"She's back." Upon learning that Ye Ziyu would be discharged from the hospital today, Ye Qianzhi woke up early. He stayed in the living room, waiting for them to return.
During her stay in the hospital, Ye Qianzhi and Shen Meixiu had visited her a few times, but Ye Ziyu would only let them stay for a short while before seeing them off.
Shen Meixiu, with an apron tied around her waist and a ladle in hand, rushed out upon hearing the commotion outside. "Ziyu is back! Sit down and rest for a moment. I'm still stewing soup, it will be ready soon."
After being enlightened by Old Mrs. Ye, Shen Meixiu displayed full maternal affection whenever Ye Qianzhi was home.
This tactic proved effective. To make Ye Ziyu feel the warmth and happiness of family, Ye Qianzhi was no longer as harsh on Shen Meixiu.
Ye Qianzhi gestured for Ye Ziyu to sit beside him. As he looked up, he saw Yu Xixi beside Ye Chenhan.
This was Yu Xixi's first time accompanying Ye Chenhan to the Ye family's home.
"Uncle Ye, this is for you. My father said you enjoy tea and fishing, so I asked a friend to get this for you. I hope you like it," Yu Xixi placed the gift box in front of Ye Qianzhi.
Glancing at it, Ye Qianzhi's gaze softened towards Yu Xixi. "You're being too formal. We're family now. You don't need to bring anything when you come home."
"It's only right to show respect," Yu Xixi replied with a sweet smile.
Compared to Ye Chenhan, who stood awkwardly by, Ye Qianzhi was a hundred percent satisfied with Yu Xixi. He even felt, for a moment, that his own son didn't deserve Yu Xixi, truly like a swan landing in cow dung.
Thinking of this, Ye Qianzhi sternly admonished Ye Chenhan, "Are you enjoying the view? Why don't you invite Xixi to sit down?"
He had been so focused on looking that he had indeed forgotten.
Ye Chenhan pulled Yu Xixi along, and they sat on the sofa together.
"Have some fruit. What would you like? I'll peel it for you," Ye Chenhan said, holding a fruit platter, serving Yu Xixi like a servant.
This scene was witnessed by Shen Meixiu from the kitchen. Regardless of Ye Chenhan's image in the eyes of outsiders, in Shen Meixiu's eyes, he was the best. Watching her son serve Yu Xixi so subserviently, a sense of dissatisfaction with Yu Xixi ignited within her.
Carrying the soup, she walked to the living room with a dejected expression. As she approached the sofa, her lips immediately curved upwards, and she smiled. "The soup is ready, Ziyu. Drink it while it's hot."
Of everyone on the sofa, only Ye Ziyu received such special treatment.
Shen Meixiu's gaze swept over to Yu Xixi. After they made eye contact, Yu Xixi quickly stood up and greeted her, "Hello, Auntie."
Despite clearly seeing her, Shen Meixiu pretended not to, lowering her head to speak only to Ye Ziyu. "See if the taste is good?"
Yu Xixi was left ignored, nervously clenching her palms.
"Mom, Xixi is greeting you. Why aren't you responding?" Ye Chenhan interjected from the side.
Fearing Shen Meixiu's anger, Yu Xixi quickly tugged on Ye Chenhan's hand, stopping him from saying more.
Shen Meixiu slowly raised her head, glanced at Yu Xixi, and immediately, with feigned embarrassment, said, "Look at me, I was so focused on taking care of Ziyu that I didn't even see Xixi was here. Don't be upset, Auntie didn't do it on purpose. Oh right, there's more soup in the pot, would you like some?"
Seeing the apron in her hand, Yu Xixi knew it was homemade. Her body didn't want the soup, but she feared refusing would displease Shen Meixiu again.
"Yes, I came at the perfect time today to taste Auntie's cooking." Yu Xixi actively moved closer to Shen Meixiu.
Shen Meixiu placed the soup on the coffee table, reminding Ye Ziyu to drink it while hot, then turned and took Yu Xixi into the kitchen.
Ye Chenhan, worried, wanted to follow but feared upsetting Shen Meixiu. He sat on the sofa, craning his neck to watch the activity in the kitchen.