Was he mistaken? Was it not Zhao Shuyao who had been drunk and asleep that day, but Xue'er...
But he clearly remembered not touching Xue'er, how could it be...
Just as Old Master Qin was about to lose his temper, Zhao Shuyao placed her hand on his shoulder and massaged it for a moment. "Grandpa, there's no need to get angry. Your health is the most important. Let's eat first!"
Then, she looked up at Huo Yanxue, who was nestled in Qin Yusheng's arms.
Because Huo Yanxue was only a little over five feet tall and weighed just over eighty pounds, she was extremely thin, like an undeveloped minor. Nestled in Qin Yusheng's arms, who was nearly six feet three with broad shoulders and narrow hips, she looked like a small white rabbit standing beside a large wolfhound.
In the past, seeing this scene might have been painful.
Perhaps it would have provoked jealousy, envy, or admiration.
But now...
Her heart felt strangely devoid of any emotion.
Seeing this scene only stirred waves of self-mockery within her.
Perhaps it was pity for herself, for the wasted years of youth.
And for that kidney.
"Since Xue'er is here, please sit down and join us for the meal!"
Zhao Shuyao spoke with a sense of release, a smile on her face.
As she said these words, something in her heart seemed to settle heavily.
Qin Yusheng frowned, staring at Zhao Shuyao.
What trick was this woman playing now?
Old Master Qin patted Zhao Shuyao's hand. He understood the young girl he had watched grow up best.
Why had this girl's temperament changed so suddenly? In the past, whenever she saw Qin Yusheng and Huo Yanxue, she would complain to him, grumble, or even throw tantrums.
After a few years abroad, she had indeed become much gentler.
"Grandpa, I'm fine. Nothing else matters now, your health is the most important."
Zhao Shuyao shook her head, indicating she was alright, and then said, "Let's go, it's time to eat!"
After speaking, Zhao Shuyao helped Old Master Qin up.
The old man had undergone surgery last year, and his legs had not fully recovered, requiring a cane and a wheelchair.
Zhao Shuyao supported him, being very careful.
Seeing this, Huo Yanxue also stepped forward, wanting to help the old man.
However, Old Master Qin subtly dodged her.
Huo Yanxue stood awkwardly in place.
"It's alright, take your time," Qin Yusheng said gently, holding Huo Yanxue's hand as they walked towards the dining room.
He seemed oblivious to the curious glances of the surrounding servants.
Upon seeing this, Huo Yanxue felt a surge of relief. She looked at the tall, handsome man before her, then at the hand holding hers.
At this moment, she truly felt like the mistress of the Qin family.
One day...
After they were seated, the dishes began to be served.
These were all dishes that Zhao Shuyao loved, specially ordered by Old Master Qin for the kitchen to prepare.
"Thank you, Grandpa!" Zhao Shuyao smiled sweetly and acted spoiled towards the old man.
"My appetite is the same as sister's, I like these dishes too..."
Huo Yanxue said with a smile, her words carrying a hidden meaning!
As soon as she spoke, the dining room fell silent.
Zhao Shuyao knew what Huo Yanxue meant, but she acted as if she hadn't understood, and remained unperturbed.
"Is that so? However, I don't like these dishes as much anymore. Eating too much can get tiresome. If you like them, eat more!"
Huo Yanxue's expression shifted slightly.
Zhao Shuyao picked up a chopstick of Shanghai greens and placed it in her bowl. "These green vegetables are good for your health. There are many more on the plate. Eat more if you like, but don't eat the dishes I've already touched, it's unhygienic!"
After speaking, Zhao Shuyao rotated the Lazy Susan, moving the Shanghai greens in front of Huo Yanxue.
Huo Yanxue, seated beside Qin Yusheng, saw the plate of Shanghai greens with a chopstick already in it, and her face turned ashen.
Huo Yanxue pouted aggrievedly, then tugged at Qin Yusheng's sleeve, lowering her head and remaining silent.
She looked like someone who had been bullied but dared not retaliate.
"Xue'er means no harm. Why do you always speak with hidden meanings and barbs? Do you only feel happy when you stir up trouble in the entire Qin family?!"
Qin Yusheng usually restrained himself in front of the old man.
For some reason today, he directly rebuked her in front of the old man.
At this time, Zhao Shuyao would usually retort angrily, cursing loudly.
But tonight, she remained calm and composed, leisurely eating her food, completely ignoring Qin Yusheng's reprimand.
She even used serving chopsticks to place food for Old Master Qin. "Grandpa, eat more of this, it's very good for your health."
Qin Yusheng slammed down his chopsticks. "Zhao Shuyao! I'm talking to you! Do you hear me?!"
Only then did Zhao Shuyao lift her eyelids, as if she had just heard him. "What is it? Why are you so angry?"
"You know perfectly well! Did you not hear what I just said? Are you deaf?"
"Brother Yusheng, forget it..." Huo Yanxue, startled by Qin Yusheng's outburst, turned pale.
"What? What did I do? I just asked Huo Yanxue to eat her vegetables. What's wrong? In your ears, can you not stand to hear me speak? Is everything I do wrong? If that's the case, then I'll leave..."
Zhao Shuyao's eyes reddened. She put down her chopsticks, stood up, and made as if to leave.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, on the verge of weeping.
The surrounding servants could no longer bear to watch.
"Sit down. What did you do wrong? You just asked someone to eat vegetables. Qin Yusheng, don't go too far. Know your place! Who exactly is making the Qin family's life miserable!"
"It's all my fault, it's all my fault. Everyone, please don't be angry. Grandpa, please don't be angry either. I didn't mean anything else. Sister, you've misunderstood me..."
Huo Yanxue stood up, apologizing repeatedly. Something fell out of her pocket.
Qin Yusheng picked it up for Huo Yanxue, but his pupils contracted when he held it.
In just a few seconds, a surge of rage churned in the man's amber eyes.
Huo Yanxue's face changed drastically. She tried to snatch it back from Qin Yusheng, but the man held it tightly, giving her no opportunity.
"It's not like that, Brother Yusheng, listen to me explain. Sister isn't that kind of person..."
"Not?! Heh! The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still defending her? The sister you keep calling out to is a slut—"
"Slut?" Zhao Shuyao frowned.
Qin Yusheng raised the document in his hand and flung it at Zhao Shuyao's face. With a "smack," the document hit Zhao Shuyao's face and then fell to the floor.
Zhao Shuyao picked up the document, opened it, and asked, "What is this?"
"Sister, have you forgotten? You... had an abortion before!"
Huo Yanxue deliberately raised her voice on the last three words, ensuring everyone in the dining room could hear clearly, as if afraid anyone present might not. "What?" Zhao Shuyao's expression changed. "When did I have an abortion?"
"Sister, don't you remember... Never mind, I shouldn't talk about your matters in front of Grandpa. I'm afraid your past unpleasant and dirty affairs might affect Grandpa. Grandpa is old and cannot handle such a big shock!"