Song Ning pulled Jiang Jin over. “Look, Grandma, these are the clothes that I personally designed for you and Sister Yu for the new year! What do you think of this color? Does it look good?”
Jiang Jin reached out to touch the bright red clothes and asked, “This is mine?”
Song Ning nodded.
Sister Yu’s hand trembled a little. She touched the pink set and asked, “And this is mine?”
Song Ning nodded. “Do both of you like the colors I’ve chosen for both of you?”
The two elders replied in unison, “Yes!”
Song Ning smiled. Then, she reached out to unfold the red qipao. She explained, “This is a modern twist to the qipao. I didn’t completely design it on my own; I had Sister An Ran’s help. I drew the embroidery though. The red isn’t too gaudy; it’s just nice and festive. It’s perfect for the new year. I hope both of you like the design of the qipaos. This is my first time trying to design qipaos so you’re not allowed to disdain it.” When she spoke, she was bubbly. The red qipao she held up made her face looked incredibly fair and delicate.
Tears brimmed in Jiang Jin’s eyes again, and she quickly wiped them away.
Song Ning pretended not to see it. After putting the red qipao aside, she unfolded the pink qipao.
Sister Yu could hardly tear her eyes away from it.
Finally, Song Ning said brightly, “Sister Yu, why don’t you and Grandma try on the qipaos? If it doesn’t fit, there’s still time to alter it. We should dress in festive colors to celebrate the first day of the new year, okay?” Then, she lowered her voice and said conspiratorially, “These designs are one of a kind. They’re Sister An Ran and my work, after all. I guarantee no one else will be wearing the same clothes…”
After she finished speaking, she urged the two elders to try on the qipaos.
After the elders left, she turned and tugged on Mu Chen’s sleeve. “Hubby, can you help me in the kitchen? I’ll make some fruit tea for you…”
This was the second time Song Ning had referred to Mu Chen as hubby outside of their bedroom.
Mu Chen’s eyes flashed as she tiptoed and gently kissed his chin. This was the highest she could reach. Well, if Mu Chen had lowered his head, she would be able to kiss his lips. Alas, he was not in the right state of mind now.
Mu Chen followed Song Ning and accompanied her in the kitchen. Since his hand was injured, she did not allow him to wet his hand. Most of the time, he was just standing next to her, watching her work and listening to her talk about the ingredients she was using. Although he was listening to her, he was distracted. It was as though his soul had left his body.
At this moment, Jiang Jin and Sister Yu entered the kitchen, wearing the qipaos.
Song Ning asked proudly, “What do you think? Don’t you think I have talent in this regard as well? To think my mother underestimated me and didn’t let me learn from her…”
Jiang Jin smiled and turned around slowly so Song Ning could have a look. “My granddaughter-in-law is good at everything!”
On the other hand, Sister Yu tugged at the qipao gently as she asked, seemingly ill at ease, “Is it appropriate for me to wear this? Won’t I steal the limelight from the other Old Madams?”
Song Ning laughed. “Sister Yu, you’re too adorable!”
…
Song Ning cooked lunch for everyone today. Although Mu Chen was her assistant, he had, in fact, done nothing.
It was clear that he was not himself; he was unusually silent.
Song Ning would tease Jiang Jin and sister Yu from time to time, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
Song Ning picked out a few dishes and placed them in a food box. She asked Sister Yu to arrange for someone to send them over to Cheng Che. She said, “It’s too cruel that he has to work during the weekend. We have to at least make sure he gets to eat something delicious. With that, he’ll be motivated to work as well!”
Sister Yu smiled. “Young Master will be jealous!”
Song Ning glanced at Mu Chen and said, “It’s fine. I’ll coax him if he gets jealous. He’s very easy to coax…”
Sister Yu felt really grateful. Her smile was filled with gratitude for Song Ning. Earlier, she felt as though her heart was in her throat. She was afraid Mu Chen would fly into a murderous rage when he saw that woman. If that happened, who knew if it would affect Jiang Jin’s health.
Mu Qing had come to apologize sincerely, and Sister Yu could tell Jiang Jin knew her son was sincere as well. However, that woman, that woman who resembled the Madam, clearly bore ill intentions.
With those two around, it seemed like the new year was going to be ruined.
Fortunately, the Young Madam was around. She was quick-witted as well. With her presence, the Young Master did not lose his temper. Although the Young Master was clearly affected, at least the Old Madam did not have to witness an explosive fight between the father and son. For this, Sister Yu was incredibly grateful.
In Sister Yu’s opinion, the Young Madam was like an angel sent from the heavens to save this family. She could not help the hope that bloomed in her heart. Perhaps, the Young Madam would be able to ease the conflict between the Young Master and the Master. Perhaps, this family would be harmonious once again! After all, the fact that the Young Master did not erupt in an explosive rage today was something she did not dare to imagine in the past.
