After that day, Shen Nian and Lu Lingchuan entered an inexplicable cold war.
Although the two met and worked together every day, they did not exchange a single word beyond work-related topics.
Lu Lingchuan returned to his own apartment and never visited Shen Nian's place again.
With the court hearing approaching soon, Shen Nian had been cooperating with lawyer Xu Xiping to carry out their work.
Besides that, she also made time to visit Xiao Mubai.
Even though he was the root cause of the conflict between her and Lu Lingchuan, Shen Nian could not abandon him.
He was injured because of her, and to have feelings and righteousness is human, but to be devoid of feelings and righteousness is beastly.
Today, Lu Lingchuan was not at the company and had not assigned her any work, so Shen Nian had some free time and decided to go to the hospital.
These days, Xiao Mubai came to the hospital every day to change his dressings.
"You're coming? Alright, I'll be at the hospital shortly. You can go to the office we were at before to find me."
"Okay." Shen Nian checked the time and asked, "It's lunchtime now. Would you like me to bring you anything to eat? I can pick it up on the way."
On the other end, Xiao Mubai chuckled, "The porridge shop by the hospital entrance is quite good. I had the pleasure of trying it a couple of days ago. Could you get me a bowl?"
"Of course."
After a few more words, Shen Nian hung up the phone.
When her car arrived at the hospital entrance, Shen Nian got out and went to the porridge shop that Xiao Mubai had mentioned to buy the porridge.
There weren't many people, with only three or four scattered in the queue ahead of her. She was served quickly.
Carrying the porridge, she was about to enter the hospital when a figure blocked her path.
Shen Nian looked up with a frown and found a very beautiful woman standing in front of her. The woman was dressed elegantly, with light makeup accentuating her gentle and affectionate features.
Her facial features seemed somewhat familiar.
But Shen Nian was certain she did not know this woman.
However, the woman appeared to recognize her.
The woman smiled and nodded at Shen Nian, saying, "Hello, Miss Shen Nian, is that right?"
"..." Although the woman was a stranger, the fact that she could accurately state Shen Nian's name proved that she had come specifically for her.
Shen Nian nodded slightly, "That's me."
Seeing Shen Nian's cautious gaze, the woman smiled faintly, "No need to be afraid. I'm not a bad person. Although you haven't met me before, you and my son are friends."
Her son?
The woman extended her hand, "Hello, I'm Xiao Mubai's mother."
Shen Nian: "..."
...
The two went to a milk tea shop near the hospital.
Shen Nian ordered two drinks and specifically inquired about Mrs. Xiao's preferences and dietary restrictions when placing her order.
From Mrs. Xiao's curvaceous figure and flawless skin, it was evident that she took great care of herself, so she likely didn't prefer overly sweet beverages. Shen Nian instructed the staff to make the drink one-third sweet.
Mrs. Xiao studied Shen Nian, her eyes smiling, "My son certainly has good taste. You're a polite and kind young lady."
Upon hearing this, Shen Nian averted her gaze, neither overly cold nor fawning towards Mrs. Xiao.
"Mrs. Xiao, please feel free to state your business with me directly."
Shen Nian had never been one to beat around the bush, so she skipped the flattering pleasantries and cut straight to the point.
Mrs. Xiao raised an eyebrow, "How do you know I have something to say to you? I haven't said anything yet."
Shen Nian smiled, "Madam, you deliberately stood at the hospital entrance, and I can't think of any other possibility besides waiting for me. Of course, you could say that you were just idly strolling by the hospital entrance."
"You also shouldn't forget that my son is inside changing his dressings. Perhaps I was waiting for him to come out?" Mrs. Xiao was unyielding.
"If that were truly the case, you wouldn't have immediately approached and stopped me upon seeing me."
"..."
In fact, one could discern a person's character from their expressions and words. Some people's faces reveal their sincerity at a glance, while others immediately betray their calculating nature.
Although this was Mrs. Xiao's first meeting with Shen Nian, and their interaction had not even lasted ten minutes, Mrs. Xiao had already realized that Shen Nian was an intelligent woman.
She did not respond to Shen Nian's remark but looked at her with even more admiration, "I knew my son's judgment wouldn't be poor."
The prepared drinks were served, and Mrs. Xiao sipped from her straw. Her elegance and appearance made it difficult to believe she had a son in his twenties, as she appeared impeccably preserved, with her attire styled in a youthful manner.
This was the kind of woman who lived in a honeypot, her every move and gesture exuding the luxury and bliss of her life – a harmonious marriage and a dutiful son.
"Although this is our first meeting, I've known you for a long time." Mrs. Xiao did not seem to be the petty type, and she was very forthright with Shen Nian.
After some consideration, she revealed an answer, "It seems like... I've known about you for two years."
"Although my son hasn't told me too much, I'm his mother, and my understanding of him is second only to his understanding of himself. I've always known that he has a girl he really likes, named Shen Nian. I also know that the girl he likes has someone she likes, so my son is merely a backup... No, he can't even be considered a backup, because he has never entered that girl's heart."
"Including the recent hot pot restaurant incident, the person my son risked his life to protect was you."
Mrs. Xiao's gaze fell upon Shen Nian's face.
Shen Nian lowered her eyes, staring at the cup in front of her.
The atmosphere had grown somewhat cold.
"Don't be tense," Mrs. Xiao curved her lips, "I'm not here to cause you trouble. If I truly resented you, I wouldn't need to sit here and talk to you. Back at the hospital entrance, I could have slapped you right then and there. After all, if it weren't for you, my son wouldn't have been injured."
Fortunately, Xiao Mubai was quite tall, while the man who threw the wine bottle was short, so when the bottle came flying, it only hit Xiao Mubai's shoulder.
But what if they were the same height? Where would the bottle have struck? Mrs. Xiao dared not imagine.
"Don't blame me for looking into you. I just fear that my son might be deceived by a girl with ulterior motives. These days, young women may appear youthful, but the little tricks in their minds only grow more numerous."
"Who doesn't want wealth, money, and vanity? Just like my husband and I have been married for many years. Even though my husband never takes off his wedding ring and openly acknowledges his marital status with a child and a loving marriage, there are still plenty of young women lining up to tempt and seduce my husband, some even intending from the start to become his mistress."
"Because in their minds, even if they can't gain my husband's love or the status of his legitimate partner, they can still obtain my husband's money and physical companionship. When they go out in public, my husband would be their patron."
Mrs. Xiao looked at Shen Nian, "My son has never been in a relationship before, so I must be extra cautious. I can accept my son marrying an average-looking girl from an ordinary family background, but I will never allow a girl with ulterior motives to enter our household."
