Xia Yu stiffened slightly when Mrs. Han announced, "I have called Zhou to join us too."
But after a moment of relief, he found out about his grandfather's condition. She was confused. With Han Zhou present, Mrs. Han might restrain herself. Maybe things wouldn't escalate too badly tonight. Then why did she call him. Her gaze quietly shifted to Su Yan. Was it a set up for her?
Well, it had nothing to do with her as long as her identity was secured, so she ignored them again after a smile. Su yan frowned in her heart. By now, Lei Mei should have lost her composure and already started shouting. But it felt like she did not care at all.
She knew it was all an act by Lei Mei. but how? Since when did Lei Mei know how to control herself? Was she not always short tempered and unbridled! Fine! Even she would see how long Lei Mei could act!?
Su Yan continued her animated conversation with Mrs. Han while Xia Yu sat silently at the sidelines. neither including her nor acknowledging her presence. Their smiles were delicate, their laughter light but Su Yan kept looking at Xia Yu waiting for her to lose her composure. But it did not happen.
After a while, Xia Yu placed her hands on her lap and spoke up politely, "Mother, I would like to freshen up before dinner. May I?"
Mrs. Han didn't even glance at her, only waving a hand dismissively.
Without wasting another second, Xia Yu stood, bowed slightly, and left the suffocating sitting room. But instead of heading to the washroom, she detoured toward the kitchen.
The kitchen was warm and bustling with activity. Housekeeper Cheng noticed her immediately, her eyes widening slightly.
"Young Madam?" she whispered, surprised.
Xia Yu smiled warmly and set the matter straight before she could be stopped. "I would like to prepare something simple for Grandfather. Some nutritious soup. I know he hasn't had much appetite lately."
The kitchen staff exchanged glances, but none dared to oppose her. Housekeeper Cheng quickly assigned a helper to assist her.
Xia Yu rolled up her sleeves and got to work, moving with swift, practiced motions. She prepared a light ginseng and chicken soup, adding a few red dates and herbs known for their health benefits. She tasted it carefully, ensuring it wasn't too oily or salty, just as an elderly person would prefer.
When it was ready, she ladled the soup into a beautiful porcelain bowl and carefully carried it upstairs.
Outside the master bedroom, she hesitated briefly, then knocked gently.
"Come in," came a faint but spirited voice.
Xia Yu pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was spacious but simply furnished, the heavy scent of medicine lingering in the air.
Old Master Han was propped up against pillows, reading a newspaper. His sharp eyes lit up the moment he saw her.
"Child! You came," he said warmly, setting the paper aside.
Xia Yu hurried forward, placing the tray on the bedside table.
"Grandfather, I heard you were feeling unwell. I made you some soup," she said with a gentle smile, helping him sit up straighter.
Old Master Han's heart softened as he looked at her — this 'granddaughter-in-law' who had always treated him with more sincerity than anyone else in this cold house.
"Good child. You are always so thoughtful. If only I could have you instead of Zhou." he murmured. "Unlike the others, who had completely forgotten about his grandfather."
Xia Yu chuckled softly, carefully spoon-feeding him a little.
As he ate, they chatted amiably,about the garden, about Zhou and about the soap opera he secretly liked to watch but pretended not to.
For a few precious minutes, Xia Yu forgot about the traps waiting downstairs. The warmth of Grandfather Han's appreciation wrapped around her like a small, fragile shield.
But then the door knocked and the fragile peace was broken.
Xia Yu quickly set down the bowl and stood up, adjusting Grandfather's blanket.
The door swung open, and Han Zhou stepped in first, his tall figure casting a long shadow. His dark eyes swept the room, pausing briefly on her with an unreadable expression.
"You did not tell me you were coming here." his voice had a hint of coldness completely opposite to the peace they have shared in the morning.
Behind him, Mrs. Han entered, her expression darkening instantly when she saw Xia Yu. Su Yan followed close behind, lowering her head demurely, as if she had no choice but to come along.
Mrs. Han's eyes narrowed at the sight of the soup and the easy conversation she had interrupted.
"Father," she began, her tone forcedly respectful, "I'm sorry. We didn't mean to disturb your rest."
But Grandfather Han merely snorted, his aged eyes sharp with displeasure.
"You disturbed nothing," he said curtly. "I was just spending some time with my granddaughter in law."
Mrs. Han stiffened at the rebuke, her lips pressing into a thin line. She shot a sharp, silent glare at Xia Yu, blaming her for somehow making things worse.
Xia Yu quietly stepped back, moving to stand by Han Zhou's side. She could feel the tension radiating from him, but he said nothing, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on the soup bowl in Grandfather's hand.
Before the uncomfortable silence could stretch further, Housekeeper Cheng appeared at the door, holding a silver tray.
"Madam," she said quietly, her voice carrying an undertone of anxiety. "The item you requested has arrived."
On the tray sat a simple, plain envelope.
Mrs. Han's mouth curled into a smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Good," she said, reaching for it with elegant fingers.
Grandfather Han frowned, sensing something was wrong with the situation.
"What's that?" he demanded suspiciously.
Mrs. Han's smile only deepened as she turned, walking slowly toward the coffee table. She set the envelope down with deliberate slowness, then pulled out the contents, a stack of photographs.
The top one fluttered slightly as she laid it bare for all to see. "this is the truth of your precious grand daughter in law, father!"