“Is that what you really think?” Old Lady Qu stood at the entrance, and upon seeing the anxiety on the other’s face, she grew bolder in performing this act.
“This is how I feel; just let your granddaughter stay with my family. If you bring her back so suddenly, how will I explain it to my son when he comes home later?”
Madam Ji was at a loss at the moment. Seeing that the lady was pulled by her grandmother all the way to the entrance, she was afraid that this ruckus would be heard by Ji Chi. It was not impossible for the lady to leave her family for now as the boy was not entirely dependent on Pei Ge yet.
“Auntie, I feel that it’s better that I go back with grandma since I’m always giving your son problems.” Qu Jingwan’s feeble voice sounded exceptionally obedient and heartwarming in her ears.
“How could you say that? Lass, if not for you, my family wouldn’t be where it is today.”
“You made it sound too serious. It’s still all your son’s credits,” replied the other tactfully.
“I don’t care; you’re my family’s future daughter-in-law, so you must stay here. I won’t let you step out of this house.”
Old Lady Qu, who had long expected, appeared calm on the outside. She turned and pulled her granddaughter back inside and patted the sofa in the living room. “Madam Ji, have a seat fast. Since you’re so reluctant to let my granddaughter go home with me, then I shan’t bring her back, but I’ll be candid with you here.”
The giant rock crushing Madam Ji’s heart was lifted when the elderly woman no longer insisted on taking her granddaughter home, speaking cautiously. “Look what you’re saying; what be candid? I’ve long treated Jingwan as family.”
Her words further cemented the elderly woman’s conjecture. As long as her granddaughter had Ji Ziming’s mother’s trust and approval, the man should not be a problem.
On top of being a rare bachelor in the upper echelon of society, the man was a filial son. Provided that his parents were on their side, Pei Ge would sooner or later be kicked out of the family.
Her visit to this family today was not just to scope the three children and pretend to take back her granddaughter but also to ensure that her granddaughter could stay in this family permanently—being the latter’s second home and its new mistress.
It was a tactic of retreating to advance, which was very effective to Old Master Qu.
“It’s great that you don’t find my granddaughter a nuisance,” she said, smiling.
“She’s no nuisance.”
How could she be a nuisance? Even if Ji Ziming disliked the lady, it was undeniable that Ji Chi’s condition was well within her control. It was with great confidence that Madam Ji could say that her grandson would see improvement soon. When that time came, even if this lady did not wish to leave, her son would kick her out.
“Jingwan, do you want to go home with me or stay here?” Old Lady Qu looked at her granddaughter. The smile in her eyes was as beautiful as a butterfly and had a hint of satisfaction over getting her away.
“Grandma, actually, I can’t bear to leave the children and auntie.” Qu Jingwan revealed a look of conflict. In fact, the one thing she could not bear was her failure to kick out Pei Ge from this family. If she were to be taken home by her grandmother like this, it would be a great humiliation to her once the news got out.
When had she endured such a treatment in her life?
“Since you can’t bear to leave and Madam Ji can’t bear for you to leave, I shan’t insist on bringing you home.”
Madam Ji finally felt at ease when the elderly woman said that, thinking that she had succeeded in convincing this woman, who was very scheming according to rumors; she did not expect that the latter would pose an awkward question, though.
“I want to ask you something, however.”
“Mhm. Go ahead.”
She picked up an apple imported from France and was about to peel it for Old Lady Qu when the latter spoke her question; her hands suspended above the platter paused.
“Why are others saying that between my granddaughter and Pei Ge, you’re preferential toward the latter? Everyone knows that Jingwan is your family’s daughter-in-law, so why do I hear your son saying that Pei Ge is his wife?” After the elderly woman finished asking this, she noticed the abnormal reaction of the other. She, thus, continued in an indifferent tone. “While it doesn’t matter who your son likes to be his wife, my granddaughter is, after all, my Qu family’s eldest daughter. Ever since she came to your family, she’s been receiving such unfair treatment; though outsiders may not know, I’m aware that you’ve been treating my granddaughter as your own daughter.”
“Jingwan is my daughter; please be at ease that your lass’s relationship with my son isn’t that bad. As for Pei Ge, she gave birth to three children for my family, so my son empathizes with her more, casually saying that she’s his wife. In reality, she’s no more than my son’s personal nanny.”
“I’m at ease now after hearing you say that. I was planning to visit you long ago, but my company matters have been taking up most of my time. Jingwan said that your grandson has been feeling unwell these days, so I came over to check despite my busy schedule.”
Old Lady Qu’s curved brows and thin crow’s feet showed as she smiled. Her exquisite makeup appeared appropriate and comfortable, which made it difficult for others to sense her real age.
“Just be at ease and let your granddaughter stay in my family. With me around, she won’t be bullied by anyone, including my son.” Madam Ji promised to look after Qu Jingwan as if the latter were her flesh and blood.
“I believe you. As a grandmother, I found myself in a difficult position when I saw you being unable to bear it when I tried bringing Jingwan home. This lass is kind at heart, which makes her the target of bullies. If not for her mother and me, I honestly don’t know how she’d grow up fine. She’s just too innocent, kind, and without evil thoughts.” Old Lady Qu sang praises of her granddaughter with a straight face. In order to establish a strong foothold in this family, she had to conquer Madam Ji’s heart. No matter what schemes it took, even if she had to frame Pei Ge, she would do so without hesitation.
