Chapter 304: Chapter 304

Ye Ling didn’t even glance at Jiang Yan, grabbed her book, and walked off. Jiang Yan wanted to chase after her but was pulled back by Song Mei. Furious, Jiang Yan shook off Song Mei’s hand and stormed off. Only after watching Ye Ling’s direction did Song Mei turn around to chase after Jiang Yan.

Ye Ling didn’t find any books on food ingredients at the library, but she did borrow a few novels. The next day, she went to the health center to ask about dietary precautions before heading home, where she found Song Mei waiting. Upon seeing his daughter return, Ye He Ping smilingly called her in.

"Song Mei has been waiting for you. You don’t have to keep asking me what to eat; just make the usual meals." Ye He Ping, having recovered a bit over the past days, was already considering returning to work. If it wasn’t for worrying that his wife might make things difficult for their daughter at home, he would’ve gone back by now. He was glad to see a girl coming over to hang out with his daughter. Googlᴇ search NoveI-Fire.ɴet

In front of her father, Ye Ling showed no courtesy to Song Mei, "Why are you here?"

Song Mei stood up as soon as Ye Ling came back. "Ye Ling, I’m here to apologize for what happened with Jiang Yan yesterday. Jiang Yan is just like that; don’t take it to heart. Given how awkward things were between us back then, it’s hard for her to suddenly act like nothing happened. It’s my thick skin that brought me here; just don’t send me away."

On the way back yesterday, Ye Ling had already told Zhao Guodong and the others about Song Mei. They simply advised her not to pay attention to Song Mei. Yet, hearing Song Mei’s words and seeing her attitude today, Ye Ling felt Song Mei had completely changed. However, Ye Ling didn’t believe a person could change this much, so she suspected Song Mei had a motive for coming to apologize.

"I honestly didn’t take it to heart, and you don’t need to apologize for her. She’s her, and you’re you." Ye Ling’s attitude remained unchanged, offering no friendliness.

This response was enough to make Song Mei happy. Ye He Ping laid in the East Room flipping through the books Ye Ling borrowed, while in the living room, it was mostly Song Mei talking and Ye Ling listening. Even when it was nearly noon and Song Mei still didn’t feel bored, Ye Ling said she had to cook. Only then did Song Mei get up and leave, saying she’d come over again when Ye Ling had time.

While cooking, Ye Ling was puzzled about what Song Mei’s motive could be. For the next few days, Song Mei kept visiting, but whenever she saw Ye Ling looking annoyed, she’d quickly find an excuse to leave, trying not to be a nuisance. Song Mei was quite tactful. At first, Ye Ling was curious about her motive, but eventually, she stopped concerning herself with it. Meanwhile, Zhao Guodong and Zhang Linong frequently visited the Ye Family. Strangely, they seemed to avoid Song Mei, leaving when she arrived and only showing up after she’d left.

With three days left until the New Year, the kindergarten in the compound was on break, and Bai Xue was also on holiday. With her youngest daughter about to return, Bai Xue threw herself into preparations for the New Year, relieving Ye Ling from cooking duties so she could focus on reading. The day Ye Qian returned, she came with Shen Bin, who happened to be dealing with business at the company and took the opportunity to give Ye Qian a ride home for the New Year.

Ye Qian was tanned and looked much stronger. To Ye Ling, everyone at the company seemed to end up . However, in Bai Xue’s eyes, it seemed her daughter had endured a lot, so upon seeing her youngest daughter, she hugged her tight and began to cry.

Ye He Ping was just about to make Shen Bin comfortable, pouring tea when he saw his wife crying, "Alright, alright, she hasn’t been suffering. The company training is good. Look how healthy she’s become, unlike before when she was always sulking. Why are you crying? You have no awareness as a family member."

Ye Qian didn’t want to see her parents arguing as soon as she returned, "Mom, Dad’s right. In over a year at the company, you can see I’ve gotten healthier. Besides, I’m an assistant, it’s not that hard. I just train every morning and then go perform, living a very fulfilling life. It’s truly great."

With guests around, Bai Xue restrained herself a bit and turned her daughter’s shoulders around to look closely at her. Seeing that besides being tanned, she had indeed grown much stronger, she finally smiled, "You’ve indeed become stronger. What do you want to eat? Haven’t had lunch, right? It’s almost dinner time. Since Shen Bin is here, let Mom prepare some braised pork for you, okay?"

"I’ll love whatever you make, Mom." Ye Qian grinned sweetly, melting Bai Xue’s heart as she quickly went into the kitchen.

No sooner had she entered than she started calling for Ye Ling to help with this and that. Ye Ling stayed put in the East Room without coming out. At first, Ye He Ping held his tongue, but seeing his wife’s persistence, he finally called out, "You’re preparing a meal yet still ordering people around. Ye Ling cooks without needing help; aren’t you worse than a child?"

"Mom, it’s rare that my sister is home for New Year, and she’s worked hard studying all year. Let me help you. I’m used to cooking at the company, sometimes even preparing meals ourselves when out performing." Seeing her father upset, Ye Qian hurried into the kitchen.

Bai Xue looked displeased, noticing her daughter’s hands were much rougher than when at home, "No need, you go out. Look at your hands. I’ll manage myself."

"Mom, let me help you." Earlier, she kept calling Ye Ling, but now with herself in the kitchen, she’s refusing help. What would others think?

Ye Qian sighed internally, realizing that even after more than a year, her mother hadn’t changed, caring little about appearances even with outsiders around.

Seeing her youngest being so considerate, Bai Xue couldn’t help but complain about her eldest, "If that girl were even half as good as you, it’d be great. She just stirs up trouble when she’s back; it’d be better if she didn’t come home."

Ye Qian didn’t persuade her mother, knowing if she spoke up, her mother would only complain even more.

In the living room, Ye He Ping wore a helpless expression, "Sorry for the spectacle. You know the situation at home."

Ye He Ping truly didn’t know what more to say.

But Shen Bin didn’t mind, "You shouldn’t take your stomach lightly. Let it worsen, and you’ll need surgery to remove part of it, which would be too taxing. Without good health, you can’t last at the company. You need to think long-term."

"Don’t worry. I’m aware of the situation; otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken a leave to recuperate at home. Ye Ling has been cooking for me all the time, nourishing my stomach. They say daughters are like a warm coat. That’s no lie." Mentioning his eldest daughter lifted Ye He Ping’s spirits, reminding him of another issue, "How’s your personal life?"

"I’ll think about that after my advanced training is done," Shen Bin replied briefly. "It’s getting late; I need to head back to the company. Are you spending New Year’s at the army or at home?"

"Stay for dinner before you leave; there’s no rush. We’re spending New Year’s at home this time. I’ve been at the company for years, and now with the medical leave, we’ll celebrate at home." (To be continued. If you work, please vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)