Liu Xiaohan, though appearing shrewd on the surface, was easily swayed.
Coupled with her current affection for Li Junshen, whom she treated like a second son, she believed everything he said was right.
Perhaps because she hadn't gained much from Shen Chiyan, while Li Junshen was constantly gifting her money and presents, she felt Li Junshen was a thousand times better than Shen Chiyan.
Most crucially, she believed Li Junshen loved Song Qinian more than Shen Chiyan did.
Consider this: Song Qinian's marriage to Shen Chiyan was achieved through her underhanded tactics, and Liu Xiaohan had witnessed firsthand how poorly Shen Chiyan treated Song Qinian during their three years of marriage.
She had always hoped her daughter would win over Shen Chiyan, capture his heart, or at the very least, bear him a child to secure her position in the Shen family.
However, Song Qinian lacked the capability, and Shen Chiyan's heart belonged only to Lin Qiutong, who lay bedridden.
Later, Shen Chiyan began investigating how Song Qinian became mute. At the time, she thought Shen Chiyan was finally paying attention to Song Qinian, only to discover they had divorced.
Soon after, she found Song Qinian's love letters to Li Junshen. She assumed Shen Chiyan was investigating Li Junshen to ensure Song Qinian left with nothing, and before she could act, Li Junshen appeared.
Not long after, Song Qinian left with Li Junshen.
On one side was Shen Chiyan, who harbored feelings for another woman and treated her daughter poorly.
On the other side was Li Junshen, who loved her daughter exclusively, had grown up with her, and was deeply devoted to her.
It was understandable that Liu Xiaohong favored Li Junshen.
Knowing that Li Junshen would not listen to her, Song Qinian called Song Guanliang.
"Dad... has Mom been investing in anything lately?"
"Yes, it's a project Li Junshen introduced. It looks quite good. Your mother is so happy, she dreams of getting rich every night."
Song Qinian couldn't directly tell Song Guanliang not to trust Li Junshen, so she expressed it indirectly, "You and Mom have been separated for so many years. Now that Jia Shu and I are grown up and don't need you to worry about making ends meet, you should take your money and go on a good trip, enjoy some time alone as a couple, and make up for the years you've been apart."
Song Guanliang smiled, "We're an old married couple, what's the point of traveling!"
"That's where you're wrong. Mom often says you're not romantic at all and never consider her feelings. In fact, Mom just wants what other women have – a husband who accompanies her and cherishes her. I heard Mom mention before that she wanted to go to a tropical island. You could go there for a few days."
Song Guanliang: "Alright, alright, I'll discuss it with your mother then."
"Yes, have a good time."
"Okay."
"Also... investments always carry risks, and there are many pitfalls. Mom can easily get carried away. Even if Li Junshen introduced it, you need to be extremely careful. Dad, you need to keep a close eye on Mom."
Song Guanliang felt something was amiss and asked, "Niannian, did you and Junshen... have a fight?"
Song Qinian paused for a moment, then smiled, "No, what would Junshen and I fight about? I just think it's good to be cautious in anything you do."
Song Guanliang always felt that his daughter seemed to have a lot to say to him since she returned, but she seemed to be holding back. He didn't want to press her directly, so he smiled and replied, "I understand, don't worry."
After hanging up the phone, Song Guanliang couldn't shake the feeling that his daughter's call was a subtle warning. After much thought, he went to his computer to research the company Liu Xiaohan was investing in.
...
In truth, Shen Huanling had no intention of helping Li Junshen. His and Song Qinian's son was in Shen Chiyan's hands. No matter how Shen Chiyan treated their son, their family would never be reunited.
But if she helped Li Junshen rescue the child, she would have to watch their family enjoy their happiness.
However, she had already promised Li Junshen and didn't want to be someone who went back on her word. She hoped to be seen as a kind, lovable person who loved him in Li Junshen's eyes.
But rescuing someone from Shen Chiyan's clutches was beyond her capabilities alone.
Thus, Shen Huanling leaked the news to the old madam.
When the old madam heard that Shen Chiyan had kidnapped Song Qinian's son, she was furious and immediately called Shen Chiyan.
"Ayan, I heard Niannian's son is at your villa. What are you trying to do?"
"Who told you!"
"It doesn't matter who told me. Why are you kidnapping Niannian's child?"
Shen Chiyan ended the call after saying, "You don't need to worry about this matter."
The old madam knew Shen Chiyan was upset and also knew her grandson wouldn't harm a child, but she was still very worried. She then asked Shen Huanling and Shen Keqin to accompany her to the Xiangshan Yue Villa.
Zhang Qiaoqiao and the nanny taking care of the child were playing with Zanzaan. The moment they saw the old madam enter, Zhang Qiaoqiao nervously stood up, "Old Madam, why have you come?"
The old madam's gaze fell upon Zanzaan, who was sitting among a pile of toys. At that instant, she saw a resemblance to the young Shen Chiyan.
"This... this is Niannian's son?"
"Ah... yes... yes..."
The old madam walked towards Zanzaan, looking at him with excitement. She extended her hand, "Zanzaan, come, let great-grandma hold you."
Zanzaan looked at the white-haired, kind old lady and smiled with his tiny baby teeth. His chubby little hand reached out and took the old madam's.
The old madam's eyes welled up with tears. She tried to lift Zanzaan, but Shen Keqin immediately said, "Grandma, Zanzaan is a bit heavy. You shouldn't lift him."
"What? You think I'm too old? Let me tell you, I can still carry a fifty-pound bag of rice, let alone a child."
The old madam insisted on holding Zanzaan, and Shen Keqin and Zhang Qiaoqiao could only stand by to assist.
Meanwhile, Shen Huanling frowned.
Didn't the old madam refuse to acknowledge Li Junshen? Why was she letting Li Junshen's son call her great-grandmother?
Could it be that for the sake of a child, she wanted Li Junshen to return to the family?
If that were the case, wouldn't she and Li Junshen have no chance?
Damn Song Qinian. She didn't have children with Shen Chiyan, but she had a son with Li Junshen. She was deliberately trying to upset her.
Shen Huanling also saw Zanzaan for the first time. Seeing how much he resembled Li Junshen, her eyes were filled with jealousy and hatred.
If only this child would die.
The thought startled Shen Huanling, but it was immediately followed by a surge of excitement.
Yes, if this child died, the old madam would surely not acknowledge Li Junshen. If Li Junshen wasn't recognized as a Shen family member, he wouldn't be her brother.
Furthermore, if Song Qinian and Li Junshen's only bond was severed, their relationship would surely suffer.
Besides, if the child met with an accident while with Shen Chiyan, the enmity between Song Qinian and Shen Chiyan would intensify, and Song Qinian would never end up with Shen Chiyan.
At that moment, a twisted smile appeared on Shen Huanling's face.