“Zhiqiu, is this your home?”
Li Shuying looked around the courtyard in disbelief and nudged Ye Yunlin’s arm lightly. “This is almost as big as the yards of eight households combined, isn’t it?”
Ye Yunlin nodded.
“Uncle, Auntie, let’s head inside first.” Shen Zhiqiu looped her arm through Li Shuying’s and led them to the guest rooms.
With four people and three rooms, everything was quickly settled. Once they were all seated, the Ye family still seemed dazed and uneasy.
“Zhiqiu, did your in-laws buy this courtyard for you?” Li Shuying asked.
Shen Zhiqiu picked up the teapot and poured water for them as she explained, “No, Auntie. This was left to Mingyuan by his grandmother.”
“His grandmother was Manchu, and this was originally her family’s home.”
“During that period, the courtyard was confiscated but later returned. Before her passing, the old lady left instructions to give it to Mingyuan.”
Shen Zhiqiu paused. “Later, Mingyuan transferred it to me.”
Li Shuying’s hand trembled, nearly spilling her water. She raised her voice. “You mean this courtyard is yours now? Was the paperwork done? Verbal promises don’t count—only what’s written in black and white is real.”
“I didn’t agree at first, but he went ahead and handled it quietly.”
Even now, Shen Zhiqiu remembered the mix of emotions she felt when she saw the land deed.
After that, she and Yue Mingyuan had argued over it. She couldn’t recall what she had said, but it was rare for Mingyuan to lose his temper with her. Their long-awaited time together ended on a sour note, and it wasn’t until she later discovered she was pregnant that they reconciled.
“Just for this alone, that boy Mingyuan passes in my book.”
“A man shouldn’t be judged by what he says, but by what he does—especially when it comes to money.”
“Some men talk a big game, but when it comes to actually spending real money, they’re nothing but hot air.”
Li Shuying shifted her gaze from Shen Zhiqiu to Ye Jiawen, who immediately straightened up as if bracing for battle. “Mom, why are you looking at me?”
“What I’m saying applies to Zhiqiu, but it’s also for you.”
“If you ever meet a man you like, don’t rush to give him your heart. Observe his character carefully.”
“Marriage is for a lifetime—you can’t treat it lightly!”
“Men fear choosing the wrong profession; women fear marrying the wrong man!”
“Mom, I’m swamped with schoolwork. I don’t even have enough time to study—how could I have time to think about this stuff?”
Ye Jiawen hugged Li Shuying’s arm and pouted. “I’m not getting married. I’ll stay with you and Dad forever, an old maid in this house.”
“Don’t talk nonsense!”
Li Shuying tapped Ye Jiawen’s nose. “You say that now, but if you really fall for someone and your dad and I don’t let you marry him, you’ll resent us.”
“A daughter can’t be kept forever—the longer you hold on, the more she’ll hold it against you.”
“I’d never choose a man over my parents.”
Ye Jiawen glanced at Ye Yunlin, then at Ye Jiawu. “Family will always come first for me.”
“Sis, if any dog of a man dares to bully you in the future, I’ll beat him up for you!”
Ye Jiawu shook his fist and turned to Shen Zhiqiu. “Zhiqiu-jie, same goes for you. I’ll protect you and my sister.”
“Oh, my little Er Gou has really grown up, huh?”
Ye Jiawen reached out and ruffled Ye Jiawu’s hair like she was petting a puppy. “Don’t worry, your sister isn’t someone to be messed with. I’ll be the one protecting you.”
“Uncle, Auntie, how long are you planning to stay this time?” Shen Zhiqiu relayed Wan Jiayin’s invitation. “My mother-in-law would like to invite you over for a visit.”
“We’ll be staying a bit longer this time. Your uncle has half a month off, so we plan to stay about ten days.”
Li Shuying exchanged a look with Ye Yunlin. “We were actually thinking the same—to meet your in-laws properly and have a good talk.”
“Zhiqiu, Mingyuan’s family is well-off, but ours isn’t lacking either. If anything ever upsets you, don’t just suffer in silence.”
“That scoundrel Shen Daqiang won’t lift a finger, but your uncle and I won’t let you be wronged. Understand?”
“Auntie, I know.” Shen Zhiqiu choked up and buried her face in Li Shuying’s embrace.
Li Shuying’s heart ached. She stroked Shen Zhiqiu’s hair gently. “Zhiqiu, if there’s anything on your mind, talk to your uncle and me. Don’t keep it bottled up.”
“I just feel so guilty toward you and Uncle.” Shen Zhiqiu burst into tears. “I should have sent you the wedding telegram myself.”
From the moment Ye Yunlin and his family stepped into the courtyard, guilt had gnawed at her like ants devouring her heart.
When she married Yue Mingyuan, she had desperately wanted her uncle’s family to attend. At first, Shen Daqiang had angrily refused, but later he changed his tune, claiming he would personally send her uncle a telegram with the happy news.
But when the wedding day came, her uncle’s family never arrived. Shen Daqiang insisted they hadn’t responded.
Though neither side said it outright, they both knew Shen Daqiang had lied—he had never sent that telegram.
Her uncle would never ignore such news, and he certainly wouldn’t have missed her wedding.
It wasn’t just her own regret—she could see the same lingering disappointment in her uncle and aunt, especially her uncle.
“Silly child, what do you have to feel guilty for? Your uncle and I know it wasn’t your fault.”
“Not being able to see you off on your wedding day did upset us, but your happiness is what matters most.”
“Don’t cry anymore, alright?”
Li Shuying helped Shen Zhiqiu sit up and wiped her tears. “It’s getting late. Let Jiawu walk you back. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss how to seek justice for your mother and you.”
“Alright. Uncle, Auntie, you’ve been traveling for days and must be exhausted. Rest early.”
The next morning, Shen Zhiqiu spoke to Wan Jiayin. “Mom, I’d like to take Yaya to stay with my uncle and aunt for a couple of days. They’ve missed her a lot.”
“Go ahead. It’ll be good for Yaya—a change of scenery is like ‘moving the baby’s nest.’”
Wan Jiayin helped Shen Zhiqiu pack Yaya’s things. Just then, Huo Jiusi rushed in and immediately noticed something was off. “Auntie Zhiqiu, are you taking Yaya away?”
Shen Zhiqiu briefly explained the situation. Huo Jiusi thought for a moment before declaring, “Auntie Zhiqiu, then I’m coming too. I don’t want to be apart from Yaya.”
“This…” Shen Zhiqiu hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate, and glanced at Wan Jiayin for guidance.
“Let Jiusi go along.” Wan Jiayin patted Huo Jiusi’s head. “But Jiusi, you’ll need to ask your grandfather first.”
“Grandma, I’ll call Grandpa right now!” Huo Jiusi dashed off.
Huo Yingnian doted on his grandson and naturally agreed, reminding him to behave and mind his manners.
When Huo Jiusi returned, he was followed by two guards.
“Auntie Zhiqiu, there’s so much to carry. Grandpa said to take the car.”
