Chapter 2085 - 493: Carefree and Proud (2)
After hanging up the phone, Wenrou tentatively asked, "Was it brother-in-law?"
Wan’er gave a casual "mm," as the car finally broke through the obstruction and sped onto Kangzhuang Avenue, leaving everything behind in a flash.
"I thought, after all that brother-in-law went through, you’d be disappointed, but seeing how well you two get along, I’m relieved." She appeared genuinely concerned for her.
A glint of coldness flashed quickly in Wan’er’s eyes, but she maintained a faint smile, saying, "Rourou, it’s fine to speak like this in front of me, but in front of others, it would only invite ridicule. After all, Song Xi and I are only engaged, not married, especially in front of Lady Ruan." Wan’er’s calm voice carried a hint of severity, spoken casually yet causing Rourou’s heart to tighten unexpectedly; her hands clenched slightly as if she’d been slapped hard, her face stung with pain.
"Rourou was unintentional. Do you really need to be so particular?" Lady Liang said discontentedly, patting Rourou’s hand reassuringly.
Wenrou pursed her lips, a perfectly timed hint of grievance appearing on her obedient face, "Sister is right, I didn’t think it through and almost brought shame to Sister. I’ll be more careful in the future."
Lady Liang, seeing Rourou’s aggrieved look, felt both heartache and anger, casting a resentful glance at Wan’er.
Wan’er remained indifferent, curving her lips into a faint smile.
Upon reaching the hospital’s underground parking lot, Wan’er was the first to get out of the car. Lady Liang gently patted Rourou’s hand, whispering, "Don’t worry."
Zhuang Fanxing welcomed Lady Liang’s arrival, though her response to Lady Liang’s enthusiasm was markedly calm, leaving Lady Liang feeling slightly awkward.
She was the daughter of a small merchant family; when she married Liang Taisheng, he hadn’t yet made his fortune. Perhaps it was luck, but Liang Taisheng’s business grew exponentially, and she too rose with him, becoming the esteemed Mrs. Liang. Though she dressed richly and feigned elegance over the years in high society, when facing a truly refined lady from an illustrious family background, such grace and ease exposed her own inherent shallowness and sense of inferiority.
"Lady Liang, there’s no need to be reserved. Please, have a seat." The woman lifted her hand slightly, moving with composed grace and elegance.
Lady Liang sat on the chair, secretly clenching her hands, wishing she could leave immediately. She had heard of this woman’s name before, a notable figure in Hong Kong, not only for being the benevolent head of the Ruan family—the richest in the city—but also for her talents and poise amidst spreading scandals about her husband. A woman untroubled by marriage and love, her proud elegance was both admirable and regrettable.
Men were captivated by her, yet jealousy is a woman’s nature. They expressed no empathy, only schadenfreude. For example, Lady Liang was a prime example.
Although she wasn’t as beautiful, well-born, or talented as this woman, it didn’t matter. This woman owned everything, yet her life was a total failure, utterly disastrous.
Lady Liang subtly straightened her posture, the previous expression of fear disappeared, and while sizing up the woman before her, she said worriedly, "I heard you were ill, Sister, and was very concerned. That’s why I asked Wan’er to bring me to see you. I’m sorry to disturb your rest so abruptly."
After years of ups and downs, although she had her foolish moments, her good traits were also noteworthy, like being adaptable and having a way with words. This was why Liang Taisheng hadn’t cast her aside for a younger woman despite his success outside over the years.
Though Zhuang Fanxing appeared pale, her features remained elegant and singularly graceful. Despite being ill, it added a certain frailty that aroused compassion.
The woman smiled slightly, like sunlight melting the icy surface of a lake, bringing warmth and comfort to the heart.
Lady Liang’s hand tightened secretly on her lap.
"Thank you, Sister, for your concern. It’s not a serious illness, but Xi’er insisted I be hospitalized."
"Mr. Ruan is very filial; Sister is truly blessed." Lady Liang said with a superficial smile.
At this point, she seemed to finally notice the quiet, well-behaved girl standing behind her, pulling her forward as she smiled at Zhuang Fanxing and said, "Let me introduce you, this is my youngest daughter, named Wenrou."
Wenrou glanced at the woman on the sickbed, then quickly lowered her gaze, saying shyly and politely, "Hello, Madam."
Zhuang Fanxing gazed at the girl in front of her with a smile, "The name suits you; Wan’er is well-read and graceful, dignified and virtuous, while the Second Miss is clever, lively, innocent, and pure. You have truly given birth to two wonderful daughters; you are the truly blessed one, Sister."
Lady Liang glowed with pride when others praised her daughter, looking at Wenrou with great pride while seeming oblivious to Wan’er standing silently with a faint smile by her side.
Zhuang Fanxing squinted slightly, her gaze sliding from Wan’er to Lady Liang and then to Wenrou.
Every family has its own troubles, she sighed inwardly.
"Sister, you came at the right time. Xi’er is of age now, and I don’t want to delay Wan’er’s marriage any longer. Why don’t we take this opportunity to discuss a wedding date for our two families? Let these two children come together sooner, so I can hold a grandchild before I die."
Old? She didn’t seem old at all, though nearing sixty, she had none of the signs of aging. Instead, her graceful demeanor blurred her age.
Lady Liang’s eyes flickered, "Sister, your health...?"
"It’s nothing serious, just an old problem, but if the two get married, more than half of my worry would disappear."
Given her words, Lady Liang couldn’t refuse without seeming inconsiderate. She glanced at the silent Wan’er by her side and smiled, "Since Sister has no objections, I naturally agree. I originally thought of keeping this child for a few more years, but it seems she can’t be kept any longer." Her tone held a trace of wistfulness.
"Dear Sister, I owe you an apology, but rest assured, when Wan’er marries into the Ruan family, I will treat her as my own daughter, not letting her suffer the slightest grievance."
"I trust in Sister’s character; being able to be your daughter-in-law is her blessing too."
Listening to their exchange, Wenrou secretly pouted in boredom, tugging at Lady Liang’s sleeve. Lady Liang patted her hand soothingly, signaling her to remain calm.
Zhuang Fanxing’s eyes flickered slightly.
"Please forgive us, Sister. This child has been spoiled by me and has no manners."
Zhuang Fanxing laughed, "The Second Miss is innocent and lovely; I like her very much."
"Thank you, Madam, for the compliment, but I can’t compare to Sister; I am aware of my limits." Wenrou said with an innocent, naive smile.
Wan’er stood quietly on one side. Upon hearing this, a trace of sarcasm flashed across her eyes, vanishing in a moment.
Wenrou suddenly furrowed her brows slightly, "Mommy, I want to go to the bathroom."
Lady Liang gave her a stern look, "You child, you’ve just been praised, and now you’re being cheeky...."
Wenrou pouted in grievance.
Zhuang Fanxing laughed, "We all eat food, so having a nature call is normal. Wan’er, take Rourou to the bathroom."
Wan’er glanced at Wenrou with a smile, "Rourou, let’s go."
Wenrou glanced at Lady Liang, who helplessly waved her hand, "Go on, go on."
Wenrou finally followed behind Wan’er joyfully.
The hospital room had its bathroom, but Wan’er deliberately took her out of the room to the public restroom at the end of the corridor.
"Sister, isn’t there a bathroom in the hospital room? Why did we have to go this far?" Wenrou asked curiously, secretly observing her surroundings.
Wan’er curled her lips slightly, "Do you think you’re worthy?"
Scornful and mocking.
With her words, Wenrou’s face turned pale instantly.