Chapter 320: Chapter 320

When the Ye sisters returned home, they found guests at their house, and not just any guests, but a distinguished one. Ye Qian, always sweet-tongued, upon seeing the guest inside, directly called her ’Grandma Li’, and Ye Ling followed suit.

Ye Zhenfang, being addressed as Grandma Li by Ye Qian, smiled kindly. However, when Ye Ling also called her Grandma, the smile on her face turned a bit stiff. Others might not notice, but Ye Ling understood the real relationship between Shen Bin and Ye Zhenfen, and naturally saw it clearly. Originally supposed to be her future daughter-in-law, now having to call her grandma because she couldn’t openly acknowledge her relationship with her son, Ye Zhenfen must find this awkward.

Now, thinking about helping Shen Bin, Ye Ling no longer felt conflicted. Seeing Ye Zhenfen with an expression like she’s swallowed a bitter pill, Ye Ling couldn’t help but want to laugh, suppressing it hard she looked for an excuse to go back to her room but was stopped by Ye Zhenfen. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel·fiɾe·net

"Is this your eldest daughter? I’ve heard she excels in her studies, ranked first in the city in the high school entrance exam, skipped a grade, and got into university, quite impressive." When Ye Ling came in, Ye Zhenfen had been scrutinizing her, clearly dissatisfied with Ye Ling’s thin frame. But remembering her husband’s words, her gaze softened, "Come, sit by grandma..."

Speaking of ’grandma’, Ye Zhenfen couldn’t help but blame her son. How could she feel awkward talking when meeting her future daughter-in-law?

Bai Xue was pleased to see Ye Zhenfen visiting, but noticing her particular attention to the eldest daughter, she wasn’t content to be outdone and called to her younger daughter, "Come over, you two, and accompany Grandma Li in conversation. Grandma Li was just complimenting you both."

With Ye He Ping not home, Bai Xue felt no pressure in her speech.

Ye Qian also noticed that Grandma Li’s attention was clearly more directed at Ye Ling this time. Fortunately, her mother’s words eased the awkwardness, as she politely pulled Ye Ling over to sit together in the living room.

Ye Zhenfen scrutinized Ye Ling, nodding in satisfaction, "Not bad, how do you find school life? Adjusting well, I assume? But I’ve heard you stayed at the dorm during high school, seems it wouldn’t impact you much in university, maybe even accustomed more than others. But you’re too thin, doesn’t the school provide meal subsidies? Not getting enough to eat?"

Ye Zhenfen asked so many questions in a row, and such concern left Bai Xue and Ye Qian somewhat surprised. Ye Ling knew the inside story, though she knew the couple didn’t know that she knew, so she responded calmly to Ye Zhenfen’s concern, without ingratiating or flattering, nor showing too much delight in it.

This composure, naturally pleased Ye Zhenfen, "I’ve heard people say you eat a lot, hard to believe. Now hearing it from you, I do believe it. It’s good to eat more during growth spurt, just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat more for fear of gossip."

Thinking of what her husband said about her son holding the girl’s hand right in front of him, Ye Zhenfen couldn’t help but laugh. Her son, cold as a mountain, has met several matches and directly rejected each encounter, but this time, he held hands openly, surely it’s because he likes her.

After hearing this, Ye Zhenfen couldn’t hold back wanting to come over and take a look. Previously interacting with the Ye Family, she mostly remembered the younger daughter being sweet and pleasant-speaking, instinctively likable. But given her son was much older, Ye Zhenfen never considered this possibility, even after testing once, realizing Ye Family planned to introduce her niece to her son, although not satisfied, Ye Zhenfen knew she couldn’t be too picky.

Back then, Ye Zhenfen hadn’t paid much attention to the Ye Family’s eldest daughter, but now having heard her husband’s comments, she couldn’t resist coming over to investigate. The first impression upon seeing her was how frail she looked, but sitting down, exchanging a few words, she turned out to be stable and sensible, no wonder her son took an interest. Even Ye Zhenfen was satisfied, especially considering such intelligence, the future offspring would surely not be mediocre.

Bai Xue exchanged glances with the younger daughter and started hypothesizing, tentatively saying, "This child excels academically, yet lacks in temper, only you would praise her."

"I see her as quite steady." Ye Zhenfen directly praised.

Seeing Ye Zhenfen’s satisfied gaze, Bai Xue wondered if perhaps Ye Zhenfen had taken a liking to Ye Ling. Recalling Ye Zhenfen’s matchmaking efforts for Shen Bin, Bai Xue’s look towards her eldest daughter turned mocking, quickly changing tone, "Indeed, just too steady, doesn’t match her age, sometimes I feel she’s too old-fashioned."

This was music to Ye Zhenfen’s ears, who laughed at it, Bai Xue thus knew her guess was right.

Ye Qian also grasped the situation at that moment, cast a particular glance at Ye Ling, wondering what’s the point of being excellent when still targeted by a divorced rural match?

Ye Ling naturally noticed the mocking expressions on her mother and sister’s faces, but didn’t care, calmly conversing with Ye Zhenfen, talking mostly about school matters, responding to Ye Zhenfen’s inquiry whether it was her first time spending New Year together, nodding in affirmation, while Ye Zhenfen’s gaze lingered on Ye Ling’s watch with a face full of insinuation.

Noticing the time getting late, having seen the person she wanted, Ye Zhenfen finally stood up to leave. Bai Xue escorted her out, showing exceptional courtesy, which delighted Bai Xue. After sending her off, Bai Xue almost laughed out loud upon entering the house.

Ye Ling had already returned to the East Room, Bai Xue raised her voice prominently to speak with the younger daughter, "One must recognize one’s fate, no matter how hard one fights, knowing one’s worth is crucial."

Alluding to how Ye Ling was only fit to find someone like Shen Bin, who was divorced and from a countryside. Ye Ling heard this clearly in the East Room, yet didn’t bother with them. Given the matter with Shen Bin wasn’t true, beside, if one day they realized Shen Bin’s true identity, they’d regret not putting up Ye Qian instead.

Ye Ling understood her mother’s intricate mindset well, also aware of her mother’s status-conscious nature. As for Ye Qian constantly targeting Liu Zhiyuan, wasn’t it because Mr. Liu was a deputy chief? Although not explicitly stated, everyone tends to think that way.

In the living room, Bai Xue, not hearing any movement from the East Room, led the younger daughter back to the West Room, overtly pleased, "Qianqian, did you see? No matter how good she studies, what use is her university degree? Turns out she still settles with a rural match who’s been divorced, where’s the comparison with you."

"Mom, you’re celebrating too soon. Grandma Li just paid a visit; if my sister doesn’t agree, it’s not happening." Ye Qian pointed out the key issue, "But my sister’s watch looks expensive, right?" (to be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to vote for it or contribute monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)