nWhen he finished, he reached out his hand and grabbed Qiao Lian’s arm, dragging her to the exit.

nQiao Lian looked at Shen Liangchuan in confusion and surprise.

nThis 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?

nHer eyes suddenly blurred.

nHowever, Qiao Lian suddenly stopped and reached her hand to hold Shen Liangchuan’s big hands, saying, “Wait a moment.”

nHer palm was warm and soft. It sent a shock to Shen Liangchuan’s body, as he unconsciously looked down at their holding hands.

nQiao Lian turned around and walked in front of Xia Yehua. She lifted her head up and exchanged eye contact with her. “Aunt Xia, can I still address you as an ‘Aunt’? Can I still play games with you in the park?”

nShe gathered her courage and asked, as she didn’t want to lose this kinship.

nShe felt perturbed as she waited for her reply, but she then heard Xia Yehua’s cold answer, “No.”

nQiao Lian’s heart swelled in pain and sadness.

nShe bit her lips and spoke sadly, “Ok, I understand.”

nShe turned around and just as she was about to leave, she heard Xia Yehua’s strict voice, “Why are you addressing me as ‘Auntie’ instead of ‘Mom’ when I’m your mother-in-law?”

nQiao Lian’s body was stunned as she turned her head in disbelief. Xia Yehua then continued fiercely, “And let’s not go to the park anymore! Don’t you know that it’s getting cold? If you want to play, come home instead and play.”

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