Xu Residence

After the guests left, the Xu family home returned to its quiet state. Madam Xu went upstairs and knocked on the door of the study.

The smell of smoke wafted over, and she looked at Mr. Xu, who was sitting at the table smoking, with surprise. This man had been self-disciplined for many years and did not smoke or drink. Why would he be smoking alone in the study? Looking at the ashtray on the table, there were quite a few cigarette butts.

"What's up?"

Through the smoke, Mr. Xu saw Mrs. Xu in front of him and asked in a calm voice.

"Um!"

Madam Xu coughed lightly twice, pursed her lips, and smiled, "Huanyan already said that smoking is bad for your health."

"Um!"

Mr. Xu agreed, stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, and then the room fell silent.

As the smoke dissipated, Mrs. Xu looked up and clearly saw Mr. Xu's ageless face.

She was ten years old when she first met him, accompanying her family to visit the Xu family's patriarch and matriarch. Standing among the flowers, she saw a boy in a white shirt come into view.

At that time, none of the flowers in the courtyard could compare to Xu Sheng's radiant smile.

From then on, Xu Sheng was her dream.

The dream was so beautiful that even now, when she recalls those days, her heart is still filled with sweetness.

"I don't understand why Dad brought that person back today!"

Mrs. Xu returned to reality from her dream. Thinking about the banquet tonight, she felt depressed, particularly upset and frustrated.

"What do you mean, 'big brother's daughter'? I think she's after you."

"Our Xu family may not have peace from now on!"

After Mrs. Xu finished speaking, she waited for Mr. Xu's reply.

Mr. Xu leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm and his lips slightly pursed, a faint smile that made Mrs. Xu's heart skip a beat.

Mrs. Xu couldn't understand Mr. Xu's thoughts at all, even though he had been deeply in love with her for many years and eventually became her husband.

For example, when he gave up Su Xincheng and married me, was it because he hated the Jiang family's coercion or because he really compromised?

Over the years, he has treated her well, and even treated Huanyan like his own daughter.

If I had to say, I started to sense something was off about him four years ago.

Especially after Su Ning's accident three months ago, he became much colder towards her and Huan Yan.

Today isn't Xu Jiang's final admission; it's likely he has truly brought Su Ning back into his family.

No, you can't! Bringing Xu Bai back is already her biggest concession.

Why do I believe the Xu family will not be at peace?

The cold voice pulled Madam Xu back to reality. Madam Xu smiled and slowly said, "You know, she hates you!"

From Su Ning's eyes, it was clear that she hated Xu Sheng, and probably hated everyone in the Xu family as well.

"I'm not against you acknowledging her again."

Madam Xu then changed the subject and spoke in a gentle voice.

"If Huanyan knew you had an illegitimate daughter, this..."

"And what will people outside say about you!"

Madam Xu was truly afraid of gossip; she couldn't bear to hear anyone say even the slightest bad thing about her.

She craves compliments! She craves praise! She craves everyone's envy!

Xu Sheng has acknowledged Su Ning as his wife; she cannot accept it! Absolutely not!

“I haven’t done anything to wrong you,” Mr. Xu replied calmly. He reached out, his fingers landing on the desk, and began to tap them.

Others just tap randomly, but he developed a rhythm as he tapped.

It's a piano again! Mrs. Xu recognized the piano piece being played. When Xu Sheng was young, he didn't want to take over the Xu family business, so he went to university and became a piano teacher.

"Ningning is my daughter from before my marriage."

Mr. Xu said again.

After the marriage, he kept his promise and did not go to Nancheng or have any messy affairs.

You know what I mean!

In front of outsiders, the gentle and virtuous Mrs. Xu was not so good-tempered. She understood what Xu Sheng meant and disliked Xu Sheng chatting with her in such a cold and casual manner.

"I just don't agree to her coming back!"