Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The preparations for Wen Xinya’s coming-of-age ceremony were in full swing and yet, Wen Xinya was extremely free and bored. Hence, she decided to use her energy to brew some herbal soups for Si Yiyan and revise for her final year examinations. She also made some preparations for the expansion into the Traditional Chinese Medicine health supplements field.
Now that Yan Shaoqing had already begun preparing for the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine health supplements, the factory and training of staff were estimated to be ready by the end of the year. Due to their ample funds, everything had proceeded rather smoothly.
The effects of Luo Le’s herbal recipes were indeed brilliant, for Ning Shuqian’s appetite had improved significantly after consuming the herbal soups.
Hence, the Wen Family was extremely pleased with Xia Ruya.
Old Mrs. Wen said smugly, “I knew Ruya was a blessed child who would grow up to become an outstanding person. I was right about her. She became a member of the Zhishan Club even before she turned legal. None of the heiresses in our nation have been so successful.”
Old Mrs. Wen could not help but feel smug and thrilled at the thought of how successful Xia Ruya turned out to be. She had become the subject of envy amongst her mahjong mates as well as other wealthy ladies whom she could hold her head high around.
“Grandma…” Xia Ruya turned red upon hearing her words.
Ning Shuqian guffawed and said, “Exactly, that’s how outstanding our Ruya is. Even Wen Xinya could not attain that much success despite having the guidance of the mighty Old Mr. Du.”
She sounded rather derisive and was trying to mock Wen Xinya.
Xia Ruya appeared a little uneasy. Wen Xinya had joined the Zhishan Club at fifteen and even got promoted to an elite member. Hence, Xia Ruya was no match for her at all.
An icy cold look formed in Xia Ruya’s eyes.
After chatting for a while, Xia Ruya suddenly said, “Grandma Wen, Aunt Ning, I’ve been staying here for some time now, so I’m planning to go home tomorrow.”
This time, she had managed to stay in the Wen Family for a few days under the pretext of taking care of the pregnant Ning Shuqian. However, she did not have a good time at all. Ever since Wen Xinya openly questioned Luo Le during the pulse reading session, she had been plagued with an ominous feeling whenever she saw Old Mr. Wen looking at Ning Shuqian.
Although Ning Shuqian was still of use to her and she could not abandon her just yet, she could not get herself implicated either. Hence, it was best to move out of the Wen Family first and stay out of it.
Xia Ruya’s words caught Old Mrs. Wen and Ning Shuqian by surprise. Ning Shuqian said agitatedly, “You were staying so well here. Why did you suddenly decide to leave?”
Old Madam Wen held her hand and said, “Yeah, why did you suddenly decide to leave?”
Xia Ruya grabbed Old Mrs. Wen’s hand and said tenderly, “I was previously worried about Aunt Ning’s health and so I’ve been staying in the Wen Family. Now that Master Luo Le has prescribed some recipes for Aunt Ning and she seems to be regaining her health, I can finally feel less worried. Her pregnancy is becoming more stable too. Besides… it’s not appropriate for me to continue staying in the Wen Family. After all…”
She could not continue the rest of her sentence.
Old Mrs. Wen frowned slightly and said, “What’s so inappropriate about it? Everyone knows that you’re our adoptive daughter and the Wen Family has raised you for twelve years. No one is going to say anything even if you keep living with us.”
Ning Shuqian hurriedly chimed in. “Your Grandma is right. You can live in the Wen Family for as long as you’d like. There’s nothing inappropriate about this.”
Xia Ruya looked down and remained silent for a while before looking up again. She turned pale and said, “Grandma Wen, I’ll come by and visit you and Aunt Ning regularly from now on.”
However, Old Mrs. Wen insisted. “Ruya, look… ever since your Aunt Ning got pregnant, she had been in poor health and she’s been very moody and depressed. You’ve finally seen her smile after such a long while. So, you’d better not return.”
Ning Shuqian held her hand and said earnestly, “Ruya, your Uncle Wen even told me last night to tell you to pack your belongings and move in with us for the long term. Firstly, your Grandma is getting on in her years and you’d be able to accompany her. Secondly, I’m now pregnant and you can stay to chat with me too. Don’t leave.”
Xia Ruya’s heart began pounding rapidly. Staying in the Wen Family home for the long term… was an incredible temptation. Being known as the adoptive daughter of the Wen Family was better than being known as the illegitimate daughter of the Xia Family. Besides… if she could secure her footing in the Wen Family as their adoptive daughter, she would be in a better position than the real Miss Wen, Wen Xinya.
Old Mr. Wen had performed the first dance with her during the Wen Corporation annual gala that took place the year before. Hence, she had indirectly made known to the Wen Corporation as well as the other members of the upper-class society that she was the adoptive daughter of the Wen Family. If she were to move into the Wen Family home and continue to stay using her own abilities, she would face no problem at all. After all… she was a member of the Zhishan Club and Old Mr. Wen would not give up such a competent member like her.
Ning Shuqian is the one who’s faking a pregnancy, not me. Although I did help her hatch the plan, I was not involved in most of the processes involved. If the truth gets revealed, all I have to do is resort to some tricks. And even if I can’t stay out of it completely, I’d at least prevent the Wen Family from doubting me. Besides, Ning Shuqian is a smart person. She wouldn’t implicate me because she still needs me to deal with Wen Xinya.
Xia Ruya snapped out of her trance and said, “But…”
Old Mrs. Wen interrupted. “No buts. Are you thinking of moving back to the Xia Family home?”
It was a well-known fact that the Xia Family was cruel and heartless towards Xia Ruya. Back when she was embroiled in the scandal, the Xia Family did not bother intervening and instead left her in the lurch.
It seemed her words had caused Xia Ruya to waver. Appearing as pale as a sheet, she bit her lip and said, “But, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to continue staying in the Wen Family for the long term…”
Old Mrs. Wen held her hand affectionately and said, “There’s nothing too inappropriate about it. As long as you’re willing, you can continue to stay in the Wen Family. I believe your grandfather won’t object to this.”
Xia Ruya hung her head low and remained silent.
Ning Shuqian looked at Old Mrs. Wen with a frown on her forehead and said, “Mother, I feel like Ruya is right. If Ruya were to move into the Wen Family home, she can’t keep staying in the guest room. She’s the adoptive daughter, after all. It’s going to seem like she’s seeking refuge at our home.”
Xia Ruya looked up at Old Mrs. Wen and thought to herself, Since I’m moving back in with the Wen Family, I must make known my identity to them and let everyone be too afraid to look down on me. I must enjoy the same treatment as Wen Xinya.
Old Mrs. Wen recovered from the shock and said, “Get the servants to pack the fourth room in the East side and let Ruya move in there.”
A look of disappointment formed in Xia Ruya’s eyes. She thought that she could move back into the third room which was a master bedroom. Yet, she had to move into a normal room.
