The three walked to the main gate. Old Chen stepped forward and rang the doorbell.
The villa's main gate slowly opened, and a maid came out. "Who are you?"
The maid spoke in the language of the hidden clan, but Meng Jingwei wore a miniature earphone that automatically translated her words.
She felt even more that Qing Muye had given her a good thing; it was too practical.
"Oh, it's Mr. Hexiao. Quickly, quickly come in. Madam has been mentioning you." The maid's face lit up when she recognized Old Chen's appearance. She immediately opened the door wide and invited the three of them inside.
However, as Meng Jingwei walked in, the maid kept staring at her.
The look made Meng Jingwei feel like she was sitting on pins and needles.
She knew very well that Hexiao Lanya was her mother. The maid had always been with Hexiao Lanya and, seeing her striking resemblance to Hexiao Lanya, had likely guessed her identity.
As expected, Meng Jingwei then saw the maid walk up to Old Chen and whisper in a low voice, "That girl is the young mistress, isn't she? She looks exactly like Madam when she was young."
"Of course," Old Chen replied.
"Oh my, time flies so fast. She's grown so much in the blink of an eye. Madam will be very happy to see her later. No wonder she specifically hired a chef to prepare lunch today."
The maid was familiar with Old Chen and chatted with him happily.
After entering the villa's hall, the maid hurried to the living room sofa and said, "Madam, Mr. Hexiao Bei and Hexiao Mingjin are here."
The maid did not introduce Meng Jingwei's identity, likely wanting to keep it a surprise.
The woman seated on the sofa suddenly stood up and turned to look at them. Meng Jingwei then noticed...
Hexiao Lanya, nearly fifty years old, was wearing a fitted black qipao. Her long hair was neatly pinned up at the back, adorned with a hairpin made of colored glaze.
Her skin was fair, and despite her age, she was exceptionally well-maintained, exuding elegance and nobility.
Compared to the casually spirited Meng Jingwei, their personalities were poles apart.
Hexiao Lanya's gaze was fixed on Meng Jingwei, her hand holding prayer beads stopped its movement. She slowly walked towards her, "You... you are Jingwei?"
Hexiao Lanya spoke to Meng Jingwei in fluent Mandarin.
Facing Hexiao Lanya's approach, Meng Jingwei felt a little uncomfortable and took a step back, calmly looking at her with no ripple in her pupils.
Alternatively, Meng Jingwei's emotions were so well-hidden that it was difficult for others to discern her joy or sorrow.
"You brat, she is your mother, Hexiao Lanya."
Old Chen knew Meng Jingwei felt a bit hesitant towards the unfamiliar Hexiao Lanya. He stood beside her and advised, "I know it's your first meeting as mother and daughter, and it's natural to feel distant. But, girl, she has sacrificed so much for you, things you just don't know."
"It's alright, it doesn't matter."
Hexiao Lanya, demure and virtuous, politely made a 'please' gesture, "Come, Jingwei, please have a seat. Mingjin, Teacher, you sit too."
"Alright!"
Meng Jingwei didn't reply, but Hexiao Mingjin nodded enthusiastically, pulling Meng Jingwei to sit on the sofa.
The maid came over, "Would you two like coffee or milk tea?"
Because Hexiao Lanya often left the hidden clan to go to Country C or other places, her tastes had changed, and she also enjoyed coffee. She had brought back many coffee beans from abroad and ground them herself.
"Coffee, please."
"Yes, I'll have a cup of coffee too."
Both ordered a cup of coffee.
The maid nodded slightly and turned to leave.
A moment later, the maid returned with two cups of coffee and one cup of tea.