Chu Yan shook his head: "Hoping this little girl will come to her senses is probably harder than climbing to heaven. Song Yan is also a man of great principle. He wants to protect Xin'er and make her realize his feelings for her, waiting for the day she will fall in love with him on her own initiative."

Seeing Xu Yao looking on with such ecstasy, it was truly a case of the emperor not being worried but the eunuch being anxious.

"Song Yan really has a long wait ahead of him. Although Xin'er is very capable, hardworking, and willing to learn, she is still a complete novice when it comes to romantic relationships."

Ye Nian'an recalled that in her previous life, Chu Xin'er had never married by the time she died.

It's unclear whether it was because Chu Zhenyuan lost a hand, or because Chi Xinyao died in an accident, or because her relationship with Chu Yan had ended, or because of the blow caused by the disintegration of the Chu and Ye families.

At that time, Song Yan and Xu Yao should still be alive, and they should both be by Chu Xin'er's side.

If things continued from the previous life, Chu Xin'er and Song Yan would never be able to be together in this life.

Everyone lives a peaceful and safe life, but who knows, this little girl might develop those kinds of thoughts.

Although Ye Nian'an still couldn't figure out Chu Xin'er's feelings, as her sister-in-law, she wanted her to be happy, so she had to give her a heads-up.

As for how to choose, Ye Nian'an will not interfere; it's entirely up to Chu Xin'er.

"But... Brother Yan, I'm a little curious, when did you find out about Song Yan's feelings for Xin'er? Did Xu Yao tell you?"

Even though Chu Yan, Song Yan, and Xu Yao are good brothers, he has been training in the army and only takes leave to come back during holidays.

In addition, before marrying her, Chu Yan's romantic experience was similar to Song Yan's. He was very principled and had a bottom line. He also fell in love with her very early on. Back then, he would blush even if she made a slightly risqué joke.

Unlike now, she would take the initiative to say all sorts of sweet words to Ye Nian'an, and when it was time to hand in her homework, she wouldn't be as nervous as she was at the beginning, with all her muscles tense up.

“Niannian, I was indeed a bit slow on the uptake back then, but I know that look in Song Yan’s eyes. When Song Yan looked at Xin’er, he had the exact same look in my eyes when I looked at you.”

"I knew then that my brother had fallen for her. I was the one who told Xu Yao that Song Yan liked Xin'er, and he didn't believe me at first."

When talking about the past, Chu Yan's lips curled into a playful smile, while he paid a little attention to Ye Nian'an's expression.

Sure enough, I saw the word "shock" on her face.

"!!!"

This was truly a reversal of the natural order, completely beyond Ye Nian'an's expectations.

However, thinking that Chu Yan had fallen in love with her a long time ago because of their marriage agreement and childhood friendship, she felt relieved.

That is a convincing reason.

"Why don't you help your good buddy push?"

“He always felt it wasn’t the right time, and I also felt that Xin’er was still too young to make a good decision. I was worried that she would mistake respect and dependence for love…”

Chu Yan pursed his lips: "I know nothing about this. I'm afraid I might say the wrong thing and mislead Xin'er into doing something wrong, ruining her life."

"Alright, Brother Yan, I'll take care of this."

Chu Yan smiled, full of anticipation: "I'm relieved that Niannian is here."

“You should act like a proper older brother. Stop competing with Xin’er for me. Look, everyone complains that you’re a jerk brother and they’re cursing you every day.”

“That won’t do. Niannian is beyond my bottom line. If she wants to compete, forget it.”

Chu Yan immediately rejected the idea.

If Chu Xin'er keeps clinging to Ye Nian'an, wouldn't that mean that the husband would spend less time with his wife?

I can give anything to Chu Xin'er, but not to Ye Nian'an.

Being called a "scumbag brother" is fine, it's better than not having a wife by my side.

"You stingy man."

Ye Nian'an rolled her eyes, but was secretly delighted. She walked to Chu Xin'er's side and naturally took her hand, saying, "Xin'er."

"Hey, sister-in-law, what's wrong? Has my scumbag brother finally decided to let you come to my side?"

Chu Xin'er was overjoyed, and glanced at Chu Yan behind her who was chatting with Song Yan and Xu Yao.

Well, Brother Zha was so busy that he finally had a chance to bring his wife over.

"Let me test you, Xin'er, and see if your reactions have improved."

Chu Xin'er couldn't help but raise her eyebrows: "Hmm? Sister-in-law, what do you mean? You've actually developed such an interest... Alright, what kind of test? Bring it on!"

"As you walk ahead, do you feel a gaze on you from behind, secretly watching you?"

Chu Xin'er hesitated for a moment before saying, "...Yes."

Ye Nian'an coaxed, "Then guess—who is it?"

Chu Xin'er was silent for a moment, then slightly parted her lips: "It should be Brother Song Yan..."

Upon hearing this, Ye Nian'an thought, "There's hope."

Having spent so much time with Song Yan and the others, Chu Xin'er is a living, breathing person. Even if she doesn't care, over the years, it's impossible for her not to sense it.

Moreover, she was a meticulous person by nature; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to develop her business empire so successfully in her previous life.

Having gone through so much, she may understand matters of the heart, but perhaps she lacks the courage to pursue them.

"Xin'er, tell your sister-in-law the truth..."

As Ye Nian'an spoke, she subconsciously glanced at Song Yan behind her and asked in a voice only the two of them could hear, "What are your feelings for Song Yan?"

"Huh? It feels..."

Chu Xin'er was momentarily speechless at Ye Nian'an's question, and her face unconsciously turned red.

She's not a child anymore; she's been through so much and has started to mature.

Especially since there are two such wonderful model couples around me.

After this meeting, Chu Xin'er was truly certain...

Song Yan looked at himself with a very peculiar gaze.

Unlike Xu Yao, who treated her like a buddy and interacted with her sister in a carefree and uninhibited manner.

Song Yan's kindness towards her always carried a degree of restraint and forbearance.

At the same time, I occasionally sensed from the corner of my eye that his gaze was similar to Chu Yan's gaze towards Ye Nian'an.

Seeing Chu Xin'er's reaction, Ye Nian'an knew perfectly well that the little girl had understood.

Ye Nian'an patted Chu Xin'er's hand and said earnestly, "Xin'er, you are still young. Don't be nervous or stressed. Just get along with her as before and slowly feel your own heart."

"This is a lifelong matter, so you can't be careless. Once you're sure you don't want to reciprocate the other person's feelings, you have to be honest with them and not waste their time."

"I know, sister-in-law, I'll be careful..."

Chu Xin'er nodded and said, "But sister-in-law, there's something I'm curious about. My scumbag brother has liked you since we were little. What about you? When did you fall in love with my brother?"