In the wistful gaze of the crowd, Shi Li and Song Ying entered a car.
The car door closed from the inside, seemingly cutting off everyone's chance to gossip.
Although Shi Li rarely stayed overnight at the Old Mansion, his aunt-in-law was considerate, and rooms for their family of three were always kept ready.
Knowing Shi Li would be staying the night, the Housekeeper Auntie happily went to prepare his bed sheets and toiletries.
The bedding in the room was aired out monthly, so Shi Li would sleep just as comfortably as at home.
Xu Xing's wife had arranged to visit at 9 AM the next morning, so after breakfast, the Shi Family Villa was given another thorough cleaning by the housekeeper to welcome their esteemed guest.
Shi Li and Song Ying, the two youngsters, were also prepared to receive the visitor. The two girls were dressed beautifully, a sight that could brighten anyone's mood just by looking at them.
Hong Yan was internally flustered about her "best friend's" sudden visit, but she was also eager to show off to her in-laws who looked down on her that her friend was now a CEO's wife.
Though reluctant to admit it, her friend had indeed become quite successful.
After having a daughter, she quickly gave birth to a son, securing her position in her husband's family.
It was said she had even started some kind of charity foundation outside, truly a waste of money. Her in-laws must really indulge her to allow such frivolous behavior.
With these complex feelings, Hong Yan waited for Madam Xu's arrival.
This was probably the first time the two best friends had met in over a decade. Hong Yan had put on all the jewelry she'd acquired over the years, determined not to be outdone in this aspect.
In contrast, Madam Xu's attire could be described as modest, with a simple pair of Australian white pearl earrings. Though small, their lustrous glow enhanced her complexion.
One could tell from their faces alone how well the years had treated them.
In terms of looks, Hong Yan had once far surpassed Madam Xu, but that was in their youth.
It was precisely because she thought herself beautiful that Hong Yan had always compared herself to her friend.
However, after more than ten years, Madam Xu had lived a relatively comfortable life and could afford regular cosmetic treatments, looking as if she were still an unmarried thirty-year-old.
Although Hong Yan didn't need to work or struggle for a living, her sharp and critical nature made her prone to anger. This wasn't apparent in her youth.
As one ages, these traits tend to show on the face.
Moreover, feeling dissatisfied with her current life and often overthinking things, Hong Yan had aged prematurely.
Compared to her peers, Hong Yan wasn't worse off, but she was comparing herself to the wealthy Madam Xu.
Just one glance, and Hong Yan began to feel bitter.
After years apart, Madam Xu was overjoyed to see her old friend again.
She even set aside her years of cultivated dignity and composure, hugging Hong Yan tightly. "Why did you disappear without a word back then? When I came out of the delivery room, I heard you had come to see me. I told Old Xu he should have woken me up. After that, I never saw you again."
Madam Xu held Hong Yan's hand in one of hers and Song Ying's in the other.
Shi Li was content to be a silent observer in the background.
Reminded of this, Hong Yan felt a bit guilty. "Well, we're seeing each other now, aren't we? Why dwell on the past?"
[How can she be so shameless?]
Of course, Hong Yan could be shameless; there was nothing she couldn't face.
Madam Xu was very curious about her friend's circumstances over the years and asked caring questions about this and that.
Hong Yan, unwilling to reveal that her life hadn't been great, deflected by asking about Madam Xu's life instead.
While Hong Yan wasn't kind to other people's children, she did care about her own daughter. Otherwise, she wouldn't have risked imprisonment to place her daughter in a golden cage.
"By the way, why didn't you bring your eldest daughter along?"
Madam Xu looked up, "That girl's grades weren't good, so Old Xu and I sent her abroad when she was in middle school."
Learning that the daughter had been sent overseas, Hong Yan said with gritted teeth, "Sending such a young girl abroad, you two really know how to let go."
"We had no choice. With her grades, she probably couldn't even get into high school here. At least abroad, she has a chance to continue her education."
Hearing someone speak ill of their own daughter's grades was particularly grating to Hong Yan's ears.
"Do you remember the promise we made when we were pregnant?"
"Of course, I haven't forgotten. When our girl comes home for vacation, we'll introduce her to little Ying so they can become sisters."
"That's wonderful," Hong Yan sighed deeply. "Ever since I had a daughter, I've been constantly worried about her being taken advantage of by boys in the future. As a mother yourself, you must understand how I feel."
Hearing Hong Yan say this, Shi Li, who knew her well, was immediately on high alert. [Something's not right, very not right]
"I feel the same way."
"I trust the child you've raised must be good in every way. If I could entrust little Ying to you, I'd be completely at ease."
"As long as you don't mind our girl being a bit unsophisticated."
Shi Li was shocked: [Damn, this woman is too ruthless and shameless. They're actually siblings!]
